In August 1864, soldiers of the Union Army freed Jourdon Anderson and Amanda, his wife, from a life of slavery spent on a plantation in whom they had served their master for a miserable 32 years. The couple fled to Ohio in hopes that an opportunity for gainful employment would arise. A year later, Patrick Henry Anderson, Jourdon's previous master, sent him an anguished letter asking him to save his ailing business by serving him again. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe response Jourdon gave to the one who had robbed him and his enslaved family of vitality and ensured that his life was never close to the equality of the life lived by a white man was full of grace and good wishes, despite how miserable his master had been to him for 32 consecutive years. This letter addresses several issues that have impressed readers. Jourdon expresses his skepticism that his former master would actually change the way he treated his slaves. The treatment of African Americans during this time period was usually along the lines of cruelty and abuse. Jourdon boldly states that being under the control of a white master was never enjoyed by any slave. Slaves were often beaten, threatened, and occasionally executed. He also addresses the fact that mutual trust was non-existent, which led him to ask that, as an indication of true trust and gratitude, money be preferred for his previous service. Furthermore, due to the fury and anger that slaves had for their previous owners, the response would be ruthless and harsh, making Jourdon's letter a very bold statement and reflection on his character. In the letter, Jourdon does not outright oppose the offer, but instead questions his and his growing family's intentions of well-being, security and financial means should he return as they were currently living stable lives. Newly freed slaves had to persist in a world that turned against them, leaving them no choice but to be brave. The concept of free labor was absurd to some white individuals, thus placing emphasis on the survival of freed slaves. In other cases, not only have the perpetrators accepted this idea, but the victims have also accepted this idea because they have lived in fear and mistreatment for so long, making this the vilest feature of slavery. The life of inequality was brainwashed into the heads of many slaves as they had never known a different life. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Jourdon Anderson never returned to serve for his previous master. In 1907, at the age of 81, he died. Six years later his wife did the same and they were buried next to each other. I suppose this could also serve as an example of karma. In exchange for the grace and forgiveness he had given to the one who had controlled his life for 32 years and made every day nearly unbearable, he was able to live a long life surrounded by the people who meant the most to him..