Angus McIntosh (Kirkhill)

Angus McIntosh, born in the parish of Kirkhill about 1795, was manager of Hope & Experiment on the West Sea Coast of Berbice in 1820. McIntosh punished an enslaved man named London by tying his arms behind his back such that the elbows were nearly touching.  He left him like that for over 24 hours, and when he returned London's arms had swollen to an enormous extent and were severely lacerated.  He died a week later.  The doctors testified that it was as a direct consequence of his injuries.

McIntosh went in to hiding.  He was tried in absentia, found guilty, and sentenced to be publicly flogged and banished from the colony.  He subsequently resurfaced and successfully petitioned to have the case reopened.  He made a strong defence, getting a number of (mostly Scots and Irish) friends and neighbours to testify in his defence. McIntosh was acquitted of "all the wicked and evil intention alledged against him" but was ultimately found guilty of "gross misconduct neglect and inattention".  His sentence was reduced from publicly flogging and banishment to a month in jail and proscription from owning or managing slaves.  He also had to pay the costs of his trial, arrest and detention.

Research by Michael Hopcroft