"I voted once. I guess it was Republican. I don't remember now who I voted for. I didn't take much interest in politics—only just what I'd hear somebody say.
"Yankees was camped near us in Texas to keep the wild Indians back. That was after the War. Yes'm, sure was.
"I know the very night old missis told us we was free. Called all us slaves up there together. Told us we was just as free as she was. I always will remember that.
"I stayed there till we got through the crop. Then I went to Paris, Texas and portered in a little hotel there. Then I went wagonin'—haulin' stuff.
"They used to whip me in slavery times when they got ready. Need it? well, they said I did. Hurt my feelin's and hurt my hide too, but they raised me to do whatever they said.
"This younger generation ain't no good—they ain't raised up like I was. Things is a whole lot different than they used to be. The folks ain't prayin' to God like they used to. Ain't livin' right.
"I had two brothers killed in time of the War. That's what the old people told me after I come back from Texas.
"Yes'm, I've had plenty to eat all my life—up until now; I ain't got so much now.
"I keep the rheumatism pretty much all the time but I ain't never been down sick so I couldn't help myself.
"I'm telling you just what I know and what I don't know I couldn't tell you. Good-bye."