Slave Narrative of Essex Henry
In an interview, 83-year-old Essex Henry recounts his life as a slave on Mr. Jake Mordecai’s plantation near Raleigh, North Carolina. He describes the hardships faced by slaves, including backbreaking labor, meager food, and the constant threat of punishment from overseers. Henry recalls the resilience of his family, the communal spirit among slaves, and the brutalities inflicted by the Mordecais. He reflects on life after the Civil War, his marriage, and challenges in securing a pension, revealing both personal and collective struggles.