Federal Writers Progress Administration

Slavery is an important part of American history. It is intriguing to not only learn about the history of slavery, but it is extremely important to learn about the daily lives of slaves as well. Slave songs were more than simply songs that were sang as slaves worked. These songs were sometimes a source of inspiration and hope. Other times the songs could be used as a way to communicate to one another or as a form of protest against the conditions of slavery. It is equally as enlightening to read the slave narratives. Although these narratives are not all inclusive, they are some of the best sources we have today to analyze slave life from the perspective of the slave.

Georgia Slave Narratives: VOLUME IV PART I. Rachel Adams' two-room, frame house is perched on the side of a steep hill where peach trees and bamboo form dense shade. Stalks of corn at the rear of the dwelling reach almost to the roof ridge and a portion of the front yard is enclosed for a chicken yard. Stepping gingerly around the amazing number of nondescript articles scattered about the small veranda, the visitor rapped several times on the front door, but received no response. A neighbor said the old woman might be found at her son's store, but she was finally located at the home of a daughter. Rachel came to the front door with a sandwich of hoecake and cheese in one hand and a glass of water in the other. "Dis here's Rachel Adams," she declared. "Have a seat on de porch." Rachel is tall, thin, very black, and wears glasses. Her faded pink outing wrapper was partly covered by an apron made of a heavy meal sack. Tennis shoes, worn without hose, and a man's black hat completed her outfit.