He's not wrong. At the time, slaves were property. They were essentially u see contract where many were voluntarily self-placed because they did not have a job, etc. and Avery was their only option (much like military where some join the army because it's the best option for them, they are essentially state-owned slaves, until their contract expires in 4 years). So knowing this, the owners had their property taken from them. Property they paid for, they cared for, they built housing to shelter them, fed them, doctor visits, etc. It was an investment and most treated their slaves with high regard. There were black slaves and white slaves. There were black slave owners, and white slave owners. Know your history.