Records not always to be relied upon
It is noticeable that in the earliest answers to the query concerning Negroes (about 1756) the majority of the monthly meetings usually answered in an offhand manner that they were “clear” or there were “none to be charged with that breech,” or something to that effect. The writer believes these reports first sent in were perhaps made from only a general knowledge of the situation, and not the result of an exact knowledge of their members’ practices. This statement is not capable of an exact proof, but the remarkable similarity in all the meeting records for the first few reports, certainly indicate that such was the case. Quite frequently, yes, in most cases, the “clear” reports are followed after a few months or years by statements that some are imported, a few held as slaves, or one Negro sold and similar reports. This was true in the case of Gwynedd. In 1756 the meeting reported “we have not to charge any,”[1311] and three months following, “Friends think themselves clear in this respect”;[1312] the nature of the wording in the last would imply it was based more on implicit faith than explicit judgment. Eleven years thereafter we have more definite reports, such as:
... clear of importing negroes; the few possessed by Friends are well used, their slavery excepted,[1313] and none bought or sold that we know of; those that have them use them well as to the necessities of life and some are brought to meetings at times.[1314]
From that time forward the reports made to the monthly meeting were very definite. In 1775 a report was brought in which purported to cover the entire compass of the meeting. It stated the number held, their status, and what was done for their benefit. It is interesting to note that a few enjoyed some educational opportunities, limited to be sure, the details of which are presented here, as they appeared in the minutes of the meeting.
Report on Negroes in 1775
We of the committee appointed by the Monthly Meeting to visit such of our members as are possessed of slaves, and detaining them in bondage, contrary ... visited all such of our members that are under that circumstance as we know of, which are eight in number, who are possessed of sixteen negroes and one mulatto, viz.: 1st possesses one negro girl about 17 years of age and appeared in a disposition rather to justify the practice of detaining her in bondage during life than otherwise. 2d, possesses five negroes one of which is a man about 35 years of age, who he said he intended to set free at the next quarter sessions. The other four—three boys and a girl, are young, whom he said he intended to set free as they came of age, the boys at 21 and the girl at 18, giving them learning to fit them for business. 3rd, two negroes, a man and a woman, the man about 30 years of age, who was in the possession of a Friend, lately deceased, now in his executors, who said he intended they should soon enjoy their liberty. 4th, possessor of three negroes, one a woman 20 years old, who he said he expected should have her liberty in a short time—the other two, a man and a woman about 20 years of age, both as we thought, incapable of freedom. 5th, possessor of 2 negroes, a woman about 32 years old, who he said should have her liberty, when she earned him thirty pounds. The girl about ten years old who he said is to be set free by his last will when she arrives at the age of 30 years. 6th. Possessor of two negroes, both women, one about 34, the other about 19 years old; the said Friend not in a capacity of giving any account of what might be done for them. 7th. Possessor of a mulatto girl about 11 years old, bound to him till she is 31, who he said he intended to set at liberty at the age of 21, with endeavors to learn her to read. 8th. Possessor of a negro girl about 17 years old, who her mistress said she intended to do the best she could by.[1315]
Members disciplined for failure to manumit slaves
In 1779 it is reported that the affairs of Negroes are still in the hands of the committee for that purpose, but that not much more has been accomplished than was last reported.[1316] It would seem though that the committee was decidedly active in dealing with individual cases of discipline both at that time and in the years following. Especially did they urge first the freedom of the slave, and when this was refused, as it occasionally was, they did not hesitate to eject the recalcitrant member.[1317] So effective was their service that by 1790 there were none held as slaves by Friends and in regard to their education they reported: “Some care and labor is extended towards the instruction and education of such Negroes as are under Friends’ care.”[1318]
It would be interesting to compare the Friends’ own account of their activity with that of an outsider who merely looked on, but the writer has been unable to find any opinion on the subject by any contemporary, either through this investigation or from those made by others. Many, it is true, comment on their social and economic status but little mention is ever made of their education.[1319]
Warrington and Fairfax Quarterly