by S A Ison
John Anderson officiated over the funeral, please to see the turnout, as well as the sentiment. It made him feel safe in his own little world. Anderson hadn’t cared much for Clark, but Clark had gotten the job done, and was quick and efficient with the distasteful tasks. He hoped that Tall Tom would do just as well. Other owners reveled in beating and abusing their slaves. Not so with John Anderson, he had always felt uncomfortable with it. His father, Terrance, had been heavy handed and was a mean-spirited man. John had felt his father’s leather strap many a time. But John hadn’t cared for how his father had treated the women, just as cruel. His father had called him soft and womanish.
John had visited other plantations and farms for social visits, he had seen the deplorable shape of the slave quarters, and the half-starved slaves. It had turned his stomach. When John had stepped into the role as head of household, he had implemented changed. He imagined when his son, Theo took over, he too would make his own changes.
His father had passed down the slaves and the farm to him. John’s older brother, Seth, had his own large farm near Savannah. John had been a reluctant master, but knew it was necessary to get the work done and it was the only thing he knew. Clark had come to him about twenty-two years ago. Anderson had been having trouble getting his slaves to work. He remembered Tall Tom’s father, Ned; Ned had instigated a lot of the dissent among the slaves.
Clark had come and restored order and compliance. He hadn’t liked Lester Clark’s methods, but he did like the results. He had kept Clark on, even though Clark had killed one of his most expensive slaves. That had been Tall Tom’s father, Ned. Tom had only been ten when it happened, and Anderson had told Clark to take Tom under his wing. Clark hadn’t liked it, but did as he was instructed.
Anderson had also known about Clark predilection for the women and had turned a blind eye. Clark hadn’t brought a wife with him, and Anderson knew the urge could become great. He himself had taken his lust out a time or two on the dusky wenches. His wife had been in a delicate way and he needed release during the nine months of abstinence.
Time would only tell if Tall Tom would be a good overseer. Tom had always taken over when Clark was off on a task of some sort. He had done well in the past. He looked over the sad and wet faces and wondered why they where that broken up about the loss of the overseer? Anderson shook his head; he would never understand the slave psyche.
Anderson heard of slave uprisings across the country and had attributed it to the horrendous conditions of the slaves, such as those mirrored on neighboring plantations and farms. He had also heard the grumbling up north; he knew there was a big brouhaha about to erupt. The patrols had been stepped up and there were fights in the legislature. Anderson needed his slaves; he could not keep the level of prosperity without them. He took good care of his slaves, ensuring they had food enough and good living quarters.
He even allowed them to grow their own gardens and to go hunting from time to time to supplement their diet, as well as raise their own chickens. He allowed them to make their own cloths, providing them with several lengths of cloth every Christmas, as well as hide shoes. Though many opted to go bare footed. He was generous at Christmas and let them rest on Sundays. Anderson felt he was a very liberal slave owner. Byron Grover thought he was too liberal, but Anderson was his own man. He also thought as himself a good man, as well as a Godly man.
John Anderson watched as the slaves filed by, dropping handfuls of earth onto the roughly made box. He saw Mary, and was glad she was feeling better. She looked a little pale, but otherwise, hale and hardy. He hoped she would be back up at the house later, Victoria had been asking for her. It was strange how Victoria loved the girl. She looked nothing like their daughter Megan, but she had such sweetness to her, that she reminded them of Megan, he was glad Victoria had her.
A week later, Dark Henry stood nervously before his master, his felt hat in hand, almost crushed beyond recognition. Tall Tom had brought Henry up to the main house to see the master on a personal matter. Tom had left long ago, and Henry stood silently awaiting his master’s pleasure. Sweat dripping down his face, he was nervous around so many delicate things. He felt as though he were a bull around chicken eggs.
Anderson finished his breakfast and turned his attention to his blacksmith standing like a statue, against the wall. He walked out, telling Dark Henry to follow him into the yard. Like a dark angel, Henry followed behind his master, solemn and quiet. The sun had already risen and both men headed to the smithy shed.
“What’s on your mind Henry?” Anderson asked, looking around the large cooperage.
