RAFT: A letter written
from Old Major to Napoleon on Animal Farm By: George Orwell.

March 8, 1917

Dear Napoleon,

I have written this letter to you for one purpose, the hopeful success of liberating Manor Farm. It is not probable that either of us will see that momentous day, but I entrust you with the task of passing this letter on to future generations of pigs. I will leave you to devise a plan of overthrowing Mr. Jones but on the matter of maintaining this animal haven, I ask you to heed my words. I leave in your management a set of important instructions that could lead to freedom and prosperity if you choose to follow them.

By now, I assume you have been taught the ways of animalism. However, if not, I have attached a list of the laws that bind all animals together and set us apart from our oppressors.

We are at war with the human tyrants; however, our forces are too small to defeat them. I ask the animals to spread knowledge of our cause to surrounding farms so that we may change the fate of animals in England, and around the world. These animals are treated with disrespect and pain, therefore, it should be simple to turn them on their masters, but be advised there are some so loyal to humanity that they will deceive their own race for them.

This is the task I leave on your shoulders and if this revolution does not occur in your lifetime, you shall leave it to the next generation but never give up hope. Hope is the one thing that no one can seize from us and it is the most powerful force alive. If we fight with every ounce of strength and hope, then our dream shall become a reality and all animals will reign supreme. Long live animals. Long live Animal Farm. Long live the Revolution.

Sincerely,

Old Major