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Journal of Joshua Evans 1795-1796 (E)

SW_JE1796E_Page_74

cising: I had close labour with Men and Women, perceiving barren- ness among them: I hope it had some good effect on some of the youth&; others, but I leave it. That Evening had a meeting for theblack people in a School-house near the Widow Scotts': It was the firstof this kind that was ever held in these parts, being large; One of the Jus-tices attended, &; some other Masters of Negroes. It was a solid favoured timeand these spake well of the Meeting: some of them said they should be veryfree their Negroes should be at such meetings, and were glad they hadbeen there themselves, uniting with what was spoken, and wishing itmight be observed. 15th. We next travelled from hence to Bennets Creek, near the sea shore; and the next day had a large and favour'dMeeting there; Also the same afternoon another at the WidowBufkins, likewise large for the place, as well as solid and satisfactory.Some of the people seemed rejoiced, not having much opportunity to beat friends Meetings. We parted with them very lovingly. 17th. Our next Meeting was at the South Branch, a very exercisingSeason: I thought the desire of some was, that smooth things, or peacemight be spoken to them, believing they were too much in a wholeState, &; that there was but little room for labour. --- But howcan there be peace, where Pride and Oppression abound; The slaveshaving to bear the burden; many of them sorely oppressed, withwant of proper Clothing, Food &;c, under Taskmasters, whose religion seemsto be in talking; The Land Barren or nearly worn out, and theirmanner of Cultivation and Management but poor: So that the