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Lewis Thomas
Lewis Thomas tells about the day he learned he was free, and how he fought for that freedom.
"In March 1868, they sent to the field for all us hands to come up to house to sign a contract. We all went. We were so use to minding old Marse when he sent for us we just mind right on like it was slavery. So I had always been mighty handy about most things so he wanted me above the others. So he took my hand, put it on his pen and held it right there and signed my name himself. I got mad as a wet hen about that agreement he read to me. So he tried to make me feel good saying he was going to give me half. I knew better. I felt there was going to be some trouble at the house. So I had a pistol in my pocket, it had been dropped by the Yankees on purpose to help us slaves shoot our way out. So I just told my old boss, "I ain't going to do it." When he raised up at me, I just whipped out that pistol and everything in sight got out of my way. I was mad aplenty and I already had plenty of temper. So while I had everybody scared and excited I left and never did go back. My name is Lewis Thomas."
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