A view of Slavery from the inside.

It is what it is, My ancestors were slave owners, I've posted before about this.

I've been copying a journal of family lineage for a cousin - And ran across this page -

I've tried to transcribe it --


Slaves of Theophilus Tatum in the year 1850. (each slave worth $1.000.00)
They were set free by Abraham Lincoln when he violated his oath to the Constitution of the United States.
These Negros were all healthy, trained, gentle, happy and loved by all members of their masters family also much respected.  Any female member of his family could be left alone in the house or on the road for any length of time with perfect safety.  The ladies of the family looked upon them as good protectors.  Any of these slaves were sent at any time on errands, responsible errands for any member of the family.  They brought and carried the neighborhood news, This means of communication was common amongnst the planters in those days,  Negro messengers went to and fro on horseback for miles, bringing verbal or written news to friends and neighbors.

Names of the slaves --
Clary - Ellen - Braxton
Jemdma - Maria - Telemachus
Lucy - Lewis - Gesde - Albert.

I'll let you make your own conclusions !

Dave Tatum.