Indentured Servitude in Virginia Essay

In some European countries including England some of the poor and many laborers were brought to the English colonies by way of ships to dissemble on the farms within these colonies. Because of such an immense amounts of Tobacco crops macrocosm planted on these farms, a great deal of blood and sweat was take for the cultivation of these crops. These poor workers were enticed by the idea of a new and pause smell in America. By the hiring of Indentured handmaids, the planters would turn in a greater chance of gaining economic success. Once the indenture (contract) was up the servants would also perchance receive freedom dues which appeargond to be a win, win on both(prenominal) sides. Unfortunately, this was seldom the case.The year is 1623 and Richard Frethorne has written a letter about his behavior as an indentured servant just three months after arriving to the colony. As we rat see from the authors narrative, Virginia of 1623 was a different blot from England. It was the first permanent English settlement in the new homo (Jamestown). This land of marsh like consistency and vast forests contained some antipathetical Native Ameri elicits, (pirates, and rogues who could and did attack at any time). Subsequently these Indians resisted slavery they defend their homeland and way of life.The t maven of the author is one of humility and despair. world from England he has never imagined the lifestyle of the indentured servant, which is literally a life just a step above a slave. The difference macrocosm that a slave was considered personal property as was an indentured servant however, an indentured servant was only a servant for a undertake time and a slave was slave for life. Mr. Frethorne has been brought to the point of begging and at the same time he is trying to inform his p argonnts of the life he isliving which is simply the lowest form of existence. He describes death and sickness like scurvy and dysentery all around him. There is such an yen in his belly (hunger), he misses England terribly, hes feeling isolated, his co-worker shipmates are dying at such an alarming rate and these are only some of the things Mr. Frethorne is fighting against. His reasons for leaving home and becoming and indentured servant are not explained but, it is clear that he did not guess the best life choice. Without capital Mr. Frethorne found himself in a troth he could not bump out of without help.Richard Frethorne is disillusioned, sad and confused. Even shrewd the reason for his current state, Richard longs for a better life or at least to devote enough to eat for now. He explains to his parents trying to get them to understand what he is experiencing he states You would be grieved if you did know as lots as I do. His diet is extremely poor, only consisting of pee gruel (which he later calls it loblollie) and a mouthful of bread and beef. He writes that his meal in England for one day is more than what he eats in a week as a servant. His situation is precarious and masking breaking work along with almost total famine have resulted in weakness of body and spirit. Mr. Frethorne describes the reverence he has of the Indians coming again & again for they have already fought with them and made slaves of two of them.The daily fear Richard Frethorne exhibits is palpable as he tries to communicate this as best he can to his parents while trying to give them a complete hatful of his life. The plantation is very weak and the numbers of the original group are quickly dwindling because of such hellacious living conditions. He states there are only 32 to fight against 3000, if they (rogues) should come and the closest help is at least 10 miles away. He also states the last time they came, 80 people were killed. This would scare the begeezus out of anyone, so his belief that GOD can protect and save everyone, gives him some solace. Coming from a family that was not at all wealthy but were at least more comfortable , he begs for help in the form of food.There is nothing to comfort Mr. Frethorne and he sees no future improvement. He also informs his parents of the people he calls his friends, the Jacksons. He calls them godly folks who have loved him and protectedduring various times, specially when the servants would come to Jamestown. He is quite descriptive of the daily routine, no head the weather while in Jamestown and if not for Goodman Jackson, his situation would surely be worse off than it is. With no money to purchase his needs they have stepped into help.Having no clothing except for 2 rags that are used for shirts, one poor suit (that he claims is well guarded to keep it from being stolen), a pair of shoes, socks and two bands (collars) Richard Frethorne writes to his father saying, if you love me you immobilise relieve me suddenly , for which I entreat and beg. He is truly in dire need. (Frethorne) (ushistory.org/us/5b.asp Indentured Servants)Richard Frethorne closes his lette r by asking his parents anything they can send will be greatly appreciated as he informs them of what can be sent and what is best. He lets his father know what will happen in case of his death and ask to not forget him, but have mercy and pity my miserable case. He sends his love and regard to his family as well as, the Jacksons.