Chapter 3

I now totally lost the small remains of comfort I had enjoyed in conversing with my countrymen; the women too, who used to wash and take care of me, were all gone different ways, and I never saw one of them afterwards.

I now lost all the little comfort I had found in talking with people from my own country. The women who used to wash and care for me had also all gone in different directions. I never saw any of them again.

I stayed in this island for a few days; I believe it could not be above a fortnight; when I and some few more slaves, that were not saleable amongst the rest, from very much fretting, were shipped off in a sloop for North America. On the passage we were better treated than when we were coming from Africa, and we had plenty of rice and fat pork. We were landed up a river a good way from the sea, about Virginia county, where we saw few or none of our native Africans, and not one soul who could talk to me. I was a few weeks weeding grass, and gathering stones in a plantation; and at last all my companions were distributed different ways, and only myself was left. I was now exceedingly miserable, and thought myself worse off than any of the rest of my companions; for they could talk to each other, but I had no person to speak to that I could understand. In this state I was constantly grieving and pining, and wishing for death rather than any thing else. While I was in this plantation the gentleman, to whom I suppose the estate belonged, being unwell, I was one day sent for to his dwelling house to fan him; when I came into the room where he was I was very much affrighted at some things I saw, and the more so as I had seen a black woman slave as I came through the house, who was cooking the dinner, and the poor creature was cruelly loaded with various kinds of iron machines; she had one particularly on her head, which locked her mouth so fast that she could scarcely speak; and could not eat nor drink. I was much astonished and shocked at this contrivance, which I afterwards learned was called the iron muzzle. Soon after I had a fan put into my hand, to fan the gentleman while he slept; and so I did indeed with great fear. While he was fast asleep I indulged myself a great deal in looking about the room, which to me appeared very fine and curious. The first object that engaged my attention was a watch which hung on the chimney, and was going. I was quite surprised at the noise it made, and was afraid it would tell the gentleman any thing I might do amiss: and when I immediately after observed a picture hanging in the room, which appeared constantly to look at me, I was still more affrighted, having never seen such things as these before. At one time I thought it was something relative to magic; and not seeing it move I thought it might be some way the whites had to keep their great men when they died, and offer them libation as we used to do to our friendly spirits. In this state of anxiety I remained till my master awoke, when I was dismissed out of the room, to my no small satisfaction and relief; for I thought that these people were all made up of wonders. In this place I was called Jacob; but on board the African snow I was called Michael. I had been some time in this miserable, forlorn, and much dejected state, without having any one to talk to, which made my life a burden, when the kind and unknown hand of the Creator (who in very deed leads the blind in a way they know not) now began to appear, to my comfort; for one day the captain of a merchant ship, called the Industrious Bee, came on some business to my master's house. This gentleman, whose name was Michael Henry Pascal, was a lieutenant in the royal navy, but now commanded this trading ship, which was somewhere in the confines of the county many miles off. While he was at my master's house it happened that he saw me, and liked me so well that he made a purchase of me. I think I have often heard him say he gave thirty or forty pounds sterling for me; but I do not now remember which. However, he meant me for a present to some of his friends in England: and I was sent accordingly from the house of my then master, one Mr. Campbell, to the place where the ship lay; I was conducted on horseback by an elderly black man, (a mode of travelling which appeared very odd to me). When I arrived I was carried on board a fine large ship, loaded with tobacco, &c. and just ready to sail for England. I now thought my condition much mended; I had sails to lie on, and plenty of good victuals to eat; and every body on board used me very kindly, quite contrary to what I had seen of any white people before; I therefore began to think that they were not all of the same disposition. A few days after I was on board we sailed for England. I was still at a loss to conjecture my destiny. By this time, however, I could smatter a little imperfect English; and I wanted to know as well as I could where we were going. Some of the people of the ship used to tell me they were going to carry me back to my own country, and this made me very happy. I was quite rejoiced at the sound of going back; and thought if I should get home what wonders I should have to tell. But I was reserved for another fate, and was soon undeceived when we came within sight of the English coast. While I was on board this ship, my captain and master named me Gustavus Vassa. I at that time began to understand him a little, and refused to be called so, and told him as well as I could that I would be called Jacob; but he said I should not, and still called me Gustavus; and when I refused to answer to my new name, which at first I did, it gained me many a cuff; so at length I submitted, and was obliged to bear the present name, by which I have been known ever since. The ship had a very long passage; and on that account we had very short allowance of provisions. Towards the last we had only one pound and a half of bread per week, and about the same quantity of meat, and one quart of water a-day. We spoke with only one vessel the whole time we were at sea, and but once we caught a few fishes. In our extremities the captain and people told me in jest they would kill and eat me; but I thought them in earnest, and was depressed beyond measure, expecting every moment to be my last. While I was in this situation one evening they caught, with a good deal of trouble, a large shark, and got it on board. This gladdened my poor heart exceedingly, as I thought it would serve the people to eat instead of their eating me; but very soon, to my astonishment, they cut off a small part of the tail, and tossed the rest over the side. This renewed my consternation; and I did not know what to think of these white people, though I very much feared they would kill and eat me. There was on board the ship a young lad who had never been at sea before, about four or five years older than myself: his name was Richard Baker. He was a native of America, had received an excellent education, and was of a most amiable temper. Soon after I went on board he shewed me a great deal of partiality and attention, and in return I grew extremely fond of him. We at length became inseparable; and, for the space of two years, he was of very great use to me, and was my constant companion and instructor. Although this dear youth had many slaves of his own, yet he and I have gone through many sufferings together on shipboard; and we have many nights lain in each other's bosoms when we were in great distress. Thus such a friendship was cemented between us as we cherished till his death, which, to my very great sorrow, happened in the year 1759, when he was up the Archipelago, on board his majesty's ship the Preston: an event which I have never ceased to regret, as I lost at once a kind interpreter, an agreeable companion, and a faithful friend; who, at the age of fifteen, discovered a mind superior to prejudice; and who was not ashamed to notice, to associate with, and to be