Pearson_ForensicDispute1773_17

17

their lives are preserved, which would other-
wise undoubtedly be sacrificed to the cr-
elty of the captors. For tho' I am sensible
that to this it is commonly replied, that
the custom of purchasing captives in a
perpertual source of war, yet, if we con-
sider that a people so injumanly savage as
to dispose of their nearest relations for
baubles can never [want[ matter of discord,
and that, was it not for the advantages in
this way made of them, we should have no
reason to doubt whether the custom of pur-
chasing, may in this way be considered
as a favor. In the whole, since it is evi-
dent beyond all controversy, that the remo-
val of these Africans from the state of
brutality, [nore to hednf??] & misery in which
they are at home so deeply involved, to
this land of light, humanity & christian
knowledge, is to them so great a blessing,
however faulty any individuals may have
been in point of unnecessary cruelty prac-
ticed in this [brisinefs??], yet, whether the general
state.