Part 1

MILTON.

MILTON.

MY wife and myself were born in different towns in the State of Georgia, which is one of the principal slave States. It is true, our condition as slaves was not by any means the worst; but the mere idea that we were held as chattels, and de- prived of all legal rights—the thought that we had to give up our hard earnings to a tyrant, to enable him to live in idleness and luxury—the thought that we could not call the bones and sinews that God gave us our own: but above all, the fact that another man had the power to tear from our cradle the new-born babe and sell it in the shambles like a brute, and then scourge us if we dared to lift a finger to save it from such a fate, haunted us for years.

My wife and I were born in different towns in Georgia, one of the major slave states. It is true that our condition as slaves was far from the worst. But we were haunted for years by the mere thought that we were held as property and denied all legal rights. We had to give up our hard-earned wages to a tyrant so he could live in idleness and luxury. We could not even call the bones and muscles God gave us our own. Above all, another man had the power to tear a newborn baby from our cradle and sell it like an animal. He could then whip us if we dared to lift a finger to save the baby from that fate.

But in December, 1848, a plan suggested itself that proved quite successful, and in eight days after it was first thought of we were free from the horrible trammels of slavery, rejoicing and praising God in the glorious sunshine of liberty.

But in December 1848, we thought of a plan that proved successful. Eight days later, we were free from the horrible bonds of slavery. We rejoiced and praised God in the glorious sunshine of freedom.

My wife's first master was her father, and her mother his slave, and the latter is still the slave of his widow.

My wife's first master was her father. Her mother was his slave and is still the slave of his widow.

Notwithstanding my wife being of African ex- traction on her mother's side, she is almost white— in fact, she is so nearly so that the tyrannical old lady to whom she first belonged became so annoyed, at finding her frequently mistaken for a child of the family, that she gave her when eleven years of age to a daughter, as a wedding present. This separated my wife from her mother, and also from several other dear friends. But the incessant cruelty of her old mistress made the change of owners or treatment so desirable, that she did not grumble much at this cruel separation.

Although my wife is of African descent on her mother's side, she is almost white. In fact, she is so nearly white that people often mistook her for a child of the family. This so annoyed the tyrannical old lady who first owned her that she gave my wife to her daughter as a wedding present. My wife was eleven years old at the time. The gift separated my wife from her mother and several other dear friends. But her old mistress had been so relentlessly cruel that a change of owners or treatment was very desirable. So my wife did not complain much about this cruel separation.

It may be remembered that slavery in America is not at all confined to persons of any particular complexion; there are a very large number of slaves as white as any one; but as the evidence of a slave is not admitted in court against a free white person, it is almost impossible for a white child, after having been kidnapped and sold into or re- duced to slavery, in a part of the country where it is not known (as often is the case), ever to recover its freedom.

It is worth remembering that slavery in America is not limited to people of any particular complexion. A great many slaves are as white as anyone else. But a slave’s testimony is not admitted in court against a free white person. As a result, a white child may be kidnapped and sold into or forced into slavery elsewhere. If the child is not known in that part of the country, as often happens, it is almost impossible for the child to regain freedom.

I have myself conversed with several slaves who told me that their parents were white and free; but that they were stolen away from them and sold when quite young. As they could not tell their address, and also as the parents did not know what had become of their lost and dear little ones, of course all traces of each other were gone.

I have spoken with several slaves who told me their parents were white and free. But they had been stolen from their parents and sold when they were very young. They could not say where their parents lived, and their parents did not know what had become of their dear, lost children. So, of course, they had lost all trace of one another.

The following facts are sufficient to prove, that he who has the power, and is inhuman enough to trample upon the sacred rights of the weak, cares nothing for race or colour:—

The following facts are enough to prove that anyone with the power and cruelty to trample on the sacred rights of the weak cares nothing for race or colour:

In March, 1818, three ships arrived at New Orleans, bringing several hundred German emi- grants from the province of Alsace, on the lower Rhine. Among them were Daniel Muller and his two daughters, Dorothea and Salome, whose mother had died on the passage. Soon after his arrival, Muller, taking with him his two daughters, both young children, went up the river to Attakapas parish, to work on the plantation of John F. Miller. A few weeks later, his relatives, who had remained at New Orleans, learned that he had died of the fever of the country. They immediately sent for the two girls; but they had disappeared, and the relatives, notwithstanding repeated and persevering inquiries and researches, could find no traces of them. They were at length given up for dead. Dorothea was never again heard of; nor was any thing known of Salome from 1818 till 1843.

In March 1818, three ships arrived in New Orleans, bringing several hundred German immigrants from Alsace on the lower Rhine. Among them were Daniel Muller and his two daughters, Dorothea and Salome. Their mother had died during the voyage. Soon after arriving, Muller took his two daughters, both young children, upriver to Attakapas parish. There he went to work on John F. Miller’s plantation. A few weeks later, his relatives who had stayed in New Orleans learned that he had died of the local fever. They immediately sent for the two girls, but the girls had disappeared. Despite repeated and persistent inquiries and searches, the relatives could find no trace of them. They eventually gave the girls up for dead. Dorothea was never heard of again, and nothing was known of Salome from 1818 until 1843.

In the summer of that year, Madame Karl, a German woman who had come over in the same ship with the Mullers, was passing through a street in New Orleans, and accidentally saw Salome in a wine-shop, belonging to Louis Belmonte, by whom she was held as a slave. Madame Karl recognised her at once, and carried her to the house of another German woman, Mrs. Schubert, who was Salome's cousin and godmother, and who no sooner set eyes on her than, without having any intimation that the discovery had been previously made, she un- hesitatingly exclaimed, "My God! here is the long-lost Salome Muller."

In the summer of that year, Madame Karl was walking down a street in New Orleans. She was a German woman who had come over on the same ship as the Mullers. By chance, she saw Salome in a wine shop owned by Louis Belmonte, who held Salome as a slave. Madame Karl recognized her at once and took her to the home of another German woman, Mrs. Schubert. Mrs. Schubert was Salome's cousin and godmother. She had no idea that Salome had already been found. But as soon as she saw her, she exclaimed without hesitation, "My God! Here is the long-lost Salome Muller."

The Law Reporter, in its account of this case, says:—

The Law Reporter says the following about this case:

"As many of the German emigrants of 1818 as could be gathered together were brought to the house of Mrs. Schubert, and every one of the number who had any recollection of the little girl upon the passage, or any acquaintance with her father and mother, immediately identified the woman before them as the long-lost Salome Muller. By all these witnesses, who appeared at the trial, the identity was fully established. The family resemblance in every feature was declared to be so remarkable, that some of the witnesses did not hesitate to say that they should know her among ten thousand; that they were as certain the plaintiff was Salome Muller, the daughter of Daniel and Dorothea Muller, as of their own existence."

“As many of the German emigrants of 1818 as could be gathered were brought to Mrs. Schubert’s house. Some remembered the little girl from the voyage, and others had known her father and mother. Every one of them immediately identified the woman before them as the long-lost Salome Muller. All these witnesses appeared at the trial and fully established her identity. They declared that her family resemblance was remarkable in every feature. Some did not hesitate to say they would recognize her among ten thousand people. They were as certain that the plaintiff was Salome Muller, daughter of Daniel and Dorothea Muller, as they were of their own existence.”

Among the witnesses who appeared in Court was the midwife who had assisted at the birth of Salome. She testified to the existence of certain peculiar marks upon the body of the child, which were found, exactly as described, by the surgeons who were appointed by the Court to make an examina- tion for the purpose.

Among the witnesses in court was the midwife who had helped deliver Salome. She testified that the child had certain distinctive marks on her body. Surgeons appointed by the court to examine the child found the marks exactly as the midwife had described them.

There was no trace of African descent in any feature of Salome Muller. She had long, straight, black hair, hazel eyes, thin lips, and a Roman nose. The complexion of her face and neck was as dark as that of the darkest brunette. It appears, however, that, during the twenty-five years of her servitude, she had been exposed to the sun's rays in the hot climate of Louisiana, with head and neck unsheltered, as is customary with the female slaves, while labouring in the cotton or the sugar field. Those parts of her person which had been shielded from the sun were compara- tively white.

None of Salome Muller's features showed any trace of African descent. She had long, straight black hair, hazel eyes, thin lips, and a Roman nose. Her face and neck were as dark as those of the darkest brunette. However, it appears that during her twenty-five years of servitude, she had been exposed to the sun in Louisiana's hot climate. Her head and neck were uncovered while she worked in the cotton or sugar fields, as was customary for female slaves. The parts of her body that had been sheltered from the sun were comparatively white.

Belmonte, the pretended owner of the girl, had obtained possession of her by an act of sale from John F. Miller, the planter in whose service Salome's father died. This Miller was a man of consideration and substance, owning large sugar estates, and bearing a high reputation for honour and honesty, and for indulgent treatment of his slaves. It was testified on the trial that he had said to Belmonte, a few weeks after the sale of Salome, "that she was white, and had as much right to her freedom as any one, and was only to be retained in slavery by care and kind treatment." The broker who negotiated the sale from Miller to Belmonte, in 1838, testified in Court that he then thought, and still thought, that the girl was white!

Belmonte claimed to own the girl. He had obtained her through a bill of sale from John F. Miller, the planter in whose service Salome's father died. Miller was a respected and wealthy man who owned large sugar estates. He had a high reputation for honor and honesty, and for treating his slaves indulgently. At the trial, a witness testified about something Miller had told Belmonte a few weeks after the sale of Salome. Miller had said "that she was white and had as much right to her freedom as anyone. She could only be kept in slavery through care and kind treatment." The broker who arranged the sale from Miller to Belmonte in 1838 testified in court. He said he had thought then, and still thought, that the girl was white!

The case was elaborately argued on both sides, but was at length decided in favour of the girl, by the Supreme Court declaring that "she was free and white, and therefore unlawfully held in bondage."

Both sides argued the case in detail. But in the end, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the girl. It declared that "she was free and white, and therefore unlawfully held in slavery."

The Rev. George Bourne, of Virginia, in his Picture of Slavery, published in 1834, relates the case of a white boy who, at the age of seven, was stolen from his home in Ohio, tanned and stained in such a way that he could not be distinguished from a person of colour, and then sold as a slave in Virginia. At the age of twenty, he made his escape, by running away, and happily succeeded in rejoining his parents.

In his Picture of Slavery, published in 1834, the Rev. George Bourne of Virginia tells the story of a white boy. The boy was stolen from his home in Ohio at the age of seven. His skin was tanned and stained so that he could not be distinguished from a person of colour. He was then sold as a slave in Virginia. At twenty, he escaped by running away and happily succeeded in rejoining his parents.

I have known worthless white people to sell their own free children into slavery; and, as there are good-for-nothing white as well as coloured persons everywhere, no one, perhaps, will wonder at such inhuman transactions: particularly in the Southern States of America, where I believe there is a greater want of humanity and high principle amongst the whites, than among any other civilized people in the world.

I have known worthless white people to sell their own free children into slavery. There are good-for-nothing white as well as coloured people everywhere. So perhaps no one will wonder at such inhuman transactions, particularly in the Southern States of America. I believe that whites there lack humanity and high principles more than any other civilized people in the world.

I know that those who are not familiar with the working of "the peculiar institution," can scarcely imagine any one so totally devoid of all natural affection as to sell his own offspring into returnless bondage. But Shakespeare, that great observer of human nature, says:—

I know that those unfamiliar with how "the peculiar institution" works can scarcely imagine someone so completely lacking in natural affection. They can scarcely imagine someone selling their own child into bondage with no hope of return. But Shakespeare, that great observer of human nature, says:

My wife's new mistress was decidedly more humane than the majority of her class. My wife has always given her credit for not exposing her to many of the worst features of slavery. For instance, it is a common practice in the slave States for ladies, when angry with their maids, to send them to the calybuce sugar-house, or to some other place established for the purpose of punishing slaves, and have them severely flogged; and I am sorry it is a fact, that the villains to whom those de- fenceless creatures are sent, not only flog them as they are ordered, but frequently compel them to submit to the greatest indignity. Oh! if there is any one thing under the wide canopy of heaven, horrible enough to stir a man's soul, and to make his very blood boil, it is the thought of his dear wife, his unprotected sister, or his young and virtuous daughters, struggling to save themselves from falling a prey to such demons!

My wife's new mistress was much more humane than most women of her class. My wife has always given her credit for sparing her many of the worst aspects of slavery. For example, in the slave States, it is common for ladies to send their maids away when they are angry with them. They send them to the calybuce sugar-house or another place set up to punish slaves. There, they have them severely whipped. I am sorry to say that the villains who receive these defenseless women do more than whip them as ordered. They also frequently force them to submit to the greatest indignity. Oh! If anything under heaven is horrible enough to stir a man's soul and make his blood boil, it is this thought: his dear wife, his unprotected sister, or his young and virtuous daughters struggling to keep from falling prey to such demons!

It always appears strange to me that any one who was not born a slaveholder, and steeped to the very core in the demoralizing atmosphere of the Southern States, can in any way palliate slavery. It is still more surprising to see virtuous ladies looking with patience upon, and remaining indif- ferent to, the existence of a system that exposes nearly two millions of their own sex in the manner I have mentioned, and that too in a professedly free and Christian country. There is, however, great consolation in knowing that God is just, and will not let the oppressor of the weak, and the spoiler of the virtuous, escape unpunished here and hereafter.

It always seems strange to me that anyone can excuse slavery unless they were born a slaveholder and deeply immersed in the corrupting atmosphere of the Southern States. It is even more surprising to see virtuous women patiently tolerate and remain indifferent to such a system. It exposes nearly two million women like themselves to the treatment I have described. And this happens in a country that claims to be free and Christian. But there is great comfort in knowing that God is just. He will not let those who oppress the weak and violate the virtuous escape punishment, either in this life or the next.

I believe a similar retribution to that which destroyed Sodom is hanging over the slaveholders. My sincere prayer is that they may not provoke God, by persisting in a reckless course of wicked- ness, to pour out his consuming wrath upon them.

I believe the slaveholders face punishment like the punishment that destroyed Sodom. I sincerely pray that they will not continue their reckless wickedness and provoke God to unleash his consuming wrath on them.

I must now return to our history.

I must now return to our story.

My old master had the reputation of being a very humane and Christian man, but he thought nothing of selling my poor old father, and dear aged mother, at separate times, to different persons, to be dragged off never to behold each other again, till summoned to appear before the great tribunal of heaven. But, oh! what a happy meeting it will be on that day for those faithful souls. I say a happy meeting, because I never saw persons more devoted to the service of God than they. But how will the case stand with those reckless traffickers in human flesh and blood, who plunged the poisonous dagger of separation into those loving hearts which God had for so many years closely joined together—nay, sealed as it were with his own hands for the eternal courts of heaven? It is not for me to say what will become of those heartless tyrants. I must leave them in the hands of an all-wise and just God, who will, in his own good time, and in his own way, avenge the wrongs of his oppressed people.

My old master had a reputation as a very humane and Christian man. Yet he thought nothing of selling my poor old father and my dear aged mother. He sold them at different times to different people. They were dragged away, never to see each other again until they were called before heaven’s great judgment seat. But oh, what a happy meeting that will be for those faithful souls! I say it will be happy because I never saw anyone more devoted to serving God than my parents. But what of those reckless traffickers in human flesh and blood? They drove the poisonous dagger of separation into those loving hearts, which God had joined closely together for so many years. It was as if he had sealed their bond with his own hands for the eternal courts of heaven. It is not for me to say what will become of those heartless tyrants. I must leave them in the hands of an all-wise and just God. In his own time and in his own way, he will avenge the wrongs done to his oppressed people.

My old master also sold a dear brother and a sister, in the same manner as he did my father and mother. The reason he assigned for disposing of my parents, as well as of several other aged slaves, was, that "they were getting old, and would soon become valueless in the market, and therefore he intended to sell off all the old stock, and buy in a young lot." A most disgraceful conclusion for a man to come to, who made such great professions of religion!

My old master also sold a dear brother and sister, just as he had sold my father and mother. He gave a reason for selling my parents and several other elderly slaves. He said "they were getting old and would soon be worthless on the market. So he intended to sell off all the old stock and buy a young lot." What a disgraceful decision for a man who claimed to be so religious!

This shameful conduct gave me a thorough hatred, not for true Christianity, but for slave- holding piety.

This shameful behavior made me deeply hate the religious hypocrisy of slaveholders, but not true Christianity.

My old master, then, wishing to make the most of the rest of his slaves, apprenticed a brother and myself out to learn trades: he to a black- smith, and myself to a cabinet-maker. If a slave has a good trade, he will let or sell for more than a person without one, and many slave- holders have their slaves taught trades on this account. But before our time expired, my old master wanted money; so he sold my brother, and then mortgaged my sister, a dear girl about four- teen years of age, and myself, then about sixteen, to one of the banks, to get money to speculate in cotton. This we knew nothing of at the moment; but time rolled on, the money became due, my master was unable to meet his payments; so the bank had us placed upon the auction stand and sold to the highest bidder.

My old master wanted to make as much money as he could from the rest of his slaves. So he apprenticed my brother and me to learn trades. My brother went to a blacksmith, and I went to a cabinetmaker. A slave with a good trade can be hired out or sold for more than one without a trade. For this reason, many slaveholders have their slaves taught trades. But before our apprenticeships ended, my old master needed money. So he sold my brother. Then he mortgaged my sister and me to a bank to get money to speculate in cotton. My sister was a dear girl of about fourteen, and I was about sixteen. We knew nothing of the mortgage at the time. But time passed, and the money came due. My master could not make his payments, so the bank had us put on the auction stand and sold to the highest bidder.

My poor sister was sold first: she was knocked down to a planter who resided at some distance in the country. Then I was called upon the stand. While the auctioneer was crying the bids, I saw the man that had purchased my sister getting her into a cart, to take her to his home. I at once asked a slave friend who was standing near the platform, to run and ask the gentleman if he would please to wait till I was sold, in order that I might have an opportunity of bidding her good-bye. He sent me word back that he had some distance to go, and could not wait.