the friend and instructor of one who was ignorant, a stranger, of a different complexion, and a slave! My master had lodged in his mother's house in America: he respected him very much, and made him always eat with him in the cabin. He used often to tell him jocularly that he would kill me to eat. Sometimes he would say to me—the black people were not good to eat, and would ask me if we did not eat people in my country. I said, No: then he said he would kill Dick (as he always called him) first, and afterwards me. Though this hearing relieved my mind a little as to myself, I was alarmed for Dick and whenever he was called I used to be very much afraid he was to be killed; and I would peep and watch to see if they were going to kill him: nor was I free from this consternation till we made the land. One night we lost a man overboard; and the cries and noise were so great and confused, in stopping the ship, that I, who did not know what was the matter, began, as usual, to be very much afraid, and to think they were going to make an offering with me, and perform some magic; which I still believed they dealt in. As the waves were very high I thought the Ruler of the seas was angry, and I expected to be offered up to appease him. This filled my mind with agony, and I could not any more that night close my eyes again to rest. However, when daylight appeared I was a little eased in my mind; but still every time I was called I used to think it was to be killed. Some time after this we saw some very large fish, which I afterwards found were called grampusses. They looked to me extremely terrible, and made their appearance just at dusk; and were so near as to blow the water on the ship's deck. I believed them to be the rulers of the sea; and, as the white people did not make any offerings at any time, I thought they were angry with them: and, at last, what confirmed my belief was, the wind just then died away, and a calm ensued, and in consequence of it the ship stopped going. I supposed that the fish had performed this, and I hid myself in the fore part of the ship, through fear of being offered up to appease them, every minute peeping and quaking: but my good friend Dick came shortly towards me, and I took an opportunity to ask him, as well as I could, what these fish were. Not being able to talk much English, I could but just make him understand my question; and not at all, when I asked him if any offerings were to be made to them: however, he told me these fish would swallow any body; which sufficiently alarmed me. Here he was called away by the captain, who was leaning over the quarter-deck railing and looking at the fish; and most of the people were busied in getting a barrel of pitch to light, for them to play with. The captain now called me to him, having learned some of my apprehensions from Dick; and having diverted himself and others for some time with my fears, which appeared ludicrous enough in my crying and trembling, he dismissed me. The barrel of pitch was now lighted and put over the side into the water: by this time it was just dark, and the fish went after it; and, to my great joy, I saw them no more.

I stayed on this island for a few days, certainly no more than two weeks, I believe. Then I and a few other slaves were shipped to North America in a sloop. We had been too distressed to be sold with the others. On this voyage we were treated better than on the journey from Africa. We had plenty of rice and fatty pork. We landed far up a river, a good distance from the sea, around Virginia county. There we saw few or none of our fellow Africans, and not one person could speak to me. For a few weeks I weeded grass and gathered stones on a plantation. At last, all my companions were sent to different places, and I alone remained. I was now extremely miserable and thought myself worse off than any of my companions. They could talk to each other, but I had no one to speak to whose language I understood. I grieved and wasted away constantly, wishing for death more than anything else. While I was on this plantation, the gentleman I supposed owned the estate became ill. One day I was sent to his house to fan him. When I entered his room, some things I saw frightened me terribly. I was even more frightened because of a black enslaved woman I had seen while passing through the house. She was cooking dinner, and the poor woman was cruelly burdened with various iron devices. One device on her head locked her mouth so tightly that she could hardly speak and could not eat or drink. I was astonished and horrified by this device, which I later learned was called the iron muzzle. Soon afterward, someone put a fan in my hand so I could fan the gentleman while he slept. I did so with great fear. While he slept soundly, I spent much time looking around the room, which seemed very fine and unusual to me. The first thing that caught my attention was a ticking watch hanging above the fireplace. Its noise surprised me greatly. I feared the watch would tell the gentleman about anything I did wrong. Immediately afterward, I noticed a picture hanging in the room that seemed to watch me constantly. This frightened me even more, since I had never seen such things before. At first I thought the picture had something to do with magic. But when I saw that it did not move, I wondered whether white people used pictures to preserve their great men after death. Perhaps they poured offerings to them, as we used to do for our friendly spirits. I remained anxious until my master awoke and sent me out of the room. I felt great satisfaction and relief, for these people seemed to me to be full of wonders. In this place I was called Jacob, but aboard the African snow, a type of sailing ship, I was called Michael. I had spent some time in this miserable, lonely, and deeply unhappy state. Having no one to talk to made my life a burden. But now the Creator's kind and unseen hand began to reveal itself and bring me comfort. He truly leads the blind along a path they do not know. One day, the captain of a merchant ship called the Industrious Bee came to my master's house on business. This gentleman, Michael Henry Pascal, was a lieutenant in the royal navy. He now commanded this trading ship, which lay somewhere within the county, many miles away. While visiting my master's house, he happened to see me and liked me enough to buy me. I think I often heard him say he paid thirty or forty pounds sterling for me. I cannot now remember which. He intended to give me as a present to some of his friends in England. So I was sent from the house of my master, Mr. Campbell, to the place where the ship lay. An elderly black man took me there on horseback, a way of traveling that seemed very strange to me. When I arrived, I was taken aboard a fine, large ship loaded with tobacco and other goods. The ship was just ready to sail for England. I now thought my situation had greatly improved. I had sails to lie on and plenty of good food to eat. Everyone aboard treated me very kindly, unlike any white people I had encountered before. So I began to think that white people were not all alike in character. A few days after I came aboard, we sailed for England. I still could not guess what would happen to me. By now, however, I could speak a little broken English. I wanted to find out, as best I could, where we were going. Some people aboard used to tell me they were taking me back to my own country. This made me very happy. I was overjoyed at the thought of returning. I imagined what wonders I would have to tell if I reached home. But another fate awaited me. I soon learned the truth when we came within sight of the English coast. While I was aboard this ship, my captain and master named me Gustavus Vassa. By then I could understand him a little, and I refused to be called by that name. As best I could, I told him I wanted to be called Jacob. But he said I would not be called Jacob and kept calling me Gustavus. At