Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Mr. Hopkins, the more humane overseer, did not last long in the position. Douglass speculates that “he lacked the necessary severity to suit Colonel Lloyd” (41). Austin Gore was hired as his replacement. Gore was proud, ambitious, preserving, cruel, and stubborn. He excelled in the role of overseer. Enslaved people were not allowed to respond or defend themselves against criticism, for even the slightest look or gesture could evoke punishment. If Gore felt an enslaved person had done something wrong, they were punished, even if it wasn’t true. He never smiled or joked, and spoke only in commands. Douglass recounts when Gore shot a disobedient enslaved person yet was not punished, as killing a Black person was not considered murder. He recounts other examples of when enslaved people were killed and their murderers were not punished. He concludes, “It was a common saying, even among little white boys, that it was worth a half-cent to kill a ‘n*****,’ and a half-cent to bury one” (46).

Douglass was treated like the other enslaved children on Colonel Lloyd’s plantation. Because he wasn’t old enough to work in the fields, he had a lot of leisure time. His tasks included driving up the cows, keeping birds out of the garden, keeping the yard clean, and running errands for Lucretia, Colonel Lloyd’s daughter.