The master, Billy Grandy, whose slave I born, a hard-drinking man: he sold away many slaves. I remember four sisters four brothers; my mother had more children, they dead sold away before I can remember. I the youngest. I remember

well my mother often hid us all the woods, prevent master selling us. When we wanted water, she sought it any hole puddle formed by falling trees otherwise: it often full tadpoles insects: she strained it, gave it round each us the hollow her hand. For food, she gathered berries the woods, got potatoes, raw corn, &c. After time master would send word her come promising, he would not sell us. But at length persons came who agreed give prices he set on us. His wife, with much be done, prevailed on him not sell me; he sold my brother, who a little boy. My mother, frantic with grief, resisted their taking her child away: she beaten held down she fainted; when she came herself, her boy gone. She made much outcry, which master tied her up a peach tree the yard, flogged her.

Another my brothers sold Mr. Tyler, Dewan's Neck, Pasquotank County; this man very much ill-treated many coloured boys. One very cold day he sent my brother

out, naked hungry, find yoke steers: boy returned without finding them, when his master flogged him, sent him out again; white lady who lived near, gave him food, advised him try again: he did so, it seems again without success. He piled up heap leaves, laid himself down them, died there. He found through flock turkey buzzards hovering over him; these birds had pulled his eyes out.

My young master I used play together; there but two days' difference our ages. My old master always said he would give me him. When he died, all coloured people divided amongst his children, I fell young master; his name James Grandy. I then about eight years old. When I became old enough be taken away from my mother put field-work, I hired out the year, by auction, at Court House, every January; this is common practice with respect slaves belonging persons who under age. This continued till my master myself twenty-one years old.

The first who hired me Mr. Kemp, who used me pretty Well; he gave me plenty eat sufficient clothing.

The next old Jemmy Coates, severe man. Because I could not learn his way hilling corn, he flogged me naked with severe whip made a very tough sapling; this lapped round me at each stroke, point it at last entered my belly broke off; leaving an inch a-half outside. I not aware it until on going work again it hurt my side very much, when on looking down I saw it sticking, out my body: I pulled it out the blood spouted after it. The wound festered, discharged very much at time, hurt me years after.

In being hired out, sometimes slave gets good home, sometimes bad one: when he gets good one, he dreads see January come; when he has bad one, year seems five times as long as it is.

I next with Mr. Enoch Sawyer Camden county: my business keep ferry, do other odd work. It cruel

living; we had not near enough either victuals clothes; I half-starved half my time. I have often ground husks Indian corn over again a hand-mill, the chance getting something eat out it, which former grinding had left. In severe frosts, I compelled go into fields woods work, with my naked feet cracked bleeding from extreme cold: warm them, I used rouse an ox hog, stand on place where it had lain. I at place three years, very long years they seemed me. The trick by which he kept me so long this: Court House but mile off; on hiring day, he prevented me from going till he went himself bid me. On last occasion, he detained a little while by other business, so I ran as quickly as I could, got hired before he came up.

Mr. George Furley my next master; he employed me as car-boy Dismal swamp; I had drive lumber, I had plenty eat plenty clothes. I so

overjoyed at change, I then thought I would not have left place go heaven.

Next year I hired by Mr. John Micheau the same county, who married my young mistress, one the daughters Mr. Grandy, sister my present owner. This master gave us very few clothes, but little eat; I almost naked. One day he came into field, asked why no more work done. The older people afraid him; so I said the reason we so hungry, we could not work. He went home told mistress give us plenty eat, at dinner time we had plenty. We came out shouting joy, went work with delight. From time, we had food enough, he soon found he had great deal more work done. The field quite alive with people striving who should do most.

He hired me another year. He a great gambler; He kept me up five nights together, without sleep night day, wait on gambling table. I standing the corner the room, nodding want sleep,

when he took up shovel, beat me with it: he dislocated my shoulder, sprained my wrist, broke shovel over me. I ran away, got another person hire me.

This person Mr. Richard Furley, who after hired me at Court House every year, till my master came age. He gave me pass work myself, so I obtained work by piece where I could, paid him out my earnings what we had agreed on; I maintained myself on rest, saved what I could. In this way I not liable be flogged ill-used. He paid seventy, eighty, ninety dollars year me, I paid him twenty thirty dollars year more than

When my master came age, he took all his coloured people himself. Seeing I industrious persevering, had obtained plenty work, he made me pay him almost twice as much as I had paid Mr. Furley. At time, English blockaded Chesapeake, which made it necessary send merchandize from Norfolk Elizabeth city by Grand Canal, so it might get

sea by Pamlico Sound Ocracock Inlet, I took some canal boats on shares; Mr. Grice, who married my other young mistress, the owner them. I gave him one-half all I received freight: out the other half, I had victual man boats, all over expense my own profit.

