Allow me to share knowledge that may seem controversial but has proven effective in our region. Mr. Antônio da Silva Prado, our neighbor, faced a similar situation. His wife, after years of fruitless attempts, managed to give him three robust children through an unconventional method.” The letter continued describing how some families allowed specific slaves, chosen for their health and physical vigor, to maintain relations with the ladies, always under the supervision and total control of the husbands. The children born from these unions were registered as legitimate, ensuring the continuity of the lineage.
Colonel Augusto read and reread the correspondence for weeks. The idea disturbed him deeply, but it also awakened a desperate hope. His Catholic education and the values of the time made the proposal almost unthinkable.
However, the prospect of dying without heirs tormented him more than any moral consideration. During the month of January 1864, the Colonel discreetly observed the slaves on his property. He began to notice details that had previously gone unnoticed. Which ones were healthier? Which ones demonstrated greater intelligence? Which ones had physical characteristics that could improve his offspring?
Slavery had created a mentality where human beings were seen as property and instruments. For the Colonel, the slaves were not people with rights or feelings; they were tools that could be used to solve his succession problem. Dona Esperança noticed changes in her husband’s behavior.
He observed her with more intensity, asked strange questions about her menstrual cycle, and showed renewed interest in matters related to procreation. When he finally decided to reveal the contents of the letter, he chose a February night after dinner. “Esperança,” he said, “we need to talk about our situation.
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