Iola Leroy · Chapter
II: Contraband of War explained
In a secret prayer meeting, Robert Johnson, Tom Anderson, and other enslaved men discuss the news that runaway slaves reaching Union lines will be considered 'contraband of war' and not returned.
What happens
In a secret prayer meeting, Robert Johnson, Tom Anderson, and other enslaved men discuss the news that runaway slaves reaching Union lines will be considered 'contraband of war' and not returned. Robert reveals his desire for freedom, partly driven by the sale of his mother. Uncle Daniel, bound by a promise to his master, chooses to stay behind despite his longing for freedom. Tom recounts overhearing generals' talk of arming Black men and freeing them. The meeting ends with plans to escape when the Union army arrives.
Themes in this chapter
Slavery and Freedom
The chapter centers on the enslaved men's debate over escaping to freedom, with Robert and Tom eager to go while Uncle Daniel feels bound by his promise.
Resistance and Agency
The men plan to run to Union lines, demonstrating active resistance; Tom's spying on his master's conversation shows covert agency.
Religion and Faith
The prayer meeting setting and Uncle Daniel's faith are central; the story of Potobombra critiques hypocritical religious practices by slaveholders.
Characters to notice
- Robert Johnson
Leads the discussion about freedom and the 'contraband of war' policy; reveals his mother was sold away from him.
- Uncle Daniel
Elderly leader of the prayer meeting; chooses to stay on the plantation out of loyalty to his promise to Marse Robert.
- Thomas Anderson
Eager to escape to the Union army; shares overheard conversation about generals discussing arming Black men.
- Linda
Mentioned in the opening of the chapter as having a prior conversation with Robert.
Key passages
“I ain’t got nothing ’gainst my ole Miss, except she sold my mother from me. And a boy ain’t nothin’ without his mother. I forgive her, but I never forget her, and never expect to.”
Robert says he holds no grudge against his mistress except for selling his mother, and he will always remember that loss.
Reveals Robert's personal motivation for seeking freedom.
“I lubs de bery name of freedom. I’se been praying and hoping for it dese many years. An’ ef I warn’t boun’, I would go wid you ter-morrer.”
Uncle Daniel declares his love for freedom and his long hope for it, but feels bound by his promise to stay.
Highlights the conflict between personal desire and duty.
“Contraband of war... It means if two armies are fighting and the horses of one run away, the other has a right to take them. And it is just the same if a slave runs away from the Secesh to the Union lines.”
Robert explains that the term 'contraband of war' means escaped slaves are like captured property and will not be returned.
Key explanation of the legal and military concept driving the men's hope.