Some time before this, my brother Benjamin returned from West Indies, where he had been two years with his master's vessel. I very glad hear it, got leave go see him. While I sitting with his wife him, his wife's master came asked him fetch can water: he did so, carried it into store. While I waiting him wondering at his being so long away, I heard heavy blows a hammer: after little while I alarmed, went see what going on. I looked into store, saw my brother lying on his back on floor, Mr. Williams, who had bought him, driving staples over his wrists ankles; an iron bar afterwards put across his breast, which also held down by staples.

I asked what he had been doing, was told he had done nothing amiss, that his master had failed, he sold towards paying debts. He lay that state all night; next day he taken jail, I never saw him again. This is usual treatment under such circumstances. I had go by my mother's next morning, I feared tell her what had happened my brother: I got boy go tell her. She blind very old, was living a little hut, the woods, after usual manner old worn- out slaves: she unable go my brother before he taken away, grieved after him greatly.

It some time after this, I married slave belonging Mr. Enoch Sawyer, who had been so hard master me. I left her at home, (that is, at his house,) one Thursday morning, when we had been married about eight months. She well, seemed likely be so: we nicely getting together our little necessaries. On Friday, as I at work as usual with boats, I

heard noise behind me, on road which ran by side the canal: I turned look, saw gang slaves coming. When they came up me, one them cried out, "Moses, my dear!" I wondered who among them should know me, found it my wife. She cried out me, "I am gone." I struck with consternation. Mr. Rogerson with them, on his horse, armed with pistols. I said him, "for God's sake, have bought my wife?" He said he had; when I asked him what she had done; he said she had done nothing, that her master wanted money. He drew out pistol, said if I went near waggon on which she he would shoot me. I asked leave shake hands with her, which he refused, said I might stand at distance talk with her. My heart so full, I could say very little. I asked leave give her dram: he told Mr. Burgess, man who with him, get down carry it her. I gave her little money I had my pocket, bid her farewell. I have never seen heard her

from day this. I loved her as I loved my life.

Mr. Grice found I served him faithfully. He my young mistress, his wife, advised me as I getting money fast, try buy myself. By their advice, I asked my master what he would take me. He wanted dollars, when I said was too much, he replied, he could get me any minute. Mr. Grice afterwards went with me him: he said him, I had already been more profitable him than any five others his negroes, reminded him we had been playfellows; this way he got him consent take dollars me. I then went heartily work, whenever I paid him my time, I paid him something also towards my freedom, which he gave me receipts. When I made him last payment the dollars my freedom, he tore up all receipts: I told him he ought not have done so; he replied it did not signify, as soon as court-day came, he should give me my free papers. On Monday,

court week, I went him; he playing at billiards, would not go with me, told me come again next day: next day he did same, so on daily. I went his sister, Mrs. Grice, told her I feared he did not mean give them me; she said she feared so too, sent him. He a very wicked young man; he came, cursed her, went out the house. Mr. Grice from home; on his return, he went my master told him he ought give me my free papers; I had paid myself, it court week, so there no excuse. He promised he would, instead which he rode away, kept away till court over. Before next court came, he sold me Mr. Trewitt dollars.

The way which Mr. Trewitt came buy me, this. I had left boats, had gone with schooner collecting lumber Albemarle Sound the merchants. Coming Elizabeth City, I found new store had been opened by Mr. Grice, which Mr. Sutton keeping: latter gentleman glad

see me, was desirous I should return my old employment with canal boats, as lumber in great demand at Norfolk. I did so, sold some cargoes Mr. Moses Myers Norfolk. As I waiting, at door his store settlement, he came up with Mr. Trewitt, whom I did not then know. Mr. Myers said Mr. Trewitt, "here is captain doing business you." Mr. Trewitt then asked me who had chartered boats, to whom I belonged. I told him Mr. Sutton had chartered me, that I had belonged Mr. James Grandy, had bought myself. He said he would buy me; on which Mr. Myers told him he could not, as I had already bought myself, further said, I one their old war captains, had never lost single thing the property entrusted me. Mr. Trewitt said, he would buy me, would see about it as soon as he got Elizabeth City. I thought no more about it. On my return voyage, I delivered cargo at Elizabeth City Mr. Trewitt. I had been at Mr. Grice's, owner the boats, on

