By Way of the Rose (9 page)

“I see this issue touches you deeply.”

“You have no idea, Sir. As I said, I'll do all I can for every race in America.”

Mr. Tyson sent John South to change as many minds as he could. “Perhaps my paper can't get through anymore, but people like you certainly can.”

A year passed. John was doing well converting folks to the anti-slavery movement. He traveled most of the time, under the alias of Kyle Adams, and helped slaves to break free. He told them how to get to freedom and about the safe houses along the way. They were to watch for a lamp hung on a pole in the yard or on the porch. It would hang there, burning, day and night. This would be a friendly house.

Two years passed, John yearned for the simple life of simple goals. Just to fall in love, and settle down on a nice little farm. But supporting the family would always need to be done and ending human suffering... would there ever be an end to that? He doubted it.

As the DuVal's money jar had filled from John's work, Daniel had bought more and more land until he was the proud owner of over five hundred acres of Giles County Tennessee. He cleared the land to the south all the way to Eagleton Creek, and used the trees for lumber to build a new home. It was quite large, fourteen rooms not including the two massive attic rooms. He built it with gables and a large wrap-around porch. Huge carved doors opened out to every side.

Furniture was ordered. They had a parlor with plush sofas and sitting chairs. The large dining room held an oak table and china cabinet which contained the finest of china and silverware. In the kitchen there was a water pump and even an ice box. A large pantry adjoined the kitchen and was stocked with goods. Daniel had built shelves under a large window for cooling pies and such.

He'd also built an office room and a room just for the piano he intended to buy for Marion. She'd always wanted one, even though she couldn't play. Perhaps she could hire Mrs. Nichols, the church pianist, to teach the twins. At least their youngest daughters would have some culture.

Upstairs everyone had their own bedroom and there still were rooms to spare for guests. But the twins preferred to bunk together so they got one of the larger rooms.

Sarah's bed was made of cherry wood with posts carved in ornate designs as were the twins and Cora's beds. Nathan's was plain and looked more manly. Daniel and Marion chose a high poster bed for their room. Yes, this was truly their dream house.

Daniel needed help in planting and harvesting the new acreage. He employed every member of his family and most of the local “poor trash” as they were called. He was dead set against owning slaves but it was getting hard to run the place. Marion came to him with the idea that she and John had discussed those years ago. “Daniel, I think I have the answer. Why don't we buy some slaves and when they work off the cost of it, we can give them their freedom. Then they can be hired just like all these others. Or they can simply move away, whatever they want to do. In the mean time we'll be getting our work done and doing something good too.”

“By golly, that might just work. It's the best plan I've heard so far. Eastland said he could set me up with a good trader. I've been putting him off, but I think I might just pay him a visit in the morning and see about going with him on his next business venture.”

“There's only one problem I see though.”

“What's that?”

“Where to house them.”

“We've got the cabin and the barn. I can build a couple of sturdy shanties near the edge of the pasture. That should do for as many slaves as I'd buy right now. If it works out and we don't go belly up attempting this, we can build more and buy more.”

That very next Saturday, Daniel woke early, dressed in his finest suit and left with Mr. Eastland to do something he never would have thought he would ever do. He was going to buy six strong men to help him work the fields. They could bunk together until more dwellings could be built. This new venture was unheard of and he was anxious to try it out. Of course he couldn't tell William Eastland the goal he had in mind. He just let him believe that he'd finally won him over. Owning slaves was a good and necessary thing.

Nothing could have prepared Daniel for what he saw as he walked into the crowd of buyers. Slaves were held in stalls while interested buyers checked them out. “You need to look them over real good before the auction starts to get an idea of the ones you want instead of bidding willy-nilly. You might wind up getting one that ain't no good or unruly as hell. You certainly don't want one fresh off the boat.”

“Why? Seems like they'd be stronger the newer they are to it.”

“Well you'd have to train them and you ain't got enough resources to train them yet and they've got to be watched like a hawk. In the first place they won't even understand what you're saying to them. They still have the jungle all in them. They're like wild horses.”

“How can I tell new ones?”

