FEBRUARY 6.
Mr. Lutford, the proprietor of a considerable estate in the
parish if Clarendon, had frequently accused a particular negro
of purloining coffee. About six months ago the slave was sent
for, and charged with a fresh offence of the same nature, when
he confessed having taken a small quantity ; upon which his
master ordered him to fix his eyes on a particular cotton-tree,
and then, without any further ceremony, shot him through the
head. His mistress ws the coroners' natural daughter, and the
coroner himself was similarly connected with the custos of Clarendon. In
consequence of this
family compact no inquest was
held, no inquiry was made ; the whole business was allowed to
be slurred over, and the murder would have remained unpunished
if accident had not brought some rumours respecting it to the
governor's ear. An investigation was ordered to take place
without delay, but MR. Lutford received sufficient warning to
get on ship-board, and escape to America ; and the displacing of
the custos of Clarendon for neglecting his official duty was the
only means by which the governor could express his abhorrence
of the act.
