The best thing I've read all week

All year, for that matter. It's right here and I'd like you to click through and enjoy it too. Just by way of a taster, this is the script on the post at the site, letters of note, that accompanies the letter in question:

In August of 1865, a Colonel P.H. Anderson of Big Spring, Tennessee, wrote to his former slave, Jourdan Anderson, and requested that he come back to work on his farm. Jourdan — who, since being emancipated, had moved to Ohio, found paid work, and was now supporting his family — responded spectacularly by way of the letter seen below (a letter which, according to newspapers at the time, he dictated).

Rather than quote the numerous highlights in this letter, I'll simply leave you to enjoy it. Do make sure you read to the end.

Read what Jourdan had to say here, you won't regret doing so. H/T The Epicurean Dealmaker for bringing it to your author's attention.