After Henry died of heart failure, James joined Equitable's board, where, according to his father's wishes, he was to serve an apprenticeship as vice president until he turned 30.

FORBES: From Gilded To Gelded

And he did so in 1837-8, just as the West Indies slaves were being released (technically freed in 1833, they were forced to serve an "apprenticeship" which effectively kept them in bondage till 1838).

BBC: Darwin's twin track: 'Evolution and emancipation'