first I refused to answer to my new name, but this brought me many blows. At last I gave in and was forced to accept the name by which I have been known ever since. The voyage was very long, so our food rations became very small. Toward the end, we received only a pound and a half of bread each week and about as much meat. We also received one quart of water a day. Throughout our time at sea, we exchanged words with only one other vessel. Only once did we catch a few fish. In our desperate situation, the captain and crew jokingly told me they would kill and eat me. But I thought they were serious. I was overwhelmed with despair, expecting every moment to be my last. One evening, while I was in this state, they caught a large shark with great difficulty and brought it aboard. My poor heart filled with joy. I thought the shark would give them something to eat instead of me. But, to my astonishment, they soon cut off a small part of its tail and threw the rest overboard. My terror returned. I did not know what to think of these white people, though I greatly feared they would kill and eat me. A boy aboard the ship had never been to sea before and was about four or five years older than me. His name was Richard Baker. He was born in America, had received an excellent education, and had a very kind nature. Soon after I came aboard, he showed me much affection and attention. In return, I grew extremely fond of him. We eventually became inseparable. For two years he helped me greatly and was my constant companion and teacher. Although this dear young man owned many slaves himself, he and I endured many hardships together aboard ship. On many nights, when we were in great distress, we lay holding each other close. These experiences formed a friendship that we cherished until his death. To my great sorrow, he died in 1759, while in the Archipelago aboard his majesty's ship the Preston. I have never stopped mourning his death. At once I lost a kind interpreter, a pleasant companion, and a faithful friend. At fifteen, he showed a mind above prejudice. He was not ashamed to notice me, spend time with me, or be my friend and teacher. Yet I was ignorant, a stranger, of a different skin color, and a slave! My master had stayed at Richard's mother's house in America. He respected Richard greatly and always had him eat with him in the cabin. My master often jokingly told Richard that he would kill and eat me. Sometimes he told me that black people were not good to eat. He would ask whether we ate people in my country. I said no. Then he said he would kill Dick, as he always called Richard, first, and me afterward. Hearing this eased my fears for myself a little, but I became frightened for Dick. Whenever Dick was called, I was terribly afraid he was about to be killed. I would peek out and watch to see whether they were going to kill him. This terror did not leave me until we reached land. One night a man fell overboard and was lost. As the crew stopped the ship, there was a great deal of shouting, noise, and confusion. I did not know what was happening and, as usual, became very frightened. I thought they were going to sacrifice me and perform some magic, which I still believed they practiced. The waves were very high, so I thought the Ruler of the seas was angry. I expected to be sacrificed to appease him. This filled me with agony, and I could not close my eyes to sleep again that night. When daylight came, however, I felt a little calmer. But whenever I was called, I still thought I was going to be killed. Some time later, we saw some very large fish, which I afterward learned were called grampusses. They looked terrifying to me and appeared just at dusk. They came so close that they blew water onto the ship's deck. I believed they were the rulers of the sea. Since the white people never made any offerings, I thought these creatures were angry with them. Then something happened that confirmed my belief. The wind died away, the sea grew calm, and the ship stopped moving. I supposed the fish had caused this. Afraid of being sacrificed to appease them, I hid in the front of the ship, trembling and constantly peeking out. But my good friend Dick soon came toward me. I took the chance to ask him, as best I could, what these fish were. Since I could not speak much English, I could barely make him understand my question. He could not understand at all when I asked whether any offerings would be made to them. However, he told me these fish would swallow anyone, which frightened me enough. Then the captain called Dick away. The captain was leaning over the quarter-deck railing, looking at the fish. Most of the crew were busy preparing a barrel of pitch to set alight for the fish to play with. Having learned something of my fears from Dick, the captain now called me over. He and the others amused themselves for some time with my fears. My crying and trembling seemed ridiculous enough to them. Then he sent me away. The barrel of pitch was now set alight and lowered over the side into the water. By then it was just dark, and the fish followed the barrel. To my great joy, I saw them no more.

However, all my alarms began to subside when we got sight of land; and at last the ship arrived at Falmouth, after a passage of thirteen weeks. Every heart on board seemed gladdened on our reaching the shore, and none more than mine. The captain immediately went on shore, and sent on board some fresh provisions, which we wanted very much: we made good use of them, and our famine was soon turned into feasting, almost without ending. It was about the beginning of the spring 1757 when I arrived in England, and I was near twelve years of age at that time. I was very much struck with the buildings and the pavement of the streets in Falmouth; and, indeed, any object I saw filled me with new surprise. One morning, when I got upon deck, I saw it covered all over with the snow that fell over-night: as I had never seen any thing of the kind before, I thought it was salt; so I immediately ran down to the mate and desired him, as well as I could, to come and see how somebody in the night had thrown salt all over the deck. He, knowing what it was, desired me to bring some of it down to him: accordingly I took up a handful of it, which I found very cold indeed; and when I brought it to him he desired me to taste it. I did so, and I was surprised beyond measure. I then asked him what it was; he told me it was snow: but I could not in anywise understand him. He asked me if we had no such thing in my country; and I told him, No. I then asked him the use of it, and who made it; he told me a great man in the heavens, called God: but here again I was to all intents and purposes at a loss to understand him; and the more so, when a little after I saw the air filled with it, in a heavy shower, which fell down on the same day. After this I went to church; and having never been at such a place before, I was again amazed at seeing and hearing the service. I asked all I could about it; and they gave me to understand it was worshipping God, who made us and all things. I was still at a great loss, and soon got into an endless field of inquiries, as well as I was able to speak and ask about things. However, my little friend Dick used to be my best interpreter; for I could make free with him, and he always instructed me with pleasure: and from what I could understand by him of this God, and in seeing these white people did not sell one another, as we did, I was much pleased; and in this I thought they were much happier than we Africans. I was astonished at the wisdom of the white people in all things I saw; but was amazed at their not sacrificing, or making any offerings, and eating with unwashed hands, and touching the dead. I likewise could not help remarking the particular slenderness of their women, which I did not at first like; and I thought they were not so modest and shamefaced as the African women.