“Well, for one thing they start the bidding on ‘em lower and they'll be in chains ‘cause they're unpredictable. Some folks buy and train them to sell at a higher price. This is a good business. I've never got into training new ones myself but I hear it's very profitable to buy low and sell high. See any that strike your fancy?”

Daniel felt sick inside at being a part of this. But he knew his intentions were good. This idea would work and he had to see this through. Even if it didn't work and he had to take a loss, he could keep a few of these people from a life of bondage. He scanned the room and saw many sturdy looking men. He was sure he could get at least six of them just as he'd planned. Then one man in particular caught his eye: he was large and sturdily built, with a meek and sorrowful look on his face. Daniel walked toward him and noticed that tear streaks stained his face

“You've got a good eye, Daniel; he looks like he'd be a good worker.” Mr. Eastland said then he looked over at the man. “You healthy ain't you? Let's see your teeth.” The man opened his mouth wide. “Um hum... now turn around and let's see your back.” He turned. “No strap marks.” Mr. Eastland looked at Daniel. “Now, that one you'll want.”

“What's your name?” Daniel asked.

“Jonas, sir.”

“Is everything all right with you, Jonas?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I know your health is good, but what are the tears for?” Jonas motioned his head across the room toward a woman who stood there with two children.

“We gonna be split up, nobody gonna buy all us together.”

“No talking!” The owner yelled at Daniel. “Move along now so everyone gets a chance to look.”

Daniel walked up to the next sturdy man he saw, but he had many whip marks and scars. “Oh, you don't want him.” Mr. Eastland warned. “He's unruly. Look at all those scars. There'll be nothing but trouble out of him.” They went on looking them over before the auction started. Daniel waited for the ones he had fixed in his mind to come up on the block. His first purchase was Jonas. Mr. Eastland looked at him approvingly. Then he bought Jericho, the one with the stripes on him. “What's wrong with you, Daniel? I told you about those kind! What are you doing?”

“Let me handle this part. I know what I'm doing.” Daniel had it in his mind to get those that were hungry for freedom. Obviously if they were running away and willing to face a beating for freedom, they craved this freedom he'd be offering them.

Among his other surprised buys, Daniel bought Jonas's entire family. Though they had been split up to be sold separately he'd made it his business to learn who they were before the auction started. First there was his son, Thomas, his daughter, Thorney and wife Ester. He had to pay more for the woman because she was young, a good breeder and a well-trained house worker. Because of this extra cost, Daniel could buy only one more field-hand, Isaiah who seemed to light up at the price he went for.

Daniel took great pleasure in watching Jonas and his family's tears turn to joy as they were reunited.

Marion shook her head as she looked at Daniel's purchases. “I sent you for workers and you've brought us three more mouths to feed. That woman and those children can't do hard labor in the fields and the last thing we need is children to take care of!”

“Now, Marion, even Jennie and Betty work in the fields. These children belong to Jonas and Ester. I couldn't stand there and watch them be torn apart! If you'd have been there, you wouldn't have passed them up either. Seeing a grown man cry. I don't care if we don't make it, I know I did the right thing.”

“I know you did too, I'm sorry. Have you talked to them yet?”

“No, I haven't had a chance, Eastland's been right upon me. I figured we could talk to them all together about the deal.”

When Daniel and Marion explained the plan, their eyes lit up. All but Jericho, the one with the whip marks. He just stood there staring with a sarcastic sneer. “Is this real, Master?” Jonas asked. “You telling me that you not only kept me and my family together, but you is gonna give us all our freedoms too?”

“That's exactly what I'm saying. All I ask is that you fellas help me out for a while. Help me get back at least some of the money I spent buying you all. I do need help, but I do not own any of you. You can leave today if you want to. There won't be nothing or no one hunting you down. But I don't know of anyone who will offer you more than I am. I need workers, I've got fields to plant and harvest. You can live here under my protection as free men. You can have as much of a normal life as possible and you can stay here as long as you like. When I catch up you can start drawing pay for your work. Then you can move up north and get started living this freedom. Does that sound fair? If so, we'll shake on it and get you settled in.”

