The slave codes in New York State, were brutal, but enforcement was not as servere as it was in the Deep County, and sough refuge among the Indians. The Minisinks of Eastern Long Island guarded runaway slaves. The Indians seldom cooperated with white masters, despite the offers of large rewards. Slaves formed camps in the forests and congregated in bands, raiding and looting Dutch farms. Several slaves fled to Canada, and sought refuge among the French. They were welcomed by the opposing French forces, because they brought information regarding garrisons and forts belonging to the English. This problem was so serious, that the New York State Assembly in 1705, imposed the death penalty on fugitives found forty miles north of Albany. New York City, with it's large population and busy port, was one of the better hideouts for runaway slaves, because they could easily be concealed among local Blacks. Runaways from Kings County, fleeing to the city, must have been a growing problem, because New York City penalized free Blacks ten shillings for everyday a runaway slave was harbored. Skilled slaves and the field workers both sought freedom. Many announcements of the time indicated the diversity of slave laborers that had escaped, carpenters, butchers, tailors, bakers, sailors, farmers, waiters, shipbuilders and ironworkers.
Less resourceful and intelligent fugitives were often caught, such as the slave from Brooklyn who escaped carrying two sheep and a beehive full of honey. Another fugitive carried his bed. Slaves who were lighter in color were more successful in fleeing than the darker skinned.
After 1775, Blacks had abetter chance of escaping since both sides in the American Revolution sought their support and often offered them asylum with the soldiers. Since the end of the seventeenth century, a law had been in effect which fixed slave status with matrilineal descent. Slavery was not confined to Black people, but included anyone with African blood on the maternal side. Children born to a male slave and a free women, were free, while those of a free man, and slave women became the property of the woman's owner. Certain privileges were allowed slaves during the English period. They were granted the right to seek another master if their present owner mistreated them unfairly. Often friendly relations developed between master and bondmen. They were provided adequate food, clothing, medical care and time for relaxation. Sunday was designated as the day of rest for the slave. They were allowed to own property, and could transfer property, and work for their own benefit during free time. This custom was so prevalent that slaves drew up wills, leaving their property to relitives and friends. Black family life was seriously affected by slavery. Families were divided by selling relatives to different owners in other parts of the country, and often across the country. Sometimes masters allowed slave marriages to take place and time off for visits to spouses on other farms.
Americans: 1776 - 1827. After the American Revolution, Kings County was still a rural farming settlement. Although the original six towns were dominated by the Dutch, the Americans were in control of the government.
During this period of time there was much talk of equality and freedom, yet slavery was a living negation of these principles. On August 22, 1776, the first battle of the American Revolution took place in Brooklyn. The battle of Long Island, lasted eight days resulting in the hasty retreat of General George Washington under protection of a dense fog across the Hudson river.
Many of the Dutch families that lived in New Utrecht and Flatbush, took their Black slaves and fled from the invading British forces.The slaves that remained in the area fought in the Revolutionary War, not for the British or the American forces, but for the principle of liberty.
At the beginning of the war, slaves were not allowed to fight because of the white owner's fear of placing a gun in their hands. However, when manpower shortages occurred, racist attitudes were suppressed and Blacks were allowed to enter the battle. In 1781, a law was passed that gave slaves freedom when they served in any of the armed forces for three years.
Slaves that traded military service for freedom, contributed to the American war effort in New York. By the end of the war, more than four thousand Blacks had served in the Continental Army. On March 14, 1776, the Provincial Congress, directed Kings County to make available all her slaves to work on Long Island Fortifications.
In fact, practically the entire slave population was used in preparation for the Battle of Long Island. The British forces offered freedom to slaves who fought on their side.
Many ex-slaves worked in areas under British control as wagon drivers, laborers, and teamsters. Ex-slaves provided the British with valuable information about American positions. On November 30, 1783, the British withdrew from New York and with them four thousand Blacks.
Slavery in New York resumed after the Revolutionary War. The Declaration of Independence boldly asserted the natural rights of man but made no mention of slavery.