class which some call delicate subjects, and others indelicate. This peculiar phase of Slavery has generally been kept veiled; but the public ought to be made acquainted with its monstrous features, and I willingly take responsibility fore presenting them the veil withdrawn. I do this for the sake of my sisters in bondage, who are suffering wrongs so foul that our ears are too delicate to listen to them (Child in Jacobs, 2002, p. 442).
Female slaves were seen as breeders for stock, and were ôconsidered of no value unless they continually increase[d] their owners stock. They [were] on a par with animalsö (Jacobs, 2002, 495). Overseers examined married couplesÆ huts to ensure that they were sleeping together and producing more ôstock.ö In addition, it was understood that many slaveholders took sexual advantage of their female slaves, which produced mixed offspring. So a law was enacted stating: ôA child shall follow the condition of the motherö (Jacobs, 2002, p. 26). These children, as well as the mothers, were usually sold off as soon as possible by the mistresses of the plantations, who did not want their own children playing alongside thei
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