The Day of Liberation
The news of the South’s defeat was simply unbelievable.
John Wilkes Booth could not shake the shock for quite some time. As a popular actor recognized across the United States, he was a staunch, die-hard supporter of the South to his very core. To him, the secession of the South was a heroic act, and Lincoln, who opposed it, was nothing more than the spawn of Satan.
In fact, as the situation for the South grew increasingly dire, he had even plotted to kidnap Lincoln to force the North into surrender. But cruelly, before he could even flesh out his plan, President Davis surrendered, and the South met a humiliating defeat.
“The South... is finished now.”
“What are you talking about, sir?”
“Those idiots knelt before the North! Davis fled to Washington, and Breckinridge drowned in a river while trying to save his own skin! We... we lost to those Northerners and the darkies!”
He couldn't understand it. Why did those fools so easily accept such ridiculous terms? Abolish slavery? Does that mean the darkies are now to be treated as citizens of the same Union as them? How could such a thing happen in this world? He clearly remembered the pastor’s sermon that God had created the white man as the most superior being.
“Lincoln, that son of a bitch! That bastard liberated the blacks just to screw us over!”
“This is a mockery of us white men in the South!”
It was an unbearable humiliation. As a famous actor in America, he was acquainted with many in the upper class and had seen the blacks they employed many times. They were not only ignorant but filthy. To think that he, a citizen, was considered equal to such an inferior race? Don’t make me laugh.
Still, if it had stopped there, he might have just settled for cursing Lincoln three times a day—morning, noon, and night. But one day, after the war ended, Lincoln reportedly made a shocking statement during his congressional speech commemorating the victory.
“Once the blacks are freed from their status as slaves, we must pass a bill granting them voting rights on a graduated basis.”
What did he say? When Booth first heard this, he didn't believe it, thinking that even if it were Lincoln, he wouldn't go that far. Surely not. Even if Lincoln was a pervert who loved blacks, he was still a white man. He believed the man couldn't possibly have spouted such nonsense about giving blacks the right to vote.
However, this unbelievable news eventually proved true, and on that day, the nation he loved—the United States of America—died within Booth.
“A single tyrant is trampling and destroying everything in the country we love. If we leave him be, this country will truly become a nation of darkies.”
Unexpectedly, what pushed him over the edge wasn't hatred or anger, but fear and desperation. It was a fundamental terror that if that madman of a president remained in power, the very foundation of this country would be shaken, and white people would eventually be pushed aside and culled by the blacks.
“Absolutely not. I cannot allow such a thing.”
It wasn't about a grudge or revenge. It was for the sake of this beloved country and his white brethren suffering under oppression. For America to live, Lincoln must die. On that day, John Wilkes Booth made up his mind to assassinate the president.
Although the 13th Amendment, which would officially abolish slavery, had not yet been passed, large-scale slave emancipation was already taking place in real-time across the South. Emancipation was already a foregone conclusion, the South had agreed to it, and above all, there was no longer any military force in the South capable of suppressing the blacks who had already successfully risen up.
“Kyahhhhh! We are free now! Who can stop us!”
“Let’s get out of the plantation! No one can oppress us anymore!”
“My child! I have to find my child who was sold to the neighboring farm!”
The reactions of the blacks who had shed their shackles were truly diverse. There was no longer any need to follow someone’s orders, nor did they need permission to go out. The crowds seemed endless as they scattered to explore the surroundings, greet those working on neighboring farms, and search for separated family members.
“It’s real... it’s really freedom. I can really go anywhere now.”
Those overwhelmed with emotion wept as they walked barefoot on the soil of the land where they were born. From now on, no matter where they went in this land, no one could stop them. The violence and arson that people had feared did not occur. Partly because Northern troops were stationed everywhere, but mostly because the fact that they were now free was enough; they wanted for nothing more.
And in truth, the truly human-scum types had mostly died during the first uprising, so there was no one left to take their anger out on.
Of course, Seuret Cotton could not be entirely free from this influence. While it wasn't quite the frenzied festival atmosphere seen outside, this nationwide wave of liberation had naturally swept through the plantation, and everyone was waiting for my announcement with flushed faces.