“Suh, I got a request ta ask. I want ta marry Mary, Ida’s daughter. I been courtin’ her for some time now.” Henry said, trying to keep the trembling out of his voice. This was a ticklish business. If the master said no, then all his dreams would be crushed and his heart broken. There would be nothing he could do about it.
John Anderson looked at the earnest young man, sizing him up. “Will you take good care of our Mary? Your mistress would be sorely displeased if you didn’t.”
“Yes suh! I’ll take good care of her; I love her powerful much, suh.” Henry said, his heart racing with excitement and joy.
Anderson smiled and clapped the younger man on his broad shoulder.
“Well then, I guess I can’t stand in the way of love. Go ahead and marry your woman. I’ll tell the mistress, I’m sure she’ll want to make plans for a special wedding.”
“Oh yes, yes suh. Thank you, suh.” Henry said, feeling like he could float on air. He watched as Anderson headed back to the house. Henry turned to Gabe, who was grinning and shaking his head.
“Congratulations, Henry. You’re a lucky man.” Gabe said and turned back to hammering a wheel band. Henry wanted to run to Mary at that very moment, but he knew he needed to get back to work. Later this evening he’d tell her. He wanted to weep and laugh at the same time.
As it was, the wedding took several weeks to plan, Victoria was in a dither of happiness. She insisted that Mary should have a glorious wedding dress and wedding day. Ida was thrilled, she and Liza cooked for two days, preparing for the special day. Even Cookie assisted Ida with the food preparation. It was unprecedented, one of their own was going to be married with all the pomp and ceremony reserved only for whites.
On a crisp autumn afternoon, October 15st 1860, Mary Anderson stood before John Anderson, who held a bible. Mary was resplendent in a cream-colored organdy gown, that shimmered and caught the light. Ida had done Mary’s hair, braiding it intricately into a crown on the top of her head. Ida wove small white wildflowers into her daughter’s hair. Mistress Anderson had given them the veil she had worn at her own wedding so many years ago.
Ida smiled at Dark Henry, who was dressed out in one of the hand-me-down suites from Anderson’s middle son, Samuel. Ida and Liza had altered it, making the shoulders wider to fit Henry’s wide frame. Henry looked like a swell, buffed and proud. His bald pate glistened with sweat, his nervousness obvious. Henry wore his work boots, though they had been dusted off and brushed to a dull shine. He sported a rose from the mistress’s flower garden and felt very handsome indeed.
The couple stood before their master; heads bowed in prayer as John Anderson’s voice boomed out over the crowd. Mistress Anderson wept softly into an embroidered handkerchief, joy and sorrow stamped on her lined face. Ida knew that this should have been Megan, her beloved daughter. Ida also knew that the mistress loved Mary and had taken Mary into her heart. Mary looked so beautiful, like a queen, regal and elegant. She was tall and slender, a faint blush to her soft cheeks.
Ida stood watching the mistress and knew the woman thought of her own lost daughter. Mary was stunning. How had she grown into such a beautiful woman? Where was her little girl? Tears anew came flooding down as she smiled and watched. Ida had been feeling poorly, but with all the preparation and this beautiful day, she was feeling better. She knew her days were numbered and she hoped she would be able to see her first
grandchild. She looked on with love and pride. The couple elegantly decked out; they were a handsome duo. They would have beautiful babies and she prayed that with the mistress’s love for Mary, they wouldn’t take the babies away from her.
Mary was so happy and she felt so beautiful that she knew she would burst from pure rapture. Henry was so handsome in his suit, though he looked uncomfortable. Her mouth trembled when she smiled, she was so nervous, her mind kept going to what would happen later that evening. Clark hadn’t taken her virginity and she was thankful she would go to her husband chase and pure. Around her, Mary saw happy faces. Her eyes lingered on her mother. Mary knew her mother hadn’t been feeling well, but today, Ida glowed with joy, as though lit from within. The mistress was weeping softly and Mary thought they were happy tears. She was surrounded by her friends and her mother. She was about to marry this wonderful man. Mary didn’t think she would ever be this happy again.