“Yes, sir!” They, one by one, proudly shook his hand except for Jericho. He scowled at Daniel.

“How about you, Jericho? Do you accept?”

“Accept what? To work for you till my death to pay ya back? I've heard this mess all my life from you crackers! Ain't none of y'all gonna buy somebody then turn ‘em loose. Naw, sir. I don't believe that! I believe you gonna try and make me work it off till I'm in the grave. There'll always be more I'll be owin’ ya. Anybody here that believes such a lie is dumb as dirt.” He turned to the others. “This cracker ain't gonna set y'all free! He's just trying to make us feel beholdin’ so we'll work harder and harder for him till we all lay dead, probably out yonder in his field!”

Daniel interrupted. “All I ask is that any of you who want to leave come up to the house and get your papers. If you don't have papers from me they can take you back and sell you again. Come right now and get them and leave, if that's what you want to do. I don't own you and I don't want to own you. You're men, just like me and just as good too.”

“All right. I'll come right now and get my papers. If that'll be all right with you,
sir
.” Jericho challenged him.

“Come, follow me.” Daniel walked toward the house. They all followed in behind him, amazed that what he'd promised them was being carried out right then and there. Daniel sat at his desk, signed the papers and handed them to Jericho. “There you are. There's some money for a train ticket too. Now, go on and let Marion pack you some food and you can be on your way.”

The man looked down at the papers and back at Daniel. He didn't say anything. Slowly he turned to leave. Everyone watched him go with eyes wide. He paused at the door. When he turned, his face was streaked with tears. He hung his head as he said. “Sir.” He still clutched the papers in his hands. “If it's all the same to you, I think I'd like to stay and work off my debt to ya.” He laid his papers on Daniel's desk.

“Like I said, Jericho, stay as long as you like. You're a free man.” Daniel looked around the room. “You all are. You're free. Just tell me when you want to go and I'll get everything squared away for you.”

Jonas looked at Ester and smiled as he hugged her tightly. “This here is a new and fine day! A real fine day!” He beamed with pride.

Jonas and his family settled into the cabin and the others, Isaiah and Jericho, had their own little shanty at the edge of the field.

Marion giggled as they walked back to the house that evening.

“Why are you laughing? Did I do something funny? Let me in on the joke.” Daniel said.

“I was just thinking about all their names.” Marion smiled. “Looks like you ran down the Bible at the auction. Jonas, Ester, Isaiah, Jericho and the boy Thomas. I guess you mistook the girl, Thorney for Jesus’ crown. Do you see the pattern here?”

“Well, that's just confirmation.” He put his arm around Marion. “We did the right thing.”

The days passed and surprisingly enough, John's childhood idea was working. Jonas and his family lived as an independent family: his wife Ester, their girl, Thorney and boy, Thomas. Jonas and Ester came from the fields everyday tired but happy, their children skipping behind them.

“Sarah, run and tell Ester that tomorrow is my baking day and I want her to come over and help me. Let her know that she can take some of the loaves home with her too.”

“Yes, ma'am.” Sarah skipped down to the old cabin. Ester was in the yard poking and jabbing in a wash-pot full of laundry.

“Hey, Miss Sarah. What brings you around this evening?”

“Momma wanted me to tell you that tomorrow is her baking day and she needs you to help. She wanted me to let you know that you could have some of the bread too.”

“I'll be there first light, then.” Ester nodded.

“Come here, Miss Sarah and look at this!” Thorney called to her from the porch where she sat looking at a catalog.

“What is it?” Sarah walked over.

“Look here in dis here book.” She pointed to a picture of doll carriage. “Muh say we can have anything in dis book now, we just gotta iron it! I'm gonna iron me dis doll buggy! Does you see anything you wants?”

“Did you say iron it?”

“Yeah, dat's what I say! Anything, just anything in dis whole book, you can have if ya iron it.” Sarah noticed the heavy, metal iron setting on the porch floor. The girl plopped the book down and laboriously hoisted the heavy iron over the picture and dropped it where she began to shove the iron back and forth over the doll carriage. “Now, is there anything you want?” Sarah looked at the page and saw a beautiful doll.