Saray+Pineda

= *Sermiah* = = Well my name is Sermiah, I am 16 and I live on a rice plantation in Aiken county. My masters are Mr. and Mrs. Galway. My masters are very nice, unlike other masters who treat their slaves horrible. Master has186 slaves, and every one works well together. I live in a cabin with my sister, who is 19 and another lady who we call aunti. We dont know what happend to our family or our parents, so we live as a family of our own. Me and my sister work in the big house, usally cleaning and cooking. On Saturdays and Sundays we get the day off. Usally on these days, the familes use this time to do thier own chores and work on around the house; and I use it to read. = = //What's my opinion about Abraham Lincoln.//= =Today I heard my sister talking to Aunti about a man who was President several years ago. She was saying that he was the sixtenth president. That most people didn't like him, but some did. Aunti said she got to meet Mr. Lincoln when he was running for president. She said it was such an honor to meet the man who would soon be helping the slaves. = =As she started to talk I got confortable on the chair to listen. She kept going by saying that he was born on Febuaray 12, 1809 in Hardin County, Kentuky. Grew up in a house that despised slavery. Before indians killed his grandgather. Lincoln's older sister and younger brother died at infancy. Later he moved to Indiana on account of slavery. He grew up always near the forest, andwent to school for a total of a year. He knew how to read and right. Then his mother died in 1818. Later he served in the Black Hawk War. Also, he ran for lesilature for four years, and always won them. As he got older he studied law and became a lawyer in 1836. INn 1860 he was elected president. "Always aginst slavery" Aunti said. = =I think Lincoln was a very big impact for all slaves. He was VEry brave also.I think if it wasn't for him other things wouldn't have happpend to help slaves. = = = ==

// What's my opinion about Nat Turner. //
Today I heard some of the elderly talking about a man named Nat Turner, or something like that. The name of this man caught my attention, but I don't know why. I got closer to listen, luky for me they were about to start the conversation. One of the men started by saying that Turner was born in Southampton, Virginia in October 2, 1800. He was son of a slave and property of Benjamen Turner. Turners mom and grandmother were brought from Africa. As a child Turner belived that God had choosen him to lead slaves out of slavery. He also started seeing visions. While working in the feilds, he would see drops of blood on the corn. As he grew up he became a preacher. Then he was sold to Joseph Travis. Turner thought about many rebellions, but many never happened. On August 21, Turner and 7 other slaves killed the master and his family. During the rebellion 55 whites were killed. Over 3000 militia were sent to deal with Turner, and 100 innocent slaves were killed. When they came Turner turned to hide. Six weeks later, he was executed on November5, 1831. Sadly on Noveber 11, 1831 Turner was hung and skinned. My opinion about Turner is that he was a very brave man! It took lots of courage and hope to do what he did. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't have the courage to do what he did.

// What is my opinion about the Mexican-American War. //
 Today is Saturday, and everyone has agreed to have a bonfire tonight. I love having them because we tell stories, dance, and eat. Usally the master attends too. I am so excited and I can't wait. Next day.......... Everyone is talking about yesterday's gathering. Talking about all the fun we had and the different stories. The story I heard mostly every one talking about was the one about the Mexican American War. I evan enjoyed it myself. The story goes like this...... The war was fought between USA and Mexico, fought from 1846-1849, when Texas joined the union. Polk wanted Rio Grande, New Mexico, and California. Mexico then attacked Taylor's army at Rio Grande at the same time. Taylor sent agents to California to start a revolt on the mexican goverment. On Febuary 1848, the Treaty of Gauadalupe- Hidalgo ended the conflict. Now Rio Grande, N. Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and California belonges to United States. This session was also known as the Mexican Session. In four years, US controlled all territory west of the Louisiana purchase. US was guilty of the outright aggression against Mexico. That's all I can remember because I fell asleep. My opinion about this war is that it was a big impact on everyone not only the slaves but everyone. VS

==//1. How does one's understanding of slavery affect his understanding of the people and events of the 1850s and 1860s?// I think it's different because people have different information. Some people are against slavery and others are not. ==

// 3. Was the Civil War the only means to end slavery in the United States? //
No, the Civil War was not the only mean that wanted to end slavery. All the slave acts and the comprimises also wanted to help slaves. Also there was the Kansas-Nabraska crisis, Summer affair, Harpers Ferry, and Lincolns election.

== //4. What are some of the long-term effects of slavery that are linked to the people and events of the past?// Some people actually have ansecstor's that were slaves. Everyone worked together to get to freedom. ==