Henry’s heart slammed into his chest; he was afraid all those around would hear it. Mary looked so beautiful and he almost cried when he first saw her, his bottom lip had quivered madly. Henry blink rapidly, to chase the unmanly tears away. He had known Mary all her life, and had always loved her, but he had never realized just how very beautiful she was. His chest swelled with pleasure, knowing that she would be his. He was thankful that the master had permitted the wedding and because Mary was so special to the mistress, they might not be separated or sold. He could only hope it would be so.
The words flowed over them like butterflies, and then the broom was brought out, it had ribbons tied to it. The slaves cheered and laughed when the broom was set before the couple. Shyly, Mary stepped up to the broom, everyone started shouting, “Turn round gal!” The crowd clapped as Mary turned around. Gathering up her long gown, Mary prepared to jump. As graceful as a doe, Mary leaped backwards and Henry followed. A great roar erupted, shouts and laughter followed, the deed was done, they were married. Victoria walked up to Mary, tears coming freely. She enfolded the tall girl within her arms, rocking her back and forth.
“You look like an angel Mary, an angel. I’m so happy for you darling.” Victoria sobbed, moved by the wonderful ceremony. Mary returned her mistress’s hug, touched that the older woman cared so much. She had graciously made this all possible and Mary was honored by her mistress’ benevolence. Smiling down at Victoria, she too had tears of joy in her eyes. She pulled Victoria’s hands up to her mouth and gently kissed them.
“Thank you for giving me this mistress, thank you for everything.” Mary said softly.
Victoria cried all the harder and John came over to escort his wife to the divan on the porch. He came back to the couple and told them, “As a wedding gift, your mistress and I are giving you the sanctuary of our home, neither of you will be sold, nor will your children or grandchildren. You will remain here, together with our family, our children and theirs.” John Anderson told them.
Henry and Mary were stunned, beyond mere words. Unsure of what to say, Mary simply thanked him for his kindness. She would never be sold, nor would she see her children ripped from her, as her friends had been. Dark Henry thanked Anderson profusely, knowing that he always had a home here with his family. Without Clark, life had been better, richer. Work was always hard, but he didn’t have to fear for Mary. Now he didn’t have to fear for her or his future children being taken from them. In an uncertain world, it was an anchor of hope.
Music floated on the cool wind, as the slaves danced and sang. Food was placed out on boards set up on sawhorses. The planks fairly groaned and bent with the weight of the food. There had been a large hog slaughtered, that had been put on a spit, started roasting since the night before. Two boys turned the spit, while one of the older girls basted the large animal. Its crispy brown skin invited many to pick and sample the tender delicious meat.
There were plates of fried chicken, fried deer stake, fried potatoes, fried okra, snap beans, soup beans with ham hocks and plates and bowls filled to over flowing with puddings, fruit, cakes and on and on. The children ran back and forth, snatching bits from the bounty. Their mothers scolding them and then eating some as well.
John and Victoria danced along with the slaves; it had been too long for them. They laughed and enjoyed the food and fellowship. Theo brought out Peach whisky for the adults, along with apple cider and homemade beer. John Anderson was careful to put only a few jugs of each, he didn’t approve of drunkenness and with his overseer’s death, he didn’t want any more untoward accidents happening. A large bonfire was lit as evening turned the skies to lavender.
Ida and Liza sat watching the young people dance and make fools of themselves. The women laughed and held Liza’s grandsons, all five. Nan had delivered her fifth son last week. The small baby boy was held snug within his mother’s arms. They had named him Samuel, after the master’s middle son and he was a joyful baby, happily looking at the world around him. Samuel was handed off to his grandmother and then Ida.
Mary laughed and danced with Henry, both were hot and happy. The sun was setting and the chill was growing, but no one noticed. The large bonfire cast long shadows on the dancers and the dancing continued well into the night. The master and mistress bid them good night and went into the house.
