Drawing on the court record, Nokes offers an intimate account of the relationship between a slave and his master from the slaves point of view. He also explores the experiences of other slaves in early Oregon, examining attitudes toward race and revealing contradictions in the states history. Oregon was the only free state admitted to the union with a voter-approved constitutional clause banning African Americans and, despite the prohibition of slavery in the state, many in Oregon tolerated it and supported politicians who advocated for slavery, including Oregon's first territorial governor.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 209-214) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:
First slaves -- The good life in Missouri -- Lure of Oregon -- On the trail -- Freedom delayed -- Oregon's Dixie -- Land and more land -- The Applegate trail -- Oregon's "lash law?" -- The Cockstock affair -- Gold miners and slaves -- "My children held as slaves?" -- Holmes vs Ford, day-by-day -- Ford's secret strategy -- Enter Judge Williams -- Reuben Shipley -- They weren't alone -- An army slave -- The free state letter -- Let voters decide -- The great slavery non-debate -- Consecrate!!!--Oregon for whites -- Voters do decide -- A voice for equality -- Reuben and Mary Jane -- Who was Reuben Ficklin -- Mary Jane's final trial -- Slaveholders' last stand -- Moving on.
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