However, all my fears began to fade when we caught sight of land. At last, after a voyage of thirteen weeks, the ship arrived at Falmouth. Everyone on board seemed glad to reach the shore, and no one more than me. The captain immediately went ashore and sent some fresh food back to the ship, which we badly needed. We made good use of the food, and our starvation soon turned into almost endless feasting. I arrived in England around the beginning of spring in 1757, when I was nearly twelve years old. The buildings and paved streets of Falmouth impressed me greatly. Indeed, everything I saw filled me with fresh surprise. One morning, I went up on deck and found it completely covered with snow that had fallen overnight. I had never seen anything like snow before, so I thought it was salt. I immediately ran down to the mate and asked him, as well as I could, to come and look. Someone, I told him, had thrown salt all over the deck during the night. He knew what the snow was and asked me to bring some down to him. So I picked up a handful, which felt very cold indeed, and brought it to him. He asked me to taste it. I did, and I was utterly astonished. I then asked him what it was, and he told me it was snow. But I could not understand him at all. He asked whether we had anything like snow in my country, and I told him we did not. I then asked what snow was for and who made it. He told me a great man in the heavens, called God, made it. But once again, I was completely unable to understand him. I was even more confused when, a little later that same day, a heavy snow shower filled the air. After this, I went to church. I had never been to such a place before, and the sights and sounds of the service amazed me again. I asked all I could about the service. People explained that they were worshipping God, who made us and everything else. I was still very confused. Soon I had endless questions, which I asked as well as my ability to speak allowed. However, my young friend Dick was usually my best interpreter. I could speak freely with him, and he always took pleasure in teaching me. What I could understand from him about this God pleased me greatly. So did seeing that these white people did not sell one another, as we did. In this respect, I thought they were much happier than we Africans. I was astonished by the wisdom of the white people in everything I saw. But I was amazed that they made no sacrifices or offerings, ate with unwashed hands, and touched the dead. I also could not help noticing how particularly slender their women were, which I did not like at first. And I thought their women were not as modest and shy as African women.

I had often seen my master and Dick employed in reading; and I had a great curiosity to talk to the books, as I thought they did; and so to learn how all things had a beginning: for that purpose I have often taken up a book, and have talked to it, and then put my ears to it, when alone, in hopes it would answer me; and I have been very much concerned when I found it remained silent.

I had often seen my master and Dick reading. I was very curious to talk to the books, as I thought my master and Dick did. In this way, I hoped to learn how all things began. For that purpose, I often picked up a book when I was alone and talked to it. Then I put my ears to the book, hoping it would answer me. I was very upset when I found that the book remained silent.

My master lodged at the house of a gentleman in Falmouth, who had a fine little daughter about six or seven years of age, and she grew prodigiously fond of me; insomuch that we used to eat together, and had servants to wait on us. I was so much caressed by this family that it often reminded me of the treatment I had received from my little noble African master. After I had been here a few days, I was sent on board of the ship; but the child cried so much after me that nothing could pacify her till I was sent for again. It is ludicrous enough, that I began to fear I should be betrothed to this young lady; and when my master asked me if I would stay there with her behind him, as he was going away with the ship, which had taken in the tobacco again, I cried immediately, and said I would not leave her. At last, by stealth, one night I was sent on board the ship again; and in a little time we sailed for Guernsey, where she was in part owned by a merchant, one Nicholas Doberry. As I was now amongst a people who had not their faces scarred, like some of the African nations where I had been, I was very glad I did not let them ornament me in that manner when I was with them. When we arrived at Guernsey, my master placed me to board and lodge with one of his mates, who had a wife and family there; and some months afterwards he went to England, and left me in care of this mate, together with my friend Dick: This mate had a little daughter, aged about five or six years, with whom I used to be much delighted. I had often observed that when her mother washed her face it looked very rosy; but when she washed mine it did not look so: I therefore tried oftentimes myself if I could not by washing make my face of the same colour as my little play-mate (Mary), but it was all in vain; and I now began to be mortified at the difference in our complexions. This woman behaved to me with great kindness and attention; and taught me every thing in the same manner as she did her own child, and indeed in every respect treated me as such. I remained here till the summer of the year 1757; when my master, being appointed first lieutenant of his majesty's ship the Roebuck, sent for Dick and me, and his old mate: on this we all left Guernsey, and set out for England in a sloop bound for London. As we were coming up towards the Nore, where the Roebuck lay, a man of war's boat came alongside to press our people; on which each man ran to hide himself. I was very much frightened at this, though I did not know what it meant, or what to think or do. However I went and hid myself also under a hencoop. Immediately afterwards the press-gang came on board with their swords drawn, and searched all about, pulled the people out by force, and put them into the boat. At last I was found out also: the man that found me held me up by the heels while they all made their sport of me, I roaring and crying out all the time most lustily: but at last the mate, who was my conductor, seeing this, came to my assistance, and did all he could to pacify me; but all to very little purpose, till I had seen the boat go off. Soon afterwards we came to the Nore, where the Roebuck lay; and, to our great joy, my master came on board to us, and brought us to the ship. When I went on board this large ship, I was amazed indeed to see the quantity of men and the guns. However my surprise began to diminish as my knowledge increased; and I ceased to feel those apprehensions and alarms which had taken such strong possession of me when I first came among the Europeans, and for some time after. I began now to pass to an opposite extreme; I was so far from being afraid of any thing new which I saw, that, after I had been some time in this ship, I even began to long for a battle. My griefs too, which in young minds are not perpetual, were now wearing away; and I soon enjoyed myself pretty well, and felt tolerably easy in my present situation. There was a number of boys on board, which still made it more agreeable; for we were always together, and a great part of our time was spent in play. I remained in this ship a considerable time, during which we made several cruises, and visited a variety of places: among others we were twice in Holland, and brought over several persons of distinction from it, whose names I do not now remember. On the passage, one day, for the diversion of those gentlemen, all the boys were called on the quarter-deck, and were paired proportionably, and then made to fight; after which the gentleman gave the combatants from