State of New Hampshire

County of Merrimeck                                                                     Sheriff’s Department

Slave Enforcement and Recovery Unit

Frequently Asked Questions for New Slaves

In most cases, yes. An owner has the option of giving a slave its freedom, but this rarely happens. Don’t count on it.

What happens if I run away?

Runaway slaves are almost always captured and returned to their owners. However, the owner has the option of remanding a recovered slave to the temporary custody of the Sheriff’s Enforcement and Recovery Unit for retraining and punishment before being returned. The owner may also decide to sell or terminate the slave if he or she feels it is too much work to maintain.

Do I have any rights?

No. Slaves are personal property, just like a car or computer and may be bought, sold, or disposed of. Your owner will make all decisions for and about you, and you will follow his or her instructions precisely. Your owner may allow you to earn privileges for good behavior and performance, but this is entirely at their discretion.

Can I be resold?

Yes, without limitation. However, slaves are cautioned not to misbehave or under-perform in hopes of being sold into a better situation. This almost never happens. Misbehaving slaves are generally resold into less desirable situations, such as farm and road chain gangs, or factories, and can be eliminated if the owner feels they have no further value.

Can my owner punish or injure me?

Yes. Without limitation or cause.

What if I feel I’m being treated unfairly?

There is no concept of “fair” or “unfair” for slaves. Slaves are property and completely subject to the whims and needs of the owner.

What can I expect on my first day?

We suggest that all owners of new slaves to provide a general orientation to their slave’s new situations and duties on the first day to help them adjust. Experience has shown us that it is better for all concerned if slaves are immersed in their new life quickly and completely. Your owner may choose to do things differently.

Can slaves have contact with former family or friends?

Only if allowed by the owner, but this rarely happens because it’s considered a distraction from a slave’s duties. In most cases these people will want nothing to do with a slave anyway and will do their best to think of them as simply “gone” or dead.

Will I keep my name?

Slave names have no legal standing, but are useful when communicating with slaves. By law, the court removes a slave’s original name from all official records, and a serial number is issued and tattooed or branded on the right shoulder. In day to day use, factory and chain gang owners generally use numbers, and domestic slaves may be named by their owners. Many are simply called “boy” or “girl” regardless of age. An owner may allow the use of an original given name at his or her own discretion, or assign any other name he or she chooses.

What about sex?

Many owners choose to have slaves neutered by a local veterinarian so as to avoid the issue entirely. However, if the owner plans to use a slave for sexual entertainment he or she may choose to leave its sexual organs intact. Slaves are allowed sexual release only when directed by their owners. Sex between slaves is at the discretion of the owner, often for breeding purposes.

What will I wear?

Anything your owner chooses for you. However, it is tradition for slaves to wear little or nothing except outdoors in very cold weather, and any other time an owner wants to protect their investment from damage.

Some final advice: Your best chance of having a “good” life as a slave is to accept your fate and do your absolute best for your owner by following all directions immediately and without hesitation. If you’re lucky, a kind owner may become fond of you and treat you like a favorite pet.