are the Black men enslaved or free?
Based off their un-tattered well dressed clothes, the image suggests that these four black men were not fugitive slaves. Because the Fugitive Slave Law required citizens regardless of their views on slavery to help capture alleged fugitive slaves, as well as permit and pay federal commissioner to a higher wage to determine black men as fugitives instead of free men, creating a pattern of false accusations and imprisonment of free black men.
After drinking all the wine, rum, &c., they could find, and inviting the negroes they had with them, who were very insolent, to do the same, they went to their horses, and would shake hands with father and mother before their departure.
Though it says direct attacks on civilians were not common, the description Elizabeth provided sort of implies that it was a reoccurring event that these soldiers have raided homes and probably taken resources for themselves. This can be explained by the lack of repercussions during a time of war and likely a lack of resources as well, as Britian and the colonies struggled economically to provide for their troops.
He was visited the same day by another body of troops, who abused him and plundered the house. “One came to search mother’s pockets, too, but she resolutely threw his hand aside. ‘if you must see what’s in my pocket, I’ll show you myself;’ and she took out a threadcase, which had thread, needles, pins, tape, &c. The mean wretch took it from her.” . . . “After drinking all the wine, rum, &c., they could find, and inviting the negroes they had with them, who were very insolent, to do the same, they went to their horses, and would shake hands with father and mother before their departure.
During war, societies grew lawless, permitting the soldiers to raid civilians homes without any consequences.
Ladies, do either of you own these horses ?’ ‘No; they partly belonged to father and Mr. Smilie!’ ‘Well, ladies, as they are not your property, we will take them! “‘
This caught my attention as I’d initially thought the men would just assume the woman did not own the horses because they were not allowed ownership in many instances.