At the time slavery was legal in the United States and it was a business proposition. Slaves were viewed as personal property.
This is the most overlooked part of the whole argument. The simple fact that slavery was legal at the time. miles
Yes, but not everywhere on any significant scale.
"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744
