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

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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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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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[@TodayIFoundOut]

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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foSld2dnrreJp9U

[@yourmajesty3569]

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

[@themaster408]

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

[@tomsponner9517]

Best comment

[@marloyorkrodriguez9975]

They need all that aloe for that tequila though.

[@AuskaDezjArdamaath]

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

[@allim.5941]

AuskaDezjArdamaath lil

[@BoffinGrusky]

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

[@163reasonswhyrealestateage4]

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]

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]

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]

What a beautiful bit of shade

[@199NickYT]

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

[@OakInch]

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

[@OakInch]

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]

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]

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

[@nighthawk8412]

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

[@lowtierhuman69]

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

[@botlecap8435]

"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.

[@MdlAgedHeadbanger]

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

[@DontStareAtTheSun]

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.

[@oliver6354]

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]

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

[@madscientistshusta]

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

[@Syisulis]

I'm still a slave TO THE ALL MIGHTY DOLLAR

[@odinfromcentr2]

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

[@SakuraAvalon]

Aha! So you have a Philosopher's stone!

[@justinmileman7863]

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

[@psk1w1]

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]

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

[@taxicabbie147]

Best comeback ever

[@wright534]

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.

[@benedictdonald768]

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

[@MrCardeso]

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

[@Thumbsupurbum]

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

[@madscientistshusta]

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!

[@MadameRaven1]

What a phenomenal letter! Jordan was an amazing man.

[@shizlittlebam]

Like a boss 😎

[@meltedplasticarmyguy]

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

[@OakInch]

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

[@maurifick7471]

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

[@dalewelch547]

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

[@somegizmo3054]

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

[@kurtkohler1830]

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

[@robertknight3776]

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.

[@aienatu]

The making of a purebred badass: The Jourdan Anderson story

[@chadvogel3594]

this guy is a legend.

[@user-gf9ui1wp1k]

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

[@nighthawk8412]

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

[@jaspr1999]

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

[@cougarhunter33]

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

[@leighfoulkes7297]

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

[@losaikosavetheearth4215]

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

[@TheSlugJones]

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!

[@SargentRooster]

Nice slice of history, thank you.

[@taliblond7597]

I have always loved this story

[@metooblueshoes]

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

[@balooko31]

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...

[@grindstone4910]

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.

[@Palachrist]

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]

Thomas Whitlatch are you unaware of how the internet works

[@yourmajesty3569]

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]

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.

[@fancyfurever129]

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 :)

[@Parallax3599]

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

[@KyleBoise]

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.

[@minasoliman]

That was awesome! Jourdan Anderson is my hero!

[@MrClickity]

My god, that was beautifully savage.

[@mrme8767]

love me these kind of stories!

[@ShyraR]

Of course you do, DREAM ON!!!

[@chadvogel3594]

mr me yea especially when bad people get karma.

[@andrewince8824]

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.

[@ehhjeep]

Wish I could give more than just one thumbs up.

[@jugernautshaw9338]

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

[@eugenetswong]

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

[@shaemae123]

fantastic letter! A beautiful man, Jourdan.

[@trusso6117]

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

[@shadypinesma8909]

Excellent! Thank you so much.

[@ssppeellll]

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

[@ThatSoddingGamer]

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

[@rhl8673]

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

[@vnleao]

We must resurrect the memory of Jordan with a meme of sorts. I personally recommend the term "Jordan'ed" if someone gets told off exceptionally well.

[@utility63]

PreposterousWorld "Jourdaned" - Throwing so much shade that the crops fail.

[@vnleao]

utility63 Haha that's so beautiful, I'm gonna slow clap it out for that reply

[@_yellow]

utility63 What a poetic insult, beautiful

[@marquism2920]

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

[@originalcosmicgirl]

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

[@christinecameron1612]

Best "ha ha ha ha NO" ever!

[@Gnug215]

Trolling... 1800s style.

[@allim.5941]

Gnug215 lol

[@lee48lee68]

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

[@Jake-nk4wg]

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

[@nickthadon9894]

that was good thanks for sharing

[@BlasphemousBill2023]

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

[@wellesradio]

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

[@travionbell9991]

Glorious.

[@Shrapnel82]

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

[@SocietyOfDecency]

Love this.

[@boldandbrashcrafts727]

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

[@gj9933]

Awesome 👏

[@Spankytimez]

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

[@shantimindproductions5585]

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.

[@MrEman-kx8qm]

Thanks Simon, best teacher I've ever had!

[@Silverpup67]

Best letter ever

[@juanitajean70]

Beautiful. 👍

[@sonnythirteen]

That was brilliant!

[@Goades95]

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

[@omegafoxxtrot7248]

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.

[@gregkral4467]

That was a great response. Thanks for sharing this.

[@GOGOSLIFE]

The 'dis' heard around the world, lol.

[@TheRazorTongue]

That made me smile immensely.

[@dannyrivera671]

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

[@lususnaturae999]

more eloquently written than any youtube commenter could

[@justinjex1]

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

[@franreid8203]

Fabulous, what a wonderful story.

[@37rmstrong]

This was brilliant!

[@Razz415]

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.

[@davidanthony2917]

amazing story. more than a little disoncerting that I'm from Tennessee, my last name is Anderson and we married into the Carter family. I'll have to see where Big Spring is.

[@davidanthony2917]

awesome. not my family. too far west

[@jamesanthony8438]

Well, since your family isn't feeling the burn from that letter 154 years later, it's probably safe to assume you aren't related to Henry. =)

[@katiobrien7854]

Loved that story.

[@NoFlyZone01]

FABULOUS 👏🏿

[@Rinian85]

that is so awesome

[@servantofChrist3]

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

[@orangequant]

Oh I DID enjoy this! Thank you!

[@aurenkleige]

That is some Grade A karma there.

[@pablodecena4260]

Man this brings a big smile to the face!

[@DFX2KX]

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.

[@colemarie9262]

That was excellent.

[@wnordelus]

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

[@Lobodescuridad]

This is one of my most favorite videos

[@xanpq8374]

DAMN! Good for him! Now THAT'S how you moon a shitty boss with some style, man! Like a boss, indeed!

[@thecatlady2710]

That was awesome!

[@corinbrynmor7390]

Love, Love, Love it!

[@thomaspalagyi7241]

That's awesome

[@1BiChristianF]

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