The work both upon the cotton and the corn is done only by
the women, children, and disabled men. It has been suggested that
field-work does not become women in the new condition; and so it may
seem to some persons of just sympathies who have not yet learned that no
honest work is dishonorable in man or woman. But this matter may be left
to regulate itself. Field-work, as an occupation, may not be consistent
with the finest feminine culture or the most complete womanliness; but
it in no way conflicts with virtue, self-respect, and social
development. Women work in the field in Switzerland, the freest country
of Europe; and we may look with pride on the triumphs of this
generation, when the American negroes become the peers of the Swiss
peasantry. Better a woman with the hoe than without it, when she is not
yet fitted for the needle or the book.
The negroes were also showing their capacity to organize labor and apply
capital to it. Harry, to whom I referred in my second report, as "my
faithful guide and attendant, who had done for me more service than any
white man could render," with funds of his own, and some borrowed money,
bought at the recent tax-sales a small farm of three hundred and
thirteen acres for three hundred and five dollars.
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