my going away from him meet Mr. Trewitt settlement, he said he would go with me, as he wanted money. Opposite Custom House we met Mr. Trewitt, who said, "Well, captain, I have bought Mr. Grice said, "Let us have no nonsense; go settle with him." Angry words passed between them, one saying he had bought me the other denying he had, could, as I had bought myself already. We all went Mr. Grice's dwelling house; there Mr. Trewitt settled with me about freight, then, jumping up, said, "Now I will show Mr. Grice, whether I am liar not." He fetched bill sale; on reading it, Mr. Grice's colour changed, he sent Mrs. Grice. When she read it, she began cry; seeing I began cry too. She sent me her brother, who at Mr. Wood's boarding house. He playing at billiards. I said him, "Master James, have sold me?" He said "No." I said, he had; when he turned round went into another room, crying; I followed him. All gentlemen followed

us, saying, "Captain Grandy, what is matter?" I told them Master James had sold me again. They asked him why he had done it: he said it because people had jeered him, by saying I had more sense than he had. They would not suffer him remain the boarding house, turned him out, there then, with all his trunks boxes. Mrs. Grice, his sister, sued him my name my liberty, he gained cause: court maintained I, all I could do, belonged him, that he had right do as he pleased with me all my earnings, as his own property, until he had taken me the Court House, given me my free papers, until, besides I had been year a day the Northern States gain my residence.

So I forced go Mr. Trewitt. He agreed if I would pay him same wages as I paid my late master, the dollars he gave me, he would give me my free papers. He bought two canal boats; taking me out Mr. Grice's employment, set

me work them on same terms as I did my former master. I two years a half earning dollars pay myself second time. Just when I had completed payment, he failed. Oh Christmas eve he gave me letter take Mr. Mews, at Newbegun Creek. I rather unwilling take it, wishing go my wife; I told him, too, I going his office settle with him. He offered give me two dollars take letter, said he would settle when I came back: then Mr. Shaw came from another room, said his vessel ready loaded, he had nobody he could trust with his goods; he offered me five dollars take vessel down, deliver goods Mr. Knox, who also at Newbegun Creek. The wind fair, the hands on board, so I agreed: it being Christmas eve, I glad something carry my wife. I ran vessel down the mouth the Creek, anchored: when moon rose, I went up river. I reached wharf, commenced taking out goods night, delivered them all

safely Mr. Knox next morning. I then took letter Mr. Mews, who read it, looking up at me said, "Well, belong me." I thought he joking, said, "How? What way?" He said, "Don't recollect when Trewitt chartered Wilson Sawyer's brig the West Indies?" I said, I did. He told me Trewitt then came him borrow dollars, which he would not lend except he had mortgage on me: Trewitt to take it up at certain time, never did. I asked him, whether he really took mortgage on me? He replied "he certainly thought Trewitt would have taken up mortgage, he had failed, was not worth cent, he, Mews, must have his money." I asked him whether he had not helped me my young mistress the Court House, when Master James fooled me before? He said he did help me all he could, that he should not have taken mortgage on me, that he thought Trewitt would take it up. Trewitt must have received some the last payments from me, after he had given

mortgage, knew he should fail; the mortgage given two months before this time.

My head seemed turn round round; I quite out my senses; I went away towards woods; Mr. Mews sent his waiter after me, persuade me go back: at first I refused, afterwards went. He told me he would give me another chance buy myself, I certainly should have my freedom this time. He said Mr. Enoch Sawyer wanted buy me be his overseer the Swamp. I replied, I would never try again buy myself, they had already got dollars from me. My wife, (this my second

It will be observed the narrator married second wife, without having heard the decease the first. To explain this fact, it is necessary state, the frequent occurrence cases where husbands wives, members Christian societies, finally separated by sale, led ministers, some years ago, deliberate on subject: they decided such separation might be considered as death the parties each other, they therefore agreed consider subsequent marriages not immoral. The practice is general. It is scarcely necessary remark a more unequivocal impressive proof the heinous nature system could hardly exist. It breaks up fondest connexions, it tears up holiest attachments, induces ministers religion, as much as them lies, garble divine law suit its own infernal exigencies.

wife) belonged Mr. Sawyer: he told me her master would not allow me go see her, if I would not consent what he now preposed: any coloured person going on grounds a white man after being warned is liable be flogged even shot. I thus found myself forced go, although no coloured man wishes live at house where his wife lives, he has endure continual misery seeing her flogged abused, without daring say word her defence.

