That Time Jordan Anderson Sent His Letter from a Freedman to His Old Master

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ส.ค. 2024
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    In this video:
    During the 19th century, there were many freed slaves that went on to lead extremely noteworthy lives despite all the adversity they faced in their lifetime, such as the world famous Frederick Douglass, who not only played an important role in fighting for black people’s rights, but also championed women’s rights, particularly playing an important part in the fight for the right for women to vote. Not everyone can be so accomplished as the great Frederick Douglas, but that doesn’t mean they don’t at times do noteworthy things. This brings us to the subject of today- one Jordan Anderson, a former slave who received a letter from his former master requesting he come back to work. Jordan’s reply was a deliciously satirical letter in which, when reading between the lines, he essentially told him in the most polite and eloquent way possible to kiss his derriere. Widely published throughout the United States and parts of Europe, the response made Jordan a media darling overnight.
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    Sources:
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    www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg....
    www.toledoblade.com/State/2012...
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    books.google.co.uk/books?id=w...
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_...
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ความคิดเห็น • 648

  • @TodayIFoundOut
    @TodayIFoundOut  6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Ready for more interesting facts about history? Then check out this video and find out that Magellan Was Not the First Person to Circumnavigate the Globe, The Man Who First Did It May Have Been Magellan’s Slave:
    th-cam.com/video/HSBF41yRVqs/w-d-xo.html

  • @themaster408
    @themaster408 7 ปีที่แล้ว +186

    I don't think Henry's plantation had enough Aloe Vera to treat that burn.

  • @yourmajesty3569
    @yourmajesty3569 5 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    Jordan Anderson, the first to troll his former boss on social media.
    He's the real OG.

  • @AuskaDezjArdamaath
    @AuskaDezjArdamaath 7 ปีที่แล้ว +159

    At the end of the letter, a mike drop was heard throughout the land and reverberated through time and space.

    • @allim.5941
      @allim.5941 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      AuskaDezjArdamaath lil

  • @BoffinGrusky
    @BoffinGrusky 7 ปีที่แล้ว +232

    As an old man who enjoys history, this is one of the best stories I've heard in a long time!! Well done!

  • @163reasonswhyrealestateage4
    @163reasonswhyrealestateage4 6 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Not only did Jordon display great eloquent in his respond, but he also showed his wisdom by setting conditions for his return. This was a smart man.

  • @kayrosis5523
    @kayrosis5523 7 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    They say in Tennessee that if the wind is quiet on the old Anderson Plantation you can still hear Henry's screams of rage and despair. They also say that if the wind is quiet in Dayton, you can hear Jourdan and Mandy laughing at Henry getting his karmic due.

    • @Sorcerers_Apprentice
      @Sorcerers_Apprentice 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There is an archived article from The Salt Lake Tribune titled "How did ex-slave's letter to master come to be?". According to the article, a historian actually tracked down some of Patrick "Henry" Anderson's descendants in Big Spring. He reported "What's amazing is that the current living relatives of Col. Anderson are still angry at Jordan for not coming back".

  • @MARKOUTTV
    @MARKOUTTV 7 ปีที่แล้ว +154

    What a beautiful bit of shade

  • @199NickYT
    @199NickYT 7 ปีที่แล้ว +276

    Thank you for reading out this entire letter. This is an absolute amazing primary source insight into America's past shame.

    • @OakInch
      @OakInch 7 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Actually, owning human beings brings a lot more social status than shame.

    • @OakInch
      @OakInch 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Colm Yethon They started doing it again in Africa after we ended colonization. ISIS does it now too. There may be something to this slavery thing.

    • @grandsome1
      @grandsome1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Davis Brethen Jourdan wasn't willing to go back to his master, he clearly stated demands that couldn't be met by his master, he was essentially saying "sure, when roosters have teeth".

    • @ChristopherPuzey
      @ChristopherPuzey 7 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      America's shame? More like the world's shame. America didn't invent slavery.

    • @nighthawk8412
      @nighthawk8412 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Christopher Puzey,
      Simply being one of the participants in the shameful practice of slavery doesn't mean that it's not a shameful past for America.
      Sincerely,
      Jennifer M. Montgomery

  • @botlecap8435
    @botlecap8435 7 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    "Say howdy to George Carter, and thank him for taking the pistol from you when you were shooting at me." Damn, that slave owner is gonna need some ice for that burn.

  • @lowtierhuman69
    @lowtierhuman69 7 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Awesome. What a fantastic and eloquent way to respond to half a lifetime of brutal cruelty.

  • @DontStareAtTheSun
    @DontStareAtTheSun 6 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    DAAAAAAAAAAMN! Now THAT is how to throw shade! Stay tasteful, dignified, and respectful, but leave NO question as to how you feel about the situation. If only he were on social media today, the world would be a better place.

