Washington's detractors used this as a strong proof of his harshness.

But they do not inform us whether the man was unable to pay, or whether the claim was dishonest.

Since the man paid voluntarily and did not question the lightness of the amount, may we not at least infer that he had no quarrel?
And if he had not, who else had?
Insinuations concerning Washington's lack of sympathy for his slaves was a form which in later days most of the references to his care of them took.

But here also there are evident facts to be taken into account.

The Abolitionists very naturally were prejudiced against every slave-owner; they were also prejudiced in favor of every slave.
Washington, on the contrary, harbored no prepossessions for or against the black man.