In service Mr. Sawyer, I got into fair way buying myself again; I undertook lightering the shingles boards out the Dismal Swamp, hired hands assist me. But my master had become security his two sons-in-law at Norfolk, who failed; consequence which, he sold

eighteen coloured people, his share the Swamp, two plantations. I one the slaves he kept, after had work the corn-field same as rest. The overseer a bad one, his name Brooks. The horn blown at sunrise; coloured people had then march before overseer the field, He on horseback. We had work, even long, summer days, till twelve o'clock, before we tasted morsel; men, women, children all being served alike. At noon cart appeared with our breakfast. It in large trays, was set on ground. There bread, which piece cut off each person; then there small hominy boiled, (that is, Indian corn, ground the hand-mill) besides this, two herrings each the men women, one each the children. Our drink the water the ditches, whatever might be its state; if ditches dry, water brought us by boys. The salt fish made us always thirsty, no other drink than water ever allowed. However thirsty slave may be,

he is not allowed leave his employment a moment get water; he can only have it when hands working have reached ditch at end rows. The overseer stood with his watch his hand, give us just an hour; when he said "rise," we had rise go work again. The women who had children laid them down by hedge-row, gave them straws other trifles play with: here they in danger from snakes. I have seen large snake found coiled round neck face a child, when its mother went suckle it at dinner time. The hands work a line, by side each other; overseer puts swiftest hands the fore row, all must keep up with them. One black man is kept on purpose whip others the field; if he does not flog with sufficient severity, he is flogged himself: he whips severely, keep whip from his own back. If man has wife the same field with himself; he chooses row by side hers, with extreme labour he may, if possible, help her. But he

will not be the same field if he can help it; with his hardest labour, he often cannot save her from being flogged, he is obliged stand by see it; he is always liable see her taken home at night, stripped naked, whipped before all men. On estate I am speaking those women who had sucking children suffered much from their breasts becoming full milk, infants being left at home; they therefore could not keep up with other hands: I seen overseer beat them with raw hide, so blood milk flew mingled from their breasts. A woman who gives offence the field, is large the family way, is compelled lie down over hole made receive her, is then flogged with whip, beaten with paddle, which has holes it; at every hole comes blister. One my sisters so severely punished this way, labour brought on, the child born the field. This very overseer, Mr. Brooks, killed this manner girl named Mary: her father mother the field at time. He

also killed boy about twelve years old. He had no punishment, even trial, either.

There no dinner till dark, when he gave order knock off go home. The meal then the same as the morning) except we had meat twice a-week.

On very few estates the coloured people provided with any bedding; best masters give only blanket; this master gave none. A board, which slave might pick up anywhere on estate, all he had lie on. If he wished procure bedding, he could only do so by working at nights. For warmth, therefore, negroes generally sleep near large fire, whether the kitchen, in their log, huts; their legs often this way blistered greatly swelled, sometimes badly burnt: they suffer severely from this cause.

When water-mill did not supply meal enough, we had grind with hand-mill. The night employed this work, without any thing being taken from labour the day. We had take turn at it, women as

well as men; enough to be ground serve the following day.

I eight months the field. My master, Mr. Sawyer, agreed allow me eight dollars month, while so employed, towards buying myself: it will be seen he did not give me even When I first went work the corn field, I had paid him dollars towards this third buying my freedom. I told him one night, I could not stand his field work any longer; he asked, why; I said I almost starved death, had long been unaccustomed this severe labour. He wanted know why I could not stand it as well as rest. I told him, he knew well I had not been used it a long time; his overseer the worst had ever been on plantation, that I could not stand it. He said he would direct Mr. Brooks give each us pint meal corn every evening, which we might bake, which would serve us next morning, till our breakfast came at noon. The black people much rejoiced I got this additional allowance

them. But I not satisfied; I wanted liberty.

