H-Net Discussion Networks - Re: Dunmore to Hillsborough May 1, 1772 [G Williams]

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From: John Saillant <oieahc@YAHOO.COM>
List Editor: John Saillant <oieahc@YAHOO.COM>
Editor's Subject: Re: Dunmore to Hillsborough May 1, 1772 [G Williams]
Author's Subject: Re: Dunmore to Hillsborough May 1, 1772 [G Williams]
Date Written: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:42:10 -0500
Date Posted: Sun, 30 Nov 2013 08:42:10 -0500

David,

I agree - all the sources I have consulted indicate the census count as
being no more than 40% black (including both slave and free)
colony-wide.  As you know, the Tidewater counties within easy reach of
Williamsburg - and the population of the capital city itself  - most
likely skewed his perception.  As I recall, he never visited any of the
western counties until the summer of 1773 when he made the tour of
"Pittsburgh and its dependencies."

Best Regards,

Glenn Williams

On 11/27/13, John Saillant<oieahc@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

Jon, Thank you for the transcription.

But I am struck by Dunmore's assertion that the "the Negroes are double
the number of white people in this Colony." Most of my sources place the
percentage of enslaved people around 40%. Does anyone have an idea where
the governor might have arrived at this figure?

David Kiracofe

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