My poor sister was sold first to a plantation owner who lived some distance away in the country. Then I was called onto the auction stand. As the auctioneer called out the bids, I saw the man who had bought my sister. He was getting her into a cart to take her home. At once, I asked a slave friend standing near the platform to run and speak to the gentleman. I wanted my friend to ask him to please wait until I was sold, so I could say goodbye to my sister. He sent word back that he had some distance to travel and could not wait.

I then turned to the auctioneer, fell upon my knees, and humbly prayed him to let me just step down and bid my last sister farewell. But, instead of granting me this request, he grasped me by the neck, and in a commanding tone of voice, and with a violent oath, exclaimed, "Get up! You can do the wench no good; therefore there is no use in your seeing her."

I then turned to the auctioneer and fell to my knees. I humbly begged him to let me step down and say goodbye to my last sister. But instead of granting my request, he grabbed me by the neck. With a violent curse, he commanded, "Get up! You can do the girl no good, so there's no use in seeing her."

On rising, I saw the cart in which she sat moving slowly off; and, as she clasped her hands with a grasp that indicated despair, and looked pitifully round towards me, I also saw the large silent tears trickling down her cheeks. She made a farewell bow, and buried her face in her lap. This seemed more than I could bear. It appeared to swell my aching heart to its utmost. But before I could fairly recover, the poor girl was gone;—gone, and I have never had the good for- tune to see her from that day to this! Perhaps I should have never heard of her again, had it not been for the untiring efforts of my good old mother, who became free a few years ago by pur- chase, and, after a great deal of difficulty, found my sister residing with a family in Mississippi. My mother at once wrote to me, informing me of the fact, and requesting me to do something to get her free; and I am happy to say that, partly by lecturing occasionally, and through the sale of an engraving of my wife in the disguise in which she escaped, together with the extreme kind- ness and generosity of Miss Burdett Coutts, Mr. George Richardson of Plymouth, and a few other friends, I have nearly accomplished this. It would be to me a great and ever-glorious achievement to restore my sister to our dear mother, from whom she was forcibly driven in early life.

When I got up, I saw the cart carrying her slowly moving away. She clasped her hands in despair and looked back at me pitifully. I saw large, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. She bowed goodbye and buried her face in her lap. It seemed more than I could bear. My aching heart felt as if it would burst. But before I could recover, the poor girl was gone. I have never had the good fortune to see her since that day! Perhaps I would never have heard of her again without the tireless efforts of my good old mother. A few years ago, my mother gained her freedom through purchase. After great difficulty, she found my sister living with a family in Mississippi. My mother wrote to me at once, telling me where my sister was and asking me to help free her. I am happy to say that I have nearly succeeded. I have done so partly by lecturing occasionally and selling an engraving of my wife in her escape disguise. I also owe this progress to the extraordinary kindness and generosity of Miss Burdett Coutts, Mr. George Richardson of Plymouth, and a few other friends. It would be a great and forever glorious achievement to reunite my sister with our dear mother. They were forcibly separated when my sister was young.

I was knocked down to the cashier of the bank to which we were mortgaged, and ordered to return to the cabinet shop where I previously worked.

I was sold at auction to the cashier of the bank that held our mortgage. I was ordered to return to the cabinet shop where I had worked before.

But the thought of the harsh auctioneer not allowing me to bid my dear sister farewell, sent red-hot indignation darting like lightning through every vein. It quenched my tears, and appeared to set my brain on fire, and made me crave for power to avenge our wrongs! But alas! we were only slaves, and had no legal rights; consequently we were compelled to smother our wounded feel- ings, and crouch beneath the iron heel of des- potism.

But the thought that the cruel auctioneer would not let me say goodbye to my dear sister sent white-hot anger through my veins like lightning. It dried my tears and seemed to set my brain on fire. It made me long for the power to avenge the wrongs done to us! But alas, we were only slaves and had no legal rights. So we were forced to suppress our hurt feelings and crouch beneath the iron heel of tyranny.

I must now give the account of our escape; but, before doing so, it may be well to quote a few passages from the fundamental laws of slavery; in order to give some idea of the legal as well as the social tyranny from which we fled.

I must now tell the story of our escape. But first, it may help to quote a few passages from the fundamental laws of slavery. These passages will give some idea of the legal and social tyranny from which we fled.

According to the law of Louisiana, "A slave is one who is in the power of a master to whom he belongs. The master may sell him, dispose of his person, his industry, and his labour; he can do nothing, possess nothing, nor acquire anything but what must belong to his master."—Civil Code, art. 35.

According to Louisiana law, "A slave is a person under the power of a master who owns him. The master may sell him and dispose of his person, his work, and his labor. He can do nothing, own nothing, and acquire nothing that does not belong to his master." Civil Code, art. 35.

In South Carolina it is expressed in the following language:—"Slaves shall be deemed, sold, taken, reputed and judged in law to be chattels personal in the hands of their owners and possessors, and their executors, administrators, and assigns, to all intents, constructions, and purposes whatsoever.— 2 Brevard's Digest, 229.

In South Carolina, the law states: "Slaves shall be treated as personal property under the law in every respect. They may be sold as property and held by their owners and possessors, and by their executors, administrators, and assigns." 2 Brevard's Digest, 229.

The Constitution of Georgia has the following (Art. 4, sec. 12):—"Any person who shall mali- ciously dismember or deprive a slave of life, shall suffer such punishment as would be inflicted in case the like offence had been committed on a free white person, and on the like proof, except in case of insurrection of such slave, and unless SUCH DEATH SHOULD HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT IN GIVING SUCH SLAVE MODERATE CORRECTION."—Prince's Digest, 559.

The Constitution of Georgia says the following (Art. 4, sec. 12): “Anyone who maliciously dismembers or kills a slave shall receive the same punishment as for the same offense against a free white person. The same proof is required. This does not apply if the slave rises in insurrection, or if THE DEATH HAPPENS BY ACCIDENT WHILE THE SLAVE IS BEING GIVEN MODERATE CORRECTION.” Prince’s Digest, 559.

I have known slaves to be beaten to death, but as they died under "moderate correction," it was quite lawful; and of course the murderers were not interfered with.

I have known slaves who were beaten to death. But because they died under "moderate correction," it was perfectly legal. And of course, no one interfered with the murderers.

"If any slave, who shall be out of the house or plantation where such slave shall live, or shall be usually employed, or without some white person in company with such slave, shall REFUSE TO SUBMIT to undergo the examination of ANY WHITE person, (let him be ever so drunk or crazy), it shall be lawful for such white person to pursue, apprehend, and moderately correct such slave; and if such slave shall assault and strike such white person, such slave may be LAWFULLY KILLED."—2 Brevard's Digest, 231.

"If any slave is away from the house or plantation where they live or usually work, or is unaccompanied by a white person, the slave must submit to questioning by ANY WHITE person. This applies however drunk or crazy the white person may be. If the slave REFUSES TO SUBMIT, the white person may legally pursue, capture, and moderately punish the slave. If the slave attacks and strikes the white person, the slave may be LAWFULLY KILLED." 2 Brevard's Digest, 231.

"Provided always," says the law, "that such striking be not done by the command and in the defence of the person or property of the owner, or other person having the government of such slave; in which case the slave shall be wholly excused."

"However," says the law, "this does not apply if the slave strikes someone on the orders of the owner or another person in charge of the slave, and in defense of that person or their property. In that case, the slave shall be completely excused."

According to this law, if a slave, by the direction of his overseer, strike a white person who is beating said overseer's pig, "the slave shall be wholly excused." But, should the bondman, of his own accord, fight to defend his wife, or should his terrified daughter instinctively raise her hand and strike the wretch who attempts to violate her chastity, he or she shall, saith the model republican law, suffer death.

Under this law, a slave is "wholly excused" for striking a white person who is beating the overseer’s pig, if the overseer ordered the slave to strike. But suppose a bondman fights to defend his wife on his own initiative. Or suppose his terrified daughter instinctively strikes the wretch who attempts to rape her. The model republican law says that either must suffer death.

From having been myself a slave for nearly twenty-three years, I am quite prepared to say, that the practical working of slavery is worse than the odious laws by which it is governed.

Having been a slave myself for nearly twenty-three years, I can say that slavery in practice is worse than the hateful laws that govern it.

At an early age we were taken by the persons who held us as property to Macon, the largest town in the interior of the State of Georgia, at which place we became acquainted with each other for several years before our marriage; in fact, our marriage was postponed for some time simply because one of the unjust and worse than Pagan laws under which we lived compelled all children of slave mothers to follow their condition. That is to say, the father of the slave may be the President of the Republic; but if the mother should be a slave at the infant's birth, the poor child is ever legally doomed to the same cruel fate.

When we were young, the people who held us as property took us to Macon, Georgia’s largest inland town. There, we knew each other for several years before we married. In fact, we delayed our marriage for some time because of one of the unjust and worse than Pagan laws under which we lived. It required all children of slave mothers to share their mothers’ condition. The father of a slave may be the President of the Republic. But if the mother is a slave when the child is born, the poor child is legally doomed to the same cruel fate forever.

It is a common practice for gentlemen (if I may call them such), moving in the highest circles of society, to be the fathers of children by their slaves, whom they can and do sell with the greatest im- punity; and the more pious, beautiful, and virtuous the girls are, the greater the price they bring, and that too for the most infamous purposes.

It is common for gentlemen in the highest circles of society to father children with their slaves. If I may call them gentlemen. They can and do sell those children without consequence. The more religious, beautiful, and virtuous the girls are, the higher the price they bring, for the most shameful purposes.

Any man with money (let him be ever such a rough brute), can buy a beautiful and virtuous girl, and force her to live with him in a criminal connexion; and as the law says a slave shall have no higher appeal than the mere will of the master, she cannot escape, unless it be by flight or death.

Any man with money, no matter how rough or brutal, can buy a beautiful and virtuous girl. He can force her to live with him in an immoral relationship. The law says a slave has no appeal beyond the master's will. So she cannot escape except by fleeing or dying.

In endeavouring to reconcile a girl to her fate, the master sometimes says that he would marry her if it was not unlawful.* However, he will always consider her to be his wife, and will treat her as such; and she, on the other hand, may regard him as her lawful husband; and if they have any children, they will be free and well edu- cated.

To persuade a girl to accept her fate, the master sometimes says he would marry her if it were legal.* However, he will always consider her his wife and treat her as such. She, in turn, may regard him as her lawful husband. If they have children, the children will be free and well educated.

I am in duty bound to add, that while a great majority of such men care nothing for the happi- ness of the women with whom they live, nor for the children of whom they are the fathers, there are those to be found, even in that heterogeneous mass of licentious monsters, who are true to their pledges. But as the woman and her children are legally the property of the man, who stands in the anomalous relation to them of husband and father, as well as master, they are liable to be seized and sold for his debts, should he become involved.

I must add that the great majority of such men care nothing for the happiness of the women they live with. Nor do they care about the children they have fathered. Yet even among that mixed mass of immoral monsters, some keep their promises. But the woman and her children are legally the man's property. He is both their master and, in a strange way, their husband and father. So if he falls into debt, they can be seized and sold to pay it.

There are several cases on record where such persons have been sold and separated for life. I know of some myself, but I have only space to glance at one.

There are several recorded cases of such people being sold and separated for life. I know of some myself, but I only have space to briefly mention one.

I knew a very humane and wealthy gentleman, that bought a woman, with whom he lived as his

I knew a very kind and wealthy man who bought a woman and lived with her as his

* It is unlawful in the slave States for any one of purely European descent to intermarry with a person of African ex- traction; though a white man may live with as many coloured women as he pleases without materially damaging his reputa- tion in Southern society. wife. They brought up a family of children, among whom were three nearly white, well edu- cated, and beautiful girls.

* In the slave States, anyone of purely European descent is forbidden to marry a person of African descent. Yet a white man may live with as many coloured women as he pleases without seriously damaging his reputation in Southern society. wife. They raised a family of children, including three nearly white, well-educated, and beautiful girls.

On the father being suddenly killed it was found that he had not left a will; but, as the family had always heard him say that he had no surviving relatives, they felt that their liberty and property were quite secured to them, and, knowing the insults to which they were exposed, now their protector was no more, they were making preparations to leave for a free State.

When the father was suddenly killed, it was discovered that he had left no will. But he had always told the family that he had no surviving relatives. So they felt that their freedom and property were secure. Now that their protector was gone, they knew they were exposed to insults. They were preparing to leave for a free State.

But, poor creatures, they were soon sadly unde- ceived. A villain residing at a distance, hearing of the circumstance, came forward and swore that he was a relative of the deceased; and as this man bore, or assumed, Mr. Slator's name, the case was brought before one of those horrible tribunals, presided over by a second Judge Jeffreys, and calling itself a court of justice, but before whom no coloured person, nor an abolitionist, was ever known to get his full rights.

But the poor creatures soon learned, to their sorrow, that they had been deceived. A villain who lived far away heard what had happened. He came forward and swore that he was a relative of the deceased. The man bore, or had taken, Mr. Slator's name, so the case was brought before one of those horrible tribunals. It was presided over by a second Judge Jeffreys and called itself a court of justice. But no coloured person or abolitionist was ever known to receive full rights there.

A verdict was given in favour of the plaintiff, whom the better portion of the community thought had wilfully conspired to cheat the family.

The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The better part of the community thought the plaintiff had deliberately conspired to cheat the family.

The heartless wretch not only took the ordi- nary property, but actually had the aged and friendless widow, and all her fatherless children, except Frank, a fine young man about twenty-two years of age, and Mary, a very nice girl, a little younger than her brother, brought to the auction stand and sold to the highest bidder. Mrs. Slator had cash enough, that her husband and master left, to purchase the liberty of herself and children; but on her attempting to do so, the pusillanimous scoundrel, who had robbed them of their freedom, claimed the money as his property; and, poor creature, she had to give it up. According to law, as will be seen hereafter, a slave cannot own any- thing. The old lady never recovered from her sad affliction.

The heartless wretch took more than the ordinary property. He also had the elderly widow, who had no friends, brought to the auction stand with all her fatherless children. He sold them to the highest bidder. The only exceptions were Frank, a fine young man of about twenty-two, and Mary, a very nice girl, a little younger than her brother. Mrs. Slator had enough cash left by her husband and master to buy freedom for herself and her children. But when she tried to do so, the cowardly scoundrel who had robbed them of their freedom claimed the money as his own. The poor woman had to give it up. As we shall see later, the law says that a slave cannot own anything. The old lady never recovered from her sorrow.

At the sale she was brought up first, and after being vulgarly criticised, in the presence of all her distressed family, was sold to a cotton planter, who said he wanted the "proud old critter to go to his plantation, to look after the little woolly heads, while their mammies were working in the field."

At the sale, she was brought up first. She was crudely criticized in front of her entire distressed family. Then she was sold to a cotton planter. He said he wanted the "proud old critter to go to his plantation, to look after the little woolly heads, while their mammies were working in the field."

When the sale was over, then came the separa- tion, and

When the sale was over, the separation came, and

Antoinette, the flower of the family, a girl who was much beloved by all who knew her, for her Christ-like piety, dignity of manner, as well as her great talents and extreme beauty, was bought by an uneducated and drunken salve-dealer.

Antoinette was the flower of the family. Everyone who knew her loved her for her Christ-like devotion, dignity, great talents, and exceptional beauty. She was bought by an uneducated, drunken slave dealer.

I cannot give a more correct description of the scene, when she was called from her brother to the stand, than will be found in the following lines—

I cannot describe the scene more accurately than the following lines do. They describe what happened when she was called away from her brother to the stand:

The low trader said to a kind lady who wished to purchase Antoinette out of his hands, "I reckon I'll not sell the smart critter for ten thou- sand dollars; I always wanted her for my own use." The lady, wishing to remonstrate with him, com- menced by saying, "You should remember, Sir, that there is a just God." Hoskens not under- standing Mrs. Huston, interrupted her by saying, "I does, and guess its monstrous kind an' him to send such likely niggers for our convenience." Mrs. Huston finding that a long course of reckless wickedness, drunkenness, and vice, had destroyed in Hoskens every noble impulse, left him.

The despicable trader spoke to a kind lady who wanted to buy Antoinette from him. He said, "I reckon I'll not sell the smart creature for ten thousand dollars. I always wanted her for my own use." The lady wanted to reason with him. She began, "You should remember, Sir, that there is a just God." Hoskens did not understand Mrs. Huston and interrupted her. He said, "I does, and guess it's monstrous kind of him to send such likely niggers for our convenience." Mrs. Huston saw that years of reckless wickedness, drunkenness, and vice had destroyed every noble impulse in Hoskens. So she left him.

Antoinette, poor girl, also seeing that there was no help for her, became frantic. I can never forget her cries of despair, when Hoskens gave the order for her to be taken to his house, and locked in an upper room. On Hoskens entering the apart- ment, in a state of intoxication, a fearful struggle ensued. The brave Antoinette broke loose from him, pitched herself head foremost through the window, and fell upon the pavement below.

Poor Antoinette also saw that there was no help for her, and she became frantic. I can never forget her cries of despair. Hoskens ordered that she be taken to his house and locked in an upstairs room. When Hoskens entered the room drunk, a terrifying struggle followed. The brave Antoinette broke free from him and threw herself headfirst through the window. She fell onto the pavement below.

Her bruised but unpolluted body was soon picked up—restoratives brought—doctor called in; but, alas! it was too late: her pure and noble spirit had fled away to be at rest in those realms of endless bliss, "where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest."

Her bruised but unviolated body was soon picked up. Restorative medicines were brought, and a doctor was called. But sadly, it was too late. Her pure and noble spirit had departed to rest in a place of endless happiness, "where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest."

Antoinette like many other noble women who are deprived of liberty, still

Antoinette, like many other noble women who are denied freedom, still

On Hoskens fully realizing the fact that his victim was no more, he exclaimed "By thunder I am a used-up man!" The sudden disappointment, and the loss of two thousand dollars, was more than he could endure: so he drank more than ever, and in a short time died, raving mad with delirium tremens.

