Historical Era:
Year Created: 1863
Publisher: National Archives
Owner: National Archives
This 1863 photograph of “Peter,” a formerly enslaved man, displaying scars from his overseer’s whippings, was widely reproduced as evidence of slavery’s cruelty. The image was sometimes paired with a photo or drawing of “Peter” after his enlistment in the U.S. Army. “Peter” was sometimes identified as “Gordon.”
The original caption reads: Overseer Artayou Carrier whipped me. I was two months in bed sore from the whipping. My master come after I was whipped; he discharged the overseer. The very words of poor Peter, taken as he sat for his picture. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Source: Full Citation: Photograph 165-JT-230; Overseer Artayou Carrier whipped me. I was two months in bed sore from the whipping.; 4/2/1863; Photographic Prints in John Taylor Album*, ca. 1861 - ca. 1865; Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs, Record Group 165; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/peter, June 10, 2024]
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