When war was begun between the North and the South, every slave on our plantation felt and knew that, though other issues were discussed, the primal one was that of slavery.

Even the most ignorant members of my race on the remote plantations felt in their hearts, with a certainty that admitted of no doubt, that the freedom of the slaves would be the one great result of the war, if the northern armies conquered.

Every success of the Federal armies and every defeat of the Confederate forces was watched with the keenest and most intense interest.

Often the slaves got knowledge of the results of great battles before the white people received it.

This news was usually gotten from the coloured man who was sent to the post-office for the mail.