Expensive compared to what? Since this idea is a little counter-intuitive, can you suggest a search or link?
From this [0] I can only conclude that owners were paying for value and the price did go up over time, as did the price of cotton, but it looks like it was a good deal.
Im not saying it wasnt a good investment for them (im sure it was), but it costs a lot of money not only to buy slaves, but to feed and take care of them.
