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Subject:	Re: the color of servitude
From:	Henry Wiencek <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:	Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history <[log in to unmask]>
Date:	Fri, 9 Nov 2001 11:54:22 -0500
Content-Type:	text/plain
Parts/Attachments:	text/plain (15 lines)

Between 1760 and 1800 in upper-class Virginia houses, were the servants
who had 'ceremonial' functions--butlers, valets, ladies' maids,
postilions--all blacks?  White indentured servants performed certain
household tasks, but these tended to be done out of sight.  I'm
wondering if all the servants were black who would be seen by visitors
at a dinner, a party, or when the master and mistress traveled.  (I
imagine there would have been some white coachmen.)  I'm wondering if I
can make the point that the public, ceremonial face of servitude in
Virginia at that time was almost exclusively black.  Does anyone know if
there was a significant number of white butlers and maids at that time?
Henry Wiencek

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