Ah, the smoky smell of the shop. I love it. After twenty five years, it's a part of me. Mrs. McGrady just ordered some pieces for her fireplace. I think I'll give young Peter a try at them. He's been a promising apprentice so far.

My name is Daniel. I was born on this plantation 8 years ago. My father works hard in the field all day long. Master sold my mother and sister when I was 5. Someday I will find them. It will help that every day, I meet in secret with Rebecca who has been teaching me to read.

Gabriel is out of control! I should sell that brute, but he is my best picker. He's been lashed twice in the last month and still he's disobedient.

I can't wait for my contract to expire. Mr. Miller is the meanest man I know. He barely feeds me at all. He beats me sometimes too. I only have one more month before I'll be free of my debt.

I spend most of my day in the kitchen. My day starts early because I must prepare breakfast for my family. Lifting the heavy pots to and from the fire all day makes me very tired. I also take care of my children.

People from my village were captured and they took us on to ships. We were chained and traveled for weeks to a new land. What will happen to us?

We must hurry or we'll be late for the social at the Merryweather Plantation. My daughter will play the piano this evening for us. I plan to enjoy myself tonight before I leave for Williamsburg tomorrow. We have an important vote coming up.

Father is taking me to live with Mr. Jackson tomorrow. The two agreed that I am to learn to be a Blacksmith. Father reminds me that someday I'll open my own shop.

I just bought another two acres from Mr. Beckham. My oldest son Thomas and his brother Michael are old enough now, I can set them to clearing the fields of trees and rocks.

I was strolling the docks of London, when I saw the ad for help in America. Maybe I'll sign a contract and apply for passage on the next ship bound for Boston.

I'll be forever grateful to Mr. Owens for releasing me in his will. He was a good man to see me freed. I just bought my first plot of land!

Charles is off to Williamsburg today on business. While he is gone, I will make sure the servants do all that is required in the house and that the slaves attend to the fields.

I own my own land and spend my money on whatever I want. Someday I hope I can vote too.

They call me “property.” It was aterrible journey over the water. Many of us died. Then my children were taken from me. What can I do?

Not all Southerners live on plantations. In fact, most people like me grow crops like tobacco on small pieces of land. I’m glad I have my four kids to help out.

I haven’t spent much time in school, but instead learned how to take care of my home and family. I’m not allowed to vote.

Mr. Jackson paid for my passage to America and since then I have been working in his tobacco fields. He treats me well, but I can’t wait for my contract time to end.

People like me can be found mainly in the South. I rely on slaves or indentured servants to work in my fields.

I live in a small village and work very hard in my shop. My apprentice, Thomas, is a fast learner.