five to nine shillings each. This was the first time I ever fought with a white boy; and I never knew what it was to have a bloody nose before. This made me fight most desperately; I suppose considerably more than an hour: and at last, both of us being weary, we were parted. I had a great deal of this kind of sport afterwards, in which the captain and the ship's company used very much to encourage me. Sometime afterwards the ship went to Leith in Scotland, and from thence to the Orkneys, where I was surprised in seeing scarcely any night: and from thence we sailed with a great fleet, full of soldiers, for England. All this time we had never come to an engagement, though we were frequently cruising off the coast of France: during which we chased many vessels, and took in all seventeen prizes. I had been learning many of the manoeuvres of the ship during our cruise; and I was several times made to fire the guns. One evening, off Havre de Grace, just as it was growing dark, we were standing off shore, and met with a fine large French-built frigate. We got all things immediately ready for fighting; and I now expected I should be gratified in seeing an engagement, which I had so long wished for in vain. But the very moment the word of command was given to fire we heard those on board the other ship cry 'Haul down the jib;' and in that instant she hoisted English colours. There was instantly with us an amazing cry of—Avast! or stop firing; and I think one or two guns had been let off, but happily they did no mischief. We had hailed them several times; but they not hearing, we received no answer, which was the cause of our firing. The boat was then sent on board of her, and she proved to be the Ambuscade man of war, to my no small disappointment. We returned to Portsmouth, without having been in any action, just at the trial of Admiral Byng (whom I saw several times during it): and my master having left the ship, and gone to London for promotion, Dick and I were put on board the Savage sloop of war, and we went in her to assist in bringing off the St. George man of war, that had ran ashore somewhere on the coast. After staying a few weeks on board the Savage, Dick and I were sent on shore at Deal, where we remained some short time, till my master sent for us to London, the place I had long desired exceedingly to see. We therefore both with great pleasure got into a waggon, and came to London, where we were received by a Mr. Guerin, a relation of my master. This gentleman had two sisters, very amiable ladies, who took much notice and great care of me. Though I had desired so much to see London, when I arrived in it I was unfortunately unable to gratify my curiosity; for I had at this time the chilblains to such a degree that I could not stand for several months, and I was obliged to be sent to St. George's Hospital. There I grew so ill, that the doctors wanted to cut my left leg off at different times, apprehending a mortification; but I always said I would rather die than suffer it; and happily (I thank God) I recovered without the operation. After being there several weeks, and just as I had recovered, the small-pox broke out on me, so that I was again confined; and I thought myself now particularly unfortunate. However I soon recovered again; and by this time my master having been promoted to be first lieutenant of the Preston man of war of fifty guns, then new at Deptford, Dick and I were sent on board her, and soon after we went to Holland to bring over the late Duke of —— to England.—While I was in this ship an incident happened, which, though trifling, I beg leave to relate, as I could not help taking particular notice of it, and considering it then as a judgment of God. One morning a young man was looking up to the fore-top, and in a wicked tone, common on shipboard, d——d his eyes about something. Just at the moment some small particles of dirt fell into his left eye, and by the evening it was very much inflamed. The next day it grew worse; and within six or seven days he lost it. From this ship my master was appointed a lieutenant on board the Royal George. When he was going he wished me to stay on board the Preston, to learn the French horn; but the ship being ordered for Turkey I could not think of leaving my master, to whom I was very warmly attached; and I told him if he left me behind it would break my heart. This prevailed on him to take me with him; but he left Dick on board the Preston, whom I embraced at parting for the last time. The Royal George was the largest ship I had ever seen; so that when I came on board of her I was surprised at the number of people, men, women, and children, of every denomination; and the largeness of the guns, many of them also of brass, which I had never seen before. Here were also shops or stalls of every kind of goods, and people crying their different commodities about the ship as in a town. To me it appeared a little world, into which I was again cast without a friend, for I had no longer my dear companion Dick. We did not stay long here. My master was not many weeks on board before he got an appointment to be sixth lieutenant of the Namur, which was then at Spithead, fitting up for Vice-admiral Boscawen, who was going with a large fleet on an expedition against Louisburgh. The crew of the Royal George were turned over to her, and the flag of that gallant admiral was hoisted on board, the blue at the maintop-gallant mast head. There was a very great fleet of men of war of every description assembled together for this expedition, and I was in hopes soon to have an opportunity of being gratified with a sea-fight. All things being now in readiness, this mighty fleet (for there was also Admiral Cornish's fleet in company, destined for the East Indies) at last weighed anchor, and sailed. The two fleets continued in company for several days, and then parted; Admiral Cornish, in the Lenox, having first saluted our admiral in the Namur, which he returned. We then steered for America; but, by contrary winds, we were driven to Teneriffe, where I was struck with its noted peak. Its prodigious height, and its form, resembling a sugar-loaf, filled me with wonder. We remained in sight of this island some days, and then proceeded for America, which we soon made, and got into a very commodious harbour called St. George, in Halifax, where we had fish in great plenty, and all other fresh provisions. We were here joined by different men of war and transport ships with soldiers; after which, our fleet being increased to a prodigious number of ships of all kinds, we sailed for Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. We had the good and gallant General Wolfe on board our ship, whose affability made him highly esteemed and beloved by all the men. He often honoured me, as well as other boys, with marks of his notice; and saved me once a flogging for fighting with a young gentleman. We arrived at Cape Breton in the summer of 1758: and here the soldiers were to be landed, in order to make an attack upon Louisbourgh. My master had some part in superintending the landing; and here I was in a small measure gratified in seeing an encounter between our men and the enemy. The French were posted on the shore to receive us, and disputed our landing for a long time; but at last they were driven from their trenches, and a complete landing was effected. Our troops pursued them as far as the town of Louisbourgh. In this action many were killed on both sides. One thing remarkable I saw this day:—A lieutenant of the Princess Amelia, who, as well as my master, superintended the landing, was giving the word of command, and while his mouth was open a musquet ball went through it, and passed out at his cheek. I had that day in my hand the scalp of an indian king, who was killed in the engagement: the scalp had been taken off by an Highlander. I saw this king's ornaments too, which were very curious, and made of feathers.

