Born in Virginia on November 4, 1806, George Fitzhugh was an ardent supporter of slavery. Fitzhugh was a planter, practiced law, and experienced considerable success with his writing. A voracious reader, Fitzhugh examined abolitionist papers whenever possible. In 1855, he journeyed north to meet with abolitionists Gerrit Smith and Wendell Phillips. Fitzhugh believed that it was in the best interest for African Americans to remain in slavery where they would be looked after both financially and morally. George Fitzhugh died in Texas on July 30, 1881.