The Journal of Darien Dexter Duff, An Emancipated Slave Book

Darien Dexter Duff, Junior, the older brother of Daneece and "Doofy Doofus" Duff was born on a Louisiana plantation prior to the Civil War. After the bloody war ended slaves were free to live and work where they pleased. So, Pappy and Mammy decided to seek a job elsewhere with their 3 children and Mammy's Sister Sue and her six children. Darien records the family's trek through Ole Gassy Swamp that was infested with dangerous critters. The family eventually finds employment in a sawmill in Great Piney Woods that is haunted by the Great Piney Wood Witches! After a scare by a "witch," a frolic with a tribe of Chicopee Indians, the family lose their jobs. They are then joined by their friends, Mammy Marie and her pretty gal, Solange. They trek to the Mississippi River and ride on a paddleboat, commanded by Captain Sam, Riverboat Man, to the bustling port of New Orleans. And throughout the peril and hilarity, Darien Duff records everything in his journal. The book includes photos and nonfiction information that will interest parents, teachers, and librarians. Be sure to read The Journal of Leroy Jeremiah Jones, a Fugitive Slave (Alabama 1855) and The Diary of a Slave Girl, Ruby Jo (South Carolina 1718)