[lentulusgracchus]

But could one really believe that during the times she is writing about and in the context she uses these words... she is talking about anything other than slaves?

Well, it sounds like his man Lewis was a hireling, either free or bond. Either way, he was paying someone what Tax-Chick pointed out was a wage. That implies he didn't own the man.

I've never seen any data on what proportion of the Southern labor resource was hired labor (I mean, from an agency or an owner, or a free contractor), versus chattel slave, versus employed labor.

Granting that there wasn't much difference, back then, between employed and contract labor, as long as you were talking about free men.

[lentulusgracchus]

Ping. Your doorbell is ringing.

[carton253]

I'm giving up the fight... I'm throwing in the towel... I'm yielding the field.... yes, I'm taking my ball and going home for the evening!

You all win... I declare you the victor!

Enjoy the spoils! LOL!