Williamson's report on quarry workers March 23, 1793

"In March still uncertain that the quarry was productive enough, the commissioners prevailed on Williamson to go to the quarry and report on conditions there. Judging from Williamson's report, despite Brent's ad, there were no slaves working at the quarry."

Quote from Slave Labor in the Capital, page 69

As I go on to say in the book, there were some hired slaves there at that time. Williamson probably didn't care to notice them. But his letter clearly shows that free men were doing the work since they wanted to renegotiate their wage and get rations while they were sick. Slaves could not negotiate such things.

Washington March 23d, 1793

On my return from the quarry, I presume to give the folowing information. the quarry is managed acording to my direction and I expect will prove good. John Watson hath exerted himself to my satisfaction and the good of the work. there is at present about thirty four men at work, the greatest 16 of which is recommended to me as good hands, and willing to forward the work but hath been threatening to leave the work if they be not allowed seven dolors per month for sumer season, and be allowed forty hands. they are to Don their best to keep the three vesels still going. there is an old hand the name of waters who is watsons asistant he is present pd 3sh 9 d per day no racions [food rations]. he pleads to be helped. I think he should be alowed raciones which will make about 10 pence over and above his present wages. he also complains that if any of them is taken sick there raciones is kept off. I think that excepting particular cases they should have there racions for some time if they are really sick, because they will need attendance. all the above I presumed to lay before the commisioners with respect, Collen Williamson

In response, the commissioners advised Williamson to give the workers a raise on condition that wages could be renegotiated in September. Of course I noticed that the commissioners' response if dated 12 days before Williamson's report and have no explanation for that! The commissioners' response, I think, makes clear that they were addressing the demands of free workers not hired slaves. Indeed, I think a case can be made that they began urging the man in charge at the quarry to hire slaves, which they did in August, in order to strengthen their position in the September negotiations with free workers and force them to work at a low wage.

On Considering the Demand of the Stone Cutters, to have their Wages advanced to 10/ a Day, though we think the Crown very Handsome considering the Employment they have had all Winter, and the Certainty and manner of payment, yet we advise you if necessary, to give the addition rather than part from them, provided they agree to work, till the 10th of September and then both Parties to be at Liberty to make a new Agreement, or not, at pleasure.