"There is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it; but there is only one proper and effectual mode by which it can be accomplished, and that is by Legislative authority; and this, as far as my suffrage will go, shall never be wanting." When speaking to Robert Morris in 1786, George Washington realized the economic benefits of slavery outweighed anything else. Furthermore, Washington acknowledged there were contrasting views on slavery. Therefore, only an official government document could abolish it. Both the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence addressed the topic of slavery. The Constitution even rewarded slave states by giving them more representation. On the contrary, the Declaration of Independence implied the minimization of slavery. In Satanstoe, James Fenimore Cooper expressed his opinion on the subject. Finally, the video New York: A Documentary Film, directed by Ric Burns, takes a more objective look at history. The video takes into account the varying resources and sums up the probable events. .
Satanstoe implies slavery was a hyperbole, a bad word for something good. The relationship between blacks and whites, masters and slaves was an amicable one. There were no class distinctions and blacks were free to do as they wish. This is best evident in chapter 2. Corny, the main character, is asked about tomorrow's events involving a celebration of blacks and children. He states, "I was not in the least offended at being thus associated with the negros . . . but I did not like being ranked with the children." He continues to say, "it is just as well to give them (blacks) permission to be of the party, as half of them would otherwise go without asking it." .
"He who makes a faithful picture of only a single important scene in the events of a single life, is doing something toward painting the greatest historical piece of his day.