Presently he found himself overstocked and in 1778 expressed a wish to barter for land some "Negroes, of whom I every day long more to get clear of[7]." Still later he declared that he had more negroes than could be employed to advantage on his estate, but was principled against selling any, while hiring them out was almost as bad.

"What then is to be done?
Something or I shall be ruined." [7] In 1754 he bought a "fellow" for L40.5, another named Jack for L52.5 and a woman called Clio for L50.

Two years later he acquired two negro men and a woman for L86, and from Governor Dinwiddie a woman and child for L60.

In 1758 he got Gregory for L60.9.Mount Vernon brought him eighteen more.

Mrs.Washington was the owner of a great many slaves, which he called the "dower Negroes," and with part of the money she brought him he acquired yet others.