Introduction
"A Letter To His Former Master" is a famous letter written by a former slave, Jourdan Anderson, to his old master, Colonel P. H. Anderson. The letter was written in August 1865, in response to Colonel Anderson's request for Jourdan to return to work for him. The letter has since become a powerful symbol of the emancipation of slaves and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Context of the Letter
Jourdan Anderson was a slave who worked on Colonel Anderson's plantation in Tennessee. In 1864, during the Civil War, Union troops occupied the plantation and freed the slaves. Jourdan and his family were among those who were liberated.
After the war, Colonel Anderson wrote a letter to Jourdan, asking him to return to work on the plantation. Jourdan's response, which is now known as "A Letter To His Former Master," was published in the New York Daily Tribune on August 22, 1865.
The Content of the Letter
In the letter, Jourdan expresses his gratitude for his freedom and his new life in Ohio. He tells Colonel Anderson that he has no desire to return to the plantation, but he also acknowledges that his life would have been much different if he had not been a slave.
Jourdan also takes the opportunity to ask for compensation for his years of unpaid labor. He calculates the value of his labor and the interest he would have earned if he had been paid a fair wage, and he arrives at a figure of $11,680. He asks Colonel Anderson to send him the money, so he can use it to buy land and build a home for his family.
Despite his request for compensation, Jourdan's letter is not bitter or angry. He maintains a respectful tone throughout the letter, even when he is reminding Colonel Anderson of the brutal treatment he and his fellow slaves endured on the plantation.
The Significance of the Letter
"A Letter To His Former Master" is a powerful document that encapsulates the experience of millions of slaves who were liberated during the Civil War. It is also a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit.
The letter has been celebrated by historians, scholars, and activists as a symbol of the emancipation of slaves and the struggle for civil rights. It has also been used as a tool for teaching American history and for promoting social justice.
The Legacy of the Letter
"A Letter To His Former Master" has had a lasting impact on American culture and history. It has been featured in numerous books, films, and documentaries, and it has inspired countless people to fight for justice and equality.
The letter is also a reminder of the power of words to inspire change. Jourdan's letter was not just a response to a request from his former master - it was a message to the world about the injustices of slavery and the need for freedom and equality.
Conclusion
"A Letter To His Former Master" is a powerful document that has had a lasting impact on American history and culture. It is a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit, and it is a testament to the power of words to inspire change. Jourdan Anderson's letter will continue to inspire and educate people for generations to come.