The Cotton Kingdom, volume 1 (of 2) : $b A traveller's observations on cotton and slavery in the American Slave States

"The Cotton Kingdom, Volume 1" by Frederick Law Olmsted is a mid-19th century narrative that recounts the author's journeys through the American South, spotlighting cotton production and the deep-seated institution of slavery. Throughout, the narrative presents an examination of slavery's impact on the cotton industry, while providing commentary on the social systems supporting it. The story begins as the author shares his journey from Washington and introduces a critical discussion around the political and social conflicts facing America, highlighting the moral and ethical challenges presented by slavery and setting the scene for in-depth observation into the everyday lives of slaves and the economic forces at play in these regions.