this is the second story (following the previous part) of the History task Slavery and Migration thingoes. this one's written from the point of view of a lord in the late 1800s, who has just had to free all his slaves (not related to the first story).
the prompt for this one was: if you were a plantation owner, what problems might arise if you had to free all your slaves? explain.
hope you enjoy, once again.
~
I groan, covering my eyes with barely calloused, lordly hands. I slouch at my desk, ignoring my wife's remarks about my posture, and ponder on what to do. It has been decreed that slavery is now illegal, and as the noble in charge of one of the biggest plantations in the state, that raises problems for me. My slaves have all walked away, and I now have no right to beat them. I am left alone with nothing but a useless estate and muddy boots. Darn it to hell! I shout, banging my hands on the desk.
Whatever's the matter, Christian? my wife, Margaret, asks, placing a concerned hand on my shoulder.
We'll be in debt by the end of the month! I cry, shoving the papers and documents further away from me. I would burn them if I could.
What? How could that happen? my wife asks, peering at the documents. Goodness knows why—I don't believe she can read.
Because of the negroes [1], Margaret! I sigh, throwing my hands up in the air. They worked for us, and now they are free. I cannot farm the crop myself, and I cannot come into possession of more slaves!
Keep a calm head, sweetheart, Margaret soothes. I'll go downstairs and make you a cup of tea.
What good will that do? I scoff, but she's already halfway down the stairs. I moan, a headache settling into the crevices of my skull. My family and I will face financial problems, and will soon be evicted from our house. After that, we'll live on the streets, and will be no better than the slaves that I previously possessed.
I sigh, turning my head to the window. It's all useless, I mutter.
[1] sorrysorrysorry! the use of this word was purely to add historical accuracy! i hate the word, but my History teacher recommended i try and make the story more realistic :/ sorry again
