The context of Dixon's act of bravery

[Terrance Flaherty]

Fox called for the Christianizing of Slaves, the Irish Hammer began
preaching to slaves on the Island of Barbados, causing rebellion and
demanding that the slaves be freed immediately, Keith, the Quaker
heretic, introduced the idea that Slaves were "prizes of war", but for
thirteen years (from the Minutes), from 1687 to 1700,  Pennsylvania
Friends were silent as to slavery. However, in 1700 the assembly levied
a small duty on Negroes, increased it in 1705, again in 1710. And in
1711, in a burst of Enthusiasm, Pennsylvania prohibited the importation
of slaves altogether.