I chose to do a letter written by Harriet Hemings to her mother speaking on how her life has changed. What inspired me to do this is Harriet. Throughout the book, she has been struggling to figure out if she wanted to be free, or remain a slave. This letter is kind of showing that she is still a little confused as to who she is. I think it’s going to take a while for Harriet Hemings to know that she is Elizabeth Lacklands, but she's happy to be free.
November 1822
Dear Mama,
It’s been three months since I have left Monticello. Well, I am writing this letter to tell you that I have made it to Washington City safely. I go by the name Elizabeth Lacklands, Mama. I’m working at Washington Orphan Asylum. There are female orphans that live there that are fed, clothe, and need to be educated and I am teaching them. Jane, Thad’s sister, is allowing me to live with herself and her husband until I am able to make out on my own. It is wonderful here so far. I’m getting use to the white world…a little. People work to serve me. I guess I already knew that…but it’s me…or is it really me? Well, the weather up here is a little frigid. Reminds of the times when I saw Bev before he left. He told me information that I’m not quite ready to speak or write about, but I guess I will mention it some other time. I miss you, Mama…Mammy Ursula, Mad, Bev, and Eston, too. I still miss the vegetable garden, the house, the lawns, the trees, Thurston, my good friend, Burwell, telling Mister Jefferson things to put in his Farm Book. Yes, I said Mister Jefferson. Thad told me that I should do my best to upset my natural balance and call him mister. Mister Jefferson. When I left, Mama, he cried. Did you know that? He cried for me. Never will I have ever thought that day will come. He cares about me, Harriet Hemings! At that moment, I felt pain, but I also felt happiness because I am now free. I am now able to do things without anyone holding me back. Thanks Mama. Thanks for everything. I thank Mister Jefferson and Mammy Ursula, too. I couldn’t forget this basket. She told me that it has special stitching that will keep the witches away. Good ol’ Mammy. Speaking of thanks, I have to get ready to write my letter to Mister Randolph. I guess this is a talk to you later. Tell everyone I said hello. I love you, Mama.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Lacklands
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Zaa'Kirah's Project
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
This was incredible Zaa'Kirah. It really showed how Harriet felt in contact wuth her mother. Not reading this book, I don't know much about it, but reading this gave me a clearer view. It was really well written. Great job =]
This is also a good way to describe the book. It gives clear understanding of the book. It shows was in which Harriet connected withe her mother Sally. I really like this project. It shows that you put effort into your work :)
Zaa'kirah I really like this letter, it is a very good letter to Sally Hemmings because I never thought she would write a letter to her mom this soon after she left.
Post a Comment