The Freedman Tales: Uncovering the Hidden Histories of the Enslaved in Revolutionary North Carolina

The Freedman Tales, a collection of oral histories collected from former slaves in the late 1930s, provides a rare glimpse into the lives of the enslaved during the American Revolution.

The Freedman: Tales From a Revolution - North-Carolina

by Lars D. H. Hedbor

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2143 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	219 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The tales were collected by the Federal Writers' Project, a New Deal program that employed writers, artists, and musicians to document American life. The project's goal was to create a comprehensive record of the nation's history and culture, and the Freedman Tales are a valuable part of that record.

The tales were collected from former slaves living in North Carolina, a state that played a significant role in the American Revolution. North Carolina was one of the first colonies to ratify the Declaration of Independence, and it was the site of several important battles during the war.

The Freedman Tales offer a unique perspective on the American Revolution. They provide firsthand accounts of the experiences of the enslaved during the war, and they shed light on the complex relationships between slaves, slaveholders, and the white community.

One of the most striking things about the Freedman Tales is their diversity. The tales come from people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Some of the narrators were born into slavery, while others were enslaved as adults. Some worked on plantations, while others worked in towns or cities.

Despite their diversity, the Freedman Tales share some common themes. One of the most common themes is the theme of resistance. The narrators of the tales often recount stories of how they resisted slavery, both through overt acts of rebellion and through more subtle forms of resistance.

Another common theme is the theme of family. The narrators of the tales often talk about the importance of family in their lives. They describe the close bonds that they formed with their spouses, children, and other relatives. They also talk about the ways in which slavery tore families apart.

The Freedman Tales are a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of slavery in the United States. They provide a unique glimpse into the lives of the enslaved during the American Revolution, and they shed light on the complex relationships between slaves, slaveholders, and the white community.

Here are some excerpts from the Freedman Tales:

"I was born a slave in North Carolina in 1850. My master was a cruel man, and he beat me often. I ran away from him several times, but he always caught me and brought me back. One time, I ran away and hid in the woods for two weeks. But I got hungry, and I had to come out. My master caught me and beat me so bad that I could hardly walk."

"I was a slave during the Civil War. I worked on a plantation in Virginia. When the Union soldiers came, I ran away and joined them. I fought with the Union army for two years. I was wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg. After the war, I came back to North Carolina and worked as a farmer."

"I was a slave until I was 18 years old. My master was a kind man, and he treated me well. He taught me to read and write. When I was 18, he gave me my freedom. I moved to New York City and worked as a teacher. I later became a minister."

The Freedman Tales are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the horrors of slavery, the narrators of the tales were able to overcome adversity and build successful lives for themselves and their families.

The Freedman: Tales From a Revolution - North-Carolina

by Lars D. H. Hedbor

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2143 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	219 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE