CHAPTER XII.

THE COLONY OF VIRGINIA.

1619-1775.

Introduction of the First Slaves.--"The Treasurer" and the Dutch Man-of-War.--The Correct Date.--The Number of Slaves.--Were there Twenty, or Fourteen?--Litigation about the Possession of the Slaves.--Character of the Slaves imported, and the Character of the Colonists.--Race Prejudices.--Legal Establishment of Slavery.--Who are Slaves for Life.--Duties on Imported Slaves.--Political and Military Prohibitions against Negroes.--Personal Rights.--Criminal Laws against Slaves.--Emancipation.--How brought about.--Free Negroes.--Their Rights.--Moral and Religious Training.--Population.--Slavery firmly established. 115