Editor's Preface

When the editor commenced the preparation of the following narrative, he did not suppose it would reach the size of this volume. In order, however, to present all the facts which have been communicated to him, it has seemed necessary to extend it to its present length.

When the editor began preparing this narrative, he did not expect it to fill a volume of this length. But including all the facts shared with him seemed to require a volume this long.

Many of the statements contained in the following pages are corroborated by abundant evidence—others rest entirely upon Solomon's assertion. That he has adhered strictly to the truth, the editor, at least, who has had an opportunity of detecting any contradiction or discrepancy in his statements, is well satisfied. He has invariably repeated the same story without deviating in the slightest particular, and has also carefully perused the manuscript, dictating an alteration wherever the most trivial inaccuracy has appeared.

Abundant evidence supports many of the statements in the following pages. Others rest entirely on Solomon's word. The editor, at least, is convinced that Solomon has told the truth exactly. The editor has had the opportunity to detect any contradictions or inconsistencies in his statements. Solomon has always repeated the same story without changing even the smallest detail. He has also carefully read the manuscript and dictated a change wherever he found even the slightest inaccuracy.

It was Solomon's fortune, during his captivity, to be owned by several masters. The treatment he received while at the "Pine Woods" shows that among slaveholders there are men of humanity as well as of cruelty. Some of them are spoken of with emotions of gratitude—others in a spirit of bitterness. It is believed that the following account of his experience on Bayou Bœuf presents a correct picture of Slavery, in all its lights and shadows, as it now exists in that locality. Unbiased, as he conceives, by any prepossessions or prejudices, the only object of the editor has been to give a faithful history of Solomon Northup's life, as he received it from his lips.

During his captivity, Solomon was owned by several masters. His treatment in the "Pine Woods" shows that some slaveholders are humane, while others are cruel. He speaks of some with gratitude and others with bitterness. The following account of his experience on Bayou Bœuf is believed to present an accurate picture of Slavery there, in all its light and shadow, as it exists now. The editor believes he is free from preconceptions and prejudices. His only aim has been to give a faithful account of Solomon Northup's life, as Solomon told it to him.

In the accomplishment of that object, he trusts he has succeeded, notwithstanding the numerous faults of style and of expression it may be found to contain.

He hopes he has achieved that goal, despite the many faults of style and expression the work may contain.

DAVID WILSON.

DAVID WILSON.

Whitehall, N. Y., May, 1853.

Whitehall, New York, May 1853.

NARRATIVE OF SOLOMON NORTHUP.

SOLOMON NORTHUP'S STORY.