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=Name: James McAfree= This is my first journal entry. Im keeping this as a record of my encounters with my briefing officer and subjects of study. I am James McAfree. I am 21 years old and currently enlisted and in service with the Union Spy forces. I'm under cover in the south as a store clerk in Columbia, South Carolina. If one of my associates finds this while I am still on duty then they are to burn this and bury the remains.

=A page from the journal of James McAfree= = =

Entry Number 1: Charles Sumner
Journal Entry: May 25, 1856.

Charles Sumner, poor fellow, was beaten with a cane a few days ago by Preston Brooks. Charles apparently said something that offended Mr. Brooks and Mr. Brooks let him know just how offended he was. I think that was a little too much, to beat a man for accidentally saying something that may offend you. That's why we are fighting this war, to end the leadership of those who treat other human beings as dirt. Rather it be owning slaves and forcing them to work against their will or beating senators. I really hope Charles is not too badly hurt. My job is in the field, so I don't care much for politics, but Sumner was a politician I could agree with. His anti-slavery views are what we need to see more of in people. His views are by my thoughts the most fair and humane. I hope to god that this war ends soon and what Charles' and all the other anti-slavery views are brought into our law system.

Entry Number 2: Underground Railroad
Journal Entry: November 3, 1863. I am feeling rather sorry for the unfortunate souls who are trapped down here as slaves. Winter is set in and all the slaves and runaways are nearly frozen through. I thank god for my small fireplace. It may not be much, but it's enough for me. I'm thinking about this because recently wanted posters went up for a large group of slaves. I was asked to join the hunt for them by Mr. Markson, the owner of the store I work for. Being undercover I had little choice but to accept his offer. I acted as though I was ill, on account of the ghastly weather, so that I may return home when we found the body of one of the runaways. He had died of the chill and striped of the most of his clothing to be used to keep the others warm. The rest continued north, and still haven't been found. I've seen parts of the railroad myself. I've help a few slaves to the north. It is a miracle I've not been caught. God bless all those who have taken that long hard journey. When I make my rare trips bak home up north I've met some of the freed slaves. I've heard their stories of trial, fear, and loss. From this day on I have decided to do what I can to help, however little it may be.



Entry Number 3: Abraham Lincoln
Log Entry: March 25, 1864.

I'm currently returning home from a brief meeting with the President. I was ordered to report back to him directly to let him know my findings so far in the south. He truly is a very modest man to be the leader of this nation. While in the capital I ate dinner with Abraham and shared that I haven't found anything that may give our troops much of an extra advantage. Not that we need it though. It seems to be a one-sided fight so far. Unless they unleash some kinda of secret weapon (which judging by what I've seen of their forces I highly doubt they do) we will most certainly win this war. Mr. Lincoln, although a slight bit annoyed that nothing had been found by any of our men, was glad to hear that we have the upper hand. Then again who wouldn't be happy to know that they are at favorable odds. Dinner with the President was pleasent. It was nice to eat well as opposed to what food you get on a store clerks salary. After talking about what we have, or lack there of for that matter, found we discussed what ideas he had to keep the war in our favor. As I should have known would happen he wouldn't discuss much else with with me. That's understandable, if I were captured he wouldn't want any information leaking to the south. I must end my entry now, for I am nearly home and it would not end favorably for me if I was found writing this.

Essential Questions
==1. How does one's understanding of slavery affect his understanding of the people and events of the 1850s and 1860s? It helps us understand what may have caused different opinions in different people and why they did what they did.==

==3. Was the Civil War the only means to end slavery in the United States? I think there were numerous ways that they could have dealt with the issue but the south wouldn't give up something that important to their economy without a fight.==

==4. What are some of the long-term effects of slavery that are linked to the people and events of the past? There is still today tension between races in some places because of the way slaves were treated back then.==