Slave Life in Georgia - African American History

Slave Life in Georgia 59
24.03.2006
As may be imagined, the slaves are brought from all parts, are of all sorts, sizes,
and ages, and arrive in various states of fatigue and condition; but they soon
improve in their looks, as they are regularly fed, and have plenty to eat. As soon
as we were roused in the morning, there was a general washing, and combing,
and shaving, pulling out of grey hairs, and dyeing the hair of those who were
too grey to be plucked without making them bald. When this was over--and it
was no light business--we used to breakfast, getting bread, and bacon, and
coffee, of which a sufficiency was given to us, that we might plump up and
become sleek. Bob would then proceed to instruct us how to show ourselves off,
and afterwards form us into companies, according to our size; those who were
nearly of the same height and make being put into separate lots; the men, the
women, and
Page 113
the children of both sexes, being divided off all alike. In consequence of this
arrangement, the various members of a family were of necessity separated, and
would often see the last of one another in that dreadful show-room. The buying
commenced at about ten in the morning, and lasted till one, during which time
we were obliged to be sitting about in our respective companies, ready for
inspection. At one we used to go to dinner, our usual food being a repetition of
the morning meal, varied with vegetables, and a little fruit sometimes. After
dinner we were compelled to walk, and dance, and kick about in the yard, for
exercise; and Bob, who had a fiddle, used to play up jigs for us to dance to. If
we did not dance to his fiddle, we used to have to do so to his whip, so no
wonder we used our legs handsomely, though the music was none of the best.
When our exercises were over, we used to be "sized out" again, ready for the
afternoon sale, which commenced at three, and ended at six. This over, we had
tea, and were then free to do what we liked in the pen, until Bob rang us off to
bed at ten.
Of course our ranks were constantly thinned by sales, and as constantly
recruited by fresh
Page 114
arrivals. Amongst other "nigger speculators" whom I remember bringing in their
coffles, were Williams from Washington, and Redford and Kelly from
Kentucky, and M`Cargo from Richmond, in Virginia, who was Freeman's
partner. It was surprising what large gangs they brought in, frequently filling the