Designed to supplement the conventional textbook treatment of Louisiana history, this booklet of primary source material exposes junior high school students not only to history but to the events of those who lived it. Students develop an appreciation for the work and technical skills used in the writing of history and a sensitivity to history as it was lived. This booklet is comprised of five major sections. The first section gives historical background information to familiarize students with the Cane River colony, its history, economy, and life style. The second section examines English translations of documents which record the legal transaction of a marriage contract, family meeting, emancipation authorization, defamation proceeding, and slave sale. For each topic, student questions are included. Next, a glossary of words and phrases, both legal and commonplace, help clarify the translations. A suggested reading list precedes the final section (intended for the teacher), which gives answers to student questions and copies of original 19th century French and English manuscripts. (LH)