1791-Apr.: The question of the slave trade survived a second significant vote on the floor of the British House of Commons.

1791-Apr.: The question of the slave trade survived a second significant vote on the floor of the British House of Commons. News of the outcome reached Jamaica by mid-June, where colonial officials watched closely for any signs of resulting unrest. While some residents expressed relief that the trade remained legal, they acknowledged that a different vote might have sparked rebellion. Governor Effingham shored up military preparedness in anticipation of potential disturbances following the news. This period of legislative delay only intensified the dangerous state of suspense among the island’s white and black populations.