My master stayed at a gentleman’s house in Falmouth. The gentleman had a lovely little daughter, about six or seven years old, who became extremely fond of me. We used to eat together, with servants waiting on us. This family treated me with such affection that they often reminded me of my young African nobleman master. After a few days, I was sent aboard the ship. But the child cried so much for me that nothing could comfort her until I was called back. Ridiculous as it seems, I began to fear that I would be promised in marriage to this young lady. My master was preparing to leave on the ship, which had loaded the tobacco again. He asked whether I would stay behind with her. I immediately cried and said I would not leave her. At last, one night, I was secretly sent aboard the ship again. Soon afterward, we sailed for Guernsey. A merchant there, Nicholas Doberry, owned part of the ship. I was now among people without facial scars, unlike some African peoples I had lived among. I was very glad I had not allowed those people to decorate my face in that way. When we reached Guernsey, my master arranged for me to live with one of his mates. The mate had a wife and family there. Some months later, my master went to England. He left me and my friend Dick in the mate’s care. The mate had a little daughter, about five or six years old, whose company delighted me. I often noticed that her face looked very rosy when her mother washed it. But when her mother washed my face, mine did not look the same. So I often tried washing my face myself, hoping to make it the same color as my little playmate Mary’s. But all my efforts were useless, and I now began to feel ashamed of the difference in our complexions. This woman treated me with great kindness and care. She taught me everything just as she taught her own child, and treated me as her child in every respect. I stayed there until the summer of 1757. My master was then appointed first lieutenant of his majesty’s ship the Roebuck. He sent for Dick, me, and his former mate. So we all left Guernsey for England in a sloop bound for London. As we approached the Nore, where the Roebuck lay, a naval boat came alongside to force our men into service. Every man ran to hide. I was very frightened, though I did not understand what was happening or know what to think or do. Still, I also hid, under a chicken coop. Immediately afterward, the press-gang boarded with drawn swords. They searched everywhere, dragged the men out by force, and put them into their boat. At last, they found me too. The man who found me held me up by my heels while they all laughed at me. I roared and cried out as loudly as I could the whole time. At last, the mate responsible for me saw what was happening and came to help. He did everything he could to calm me. But his efforts did very little good until I saw the boat leave. Soon afterward, we reached the Nore, where the Roebuck lay. To our great joy, my master came aboard and took us to his ship. When I boarded this large ship, I was amazed by the number of men and guns. But as I learned more, my surprise began to fade. I stopped feeling the fears and alarms that had overwhelmed me when I first came among Europeans and afterward. Now I began to go to the opposite extreme. I was no longer afraid of anything new I saw. After some time aboard, I even began to long for a battle. My sorrows were also fading, as sorrows do not last forever in young minds. I soon enjoyed myself fairly well and felt reasonably comfortable in my present situation. Several boys were aboard, making life still more pleasant. We were always together and spent much of our time playing. I remained on this ship for a considerable time. We made several cruises and visited many places. Among other places, we visited Holland twice and brought back several distinguished people whose names I no longer remember. One day during the voyage, all the boys were called onto the quarterdeck to entertain those gentlemen. We were matched in pairs according to size and made to fight. Afterward, the gentleman gave each fighter between five and nine shillings. This was the first time I had ever fought a white boy. I had never had a bloody nose before. The bloody nose made me fight desperately, for well over an hour, I suppose. At last, we were both tired, and they separated us. I took part in a great deal more of this kind of sport afterward. The captain and the ship’s company strongly encouraged me. Some time later, the ship went to Leith in Scotland, and then to the Orkneys. There I was surprised to find scarcely any night. From the Orkneys, we sailed for England with a great fleet full of soldiers. Throughout this time, we had never fought a battle, though we often cruised off the coast of France. During those cruises, we chased many vessels and captured seventeen in all. I had been learning many of the ship’s maneuvers during our cruise. Several times, I was made to fire the guns. One evening, just as darkness was falling, we were sailing away from shore off Havre de Grace. We came upon a fine, large, French-built frigate. We immediately prepared for battle. I now expected to satisfy my long-frustrated wish to see a fight. But just as the order to fire was given, we heard people aboard the other ship shout, 'Haul down the jib;' At that instant, the frigate raised English flags. Immediately, a tremendous shout went up aboard our ship: Avast! In other words, stop firing. I think one or two guns had already fired, but fortunately they caused no damage. We had called out to the other ship several times. But the people aboard had not heard us, so we received no answer. That was why we fired. A boat was then sent over. The frigate proved to be the warship Ambuscade, much to my disappointment. We returned to Portsmouth without having fought any battle, just as Admiral Byng’s trial was taking place. I saw him several times during the trial. My master left the ship and went to London to seek promotion. Dick and I were placed aboard the war sloop Savage. We sailed in her to help free the warship St. George, which had run aground somewhere along the coast. After a few weeks aboard the Savage, Dick and I were sent ashore at Deal. We stayed there briefly until my master sent for us to come to London. I had long wanted very much to see London. So we both gladly boarded a wagon and traveled there. Mr. Guerin, a relative of my master, received us. This gentleman had two sisters, very kind ladies who paid me much attention and took great care of me. Although I had wanted so much to see London, I unfortunately could not satisfy my curiosity when I arrived. My chilblains were then so severe that I could not stand for several months. I had to be sent to St. George’s Hospital. There I became so ill that the doctors wanted, on several occasions, to cut off my left leg. They feared gangrene. But I always said I would rather die than endure the operation. Happily, I recovered without it, and I thank God. After several weeks in the hospital, just as I had recovered, I developed smallpox. So I was confined again, and now felt especially unfortunate. However, I soon recovered again. By then, my master had been promoted to first lieutenant of the fifty-gun warship Preston, newly built at Deptford. Dick and I were sent aboard. Soon afterward, we went to Holland to bring the late Duke of —— to England. While I was aboard this ship, something happened that I ask permission to relate, though it was a small matter. I could not help taking particular notice of the incident, and at the time considered it a judgment from God. One morning, a young man was looking up toward the fore-top, a platform on the