Jamaica St Ann 435 (Richmond Estate)

Parliamentary Papers p. 16.

T71/857: claim by Ralph Bernal, 'St Ann', owner-in-fee.

Joseph Sturge and Thomas Harvey, The West Indies in 1837 (London, Hamilton, Adams, & Co., 1838) p. xliii: Banks [see St Ann claim no. 447] and Richmond: - Both these estates are under one attorney, the latter is the property of Ralph Bernal M.P. Out of crop, apprentices work from six to six, with intermissions of two hours and  a half for breakfast and dinner. They have no half Fridays, no payment for extra labour, no salt fish, no field cooks. Invalids get no food, nor old people any support form the estate. Pregnant women are allowed no more time than on New Ground [a few days before confinement and 3 or 4 weeks afterwards]. They say it is useless to complain to the Magistrate; 'his hands shake so' that the overser always has to write the sentences for him.'