Slavery in Rhode Island, 1755-1776

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ... slave disappeared altogether. The children of the two, says Mason,1 grew up together. The tics thus formed were often stronger than life. The loss sustained by the master was felt by the slave, and the disappointment of the one was a matter of regret with the other. And frequently the slave, rather than see his master turned out of doors, placed at his disposal the little that he had saved of his earnings. The servant expected to work for his master as long as he was able, and when he grew old and infirm he relied on being cared for by some member of the family. In this he was rarely mistaken. Those persons who can call to mind the kitchens of a former generation will remember the old pensioners who gathered in them. The slaves took the names of their masters. When they were ill the family physician attended them. When the girl who first played with her young mistress and then became her maid, was about to be married, she had a becoming outfit, and the clergyman who united the daughter united the maid. And when at last death claimed a victim, black and white mingled their tears at the open grave. This care which masters had for their servants is indicated in a letter which Jabez Brown wrote to his brother Moses, September 21, 1770: Your negro boy Pero was knocked down by a paving stone hitting him on the back part of the head. He was taken up for Dead. But by bleeding etc pretty soon came to. He seems very comfortable, this morning and am in Hopes he will get about in a few Days, the Affair was perpetrated by an Irish man a Hatter by Trade, he has Secreted himself for the Present. I shall endeavor to have him apprehended if possible. Election Day. One of the most interesting social customs among the Rhode Island slaves was the...