to Ralph Wormeley, refers to the fact that several slave-ships were now expected in York River; “I am so remote,” said he, “that before I can have notice, the negroes will all be disposed of, or at least none left but the refuse.” Wormeley was, therefore, requested to perform the friendly office of purchasing for him five or six of these Africans when they should reach the Colony.[1] About the same time, Mr. Samuel Simpson, a prominent merchant residing at Queen’s Creels, received instructions from the local agent of Mrs. Margaret Fellows of England to buy a certain number of negroes from the master of the Lady Francis or the Katherine, whichever of the two vessels should be the first to come to anchor in the York.[2] These were slave-ships. The fact that two such vessels were to arrive nearly simultaneously indicates that the volume of importation into this part of the Colony was not inconsiderable. At a later date, Colonel Byrd expresses much regret that the owner of a certain ship, which was expected in the waters of Virginia with a cargo of slaves, was so slow in his voyage. “I suppose,” Colonel Byrd remarked, “our parts will be supplied long ere he arrives,” a fact that would destroy the market for his human merchandise.[3] Bills for the payment of negroes were now given, to be made good upon the arrival of the first slave-vessel.[4] A habit sprang up at this time among some of the leading colonists of including negroes
- ↑ Letters of William Fitzhugh, June 19, 1681. As showing the demand for negroes at this time, the following from one of Fitzhugh’s letters may be quoted. A relative, who lived in England, had requested the loan of a considerable sum of money. He replied by saying that “he could hardly, with all his tobacco and anything he could part with, except negroes,” supply this person with the sum proposed.
- ↑ Records of York County, vol. 1675-1684, p. 55, Va. State Library.
- ↑ Letters of William Byrd, May 10, 1686.
- ↑ Records of York County, vol. 1675-1684, p. 569, Va. State Library.