One Sunday morning, as Master sitting his porch, I went him offered give him dollars I had already paid him, if, beside them, he would take my freedom dollars he had given me. He drove me away, saying, I had no way get money. I sat down time, went him again: I repeated my offer procure dollars, he again said, I could not. He called his wife out the room the porch, said her, "Don't think Moses has taken getting drunk?" She asked me if it so; I denied it, when she inquired what matter. Master replied, "Don't think he wants me sell him?" She said, "Moses, we would not take any money you. Captain Cormack put thousand dollars you on supper table last Friday night, Mr. Sawyer would not touch it: he wants to be overseer the Dismal Swamp." I replied, "Captain Cormack never said anything me about buying me: I would cut my throat

from ear ear rather than go him. I know what made him say so; he is courting Miss Patsey, he did it make himself look big". Mistress laughed turned away, slammed the door: Master shook himself with laughing, put paper he reading before his face, knowing I spoke truth. Captain Cormack an old man who went on crutches: Miss Patsey the finest master's daughters. Master drove me away from him again.

On Monday morning, Mr. Brooks, overseer, blew horn as usual all go the field. I refused go. I went master told him if he would give me paper, I would go fetch dollars; he then gave me paper, stating he willing take sum my freedom; so I hired an old horse started Norfolk; fifty miles off.

When I reached Deep Creek, I went the house Captain Edward Minner. He very glad see me, in former days I had done much business him: he said how

sorry he had been hear I at field- work. He inquired where I going. I said Norfolk, get some the merchants let me have money buy myself. He replied, "What did I always say you? Was it not, I would let have money at any time, if would only tell me when could be sold?" He called Mrs. Minner into room, told her I could be sold my freedom: she rejoiced hear it. He said, "Put up your horse at Mr. Western's Tavern, you need go no farther; I have plenty old rusty dollars, no man shall put his hand on your collar again say are slave. Come stay with me to-night, in morning I will get Mr. Garrett's horse, go with

Next morning we set off, found master at Major Farrance's, at cross canal, where I knew he to be day, sell his share canal. When I saw him he told me go forward home, he would not sell me. I felt sick sadly disappointed. Captain Minner stepped up him shewed him

paper he had given me, saying, "Mr. Sawyer, is not this your handwriting?" He replied, "Mistress said, last word when I came away, I not sell him, send him home again." Captain Minner said, "Mind, gentlemen, I do not want him a slave; I want buy him freedom. He will repay me money, I shall not charge him cent interest it. I would not have coloured person drag me down hell, all money the world." A gentleman who by said it a shame I should be so treated; I had bought myself so often Mr. Sawyer ought let me go. The very worst man as an overseer over persons employed digging canal, Mr. Wiley M'Pherson, there: he never known speak favour a coloured person; even he said Mr. Sawyer ought let me go, as I had been sold so often. At length Mr. Sawyer consented I should go dollars would take no less. I wished Captain Minner give extra dollars, not stand about it. I believe it what

M'Pherson said induced my master let me go: he well known his great severity coloured people, so after even he had said so, master could not stand out. The Lord must have opened M'Pherson's heart say it.

I have said this M'Pherson an overseer where slaves employed cutting canals. The labour there is very severe. The ground is often very boggy: negroes up the middle much deeper mud water, cutting away roots baling out mud: if they can keep their heads above water, they work on. They lodge huts, as they called camps, made shingles boards. They lie down the mud which has adhered them, making great fire dry themselves, keep off cold. No bedding whatever is allowed them; it is only by work done over his task, any them can get blanket. They paid nothing except this overwork. Their masters come once month receive money their labour: then perhaps some few very good masters will give

them two dollars each, some others one dollar, some pound tobacco, some nothing at all. The food is more abundant than of field slaves; indeed it is best allowance America: it consists a peck meal, six pounds pork per week; pork is commonly not good, it is damaged, is bought as cheap as possible at auctions.

M'Pherson gave same task each slave; course weak ones often failed do it. I have often seen him tie up persons flog them morning, only because they unable get previous day's task done: after they flogged, pork beef brine put on their bleeding backs, increase pain; he sitting by resting himself, seeing it done. After being thus flogged pickled, sufferers often remained tied up all day, feet just touching ground, legs tied, pieces wood put between legs. All motion allowed a slight turn the neck. Thus exposed helpless, yellow flies musquitoes great numbers would settle on bleeding

smarting back, put sufferer extreme torture. This continued all day, they not taken down till night. In flogging, he would sometimes tie slave's shirt over his head, he might not flinch when blow coming: sometimes he would increase his misery, by blustering calling out he coming flog again, which he did did not, as happened. I have seen him flog slaves with his own hands, till their entrails visible; I have seen sufferers dead when they taken down. He never called account any way it.

