Frederick Douglass
Douglass was born in Talbot County, Maryland, though he does not know the year, as most slaves are not allowed to know their ages. Douglass remembers being unhappy and confused that white children knew their ages, but he was not allowed even to ask his own. He estimates, based on an overheard comment from his master, that he was born in or around 1818. Douglass's mother is Harriet Bailey, daughter of Isaac and Betsey Bailey. Douglass is separated from his mother soon after birth-a common practice among slave owners. Douglass assumes that this custom is intended to break the natural bond of affection between mother and child. He recalls that he only saw his mother on the rare occasions when she could walk twelve miles after dark to lie next to him at night. Harriet dies when Douglass is about seven. He is told about it afterward and is hardly affected by the news. Douglass knows only that his father is a white man, though many people say that his master is his father. He explains that slaveholders often impregnate their female slaves. A law ensures that mixed‑race children become slaves like their mothers. Thus slaveholders actually profit from this practice of rape, as it increases the number of sla
In Baltimore, Hugh Auld apprentices Douglass to a shipbuilder named William Gardner. Though Douglass remains with Freeland for another year in 1835, by this time he desires his freedom more strongly than ever. Colonel Lloyd employs Captain Anthony as superintendent, meaning that Anthony supervises all of Lloyd's overseers. Gore calmly explains that Demby was setting a bad example for the rest of the slaves. He gives bread to poor local boys in exchange for reading lessons. They are more politically aware and educated than many Southern slaveholders. Slave children are given no other clothing but a long linen shirt. Adult slaves receive one blanket, but no bed. Slaveholders typically encourage slaves to spend the holiday drinking, rather than resting or working industriously for themselves. Auld as much as it hurts Douglass himself. Soon, he can copy from the dictionary. Douglass loses his spirit, his intellect, his desire to learn, and his natural cheerfulness. Colonel Lloyd also has an impressive stable with horses and carriages. Sandy is traveling to the home of his free wife, and he invites Douglass to come.
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Acceptance Essays
