The Journal of Charlotte L. Forten: A Free Negro in the Slave Era

Charlotte Forten was a little more than just 'a free negro.' Her father was a wealthy man and she knew the cream of abolitionist society, black and white. After the Union captured a large number of slaves and freed them on January 1, 1863., a work project, staffed by missionaries and abolitionists started in the sea islands off South Carolina. Charlotte, already a teacher, joined them. From teaching 100 children in a room to fighting fleas to romantic rides with officers (Whenever she tried to go anywhere on her own, she got lost.), Charlotte's journals tell all.