Everyone kept his plantation under fence and men who were old but strong and who had some knowledge of carpentry were sent out to keep the fence in repair and often to build new ones.  The fences were not like those of today.  They were built of horizontal rails about six or seven feet long, running zig-zag fashion.  Instead of having straight line fences and posts at regular points they did not use posts at all.  The bottom rails rested upon the ground and the zig-zag fashion in which they were laid gave strength to the fence.  No nails were used to hold the rails in place.  If stock was to be let in or out of the places the planks were unlocked so to speak, and the stock allowed to enter after which they were laid back as before.

Boys and girls under ten years of age were never sent into the field to work on the Miller plantation but were required to mind the smaller children of the family and do chores around the “big house” for the mistress and her children.  Such work as mending was taught the domestic-minded children and tending food on the pots was alloted others with inborn ability to cook.  They were treated well and taught ‘manners’ and later was used as dining room girls and nurses.

Randall’s father and mother were considered lucky.  His father was overseer and his mother was a waitress.

Doctor Miller was a kind and considerate owner; never believed in punishing slaves unless in extreme cases.  No overseer, white or colored could whip his slaves without first bringing the slave before him and having a full understanding as to what the offense was.  If it warranted whipping them it had to be given in his presence so he could see that it was not given unmercifully.  He indeed was a doctor and practised his profession in the keeping of his slaves from bodily harm as well as keeping them well.  He gave them medicine when they did not feel well and saw to it that they took needed rest if they were sick and tired.

Now, Robert Lee, Randall’s father, was brought from Virginia and sold to Doctor Miller when he was a young man.  The one who sold him told Doctor Miller, “Here’s a nigger who wont take a whipping.  He knows his work and will do it and all you will need to do is tell him what you want and its as good as done.”  Robert Lee never varied from the recommendation his former master gave when he sold him.

The old tale of corn bread baked on the hearth covered with ashes and sweet potatoes cooked in like manner are vivid memories upon the mind of Randall.  Syrup water and plenty of sweet and butter milk, rice and crackling bread are other foods which were plentiful around the cabin of Randall’s parents.

Cows were numerous and the family of Doctor Miller did not need much for their consumption.  While they sold milk to neighboring plantations, the Negroes were not denied the amount necessary to keep all strong and healthy.  None of the children on the plantation were thin and scrawny nor did they ever complain of being hungry.