Slavery played a major role in the history of the United States of America. The antebellum South is specifically known for its reliance on the institution of slavery. Today, Americans have access to numerous slave narratives that contain firsthand memories of what this country's culture was like if they want to understand their legacy. The slave narratives of Mary Reynolds and Walter Calloway illustrate that some slave masters provided their slaves with the necessities of life, did not support the cruelty of slaves, and were concerned about the spiritual well-being of their slaves, while others did the exact opposite. Mary Reynolds, who spent the early part of her life as a slave in Louisiana, and Walter Calloway, who spent most of his life on a plantation in Alabama, both spoke of how hard the work was on their master's plantations. Walter worked in the field. He said, “When I was ten I was doing areg'lar han' 'hin de plow” (Jordan 59). Children were taught from an early age how to work. Maria also worked in the field. “The time I hated most was picking cotton when the frost was on the bolls. My hands are sore and open and bleeding” (“Mary Reynolds” 239). A slave's days were long and filled with hard work. Work on the plantations was hard and tiring. Walter's needs were provided for daily, whereas where Mary lived the slaves were provided for only at Christmas time. Walter says that “They have treated us pretty well, but we have to work hard… Marse John is no good to us and we have plenty to eat” (Jordan 59). Mr. John, Walter's master, made sure his slaves were provided and well fed (Jordan 59). Mary's... middle of paper... Alright, Jim. “The new flag of Perdue OK; It may fly soon." Atlanta Journal-Constitution on the Web April 5, 2003. April 8, 200308218do7500fl.html>.Jordan, WP The American Slaves, vol. 6:51-4.10 August 1997. April 8, 2003. "Mary Reynolds." The Slave American, vol. 5: 236-46. 10 August 1997. 26 April 2003. The Torch of Sorrow. “Grateful Slave.” 7 April 2003. Raboteau, Albert J. Slave Religion: The "Invisible Institution" in Antebellum South : Oxford University Press, 1978. “Slavery.” Online cyclopedia Microsoft Encarta 2003. 23 April 2003 http://encarta.msn.com/encet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761556943>