April 9 1965
Dear Cathrine Charlton,
Have you heard about the surrender of Robert E. Lee, General of the south? Well, he surrendered in Appomattox, VA. I think that slavery will finally be abolished, once and for all. I miss you, and I am wondering, what do you think will happen? Mommy told me all of this, and now I am telling you. What has been falling into your place on you farm? Has you horse had her foal yet? If so what is her name? Filly or colt? When will you visit? I hope soon. Or, maybe me and mommy can come visit you. I have been playing down at the river banks and I slipped and cut my self on a piece of glass. I got a lot of things for my birthday, like a little horse toy, I hope you know how much I love horses, and I also got a pony blanket.
Write back, I miss you.
Sincerely,
Amanda Charlton
Ann Adams // Feb 2, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Hi Alexandra! I've had fun catching up on your blog entries this afternoon. General Lee's surrender was a huge victory for the Northerners. Do you think any of the Northerners had given any thought as to how they could help slaves adjust to their new freedom? I wonder if the slaves felt more enslaved before or after salvery was abolished?
Mary Cotton // Feb 1, 2012 at 6:38 am
I am glad to hear that you truly believe that slavery will be over. But, every time I think about it, I worry. Do you think that anyone will help those of us who have been slaves? I don't have anyplace to live now unless I stay on the plantation and keep working. The master says that he will pay me if I stay, but I don't think I will have enough to buy food. Is he cheating me? He treats me worse than he did before when I was a slave. Amanda, how do you think people like me will be able to live now?