I am doing research for a major national magazine piece I have been asked to do which will touch on the issue of reparations. In the course of my work, I have come across the following volume: Black Masters. A Family of Color in the Old South, Michael P. Johnson and James L. Roak New York: Norton, 1984) Two questions for the list: 1.) Although the book seems sound, and comes from a reputable publisher, does anyone know any reason I should be leery of the research it uses (I am more interested in the research than the arguments); 2.) Can anyone provide any additional material on free black ownership of slaves. I am not writing a polemical piece and am not interested in arguing a partisan position. My interest is solely factual accuracy, so that I give an honest presentation of the history here. Since this is such an explosive subject, I want to make sure I am on firm ground, and would appreciate any input from other members of this list. Thanks. -- Stephan Stephan A. Schwartz € Email: [log in to unmask] Personal Website: http://www.stephanaschwartz.com € Schwartzreport: http://www.schwartzreport.net 147 Pinewood Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 22932 € Voice: 757.422.4549 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html