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.