  • @taxicabbie147
    @taxicabbie147 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Best comeback ever

  • @psk1w1
    @psk1w1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    A splendid reply. Something tells me Henry didn't get back to him.....
    What? Henry couldn't do the harvest himself, like any farmer? Tsk tsk

    • @jamesanthony8438
      @jamesanthony8438 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Farming's just not the same when you have to leave your porch and your lemon drink behind =)

  • @justinmileman7863
    @justinmileman7863 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    The best "Middle Finger" in the history of literature XD

  • @wright534
    @wright534 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That many people not only escaped such horrendous bondage but thrived and made a better life for themselves and their children should never be downplayed or forgotten.

  • @oliver6354
    @oliver6354 7 ปีที่แล้ว +152

    When I was a kid I always thought living as a freedman would be like living as anyone else. I miss the innocence I once had

    • @AtlasReburdened
      @AtlasReburdened 7 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      It must have been rough growing up in the 1800's. How have you made it this long?

    • @madscientistshusta
      @madscientistshusta 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Atlas WalkedAway i knew highlander was about a real immortal!
      THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!

    • @Syisulis
      @Syisulis 7 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I'm still a slave
      TO THE ALL MIGHTY DOLLAR

    • @odinfromcentr2
      @odinfromcentr2 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      During a brief window, it mostly was. Then the former slavers took over again and any shot at that went to hell.

    • @SakuraAvalon
      @SakuraAvalon 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Aha! So you have a Philosopher's stone!

  • @user-gf9ui1wp1k
    @user-gf9ui1wp1k 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank You .!!! Please Teach in every public school.!!! There is Hope in Humanity .!!!!God please continue Blessing our Ancestors.!!!

  • @MadameRaven1
    @MadameRaven1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    What a phenomenal letter! Jordan was an amazing man.

  • @MdlAgedHeadbanger
    @MdlAgedHeadbanger 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Jordan not only invented the concept of trolling here, he set the bar so high it will never be met.

  • @benedictdonald768
    @benedictdonald768 7 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more, I notice.

    • @MrCardeso
      @MrCardeso 7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Frederick Douglass saved my life during the massacre at Fraggle Rock! He's my covfefe!

    • @Thumbsupurbum
      @Thumbsupurbum 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      There it is, I knew someone was going to make this comment.

    • @madscientistshusta
      @madscientistshusta 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Mario G. Cardiel i was there...the horror was palpable.
      you think you know pain? tell me about your troubles friend! i crawled over 20 dead fraggles! i wittnessed freadrick douglace , he was 23 feet tall he had grenade launchers for balls!
      we all owe our lifes to that man, neigh our freedom!

  • @meltedplasticarmyguy
    @meltedplasticarmyguy 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I have lived in Dayton since 1988 and this is the first I have heard of this. Time to do some research.

  • @chadvogel3594
    @chadvogel3594 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    this guy is a legend.

  • @shizlittlebam
    @shizlittlebam 7 ปีที่แล้ว +170

    Like a boss 😎

  • @losaikosavetheearth4215
    @losaikosavetheearth4215 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love a story with a happy & just ending. Keep them coming.

  • @OakInch
    @OakInch 7 ปีที่แล้ว +336

    Legend has it, Jordan is still trolling to this day.

    • @maurifick7471
      @maurifick7471 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Show Me What You Got I actually know a kid named Jordan Anderson...

    • @dalewelch547
      @dalewelch547 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      get swiftyyyy aye take your clothes off, I'm Mr bulldog take your clothes off. shit on the flooor

    • @somegizmo3054
      @somegizmo3054 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      They were. Right wingers always end up on the losing side of history.

    • @kurtkohler1830
      @kurtkohler1830 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      you do realize that Abe Lincoln was GOP and the democratic party supported slavery

    • @robertknight3776
      @robertknight3776 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      You do realize at the time the GOP was the liberal party right? They were "progressives" (a group that looks forward to progress), not conservatives (a group that wants to conserve the "old ways").
      Seriously, the etymology should be self explanatory.

  • @KyleBoise
    @KyleBoise 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Henry's fall is the a pretty good explanation for why the south fought so hard to keep slavery. They knew without it they would have no labor and thus they would meet a destitute and miserable end. That is exactly what happened.

  • @jugernautshaw9338
    @jugernautshaw9338 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The most classicist way to throw ya shade....LIKE A BOSS

  • @TheSlugJones
    @TheSlugJones 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a man. A man who would have likely made a better president than many we have had. May Jordan's memory and words live on forever!

  • @taliblond7597
    @taliblond7597 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I have always loved this story

  • @SargentRooster
    @SargentRooster 7 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Nice slice of history, thank you.

