A Troublesome Property: Master-Slave Relations in Florida, 1821-1865 Essay

In the excerpt, A Troublesome Property Master-Slave Relations in Florida, 1821-1865, the author, Larry Rivers, focuses on the interaction amidst bondsmen and master in Florida. It entails the theory that the master might claim the be of his property but could never quite dominate his or her soul. The soil of Florida was one that differed in several aspects from new(prenominal) states in the old entropy which it made known as a free state. There were no knuckle down laws and thus, it was considered a safe haven for many runaway slaves and the Seminole Indians. imputable to the fact that there were no slave laws, the slaves often rebel take against their masters. As a result of such rebellions, there was a discipline problem that led many owners to perceive their slaves as a perplexitysome property. The three areas that the slaves had trouble with their owners were spectral behavior, interpersonal relations, and impart. With regards to religion, many slave owners, such as, Zep haniah Kingsley and Judge Wilkerson believed that religious expressions were a form of independence and would threaten slave control. They believed that their slaves would become much empowered and have more bra precise and be more laborious to handle and more disobedient. However, other slave owners believed that it should be used as an instrument of control. When slaves were actually able to attend Christian services, it was by a white minister who taught them to obey their masters in order to be saved by God. However, if they disobeyed them, they would not be saved, but destined for damnation. some other aspect, in which there was controversy, was with interpersonal relations. Slave owners believed that if the slaves were married and maintained a family that it would lead to good behavior and higher productivity. Yet, there were many slave owners who did not want their slaves marrying other slaves from different plantations. Nor did these slave owners want their slaves having other slaves visit them or vice versa. The only reason that those slave owners at last complied is for the fact that the number of male slaves on certain properties began outnumbering the number of effeminate slaves. Slaves were then only allowed to marry if they vowed to remain loyal to their masters and unplowed working efficiently.Thework patterns of the slaves were another aspect that caused controversy. The legal system that gave planters imperative power was said to not ensure effective control of the shade or quantity of work performed. Slaves often resisted and insufficient supervision escalate problems. As a result, Slave owners were forced to compromise with the slaves allowing slaves to report to work subsequently sunrise and to work under less-immediate supervision than other plantations had. syndicate systems were also implemented to increase the efficiency and productivity of the workers. Nevertheless, many slaves were do poorly, resulting in the decision of sev ere punishments and threats of being sold. When that failed they resorted to positive inducements which included unnecessary days off during the holidays, additional food allotments, additional free time, or money. In my opinion, I believe the information provided was very insightful. Rivers gave an in knowledge understanding on the relationship between the slave masters and the slaves. It was very rewarding to know that not all slaves were submissive to their slave masters but rather many stood up for what they believe in. I praise all the slaves that were die hard enough to risk their own lifes to practice their religion the right way in secret. They knew what the repercussions would be virulent but they had to fight for what they believed in. I also want to praise the brave men and women who chose to fight back, like Douglass Dorsey who tried to poison his master after witnessing how brutally his mother was treated. The slaves used what they had to their advantage leaving th e slave owners no other choice but to bargain with them this is an epitome of how standing up for what you believe in can make a difference.