Loretta; Your suggestion does not fit the generally accepted, and politically correct, interpretation of the institution of slavery being nothing more than white people whipping, raping and exploiting black Africans. Evidence to the contrary (such as the WPA slave narratives) is not credible to the academically trained historians on this list. I appreciated your input, however. Very enlightening. J South ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.