Henry Clay Bruce's 'The New Man' is a fascinating memoir that provides a unique perspective on slavery and its aftermath. Born into slavery in Virginia and Missouri, Bruce stated that his experiences as a slave were largely positive, with kind and generous masters who treated their slaves well. However, the American Civil War and emancipation brought new challenges, as newly freed blacks struggled to adapt to life in society. Bruce provides valuable insights into the difficulties they faced and argues that the government should have provided greater support during the transition. While Bruce's views on race can be problematic, his memoir is an important contribution to our understanding of slavery and its aftermath.