It must be moving. No matter how well-fed and warm they had been, they were slaves nonetheless, so there was no reason they wouldn't be overjoyed by the fact that they had become free citizens.
I gathered the over a thousand people in a large vacant lot and climbed onto the platform. The noisy square fell silent in an instant, and I could feel everyone’s gaze focused on me. Yes. So, this day finally came.
They must be moved to be free from the status of slaves, but in truth, I—or rather, I—was enjoying this moment more than anyone else. How much effort had I put in until now just to reach this day in one piece? There were several dangerous hurdles, and times I almost got caught, but fortunately, I had crossed this precarious tightrope safely until now. So, for now, let’s just enjoy it.
“You’ve all worked hard.”
Perhaps that was why. The congratulatory words flowing from my mouth were naturally tinged with excitement. “The day you’ve all wanted has finally come. All of this is thanks to you, who trusted me and followed me to the best of your ability until now.”
“No, sir!”
“If it weren't for you, Master, we would never have seen this day!”
“Thank you! Thank you, Master!”
No, you guys. I’m not your Master anymore. If you call me that outside, people will think I’m some hopeless Dixie who still hasn't accepted reality and abuses blacks, you know?
“It’s time to use the title we’ve been practicing for this day. Come on, everyone, follow me. I am no longer your master. So, if you want to address me respectfully, drop the ‘Master’ and call me ‘Mr. Seuret’.”
“Yes! Mr. Seuret... no, Mr. Seuret!”
It seems it’s become such a habit that it’s stuck to their tongues. It might take a bit more time to correct this.
“As you all roughly know by now, from here on out, you can go anywhere you want and live anywhere you want. So, I need to conduct a thorough survey.”
I slowly scanned the faces of over a thousand people from the platform. Flushed faces, nervous faces, expectant faces. They were all different, but everyone’s eyes were fixed on one place. I caught my breath for a moment and continued.
“To be honest, I tried my best to treat you well in my own way. I tried to provide better food than other plantations, I built a hospital, and I made sure the children could learn to read and write.”
This isn't self-praise, but since no one else in the South did it, I think I’m allowed to boast a little. “But still, the fact that it was a relationship between master and slave did not change. There must have been those who were uncomfortable with that, and those who felt resentful.”
No matter how well you treat someone, status is just that. There will inevitably be those who find the favor they receive—which can never be an equal relationship—unwelcome.
“That is a very natural feeling. If there is anyone who feels that way, don’t feel sorry. That emotion is also undeniable proof that you are human.”
So, I must give them a choice. I shouldn't just let things slide by acting as if, even though they were liberated, they were now just my employees. Isn't it my job to give them the opportunity to make their own decisions?
“So, from now on, you choose. As I said before, I will unconditionally respect your choices.”
The square became so quiet that not even the sound of breathing could be heard. Some exchanged glances, and some blinked with expressions of deep thought.
“If you wish, I will hire everyone without exception as employees of Seuret Cotton.”
This was something I had already mentioned several times, so no one was surprised. “Then, our relationship will no longer be master and slave, but employer and employee. As we practiced before, you can call me Chairman.”
Chairman, and employee. This is still a superior-subordinate relationship, but compared to the position of master and slave, it would be infinitely closer to equality.
“However, you’ve spent your whole lives farming cotton, and there may be some who don’t want to farm cotton anymore.”
Since working on a cotton plantation itself would symbolize the past as a slave, I didn't want to force them to do this work either. “So, if you want to live while doing other work, you don’t have to worry about me; you can leave. I will provide enough travel expenses to get you to the city you want, so if you have the heart to leave, don’t hesitate.”
For a moment, a small murmur arose here and there in the square, but no one raised their hand. Of course, that would be the case. In this atmosphere, raising your hand could easily make you look like a traitor.
“Of course, I’m not saying you have to decide right now. In this atmosphere, there won’t be anyone who can readily say they want to leave. So, if there is anyone who wants to leave, you can come to me anytime and tell me honestly.”
