17

Jam Kingston 24 Sept 1836

DearSir

In consequence of my late
friend Mr Forsyths death I have the pleasure
to reply to your highly esteemed favour dated
the first of July to our joint address
A Steam Engine would certainly be the means
of facilitating all the Estates labour - It would
take off the crop with more ease and much
more expedition - that object obtained a most
important one it is all the agricultural [operation?]
for succeeding Crops would be in such a progress
as to meet the seasons in due order - But the
expence would be heavy and the fuel would
also be costly - So far as I can judge it would
take four years to clear itself which is exactly
the time when according to present appearances
there will be no Sugar to make - I mean
at the expiration of the apprenticeship term
we shall have but little labour in Sugar cultivation
unless the Government adopt some rural police
to domicile the people and compel labour - If
my views are correct your judgment is sound
and good in preventing the proprieters going to
any expence