North Carolina has one of the most interesting histories of the original thirteen colonies. Being one of the first colonies settled, North Carolina has been an important player in the history of the United States. The Waterman’s Song, by David S. Cecelski, educates the reader about the role of slavery in North Carolina, more specifically, in the maritime or coastal region of the state. Cecelski examines the lives of the slaves, as well as, free black men who labored on the water as fishermen and deck hands. The book studies the culture from the colonial period thru the end of the Civil War. The Waterman’s Song offers different views on the treatment of slaves during this period. Cecelski presents a broader, more detailed, view of the African American population living in the maritime region of North Carolina during this time. …show more content…
Cecelski recounts the story of a free slave named Hews. Hews is the captain of a small boat near Edenton. The story describes a meeting between Hews and the man that owned Hew’s wife. Hews, not only, threatened to kidnap the wife and take her away; he manages to do so. There is only a brief mention of this occurrence in a newspaper article. Again, most of the author’s information comes from stories passed down through the years. The Waterman’s Song is well illustrated. Cecelski’s use of maps, pictures and drawings visually enhance the information presented in the book. The illustrations of the watercraft were noteworthy as