  • @nighthawk8412
    @nighthawk8412 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Today I Found Out,
    Thank you for making this video. It is a great example of the fact that people do not have to resort to being ugly to get back at those who have been unjustly ugly towards them. It also illustrates that not being ugly to people like that is the best form of retaliation.
    Sincerely,
    Jennifer M. Montgomery

  • @aienatu
    @aienatu 7 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    The making of a purebred badass: The Jourdan Anderson story

  • @leighfoulkes7297
    @leighfoulkes7297 7 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    That was fantastic!!! Horrifying too, as to the whole master sons rapping the slaves daughters.

  • @mrme8767
    @mrme8767 7 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    love me these kind of stories!

    • @ShyraR
      @ShyraR 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Of course you do, DREAM ON!!!

    • @chadvogel3594
      @chadvogel3594 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      mr me yea especially when bad people get karma.

  • @minasoliman
    @minasoliman 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That was awesome! Jourdan Anderson is my hero!

  • @metooblueshoes
    @metooblueshoes 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    wow, I just moved from Dayton, Oh. My dad grew up there. I never heard this story!

  • @Parallax3599
    @Parallax3599 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Probably one of my favorite videos from this channel so far.

  • @jaspr1999
    @jaspr1999 7 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I love it! I wish Polaroids existed then as that guy reading the letter would be a Polaroid moment.

    • @cougarhunter33
      @cougarhunter33 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      He probably held still long enough for a tin type to be made

  • @shaemae123
    @shaemae123 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    fantastic letter! A beautiful man, Jourdan.

  • @balooko31
    @balooko31 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is not the first time that I've come across my town of Dayton OH in a TIFO video, but it was the best one. Usually we get some shade thrown our way...

  • @fancyfurever129
    @fancyfurever129 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you today I found out (Simon & Co.) I love the way you manage to preach human rights from an educational point of view. Keep them coming :)

  • @eugenetswong
    @eugenetswong 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That was really cool. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy.

  • @juanitajean70
    @juanitajean70 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Beautiful. 👍

  • @Palachrist
    @Palachrist 7 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Take note that there are people disliking this.... why? honestly wtf could the answer be to why you disliked a former slave telling off a slave owner

    • @tangerinetech5300
      @tangerinetech5300 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thomas Whitlatch are you unaware of how the internet works

    • @yourmajesty3569
      @yourmajesty3569 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I'm hoping that perhaps some people are just not fond of the channel in general. Maybe the hosts accent or cadence.
      There are videos I've seen of glorious subject matter, but I couldn't stand the tone of the hosts voice or the editing style.
      Or maybe they just find history super boring and didn't even listen to more than 15 seconds of the video.
      (Shrug)

    • @TheYoyozo
      @TheYoyozo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The down votes may very well be from jackasses, but the weirdly slow scrolling of the words of the letter was off-putting. I gave the video a thumbs up but at times poor editing can hurt an otherwise great and important video.

  • @travionbell9991
    @travionbell9991 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Glorious.

  • @grindstone4910
    @grindstone4910 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    6:56 wow, that got really dark quick.
    Glad to have had you come to my home town, Mr. Anderson. I hope your descendants are doing well these days, Dayton has fallen on some hard times.

  • @ssppeellll
    @ssppeellll 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This was a great episode of "Today I Found Out."
    Thank you to the people who make these videos!

  • @marquism2920
    @marquism2920 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This video made me cry my people been through so much even since biblical times.

  • @shadypinesma8909
    @shadypinesma8909 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Excellent! Thank you so much.

  • @BlasphemousBill2023
    @BlasphemousBill2023 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love this story! Never once have I heard anything like it before. Thank you much!

  • @christinecameron1612
    @christinecameron1612 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Best "ha ha ha ha NO" ever!

  • @NoFlyZone01
    @NoFlyZone01 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    FABULOUS 👏🏿

  • @nickthadon9894
    @nickthadon9894 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    that was good thanks for sharing

  • @wellesradio
    @wellesradio 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Epic.
    I literally applauded when you read this letter out.

  • @Jake-nk4wg
    @Jake-nk4wg 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This beautiful story should be made into a 3 to 6 part series. WOW!!!!!!!!!

  • @MrClickity
    @MrClickity 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My god, that was beautifully savage.

  • @ehhjeep
    @ehhjeep 7 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Wish I could give more than just one thumbs up.

  • @SocietyOfDecency
    @SocietyOfDecency 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love this.

  • @colemarie9262
    @colemarie9262 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That was excellent.

  • @gj9933
    @gj9933 7 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Awesome 👏

  • @Lobodescuridad
    @Lobodescuridad 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is one of my most favorite videos

  • @boldandbrashcrafts727
    @boldandbrashcrafts727 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    this is still one of my favorite TIFO episodes. thank you for sharing this one with us.

