In August 1864, Union Army soldiers freed Jourdon Anderson and Amanda, his wife, from a life of slavery spent in a plantation on which they had served their master for a miserable 32 years. The couple fled to Ohio in hopes of an opportunity for paid work. A year later, Patrick Henry Anderson, Jourdon's former master, sent him a distressed letter, asking him to save his ailing business by serving him again. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayJourdon's response to the one who robbed him and his enslaved family of vitality and ensured that his life never came close to the equality of a white man's life was filled with grace and good wishes despite the misery his master had had towards him for 32 consecutive years. This letter addresses several different issues that resonated with readers. Jourdon expresses skepticism that his former master could actually change the way he treated his slaves. The treatment of African Americans during this period generally fell along the lines of cruelty and abuse. Jourdon makes a bold statement that being under the control of a white master was never enjoyed by any slave. Slaves were frequently beaten, threatened, and sometimes executed. He also points out that mutual trust was non-existent, leading him to request that as an indication of true trust and gratitude, money for his prior service was preferred. Furthermore, due to the fury and rage of the slaves towards their former owners, the response should have been merciless and harsh, making Jourdon's letter a very bold statement and reflection on his character. In the letter, Jourdon does not object to the offer outright, but rather questions his intentions regarding the well-being, security and financial means, as well as those of his growing family, if he had to come back, as they were currently living a stable life. newly freed slaves had to persist in a world that was turning against them, leaving them no choice but to be brave. The concept of free labor was absurd to some white individuals, thus putting pressure on the survival of freed slaves. In other cases, not only have the perpetrators accepted this idea, but so have the victims, because they have lived in fear and abuse for so long, making it the most despicable feature of slavery. The life of inequality was brainwashed into the heads of many slaves, as they had never known a life otherwise. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Jourdon Anderson never actually returned to serving for his former master. In 1907, at the age of 81, he died. Six years later, so did his wife and they were buried next to each other. I suppose this could also serve as an example of karma. In exchange for the grace and forgiveness he had given to the one who had controlled his life for 32 years making every day almost unbearable, he was able to live a long life surrounded by the people who mattered most to him..