Undoubtedly, slavery was, or should have been, a harrowing experience for  
the slaves as their collective experience is generally taught.
 
However, we know from the WPA interviews that some looked upon it with  
nostalgia later in life under freedom, and some indicated that life was better  
under slavery than under freedom.  Some Black slaves and freemen apparently  
fought for their "suppressors" during the War.  In addition, Black slaves  
reproduced in exceedingly large numbers while "under the scourge of  slavery."
 
To me, this doesn't add up in the context of Southern slavery being Hell on  
earth, as it is traditionally characterized?
 
The characterizations that these poor unfortunate Black folk who were  
interviewed by WPA workers later in life were  
untruthful/delirious/insane/senile/illusory or outright fearful of telling  the truth also doesn't add up.  Where 
is the support for that theory?
 
I think you have to take them at their word, pro and con, unless there is  
empirical evidence to rebut their opinions as expressed in many of the WPA  
interviews.  I haven't heard anything empirical as yet, just speculation in  this 
chain.
 
J South



************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.