Judging from the excerpt you read from William Byrd’s secret diary, what do you think is most important to him in his day-to-day life? Why are those things important? How would you describe his general outlook and tone in the diary? Do you think his diary entries are consistent with the description of his life that he offers in his letter to Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery? Why or why not?
6 thoughts on “William Byrd and Plantation Life”
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Byrd takes great interest in the welfare of his slaves, not necessarily in any sort of humanitarian way, but more that he was concerned about his property. He mentions the slaves by initials or at least shortenings of their actual names. Health played an important role for him between his family’s health and his slave’s. Prayer and religion are also very important to him. He starts almost every passage with a declaration that he had prayed and read Hebrew. His prayers are no doubt related to the poor health of his family and slaves.
His journal descriptions were not quite in-line with his letters. In the letters he describes a kind of utopia where the weather is fine and he need not worry about money or current events or the cares he used to have in England. He tells Boyle of the simplicity of his life, compared to his old life in England. What is reflected in his private entries carried more stress and duties than what he conveys through his letters.
In his letter to Boyle, Byrd describes Virginia to be a “Canaan”, a promised land free of financial burdens and the troubles that come with them. Byrd’s idylls are emphasized in their contrast to England and the temptations therein — the “Onions and Fleshpots of Egypt” he quips. Now settled in Virginia, Byrd is in the “more solid pleasures of Innocence and Retirement.”
Byrd’s tone, however, flips in his letter to Mrs. Jane Pratt Taylor. Whereas the author praises the virtue of “Innocence and Retirement” away from the temptations of England in his letter to Boyle, Byrd laments that he does not “live near some great city like London or Paris”. Furthermore, there is very little “innocent” about the story he goes on to tell about an Italian “bona roba” whose jury-rigged breast pump was turned into a nipple whistle when the breeze blew in to interrupt some party.
However, this is not to say the Byrd has entirely returned to a life of “Onions and Fleshpots,” which he claims to have entirely left behind in his letter to Boyle, but it is clear that vice has made it across the Atlantic with the author and he undoubtedly retains some interest in it.
The discrepancies in the letters might also have to do with audience. Given that his friend Charles Boyle also happens to be an earl whom Byrd refers to as “My Lord,” this story he tells the widow of his second wife’s brother might be considered too risqué for the English court.
William Byrd describes his lifestyle free from the concerns and judgments of society. Other than his plantation and the health of his slaves, he does not have much else to worry about. He is at ease with his life and continuously mentions his lack of need to produce an income. He seems to have gained an honorable and strong control over his land and his workers. As the above students mention, he does not seem to be bothered by much of anything. He discusses his previous life in England as a more exciting place. For the major changes occurring at the time, one must question is relaxed attitude towards life. I think that his letters are consistent because they are presented in similar tones. His language does not seem to show his hate or excitement for a subject
In both of William Byrd’s letters his overall tone is very positive. When writing to Jane Pratt Taylor, he talks about a said who was said to be taken over by an evil spirit, which is a religious reference for them falling ill. His writing seems lighthearted, though, as he focuses mostly on the girl’s body and sexual appeal for most of the letter, and ends assuring the reader that everyone is “in cheerful good health.” In his letter to Boyle, he emphasizes the safety and security he feels during day-to-day life. He feels that there is no threat to his slaves. In both letters, day-to-day life is focused on prosperity and in each letter he thanks God for his slaves’ health.
In reading William Byrd’s personal diary, it seems important to remember that these writings were not intended for public consumption, but rather for personal reflection. In this way, his words and thoughts might be interpreted as even more genuine than run-of-the-mill diary entries. Of all the goings on in his life, his relationship with his God and the ability of his slaves to work effectively are of utmost importance. The ever self-effacing and humble Byrd often asks for forgiveness for his transgressions, no matter how mild. He is full of praise and always sure to offer thanks. Ironically, although perhaps typical of his era, Byrd is also highly concerned with the success of the plantation, which rests on the shoulders of his slaves. As such, the condition of these men and women in bondage is on his mind. The idea that holding slaves might not jive with his intense faith does not seem to cross Byrd’s mind, as is to be expected.
William Byrd makes sure to praise and thank God throughout his diary, noting how he dutifully says his prayers every morning and night and that if he forgot on a particular day he makes sure to addresses it. “Good thoughts, good humor, and good health” appear repeatedly and if he felt especially negative one day, he makes sure to ask God for forgiveness. Much of the writing focuses on Byrd’s concern over the health of his slaves and thanking God when they finally get better. Clearly the health of his slaves is very important to him and the everyday operations on the plantation. Byrd refers to his slaves in casual terms, calling them “his people” in a way that reveals a genuine belief in their status as property. He notes the misfortune of the death of one of his slaves but does not dwell on it and the loss translates as more significant to him in a financial rather than emotional way. Otherwise the day-to-day goings on seem routine and relatively unexciting. His description of the plantation in his letter to Charles Boyle is a more colorful and fond picture of life than the writings in the diary. Although he does not seem particularly unhappy in the diary entries, he does not seem overjoyed either.