American History Discussion

Chapter 15 Discussion Question (The Andersons)

Among the many changes of Reconstruction was the emancipation of close to four million enslaved men, women and children.  Many new freedpeople responded by relocating to various areas, others were even approached by their former owners to return and work on their former slave holdings.   Read the following primary source of a letter from a former slave who expressed his thoughts about returning to his old master.   Access the letter at: http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/01/to-my-old-master.html, then respond to the following questions:

Describe Mr. Anderson’s tone in the letter.

Why was it significant to Jourdan that his wife is called “Mrs. Anderson?”

What was Anderson’s feelings concerning his children?  What type of life did he desire for them?

What was the “shame” and “violence,” he wanted to prevent his children from experiencing?

What are your overall thoughts about the letter?