30th May 1832

Rio de Janeiro
Again ascended with Derbyshire the Caucovado & took with me the Mountain Barometer. I make it to be 2,225 above level of the sea. Real height 2330. During the time we were on the summit we were either in a cloud or rain. Whilst passing through the woods, I observed the same fact, which I have mentioned about the interior forests, viz the smallness of the trunks of the trees. Very few reached (I believe not more than 3 or 4) reached seven feet in circumference: & only one 9ft 7inch. The Caucovado is notorious for Maroons or run-away slaves; the last time we ascended, we met three most villainous looking ruffians, armed up to the teeth. They were Maticans or slave-hunters, & receive so much for every man dead or alive whom they may take. In the former case they only bring down the ears. A slave, who has since voluntary delivered himself up, run away from Mr Lennons' estate on the Macaè & lived in a cave for two years & a half. So easy is it in these countries for a man to support himself.

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Amongst other things which the anti-abolitionists say, it is asserted that the freed slave would not work. I repeatedly hear of run-away ones having the boldness of working for wages in the neighbourhead of their masters. If they will thus work when there is danger, surely they likewise would when that was removed. Again the blacks, who have been seized by British men of war, are hired out to different tradesmen for seven years, by which time it is supposed they could support themselves. I have heard many instances from the masters, that they claim their freedom before the expiration of the time: & set up for themselves. What will not interest or blind prejudice assert, when defending its unjust power or opinion?