"No figure occupied a position of greater importance in the managerial hierarchy of the southern plantation system than did the overseer. It was this agent who, in great measure, determined the success or failure of planting operations on the larger estates devoted to the production of staple agricultural products. To the overseer were entrusted the welfare and supervision of the Negroes; the care of the land, stock, and farm implements; the planting, cultivation, and harvesting of both staple and subsistence crops; and many other responsibilities associated with the management of a commercial agricultural enterprise." -- Introduction.