Even indentured servants could be slave holders

Indentured servants had little more freedom than a slave, but they were not brutalized, chained or subject to being horse-whipped. Another major difference was that, at some fixed point, the indentured servant knew he would be freed from his obligation.

Indentured servants — usually white immigrants — were often mistreated, though, and many ran away to escape the harshness of their captivity. As with slaves, rewards were offered for their return, but those rewards were usually far less than for slaves.

As slavery grew, indentured servitude faded and eventually was also outlawed.

An interesting notice appeared in Pennsylvania Gazette of Philadelphia, Pa. on Sept. 21, 1738 that illustrated the hierarchy between indentured servants and slaves.

An indentured servant named John Harris, described as a Welshman, ran away from Humphrey Brooke in Virginia’s King William County on July 15, 1738. Brooke held Harris’ servitude contract.

At the same time a Black man named Abraham and black man named Windsor (no last names available) escaped from father and son slaveholders Col. George Braxton and George Braxton Jr.

All three were believed to be traveling together.

Braxton Jr., who published the newspaper notice, said it was probable that Harris, who was white, would try to sell the Black men as slaves.

At that time, many slaves in the colonies had been recently brought from Africa and spoke little English. They would not have been able to tell a prospective owner that they had been stolen and even if they had, they would not have been believed.

Abraham was described as about 25 years old, “a lusty young fellow,” who was bow-legged.

Windsor was said to be about 5-6, “very square and strong,” and about 20 years old.