Obscured from our view of slaves and masters in America is a critical third party: the state; with its coercive power. This book completes the grim picture of slavery by showing us the origins; the nature; and the extent of slave patrols in Virginia and the Carolinas from the late seventeenth century through the end of the Civil War. Here we see how the patrols; formed by county courts and state militias; were the closest enforcers of codes governing slaves throughout the South.Mining a variety of sources; Sally Hadden presents the views of both patrollers and slaves as she depicts the patrols; composed of "respectable" members of society as well as poor whites; often mounted and armed with whips and guns; exerting a brutal and archaic brand of racial control inextricably linked to post-Civil War vigilantism and the Ku Klux Klan. City councils also used patrollers before the war; and police forces afterward; to impose their version of race relations across the South; making the entire region; not just plantations; an armed camp where slave workers were controlled through terror and brutality.
#548486 in Books 1994-12-01 1994-12-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.44 x 1.30 x 5.50l; 1.09 #File Name: 0671892878528 pagesNice photo section
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great perspective on LongstreetBy Richard NapierGeneral Longstreet has been much maligned by the Lost Cause faction. This book does a good job of showing the greatness and the limitations. Lee called him his "Old War Horse". He has been blamed for the defeat at Gettysburg because he opposed the action. He did what Lee asked. Longstreet was likely the best General in the Civil War on either side. As the book shows some of the poor and questionable political decisions after the war likely contributed to the negative perspective of General Longstreet. An excellent read for any open minded Civil War buff.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Jeffery W LoftonGreat book6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. The Complex Personality of James Longstreet - "Old Pete"By Gregory J. BaumbachThis book does a tremendous job of looking at the controversial Confederate General who at times was the South's greatest hero and at times its biggest villain. The author uncovers an amazing amount of information about Longstreet that brings his diverse personality into an interesting read that is difficult to put down once you start it. Any Civil War student will find this a strong addition to his or her library; one that shouldn't be missed to fully understand this gallant officer (...but not so effective politician.)
