Recently, I saw a show on TV, I believe it was on C-SPAN, which touched on the disposition of the slaves in the states which outlawed slavery in the early nineteenth century. I had never thought about this issue, but the claim was that 90% or more of these slaves were sold into slaveholding areas prior to the date the new laws went into effect. The writer's premise was that the perceived view of these states as emancipators was not earned and was much like modern states outlawing the dumping of hazardous waste in their state, but being happy to send it to another.

Does anyone know, factually, what happened to the slaves who were "freed" in the Northern states? What were the arguments for emancipation in the Northern states, was it a magnanimous, pragmatic or apathetic decision? Also, are there any recommended books on this subject, namely, the disposition of the slaves in the Northern states?

I had never thought about this "moral" issue regarding emancipation in the Northern states. I guess I just took for granted that it was a wonderful thing and all the slaves were freed. Apparently, they were not freed, except for a small percentage. I'd like to know the facts.

Jim