foremast. In the wicked manner common aboard ships, he cursed his eyes over something. At that very moment, some small particles of dirt fell into his left eye. By evening, the eye was badly inflamed. The next day, it grew worse. Within six or seven days, he lost the eye. My master was next appointed a lieutenant aboard the Royal George. As he prepared to leave, he wanted me to remain aboard the Preston to learn the French horn. But the ship had been ordered to Turkey, and I could not bear to leave my master. I was very warmly attached to him. I told him that leaving me behind would break my heart. My plea persuaded him to take me along. But he left Dick aboard the Preston, and I embraced Dick at our parting for the last time. The Royal George was the largest ship I had ever seen. When I boarded, I was astonished by the number of people, men, women, and children of every kind. I was also amazed by the size of the guns. Many were made of brass, something I had never seen before. There were shops or stalls selling every kind of goods. People called out their wares around the ship, just as they would in a town. The ship seemed to me like a little world. Once again, I had been thrown into that world without a friend, since my dear companion Dick was gone. We did not stay there long. Within a few weeks, my master was appointed sixth lieutenant of the Namur. The ship was then at Spithead, being prepared for Vice-admiral Boscawen. He was taking a large fleet on an expedition against Louisburgh. The Royal George’s crew was transferred to the Namur. That brave admiral’s blue flag was raised at the head of the main topgallant mast. A very large fleet of warships of every kind had gathered for the expedition. I hoped I would soon have the chance to satisfy my desire to see a sea battle. With everything ready, this mighty fleet at last raised anchor and sailed. Admiral Cornish’s fleet, bound for the East Indies, was also sailing with us. The two fleets remained together for several days before separating. Before they parted, Admiral Cornish, aboard the Lenox, saluted our admiral aboard the Namur, who returned the salute. We then headed for America, but opposing winds drove us to Teneriffe. Its famous peak amazed me. Its enormous height and sugar-loaf shape filled me with wonder. We remained within sight of the island for several days, then continued toward America. We soon reached the coast and entered a very convenient harbor called St. George, in Halifax. There we had plenty of fish and all other fresh provisions. Various warships and troop transports joined us there. Our fleet had now grown to an enormous number of ships of every kind. We then sailed for Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. The good and brave General Wolfe was aboard our ship. His friendliness made all the men greatly respect and love him. He often honored me and the other boys with his attention. Once, he saved me from a flogging for fighting with a young gentleman. We reached Cape Breton in the summer of 1758. The soldiers were to land there to attack Louisbourgh. My master helped oversee the landing. Here, to some small extent, I satisfied my wish to see a fight between our men and the enemy. The French were stationed onshore to meet us and resisted our landing for a long time. But at last, they were driven from their trenches, and all our troops landed successfully. Our troops pursued the French as far as the town of Louisbourgh. Many on both sides were killed in this action. I saw one remarkable thing that day. A lieutenant from the Princess Amelia, who was overseeing the landing like my master, was giving an order. While his mouth was open, a musket ball entered it and came out through his cheek. That day, I held in my hand the scalp of an Indian king killed in the fighting. A Highlander had taken the scalp. I also saw the king’s ornaments, which were very unusual and made of feathers.

Our land forces laid siege to the town of Louisbourgh, while the French men of war were blocked up in the harbour by the fleet, the batteries at the same time playing upon them from the land. This they did with such effect, that one day I saw some of the ships set on fire by the shells from the batteries, and I believe two or three of them were quite burnt. At another time, about fifty boats belonging to the English men of war, commanded by Captain George Balfour of the Ætna fire-ship, and another junior captain, Laforey, attacked and boarded the only two remaining French men of war in the harbour. They also set fire to a seventy-gun ship, but a sixty-four, called the Bienfaisant, they brought off. During my stay here I had often an opportunity of being near Captain Balfour, who was pleased to notice me, and liked me so much that he often asked my master to let him have me, but he would not part with me; and no consideration could have induced me to leave him. At last Louisbourgh was taken, and the English men of war came into the harbour before it, to my very great joy; for I had now more liberty of indulging myself, and I went often on shore. When the ships were in the harbour we had the most beautiful procession on the water I ever saw. All the admirals and captains of the men of war, full dressed, and in their barges, well ornamented with pendants, came alongside of the Namur. The vice-admiral then went on shore in his barge, followed by the other officers in order of seniority, to take possession, as I suppose, of the town and fort. Some time after this the French governor and his lady, and other persons of note, came on board our ship to dine. On this occasion our ships were dressed with colours of all kinds, from the topgallant-mast head to the deck; and this, with the firing of guns, formed a most grand and magnificent spectacle.

Our land forces laid siege to the town of Louisbourgh, while the fleet trapped the French warships in the harbour. At the same time, gun batteries on land fired on the French ships. The batteries fired so effectively that one day I saw their shells set some of the ships on fire. I believe two or three of the ships burned completely. On another occasion, about fifty boats from the English warships attacked and boarded the only two remaining French warships in the harbour. Captain George Balfour of the fire-ship Ætna and another, more junior captain, Laforey, commanded the boats. The attackers also set fire to a seventy-gun ship, but they captured and brought away a sixty-four-gun ship called the Bienfaisant. During my stay here, I often had opportunities to be near Captain Balfour, who kindly took notice of me. He liked me so much that he often asked my master to let him have me. But my master would not part with me, and nothing could have persuaded me to leave him. At last Louisbourgh was taken, and the English warships entered the harbour in front of the town, to my great joy. I now had more freedom to enjoy myself, and I often went ashore. While the ships were in the harbour, we had the most beautiful procession on the water I had ever seen. All the admirals and captains of the warships came alongside the Namur in full dress uniform. They travelled in their barges, which were richly decorated with pennants. The vice-admiral then went ashore in his barge, followed by the other officers in order of seniority. I suppose they went to take possession of the town and fort. Some time later, the French governor, his wife, and other important people came aboard our ship to dine. For the occasion, our ships were decorated with flags of every kind, from the topgallant masthead down to the deck. These decorations, together with the firing of guns, made a truly grand and magnificent sight.