When Hoskens fully realized that his victim was dead, he exclaimed, "By thunder, I am a ruined man!" The sudden disappointment and the loss of two thousand dollars were more than he could bear. So he drank more than ever. Soon he died, raving mad from delirium tremens.

The villain Slator said to Mrs. Huston, the kind lady who endeavoured to purchase Antoinette from Hoskens, "Nobody needn't talk to me 'bout buying them ar likely niggers, for I'm not going to sell em." "But Mary is rather delicate," said Mrs. Huston, "and, being unaccustomed to hard work, cannot do you much service on a plantation." "I don't want her for the field," replied Slator, "but for another purpose." Mrs. Huston understood what this meant, and instantly exclaimed, "Oh, but she is your cousin!" "The devil she is!" said Slator; and added, "Do you mean to insult me, Madam, by saying that I am related to niggers?" "No," replied Mrs. Huston, "I do not wish to offend you, Sir. But wasn't Mr. Slator, Mary's father, your uncle?" "Yes, I calculate he was," said Slator; "but I want you and everybody to understand that I'm no kin to his niggers." "Oh, very well," said Mrs. Huston; adding, "Now what will you take for the poor girl?" "Nothin'," he replied; "for, as I said before, I'm not goin' to sell, so you needn't trouble yourself no more. If the critter behaves herself, I'll do as well by her as any man."

The villain Slator spoke to Mrs. Huston, the kind lady who had tried to buy Antoinette from Hoskens. He said, "Nobody needn't talk to me about buying them there likely niggers, for I'm not going to sell them." "But Mary is rather delicate," said Mrs. Huston. "She is not used to hard work and cannot do you much service on a plantation." "I don't want her for the field," replied Slator, "but for another purpose." Mrs. Huston understood what he meant and instantly exclaimed, "Oh, but she is your cousin!" "The devil she is!" said Slator. He added, "Do you mean to insult me, Madam, by saying that I am related to niggers?" "No," replied Mrs. Huston, "I do not wish to offend you, Sir. But wasn't Mr. Slator, Mary's father, your uncle?" "Yes, I reckon he was," said Slator. "But I want you and everybody to understand that I'm no kin to his niggers." "Oh, very well," said Mrs. Huston. She added, "Now what will you take for the poor girl?" "Nothing," he replied. "For, as I said before, I'm not going to sell, so you needn't trouble yourself no more. If the creature behaves herself, I'll do as well by her as any man."

Slator spoke up boldly, but his manner and sheepish look clearly indicated that

Slator spoke boldly, but his manner and sheepish look made it clear that

Poor Frank and his sister were handcuffed to- gether, and confined in prison. Their dear little twin brother and sister were sold, and taken where they knew not. But it often happens that mis- fortune causes those whom we counted dearest to shrink away; while it makes friends of those whom we least expected to take any interest in our affairs. Among the latter class Frank found two comparatively new but faithful friends to watch the gloomy paths of the unhappy little twins.

Poor Frank and his sister were handcuffed together and held in prison. Their dear little twin brother and sister were sold and taken away, though Frank and his sister did not know where. But hardship often causes those we thought dearest to turn away from us. At the same time, it makes friends of those we least expected to take any interest in our affairs. Among these, Frank found two relatively new but faithful friends to watch over the unhappy little twins on their grim journey.

In a day or two after the sale, Slator had two fast horses put to a large light van, and placed in it a good many small but valuable things belonging to the distressed family. He also took with him Frank and Mary, as well as all the money for the spoil; and after treating all his low friends and bystanders, and drinking deeply himself, he started in high glee for his home in South Carolina. But they had not proceeded many miles, before Frank and his sister discovered that Slator was too drunk to drive. But he, like most tipsy men, thought he was all right; and as he had with him some of the ruined family's best brandy and wine, such as he had not been accustomed to, and being a thirsty soul, he drank till the reins fell from his fingers, and in attempting to catch them he tumbled out of the vehicle, and was unable to get up. Frank and Mary there and then contrived a plan by which to escape. As they were still handcuffed by one wrist each, they alighted, took from the drunken assassin's pocket the key, undid the iron bracelets, and placed them upon Slator, who was better fitted to wear such ornaments. As the demon lay unconscious of what was taking place, Frank and Mary took from him the large sum of money that was realized at the sale, as well as that which Slator had so very meanly obtained from their poor mother. They then dragged him into the woods, tied him to a tree, and left the inebriated robber to shift for himself, while they made good their escape to Savannah. The fugitives being white, of course no one suspected that they were slaves.

A day or two after the sale, Slator had two fast horses harnessed to a large, light van. He loaded it with many small but valuable things belonging to the distressed family. He also took Frank and Mary, along with all the money from the spoils. After buying drinks for all his low friends and the bystanders, and drinking heavily himself, he set off in high spirits for his home in South Carolina. But after they had traveled only a few miles, Frank and his sister realized that Slator was too drunk to drive. Like most drunk men, however, he thought he was all right. He had brought some of the ruined family's best brandy and wine, the kind he was not used to. Being a thirsty soul, he drank until the reins slipped from his fingers. When he tried to catch them, he fell out of the vehicle and could not get up. Frank and Mary came up with a plan to escape on the spot. They were still handcuffed together, each by one wrist. They got out, took the key from the drunken assassin's pocket, and unlocked the iron bracelets. Then they put them on Slator, who was better suited to wear such ornaments. As the demon lay unaware of what was happening, Frank and Mary took the large sum raised at the sale. They also took the money Slator had so cruelly obtained from their poor mother. They dragged him into the woods, tied him to a tree, and left the drunken robber to fend for himself. They then escaped safely to Savannah. Since the fugitives were white, of course no one suspected that they were slaves.

Slator was not able to call any one to his rescue till late the next day; and as there were no rail- roads in that part of the country at that time, it was not until late the following day that Slator was able to get a party to join him for the chase. A person informed Slator that he had met a man and woman, in a trap, answering to the description of those whom he had lost, driving furiously towards Savannah. So Slator and several slavehunters on horseback started off in full tilt, with their blood- hounds, in pursuit of Frank and Mary.

Slator could not call anyone to his rescue until late the next day. There were no railroads in that part of the country then. So it was not until late the following day that Slator could gather a party to join the chase. Someone told Slator that he had met a man and woman driving a small carriage furiously toward Savannah. They matched the description of the people Slator had lost. So Slator and several slave hunters set off at full speed on horseback, with their bloodhounds, in pursuit of Frank and Mary.

On arriving at Savannah, the hunters found that the fugitives had sold the horses and trap, and embarked as free white persons, for New York. Slator's disappointment and rascality so preyed upon his base mind, that he, like Judas, went and hanged himself.

When the hunters arrived in Savannah, they found that the fugitives had sold the horses and carriage. The fugitives had boarded a ship for New York as free white persons. Slator’s disappointment and his own wickedness weighed so heavily on his base mind that, like Judas, he hanged himself.

As soon as Frank and Mary were safe, they endeavoured to redeem their good mother. But, alas! she was gone; she had passed on to the realm of spirit life.

As soon as Frank and Mary were safe, they tried to buy their good mother’s freedom. But alas, she was gone. She had passed into the realm of spirit life.

In due time Frank learned from his friends in Georgia where his little brother and sister dwelt. So he wrote at once to purchase them, but the persons with whom they lived would not sell them. After failing in several attempts to buy them, Frank cultivated large whiskers and moustachios, cut off his hair, put on a wig and glasses, and went down as a white man, and stopped in the neighbourhood where his sister was; and after see- ing her and also his little brother, arrangements were made for them to meet at a particular place on a Sunday, which they did, and got safely off.

In time, Frank learned from his friends in Georgia where his little brother and sister lived. He immediately wrote to offer to buy them, but the people they lived with would not sell them. After several failed attempts to buy them, Frank grew long whiskers and a moustache. He cut off his hair, put on a wig and glasses, and went south disguised as a white man. He stayed in the neighborhood where his sister lived. After he saw her and his little brother, they arranged to meet at a particular place on a Sunday. They met there and got away safely.

I saw Frank myself, when he came for the little twins. Though I was then quite a lad, I well remember being highly delighted by hearing him tell how nicely he and Mary had served Slator.

I saw Frank myself when he came for the little twins. Though I was just a boy, I remember how delighted I was to hear him tell how cleverly he and Mary had dealt with Slator.

Frank had so completely disguised or changed his appearance that his little sister did not know him, and would not speak till he showed their mother's likeness; the sight of which melted her to tears,—for she knew the face. Frank might have said to her

Frank had changed his appearance so completely that his little sister did not recognize him. She would not speak until he showed her their mother's portrait. The sight of it brought her to tears, for she recognized the face. Frank might have said to her

After this great diversion from our narrative, which I hope dear reader, you will excuse, I shall return at once to it.

Dear reader, I hope you will excuse this long departure from our story. I will return to it at once.

My wife was torn from her mother's embrace in childhood, and taken to a distant part of the country. She had seen so many other children separated from their parents in this cruel man- ner, that the mere thought of her ever becoming the mother of a child, to linger out a miserable existence under the wretched system of American slavery, appeared to fill her very soul with horror; and as she had taken what I felt to be an important view of her condition, I did not, at first, press the marriage, but agreed to assist her in trying to devise some plan by which we might escape from our unhappy condition, and then be married.

My wife was torn from her mother's arms as a child and taken to a distant part of the country. She had seen so many other children cruelly separated from their parents. The very thought of having a child who would live a miserable life under the wretched system of American slavery seemed to fill her soul with horror. I felt that she had seen an important truth about her situation. So, at first, I did not press her to marry me. Instead, I agreed to help her find a way for us to escape our unhappy condition and then marry.

We thought of plan after plan, but they all seemed crowded with insurmountable difficulties. We knew it was unlawful for any public convey- ance to take us as passengers, without our master's consent. We were also perfectly aware of the startling fact, that had we left without this consent the professional slave-hunters would have soon had their ferocious bloodhounds baying on our track, and in a short time we should have been dragged back to slavery, not to fill the more favour- able situations which we had just left, but to be separated for life, and put to the very meanest and most laborious drudgery; or else have been tortured to death as examples, in order to strike terror into the hearts of others, and thereby pre- vent them from even attempting to escape from their cruel taskmasters. It is a fact worthy of remark, that nothing seems to give the slaveholders so much pleasure as the catching and torturing of fugitives. They had much rather take the keen and poisonous lash, and with it cut their poor trembling victims to atoms, than allow one of them to escape to a free country, and expose the infamous system from which he fled.

We thought of one plan after another, but all of them seemed full of impossible obstacles. We knew it was illegal for any public transportation service to take us as passengers without our master's consent. We also knew the frightening truth about what would happen if we left without his consent. Professional slave hunters would soon set their fierce bloodhounds baying on our trail. Before long, we would be dragged back into slavery. We would not return to the relatively favorable positions we had left. Instead, we would be separated for life and forced to do the lowest and hardest labor. Or we might be tortured to death as examples. That would strike terror into the hearts of others and keep them from even attempting to escape their cruel masters. It is worth noting that nothing seems to give slaveholders as much pleasure as catching and torturing fugitives. They would much rather take a sharp, poisonous whip and cut their poor, trembling victims to pieces. They would rather do that than let one of them escape to a free country and expose the infamous system he fled.

The greatest excitement prevails at a slave-hunt. The slaveholders and their hired ruffians appear to take more pleasure in this inhuman pursuit than English sportsmen do in chasing a fox or a stag. Therefore, knowing what we should have been compelled to suffer, if caught and taken back, we were more than anxious to hit upon a plan that would lead us safely to a land of liberty.

A slave hunt causes tremendous excitement. Slaveholders and their hired thugs seem to take more pleasure in this cruel pursuit than English sportsmen do in chasing a fox or a stag. We knew what we would be forced to suffer if we were caught and taken back. So we were more than anxious to find a plan that would lead us safely to a land of freedom.

But, after puzzling our brains for years, we were reluctantly driven to the sad conclusion, that it was almost impossible to escape from slavery in Georgia, and travel 1,000 miles across the slave States. We therefore resolved to get the consent of our owners, be married, settle down in slavery, and endeavour to make ourselves as comfortable as possible under that system; but at the same time ever to keep our dim eyes steadily fixed upon the glimmering hope of liberty, and earnestly pray God mercifully to assist us to escape from our unjust thraldom.

But after years of trying to find a way, we reluctantly reached a sad conclusion. It was almost impossible to escape slavery in Georgia and travel 1,000 miles across the slave states. So we decided to get our owners’ consent, marry, and settle down in slavery. We would try to make ourselves as comfortable as possible under that system. But we would always keep our dim eyes fixed on the faint hope of freedom. And we would pray earnestly for God to help us escape our unjust bondage.

We were married, and prayed and toiled on till December, 1848, at which time (as I have stated) a plan suggested itself that proved quite success- ful, and in eight days after it was first thought of we were free from the horrible trammels of slavery, and glorifying God who had brought us safely out of a land of bondage.

We married and continued to pray and work hard until December 1848. Then, as I have said, a plan occurred to us that proved very successful. Eight days after we first thought of it, we were free from the horrible bonds of slavery. We glorified God, who had brought us safely out of a land of bondage.

Knowing that slaveholders have the privilege of taking their slaves to any part of the country they think proper, it occurred to me that, as my wife was nearly white, I might get her to disguise herself as an invalid gentleman, and assume to be my master, while I could attend as his slave, and that in this manner we might effect our escape. After I thought of the plan, I sug- gested it to my wife, but at first she shrank from the idea. She thought it was almost impossible for her to assume that disguise, and travel a dis- tance of 1,000 miles across the slave States. How- ever, on the other hand, she also thought of her condition. She saw that the laws under which we lived did not recognize her to be a woman, but a mere chattel, to be bought and sold, or otherwise dealt with as her owner might see fit. Therefore the more she contemplated her helpless condition, the more anxious she was to escape from it. So she said, "I think it is almost too much for us to undertake; however, I feel that God is on our side, and with his assistance, notwithstanding all the difficulties, we shall be able to succeed. There- fore, if you will purchase the disguise, I will try to carry out the plan."

I knew that slaveholders had the right to take their slaves anywhere in the country they wanted. Since my wife was nearly white, an idea occurred to me. She could disguise herself as a sick gentleman and pretend to be my master. I could accompany her as his slave. In this way, we might escape. After thinking of the plan, I suggested it to my wife. But at first she recoiled from the idea. She thought it was almost impossible to wear that disguise and travel 1,000 miles across the slave states. On the other hand, she also thought about her condition. She saw that the laws under which we lived did not recognize her as a woman. They treated her as mere property, to be bought, sold, or otherwise dealt with as her owner saw fit. The more she thought about her helpless condition, the more anxious she was to escape it. So she said, "I think this is almost too much for us to undertake. But I feel that God is on our side. With his help, we will be able to succeed despite all the difficulties. So, if you buy the disguise, I will try to carry out the plan."

But after I concluded to purchase the disguise, I was afraid to go to any one to ask him to sell me the articles. It is unlawful in Georgia for a white man to trade with slaves without the master's con- sent. But, notwithstanding this, many persons will sell a slave any article that he can get the money to buy. Not that they sympathize with the slave, but merely because his testimony is not admitted in court against a free white person.

But after I decided to buy the disguise, I was afraid to ask anyone to sell me the items. In Georgia, it is illegal for a white man to trade with slaves without their master's consent. Despite this law, many people will sell a slave anything he has the money to buy. They do not do this because they sympathize with the slave. They do it only because a slave's testimony cannot be used in court against a free white person.

Therefore, with little difficulty I went to dif- ferent parts of the town, at odd times, and purchased things piece by piece, (except the trowsers which she found necessary to make,) and took them home to the house where my wife resided. She being a ladies' maid, and a favourite slave in the family, was allowed a little room to herself; and amongst other pieces of furniture which I had made in my overtime, was a chest of drawers; so when I took the articles home, she locked them up carefully in these drawers. No one about the premises knew that she had anything of the kind. So when we fancied we had everything ready the time was fixed for the flight. But we knew it would not do to start off without first getting our master's con- sent to be away for a few days. Had we left with- out this, they would soon have had us back into slavery, and probably we should never have got another fair opportunity of even attempting to escape.

So I had little difficulty going to different parts of town at odd times and buying things piece by piece. The only exception was the trousers, which my wife found it necessary to make. I took the things to the house where she lived. As a lady’s maid and a favorite slave in the family, she was allowed a small room of her own. Among the furniture I had made in my spare time was a chest of drawers. So when I brought the things home, she carefully locked them in the drawers. No one else on the premises knew she had anything of the kind. When we thought we had everything ready, we set a time for our escape. But we knew we could not leave without first getting our master’s permission to be away for a few days. If we had left without permission, they would soon have brought us back into slavery. And we probably would never have had another fair chance to even attempt an escape.

Some of the best slaveholders will sometimes give their favourite slaves a few days' holiday at Christmas time; so, after no little amount of per- severance on my wife's part, she obtained a pass from her mistress, allowing her to be away for a few days. The cabinet-maker with whom I worked gave me a similar paper, but said that he needed my services very much, and wished me to return as soon as the time granted was up. I thanked him kindly; but somehow I have not been able to make it convenient to return yet; and, as the free air of good old England agrees so well with my wife and our dear little ones, as well as with myself, it is not at all likely we shall return at present to the "peculiar in- stitution" of chains and stripes.

Some of the best slaveholders sometimes give their favorite slaves a few days off at Christmas. So, after much persistence, my wife obtained a pass from her mistress allowing her to be away for a few days. The cabinetmaker I worked for gave me a similar pass. But he said he needed my services very much and wanted me to return as soon as my time off was over. I thanked him kindly, but somehow I have not yet found it convenient to return. The free air of good old England agrees so well with my wife, our dear little ones, and me. So it is not at all likely that we shall return for now to the "peculiar institution" of chains and whippings.

On reaching my wife's cottage she handed me her pass, and I showed mine, but at that time neither of us were able to read them. It is not only unlawful for slaves to be taught to read, but in some of the States there are heavy penalties at- tached, such as fines and imprisonment, which will be vigorously enforced upon any one who is humane enough to violate the so-called law.

