To: Paul

In regard to keeping in tune with the "thinking of that time (era)"...I think it is of paramount Importance for researchers to always keep in mind that the definition of an antebellum "free" person of color is quite different from a "freed" person of color.

"Free" persons of color came from families that were NEVER enslaved,....while in contrast "Freed" persons of color were enslaved at some point, then given their freedom.