I do not condone slavery. It was wrong, whether the slave was black, immigrant, or chattel white. My BROWNLOW ancestors in Giles County TN owned black slaves. I am NOT ashamed of my ancestors. I AM ashamed of the US Government that permitted slavery. Slavery was a constitutional right, observed in both, the North & South. Slavery was profitable for the US Government, Article 1, section 9 permits a taxation on slaves up to $10 per head. Slavery was protected, fostered, and supported by the US Constitution. More information can be read on the internet at: a.. Crittenden Compromise b.. The Corwin Amendment c.. The Fugitive Slave Laws of 1793 & 1850 http://www.law.du.edu/russell/lh/alh/docs/slaverycon.html http://www.midnightbeach.com/jon/US-Constitution.htm Leland Carter Texas