Comparative Essay Example: Native Memoirs from the War of 1812 vs. Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom

Our first century as a new nation was a unique one, to say the least. Numerous occasions and events that were able shape us for better and the worse, that molded what would be a nation of free thinking with division always lingering. There are two stories that come to mind that take place during two historical parts of our history within in this period, which were the War of 1812 and downfall of slavery in the states. Carl Benn gives us the memoirs of two Native people and the roles they played during the War of 1812 in ‘Native Memoirs from the War of 1812’; on the other hand, Ellen and William Crafts nonfiction historical novel, ‘Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom’, tells their true story of how they escaped slavery during the 1840s, when slavery was becoming a hot topic across the nation. While the audiences were different for each of these, both wanted to bring awareness to their stories, and they did so by telling of the actual events as they were. This style of narration gives the reader and the audience a sense of insight into the historical events that occurred int both novels. This transports the reader back into these historical eras. To argue these things, the earlier novel, Native Memoirs from the War of 1812, will be discussed since those events occurred first, which will be followed by the analysis on the storytelling of the Crafts slave escape. 

‘Native Memoirs from the War of 1812’ is our first novel brought to focus and we can take away the importance of religion to its narrator while trying to make people aware that white men were not the only ones that served in this war. In the second memoir of this book, William Apess is a member of the Pequot tribe and a Christian convert. While he did live on a reservation in Connecticut, he also served in the military during the War of 1812, specifically as a musician, then later a few branches in Army such as Artillery. From what professor and author Carl Benn has displayed for us in his memoir, the key audience, we can assume, for this narrative is mainly people who were interested in learning all aspects of the War of 1812 and maybe even the story of a man who was not your typical Native person. Benn is trying to bring to our attention the fact that Native people did serve during this time, and some of them got along very well with the white folks who also enlisted at this time for such similarities as religion; however, Apess felt like he was able to open to others about his rebirth as a Christian and discuss it with others. At the same time, he truly wanted to write back home, asking for his old friends' forgiveness, but he knew for certain that "[he] could not bear to hear any order of Christians ridiculed, especially Methodists; it grieved [him] to the heart" (107, Benn). It really brings to light how he knew he would be mocked for his religious journey and path, but he continued to do so anyway. He eventually decided not to write back home and deal with the harassment of his religious beliefs of a Native Pequot. Bringing such truths and legitimacy into this memoir helps convince the reader why they should not support but learn about him and Blackhawk as well. By bringing such facts into light, Apess’ audience can be convinced about how hard it is for him to not only feel like an outcast in the war at times but an outsider to his own kind, just for having different religious beliefs.

As we move to another major topic during the 19th century, ‘Running a Thousand Miles for Freedom’ uncovers the grating certitudes of its time, while giving its audience a motive as to why they should consider supporting their cause. This narrative discusses the life of slavery as a child for blacks and European immigrants, the harsh conditions they went through and how our narrators, William and Ellen Craft, escaped from their lives of slavery in Georgia to make it all the way up to Philadelphia. Eventually though, they make it to England and promote the abolishment of slavery (in America) in the foreign country. With that said, some possible target audiences for their story could be other people that were pro-abolition in England, people from this country that wanted to learn about the story of the Crafts, and quite possibly even families. With little to no graphic details considered overly inappropriate for condition and considering that it was slavery, families, and school children at the time in England could read this and learn about it as well. What they are telling their audiences and mentioning is that yes, even children from neighboring countries could be considered slaves, just as much as blacks were at this time and they were treated just as harshly. Yes, these conditions and these things are still happening in southern America and some people there think there is no issue with this treatment. Craft brings his audience in by telling the truth and captivating them with the truth. For example, on page 16, Craft explains to his audience that “it is unlawful on Georgia for a white man to trade with slaves without the master’s consent. But, notwithstanding this, many persons will sell a slave any article that he can get the money to buy” (16, Craft). With dropping small truths like these, they grab the attention while releasing information that may have known, especially in a country that didn’t have slavery during this time. To not only give the audience a sense of awareness as to some of the restrictions and rules that slaves follow, but also the fact that slaveholders themselves turn around and sell them just as easily is one of the shocking statements an English reader might be appalled to learn. With this technique, Craft can unveil the actualities of slavery that no one, especially in England, may not have known, yet doing it as subtle and seamlessly. In fact, this quote is only one key example of how the Crafts persuade their readers into taking a side in the abolition movement. 

At this time in history, revealing the truth behind what seemed acceptable was a powerful tool writers could use to their advantage. From hiding what was happening to innocent people to accepting one the way they are and where they are in life, both novels are able to pull the reader in just by telling things as they were.