“I would rather stay here and starve and die if it come to that than have my girls brought to shame by the violence and wickedness of their young masters.” –Jourdon Anderson

After the Civil War masters had to accustom their life to the new political and social equality. Jourdon Anderson’s old master was foriegn to having to do his own work. He seeks his old slave, Jourdon, for his service. Col. P.H. Anderso promised a better life with better benefits and a safer environment. Unlike before where Jourdon almost was shot.

Society altered in a way whites were not prepared for. Even though blacks had limited freedom, they were people and not a possession. Jourdon demanded a formal payday, an education for his children, and pay for the services him and wife had provided in the past. Anderson had to accommodate his needs to his former slaves in order to have him come back and work for him.