Slave Stories: A Life During Slavery By Della Briscoe

Slave narratives offer a first person account of the experiences of individuals and their experiences during slavery. They can also provide much insight into the realities of the past. In an interview by Adella S. Dixon on July 28, 1937, Della Briscoe tells the story of her time as a slave on the Georgia plantation. Della Briscoe lived on a large plantation in Putnam County, Georgia owned by David Ross. He was described by Mrs. Briscoe as the richest planter in the county. Times during slavery were difficult. Slaves were expected to work all day, six days a week for nothing more than housing and food. They were whipped for misbehaving, and sickness was insignificant. However, she described a life that was not as terrible as other slaves suffered. While punishment on the Ross Plantation was administered, it was not as severe as on other …show more content…
Briscoe stated that “sickness was negligible.” Slaves continued to work throughout almost any condition they suffered from. However, Mr. Ross took precautions such as giving doses of tonic, calomel, and salts to protect against his slaves becoming ill and spreading disease. In case of diseases, those infected were quarantined while only one other slave came in contact and cared for them. Also, in the case of death on the Ross Plantation or neighboring residences, work was suspended until after the burial of the dead. Allowing slaves to take time to mourn the loss of others shows that Mr. Ross had some respect for the slaves he owned. Moreover, slaves the resided on the Ross Plantation were given Sunday as a day of rest and were allowed to participate in religious gathers unlike on other plantations. Slaves were even allowed to join the church after seeking the approval of the master. In addition, like on most plantations, courtships were short and couples were encouraged to be married. The marriage of slaves benefited the owner in multiple ways including more children born to become