Rhetorical Analysis Of Letter To 'Former Master' By John Anderson

Jourdon Anderson, a former slave, wrote this letter to his former master after the Civil War. Anderson stated that he had loyally served his master for 32 years, and is now requesting he receive compensation for his labor during that time.

The tone and is context is very important to note in this letter. Anderson clearly states how he is now successful and able to financially provide for his family. This is further emphasis directed at the former master illustrating that Anderson is now fully independent.

What I did find confusing, however, was the fact that Anderson would even consider returning to work for his former master. Some of the horrible events that he mentioned throughout the letter, including being personally shot at and