How did William Byrd understand his role in Virginia society
Byrd was a man active in the political processes of Virginia. From this portion of his diary we learn that he was a statesman and served as a member of the Council of Virginia. Undoubtedly he was a highly educated man, a wealthy man and was extremely religious, and he used this attributes to establish his role in society.
Byrd's diary reveals that as a political man he was at top of his class. As one reads deeper into his diary, it can be found that he is in constant communication with elite men in his society. Everything from his frequent visits to the President of the Council, to his meetings with the governor of Virginia show that William Byrd felt that we was an elite man in society who was well respected by his class and subordinates. This respect can be seen in several instanced were he was sought after for advice. Many n
eighbors would come to Byrd to speak of their financial difficulties, ask for advice and in some cases Byrd would give out loans to certain friends in this situation.
Another power role that William Byrd played was that of the relationship between him and his slaves. Byrd often took control of his slaves just as most men had done so during his time. He felt that his role gave him liberty to take command of these slaves and often beat them when his wishes were not obeyed. This was the general view at the time of the inferiority of black slaves in America.
In terms of Government, William Byrd sat on the Council and held great powers. His role in the Council was that of a basic judge who gave his opinion on many issues from civil disputes to criminal charges as extreme as murder. Later on we begin to learn of his powerful role
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