When I reached my wife's cottage, she handed me her pass, and I showed her mine. But at the time, neither of us could read them. It is illegal to teach slaves to read. In some states, there are also heavy penalties, including fines and imprisonment. These penalties will be vigorously enforced against anyone humane enough to break the so-called law.

The following case will serve to show how per- sons are treated in the most enlightened slavehold- ing community.

The following case shows how people are treated in the most enlightened slaveholding community.

"INDICTMENT.

INDICTMENT.

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, } In the Circuit

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, } In the Circuit

NORFOLK COUNTY, ss.} Court. The Grand Jurors empannelled in the body of the said County on their oath present, that Margaret Doug- lass, being an evil disposed person, not having the fear of God before her eyes, but moved and insti- gated by the devil, wickedly, maliciously, and feloniously, on the fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty- four, at Norfolk, in said County, did teach a certain black girl named Kate to read in the Bible, to the great displeasure of Almighty God, to the per- nicious example of others in like case offending, contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

NORFOLK COUNTY: Court. The grand jurors sworn in for the county state the following under oath. Margaret Douglass was an evil person who had no fear of God and was urged on by the devil. On July 4, 1854, in Norfolk, in the county, she wickedly, maliciously, and criminally taught a black girl named Kate to read the Bible. She did this to the great displeasure of Almighty God and set a harmful example for others who might commit the same offense. Her actions violated the law made for such cases and were against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"VICTOR VAGABOND, Prosecuting Attorney."

"VICTOR VAGABOND, Prosecutor."

"On this indictment Mrs. Douglass was arraigned as a necessary matter of form, tried, found guilty of course; and Judge Scalaway, before whom she was tried, having consulted with Dr. Adams, or- dered the sheriff to place Mrs. Douglass in the prisoner's box, when he addressed her as follows: 'Margaret Douglass, stand up. You are guilty of one of the vilest crimes that ever disgraced society; and the jury have found you so. You have taught a slave girl to read in the Bible. No enlightened society can exist where such offences go unpun- ished. The Court, in your case, do not feel for you one solitary ray of sympathy, and they will inflict on you the utmost penalty of the law. In any other civilized country you would have paid the forfeit of your crime with your life, and the Court have only to regret that such is not the law in this country. The sentence for your offence is, that you be imprisoned one month in the county jail, and that you pay the costs of this prosecution. Sheriff, remove the prisoner to jail.' On the pub- lication of these proceedings, the Doctors of Divinity preached each a sermon on the necessity of obeying the laws; the New York Observer noticed with much pious gladness a revival of religion on Dr. Smith's plantation in Georgia, among his slaves; while the Journal of Commerce commended this political preaching of the Doctors of Divinity because it favoured slavery. Let us do nothing to offend our Southern brethren."

Mrs. Douglass was formally charged under this indictment, tried, and, of course, found guilty. Judge Scalaway, who presided at her trial, consulted with Dr. Adams. He then ordered the sheriff to place Mrs. Douglass in the prisoner's box and addressed her as follows: 'Margaret Douglass, stand up. You are guilty of one of the vilest crimes ever to disgrace society. The jury has found you guilty. You have taught a slave girl to read the Bible. No enlightened society can exist where such offences go unpunished. The Court feels not one ray of sympathy for you and will impose the maximum penalty allowed by law. In any other civilized country, you would have paid for your crime with your life. The Court can only regret that this is not the law in this country. Your sentence is one month in the county jail, and you must pay the costs of this prosecution. Sheriff, take the prisoner to jail.' After these proceedings were published, the Doctors of Divinity each preached a sermon on the need to obey the laws. The New York Observer noted with much pious joy a religious revival among the slaves on Dr. Smith's plantation in Georgia. Meanwhile, the Journal of Commerce praised the Doctors of Divinity for their political preaching because it favoured slavery. Let us do nothing to offend our Southern brethren.

However, at first, we were highly delighted at the idea of having gained permission to be absent for a few days; but when the thought flashed across my wife's mind, that it was customary for travellers to register their names in the visitors' book at hotels, as well as in the clearance or Custom-house book at Charleston, South Carolina —it made our spirits droop within us.

At first, however, we were delighted to have permission to be away for a few days. But then my wife remembered that travelers usually signed their names in hotel visitors' books. They also registered in the clearance or Custom-house book in Charleston, South Carolina. The thought made our spirits sink.

So, while sitting in our little room upon the verge of despair, all at once my wife raised her head, and with a smile upon her face, which was a moment before bathed in tears, said, "I think I have it!" I asked what it was. She said, "I think I can make a poultice and bind up my right hand in a sling, and with propriety ask the officers to register my name for me." I thought that would do.

So, as we sat in our little room, nearly in despair, my wife suddenly raised her head. Her face had been covered in tears a moment before, but now she smiled and said, "I think I have it!" I asked what she meant. She said, "I think I can make a poultice and put my right hand in a sling. Then I can properly ask the officers to register my name for me." I thought that would work.

It then occurred to her that the smoothness of her face might betray her; so she decided to make another poultice, and put it in a white handkerchief to be worn under the chin, up the cheeks, and to tie over the head. This nearly hid the expression of the countenance, as well as the beardless chin.

Then she realized that her smooth face might give her away. So she decided to make another poultice and put it in a white handkerchief. She would wear it under her chin and up her cheeks, tied over her head. This nearly hid her facial expression as well as her beardless chin.

The poultice is left off in the engraving, because the likeness could not have been taken well with it on.

The poultice is left out of the engraving because the likeness could not have been captured well with it on.

My wife, knowing that she would be thrown a good deal into the company of gentlemen, fancied that she could get on better if she had something to go over the eyes; so I went to a shop and bought a pair of green spectacles. This was in the evening.

My wife knew she would spend a good deal of time around gentlemen. She thought she could get along better if she had something to cover her eyes, so I went to a shop and bought a pair of green glasses. It was evening.

We sat up all night discussing the plan, and making preparations. Just before the time arrived, in the morning, for us to leave, I cut off my wife's hair square at the back of the head, and got her to dress in the disguise and stand out on the floor. I found that she made a most respectable looking gentleman.

We stayed up all night discussing the plan and making preparations. Just before we were due to leave in the morning, I cut my wife's hair straight across the back. Then I had her put on the disguise and stand in the middle of the room. I found that she made a very respectable-looking gentleman.

My wife had no ambition whatever to assume this disguise, and would not have done so had it been possible to have obtained our liberty by more simple means; but we knew it was not customary in the South for ladies to travel with male servants; and therefore, notwithstanding my wife's fair com- plexion, it would have been a very difficult task for her to have come off as a free white lady, with me as her slave; in fact, her not being able to write would have made this quite impossible. We knew that no public conveyance would take us, or any other slave, as a passenger, without our master's consent. This consent could never be obtained to pass into a free State. My wife's being muffled in the poultices, &c., furnished a plausible excuse for avoiding general conversation, of which most Yankee travellers are passionately fond.

My wife had no desire to wear this disguise. She would not have done so if we could have gained our freedom by simpler means. But we knew that in the South, ladies did not usually travel with male servants. So, despite my wife's fair complexion, it would have been very difficult for her to pass as a free white lady with me as her slave. In fact, her inability to write would have made it impossible. We knew that no public transport would accept us or any other slave as passengers without our master's consent. That consent could never be obtained for travel into a free State. My wife's face was wrapped in poultices and the like. This gave her a plausible excuse to avoid general conversation, which most Yankee travellers are passionately fond of.

There are a large number of free negroes residing in the southern States; but in Georgia (and I believe in all the slave States,) every coloured per- son's complexion is prima facie evidence of his being a slave; and the lowest villain in the country, should he be a white man, has the legal power to arrest, and question, in the most inquisitorial and insulting manner, any coloured person, male or female, that he may find at large, particularly at night and on Sundays, without a written pass, signed by the master or some one in authority; or stamped free papers, certifying that the person is the rightful owner of himself.

Many free negroes live in the southern States. But in Georgia, a coloured person's complexion is taken as evidence that the person is a slave. I believe this is true in all the slave States. Even the lowest villain in the country, if he is white, has the legal power to arrest a coloured person. He can question any coloured person, male or female, in the most intrusive and insulting manner. He can do this if he finds the person out without a written pass or stamped free papers. The pass must be signed by the master or someone in authority. The stamped free papers must certify that the person is the rightful owner of himself. This is especially true at night and on Sundays.

If the coloured person refuses to answer ques- tions put to him, he may be beaten, and his defend- ing himself against this attack makes him an outlaw, and if he be killed on the spot, the mur- derer will be exempted from all blame; but after the coloured person has answered the questions put to him, in a most humble and pointed manner, he may then be taken to prison; and should it turn out, after further examination, that he was caught where he had no permission or legal right to be, and that he has not given what they term a satis- factory account of himself, the master will have to pay a fine. On his refusing to do this, the poor slave may be legally and severely flogged by public officers. Should the prisoner prove to be a free man, he is most likely to be both whipped and fined.

If a coloured person refuses to answer questions put to him, he may be beaten. If he defends himself against the attack, he becomes an outlaw. If he is killed on the spot, the murderer will be free from all blame. But even after the coloured person answers the questions very humbly and directly, he may be taken to prison. Further examination may show that he was caught somewhere he had no permission or legal right to be. If he has also failed to give what they call a satisfactory account of himself, his master must pay a fine. If the master refuses to pay, public officers may legally flog the poor slave severely. If the prisoner turns out to be a free man, he will most likely be both whipped and fined.

The great majority of slaveholders hate this class of persons with a hatred that can only be equalled by the condemned spirits of the infernal regions. They have no mercy upon, nor sympathy for, any negro whom they cannot enslave. They say that God made the black man to be a slave for the white, and act as though they really believed that all free persons of colour are in open rebellion to a direct command from heaven, and that they (the whites) are God's chosen agents to pour out upon them unlimited vengeance. For instance, a Bill has been introduced in the Tennessee Legislature to prevent free negroes from travelling on the rail- roads in that State. It has passed the first reading. The bill provides that the President who shall permit a free negro to travel on any road within the jurisdiction of the State under his supervision shall pay a fine of 500 dollars; any conductor permitting a violation of the Act shall pay 250 dollars; provided such free negro is not under the control of a free white citizen of Tennessee, who will vouch for the character of said free negro in a penal bond of one thousand dollars. The State of Arkansas has passed a law to banish all free negroes from its bounds, and it came into effect on the 1st day of January, 1860. Every free negro found there after that date will be liable to be sold into slavery, the crime of freedom being unpardon- able. The Missouri Senate has before it a bill providing that all free negroes above the age of eighteen years who shall be found in the State after September, 1860, shall be sold into slavery; and that all such negroes as shall enter the State after September, 1861, and remain there twenty-four hours, shall also be sold into slavery for ever. Mis- sissippi, Kentucky, and Georgia, and in fact, I be- lieve, all the slave States, are legislating in the same manner. Thus the slaveholders make it almost im- possible for free persons of colour to get out of the slave States, in order that they may sell them into slavery if they don't go. If no white persons travelled upon railroads except those who could get some one to vouch for their character in a penal bond of one thousand dollars, the railroad companies would soon go to the "wall." Such mean legislation is too low for comment; therefore I leave the villainous acts to speak for themselves.

The great majority of slaveholders hate this class of persons with a hatred matched only by the condemned spirits of hell. They have no mercy or sympathy for any negro they cannot enslave. They say God made the black man to be a slave for the white man. They act as though they really believe that all free persons of colour are openly rebelling against a direct command from heaven. They also act as though they, the whites, are God's chosen agents to take unlimited vengeance on them. For example, a bill has been introduced in the Tennessee Legislature to prevent free negroes from traveling on railroads in that State. It has passed its first reading. Under the bill, a railroad president who allows a free negro to travel on a road under his supervision within the State must pay a $500 fine. A conductor who permits a violation of the law must pay $250. These penalties apply unless the free negro is under the control of a free white citizen of Tennessee. That citizen must vouch for the free negro's character with a $1,000 bond. The State of Arkansas has passed a law banishing all free negroes from its borders. It took effect on January 1, 1860. Every free negro found there after that date can be sold into slavery. The crime of freedom is unforgivable. The Missouri Senate is considering a bill concerning all free negroes over eighteen found in the State after September 1860. It provides that they shall be sold into slavery. It also provides that any such negroes who enter the State after September 1861 and stay for twenty-four hours shall be sold into slavery forever. Mississippi, Kentucky, and Georgia, and in fact, I believe, all the slave States, are passing laws in the same way. Thus the slaveholders make it almost impossible for free persons of colour to leave the slave States. They do this so that they can sell them into slavery if they do not leave. If no white persons traveled by railroad unless someone vouched for their character with a $1,000 bond, the railroad companies would soon go to the "wall." Such mean laws are beneath comment. So I leave these villainous acts to speak for themselves.

But the Dred Scott decision is the crowning act of infamous Yankee legislation. The Supreme Court, the highest tribunal of the Republic, composed of nine Judge Jeffries's, chosen both from the free and slave States, has decided that no coloured person, or persons of African extraction, can ever become a citizen of the United States, or have any rights which white men are bound to respect. That is to say, in the opinion of this Court, robbery, rape, and murder are not crimes when committed by a white upon a coloured person.

But the Dred Scott decision is the crowning act of disgraceful Yankee lawmaking. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the Republic. Its nine judges are all Judge Jeffries's, chosen from both the free and slave States. The Court has decided that no coloured person, or person of African descent, can ever become a United States citizen. Nor can they have any rights that white men are bound to respect. In other words, the Court believes that robbery, rape, and murder are not crimes when a white person commits them against a coloured person.

Judges who will sneak from their high and honourable position down into the lowest depths of human depravity, and scrape up a decision like this, are wholly unworthy the confidence of any people. I believe such men would, if they had the power, and were it to their temporal interest, sell their country's independence, and barter away every man's birthright for a mess of pottage. Well may Thomas Campbell say—

Judges who stoop from their high and honorable positions into the depths of human depravity are unworthy of anyone's trust. Judges who scrape up a decision like this deserve no confidence. I believe such men would sell their country's independence if they had the power and stood to gain from it. They would also trade away every man's birthright for a bowl of stew. Thomas Campbell rightly says:

When the time had arrived for us to start, we blew out the lights, knelt down, and prayed to our Heavenly Father mercifully to assist us, as he did his people of old, to escape from cruel bondage; and we shall ever feel that God heard and answered our prayer. Had we not been sustained by a kind, and I sometimes think special, providence, we could never have overcome the mountainous difficulties which I am now about to describe.

When it was time to leave, we blew out the lights and knelt down. We prayed that our Heavenly Father would mercifully help us escape cruel bondage, as he had helped his people long ago. We will always feel that God heard and answered our prayer. Without the support of a kind providence, we could never have overcome the enormous difficulties I am about to describe. Sometimes I think that providence was meant especially for us.

After this we rose and stood for a few moments in breathless silence,—we were afraid that some one might have been about the cottage listening and watching our movements. So I took my wife by the hand, stepped softly to the door, raised the latch, drew it open, and peeped out. Though there were trees all around the house, yet the foliage scarcely moved; in fact, everything appeared to be as still as death. I then whispered to my wife, "Come, my dear, let us make a desperate leap for liberty!" But poor thing, she shrank back, in a state of trepidation. I turned and asked what was the matter; she made no reply, but burst into violent sobs, and threw her head upon my breast. This appeared to touch my very heart, it caused me to enter into her feelings more fully than ever. We both saw the many mountainous difficulties that rose one after the other before our view, and knew far too well what our sad fate would have been, were we caught and forced back into our slavish den. Therefore on my wife's fully realizing the solemn fact that we had to take our lives, as it were, in our hands, and contest every inch of the thousand miles of slave territory over which we had to pass, it made her heart almost sink within her, and, had I known them at that time, I would have repeated the following en- couraging lines, which may not be out of place here—

After this, we stood up and remained silent and breathless for a few moments. We feared someone might be outside the cottage, listening and watching our movements. So I took my wife by the hand and stepped quietly to the door. I lifted the latch, opened the door, and peered out. Though trees surrounded the house, their leaves hardly moved. In fact, everything seemed as still as death. I whispered to my wife, "Come, my dear, let us make a desperate leap for freedom!" But the poor thing shrank back in fear. I turned and asked what was wrong. She did not answer, but burst into violent sobs and laid her head against my chest. Her distress touched me deeply and made me understand her feelings more fully than ever. We both saw the huge difficulties that lay ahead, one after another. We knew all too well what our sad fate would be if we were caught and forced back into the place where we were slaves. My wife fully realized the solemn fact that we had to risk our lives and fight for every inch of our journey. We had to travel a thousand miles through slave territory. This realization nearly made her heart sink. If I had known the following encouraging lines at the time, I would have repeated them. They may not be out of place here:

However, the sobbing was soon over, and after a few moments of silent prayer she recovered her self-possession, and said, "Come, William, it is getting late, so now let us venture upon our peril- ous journey."

However, she soon stopped sobbing. After a few moments of silent prayer, she regained her composure and said, "Come, William, it is getting late. Let us set out on our dangerous journey."

We then opened the door, and stepped as softly out as "moonlight upon the water." I locked the door with my own key, which I now have before me, and tiptoed across the yard into the street. I say tiptoed, because we were like persons near a totter- ing avalanche, afraid to move, or even breathe freely, for fear the sleeping tyrants should be aroused, and come down upon us with double vengeance, for daring to attempt to escape in the manner which we contemplated.

We then opened the door and stepped out as softly as "moonlight upon the water." I locked the door with my own key, which I still have before me. Then I tiptoed across the yard and into the street. I say tiptoed because we were like people near an avalanche about to fall. We were afraid to move or even breathe freely. We feared that the sleeping tyrants would wake and come down upon us with double vengeance. They would punish us for daring to attempt escape in the way we planned.

