The ties that bind: Master and servant in Massachusetts, 1800–1850

Abstract

“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to means — neither more nor less.” “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.” “The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master — that's all.”