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Slavery -- Maryland Books
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United States. Work Projects Administration
Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume VIII, Maryland Narratives
"Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from…" is a collection of oral histories compiled between 1936 and 1938 by the Federal Writers' Project. Over 2,000 interviews with formerly enslaved individuals were documented across seventeen states, preserving their memories before the last generation disappeared. The collection sparked controversy due to predominantly white interviewers potentially influencing accounts during the Jim Crow era. These narratives offer crucial insights into enslaved life while raising complex questions about historical documentation, racial power dynamics, and whose voices truly emerge from the archive.
James W. C. Pennington
The Fugitive Blacksmith or, Events in the History of James W. C. Pennington, Pastor of a Presbyterian Church, New York, Formerly a Slave in the State of Maryland, United States
"The Fugitive Blacksmith" by James W.C. Pennington is a historical narrative written in the mid-19th century. This work recounts the harrowing experiences of the author, who was formerly a slave in Maryland and later became a pastor in New York. The central theme revolves around the author's escape from slavery, the brutal realities of the chattel system, and the subsequent fight for liberty and identity. Pennington's narrative sheds light on the complexities of slavery as experienced by the enslaved individuals, emphasizing the emotional and societal toll of such an oppressive institution. The opening of "The Fugitive Blacksmith" provides a poignant preface in which Pennington reflects on his past and the impetus behind his writing. He expresses a desire to combat misconceptions about slavery's so-called 'mild forms' and highlights the horrors that ensue from the chattel principle, which reduces human beings to property. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the cruelty faced by enslaved individuals, including a harrowing account of a fellow slave’s forced sale and degradation. As he details his birth and early life in slavery, Pennington’s narrative evokes empathy and provides a foundation for understanding his eventual quest for freedom—beginning with his determined flight and the struggles that accompany his quest for autonomy in a perilous socio-political landscape.
John L. Carey
Slavery in Maryland briefly considered
"Slavery in Maryland Briefly Considered" by John L. Carey is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work delves into the complexities of slavery in Maryland, addressing both its social implications and economic consequences. The author presents a critique of the institution while engaging with the societal attitudes toward slavery during a time of significant debate over emancipation. At the start of the text, the author introduces a correspondence with Dr. R. S. Stewart discussing the pressing issues surrounding slavery in Maryland and how the topic warrants public attention, especially amidst the backdrop of the upcoming elections. Carey expresses a belief that slaveholders, including himself, recognize the necessity for conversation on emancipation, which is described as a topic long enveloped in secrecy and taboo. He indicates a desire to explore the issue thoughtfully, aiming to unearth truths rather than instigate conflict, while hinting at potential pathways toward gradual emancipation. This establishes a foundation for an analytical yet empathetic exploration of one of America's most contentious social issues.
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