We shook hands, said farewell, and started in different directions for the railway station. I took the nearest possible way to the train, for fear I should be recognized by some one, and got into the negro car in which I knew I should have to ride; but my MASTER (as I will now call my wife) took a longer way round, and only arrived there with the bulk of the passengers. He obtained a ticket for himself and one for his slave to Savannah, the first port, which was about two hundred miles off. My master then had the luggage stowed away, and stepped into one of the best carriages.

We shook hands, said goodbye, and headed for the railway station by different routes. I took the shortest route to the train because I was afraid someone might recognize me. I got into the negro car, where I knew I would have to ride. But my MASTER (as I will now call my wife) took a longer route. He arrived with most of the other passengers. He bought a ticket for himself and one for his slave to Savannah, the first port, about two hundred miles away. My master then had the luggage put away and stepped into one of the best carriages.

But just before the train moved off I peeped through the window, and, to my great astonishment, I saw the cabinet-maker with whom I had worked so long, on the platform. He stepped up to the ticket- seller, and asked some question, and then com- menced looking rapidly through the passengers, and into the carriages. Fully believing that we were caught, I shrank into a corner, turned my face from the door, and expected in a moment to be dragged out. The cabinet-maker looked into my master's carriage, but did not know him in his new attire, and, as God would have it, before he reached mine the bell rang, and the train moved off.

But just before the train pulled away, I peeked through the window. To my great surprise, I saw the cabinetmaker I had worked with for so long standing on the platform. He walked up to the ticket seller and asked a question. Then he quickly began looking at the passengers and into the train cars. I was sure we had been caught. I shrank into a corner, turned my face away from the door, and expected to be dragged out at any moment. The cabinetmaker looked into my master's car, but he did not recognize him in his new clothes. And, as God would have it, the bell rang and the train pulled away before he reached my car.

I have heard since that the cabinet-maker had a pre- sentiment that we were about to "make tracks for parts unknown;" but, not seeing me, his suspicions vanished, until he received the startling intelligence that we had arrived freely in a free State.

I have since heard that the cabinetmaker had a feeling we were about to "make tracks for parts unknown." But when he did not see me, his suspicions faded. They returned when he heard the startling news that we had arrived free in a free state.

As soon as the train had left the platform, my master looked round in the carriage, and was terror-stricken to find a Mr. Cray—an old friend of my wife's master, who dined with the family the day before, and knew my wife from childhood— sitting on the same seat.

As soon as the train left the platform, my master looked around the carriage. She was terrified to find Mr. Cray sitting on the same seat. He was an old friend of my wife's master and had dined with the family the day before. He had known my wife since she was a child.

The doors of the American railway carriages are at the ends. The passengers walk up the aisle, and take seats on either side; and as my master was engaged in looking out of the window, he did not see who came in.

The doors of American train cars are at the ends. Passengers walk down the aisle and sit on either side. My master was looking out the window, so he did not see who came in.

My master's first impression, after seeing Mr. Cray, was, that he was there for the purpose of securing him. However, my master thought it was not wise to give any information respecting him- self, and for fear that Mr. Cray might draw him into conversation and recognise his voice, my master resolved to feign deafness as the only means of self-defence.

When my master saw Mr. Cray, he first thought Mr. Cray was there to capture him. However, my master thought it unwise to give any information about himself. He feared that Mr. Cray might draw him into conversation and recognize his voice. So my master decided to pretend to be deaf as his only means of self-defense.

After a little while, Mr. Cray said to my master, "It is a very fine morning, sir." The latter took no notice, but kept looking out of the window. Mr. Cray soon repeated this remark, in a little louder tone, but my master remained as before. This indifference attracted the attention of the passengers near, one of whom laughed out. This, I suppose, annoyed the old gentleman; so he said, "I will make him hear;" and in a loud tone of voice repeated, "It is a very fine morning, sir."

After a little while, Mr. Cray said to my master, "It is a very fine morning, sir." My master took no notice and kept looking out of the window. Mr. Cray soon repeated his remark a little louder, but my master still did not respond. His indifference caught the attention of nearby passengers, and one of them laughed. I suppose this annoyed the old gentleman. So he said, "I will make him hear," and repeated loudly, "It is a very fine morning, sir."

My master turned his head, and with a polite bow said, "Yes," and commenced looking out of the window again.

My master turned his head, bowed politely, and said, "Yes." Then he looked out the window again.

One of the gentlemen remarked that it was a very great deprivation to be deaf. "Yes," replied Mr. Cray, "and I shall not trouble that fellow any more." This enabled my master to breathe a little easier, and to feel that Mr. Cray was not his pur- suer after all.

One of the gentlemen said that being deaf was a great hardship. "Yes," replied Mr. Cray, "and I won't bother that fellow anymore." This allowed my master to breathe a little easier and feel that Mr. Cray was not pursuing him after all.

The gentlemen then turned the conversation upon the three great topics of discussion in first- class circles in Georgia, namely, Niggers, Cotton, and the Abolitionists.

The gentlemen then turned to the three great topics of conversation in Georgia's upper-class circles: Niggers, Cotton, and the Abolitionists.

My master had often heard of abolitionists, but in such a connection as to cause him to think that they were a fearful kind of wild animal. But he was highly delighted to learn, from the gentle- men's conversation, that the abolitionists were persons who were opposed to oppression; and therefore, in his opinion, not the lowest, but the very highest, of God's creatures.

My master had often heard of abolitionists, but only in ways that made him think they were terrifying wild animals. But he was delighted to learn from the gentlemen’s conversation that abolitionists were people who opposed oppression. In his opinion, they were therefore not the lowest of God’s creatures, but the very highest.

Without the slightest objection on my master's part, the gentlemen left the carriage at Gordon, for Milledgeville (the capital of the State).

My master did not object at all when the gentlemen left the carriage at Gordon to go to Milledgeville (the state capital).

We arrived at Savannah early in the evening, and got into an omnibus, which stopped at the hotel for the passengers to take tea. I stepped into the house and brought my master something on a tray to the omnibus, which took us in due time to the steamer, which was bound for Charles- ton, South Carolina.

We arrived in Savannah early in the evening and got on a bus. It stopped at a hotel so the passengers could have tea. I went inside and brought my master something on a tray to the bus. The bus then took us to the steamer bound for Charleston, South Carolina.

Soon after going on board, my master turned in; and as the captain and some of the passengers seemed to think this strange, and also questioned me respecting him, my master thought I had better get out the flannels and opodeldoc which we had prepared for the rheumatism, warm them quickly by the stove in the gentleman's saloon, and bring them to his berth. We did this as an excuse for my master's retiring to bed so early.

Soon after we boarded, my master went to bed. The captain and some passengers seemed to think this was strange and asked me about him. So my master thought I should get the flannels and opodeldoc we had prepared for his rheumatism. I was to warm them quickly by the stove in the gentlemen’s saloon and bring them to his berth. We did this to explain why my master had gone to bed so early.

While at the stove one of the passengers said to me, "Buck, what have you got there?" "Opodel- doc, sir," I replied. "I should think it's opo- DEVIL," said a lanky swell, who was leaning back in a chair with his heels upon the back of another, and chewing tobacco as if for a wager; "it stinks enough to kill or cure twenty men. Away with it, or I reckon I will throw it overboard!"

While I was at the stove, one of the passengers asked me, "Buck, what have you got there?" "Opodel-doc, sir," I replied. "I should think it's opo-DEVIL," said a lanky dandy. He was leaning back in a chair with his heels on the back of another chair. He was chewing tobacco as if he were in a contest. "It stinks enough to kill or cure twenty men. Get it away from me, or I reckon I'll throw it overboard!"

It was by this time warm enough, so I took it to my master's berth, remained there a little while, and then went on deck and asked the steward where I was to sleep. He said there was no place provided for coloured passengers, whether slave or free. So I paced the deck till a late hour, then mounted some cotton bags, in a warm place near the funnel, sat there till morning, and then went and assisted my master to get ready for breakfast.

By this time, it was warm enough, so I took it to my master's berth. I stayed there a little while, then went on deck and asked the steward where I was to sleep. He said there was no place for coloured passengers, whether slave or free. So I paced the deck until late, then climbed onto some cotton bags in a warm spot near the funnel. I sat there until morning, then went to help my master get ready for breakfast.

He was seated at the right hand of the captain, who, together with all the passengers, inquired very kindly after his health. As my master had one hand in a sling, it was my duty to carve his food. But when I went out the captain said, "You have a very attentive boy, sir; but you had better watch him like a hawk when you get on to the North. He seems all very well here, but he may act quite differently there. I know several gentlemen who have lost their valuable niggers among them d——d cut-throat abolitionists."

He sat at the captain's right hand. The captain and all the passengers asked kindly about his health. Since my master had one hand in a sling, it was my duty to cut his food. But when I left, the captain said, "You have a very attentive boy, sir. But you had better watch him like a hawk when you get to the North. He seems fine here, but he may act quite differently there. I know several gentlemen who have lost their valuable niggers among those damned cut-throat abolitionists."

Before my master could speak, a rough slave- dealer, who was sitting opposite, with both elbows on the table, and with a large piece of broiled fowl in his fingers, shook his head with emphasis, and in a deep Yankee tone, forced through his crowded mouth the words, "Sound doctrine, captain, very sound." He then dropped the chicken into the plate, leant back, placed his thumbs in the armholes of his fancy waistcoat, and continued, "I would not take a nigger to the North under no consideration. I have had a deal to do with niggers in my time, but I never saw one who ever had his heel upon free soil that was worth a d——n." "Now stranger," addressing my master, "if you have made up your mind to sell that ere nigger, I am your man; just mention your price, and if it isn't out of the way, I will pay for him on this board with hard silver dollars." This hard-featured, bristly-bearded, wire-headed, red-eyed monster, staring at my master as the serpent did at Eve, said, "What do you say, stranger?" He replied, "I don't wish to sell, sir; I cannot get on well with- out him."

Before my master could speak, a rough slave dealer shook his head emphatically. He sat opposite us, both elbows on the table and a large piece of broiled chicken in his fingers. In a deep Yankee accent, he forced the words through his full mouth: "Sound doctrine, captain, very sound." He dropped the chicken onto his plate, leaned back, and hooked his thumbs into the armholes of his fancy waistcoat. He continued, "I would not take a nigger to the North under no consideration. I have had a lot to do with niggers in my time. But I never saw one who ever had his heel on free soil that was worth a d——n." "Now, stranger," he said to my master, "if you have made up your mind to sell that there nigger, I am your man. Just name your price, and if it isn't too high, I will pay for him on this table with hard silver dollars." This hard-featured, bristly-bearded, wiry-haired, red-eyed monster stared at my master as the serpent stared at Eve. He said, "What do you say, stranger?" My master replied, "I don't wish to sell, sir. I cannot get on well without him."

"You will have to get on without him if you take him to the North," continued this man; "for I can tell ye, stranger, as a friend, I am an older cove than you, I have seen lots of this ere world, and I reckon I have had more dealings with niggers than any man living or dead. I was once employed by General Wade Hampton, for ten years, in doing nothing but breaking 'em in; and everybody knows that the General would not have a man that didn't understand his business. So I tell ye, stranger, again, you had better sell, and let me take him down to Orleans. He will do you no good if you take him across Mason's and Dixon's line; he is a keen nigger, and I can see from the cut of his eye that he is certain to run away." My master said, "I think not, sir; I have great confidence in his fidelity." "FiDEVIL," indignantly said the dealer, as his fist came down upon the edge of the saucer and upset a cup of hot coffee in a gentleman's lap. (As the scalded man jumped up the trader quietly said, "Don't disturb yourself, neighbour; accidents will happen in the best of families.") "It always makes me mad to hear a man talking about fidelity in niggers. There isn't a d——d one on 'em who wouldn't cut sticks, if he had half a chance."

"You will have to get on without him if you take him to the North," the man continued. "For I can tell you, stranger, as a friend, I am older than you. I have seen a lot of this world. And I reckon I have had more dealings with niggers than any man living or dead. I once worked for General Wade Hampton for ten years, doing nothing but breaking them in. And everybody knows the General would not employ a man who didn't understand his business. So I tell you again, stranger, you had better sell him and let me take him down to Orleans. He will do you no good if you take him across Mason's and Dixon's line. He is a keen nigger, and I can see from the look in his eye that he is certain to run away." My master said, "I don't think so, sir. I have great confidence in his fidelity." "FiDEVIL," the dealer said indignantly. His fist came down on the edge of the saucer and spilled a cup of hot coffee into a gentleman's lap. (As the scalded man jumped up, the trader quietly said, "Don't disturb yourself, neighbour. Accidents will happen in the best of families.") "It always makes me mad to hear a man talking about fidelity in niggers. There isn't a d——d one of them who wouldn't run away if he had half a chance."

By this time we were near Charleston; my master thanked the captain for his advice, and they all withdrew and went on deck, where the trader fancied he became quite eloquent. He drew a crowd around him, and with emphasis said, "Cap'en, if I was the President of this mighty United States of America, the greatest and freest country under the whole universe, I would never let no man, I don't care who he is, take a nigger into the North and bring him back here, filled to the brim, as he is sure to be, with d——d abolition vices, to taint all quiet niggers with the hellish spirit of running away. These air, cap'en, my flat-footed, every day, right up and down sentiments, and as this is a free country, cap'en, I don't care who hears 'em; for I am a Southern man, every inch on me to the back- bone." "Good!" said an insignificant-looking individual of the slave-dealer stamp. "Three cheers for John C. Calhoun and the whole fair sunny South!" added the trader. So off went their hats, and out burst a terrific roar of irregular but con- tinued cheering. My master took no more notice of the dealer. He merely said to the captain that the air on deck was too keen for him, and he would therefore return to the cabin.

By this time we were near Charleston. My master thanked the captain for his advice, and they all left and went on deck. There, the trader imagined he became quite eloquent. He drew a crowd around him and said emphatically, "Captain, if I was the President of this mighty United States of America, the greatest and freest country in the whole universe, I would never let no man take a nigger into the North and bring him back here. I don't care who he is. The nigger is sure to come back filled to the brim with damned abolition vices. He would taint all quiet niggers with the hellish spirit of running away. These are, captain, my flat-footed, everyday, right up and down sentiments. And as this is a free country, captain, I don't care who hears them. For I am a Southern man, every inch of me to the backbone." "Good!" said an insignificant-looking man of the slave-dealer type. "Three cheers for John C. Calhoun and the whole fair sunny South!" added the trader. Their hats came off, and they burst into a tremendous roar of uneven but continuous cheering. My master paid no more attention to the dealer. He merely told the captain that the air on deck was too sharp for him, so he would return to the cabin.

While the trader was in the zenith of his elo- quence, he might as well have said, as one of his kit did, at a great Filibustering meeting, that "When the great American Eagle gets one of his mighty claws upon Canada and the other into South America, and his glorious and starry wings of liberty extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, oh! then, where will England be, ye gen- tlemen? I tell ye, she will only serve as a pocket- handkerchief for Jonathan to wipe his nose with."

At the height of his eloquence, the trader might as well have said what one of his kind said at a great Filibustering meeting: "When the great American Eagle gets one of his mighty claws on Canada and the other in South America, and his glorious, starry wings of liberty stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific, oh! Then, gentlemen, where will England be? I tell you, she will only serve as a pocket handkerchief for Jonathan to wipe his nose with."

On my master entering the cabin he found at the breakfast-table a young southern military officer, with whom he had travelled some distance the pre- vious day.

When my master entered the cabin, he found a young southern military officer at the breakfast table. He had traveled some distance with the officer the day before.

After passing the usual compliments the conver- sation turned upon the old subject,—niggers.

After exchanging the usual greetings, the conversation turned to the old subject: niggers.

The officer, who was also travelling with a man- servant, said to my master, "You will excuse me, Sir, for saying I think you are very likely to spoil your boy by saying 'thank you' to him. I assure you, sir, nothing spoils a slave so soon as saying, 'thank you' and 'if you please' to him. The only way to make a nigger toe the mark, and to keep him in his place, is to storm at him like thunder, and keep him trembling like a leaf. Don't you see, when I speak to my Ned, he darts like lightning; and if he didn't I'd skin him."

The officer was also traveling with a male servant. He said to my master, "Excuse me, sir, but I think you are very likely to spoil your boy by saying 'thank you' to him. I assure you, sir, nothing spoils a slave faster than saying 'thank you' and 'if you please' to him. The only way to make a nigger toe the mark and keep him in his place is to storm at him like thunder and keep him trembling like a leaf. Don't you see how my Ned darts like lightning when I speak to him? If he didn't, I'd skin him."

Just then the poor dejected slave came in, and the officer swore at him fearfully, merely to teach my master what he called the proper way to treat me.

Just then, the poor, dejected slave came in, and the officer swore terribly at him. He did this only to teach my master what he called the proper way to treat me.

After he had gone out to get his master's lug- gage ready, the officer said, "That is the way to speak to them. If every nigger was drilled in this manner, they would be as humble as dogs, and never dare to run away.

After he went out to get his master's luggage ready, the officer said, "That is the way to speak to them. If every nigger was trained this way, they would be as humble as dogs and never dare to run away.

The gentleman urged my master not to go to the North for the restoration of his health, but to visit the Warm Springs in Arkansas.

The man urged my master not to go North to recover his health, but to visit the Warm Springs in Arkansas instead.

My master said, he thought the air of Phila- delphia would suit his complaint best; and, not only so, he thought he could get better advice there.

My master said he thought Philadelphia's air would be best for his illness. He also thought he could get better advice there.

The boat had now reached the wharf. The officer wished my master a safe and pleasant jour- ney, and left the saloon.

The boat had now reached the dock. The officer wished my master a safe and pleasant journey and left the cabin.

There were a large number of persons on the quay waiting the arrival of the steamer: but we were afraid to venture out for fear that some one might recognize me; or that they had heard that we were gone, and had telegraphed to have us stopped. However, after remaining in the cabin till all the other passengers were gone, we had our luggage placed on a fly, and I took my master by the arm, and with a little difficulty he hobbled on shore, got in and drove off to the best hotel, which John C. Calhoun, and all the other great southern fire-eating statesmen, made their head-quarters while in Charleston.

