The only thing which reconciled the book-keepers to this abject state, was the reflection that they might one day _possibly_ become overseers themselves, and then they could exercise the same authority over others.
In addition to this degradation, the book-keepers suffered great hardships.

Every morning (during slavery) they were obliged to be in the field before day; they had to be there as soon as the slaves, in order to call the roll, and mark absentees, if any.

Often Mr.G.and the other gentleman had gone to the field, when it was so dark that they could not see to call the roll, and the negroes have all lain down on their hoes, and slept till the light broke.

Sometimes there would be a thick dew on the ground, and the air was so cold and damp, that they would be completely chilled.

When they were shivering on the ground, the negroes would often lend them their blankets, saying, "Poor _busha pickaninny_ sent out here from England to die." Mr.Gordon said that his constitution had been permanently injured by such exposure.