  • @sonnythirteen
    @sonnythirteen 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    That was brilliant!

  • @trusso6117
    @trusso6117 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Now that's what you call a happy Karma infused ending. Thanks Simon!

  • @ThatSoddingGamer
    @ThatSoddingGamer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I was waiting for the part where he mentioned all the back-pay owed.
    I was not disappointed.

  • @Gnug215
    @Gnug215 7 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    Trolling... 1800s style.

    • @allim.5941
      @allim.5941 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Gnug215 lol

    • @lee48lee68
      @lee48lee68 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The trolling was so ahead of its time, it would work today; in fact it’s timeless.

  • @Silverpup67
    @Silverpup67 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Best letter ever

  • @thomaspalagyi7241
    @thomaspalagyi7241 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That's awesome

  • @Spankytimez
    @Spankytimez 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ...quite a man this Anderson. Beautifully written.

  • @Rinian85
    @Rinian85 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    that is so awesome

  • @Razz415
    @Razz415 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such a polite way to tell the prick off. I cant type a simple youtube fomment with put a curse. He must have truly been a patient man.

  • @gregkral4467
    @gregkral4467 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was a great response. Thanks for sharing this.

  • @andrewince8824
    @andrewince8824 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Never in all of human history has such a strong, heartfelt, justified and in a way funny "Fuck you" come along that can beat this. If not for 112 years of death, I'd take Jourdan off to the pub for a well earned pint. The bloke is a top-notch legend.

  • @MrEman-kx8qm
    @MrEman-kx8qm 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Simon, best teacher I've ever had!

  • @dannyrivera671
    @dannyrivera671 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are awesome dude!! Keep delivering high quality content!!!!!

  • @Soldadummy
    @Soldadummy 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This was brilliant!

  • @Goades95
    @Goades95 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    how have i only just found this channel, time to binge watch.

    • @omegafoxxtrot7248
      @omegafoxxtrot7248 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'd recommend (if it's not too late) that you avoid the videos with religious context or at the very least avoid their comment sections. It's pretty toxic.

  • @justinjex1
    @justinjex1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome. Total class act and proof that living right is the best justice and revenge

  • @servantofChrist3
    @servantofChrist3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just read this letter in my history textbook and I just had to get more context. Great video; God bless!

  • @skygh
    @skygh 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Justice.

  • @DFX2KX
    @DFX2KX 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the sort of thing you write (or have written for you) when you don't wish particular ill of someone, but know that no matter what happens, the wrongs that individual committed can never be expunged in their lifetime.

  • @katiobrien7854
    @katiobrien7854 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Loved that story.

  • @shantimindproductions5585
    @shantimindproductions5585 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow, Jordan Anderson!! This letter is perfection. I wish it was more widely known -- every high schooler in America should know about Jordan. Thanks for researching his background. I love how you could burn somebody back in the 1800s with such gentlemanly eloquence.

  • @orangequant
    @orangequant 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oh I DID enjoy this! Thank you!

  • @TheRazorTongue
    @TheRazorTongue 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That made me smile immensely.

  • @rhl8673
    @rhl8673 7 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    And here is the most long-winded way to say, " GO $^*@ YOURSELF!" that I have ever read.
    Well played Mr. Anderson, well played.

  • @opinionateddrone
    @opinionateddrone 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    that was awesome

  • @franreid8203
    @franreid8203 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fabulous, what a wonderful story.

  • @thecatlady2710
    @thecatlady2710 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That was awesome!

  • @wnordelus
    @wnordelus 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Jourdan spoke with such grace. Most sophisticated rejection letter of the year.

  • @pablodecena4260
    @pablodecena4260 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man this brings a big smile to the face!

  • @marzinjedi6437
    @marzinjedi6437 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The massa died penniless whilst the former slave prospered and flourished seems about right and just...

  • @1BiChristianF
    @1BiChristianF 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As a proud Daytonian and mother of a biracial 12 yr old I say hell yeah.

  • @Shrapnel82
    @Shrapnel82 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Jordan Anderson... showing how trolling was done. Shadilay, my dude. Shadilay indeed.

  • @judithcatlett8518
    @judithcatlett8518 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Again, as an AA, never heard this story and, of course, this was never taught in school.

  • @originalcosmicgirl
    @originalcosmicgirl 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    At the end of this story, I can't help hearing the Mortal Kombat announcer's voice proclaim, "Flawless victory!"

  • @aurenkleige
    @aurenkleige 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    That is some Grade A karma there.

  • @SweetLilWren
    @SweetLilWren 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic video Simon

  • @Alex-pv4ft
    @Alex-pv4ft 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love it.