another okie
Member
I've been reading about Washington as a farmer and slave owner recently and found that his slaves, at Mount Vernon at least, could hunt and fish on their own time to supplement their food. They could legally own guns if their master gave them permission, which Washington often did. He also occasionally supplied them with lead shot, apparently so they could provide wild game for both themselves and him.
Some of the slaves who were good hunters were known by name and reputation as good sources for wild game, and gun parts, lead shot, and flints were found in the cellar of one of the slave quarters at Mount Vernon.
I just thought that was interesting, especially in light of how frantic white Democrats were to disarm blacks during Reconstruction, and even today in places such as Washington, D.C., just a few miles away.
Some of the slaves who were good hunters were known by name and reputation as good sources for wild game, and gun parts, lead shot, and flints were found in the cellar of one of the slave quarters at Mount Vernon.
I just thought that was interesting, especially in light of how frantic white Democrats were to disarm blacks during Reconstruction, and even today in places such as Washington, D.C., just a few miles away.