Stanford professor finds inspiration from the diaries of his great-grandfather, who escaped slavery

TL;DR

William B. Gould, a former slave, escaped and joined the United States Navy during the Civil War, highlighting the challenges faced by black individuals seeking freedom.

Transcript

my great-grandfather William B. Gould was born as  a slave in Wilmington, North Carolina. When the war broke out he escaped from slavery in September  of 1862 and joined the United States Navy. Only in 1989 when I went to the National  Archives and got the log of his ship   did I realized that he had been enslaved because  in the log it says eight ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The diary of William B. Gould reveals the story of a former slave who joined the Navy during the Civil War.
• 🍉 The term "contraband" was used to classify escaped slaves as seized property to justify their enlistment.
• 🇺🇸 Gould's diary entries reflect his allegiance to the United States and his gratitude for his service in the Navy.
• 😀 The challenges faced by commanders in dealing with escaped slaves highlight the complex legal and social dynamics of the time.
• ✊ Gould's story serves as an inspiration for young people who may feel disillusioned or discouraged, showing them the power of conviction and action.
• 🐕‍🦺 His escape from slavery and subsequent military service demonstrate the resilience and determination of individuals seeking freedom.
• 🙂 The impact of the Civil War on the lives of black individuals, such as Gould, sheds light on the struggle for equality and the fight against slavery.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did William B. Gould escape from slavery and join the United States Navy?

William B. Gould escaped from slavery in Wilmington, North Carolina, in September 1862 and joined the United States Navy during the Civil War.

Q: What challenges did commanders face when black individuals escaped slavery and wanted to fight?

Commanders faced a dilemma as the law still considered black individuals property, leading some to return escaped slaves to the Confederates. However, one of Lincoln's generals came up with the idea of labeling them as "contraband" to justify their enlistment.

Q: How did William B. Gould feel upon hearing that the Union forces had planted the stars and stripes over the defeated Confederacy?

Upon hearing the news, Gould expressed joy and allegiance to the United States, honoring both the living soldiers and the fallen martyrs in his diary entries.

Q: What was the significance of Gould's service in the Navy for young people?

Gould serves as an inspiration for young people, showing them the possibilities and convictions they can act upon in their lives. They can learn from his example to infuse their actions with patriotism and support for the United States.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• William B. Gould, born as a slave, escaped and joined the Navy during the Civil War, as revealed through the log of his ship.

• Many commanders were unsure of how to handle escaped slaves who wished to fight, but one of Lincoln's generals labeled them as "contraband" to justify their enlistment.

• Gould's diary reflects his allegiance to the United States and his gratitude for the end of his service in the Navy.