Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about what it was like in the Colonies back in 1776. Couldn't help but note that the word "slavery"doesn't appear in the article - so take it with a grain of salt.
As an aside - currently reading David McCullough's chronicle of that most important year
1776![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_umQb3CnxJLjo_4K1jXk8qteC2ngtYPPT9AqhOsJPVgw5ADnjMOVRatzliLLICnm6SuG6oQ5fIxV_lvMl-TgzEIZJ2JLmB9kX5g5K2NKNYRfpjkQVpkL390yL22H8zEzinvTPmrxepQr2I5zOW4=s0-d)
. The book is well worth your time if you have a chance to read it.