_Gentleman executed for Murder of a Slave_ (Vol. vii., p. 107.)--Sometime
between 1800 and 1805, Lord Seaforth being Governor of Barbadoes, a
slaveowner, having killed one of his own slaves, was tried for the murder
and acquitted, the law considering that such an act was not murder.
Thereupon Lord Seaforth came to England, obtained an act of parliament
declaring the killing of a slave to be murder, and returned to Barbadoes to
resume his official duties. Soon afterwards another slave was killed by his
owner, who was tried, convicted, and sentenced to be hanged for murder
under the new act of parliament. At the time appointed the prisoner was
brought out for execution, but so strong was public feeling, that the
ordinary executioner was not forthcoming; and on the governor requiring the
sheriff to perform his office either in person or by deputy, after some
excuses he absolutely refused. The governor then addressed the guard of
soldiers, desiring a volunteer for executioner, adding, "whoever would
volunteer should be subsequently protected as well as rewarded then." One
presented himself, and it thenceforth became as dangerous to kill a slave
as a freeman in Barbadoes.