SW_Sutcliff_Page_102

black slaves are kept in this part of Maryland. One farmer was mentioned to me who kept up-wards of 200; and from the quantity of land he had under cultivation, there did not appear to be more than 10 acres to one slave; which of course could yield but little profit to the owner. I was told of one couple of slaves he had, who lived as man and wife, and were valued at more than 400l. on ac- count of their stout healthy children; whom he could sell at a very high price when young. From the information I received, it appeared that breed- ing slaves was the best part of his business. Such is the corrupt state of things where slavery is permitted. 8th Month, 23d. I came to Hanover, in com-pany with two persons of the name of Smith, grandsons of a friend in the ministry who for-merly resided at Marlborough, in Fairfax County, Virginia. John Woolman makes honourable men-tion of this friend in his journal. 8th Month, 24th. This morning we passed through York-Town, where we breakfasted. At the Assizes or Sessions, which were held at that time, a boy of about 15 years of age, was convicted of the wilful and deliberate murder of his play-fellow, a little boy 2 or 3 years younger than himself. The reason he assigned for this cruel act was, that his companion had won a few pence from him at some