The Laughable Sarcasm of Jordan Anderson: A Slave’s Bold Response to His Former Master

In a striking image that has captivated many, a man stands resolutely outside a rustic wooden structure, dressed in historical attire reminiscent of the 19th century. This man is none other than Jordan Anderson, an ex-slave whose biting sarcasm and mathematical precision have been immortalized in a letter that continues to resonate today.

The image, shared by "The Historian's Den," captures Anderson holding a piece of paper with written text, his serious expression highlighting the gravity of his words. At the bottom of the image, a block of text informs viewers: "When ex-slave Jordan Anderson was asked to return to his old master, he responded with a sarcastic letter demanding 52 years' back pay. The letter is considered a rare example of 'slave humor' from that era."

Anderson's letter, penned in 1865, is a masterclass in wit and defiance. When his former master, Colonel P. H. Anderson, requested his return, Anderson did not simply refuse. Instead, he meticulously calculated the wages owed to him for 52 years of unpaid labor and demanded payment. This bold move not only highlighted the economic injustices faced by slaves but also showcased Anderson's sharp intellect and sense of humor.

The letter has been widely discussed and analyzed, with many praising Anderson’s courage and clarity in addressing the atrocities he and his family endured. Historian Raymond Winbush notes, “What’s amazing is that the current living relatives of Colonel Anderson are still angry at Jordan for not coming back.”

The letter goes beyond a mere demand for wages; it addresses deeper issues of sexual violence, education, and wartime crimes. Anderson was adamant that his daughters should not suffer the same fate as other women and emphasized the importance of education for his children, stating he would rather die than see them uneducated. He also denounced the war crimes committed by his former owner.

User comments on the image have been varied and insightful. One user commented, "He didn't only ask to be paid back for their work: he addresses sexual violence towards women and wants to make sure it won't happen to his two daughters, in 1865! He wants to make sure his children go on going to school because he'd rather die than have them not get an education."

Another user pointed out the economic implications, "That would still only be about $233.5K in today's dollars. Even if you only account for his $25 per month for himself, that would work out to about $6K annual salary in 2024."

The image and the story of Jordan Anderson continue to be used in educational settings, helping students to think critically about the history of slavery. One educator shared, "I use this document for a primary source activity I do at the start of my course on US Hist 1865-Present. It really forces students to think about slavery in ways they haven't done so before."

The legacy of Jordan Anderson’s letter is a poignant reminder of the resilience and intelligence of those who endured the horrors of slavery. His calculated sarcasm and unwavering demand for justice serve as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.