It is not uncommon flies blow sores made by flogging. In case, we get strong weed growing those parts, called Oak Jerusalem; we boil it at night, wash sores with liquor, which is extremely bitter: on this, creepers maggots come out. To relieve them some degree after severe flogging, their fellow-slaves rub their backs with part their little allowance fat meat.

For fear slaves should run away, while

unable work from flogging, He kept them chained till they could work again. This man had from men under his control. When out other employment, I sometimes worked under him, saw his doings. I believe it the word this man which gained my freedom. He is dead, there yet others like him on public works.

When great kindness Captain Minner had set me clear Mr. Enoch Sawyer, I went my old occupation working canal boats. These I took on shares as before. After time, I disabled a year from following this employment by severe attack rheumatism, caught by frequent exposure severe weather. I anxious however be earning something towards repayment Captain Minner, lest any accident unforeseen by him me, should even yet deprive me the liberty which I so longed, for which I had suffered so much. I therefore had myself carried a lighter up cross canal the Dismal Swamp, to other side Drummond's Lake. I left on shore

there I built myself little hut, had provisions brought me as opportunity served. Here, among, snakes, bears, panthers, whenever my strength sufficient, I cut down juniper tree, converted it into cooper's timber. The camp, like those commonly set up negroes, entirely open on one side; on side fire is lighted at night, the person sleeping puts his feet towards it. One night I awoke by some large animal smelling my face, snuffing strongly; I felt its cold muzzle. I suddenly thrust out my arms, shouted with all my might; it frightened made off. I do not know whether it a bear a panther, it seemed as tall as large calf. I slept course no more night. I put my trust the Lord, continued on spot; I never attacked again.

I recovered, went the canal boats again. By end three years from time he laid down money, I entirely repaid my very kind excellent friend. During this time he made no claim whatever on my services; I

altogether on footing a free man, as far as coloured man can there be free.

When, at length, I had repaid Captain Minner, had got my free papers, so my freedom quite secure, my feelings greatly excited. I felt myself so light, I almost thought I could fly, my sleep I always dreaming flying over woods rivers. My gait so altered by my gladness, people often stopped me, saying, "Grandy, what is matter?" I excused myself as well as I could; many perceived reason, said, "Oh he is so pleased with having got his freedom." Slavery will teach any man be glad when he gets freedom.

My good master, Captain Minner, sent me Providence, Rhode Island, stay year a day order gain my residence. But I stayed only two months. Mr. Howard's vessel came there laden with corn. I longed much see my master mistress the kindness they had done me, so went home the schooner. On my arrival, I did not stop at

my own house, except ask my wife at door how she the children in health, went up town see Captain Mrs. Minner. They very glad see me, consulted with me about my way getting living. I wished go on board New York Philadelphia Packets, feared I should be troubled my freedom. Captain Minner thought I might venture, I therefore engaged myself. I continued that employment till his death, which happened about year after my return from Providence. Then I returned Boston; while he lived, I knew I could rely on his protection; when I lost my friend, I thought it best go wholly the Northern States.

At Boston I went work at sawing wood, sawing with whip-saw, labouring the coal yards, loading unloading vessels, &c. After labouring this way a few months, I went voyage St. John's Porto Rico, with Captain Cobb, the schooner, New Packet. On return voyage, vessel got ashore on Cape Cod: we left her, after doing

vain what we could right her; she afterwards recovered. I went several other voyages, particularly two the Mediterranean. The last to East Indies, the ship James Murray, Captain Woodbury; owner, Mr. Gray. My entire savings up the period my return from this voyage amounted dollars; I sent it Virginia, bought my wife. She came me at Boston. I dared not go myself fetch her, lest I should be again deprived my liberty, as often happens free coloured people.

At time called time the Insurrection, about eight years ago, when whites said coloured people going rise, shot, hanged, otherwise destroyed many them, Mrs. Minner thought she saw me the street, fainted there. The soldiers seizing all blacks they could find, she knew if I there, I should be sure suffer with rest. She mistaken; I not there.

My son's master at Norfolk sent letter me at Boston say, if I could raise

dollars, I might have his freedom; he then fifteen years old. I had again saved dollars. I knew master a drinking man, I therefore very anxious get my son out his hands. I went Norfolk running risk my liberty, took my dollars with me, make best bargain I could. Many gentlemen, my friends, Boston, advised me not go myself: I anxious get my boy's freedom, I knew nobody Virginia had any cause complaint against me; so, notwithstanding their advice, I determined go.

