They just had the opportunity to survive if this can be considered as opportunity though, as they had to work long hours from dawn until dusk under the orders of a white overseer. They just stopped for rest and food at breakfast and lunchtime and then they had to continue working until nightfall. If they did not work hard enough, they were whipped. In total they worked approximately 18 hours a day. Women also worked a lot between the ages of 19 and 54 in the fields. Slaves lived in precarious conditions as they did not have rights. If they tried to escape and they were captured, they could be hanged or maimed.