However, the abolitionist James Phillippo described Hill, during his appointment, as "an honour to the Government of the country."James Phillippo, Jamaica Its Past and Present State (London: John Snow, 1843), p. 103. Abolitionists James Thome and J.H. Kimball met Hill when he was head of the Stipendiary Magistrates, and they spoke highly of his abilities. Hill was arguably the first person of colour to be appointed to a senior government position in colonial Jamaica.Cundall, Richard Hill, p. 40.James Thome and J.H. Kimball, Emancipation in the West Indies: a six months' tour in Antigua, Barbadoes and Jamaica in the year 1837 (1838).
