Provide students with a copy of the Student Context and read together as a class. Provide clarity as needed to understand the definition of an indentured servant. 

Break students into pairs and provide them with primary sources that outline the indentured servitude of Richard Frethorne.

• Richard Frethorne

In partner groups have them discuss the following questions together and be prepared to share out with the whole class.

• What living conditions does Frethorne outline in his letter?
• How might these conditions compare to his expectations of indentured servitude?

Next introduce the class to the story of John Punch, an African indentured servant, and James Gregory and Victor, both European indentured servants. It is important to note as you review that even though John Punch served as an indentured servant, there were other Africans that were brought to Jamestown at this time against their will.  

John Punch, an African indentured servant in Virginia, alongside James Gregory and Victor, both European indentured servants, sought their Freedom from Hugh Gwyn. All three were captured and returned and brought to court by Gwyn. All three were sentenced to return to their servitude as well as physical lashes. James Gregory and Victor were also sentenced to three additional years of indentured servitude. John Punch was sentenced to remain in servitude for the “rest of his natural life.”   

• What do we know about the living conditions of indentured servants which may have led to the three men seeking their freedom?
• What rights or protections does this case show for indentured servants? How did this differ between African and European indentured servants?