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PREFACE
The history of the free negro
in the slave States forms one of the most interesting
chapters in the history of slavery in this country.
A number of valuable monographs dealing with the history
of the negro or with the institution of slavery in the
various States have been published during recent years,
but no one of them, so far as the author is aware, has
been devoted exclusively to the status or history of the
antebellum free negro in a particular Commonwealth of
the Union. Such studies are needed, and it is
hoped that the present monograph will, as far as
Virginia is concerned, supply this need. Moreover,
as a study of the free negro in the State in which the
African first made his appearance in America, it should
supply some of hte facts upon which the history of the
negro race in the United States must be based.
Upon the constitutional side it is hoped that the study
will be an aid to the correct conception of the purposes
sought to be realized by the adoption of the Fourteenth
Amendment.
The author takes this opportunity to acknowledge his
scholarly guidance and stimulation criticism which were
at his service in all stages of the work. It is a
pleasure also to acknowledge his obligation to
Professor J. C. Ballagh, at whose suggestion the
study was undertaken. In the important work of
discovery and valuation of the sources Professor
Ballagh's generous direction was of particular
value. The author is also indebted to
Professors J. M. Vincent and G. E. Barnett
for helpful suggestions.
Acknowledgment of special obligation is likewise due to
Professor Charles Henry Ambler, of Randolph-Macon
College, who placed in the author's hands notes of great
value which he had made upon the subject of this
monograph. For courtesies extended by officials in
charge of county and state archives, sincere thanks are
here given. Fro the discussion of various phases
of the subject with Dr. H. J. Eckenrode,
archivist, and Mr. Earl G. Swem, assistant
librarian, of the Virginia State Library, suggestion of
great value were received. Mr. William G.
Stanard, librarian of Virginia Historical Society,
courteously placed at the author's disposal valuable
manuscripts. J. H. R.
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