Chapter 16

           WiththeexceptionofmytriptoSt.Mary’sparish,andmyabsenceduringthecane-cuttingseasons,IwasconstantlyemployedontheplantationofMasterEpps. Hewasconsideredbutasmallplanter,nothavingasufficientnumberofhandstorequiretheservicesofanoverseer,actinginthelattercapacityhimself. Notabletoincreasehisforce,itwashiscustomtohireduringthehurryofcotton-picking. 

           Onlargerestates,employingfiftyorahundred,orperhapstwohundredhands,anoverseerisdeemedindispensable. Thesegentlemenrideintothefieldonhorseback,withoutanexception,tomyknowledge,armedwithpistols,bowieknife,whip,andaccompaniedbyseveraldogs. Theyfollow,equippedinthisfashion,inrearoftheslaves,keepingasharplookoutuponthemall. Therequisitequalificationsinanoverseerareutterheartlessness,brutalityandcruelty. Itishisbusinesstoproducelargecrops,andifthatisaccomplished,nomatterwhatamountofsufferingitmayhavecost. Thepresenceofthedogsarenecessarytooverhaulafugitivewhomaytaketohisheels,asissometimesthecase,whenfaintorsick,heisunabletomaintainhisrow,andunable,also,toendurethewhip. Thepistolsarereservedforanydangerousemergency,therehavingbeeninstanceswhensuchweaponswerenecessary. Goadedintouncontrollablemadness,eventheslavewillsometimesturnuponhisoppressor. ThegallowswerestandingatMarksvillelastJanuary,uponwhichonewasexecutedayearagoforkillinghisoverseer.