Question

Read the selection from the section "The fugitive slave clause in the Constitution."

George Washington had remained largely silent during these exchanges on slavery. He was a slaveholder but was also conflicted about slavery. His experience with black soldiers during the Revolution had raised questions in his mind about the slave system, but he did not argue against it. To end slavery immediately, he believed, would be dangerous so he hoped for a gradual abolition of slavery. Washington later wrote to a friend that there were parts of the Constitution that would never have his approval.

Which of the following can be inferred from the selection above?

A
Washington wanted to oppose slavery publicly, but his friends and supporters convinced him not to.
B
Washington believed keeping the new nation at peace was more important than immediately ending slavery.
C
Washington was so affected by his experience with black soldiers in the Revolution that he wanted to set his own slaves free.
D
Washington was largely a silent, strong leader who didn't share his true feelings about any of the most controversial issues of the day.