Dear Sir,

Recent discussion about slaves and slavery in Bermuda has prompted me to write this letter.

I want to draw attention to some carefully researched books that throw much light on the subject.

First to Chained on the Rock: Slavery in Bermuda by Cyril Outerbridge Packwood, head librarian of the Bermuda National Library until 1993.

The book was originally published in 1975 and a Second Edition came out in 2012 from the National Museum of Bermuda Press. The other books are by Henry C. Wilkinson — The Adventurers of Bermuda, Bermuda in the Old Empire and Bermuda from Sail to Steam.

The last contains the comment: “Moreover, the punishment of soldiers and sailors continued to be more severe than that inflicted on slaves.”

These books are now out of print but are available for perusal at the Bermuda National Library.

ROGER SNAPE