Then during the REv. War the British promised freedom if slaves would go to their side, They actually have a list of those considered property taken to Canada. Then we have the natives that had some they captured and then natives that were enslaved. The Loyalists took off with all they could including slaves so many, Gov. John Simcoe the British Governor of Canada was shocked. Then we have those from the French colony of New France and those they brought in to North America. Then we have those manumitted, by former owners before slavery was outlawed. How are these people considered? How about those freed to fight? What about those brought in from other colonies? How about mixed race mulattoes; For the record, my Alma Mata John Jay has been working on compiling a record of slaves. It isn't even close to a finish.
.
This is more complicated then just give people money. What people and whose money and to whom. Should it consider NY as a colony or as a state after 1776. Oh yes there are no real answers.