A slave account: Fanny Smith Hodges

A slave account: Fanny Smith Hodges.

Federal Writer's Project, United States Work Projects Administration (USWPA) Vol 9. Mississippi, Allen-Young.

Fanny Smith was a slave who lived in north Berglundtown, Mississippi, in the ‘Negro Settlement’. As an overview, it suggests that she was born into slavery as her mother was already a slave in the Amite County, Mississippi. The text suggests that there were more than fifty slaves on the plantation labouring for Marse Cassedy and his family, and that Fanny was one of those who worked inside the house. In addition, it briefly looks at the civil war and describes the aftermath with the emancipation of the slaves, as well as touching on the Christian religious culture at the time.

What was interesting about Fanny’s account was difference between the lives of slaves, and that of the rich white plantation owners at the time. It presented the contrast in the lavish lifestyle that her masters were accustomed to, with the basic and circumstances of the slaves. Fanny talks of the ‘Quarters’ she shared with the other slaves as well as the routine of a horn sounding when they wake, work and eat. In comparison, according to Fanny, she continuously refers to her master’s house as the ‘big house’, where her master Cassedy was a successful judge, owned a ‘fine carriage’ and hosted ‘big dances’.

Perhaps what one of the most striking comparisons was the quality of a wedding ceremony, which highlights the big difference between the classes. Fanny talks of the white wedding, where there were multiple cooks preparing the wedding food, consisting of expensive food and cakes for the occasion. Although she was not permitted to see the ceremony in the garden, the event was suggested to be a large public occasion. In comparison, Fanny was married after the civil war, it suggests that they were at the time free slaves working for money on the plantation instead of free labour. She stayed in the employment of Cassedy for ten years until she married Jake in a quick ceremony at the Courthouse. There was no further description of any celebrations or even other attendees at the event.

Historically, the text was insightful into the quality of life the slaves had on Cassedy’s plantation. In comparison to other slave accounts, it was suggested that Cassedy was more merciful to his slaves. It was not an idealistic plantation, however Fanny conveys that the slaves were fed and mostly enjoyed experiencing the culture that came with working for a rich white family. However, there were instances of the discipline of those who did attempt to run away, as well as the harsh whipping treatment many of the slaves faced with the overseer when the master was not home.

Sources:

https://www.loc.gov/item/mesn090/

http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/19272487/fanny-smith-hodges

12 Years a Slave (picture)