A large crowd was waiting on the quay for the steamer to arrive. But we were afraid to go out. Someone might recognize me, or people might have heard we were gone and telegraphed ahead to stop us. So we stayed in the cabin until all the other passengers had left. Then we had our luggage put in a hired carriage. I took my master by the arm, and he hobbled ashore with some difficulty. He got into the carriage, and we drove to the best hotel. John C. Calhoun and all the other fierce southern statesmen made the hotel their headquarters while in Charleston.

On arriving at the house the landlord ran out and opened the door: but judging, from the poul- tices and green glasses, that my master was an invalid, he took him very tenderly by one arm and ordered his man to take the other.

When we arrived at the house, the landlord ran out and opened the door. But the poultices and green glasses made him think my master was ill. He took my master gently by one arm and ordered his man to take the other.

My master then eased himself out, and with their assistance found no trouble in getting up the steps into the hotel. The proprietor made me stand on one side, while he paid my master the attention and homage he thought a gentleman of his high position merited.

My master then got out, and with their help, he had no trouble climbing the steps into the hotel. The owner made me stand to one side. He gave my master the attention and respect he thought a gentleman of such high standing deserved.

My master asked for a bed-room. The servant was ordered to show a good one, into which we helped him. The servant returned. My master then handed me the bandages, I took them down- stairs in great haste, and told the landlord my master wanted two hot poultices as quickly as possible. He rang the bell, the servant came in, to whom he said, "Run to the kitchen and tell the cook to make two hot poultices right off, for there is a gentleman upstairs very badly off indeed!"

My master asked for a bedroom. The servant was told to show him a good one, and we helped him into it. The servant returned. My master then handed me the bandages. I hurried downstairs and told the landlord that my master wanted two hot poultices as quickly as possible. He rang the bell, and the servant came in. The landlord said to him, "Run to the kitchen and tell the cook to make two hot poultices right away. There is a gentleman upstairs who is very ill indeed!"

In a few minutes the smoking poultices were brought in. I placed them in white handker- chiefs, and hurried upstairs, went into my master's apartment, shut the door, and laid them on the mantel-piece. As he was alone for a little while, he thought he could rest a great deal better with the poultices off. However, it was necessary to have them to complete the remainder of the journey. I then ordered dinner, and took my master's boots out to polish them. While doing so I en- tered into conversation with one of the slaves. I may state here, that on the sea-coast of South Carolina and Georgia the slaves speak worse Eng- lish than in any other part of the country. This is owing to the frequent importation, or smug- gling in, of Africans, who mingle with the natives. Consequently the language cannot properly be called English or African, but a corruption of the two.

A few minutes later, the steaming poultices were brought in. I wrapped them in white handkerchiefs and hurried upstairs to my master's room. I shut the door and laid the poultices on the mantelpiece. Since my master was alone for a little while, he thought he could rest much better without them. But he needed them to complete the rest of the journey. I then ordered dinner and took my master's boots out to polish them. While polishing them, I began talking with one of the slaves. I should mention that slaves on the coast of South Carolina and Georgia speak worse English than anywhere else in the country. This is because Africans are frequently imported or smuggled in and mingle with the natives. As a result, the language cannot properly be called English or African. It is a corruption of the two.

The shrewd son of African parents to whom I referred said to me, "Say, brudder, way you come from, and which side you goin day wid dat ar little don up buckra" (white man)?

The shrewd son of African parents I mentioned said to me, "Say, brother, where you come from, and which side you going there with that there little done up buckra" (white man)?

I replied, "To Philadelphia."

I replied, "To Philadelphia."

"Yes," I said.

"Yes," I said.

"By squash! I wish I was going wid you! I hears um say dat dare's no slaves way over in dem parts; is um so?"

"By squash! I wish I was going with you! I hear them say that there's no slaves way over in those parts. Is it so?"

I quietly said, "I have heard the same thing."

I quietly said, "I've heard the same thing."

"Well," continued he, as he threw down the boot and brush, and, placing his hands in his pockets, strutted across the floor with an air of independence—"Gorra Mighty, dem is de parts for Pompey; and I hope when you get dare you will stay, and nebber follow dat buckra back to dis hot quarter no more, let him be eber so good."

"Well," he continued, throwing down the boot and brush. He put his hands in his pockets and strutted across the floor as if he were independent. "God Almighty, them is the parts for Pompey. And I hope when you get there you will stay, and never follow that buckra back to this hot quarter no more, let him be ever so good."

I thanked him; and just as I took the boots up and started off, he caught my hand between his two, and gave it a hearty shake, and, with tears streaming down his cheeks, said:—

I thanked him. Just as I picked up the boots and started to leave, he took my hand in both of his. He shook it heartily and, with tears streaming down his cheeks, said:

"God bless you, broder, and may de Lord be wid you. When you gets de freedom, and sitin under your own wine and fig-tree, don't forget to pray for poor Pompey."

"God bless you, brother, and may the Lord be with you. When you gets the freedom and sitting under your own vine and fig tree, don't forget to pray for poor Pompey."

I was afraid to say much to him, but I shall never forget his earnest request, nor fail to do what little I can to release the millions of unhappy bondmen, of whom he was one.

I was afraid to say much to him, but I will never forget his heartfelt request. I will always do what little I can to free the millions of unhappy bondmen, including him.

At the proper time my master had the poultices placed on, came down, and seated himself at a table in a very brilliant dining-room, to have his dinner. I had to have something at the same time, in order to be ready for the boat; so they gave me my dinner in an old broken plate, with a rusty knife and fork, and said, "Here, boy, you go in the kitchen." I took it and went out, but did not stay more than a few minutes, because I was in a great hurry to get back to see how the invalid was getting on. On arriving I found two or three servants waiting on him; but as he did not feel able to make a very hearty dinner, he soon finished, paid the bill, and gave the servants each a trifle, which caused one of them to say to me, "Your massa is a big bug"—meaning a gentleman of distinction— "he is the greatest gentleman dat has been dis way for dis six months." I said, "Yes, he is some pumpkins," meaning the same as "big bug."

At the proper time, my master had the poultices put on. Then he came downstairs and sat at a table in a brightly lit dining room to eat dinner. I had to eat at the same time so I would be ready for the boat. So they gave me dinner on an old, broken plate, with a rusty knife and fork, and said, "Here, boy, you go in the kitchen." I took my dinner and went out, but I stayed only a few minutes. I was in a great hurry to get back and see how the invalid was doing. When I returned, I found two or three servants waiting on him. But he did not feel able to eat much, so he soon finished, paid the bill, and gave each servant a small tip. One of them then said to me, "Your master is a big bug." By this he meant a gentleman of distinction. He added, "He is the greatest gentleman that has been this way for this six months." I said, "Yes, he is some pumpkins," meaning the same as "big bug."

When we left Macon, it was our intention to take a steamer at Charleston through to Phila- delphia; but on arriving there we found that the vessels did not run during the winter, and I have no doubt it was well for us they did not; for on the very last voyage the steamer made that we intended to go by, a fugitive was discovered secreted on board, and sent back to slavery. However, as we had also heard of the Overland Mail Route, we were all right. So I ordered a fly to the door, had the luggage placed on; we got in, and drove down to the Custom-house Office, which was near the wharf where we had to obtain tickets, to take a steamer for Wilmington, North Carolina. When we reached the building, I helped my master into the office, which was crowded with passengers. He asked for a ticket for himself and one for his slave to Philadelphia. This caused the prin- cipal officer—a very mean-looking, cheese-coloured fellow, who was sitting there—to look up at us very suspiciously, and in a fierce tone of voice he said to me, "Boy, do you belong to that gentleman?" I quickly replied, "Yes, sir" (which was quite correct). The tickets were handed out, and as my master was paying for them the chief man said to him, "I wish you to register your name here, sir, and also the name of your nigger, and pay a dollar duty on him."

When we left Macon, we intended to take a steamer from Charleston all the way to Philadelphia. But when we arrived in Charleston, we found that the vessels did not run during the winter. I have no doubt this was fortunate for us. On the very last voyage of the steamer we had intended to take, a fugitive was found hidden on board and sent back to slavery. However, we had also heard of the Overland Mail Route, so we were all right. I ordered a carriage to the door and had the luggage loaded onto it. We got in and drove to the Custom-house Office, near the wharf. There we had to get tickets for a steamer to Wilmington, North Carolina. When we reached the building, I helped my master into the office, which was crowded with passengers. He asked for a ticket to Philadelphia for himself and one for his slave. This made the chief officer look up at us very suspiciously. He was sitting there and looked very mean, with a cheese-colored complexion. In a fierce voice, he said to me, "Boy, do you belong to that gentleman?" I quickly replied, "Yes, sir" (which was quite correct). The tickets were handed out. As my master paid for them, the chief officer said to him, "I want you to register your name here, sir, and also the name of your nigger, and pay a dollar duty on him."

My master paid the dollar, and pointing to the hand that was in the poultice, requested the officer to register his name for him. This seemed to offend the "high-bred" South Carolinian. He jumped up, shaking his head; and, cramming his hands almost through the bottom of his trousers pockets, with a slave-bullying air, said, "I shan't do it."

My master paid the dollar and pointed to the hand in the poultice. He asked the officer to register his name for him. This request seemed to offend the "high-bred" South Carolinian. He jumped up, shaking his head, and shoved his hands almost through the bottoms of his trouser pockets. With the air of someone used to bullying slaves, he said, "I won't do it."

This attracted the attention of all the passengers. Just then the young military officer with whom my master travelled and conversed on the steamer from Savannah stepped in, somewhat the worse for brandy; he shook hands with my master, and pre- tended to know all about him. He said, "I know his kin (friends) like a book;" and as the officer was known in Charleston, and was going to stop there with friends, the recognition was very much in my master's favor.

This attracted the attention of all the passengers. Just then, the young military officer came in, a little drunk from brandy. He had traveled and talked with my master on the steamer from Savannah. He shook hands with my master and pretended to know all about him. He said, "I know his kin (friends) like a book." The officer was known in Charleston and was going to stay there with friends. So his recognition of my master was very much in my master's favor.

The captain of the steamer, a good-looking, jovial fellow, seeing that the gentleman appeared to know my master, and perhaps not wishing to lose us as passengers, said in an off-hand sailor-like manner, "I will register the gentleman's name, and take the responsibility upon myself." He asked my master's name. He said, "William Johnson." The names were put down, I think, "Mr. Johnson and slave." The captain said, "It's all right now, Mr. Johnson." He thanked him kindly, and the young officer begged my master to go with him, and have something to drink and a cigar; but as he had not acquired these accomplishments, he excused him- self, and we went on board and came off to Wil- mington, North Carolina. When the gentleman finds out his mistake, he will, I have no doubt, be careful in future not to pretend to have an intimate acquaintance with an entire stranger. During the voyage the captain said, "It was rather sharp shooting this morning, Mr. Johnson. It was not out of any disrespect to you, sir; but they make it a rule to be very strict at Charleston. I have known families to be detained there with their slaves till reliable information could be received respecting them. If they were not very careful, any d——d abolitionist might take off a lot of valuable niggers."

The steamer’s captain was a handsome, cheerful fellow. He saw that the gentleman seemed to know my master, and perhaps he did not want to lose us as passengers. So he said casually, like a sailor, "I’ll register the gentleman’s name and take responsibility myself." He asked my master’s name, and my master said, "William Johnson." I think the names were written down as "Mr. Johnson and slave." The captain said, "It’s all right now, Mr. Johnson." My master thanked him kindly. Then the young officer begged my master to join him for a drink and a cigar. But my master had not learned to drink or smoke, so he excused himself. We went on board and sailed to Wilmington, North Carolina. When the gentleman discovers his mistake, I have no doubt he will be careful in the future. He will not pretend to know a complete stranger well. During the voyage, the captain said, "They were rather tough on you this morning, Mr. Johnson. They meant no disrespect to you, sir, but they make it a rule to be very strict at Charleston. I have known families to be held there with their slaves until reliable information about them could be obtained. If they were not very careful, any d——d abolitionist might take off a lot of valuable niggers."

My master said, "I suppose so," and thanked him again for helping him over the difficulty.

My master said, "I suppose so," and thanked him again for helping him out of the difficult situation.

We reached Wilmington the next morning, and took the train for Richmond, Virginia. I have stated that the American railway carriages (or cars, as they are called), are constructed differently to those in England. At one end of some of them, in the South, there is a little apartment with a couch on both sides for the convenience of families and invalids; and as they thought my master was very poorly, he was allowed to enter one of these apartments at Petersburg, Virginia, where an old gentleman and two handsome young ladies, his daughters, also got in, and took seats in the same carriage. But before the train started, the gentle- man stepped into my car, and questioned me respect- ing my master. He wished to know what was the matter with him, where he was from, and where he was going. I told him where he came from, and said that he was suffering from a complication of complaints, and was going to Philadelphia, where he thought he could get more suitable advice than in Georgia.

We reached Wilmington the next morning and took the train to Richmond, Virginia. As I have said, American railway carriages, or cars, are built differently from those in England. In the South, some cars have a small compartment at one end, with a couch on each side. These compartments are for families and people who are ill. The railway staff thought my master was very ill, so they let him enter one at Petersburg, Virginia. An old gentleman and his two handsome young daughters also boarded there and took seats in the same car. But before the train started, the gentleman came into my car and asked me about my master. He wanted to know what was wrong with him, where he was from, and where he was going. I told him where my master came from. I said he was suffering from several ailments and was going to Philadelphia. He thought he could get better medical advice there than in Georgia.

The gentleman said my master could obtain the very best advice in Philadelphia. Which turned out to be quite correct, though he did not receive it from physicians, but from kind abolitionists who understood his case much better. The gentleman also said, "I reckon your master's father hasn't any more such faithful and smart boys as you." "O, yes, sir, he has," I replied, "lots on 'em." Which was literally true. This seemed all he wished to know. He thanked me, gave me a ten-cent piece, and requested me to be attentive to my good master. I promised that I would do so, and have ever since endeavoured to keep my pledge. During the gentleman's absence, the ladies and my master had a little cosy chat. But on his return, he said, "You seem to be very much afflicted, sir." "Yes, sir," replied the gentleman in the poultices. "What seems to be the matter with you, sir; may I be allowed to ask?" "Inflammatory rheumatism, sir." "Oh! that is very bad, sir," said the kind gentleman: "I can sympathise with you; for I know from bitter experience what the rheumatism is." If he did, he knew a good deal more than Mr. Johnson.

The gentleman said my master could get the very best advice in Philadelphia. That turned out to be quite true, though the advice came from kind abolitionists, not physicians. They understood his case much better. The gentleman also said, "I reckon your master's father hasn't any more such faithful and smart boys as you." "Oh, yes, sir, he has," I replied, "lots of them." That was literally true. This seemed to be all he wanted to know. He thanked me, gave me a ten-cent piece, and asked me to be attentive to my good master. I promised I would, and I have tried to keep my promise ever since. While the gentleman was away, the ladies and my master had a cozy little chat. But when he returned, he said, "You seem to be suffering greatly, sir." "Yes, sir," replied the gentleman wearing poultices. "What seems to be the matter with you, sir, if I may ask?" "Inflammatory rheumatism, sir." "Oh! That is very bad, sir," said the kind gentleman. "I can sympathize with you, for I know from bitter experience what rheumatism is." If he did, he knew a good deal more than Mr. Johnson.

The gentleman thought my master would feel better if he would lie down and rest himself; and as he was anxious to avoid conversation, he at once acted upon this suggestion. The ladies politely rose, took their extra shawls, and made a nice pillow for the invalid's head. My master wore a fashionable cloth cloak, which they took and covered him comfortably on the couch. After he had been lying a little while the ladies, I suppose, thought he was asleep; so one of them gave a long sigh, and said, in a quiet fascinating tone, "Papa, he seems to be a very nice young gentleman." But before papa could speak, the other lady quickly said, "Oh! dear me, I never felt so much for a gentleman in my life!" To use an American expression, "they fell in love with the wrong chap."

The gentleman thought my master would feel better if he lay down and rested. My master wanted to avoid conversation, so he immediately followed the suggestion. The ladies politely got up and used their extra shawls to make a nice pillow for the invalid's head. My master wore a fashionable cloth cloak. The ladies took it and covered him comfortably on the couch. After he had been lying there a little while, the ladies apparently thought he was asleep. One of them gave a long sigh and said in a quiet, charming voice, "Papa, he seems to be a very nice young gentleman." But before Papa could speak, the other lady quickly said, "Oh! Dear me, I have never felt so much for a gentleman in my life!" To use an American expression, "they fell in love with the wrong chap."

After my master had been lying a little while he got up, the gentleman assisted him in getting on his cloak, the ladies took their shawls, and soon they were all seated. They then insisted upon Mr. Johnson taking some of their refreshments, which of course he did, out of courtesy to the ladies. All went on enjoying themselves until they reached Richmond, where the ladies and their father left the train. But, before doing so, the good old Virginian gentleman, who appeared to be much pleased with my master, presented him with a recipe, which he said was a perfect cure for the inflammatory rheumatism. But the invalid not being able to read it, and fearing he should hold it upside down in pretending to do so, thanked the donor kindly, and placed it in his waistcoat pocket. My master's new friend also gave him his card, and requested him the next time he travelled that way to do him the kindness to call; adding, "I shall be pleased to see you, and so will my daughters." Mr. Johnson expressed his gratitude for the prof- fered hospitality, and said he should feel glad to call on his return. I have not the slightest doubt that he will fulfil the promise whenever that return takes place. After changing trains we went on a little beyond Fredericksburg, and took a steamer to Washington.

After my master had been lying down for a little while, he got up. The gentleman helped him put on his cloak, and the ladies took their shawls. Soon they were all seated. They insisted that Mr. Johnson have some of their refreshments. Of course, he accepted, out of courtesy to the ladies. Everyone continued enjoying themselves until they reached Richmond, where the ladies and their father left the train. Before leaving, the kind old Virginian gentleman gave my master a recipe. He seemed very pleased with my master and said the recipe was a perfect cure for inflammatory rheumatism. But the invalid could not read it. He feared he might hold it upside down if he pretended to read it, so he thanked the gentleman kindly and put the recipe in his waistcoat pocket. My master’s new friend also gave him his card. He asked my master to do him the kindness of calling on him the next time he traveled that way. He added, “I shall be pleased to see you, and so will my daughters.” Mr. Johnson thanked him for the offer of hospitality and said he would be glad to call on his return. I have not the slightest doubt that he will keep his promise whenever he returns. After changing trains, we went a little beyond Fredericksburg and took a steamer to Washington.

