his presidency and he stayed neutral during the controversy between the northern colonies and the southern colonies over slavery. George Washington's silence regarding slavery lead to him having very little impact on Black relations during the colonial era and throughout his entire life. Do not mistake this with him not caring about the Black slaves that he owned.
             During the early years of George Washington's life there are no documented statements regarding his stance on slavery. The first statement I found in which Washington talks about his slaves is in 1761, four slaves had run away from his plantation in Fairfax County Virginia (Mount Vernon). He writes a description of the four slaves, Peros; 35, Jack; 30, Neptune; 25-30, and Cupid; 23-25. He wants them all returned and is willing to pay a substantial reward for these slaves because he considered them and investment and would loose money on them if they were not returned. The next writing I found was written in 1766. George Washington had written a letter to Josiah Thompson. "With this letter comes a Negro (Tom) which I beg the favour of you to sell, in any of the Islands you may go to, for whatever he will fetch, & bring me in return for him....(Washington's Writings p. 118)." Washington goes on to write a list of goods, and then tells Mr. Thompson that Tom is a "Rogue & Runaway," but he is also healthy and strong. Washington at this time shows no conviction towards slavery and the selling of his own slaves. He also has not spoken out against slavery and therefore I believe at this time he is supporting the institution of slavery.
             Washington did treat his slaves well, let them marry, and took good care of their needs, he also let them take sundays off and work for money if they wished. Washington's view towards slavery was conventional, reflecting those of a typical Virginia planter of his time. If he was more concerned about his slaves than other plantatio...