It must be remembered there were many kinds of relationships between blacks in whites throughout the history of slavery in America.

I take your point, Jed, and agree with it- to a point. But it should also be remembered that the fundamental relationship that formed the basis for any and all other relationships was one of Owner to Property-
issues of "kind" masters- or rather owners- or feelings of "family" notwithstanding.

PS: I find it hard to get my head around the concept that an article of property- like a hog or a hammer or a Hummer or an IPod- can seriously be regarded as "family". But maybe that's only me-

Best, Greg