Despite their lack of education, these overseers have managed to preserve some of Canebrake’s history through their recordings. Canebrake had three overseers in total. The first overseer, although somewhat lenient, possessed records of numerous runaway slaves. However, he was eventually dismissed due to a decrease in crop yield. Dry. Carson failed to recognize the numerous obstacles that had a negative impact on crop production, such as spring floods, a severe windstorm, and the presence of boll weevils. Additionally, there was a shortage of slaves available to work on the crops. On the other hand, the second overseer proved to be a more organized and efficient manager.
According to his records, the slaves did not run away and there was an increase in cotton production. However, the specific reasons for his dismissal are not recorded. The third overseer appears to have been “borrowed” from elsewhere. In comparison to the previous overseers, Mr. Williams seemed more capable in performing his duties. Despite this, like many overseers during the antebellum period, Mr. Williams was harsh towards the slaves. Numerous white overseers have been depicted as vicious and wielding whips. These recordings shed light on the daily operations of a plantation. It is evident that Dr. Carson took a caring approach towards the functioning of his plantation.
He appeared unconcerned about the increased prices for slaves as his own slave prices were much lower. The labor force in Canebrake would have delighted Walt Disney! Each slave had a designated job in a specific area, and even when the weather was unfavorable, men were assigned alternate tasks. I discovered that female slaves were not limited to being cooks; many also worked in “the big house” and engaged in field work, sewing, and basket weaving. It was fascinating to observe how young slave children were entrusted with maintaining cleanliness of the grounds and handling other minor duties.
During the antebellum period, Canebrake’s cuisine reflected the typical foods of north Louisiana. The plantation grew vegetables like corn, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and field peas in its gardens. The meat supply consisted of hogs and beef cattle, which were slaughtered in winter and likely preserved in smoke houses due to the absence of refrigeration. As for clothing, the attire of Canebrake slaves was simple. Material was purchased, and female slaves made shirts, pants, and dresses. Furthermore, each year Dry. James Carbon’s overseer measured the slaves’ feet, and shoes were ordered accordingly.
Children did not have shoes. They had “mud boats” ordered for workers in the field. This indicates that Dr. Carson showed some care for his slaves. As a medical doctor, Dr. Carson attended to most of the medical needs of his slaves. However, slave women had to rely on a Negro midwife. It can be assumed that the midwife provided assistance in cases where Dr. Carson was not present. It is mentioned that Canebrake plantation supported religion for its slaves, further showcasing Carson’s compassion as a owner. Holidays were considered a “free” day for the slaves, during which they received special gifts and food. Canebrake operated on a monthly system.
From the first of the year until late August, various jobs were assigned, including manual labor tasks such as preparing land for planting crops and tending to them, as well as harvesting the crops. Unfortunately, like many antebellum plantations, Canebrake lost its grandeur during the Civil War. Daily journals and account books used by Canebrake’s overseers provide a glimpse into the everyday life on the plantation. While it may not offer the perspective of the slaves, it does provide valuable insights into recorded history.
