Chapter 7 of Bury the Chains by Adam Hochschild begins at the beginning of the American Revolution. The British promised freedom to any slave who escaped and joined the British Army. This promise erupted into chaos after the war ended and ex-slaves were not immediately returned to their masters. It wasn't until 1826, 44 years later, that former President George Washington's wish for compensation for each missing slave, was granted. Every American slave owner (or heir)half the value for former slave. We learn of a specific story about Boston King who fled to join the Army, was recaptured, and then fled again. He managed to go unseen by guards and eventually stayed free for good.
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I don't understand why such a promise would be made to slaves if Army officials knew it could not be kept. Of course, they needed to provide an incentive to encourage slaves to escape, but officials knew it would cause more commotion amongst slave owners. Did they not anticipate an argument? Knowing the owners would be outraged and would want their slaves back, what did the Army officials plan to do with the dead slaves or those who escaped before being given back. The whole situation seems not well planned.
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The promise was made because they wanted to disturpt the American army and one big aspect was the rich Southerners funding the army with supplies and food. The run away slaves will cause them to be not entirely focused on the war. In addition, the run away slaves added more man power to the British armies, which were reasons for freeing them. The problem caused by this was not anticipated cause the American colonies were weaker then the British army and they did not expect to loose. However, I did find how Genral Carleton kept his promise to the slaves very admirable despite the pressure from the treaty and the American colonists.
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