The article mentioned that this letter was dictated by the slave, whom most likely could still not read or write. My guess is that the English was also corrected during the dictation.
I have to agree that this could be a fake or just rewritten. It's very good English for a past slave, who more than likely would not have been able to read or write until he was freed, though I do realize that many studied by candlelight in their huts at night.
It was interesting a worthy if true.
The language and terms just don't seem right for that time period. I'm no means an expert, but I would definitely have a couple of real experts analyse it before making any declarations of authenticity. There are lots of fakes out there.
I'd suggest not only checking the language, but also try to cross reference the specified pay rates, the existence of a school that admits ex-slaves at that time in Dayton Ohio, and the existence of Adams's Express as well.
As to the microfiche of the original, it's not worth the cellulose it's recorded on. You can not examine many of the ageing characteristics from that, and the visual ones it does record are rather easily faked, just ask any antiquities forger or authenticator.
Maybe it's real, but without more substantial evidence, it seems very hoaxish.
I wouldn't want to refute your seemingly acute sense of smell, and you don't seem to be one that "buys bridges", but rest assured, the micro fiche of the printed story from the 19th century is available.
Many people in the comments are suggesting this letter is a fake. Here is the micro-fiche scan of the letter as reprinted in the New York Daily Tribune in 1865.
I believe that the article was published in 1865. I also believe that it was a fake even then. All the microfiche does is show that that a letter was published, not that it is authentic. ;-)
I think the general consensus is that Jourdan Anderson and this letter were real, but the letter was probably a collaborative work aimed at publication and political attention.
hediggmeJan 31, 2012Buried
That was one of the most polite "f**k yous" I've ever read. $11,680 roughly translates to $164k in 2010 dollars.
RujabesJan 31, 2012Buried
Beautifully written. To be so calm interacting with a face of frothing injustice is quite a virtue.
"Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me." Classic.
marcglezJan 31, 2012Buried
The part that moved me the most was his explanation of seeking a good education for his children.
tylorlilesJan 31, 2012Buried
go big or go home..ftw!!!
caseycooldJan 31, 2012Buried
...older than the internet. No, really:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6790780585_466117fe88_o.jpg
Very interesting read. I am a fan of justice.
zero123Feb 1, 2012Buried
you smell funny
raphcFeb 1, 2012Buried
I doubt the former "master" ever thanked George Carter for this gentleman. I hope someone did.
flpflpflpFeb 1, 2012Buried
The article mentioned that this letter was dictated by the slave, whom most likely could still not read or write. My guess is that the English was also corrected during the dictation.
Maybe it was written by one of his daughters.
grannysrightJan 31, 2012Buried
I have to agree that this could be a fake or just rewritten. It's very good English for a past slave, who more than likely would not have been able to read or write until he was freed, though I do realize that many studied by candlelight in their huts at night.
It was interesting a worthy if true.
niceguyvanFeb 1, 2012Buried
Agreed
barasawaFeb 1, 2012Buried
The language and terms just don't seem right for that time period. I'm no means an expert, but I would definitely have a couple of real experts analyse it before making any declarations of authenticity. There are lots of fakes out there.
I'd suggest not only checking the language, but also try to cross reference the specified pay rates, the existence of a school that admits ex-slaves at that time in Dayton Ohio, and the existence of Adams's Express as well.
As to the microfiche of the original, it's not worth the cellulose it's recorded on. You can not examine many of the ageing characteristics from that, and the visual ones it does record are rather easily faked, just ask any antiquities forger or authenticator.
Maybe it's real, but without more substantial evidence, it seems very hoaxish.
floepieFeb 1, 2012Buried
I wouldn't want to refute your seemingly acute sense of smell, and you don't seem to be one that "buys bridges", but rest assured, the micro fiche of the printed story from the 19th century is available.
zero123Feb 1, 2012Buried
"Surely there will be a day of reckoning for those who defraud the laborer of his hire." nice
floepieFeb 1, 2012Buried
Many people in the comments are suggesting this letter is a fake. Here is the micro-fiche scan of the letter as reprinted in the New York Daily Tribune in 1865.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/read-this-amazing-letter-from-an-ex-slave-to-his-former-master-2012-1#ixzz1l9VVhTyw
breadfredFeb 1, 2012Buried
Read the story. Did you see the link to the microfiche? No fake.
Kids these days...good to see some skepticism, but no reading talent.
rocannonFeb 1, 2012Buried
I believe that the article was published in 1865. I also believe that it was a fake even then. All the microfiche does is show that that a letter was published, not that it is authentic. ;-)
breadfredFeb 1, 2012Buried
So do I. I had some Maccy D's earlier today.
breadfredFeb 1, 2012Buried
Are you suggesting vanzant38 did not read the story?
aky_09Feb 1, 2012Buried
beautifully humerous...
theyarFeb 1, 2012Buried
I think the general consensus is that Jourdan Anderson and this letter were real, but the letter was probably a collaborative work aimed at publication and political attention.