>some >were even set free by pious masters for accepting Christianity. For a >brief >time belief in Christ overpowered slavery, Thanks for all the responses. I have slave codes, sermons and some legal cases on the broad issue - and records of manusmission but I wonder if any slaveholder expressly articulated this in individual cases of emancipation in the 17thc. The Elizabeth Key case is the most relevant - but she pleaded freedom on multiple grounds and the records on her case as to exactly why she was granted her freedom were destroyed in the mid-19thc. Emily _________________________________________________________________ Get a preview of Live Earth, the hottest event this summer - only on MSN http://liveearth.msn.com?source=msntaglineliveearthhm