At Richmond, a stout elderly lady, whose whole demeanour indicated that she belonged (as Mrs. Stowe's Aunt Chloe expresses it) to one of the "firstest families," stepped into the carriage, and took a seat near my master. Seeing me passing quickly along the platform, she sprang up as if taken by a fit, and exclaimed, "Bless my soul! there goes my nigger, Ned!"

At Richmond, a stout elderly woman got into the carriage and sat near my master. Everything about her suggested she belonged to one of the "firstest families," as Mrs. Stowe's Aunt Chloe puts it. She saw me walking quickly along the platform. She sprang up as if having a fit and exclaimed, "Bless my soul! there goes my nigger, Ned!"

My master said, "No; that is my boy."

My master said, "No, that is my boy."

The lady paid no attention to this; she poked her head out of the window, and bawled to me, "You Ned, come to me, sir, you runaway rascal!"

The lady paid no attention to this. She stuck her head out of the window and shouted to me, "You Ned, come here, sir, you runaway rascal!"

On my looking round she drew her head in, and said to my master, "I beg your pardon, sir, I was sure it was my nigger; I never in my life saw two black pigs more alike than your boy and my Ned."

When I looked around, she pulled her head back in and said to my master, "I'm sorry, sir. I was sure it was my nigger. I've never seen two black pigs look more alike than your boy and my Ned."

After the disappointed lady had resumed her seat, and the train had moved off, she closed her eyes, slightly raising her hands, and in a sanctified tone said to my master, "Oh! I hope, sir, your boy will not turn out to be so worthless as my Ned has. Oh! I was as kind to him as if he had been my own son. Oh! sir, it grieves me very much to think that after all I did for him he should go off without having any cause whatever."

After the disappointed lady sat down again and the train moved off, she closed her eyes and raised her hands slightly. In a pious tone, she said to my master, "Oh! I hope, sir, your boy won't turn out to be as worthless as my Ned. Oh! I was as kind to him as if he had been my own son. Oh! sir, it grieves me very much to think that, after all I did for him, he ran away without any reason at all."

"When did he leave you?" asked Mr. Johnson.

"When did he leave you?" asked Mr. Johnson.

"About eighteen months ago, and I have never seen hair or hide of him since."

"About eighteen months ago, and I haven't seen any sign of him since."

"Did he have a wife?" enquired a very respect- able-looking young gentleman, who was sitting near my master and opposite to the lady.

"Did he have a wife?" asked a very respectable-looking young man. He was sitting near my master and across from the lady.

"No, sir; not when he left, though he did have one a little before that. She was very unlike him; she was as good and as faithful a nigger as any one need wish to have. But, poor thing! she became so ill, that she was unable to do much work; so I thought it would be best to sell her, to go to New Orleans, where the climate is nice and warm."

"No, sir, not when he left, though he did have one shortly before that. She was very different from him. She was as good and faithful a nigger as anyone could wish for. But, poor thing! She became so ill that she could not do much work. So I thought it would be best to sell her to go to New Orleans, where the climate is nice and warm."

"I suppose she was very glad to go South for the restoration of her health?" said the gentleman.

"I suppose she was very glad to go South to regain her health?" the gentleman said.

"No; she was not," replied the lady, "for niggers never know what is best for them. She took on a great deal about leaving Ned and the little nigger; but, as she was so weakly, I let her go."

"No, she was not," the lady replied, "because niggers never know what is best for them. She was very upset about leaving Ned and the little nigger. But because she was so weak, I let her go."

"Was she good-looking?" asked the young pas- senger, who was evidently not of the same opinion as the talkative lady, and therefore wished her to tell all she knew.

"Was she good-looking?" asked the young passenger. He clearly disagreed with the talkative lady and wanted her to tell him all she knew.

"Yes; she was very handsome, and much whiter than I am; and therefore will have no trouble in getting another husband. I am sure I wish her well. I asked the speculator who bought her to sell her to a good master. Poor thing! she has my prayers, and I know she prays for me. She was a good Christian, and always used to pray for my soul. It was through her earliest prayers," con- tinued the lady, "that I was first led to seek for- giveness of my sins, before I was converted at the great camp-meeting."

"Yes, she was very beautiful and much whiter than I am, so she will have no trouble finding another husband. I truly wish her well. I asked the slave trader who bought her to sell her to a good master. Poor thing! I pray for her, and I know she prays for me. She was a good Christian and always prayed for my soul. It was through her earliest prayers," the lady continued, "that I first sought forgiveness for my sins, before I was converted at the great camp meeting."

This caused the lady to snuffle and to draw from her pocket a richly embroidered handkerchief, and apply it to the corner of her eyes. But my master could not see that it was at all soiled.

This made the lady sniffle and pull a richly embroidered handkerchief from her pocket. She dabbed the corners of her eyes with it. But my master could not see that the handkerchief was dirty at all.

The silence which prevailed for a few moments was broken by the gentleman's saying, "As your 'July' was such a very good girl, and had served you so faithfully before she lost her health, don't you think it would have been better to have eman- cipated her?"

After a few moments of silence, the gentleman spoke. "Your 'July' was such a very good girl and served you so faithfully before she became ill. Don't you think it would have been better to free her?"

"No, indeed I do not!" scornfully exclaimed the lady, as she impatiently crammed the fine handkerchief into a little work-bag. "I have no patience with people who set niggers at liberty. It is the very worst thing you can do for them. My dear husband just before he died willed all his niggers free. But I and all our friends knew very well that he was too good a man to have ever thought of doing such an unkind and foolish thing, had he been in his right mind, and, therefore we had the will altered as it should have been in the first place."

"No, I certainly do not!" the lady exclaimed scornfully, impatiently stuffing the fine handkerchief into a small sewing bag. "I have no patience with people who set niggers free. It is the worst thing you can do for them. Just before my dear husband died, he freed all his niggers in his will. But all our friends and I knew very well that he was too good a man to do anything so unkind and foolish if he had been in his right mind. So we had the will changed to what it should have been in the first place."

"Did you mean, madam," asked my master, "that willing the slaves free was unjust to yourself, or unkind to them?"

"Did you mean, madam," my master asked, "that freeing the slaves in your will was unfair to you or unkind to them?"

"I mean that it was decidedly unkind to the servants themselves. It always seems to me such a cruel thing to turn niggers loose to shift for themselves, when there are so many good masters to take care of them. As for myself," continued the considerate lady, "I thank the Lord my dear husband left me and my son well provided for. Therefore I care nothing for the niggers, on my own account, for they are a great deal more trouble than they are worth, I sometimes wish that there was not one of them in the world; for the un- grateful wretches are always running away. I have lost no less than ten since my poor husband died. It's ruinous, sir!"

"I mean that it was definitely unkind to the servants themselves. It always seems cruel to me to turn niggers loose to fend for themselves. There are so many good masters to take care of them. As for myself," the considerate lady continued, "I thank the Lord that my dear husband left me and my son well provided for. So I have no personal need for the niggers. They are a great deal more trouble than they are worth. I sometimes wish there wasn't one of them in the world, because the ungrateful wretches are always running away. I have lost no fewer than ten since my poor husband died. It's ruinous, sir!"

"But as you are well provided for, I suppose you do not feel the loss very much," said the pas- senger.

"But since you have everything you need, I suppose you don't feel the loss very much," said the passenger.

"I don't feel it at all," haughtily continued the good soul; "but that is no reason why property should be squandered. If my son and myself had the money for those valuable niggers, just see what a great deal of good we could do for the poor, and in sending missionaries abroad to the poor heathen, who have never heard the name of our blessed Re- deemer. My dear son who is a good Christian minis- ter has advised me not to worry and send my soul to hell for the sake of niggers; but to sell every blessed one of them for what they will fetch, and go and live in peace with him in New York. This I have concluded to do. I have just been to Rich- mond and made arrangements with my agent to make clean work of the forty that are left."

"I don't feel it at all," the good soul continued haughtily, "but that is no reason to waste property. If my son and I had the money for those valuable niggers, just think how much good we could do for the poor. We could also send missionaries abroad to the poor heathen, who have never heard the name of our blessed Redeemer. My dear son is a good Christian minister. He has advised me not to worry and send my soul to hell for the sake of niggers. Instead, he says I should sell every blessed one of them for whatever they will fetch. Then I should go and live in peace with him in New York. I have decided to do this. I have just been to Richmond and arranged with my agent to sell off all forty who are left."

"Your son being a good Christian minister," said the gentleman, "It's strange he did not advise you to let the poor negroes have their liberty and go North."

"Since your son is a good Christian minister," said the gentleman, "it's strange he didn't advise you to free the poor negroes and let them go North."

"It's not at all strange, sir; it's not at all strange. My son knows what's best for the nig- gers; he has always told me that they were much better off than the free niggers in the North. In fact, I don't believe there are any white labouring people in the world who are as well off as the slaves."

"It's not strange at all, sir. It's not strange at all. My son knows what's best for the niggers. He has always told me that they were much better off than the free niggers in the North. In fact, I don't believe any white working people in the world are as well off as the slaves."

"You are quite mistaken, madam," said the young man. "For instance, my own widowed mother, before she died, emancipated all her slaves, and sent them to Ohio, where they are getting along well. I saw several of them last summer myself."

"You're quite mistaken, madam," said the young man. "For example, before my widowed mother died, she freed all her slaves and sent them to Ohio. They are doing well there. I saw several of them myself last summer."

"Well," replied the lady, "freedom may do for your ma's niggers, but it will never do for mine; and, plague them, they shall never have it; that is the word, with the bark on it."

"Well," the lady replied, "freedom may be fine for your ma's niggers, but it will never do for mine. And damn them, they will never have it. That's the plain truth."

"If freedom will not do for your slaves," replied the passenger, "I have no doubt your Ned and the other nine negroes will find out their mistake, and return to their old home.

"If freedom doesn't suit your slaves," the passenger replied, "I'm sure your Ned and the other nine negroes will realize their mistake and return to their old home.

"Blast them!" exclaimed the old lady, with great emphasis, "if I ever get them, I will cook their infernal hash, and tan their accursed black hides well for them! God forgive me," added the old soul, "the niggers will make me lose all my religion!"

"Blast them!" the old lady exclaimed emphatically. "If I ever get them, I'll make them pay and tan their damned black hides well! God forgive me," the old woman added, "the niggers will make me lose all my religion!"

By this time the lady had reached her destination. The gentleman got out at the next station beyond. As soon as she was gone, the young Southerner said to my master, "What a d——d shame it is for that old whining hypocritical humbug to cheat the poor negroes out of their liberty! If she has religion, may the devil prevent me from ever being converted!"

By this time, the lady had reached her destination. The gentleman got off at the next station. As soon as she was gone, the young Southerner said to my master, "What a damned shame for that old whining, hypocritical fraud to cheat the poor negroes out of their freedom! If she has religion, may the devil keep me from ever converting!"

For the purpose of somewhat disguising myself, I bought and wore a very good second-hand white beaver, an article which I had never indulged in before. So just before we arrived at Washington, an uncouth planter, who had been watching me very closely, said to my master, "I reckon, stranger, you are 'SPILING' that ere nigger of yourn, by letting him wear such a devilish fine hat. Just look at the quality on it; the President couldn't wear a better. I should just like to go and kick it overboard." His friend touched him, and said, "Don't speak so to a gentleman." "Why not?" exclaimed the fellow. He grated his short teeth, which appeared to be nearly worn away by the incessant chewing of tobacco, and said, "It always makes me itch all over, from head to toe, to get hold of every d——d nigger I see dressed like a white man. Washington is run away with SPILED and free niggers. If I had my way I would sell every d——d rascal of 'em way down South, where the devil would be whipped out on 'em."

To disguise myself somewhat, I bought and wore a very good secondhand white beaver hat. I had never indulged in one before. Just before we arrived in Washington, a rough planter spoke to my master. He had been watching me very closely. He said, "I reckon, stranger, you are 'SPOILING' that there nigger of yours, by letting him wear such a devilish fine hat. Just look at the quality of it. The President couldn't wear a better one. I should just like to go and kick it overboard." His friend touched him and said, "Don't speak so to a gentleman." "Why not?" the fellow exclaimed. He ground his short teeth, which seemed nearly worn away from his constant chewing of tobacco. Then he said, "It always makes me itch all over, from head to toe, to get hold of every d---d nigger I see dressed like a white man. Washington is overrun with SPOILED and free niggers. If I had my way, I would sell every d---d rascal of them way down South, where the devil would be whipped out of them."

This man's fierce manner made my master feel rather nervous, and therefore he thought the less he said the better; so he walked off without making any reply. In a few minutes we were landed at Washington, where we took a conveyance and hurried off to the train for Baltimore.

The man's fierce manner made my master rather nervous. He thought it best to say as little as possible, so he walked away without replying. A few minutes later, we landed in Washington. There, we took a ride and hurried to catch the train to Baltimore.

We left our cottage on Wednesday morning, the 21st of December, 1848, and arrived at Baltimore, Saturday evening, the 24th (Christmas Eve). Baltimore was the last slave port of any note at which we stopped.

We left our cottage on Wednesday morning, December 21, 1848. We arrived in Baltimore on Saturday evening, December 24, Christmas Eve. Baltimore was the last major slave port where we stopped.

On arriving there we felt more anxious than ever, because we knew not what that last dark night would bring forth. It is true we were near the goal, but our poor hearts were still as if tossed at sea; and, as there was another great and dangerous bar to pass, we were afraid our liberties would be wrecked, and, like the ill-fated Royal Charter, go down for ever just off the place we longed to reach.

When we arrived there, we felt more anxious than ever because we did not know what that last dark night would bring. We were near our goal, but our poor hearts still felt as if they were tossed at sea. We still had another great and dangerous bar to cross. We feared our freedom would be wrecked and, like the ill-fated Royal Charter, sink forever just short of the place we longed to reach.

They are particularly watchful at Baltimore to prevent slaves from escaping into Pennsylvania, which is a free State. After I had seen my master into one of the best carriages, and was just about to step into mine, an officer, a full-blooded Yankee of the lower order, saw me. He came quickly up, and, tapping me on the shoulder, said in his un- mistakable native twang, together with no little dis- play of his authority, "Where are you going, boy?" "To Philadelphia, sir," I humbly replied. "Well, what are you going there for?" "I am travelling with my master, who is in the next carriage, sir." "Well, I calculate you had better get him out; and be mighty quick about it, because the train will soon be starting. It is against my rules to let any man take a slave past here, unless he can satisfy them in the office that he has a right to take him along."

In Baltimore, officials are especially watchful to prevent slaves from escaping into Pennsylvania, a free state. I had helped my master into one of the best carriages and was about to step into mine. Just then, an officer saw me. He was a full-blooded Yankee of the lower class. He quickly came up and tapped me on the shoulder. In his unmistakable native twang, and with no little show of authority, he said, "Where are you going, boy?" "To Philadelphia, sir," I humbly replied. "Well, what are you going there for?" "I am travelling with my master, who is in the next carriage, sir." "Well, I calculate you had better get him out, and be mighty quick about it, because the train will soon be starting. It is against my rules to let any man take a slave past here unless he can satisfy them in the office that he has a right to take him along."

The officer then passed on and left me standing upon the platform, with my anxious heart apparently palpitating in the throat. At first I scarcely knew which way to turn. But it soon occurred to me that the good God, who had been with us thus far, would not forsake us at the eleventh hour. So with renewed hope I stepped into my master's carriage, to inform him of the difficulty. I found him sitting at the farther end, quite alone. As soon as he looked up and saw me, he smiled. I also tried to wear a cheerful countenance, in order to break the shock of the sad news. I knew what made him smile. He was aware that if we were fortunate we should reach our destination at five o'clock the next morning, and this made it the more painful to com- municate what the officer had said; but, as there was no time to lose, I went up to him and asked him how he felt. He said "Much better," and that he thanked God we were getting on so nicely. I then said we were not getting on quite so well as we had anticipated. He anxiously and quickly asked what was the matter. I told him. He started as if struck by lightning, and exclaimed, "Good Heavens! William, is it possible that we are, after all, doomed to hopeless bondage?" I could say nothing, my heart was too full to speak, for at first I did not know what to do. However we knew it would never do to turn back to the "City of Destruction," like Bunyan's Mistrust and Timorous, because they saw lions in the narrow way after ascending the hill Difficulty; but press on, like noble Christian and Hopeful, to the great city in which dwelt a few "shining ones." So, after a few moments, I did all I could to encourage my companion, and we stepped out and made for the office; but how or where my master obtained sufficient courage to face the tyrants who had power to blast all we held dear, heaven only knows! Queen Elizabeth could not have been more terror-stricken, on being forced to land at the traitors' gate leading to the Tower, than we were on entering that office. We felt that our very existence was at stake, and that we must either sink or swim. But, as God was our present and mighty helper in this as well as in all former trials, we were able to keep our heads up and press forwards.