As soon as every thing here was settled Admiral Boscawen sailed with part of the fleet for England, leaving some ships behind with Rear-admirals Sir Charles Hardy and Durell. It was now winter; and one evening, during our passage home, about dusk, when we were in the channel, or near soundings, and were beginning to look for land, we descried seven sail of large men of war, which stood off shore. Several people on board of our ship said, as the two fleets were (in forty minutes from the first sight) within hail of each other, that they were English men of war; and some of our people even began to name some of the ships. By this time both fleets began to mingle, and our admiral ordered his flag to be hoisted. At that instant the other fleet, which were French, hoisted their ensigns, and gave us a broadside as they passed by. Nothing could create greater surprise and confusion among us than this: the wind was high, the sea rough, and we had our lower and middle deck guns housed in, so that not a single gun on board was ready to be fired at any of the French ships. However, the Royal William and the Somerset being our sternmost ships, became a little prepared, and each gave the French ships a broadside as they passed by. I afterwards heard this was a French squadron, commanded by Mons. Conflans; and certainly had the Frenchmen known our condition, and had a mind to fight us, they might have done us great mischief. But we were not long before we were prepared for an engagement. Immediately many things were tossed overboard; the ships were made ready for fighting as soon as possible; and about ten at night we had bent a new main sail, the old one being split. Being now in readiness for fighting, we wore ship, and stood after the French fleet, who were one or two ships in number more than we. However we gave them chase, and continued pursuing them all night; and at daylight we saw six of them, all large ships of the line, and an English East Indiaman, a prize they had taken. We chased them all day till between three and four o'clock in the evening, when we came up with, and passed within a musquet shot of, one seventy-four gun ship, and the Indiaman also, who now hoisted her colours, but immediately hauled them down again. On this we made a signal for the other ships to take possession of her; and, supposing the man of war would likewise strike, we cheered, but she did not; though if we had fired into her, from being so near, we must have taken her. To my utter surprise the Somerset, who was the next ship astern of the Namur, made way likewise; and, thinking they were sure of this French ship, they cheered in the same manner, but still continued to follow us. The French Commodore was about a gun-shot ahead of all, running from us with all speed; and about four o'clock he carried his foretopmast overboard. This caused another loud cheer with us; and a little after the topmast came close by us; but, to our great surprise, instead of coming up with her, we found she went as fast as ever, if not faster. The sea grew now much smoother; and the wind lulling, the seventy-four gun ship we had passed came again by us in the very same direction, and so near, that we heard her people talk as she went by; yet not a shot was fired on either side; and about five or six o'clock, just as it grew dark, she joined her commodore. We chased all night; but the next day they were out of sight, so that we saw no more of them; and we only had the old Indiaman (called Carnarvon I think) for our trouble. After this we stood in for the channel, and soon made the land; and, about the close of the year 1758-9, we got safe to St. Helen's. Here the Namur ran aground; and also another large ship astern of us; but, by starting our water, and tossing many things overboard to lighten her, we got the ships off without any damage. We stayed for a short time at Spithead, and then went into Portsmouth harbour to refit; from whence the admiral went to London; and my master and I soon followed, with a press-gang, as we wanted some hands to complete our complement.

As soon as everything here was settled, Admiral Boscawen sailed for England with part of the fleet. He left some ships behind with Rear-admirals Sir Charles Hardy and Durell. It was now winter. One evening during our voyage home, around dusk, we were in the channel, or near waters shallow enough to measure. We were beginning to look for land when we spotted seven large warships sailing away from shore. Within forty minutes of first seeing them, the two fleets were close enough to call to each other. Several people aboard our ship said the other ships were English warships. Some of our people even began naming individual ships. By now, the two fleets were moving among each other, and our admiral ordered his flag raised. At that instant, the other fleet, which was French, raised its flags and fired a broadside as it passed us. Nothing could have caused greater surprise and confusion among us. The wind was high, and the sea was rough. Our lower and middle deck guns were secured inside, so not a single gun aboard was ready to fire. However, the Royal William and the Somerset, the last ships in our fleet, managed to prepare a little. Each fired a broadside at the French ships as they passed. I later heard that this was a French squadron commanded by Mons. Conflans. Certainly, if the French had known our condition and wanted to fight, they might have done us great harm. But we soon prepared for battle. Many things were immediately thrown overboard, and the ships were made ready to fight as quickly as possible. Around ten that night, we finished fitting a new mainsail, as the old one had split. Now ready to fight, we turned our ship and sailed after the French fleet. The French had one or two more ships than we did. Nevertheless, we chased them all night. At daylight, we saw six of their ships, all large ships of the line, built for major naval battles. We also saw an English East Indiaman, a trading ship they had captured. We chased them all day until between three and four in the afternoon. Then we caught up with a seventy-four-gun ship and the Indiaman, passing within musket range of both. The Indiaman now raised her flag, but immediately lowered it again in surrender. At this, we signaled the other ships to take possession of her. Expecting the warship to surrender too, we cheered, but she did not. Yet if we had fired into her at such close range, we would certainly have captured her. To my utter surprise, the Somerset also sailed on. She was the next ship behind the Namur. Thinking they were sure to capture this French ship, the Somerset's crew cheered just as we had. But they continued to follow us. The French Commodore was about a cannon shot ahead of all the ships, escaping from us at full speed. Around four o'clock, his ship's foretopmast broke off and fell overboard. We gave another loud cheer at this. A little later, the fallen topmast floated close past us. But to our great surprise, we did not gain on the Commodore's ship. Instead, we found she was going as fast as ever, if not faster. The sea now became much smoother, and the wind eased. The seventy-four-gun ship we had passed came past us again, sailing in the same direction. She came so close that we could hear her people talking as she passed. Yet neither side fired a shot. Around five or six o'clock, just as darkness fell, she joined her commodore. We chased them all night, but the next day they were out of sight. We saw no more of them. All we had for our trouble was the old Indiaman, called Carnarvon, I think. After this, we headed into the channel and soon sighted land. Around the end of 1758 and the beginning of 1759, we reached St. Helen's safely. Here the Namur ran aground, as did another large ship behind us. But we emptied our water and threw many things overboard to lighten the Namur. We managed to get both ships afloat again without any damage. We stayed briefly at Spithead, then went into Portsmouth harbour for repairs and new equipment. From there, the admiral went to London. My master and I soon followed with a press-gang, a group that forced men into naval service. We needed more sailors to bring our crew up to full strength.