SECT. I.

The encomiums which are copiously bestowed upon the French Code-Noir, and the little knowledge the planters of our island have of the articles that compose it, induce me to believe, that a translation will be well received; not merely as matter of curiosity, but an exemplar, which several distinguished writers have pointed out to be worthy their imitation.

Should it appear to merit the high character they have given of it, there can be no dishonour in borrowing, and intermingling with our own system, such of its institutes as the difference of our constitutional principles has not excluded.

The French, it is said, cannot perfect their cloth-manufacture without some proportion of English wool. In resemblance therefore of their practice, why should we not, in our turn, make free with their political staple; and interweave so much of their jurisprudence, as may serve to render our own fabric more compleat and valuable? “Fas est et ab hoste doceri.” Let us not be deaf to instruction, even though it comes from our rival; for such is the import that I would wish to give to the word hostis.