§ Mr. Stephenmoved for a return of the troops employed in the late expedition to Martinique, distinguishing the black troops from the Europeans, The object was to call the attention of the house to a Proclamation issued previous to the attack upon Martinique. In this proclamation a distinction was made between the people of colour who should make resistance, and the negroes found with arms. The latter were, it appeared, to be called before a military tribunal, and treated 898 much more severely than the former. He objected to this, 1st, because a considerable portion of our own troops in that expedition were negroes; 2dly, because it might afford Buonaparté an excuse for the savage practices which he resorted to against those who, out of loyalty to their government, resisted him. He adverted to the gallant conduct of the black troops at the attack of Martinique; of the Saintes; and on various other occasions. He adverted also to their importance for the defence of our West India possessions, and contended that the distinction was unjust and impolitic.
Lord Castlereaghsaid, that this part of the proclamation had attracted the attention of government. They had asked for explanation, and could do nothing farther till that arrived. The officers were persons of known humanity, and in all probability could give an explanation that would be satisfactory. He hoped, therefore, the hon. gent. would think the motion unnecessary at present.
Colonel Dillonobserved, that he could not but wish that the hon. gent. would withdraw the motion, as it must be considered as a slur upon our commander, who had lately made so important an atchievement; that to circumscribe the power of a general in issuing a proclamation, was a novel and a bad precedent; and that the commanders, in his opinion, were perfectly justified in the proclamation they had issued, from the dreadful example of the negroes interfering in the warfare in St. Domingo. The horrors they had committed there justified the commanders in taking every precautionary step of intimidation; and the event proved they were right, for the white population received them with open arms, and the negroes were neutral. As to the black corps, the hon. gent. rated them too highly, when he compared them to British troops.
§ Mr. Barhamrecommended caution in the employment of black troops. If they revolted in the large islands and joined the disaffected, in Jamaica for instance, we might find it difficult to conquer them. Buonaparté had conquered Europe, but could not conquer St. Domingo.
Mr. C. H. Hutchinsonapproved of the principle on which the present motion was founded, but was very much afraid, that when we acted as conquerors, we did, like others, all we could do to maintain and to secure our conquests. He condemned the too general practise of abus- 899 ing indecently foreign powers, while our enemies, for resorting to those means of conquest to which we ourselves were in some instances necessarily and avowedly indebted. He was glad that the noble viscount (Castlereagh) had not, in the name of the government, approved of the proclamation alluded to by the honourable mover.
§ Mr. Stephenthen consented to withdraw his motion for the present.