Analysis of The Book "James Henry Hammond and The Old South: a Design for Mastery"

Introduction

Drew Gilpin Faust provides a comprehensive interpretation of the life of James Henry Hammond. As a child, Hammond's father held high hopes for him, and Hammond himself was optimistic about his future. He became one of the wealthiest plantation owners in southern South Carolina, driven by great expectations of himself and his surroundings. To fulfill these ambitions, Hammond pursued a career in politics, eventually becoming a U.S. senator and a key political leader as the governor of South Carolina. His father instilled in him the importance of ambition and success from a young age. However, despite his aspirations, Hammond could not fully master himself, which ultimately led to his downfall. With Hammond's death, the old South also experienced its demise.

Analysis of "James Henry Hammond and The Old South: A Design for Mastery"

This book is a compelling read for those interested in the plantation culture of the Old South. Hammond meticulously documented both his plantation and personal life, offering a vivid portrayal of this historical period in America. Drew Gilpin Faust skillfully guides readers through Hammond's life and career, evoking mixed emotions of disdain and admiration for Hammond's complex character. Other notable works by Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust include "Mothers of Invention: Women of the Slaveholding South in the American Civil War" and "This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War" (Faust, 1996; Faust, 2008).

Control and Dominance

Faust uses Hammond's interactions with his children as evidence of his need for control. Hammond wielded economic power to maintain psychological dominance over his children, who remained financially dependent on him. According to Faust, "Hammond used his economic power to consolidate his psychological dominance" (Faust, 1982, p. 320). Hammond's need for control meant his children never felt fully independent. Faust argues convincingly that Hammond wanted his children to remain reliant on him, ensuring his influence over them (Faust, 1982, p. 325). For instance, when Hammond was in his fifties and preparing to hand over the plantation to his son, Harry, the onset of the Civil War distracted Harry from plantation duties, much to Hammond's displeasure (Faust, 1982, p. 367).

Meticulous Record-Keeping

Hammond's detailed plantation records reflect his desire for mastery over his environment. He was a meticulous record keeper, noting crop yields, experimental plantings, slave productivity, and economic aspects of agriculture. Readers can gain insights into Hammond's approach through Faust's analysis of these plantation records. An appendix is available for those seeking a deeper understanding of Hammond's meticulous documentation.

Control Over Slaves

Hammond's pursuit of control extended to the lives of his slaves. Shortly after taking over the Silver Bluff plantation, he asserted his dominance over them. To prevent religious gatherings from becoming a platform for rebellion, Hammond banned black religious meetings. Faust suggests that Hammond's goal was to strip slaves of their religious activities, while simultaneously positioning himself as their benefactor. Although black religious meetings were prohibited, Hammond allowed white clergy to minister to black people within a strictly controlled environment (Faust, 1982, pp. 73-74).

Failures in Personal Control

Despite his attempts at control, Hammond struggled with his own sexual desires. He had inappropriate relationships with two of his slaves, admitting to fathering children with them, who were mother and daughter. When his wife Catherine discovered this and demanded the sale of the slaves, Hammond refused, maintaining control over the situation (Faust, 1982, pp. 87, 316).

Political and Social Implications

Another example of Hammond's inability to control his desires involved his interactions with his nieces, the young Hampton women. These incidents had severe repercussions on his political career and led to his ostracism from the extended Hampton family (Faust, 1982, p. 241). Although Hammond did not live to see the Reconstruction era, his actions and beliefs align with the racial and social dynamics of the time. He was a staunch white supremacist, advocating for a hierarchical ideology that justified slavery and the superiority of the Southern aristocracy. Hammond's writings, such as his pamphlets defending slavery, reflect these beliefs (Faust, 1982, p. 279).

Conclusion

In his final years, Hammond attempted to extend his dominance to Europe, but his inability to adapt to the free labor system resulted in a conflict with a servant and a brief imprisonment in Belgium (Faust, 1982, p. 199). James Henry Hammond epitomizes the Old Southern elite: wealthy, intelligent, a white supremacist, and a slave owner. Faust provides readers with a comprehensive account of Hammond's life, offering insights into the realities of elite Southerners during the Civil War era.

References

• Faust, D. G. (1982). James Henry Hammond and the Old South: A Design for Mastery. Louisiana State University Press.
• Faust, D. G. (1996). Mothers of Invention: Women of the Slaveholding South in the American Civil War. University of North Carolina Press.
• Faust, D. G. (2008). This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War. Alfred A. Knopf.