Randolph B. Campbell's An Empire for Slavery: The Peculiar Institution in Texas provides in an in depth look at the slavery existence in the state of Texas. He provides the factors that explain the establishment and growth of slavery. Campbell also explains the economic and legal institution of Texas, and explores the physical and psychological effects of both slaves and their masters prior to the Civil War, during, and after emancipation. Campbell provides clear detail of slavery's impact on Texas slaveholders and society, and how the Civil war affected slavery prior to its destruction. Slavery came to Texas from Anglo-American settlers and gained a foothold during the colonial period. For example, Galveston Bay was a big slave trading
Chapter 7 infers that the laws of Texas were very minimal when it came to the welfare and handling of slaves. Many slaves were not cared for properly. Treatment of the slaves varied from owner to owner. There is evidence that some owners were very lenient, while others made no pretense about the punishment of slaves for the most minor of offenses. Being whipped and beaten were common treatment for slaves during the early republic. Family, religion, and music played major roles in the lives of bondsman, allowing them endure their captivity with dignity. Family was the most important thing, it provided them a foundation of love and mutual respect they were unable to receive outside their homes. Even though family was very important, it did not stop slave owners from destroying families through separation. Though family separation, was certainly common their existed many families who were allowed to stay together during bondage. Religion also played a key role in the lives of slaves because it provided them hope. The idea of an afterlife that provided freedom to their existence was very appealing to slaves. While family and religion were key roles in the lives of slaves, music played a huge role in the mental stability of the slaves. Music provided them an outlet from which they could fight back in their own way. Music was used for signaling and instilling hope amongst field hands who had to