Within the introduction Myne Owne Ground quotes from a letter written by Anthony Johnson, “…I know myne owne ground and I will worke when I please and play when I please.” This excerpt sets the tone for the rest of the book, the author and the main person being looked at, Anthony Johnson, do not miss the significance owning land holds.
To understand how property and freedom correlate, one must first look at the definition of freedom and work up from there. Freedom is the ability to make decisions without restraint. Freedom is not hesitating from fear of an outside force. In 17th century Virginia, Anthony Johnson was put in a position where he was as free as his white counterparts in many ways. He could own land, go to court, work and play as
