Louisa: The Greensboro Years
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Louisa: The Greensboro Years has several themes. This page highlights Louisa's attempts to "do something" about the institution of slavery, beginning in her own home.
Other themes will appear in the future in blog entries, via the mail list, or on this page.
Excerpts:
***
[Methodists organized members into male and female "classes" -- covenant groups who met for scripture, prayer, and service.]
Last week for our ladies' Wednesday class meeting, Lilah--who accompanies me when she is in town--joined me.
I had a prayer request.
"Please, sisters," I began, "pray for me as I discern how I might help my slaves. I am seeking to know each one better, as I believe my Christian duty is to care for them as I am able."
"Oh heavens," Mrs. Wilcox exclaimed. "We have over fifty, most of them born in Africa. I do not comprehend them, especially since they do not speak English properly."
"We have so many, too!" Mrs. Reynolds chimed in. "Frankly, amongst us here, I admit to being afraid of them. There are two house servants who I am struggling to better understand, however. They might have to tend to me someday!"
"Ladies," Lilah interjected, "Mrs. LeBois is doing her best as a Christian. I find nothing at fault with her request."
There was a stirring. I heard Mrs. Reynolds mumble, "Those two women are thick as thieves and have an unhealthy relation to their Negroes."
"I can hear you perfectly, Mrs. Reynolds," I responded, "and I am straining to remember Christian charity at this moment." I wanted to shake a fist, too, but refrained.
***
[Louisa addresses the slave Ishmael, offering to teach him to read the Bible.]
“Teaching slaves to read and write is against the law in Alabama. But instructing on religious subjects is not anything the constable wants to fool with.”
Ishmael took off his hat.
“Da good book and me, we git along.” said Ishmael.
“Are you meaning that you do not wish to join us?”
“ I don’ want no trouble.”
I placed my hand on my hips, then crossed my arms, and rubbed my chin.
“Yes, I can see why. Well, they have not arrested or punished anyone around Greensboro for reading or teaching. And the constable and Rufus are good friends. And, the Methodists have conducted classes since before they formed the state, and no one disturbs them.”
***
[Some time later after Louisa has been teaching two female slaves to read more than just the Bible, John LeBois speaks to his wife.]
"Louisa, Mr. Grimes stopped by the shop yesterday. He said there was talk Black Judith was learning somewhere other than at church... Grimes implied he may bring it up to the board of trustees, or even inform the bishop." ...
Since these grumblings affect my husband's reputation, I must reconsider. And yet, can I turn my back on doing something certain not to lead to insurrection--the fear so many slave-owners in the church have? When teaching is a way I can help?