Notwithstanding that the Emancipation Proclamation freed him from any obligation to his master, this black man walked the greater portion of the distance back to where his old master lived in Virginia, and placed the last dollar, with interest, in his hands.
Washington tells the story of a former slave who repaid his debt to his master after emancipation, demonstrating a strong sense of honor.
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More from Booker T. Washington
Ever since I have been old enough to think for myself, I have entertained the idea that, notwithstanding the cruel wrongs inflicted upon us, the black man got nearly as much out of slavery as the white man did.
As soon as it was learned that he was not an American Negro, all the signs of indignation disappeared.
Despite this disappointment, however, I determined that I would learn something, anyway.
He was simply another unfortunate victim of the institution which the Nation unhappily had engrafted upon it at that time.