[Lonesome in Massachussets]

It's a given that there was slavery in New England, Massachusetts was the first state to outlaw slavery (by judical fiat, btw) some time around 1795.

But shackles would just as easily indicate that the person was a prisoner as a slave.

[maryz]

It's a given that there was slavery in New England,

I thought it was more bond slavery than chattel slavery. I could certainly be wrong (I think I'm remembering from 5th grade!).

[NHResident]

Lots of NE fortunes were build on the slave trade - it wasn't until all the ship owners were able to find a more profitable cargo that there was any significant support in mASS. to end the practice. The bad ECONOMICS of the slave trade were what finally killed it off. William Wilberforce (a, GASP!! radically RELIGIOUS Minister in England, the HORROR!)launched and continued the morality based movement against the slave trade for decades. Religious 'fanatics' the bete noir of all liberals launched the movement, the reality of the lousy Economics tipped over the popular support. (PLEASE NOTE: I am NOT saying the mASSES were economically sophisticated, they just recognized an opportunity to make more money with less effort in efforts which did not involve slavery. A level of perception that completely escapes today's residents up here.)

[MamaTexan]

But shackles would just as easily indicate that the person was a prisoner as a slave.

True.

But an infection on the leg could have been caused by the skin being broken from many different things...like an axe, for example.

When chopping wood, it's not uncommon to miss when you swing. I image they did a great deal of it back then.

Not like they had central heat during the brutally cold winters!