The officer then walked away, leaving me standing on the platform. My anxious heart seemed to be pounding in my throat. At first, I hardly knew where to turn. But I soon remembered that the good God, who had been with us so far, would not abandon us at the last moment. With renewed hope, I stepped into my master's carriage to tell him about the difficulty. I found him sitting alone at the far end. As soon as he looked up and saw me, he smiled. I also tried to look cheerful, to soften the shock of the sad news. I knew why he smiled. He knew that, if we were fortunate, we would reach our destination at five the next morning. That made it even more painful to tell him what the officer had said. But there was no time to lose, so I went up to him and asked how he felt. He said "Much better," and thanked God that we were getting on so nicely. I then said we were not doing quite as well as we had expected. He quickly and anxiously asked what was wrong. I told him. He jumped as if struck by lightning and exclaimed, "Good Heavens! William, is it possible that we are, after all, doomed to hopeless bondage?" I could say nothing. My heart was too full for words, and at first I did not know what to do. Still, we knew we could never turn back to the "City of Destruction," as Bunyan's Mistrust and Timorous did. They turned back because they saw lions on the narrow path after climbing the hill Difficulty. Instead, we had to press on, like noble Christian and Hopeful, to the great city where a few "shining ones" lived. So, after a few moments, I did all I could to encourage my companion. We stepped out and headed for the office. But heaven only knows how or where my master found enough courage to face the tyrants who could destroy everything we held dear! Queen Elizabeth could not have been more terrified when she was forced to land at the traitors' gate leading to the Tower than we were when we entered that office. We felt that our very existence was at stake and that we had to sink or swim. But God was our mighty helper in this trial, just as he had been in all our earlier trials. So we were able to keep our heads up and press forward.

On entering the room we found the principal man, to whom my master said, "Do you wish to see me, sir?" "Yes," said this eagle-eyed officer; and he added, "It is against our rules, sir, to allow any person to take a slave out of Baltimore into Philadelphia, unless he can satisfy us that he has a right to take him along." "Why is that?" asked my master, with more firmness than could be expected. "Because, sir," continued he, in a voice and manner that almost chilled our blood, "if we should suffer any gentleman to take a slave past here into Philadelphia; and should the gentleman with whom the slave might be travelling turn out not to be his rightful owner; and should the proper master come and prove that his slave escaped on our road, we shall have him to pay for; and, therefore, we cannot let any slave pass here without receiving security to show, and to satisfy us, that it is all right."

When we entered the room, we found the man in charge. My master said to him, "Do you want to see me, sir?" "Yes," said this eagle-eyed officer. He added, "It is against our rules to let anyone take a slave from Baltimore to Philadelphia without satisfying us that he has the right to take him along." "Why is that?" asked my master, more firmly than one might have expected. The officer continued in a voice and manner that almost chilled our blood. "Because, sir, suppose we let a gentleman take a slave past here to Philadelphia. If the gentleman traveling with the slave turns out not to be his rightful owner, and the rightful master proves that his slave escaped on our road, we will have to pay for the slave. Therefore, we cannot let any slave pass here without receiving security to satisfy us that everything is all right."

This conversation attracted the attention of the large number of bustling passengers. After the officer had finished, a few of them said, "Chit, chit, chit;" not because they thought we were slaves endeavouring to escape, but merely because they thought my master was a slaveholder and invalid gentleman, and therefore it was wrong to detain him. The officer, observing that the passengers sympathised with my master, asked him if he was not acquainted with some gentleman in Baltimore that he could get to endorse for him, to show that I was his property, and that he had a right to take me off. He said, "No;" and added, "I bought tickets in Charleston to pass us through to Phila- delphia, and therefore you have no right to detain us here." "Well, sir," said the man, indignantly, "right or no right, we shan't let you go." These sharp words fell upon our anxious hearts like the crack of doom, and made us feel that hope only smiles to deceive.

This conversation caught the attention of the many busy passengers. After the officer finished speaking, a few of them said, "Tsk, tsk, tsk." They did not think we were slaves trying to escape. They merely thought my master was a slaveholder and a sick gentleman, so it was wrong to hold him up. The officer saw that the passengers sympathized with my master. He asked my master if he knew a gentleman in Baltimore who could vouch for him. This would show that I was his property and that he had the right to take me away. He said, "No," and added, "I bought tickets in Charleston to take us through to Philadelphia, so you have no right to detain us here." "Well, sir," the man said indignantly, "right or no right, we won't let you go." These sharp words fell on our anxious hearts like the crack of doom. They made us feel that hope only smiles to deceive.

For a few moments perfect silence prevailed. My master looked at me, and I at him, but neither of us dared to speak a word, for fear of making some blunder that would tend to our detection. We knew that the officers had power to throw us into prison, and if they had done so we must have been detected and driven back, like the vilest felons, to a life of slavery, which we dreaded far more than sudden death.

For a few moments, there was complete silence. My master and I looked at each other, but neither of us dared to speak. We were afraid of making a mistake that would expose us. We knew the officers had the power to put us in prison. If they had done so, we would have been discovered and driven back to slavery like the worst criminals. We dreaded a life of slavery far more than sudden death.

We felt as though we had come into deep waters and were about being overwhelmed, and that the slightest mistake would clip asunder the last brittle thread of hope by which we were suspended, and let us down for ever into the dark and horrible pit of misery and degradation from which we were straining every nerve to escape. While our hearts were crying lustily unto Him who is ever ready and able to save, the conductor of the train that we had just left stepped in. The officer asked if we came by the train with him from Washington; he said we did, and left the room. Just then the bell rang for the train to leave; and had it been the sudden shock of an earthquake it could not have given us a greater thrill. The sound of the bell caused every eye to flash with apparent interest, and to be more steadily fixed upon us than before. But, as God would have it, the officer all at once thrust his fingers through his hair, and in a state of great agitation said, "I really don't know what to do; I calculate it is all right." He then told the clerk to run and tell the conductor to "let this gentleman and slave pass;" adding, "As he is not well, it is a pity to stop him here. We will let him go." My master thanked him, and stepped out and hobbled across the platform as quickly as pos- sible. I tumbled him unceremoniously into one of the best carriages, and leaped into mine just as the train was gliding off towards our happy desti- nation.

We felt as if we had fallen into deep water and were about to be overwhelmed. The slightest mistake seemed enough to break the last fragile thread of hope holding us up. It would drop us forever into the dark and horrible pit of misery and degradation. We were straining every nerve to escape that pit. While our hearts cried out to him who is always ready and able to save, the conductor entered the room. He was the conductor of the train we had just left. The officer asked him if we had come with him on the train from Washington. He said we had, then left the room. Just then, the bell rang for the train to leave. Even the sudden shock of an earthquake could not have startled us more. At the sound of the bell, every eye flashed with apparent interest and stared at us more steadily than before. But, as God would have it, the officer suddenly ran his fingers through his hair. Greatly agitated, he said, "I really don't know what to do; I calculate it is all right." He then told the clerk to run and tell the conductor to "let this gentleman and slave pass." He added, "As he is not well, it is a pity to stop him here. We will let him go." My master thanked him, stepped outside, and hobbled across the platform as quickly as possible. I bundled him unceremoniously into one of the best carriages. Then I leaped into mine just as the train was gliding away toward our happy destination.

We thought of this plan about four days before we left Macon; and as we had our daily employ- ment to attend to, we only saw each other at night. So we sat up the four long nights talking over the plan and making preparations.

We came up with this plan about four days before we left Macon. Because we had to work during the day, we saw each other only at night. So we stayed up all four nights, talking over the plan and making preparations.

We had also been four days on the journey; and as we travelled night and day, we got but very limited opportunities for sleeping. I believe nothing in the world could have kept us awake so long but the intense excitement, produced by the fear of being retaken on the one hand, and the bright anticipation of liberty on the other.

We had also been traveling for four days. Because we traveled night and day, we had very little opportunity to sleep. I believe nothing else in the world could have kept us awake so long. We were kept awake by the intense excitement of fearing recapture on the one hand and eagerly anticipating freedom on the other.

We left Baltimore about eight o'clock in the evening; and not being aware of a stopping- place of any consequence between there and Phila- delphia, and also knowing that if we were fortu- nate we should be in the latter place early the next morning, I thought I might indulge in a few minutes' sleep in the car; but I, like Bunyan's Christian in the arbour, went to sleep at the wrong time, and took too long a nap. So, when the train reached Havre de Grace, all the first-class pas- sengers had to get out of the carriages and into a ferry-boat, to be ferried across the Susquehanna river, and take the train on the opposite side.

We left Baltimore around eight in the evening. I did not know of any significant stops between Baltimore and Philadelphia. I also knew that, if we were fortunate, we would reach Philadelphia early the next morning. So I thought I could enjoy a few minutes of sleep on the train. But like Bunyan's Christian in the arbour, I fell asleep at the wrong time and napped too long. When the train reached Havre de Grace, all the first-class passengers had to leave the train. They had to board a ferry to cross the Susquehanna river and catch the train on the other side.

The road was constructed so as to be raised or lowered to suit the tide. So they rolled the luggage- vans on to the boat, and off on the other side; and as I was in one of the apartments adjoining a bag- gage-car, they considered it unnecessary to awaken me, and tumbled me over with the luggage. But when my master was asked to leave his seat, he found it very dark, and cold, and raining. He missed me for the first time on the journey. On all previous occasions, as soon as the train stopped, I was at hand to assist him. This caused many slaveholders to praise me very much: they said they had never before seen a slave so attentive to his master: and therefore my absence filled him with terror and confusion; the children of Israel could not have felt more troubled on arriving at the Red Sea. So he asked the conductor if he had seen anything of his slave. The man being somewhat of an abo- litionist, and believing that my master was really a slaveholder, thought he would tease him a little respecting me. So he said, "No, sir; I haven't seen anything of him for some time: I have no doubt he has run away, and is in Philadelphia, free, long before now." My master knew that there was nothing in this; so he asked the conductor if he would please to see if he could find me. The man indignantly replied, "I am no slave-hunter; and as far as I am concerned everybody must look after their own niggers." He went off and left the confused invalid to fancy whatever he felt in- clined. My master at first thought I must have been kidnapped into slavery by some one, or left, or perhaps killed on the train. He also thought of stopping to see if he could hear anything of me, but he soon remembered that he had no money. That night all the money we had was consigned to my own pocket, because we thought, in case there were any pickpockets about, a slave's pocket would be the last one they would look for. However, hoping to meet me some day in a land of liberty, and as he had the tickets, he thought it best upon the whole to enter the boat and come off to Philadelphia, and endeavour to make his way alone in this cold and hollow world as best he could. The time was now up, so he went on board and came across with feelings that can be better imagined than described.

The track was built so it could be raised or lowered with the tide. They rolled the luggage vans onto the boat and off again on the other side. I was in a compartment next to a baggage car, so they saw no need to wake me. They rolled me across with the luggage. But when my master was asked to leave his seat, he found it was dark, cold, and raining. For the first time on the journey, he missed me. Before then, whenever the train stopped, I was there to help him. Many slaveholders praised me highly for this. They said they had never seen a slave so attentive to his master. So my absence filled him with terror and confusion. The children of Israel could not have felt more troubled when they reached the Red Sea. He asked the conductor whether he had seen his slave. The man was something of an abolitionist and believed my master really was a slaveholder. So he thought he would tease him a little about me. He said, "No, sir; I haven't seen anything of him for some time: I have no doubt he has run away, and is in Philadelphia, free, long before now." My master knew there was nothing in this, so he asked the conductor to please try to find me. The man replied indignantly, "I am no slave-hunter; and as far as I am concerned everybody must look after their own niggers." He went off and left the confused invalid to imagine whatever he liked. At first my master thought someone might have kidnapped me into slavery. Or perhaps I had been left behind or killed on the train. He also thought of stopping to see if he could get any news of me. But he soon remembered that he had no money. I had all our money in my own pocket that night. We thought that, if any pickpockets were about, a slave's pocket would be the last place they would look. Still, he hoped to meet me someday in a land of liberty. And since he had the tickets, he thought it best to board the boat and go on to Philadelphia. There he would try to make his way alone in this cold and hollow world as best he could. It was time to leave, so he went aboard and crossed over. His feelings can be better imagined than described.

After the train had got fairly on the way to Philadelphia, the guard came into my car and gave me a violent shake, and bawled out at the same time, "Boy, wake up!" I started, almost frightened out of my wits. He said, "Your master is scared half to death about you." That frightened me still more—I thought they had found him out; so I anxiously inquired what was the matter. The guard said, "He thinks you have run away from him." This made me feel quite at ease. I said, "No, sir; I am satisfied my good master doesn't think that." So off I started to see him. He had been fearfully nervous, but on seeing me he at once felt much better. He merely wished to know what had become of me.

After the train was well on its way to Philadelphia, the guard came into my car. He shook me violently and shouted, "Boy, wake up!" I jumped, almost scared out of my wits. He said, "Your master is scared half to death about you." That frightened me even more. I thought they had found him out, so I anxiously asked what was wrong. The guard said, "He thinks you have run away from him." This put me at ease. I said, "No, sir. I'm sure my good master doesn't think that." So I set off to see him. He had been terribly nervous, but he felt much better as soon as he saw me. He only wanted to know what had happened to me.

On returning to my seat, I found the conductor and two or three other persons amusing themselves very much respecting my running away. So the guard said, "Boy, what did your master want?"* I replied, "He merely wished to know what had become of me." "No," said the man, "that was not it; he thought you had taken French leave, for parts unknown. I never saw a fellow so badly scared about losing his slave in my life. Now," continued the guard, "let me give you a little friendly advice. When you get to Philadelphia, run away and leave that cripple, and have your liberty." "No, sir," I indifferently replied, "I can't promise to do that." "Why not?" said the

When I returned to my seat, I found the conductor and two or three others laughing about my running away. So the guard said, "Boy, what did your master want?"* I replied, "He just wanted to know what had become of me." "No," said the man, "that wasn't it. He thought you had slipped away to parts unknown. I've never seen a fellow so scared of losing his slave in my life. Now," the guard continued, "let me give you a little friendly advice. When you get to Philadelphia, run away from that cripple and be free." "No, sir," I replied indifferently, "I can't promise to do that." "Why not?" said the

* I may state here that every man slave is called boy till he is very old, then the more respectable slaveholders call him uncle. The women are all girls till they are aged, then they are called aunts. This is the reason why Mrs. Stowe calls her characters Uncle Tom, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Tiff, &c. conductor, evidently much surprised; "don't you want your liberty?" "Yes, sir," I replied; "but I shall never run away from such a good master as I have at present."

* I should explain that every slave man is called a boy until he is very old. Then the more respectable slaveholders call him uncle. All slave women are called girls until they are old. Then they are called aunts. This is why Mrs. Stowe calls her characters Uncle Tom, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Tiff, and so on. The conductor was clearly very surprised. "Don't you want your liberty?" "Yes, sir," I replied. "But I will never run away from such a good master as I have now."

One of the men said to the guard, "Let him alone; I guess he will open his eyes when he gets to Philadelphia, and see things in another light." After giving me a good deal of information, which I afterwards found to be very useful, they left me alone.

One of the men said to the guard, "Leave him alone. I guess he'll open his eyes when he gets to Philadelphia and see things in a different light." They gave me a lot of information that I later found very useful. Then they left me alone.

I also met with a coloured gentleman on this train, who recommended me to a boarding-house that was kept by an abolitionist, where he thought I would be quite safe, if I wished to run away from my master. I thanked him kindly, but of course did not let him know who we were. Late at night, or rather early in the morning, I heard a fearful whistling of the steam-engine; so I opened the window and looked out, and saw a large number of flickering lights in the distance, and heard a passenger in the next carriage— who also had his head out of the window—say to his companion, "Wake up, old horse, we are at Philadelphia!"

I also met a coloured gentleman on the train. He recommended a boarding house run by an abolitionist. He thought I would be quite safe there if I wanted to run away from my master. I thanked him kindly, but of course I did not tell him who we were. Late at night, or rather early in the morning, I heard a frightening whistle from the steam engine. I opened the window and looked out. I saw many flickering lights in the distance. A passenger in the next carriage also had his head out of the window. I heard him say to his companion, "Wake up, old horse, we are at Philadelphia!"

The sight of those lights and that announce- ment made me feel almost as happy as Bunyan's Christian must have felt when he first caught sight of the cross. I, like him, felt that the straps that bound the heavy burden to my back began to pop, and the load to roll off. I also looked, and looked again, for it appeared very wonderful to me how the mere sight of our first city of refuge should have all at once made my hitherto sad and heavy heart become so light and happy. As the train speeded on, I rejoiced and thanked God with all my heart and soul for his great kindness and tender mercy, in watching over us, and bringing us safely through.

The sight of those lights and that announcement made me feel almost as happy as Bunyan's Christian must have felt when he first saw the cross. Like him, I felt the straps holding the heavy burden to my back begin to pop, and the load begin to roll off. I looked again and again. It seemed wonderful that simply seeing our first city of refuge could suddenly make my sad, heavy heart so light and happy. As the train sped on, I rejoiced and thanked God with all my heart and soul. I thanked him for his great kindness and tender mercy in watching over us and bringing us safely through.

As soon as the train had reached the platform, before it had fairly stopped, I hurried out of my carriage to my master, whom I got at once into a cab, placed the luggage on, jumped in myself, and we drove off to the boarding-house which was so kindly recommended to me. On leaving the station, my master—or rather my wife, as I may now say— who had from the commencement of the journey borne up in a manner that much surprised us both, grasped me by the hand, and said, "Thank God, William, we are safe!" and then burst into tears, leant upon me, and wept like a child. The reaction was fearful. So when we reached the house, she was in reality so weak and faint that she could scarcely stand alone. However, I got her into the apartments that were pointed out, and there we knelt down, on this Sabbath, and Christmas-day,—a day that will ever be memorable to us,—and poured out our heartfelt gratitude to God, for his good- ness in enabling us to overcome so many perilous difficulties, in escaping out of the jaws of the wicked.

As soon as the train reached the platform, before it had quite stopped, I hurried out of my carriage to my master. I helped my master into a cab, put the luggage on it, and jumped in myself. Then we drove to the boarding house that had been so kindly recommended to me. As we left the station, my master grasped my hand. I may now say that my master was really my wife. From the start of the journey, she had held up in a way that surprised us both. She said, "Thank God, William, we are safe!" Then she burst into tears, leaned on me, and wept like a child. The release of emotion was overwhelming. So when we reached the house, she was truly so weak and faint that she could hardly stand on her own. I helped her into the rooms we were shown. There we knelt on that Sabbath and Christmas Day, a day we will always remember. We poured out our heartfelt gratitude to God for his goodness. He had enabled us to overcome so many dangerous difficulties and escape from the jaws of the wicked.