Lynn Willis - In another comment in this thread, I stated that "nobody" was used in the context of a generalization. The statement "Nobody in the South regretted the passing of slavery" is a quote from a book by someone who lived through the war and Reconstruction, although I've read the same in several places. I believe the book was the "The South was Right" written by James Kennedy. Maybe you can find it on the internet. I knew well and have spoken to dozens of people in the South born between 1863 and 1900, the oldest born a slave, the others, sons and daughters of Confederate veterans and slaves. These people recounted theirs and their parents' views and understanding of slavery, and none of them had or reported regret at the demise of slavery. Obviously, slaves wouldn't regret the passing of slavery, I didn't say they did. I don't know how you arrived at that.

Due to limitations in space, I'll address the other part of your comment in sequence.