Option (D) "Slaves maintained social networks among kindred and friends despite forced separations" is best supported by the passage above.
The advertisement mentions Harry's aunt living a few miles from the "Negro Quarters" and suggests he might have been harbored there. This implies family connections and a sense of community among enslaved people.
The reference to "his Acquaintances on Potomack" indicates social networks beyond the immediate plantation or "Negro Quarters." This suggests slaves formed broader connections and interacted with individuals from different locations.
The passage doesn't explicitly state that Harry formed settlements or associated with free Black people. While these possibilities cannot be entirely ruled out, the available evidence directly supports the existence of social networks among enslaved individuals.
Therefore, based on the passage, option (D) best reflects the conditions under slavery, highlighting the resilience and social bonds slaves maintained despite the oppressive system.
Question
A Maryland master placed the following newspaper advertisement in 1772 after Harry, his slave, had run away. He has been seen about the Negro Quarters in Patuxent, but is supposed to have
removed among his Acquaintances on Potomack he is also well acquainted with a Negro of Mr. Wall's named Rachaet a few miles from that Quarter is his Aunt, and he may possibly be harboured
thereabouts
"Which of the following statements about conditions under slavery is best supported by the passage above?
(A) Slaves had no opportunity to develop their own culture and society. (B) Slaves commonly formed settlements of their own away from the plantations.
(C) Slaves frequently associated with free Black people.
(D) Slaves maintained social networks among kindred and friends despite forced separations."