I have recently finished reading a book. That is amazing, in and of itself. For most of my life, to read was to live, but the last decade or so, if it wasn’t on the internet, I didn’t read it. Well, anyways, back to the book.
Diary of a Contraband The Civil War Passage of a Black Sailor written by William B. Gould IV is the result of the Authors research into his Great Grandfathers past, a genealogical and historical hunt, initiated by the find of an old diary in the Author’s Great Uncle’s attic.
In 1862, the original William Gould escaped his “master” in a small craft, along with seven others. They made their way down the Cape Fear River, here in North Carolina to Wilmington Harbor, and then out to sea. Sighted by the Union blockade steamer
USS Cambridge, this brave bunch were taken aboard. William signed on almost immediately with the Union Navy, serving on the Cambridge and another ship, the USS Niagra, until the end of the War. Later, he settled in Dedham, Massachusetts, where he became a prominent citizen, and Tradesman.
Being One, of only three known Civil War diaries written by African Americans, would be reason enough for its historic value, but there is a much stronger importance. These entries, in general, give good backdrop to the activities of the Union naval war effort. They also show the influences of the early African American Press on William, and his upon them. This is another direct connection to modern activism. But most importantly, they dispel the myth of the illiterate slave. The literacy, and intelligence, shown by William in his notes and descriptions, belie every smear thrown by the southern slavers, and segregationists. The intent of these racists was to create the image of a lower species of human, thereby justifying their cruel actions. Throughout American history this has been used against our Citizens to subjugate and denigrate them. This was a direct influence on the reasons for the Voter Rights marches, and Civil Rights laws. From the Pilgrims, and still today, this methodology continues, now including those of Hispanic, and Middle Eastern Cultures. A current representation of this racist methodology would be the attacks on Mr. Obama, for being refined…sheesh!
Now, I don’t want to get all Noam Chomsky, and all, or for that matter, get into the fact that the core of his scientific Language hypothesis may be wrong, but I would like to express an opinion. The movement towards a civilized world, will not be stopped. The power of words, and thought will prevail. Through all the tenuous times, the frailty of our our own humanity, the evil side of our natures will wither.
The book itself is filled with humungoussly more than I have explained to you. If you read such things, you will be less likely to repeat the errors, and more aware of why things are the way they are.
This review originates at my blog.
