One of the best letters EVER! It's written by a slave to his former master.

[rocktivity]

4. These are the lines that jumped out at me

Last edited Wed Jul 15, 2015, 04:02 PM - Edit history (29)

"...Mandy -- the folks call her Mrs. Anderson..."
That line was no accident -- makes me wonder if the owner "took advantage" of Mrs. Anderson. My guess is that Mr. Anderson enjoyed his freed wife's respectability VERY much.

"Here, I draw my wages every Saturday night...(I)n Tennessee, there was never any pay-day for the Negroes any more than for the horses and cows."
Except that the horses and cows were provided with the nutrition, shelter, and care they required to remain productive!

"I served you faithfully for thirty-two years, and Mandy twenty years. At twenty-five dollars a month for me, and two dollars a week for Mandy, our earnings would amount to eleven thousand six hundred and eighty dollars."
I wonder how that would translate into to 2012 dollars.

On edit: Adjusting for inflation, and assuming they escaped in 1862, the Andersons were owed closer to $17,266.72.
In 2012 dollars, the $11,680 is now worth $277,304.80.

"Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me."
I didn't know they had snark back in 1865 -- An Honorary Historical Achievement DUzy!


rocktivity