I came across this picture and article on Letters of Note.

It’s a poignant letter. But I have no point of comparison in my life. I’m neither old enough nor did I grow up in servitude and squalor.

“In answering this letter, please state if there would be any safety for my Milly and Jane, who are now grown up, and both good-looking girls. You know how it was with poor Matilda and Catherine. I would rather stay here and starve—and die, if it come to that—than have my girls brought to shame by the violence and wickedness of their young masters. You will also please state if there has been any schools opened for the colored children in your neighborhood. The great desire of my life now is to give my children an education, and have them form virtuous habits.”

But from the irony in the letter, I can take from this is that no matter what, this guy was strong, and he did everything to provide for his family. And when it came to make a choice he was strong enough to take the correct one.

Don’t give in to bullies. A very good lesson for us all, no?

Read the letter here.

Best quote from the letter:

“Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me.”