This conflict between the ideals of different classes, complicated by the economic problem of labor, continued to be fought out chiefly in words, and legislation, until by the middle of the eighteenth century it is estimated, by some historians of Pennsylvania, that importation had nearly ceased.[1144] The period following 1750, however, saw importation again positively accelerated, due to the greater security in the possession of Negro slaves compared with that of the White servants. Passing over the crest of this wave of increase, we find a rapid decline in importation and sale of Negroes during the years immediately preceding the American Revolution; but even after the Revolution, fought for the principles of freedom, independence and equality, there occur not infrequent instances of the traffic in human flesh and blood.[1145] These cases form the exception rather than the rule, however, and in 1780 there was secured the law for gradual prohibition, to which reference has already been made.[1146] [Sidenote: Slaves: how circumstanced in Pennsylvania] The condition of the slaves in Pennsylvania was in many respects better than in other states; especially is this true if they are compared with those in the South, who were employed mostly in plantation work. Their clothing, if we may judge by the descriptions which usually accompanied the advertisement of runaways, was usually good and very striking in its variety, as witnesses the following description.[1147] Three hundred dollars reward. Runaway from the subscriber on the evening of August 14, 1779. 20th of June, lost, a negro man named Dan about 24 or 25 years of age; 5 feet, 5 or 6 inches; something pitted with the smallpox; his dress when he went off is uncertain, as he took sundry clothes with him, amongst which are two coats, a light faggothy, and a brown jerkin with yellow buttons, three jackets, light blue, brown, and striped linen, a pair of new buckskin breeches, several pairs of old striped and two pairs of tow trousers, three pairs of stockings, three good shirts, and a round hat. Said negro is this country born, and talks the English and German languages; is fond of playing the fiddle, and is naturally left-handed, and what is very remarkable, he bows with the left hand when performing on the violin.[1148] [Sidenote: Fewer social restrictions] [Sidenote: Care for their religious welfare]