- 272 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About This Book
A sweeping and original look at American slavery in the early nineteenth century that reveals the gamble slaves had to take to survive Images of American slavery conjure up cotton plantations and African American slaves locked in bondage until the Civil War. Yet early on in the nineteenth century the state of slavery was very different, and the political vicissitudes of the young nation offered diverse possibilities to slaves. In the century's first two decades, the nation waged war against Britain, Spain, and various Indian tribes. Slaves played a role in the military operations, and the different sides viewed them as a potential source of manpower. While surprising numbers did assist the Americans, the wars created opportunities for slaves to find freedom among the Redcoats, the Spaniards, or the Indians. Author Gene Allen Smith draws on a decade of original research and his curatorial work at the Fort Worth Museum in this fascinating and original narrative history. The way the young nation responded sealed the fate of slaves for the next half century until the Civil War. This drama sheds light on an extraordinary yet little known chapter in the dark saga of American history.
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Table of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright Notice
- Dedication
- Contents
- Illustrations
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1Â Â Black Soldiers in North America: âNever of any use after they have carried armsâ
- 2Â Â Fighting in the North 1807â13 and on the Seas: âAbsolutely insensible to dangerâ
- 3Â Â The Florida Patriot War of 1812: âFor freedom we want and will haveâ
- 4Â Â Terror in the Chesapeake, 1813â14: âNegroes who were anxious to join usâ
- 5Â Â Washington, Baltimore, and Other Targets: âOur enemy at homeâ
- 6Â Â War along the Southern Coasts, 1814: âThat pride of distinction, which a soldierâs pursuits so naturally inspireâ
- 7Â Â Different Places, Same Results, 1815 and After: âThey were in every sense of the word Free Menâ
- Epilogue
- Notes
- Index
- Copyright