February1st, 1838

My dearest friend, Willy Pickton

I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. In my position as a West Indian stipendiary
magistrate, I feel compelled to share with you the immense challenges we must confront to
uphold the law.
First, it is crucial that we in our capacity as special magistrates stop abuse of the apprenticeship
program. But because we were chosen from Britain, frequently as military officers, we struggle
to maintain neutrality while comprehending the local dynamics.

Secondly, it is a tedious activity that requires prolonged estate trips by horseback to respond to
requests from laborers who are exploited. We travel great distances—more than 14,000 miles in a
single month in Jamaica alone—and suffer from physical fatigue because of the grim fact that
some of our companions pass away from the strain of such demanding job.

Thirdly, the inadequate wages of £300 a year in 1834 (which were later raised to £450) are
insufficient when you take into consideration the costs of our own accommodation and horses.
This financial burden makes navigating a foreign environment exceedingly challenging.

Additionally, we don't have the power to interfere with plantation discipline or punishment
because our jurisdiction is constrained. Unless they have the courage to bring forward a
complaint, the predicament of the laborers is frequently disregarded, which results in many
atrocities being unaddressed.

Lastly, our impartial stance, upholding appeals from both planters and laborers, earns us
displeasure on multiple fronts. The delicate balance we must maintain to protect the rights of the
laborers while acknowledging legitimate concerns of the planters places us in a precarious
position.

The recognition and assistance we get from colonial rulers like the Marquess of Sligo boosts our
resolve in the face of these challenges. Knowing that our work is vital to the wellbeing of those
we serve, we strive to uphold our duty of ensuring justice is served despite dismissals and the
inherent challenges.

Yours faithfully, Sir Mathieu