When vessel arrived there, they said it against law me go ashore. The mayor the city said, I had been among cursed Yankees too long. He asked me whether I did not know, it unlawful me land; which I replied, I did not know it, I could neither read nor write. The merchants whom I had formerly done business came on board, said they cared neither mare (mayor) nor horse, insisted I should go ashore. I told

mayor business on which I came, he gave me leave stay nine days, telling me if I not gone that time, he would sell me good the State.

I offered my boy's master dollars: he counted money, put it back me, refusing take less than dollars. I went on board, return Boston. We met with head winds, put back three times Norfolk, anchoring each time Just opposite jail. The nine days had expired, I feared mayor would find me on board sell me. I could see jail full coloured people, even whipping post, at which they constantly enduring lash. While we lying there by jail, two vessels came from Eastern Shore, Virginia, laden with cattle coloured people. The cattle lowing their calves, the men women crying their husbands, wives, children. The cries groans terrible, notwithstanding there a whipper on board each vessel, trying compel poor creatures keep silence. These vessels lay close ours.

I had been long time away from such scenes; sight affected me very much, added greatly my fears.

One day, I saw boat coming from shore with white men it. I thought they officers coming take me; such my horror slavery, I twice ran the ship's waist, jump overboard into strong ebb-tide then running, drown myself: a strong impression on my mind restrained me each time.

Once more we got under way New York; meeting again with head winds, we ran into Maurice's River, Delaware Bay. New Jersey, which place lies, is not slave state. So I said the captain, "Let me have boat, set me on free land once-more, then I will travel home overland; I will not run risk going back Virginia any more." The captain said there no danger, I exclaimed, "No! no! captain, I will not try it; put my feet on free land once again, I shall be safe." When I once more touched free land, burthen my mind

removed: if two ton weight had been taken me, relief would not have seemed so great.

From Maurice's Creek I traveled Philadelphia, at place had letter written my wife at Boston, thanking God I on free land again. On arriving at Boston, I borrowed dollars a friend, going New York I obtained help Mr. John Williams send dollars Norfolk: thus, at length, I bought my son's freedom. I met him at New York, brought him on Boston.

Six others my children, three boys three girls, sold New Orleans. Two these daughters have bought their own freedom. The eldest them, Catherine, sold three times after she taken away from Virginia: first time by auction. Her last master one a Frenchman: she worked his sugar-cane cotton fields. Another Frenchman inquired a girl on whom he could depend, wait on his wife, who in consumption. Her master

offered him my daughter; they went into field see her, the bargain struck. Her new master gave her up his sick wife, on whom she waited till her death. As she had waited exceedingly well on his wife, her master offered her chance buying her freedom. She objected his terms as too high; he required her pay him four dollars week out her earnings, dollars her freedom. He said he could get more her, told her she might get plenty washing at dollar dozen; at last she agreed. She lived near river side, obtained plenty work. So anxious she obtain her freedom, she worked nearly all her time, days nights, Sundays. She found, however, she gained nothing by working on Sundays, therefore left it off. She paid her master punctually her weekly hire also something towards her freedom, which he gave her receipts. A good stewardess wanted a steam boat on Mississippi; she hired the place at thirty dollars a-month, which is usual

salary: she also had liberty sell apples oranges on board; commonly, passengers give from twenty-five cents a dollar, a stewardess who attends them Well. Her entire incoming, wages all, amounted about sixty dollars a-month. She remained at this employment till she had paid entire sum dollars her freedom.

As soon as she obtained her free papers, she left steam-boat, thinking she could find her sister Charlotte. Her two first trials unsuccessful: On third attempt she found her at work the cane-field. She shewed her sister's master her own free papers, told him how she had bought herself: he said, if her sister would pay him as much as she paid her master, she might go too. They agreed, he gave her pass. The two sisters went on board steam-boat, worked together wages one, till they had saved entire dollars the freedom the second sister. The husband Charlotte dead: her children left behind the cotton cane-fields; their

master refuses take less than dollars them: their names ages as follows: Zeno, about fifteen; Antoinette, about thirteen; Joseph, about eleven; Josephine about ten years old.

Of my other children, I only know one, girl named Betsy, is little way from Norfolk Virginia. Her master, Mr. William Dixon, is willing sell her dollars.

