A Proclamation

Barbadoes.

By His Excellency Sir Henry Warde, Knight, Commander of the most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, His Majesty’s Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of this Island, Chancellor, Ordinary, and Vice Admiral of the same.

(L. S.) HENRY WARDE.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it has been represented to me that various unfounded reports have been spread among the Slaves in this Island, stating, that they may shortly expect their freedom. 

I feel it my duty to assure them, that no grounds exist for such false reports: had they been true, I must have been the first person to [18] have been made acquainted with them by His Majesty's Government, and any intelligence which might in any respect have been beneficial to them would have been immediately publicly proclaimed for their information, in the same manner, and with the same kind feelings with which I now declare to them, that the rumour of a speedy emancipation is false, and that all persons who may fill their minds with such falsehoods must be their enemies and wish to urge them to misconduct which would entirely put an end to the benefit otherwise to be expected from any kind intentions towards them.      

The Governor earnestly requests that all owners and managers of estates will cause this Proclamation to be read to their Negroes and fully explained to them.

Given under my hand and seal at Arms, at Government House, this 10th day of June, 1823, and in the 4th year of His Majesty’s Reign.

GOD SAVE THE KING. By His Excellency’s Command.

(Signed) WM. HUSBANDS, DEP. Sec.

(A true copy)

G. A. DITHORTE,

Act. Private Sec.