Depreciation in Slave Value, 1864

Depreciation in Slave Value.

The depreciation in the value of slaves since the outbreak of the rebellion inaugurated by its wicked authors for the purpose of protecting the instruction has been immense even in section were slaves were unmolested by the abolition Yankees. In looking over an inventory and appraisement of the effects of a deceased Citizen of this county, we noted, as an item, seventeen slaves, eight of whom were males and nine females. Of them four were under ten years, ten from ten to twenty six years and three over forty-five years of age.

They were appraised and valued at five dollars each. The appraisers, doubtless had a clear vision of inevitable emancipation without state compensation.