Theo stayed out with the young people, laughing and dancing just as hard. Theodor had a sweetheart, but she had gone to Savannah, on a shopping trip. Her name was Sarah Calhoun, her family had a large plantation close to Savannah. Sarah had six other sisters, she was the oldest, seventeen. Theo had met her last year at a social gathering at the Calhoun house. He had been taken by her beauty and charm. He wished she were here, she so loved to dance.
Theo had started taking over much of the running of the farm, his father wanted him to run it when he was too old. Theo had many new ideas about agriculture and was eager to try them out. He liked getting out and trying new methods. He rode periodically with Clark, but didn’t like the way the man ran things. It was a bit of a relief, he was ashamed to say, that since Clark had died, things had run more smoothly.
He went out with Tall Tom and observed the way the man worked. Tom was a few years older than he and he respected the slave’s opinion. He had discussed several of his ideas and both had traded off on one method of crop rotation over another. Tom was a hard taskmaster, but he was fair, working just as hard as the others, getting down at times and lending a hand.
Theo noticed Patina, looking at him, from across the fire. Her eyes inviting him toward her. He smiled, looking around nervously. Nobody was paying attention. He looked back over to the lovely young woman, and she nodded over to the slave quarters, and turned and walked away. His heart racing, and his face flushed, Theo followed her, like a lovesick puppy. He had known her all her life and thought she was one of the most beautiful women he’d seen in his life.
He had missed her when he’d been away at school. He knew that it had been a childhood crush. But when he had returned from school, Theo had been struck anew by her beauty and grace. He couldn’t seem to keep her eyes from her as she went about her duties in the house. Henry had rolled his eyes when he’d caught Theo gawking at her. Theo grinned and moved faster, leaving the revelers behind.
SIX
Ida watched the by play between Patina and Theo and nudged Liza, both snickered as they watched the young master being led by his nether regions. All young men were alike, whether black or white, when it came to pretty young women, they always lost their heads. It looked as though Theo was floating along the grass, the soft laughter of the mulatto drifted back to him, pulling him irresistibly to her, like a compass to true north.
The older women rolled their eyes and laughed good and hard. Lawd, he’s just like his daddy, Ida thought. John had come to see her when Victoria had been pregnant with Megan. It had been so long ago. They were old now, John, Victoria and she. Where had the time gone? When had she gotten so old? Looking over to her lovely daughter, she watched as Dark Henry took her hand and led her to their cabin. Ida
would be staying with Liza tonight, giving the couple some privacy. Mary had wanted to stay in their cabin, she wanted her mother to live with them.
Ida had been reluctant, but Henry had insisted, his own mother had been sold years ago, and he lived with the bachelors.
“I couldn’t think of it. Mary would grieve if she didn’t have you near. You’ve always been like a mother to me, after my own mother was sold.” Henry had told her. It had been a hard day for Henry when his mother had been sold. The master’s gift for the couple and their children never being sold was something. Ida didn’t know if it would last out the generations, but they could hope so. Their lives were lived in a precarious state. It was a fact of life and none of them could escape it. Their lives had very few choices and no autonomy.
The music and lights were left behind as Mary and Henry walked hand in hand to their cabin. The women had fixed it up for their wedding night. Garland and wildflowers were scattered about the cabin, filling it with a heady floral fragrance. Bright clean sheets had been placed on the cornhusk bed; beeswax tapers lit the cabin. It was like a fairyland in the small cabin, cozy and intimate. There were covered dishes on the small table, piled with food.
Mary didn’t know who was more nervous, she or Henry, who was shaking and sweating. Quietly closing the door, Henry stood quietly, not sure of what to do next. He shifted from foot to foot. Mary smiled gently; her mother had explained to her what would happen that night. She told her not to be afraid and if she were patient, she would enjoy being loved by her man.
“I don’t rightly know what ta do next.” Henry said softly, his eyes luminous. Mary grinned and took his large hand in her small one.
“I know Henry, momma told me what to do.” Mary almost laughed out loud when the look of profound relief washed over Henry’s handsome face. She pulled him toward the bed, whispering the instructions her mother gave her. Henry’s smile grew brighter and all of a sudden, the small cabin seemed mighty hot inside as they helped each other undress.
