How Jourdon Anderson Responded to His Former Master's Letter

Following the end of the American Civil War as the institution of slavery collapsed and the tragic era began, former slaves reacted to the 13th amendment by seeking new economic opportunities. Many plantation owners pleaded for the return of their former slaves. One such former slave, Jourdan Anderson, responded to his former master’s request with a satirical response. Former slaves learned to communicate with each other in clever forms of misdirection as to conceal their true sentiments. His letter provides a written representation of this account. Beneath his witty tone lies his stance on freedom, exploitation, and a glimpse into Anderson’s character.

P.H. Anderson offered his former slave, Jourdon Anderson, a job to come back onto his plantation in exchange for money, food, clothing, and housing; but Anderson not only turned the job down but asked his former master to pay back his owed wages to rebuild a positive opinion of his ex-master (“Letter from a freedman to his old master”). Anderson reveals the anger behind his enslavement from his former master’s request, which showed that the South never truly surrendered from the war.

The ratification of the 13th Amendment led to contrasting views of the definition of freedom. Many African Americans viewed freedom as equality under the law. Many whites, however, preferred to define freedom for African Americans as free from servitude. Anderson depicts this in his letter, “As to my freedom, which you say I can have, there is nothing to be gained on that score...” (p.2). After the emancipation of slavery, many whites continued to think that they were able to exercise control over former slaves. In their view, social hierarchy had not changed. Many African Americans continued to be treated as slaves, but were instead titled freedmen. Many whites preferred to believe the 13th Amendment was insignificant. Anderson addresses this point by subtly stating that his former master does not grant him freedom, the United States government does.

Anderson then addresses the wages that he and his wife ought to be recompensed for, “less their clothes and the three doctor’s visits they had” (p.2). He ironically incorporates this to highlight the negligible care they were given, they were degraded and humiliated. Anderson recognizes that he will never be compensated, his point in requesting remunerations is to emphasize that he too is human. The elegant and hospitable way of life in the old south was at the expense of African Americans.

Along with the floggings that underperforming slaves had endured, many women particularly adolescents, were sexually exploited. Rape, violence, and brutality was the norm in the old south. Anderson writes that he would rather “starve and die… than have my girls brought to shame by violence and wickedness of their young masters” (p.2). Although he criticizes his former master’s actions, he speaks of him in a principled manner, which demonstrates character. He intelligently acknowledges that he is the bigger person, and thus exercises power over his former master.

Jourdan Anderson is able to write this letter with a satirical tone due to his experience of masking his feelings as a slave. Although he uses no harsh language directed towards his former master he powerfully condemns his brutality. Anderson’s ability to freely express his thoughts can be accredited to the 13th amendment. His writing indicates a satirical patronizing tone, a tone that formerly carried consequences, “P.S.- Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me” (p.2). A close reading of his letter illustrates well thought out points on freedom, exploitation, and a glimpse into his character.