Many of the freed slaves became sharecroppers and indentured servants. The transformation from indentured servitude to slavery was a gradual process in Virginia. Some were merchants, sailors, indentured servants, slaves and mercenaries. However, their status as slaves or indentured servants remains unclear. By 1680 there were 17 slaves for every indentured servant. The relative price of slaves and indentured servants in the antebellum period did decrease. The first ships carrying indentured labourers left India in 1836. This is a result of years of importation of slaves and indentured laborers, and migration. The first ships carrying indentured labourers from India left in 1836. Either substitution would lead to a decrease in demand for indentured servitude. By 1680, there were 17 slaves for every indentured servant. Many were recent arrivals, recently released from indentured servitude. Although the prices of slaves relative to indentured servants declined, both got more expensive. Hayes offered them for sale as indentured labourers. Many of the indentured servants were transported unwillingly.