Just as I was about to move on after urging them not to hesitate.
“I will stay here!”
Will raised his hand high and shouted in a loud voice. “I’d only be making 50 cents if I left, so I’m better off staying here!”
At that pointed remark, the atmosphere of the square, which had been subdued, heated up in an instant.
“Hahaha! As expected, the words of the 50-cent man have a different level of persuasion!”
Ben clapped and laughed, and Henry nodded as well. “That’s right. If you go to Boston, what? Like our Will, you’ll get pissed off, beat a white employer to a pulp, and end up dragged to court.”
Starting with that, voices erupted from all over.
“We are employees of Seuret Cotton!”
“Chairman! We will stay here!”
“Me too! I want to stay too!”
I expected it, but hearing it like this in person is a bit touching.
As I stopped talking for a moment and listened to everyone’s cheers, Leo approached me, smiled, and said, “Didn't I tell you last time? You have to be responsible for our lives, Chairman.”
“Yeah, I intended to do that from the start.”
If they truly made the choice of their own will, my job would be to give them the assurance that their choice wasn't wrong.
“Thank you all! Then, I will tell you what will change from now on!”
“Yes!”
“Basically, you will work the same as before, and nothing will change. But now, you will receive a daily wage.”
“Ooooooh!”
Daily wage, or salary. Cheers naturally erupted at that unfamiliar yet longed-for word.
“That’s right. You, too, will now become employees who work while receiving pay, just like the workers in the North!”
“Long live!”
“We are workers now, too!”
“Daily wage! Weekly wage! Monthly salary!”
They could earn money. What a heart-fluttering and joyful phrase that was. But I smiled broadly and informed them of one important fact.
“However!”
The cheering stopped abruptly.
“Now that you are proud citizens, you must engage in appropriate economic activities.”
“...?”
“From now on, pay the monthly rent for the house you live in.”
“Yes?”
Earning money means you have to spend it. Where in this capitalist society is there anything free? Naturally, if you receive a salary, you must also have expenses.
“Of course, since being on the plantation is the concept of company housing, I will charge a very low price.”
“Wow! We get to pay rent, too!”
“Finally, we’re like real city people!”
Some cheered excitedly, but...
“...What, we lived for free until now, but now we have to pay?”
“Th-that... is that so?”
Some looked at the person next to them with bewildered expressions.
“Master! Then what happens to the hospital?”
“I’m not your Master. And of course, you have to pay to use the hospital.”
“...”
“Of course, I’ll make it cheap as an employee benefit.”
“Ah... so we still have to pay money...”
Then, another person quickly raised their hand and raised their voice.
“Then what about the farming tools now?”
“Of course, you have to buy those with your salary, too.”
“...Huk!”
“Of course, I’ll give them to you cheaply as an employee benefit.”
The square began to murmur. And finally, someone raised their hand cautiously, as if to confirm the unbelievable reality.
“By any chance... by any chance, is the food also paid? It’s not, right?”
Tsk tsk, you naive guys. Where in this world is there anything free? “Meals will also be provided cheaply as an employee benefit.”
Even modern companies rarely provide free meals. Providing high-quality meals at a low price is a good enough company.
“What... we enjoyed everything for free until now!”
“Chairman! Can I just call you Master again?”
“Do you want to see me dragged to federal court and put on trial? No way!”
“Uwaaaaaah!”
“Save up your salary to buy food and pay your rent! Take vacations sometimes and go traveling!”
If I provide even that for free while paying them a salary, what am I supposed to live on? Let me make some money too, guys.
“I don’t want to! Maaaasteeeer!”
“Hey, you bastards! I’m not your master anymore!”
I covered my mouth with my hand and corrected the title firmly. “Follow me, Chair. Man.”
“Mas. Ter.”
“Master! Master! Master!”
As Ben, Henry, and even Will joined in the madness, the square was instantly covered in a chorus.
“Kwahahahaha! Once a Master, always a Master!”
Do these contrarian bastards want to see me put on trial?
“Long live the Master!”
“Long live Seuret Cotton!”
Please stop, I’m really going to get dragged to prison!