The Trouble with Minna

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The book delves into a pivotal 1840 case in New Jersey to examine the complexities of gradual emancipation in the early nineteenth century. By analyzing Minna's situation, where white individuals debated the financial responsibility for her care, Hartog highlights how language surrounding care evolved into a common theme in legal discussions. The narrative uncovers the contradictions within the legal status of slavery, illustrating a landscape where enslaved individuals could be considered both legally bound and free, reflecting the nuanced realities of that era.