The West Indies in 1837

The West Indies in 1837 by Joseph Sturge provides a detailed account of a visit to Antigua Montserrat Dominica St. Lucia Barbados and Jamaica to assess the condition of the negro population post-Abolition Act. The book includes journal entries observations on the social and economic aspects of the islands and interactions with the local population. It highlights the impact of immediate and complete emancipation on Antigua contrasting it with the situation in Jamaica. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by the freed population including issues of education support for the elderly and criminal justice. Through interviews with missionaries government officials and residents the book sheds light on the post-abolition era in the West Indies emphasizing the importance of benevolence education and social reform in addressing the needs of the formerly enslaved population.