I do not know where any my other four children nor whether they be dead alive. It will be very difficult find them out; the names slaves commonly changed with every change master: they usually bear name the master whom they belong at time. They have no family name their own by which they can be traced. Owing this circumstance, their ignorance reading writing, which they compelled by law, all trace between parents their children who separated from them childhood, is lost a few years. When, therefore, child is sold away from its mother, she feels she is parting from it ever: there is

little likelihood her ever knowing what good evil befals it. The way finding out friend relative, who has been sold away any length time, to any great distance, is trace him, if possible, one master after another; if cannot be done, inquire about neighbourhood where he is supposed be, until some one is found who can tell such person belonged such such master: the person supposed be one sought may perhaps remember names the persons whom his father mother belonged. There is little be learnt from his appearance, so many years may have passed away, he may have grown out the memory his parents, his nearest relations. There thus no lasting family ties bind relations together, not even nearest, this aggravates their distress when they sold from each other. I have little hope finding my four children again.

I have lived at Boston ever since I bought my freedom, except during last year, which I have spent at Portland, the state Maine.

I have yet said nothing my father. He often sold through failure his successive owners. When I a little boy, he sold away from us a distance: he then so far off, he could not come see us oftener than once year. After he sold go still further away, then he could not come at all. I do not know what has become him.

When my mother became old, she sent live a little lonely log-hut the woods. Aged worn out slaves, whether men women, commonly so treated. No care is taken them, except, perhaps, a little ground is cleared about hut, on which old slave, if able, may raise little corn. As far as owner is concerned, they live die as it happens; is is just same thing as turning out an old horse. Their children other near relations, if living the neighbourhood, take it by turns go at night, with supply saved out their own scanty allowance food, as well as cut wood fetch water them: this is done entirely through

good feelings the slaves, not through masters' taking care it is done. On these night-visits, aged inmate the hut is often found crying, on account sufferings from disease extreme weakness, from want food water the course the day: many time, when I have drawn near my mother's hut, I have heard her grieving crying on these accounts: she old blind too, so unable help herself. She not treated worse than others: it is general practice. Some few good masters do not treat their old slaves so: they employ them doing light jobs about house garden.

My eldest sister is Elizabeth City. She has five children, who, course, slaves. Her master is willing sell her dollars: she is growing old. One her children, young man, cannot be bought under dollars.

My sister Tamar, who belonged the same master with myself, had children very fast. Her husband had hard owners, lived at

distance. When woman who has many children belongs an owner who is under age, as ours it is customary put her the children out yearly the person who will maintain them the least money, person taking them having benefit whatever work woman can do. But my sister put herself the woods. She had bit ground cleared, left hire herself out labour. On ground she raised corn flax; obtained peck corn, some herrings, a piece meat a day's work among neighbouring owners. In this way she brought up her children. Her husband could help her little. As soon as each the children became big enough, it sold away from her.

After parting thus with five, she sold along with sixth, (about year a half old,) the speculators; these persons who buy slaves Carolina Virginia, sell them Georgia New Orleans. After travelling with them more than miles, she made her escape, could not obtain her

child take it with her. On her journey homeward, she traveled by night, hid herself thick woods by day. She in great danger on road, in three weeks reached woods near us. There she had keep herself concealed; I, my mother, her husband knew where she was: she lived a den she made herself. She sometimes ventured down my mother's hut, where she hid a hollow under floor. Her husband lived twenty-five miles off: he would sometimes set off after his day's work done, spend part the night with her, get back work before next sunrise: sometimes he would spend Sunday with her. We all supplied her with such provisions as we could save. It necessary be very careful visiting her; we tied pieces wood bundles rags our feet no track might be made.

In wood she had three children born; one them died. She had not recovered from birth the youngest, when she discovered taken the house her old master.

She afterwards sold Culpepper, who used her very cruelly. He beating her dreadfully, the blood streaming from her head back, one day when I happened go his house. I greatly grieved, asked his leave find person buy her: instead answering me, he struck at me with an axe, I obliged get away as fast as I could. Soon after, he failed, she offered sale Norfolk; there Mr. Johnson bought her her two children, out friendship me: he treated her exceedingly well, she served him faithfully: it not long before she claimed by person, whom Culpepper had mortgaged her before he sold her Johnson. This person sold her Long, Elizabeth City, where again she very badly treated. After time, Long sold her go Georgia: she very at time, was taken away a cart. I hear from her sometimes, am very anxious purchase her freedom, if ever I should be able. Two her children now North Carolina, longing obtain their freedom.