Union Army Soldiers freed Jourdon, Anderson’s husband, and Amanda from slavery. The couple had spent 32 years in servitude on a plantation. They fled to Ohio, hoping that they would find paid work. Patrick Henry Anderson, Jourdon’s prior master, wrote him a distressing letter asking him to help him save his struggling business.
Jourdon’s response to the man who robbed him of vitality along with his enslaved people and whose life was far from equal to that of a black man was one of grace and well-wishing, despite his master’s wretchedness over a period of 32 years.
This letter addressed several issues that left a lasting impression on readers. Jourdon expresses that he is skeptical about the former master’s willingness to change his ways of treating his slaves. During this period, African Americans were often treated with cruelty and abuse. Jourdon asserts that no slave liked being controlled by a master who was white. Slaves would be beaten, threatened, or even executed. The lack of mutual respect and trust is also addressed by Jourdon. To show his gratitude, he suggests that money should be paid for prior services. A slave’s fury at their former owner would also make it likely that they will respond harshly and without mercy. Jourdon is making a bold and honest statement, which reflects his character. Jourdon does not reject the offer but questions his family’s safety, financial security, and welfare if he returns.
During this period, newly-freed slaves were forced to endure in a hostile world. They had no choice but to be brave. Some white people found the idea of free labor absurd, which put pressure on slaves who were freed. In some cases, the slaves were not the only ones who accepted this concept. The perpetrators also did so because they had lived in fear and mistreatment. Many slaves were brainwashed to believe in inequality because they had never experienced anything else.
Jourdon was never able to return and serve his former master. He died in 1907 at the age of 81. Six years ago, his wife passed away and both of them were buried in the same grave. I can see how this might also be a case of karma. He got to spend a long time with those who were most important to him in return for the forgiveness and grace he showed the person who controlled his life over 32 years, making it almost unbearable.
