Nicholas Coppola
January 30, 2009
11-2
The Price of a Child
Dear Mattie,
I am here living with Tyree’s Aunt Zilpha. I finally arrived, the trip to Westchester was not too bad. I really do miss you and Etta, but this is for the best. How are things going with the Quicks? I’m sure Tyree and Blanche are taking care of you and keeping you both safe.
Today, Harriet thought it would be a good idea for me to go speak with a woman of the Ladies Anti-Slavery Society. Her name is Eliza Ruffin. I am going to meet her because she knows my situation. She asked me to sign an affidavit which will make it seem more legal that we left Jackson Pryor on our own. I am so happy that we got away from his ownership Mattie. Eliza wishes us the best on our quest to have a free life. She wants us to be as successful as possible against Passmore. This means that I will have to go to court for the trial against Jackson. This could threaten our freedom Mattie but I will do my best to not let it. This is why Eliza Ruffin will help.
The Ladies Anti-Slavery Society was nice. I was asked to talk about all my experiences as a slave. It was a little difficult remembering it all and talking about it, but it was nice to be with others who experienced it too. I met a woman, Mrs. Eugenia Pitts and she is going to bring me to New York so I will meet Mr. Henry who will help me prepare for the trial.
The fact that I have to appear in court is scary Mattie, but I have the feeling it will only help us to freedom. I have to go now to New York so I could make all of this happen as smoothly as possible. Wish me luck and I hope you are doing well in Philadelphia with the Quicks. Give everyone my best.
Love,
Mom
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Nick, I'd like you to push yourself to imagine the possibilities for personal expression available via letter writing. While telling the story of what is happening to her is certainly important for Mercer, I wonder what else she might say to her son through a personal letter like this. How might she try to comfort him (or possibly herself) through this writing? What other goals might she have for writing to Mattie?
ReplyDeletenick, i felt this letter was very well written.I liked the point of view you talked in.All your information was accurate. Very well done, and I enjoyed reading this.
ReplyDeleteNicky. .Your letter showed an image and the information you tell is very well spoken. You give specific details that describes what happens to Mercer. GREAT JOB! enjoyed every second of it
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