Re. Hard Times. This was written in reference to a financial panic, not to slavery; the song was revived during the Civil War, but originally did not refer to it.

The "frail forms fainting at the door" were simply the masses of unemployed looking for food. There is a close parallel, I believe, to the Dickens novel of the same title. See Mr. Red's post.

Cranky Y: Foster died in an alcoholic stupor. I'll refrain from returning your past complement to me and telling you that you are as usual full of ----.

CC