Father mother tried make it happy place their dear children. They worked late into night many many time get little simple furniture their home the home their children; they spent many hours willing toil stop up chinks between logs their poor hut, they their children might be protected from storm the cold. I can testify, from my own painful experience, the deep fond affection which slave cherishes his heart its home its dear ones. We have no other tie link us the human family, our fervent love those who with us of us relations sympathy devotedness, wrongs wretchedness. My dear parents conscious the desperate incurable woe their position

destiny; of lot inevitable sufferings store their beloved children. They talked about our coming misery, they lifted up their voices wept aloud, as they spoke our being torn from them sold off the dreaded slave-trader, perhaps never again see them hear from them word fond love. I have heard them speak their willingness bear their own sorrows without complaint, if only we, their dear children, could be safe from wretchedness before us. And I remember, now fully understand, as I did not then, sad tearful look they would fix upon us when we gathered round them running on with our foolish prattle. I am father, I have had same feelings unspeakable anguish, as I have looked upon my precious babes have thought the ignorance, degradation woe which they must endure as slaves. The great God, who knoweth all secrets the heart, He only, knows bitter sorrow I now feel when I think my four dear children who slaves, torn from me consigned hopeless servitude by iron hand ruthless wrong. I love those children with all father's fondness. God gave them me; my brother took them from me, utter scorn a father's earnest pleadings; I never shall look upon them again, till I meet them my oppressors at final gathering. Will not Great Father God make them me reparation the final award mercy the victim, of Justice the cruel desolator?

Mr. Hawes a very severe cruel master. He kept no overseer, managed his own slaves, with help Enoch, his oldest son. Once year he distributed clothing his slaves. To men he gave one pair shoes, one blanket, one hat, five yards coarse, homespun cotton; women corresponding outfit, enough make one frock each children. The slaves obliged make up their own clothes, after severe labor the plantation had been performed. And other clothing, beyond this

yearly supply, which they might need, slaves compelled get by extra work, do without.

The supply food given out the slaves, one peck corn week, some equivalent, nothing besides. They must grind their own corn, after work the day performed, at mill which stood on plantation. We had eat our coarse bread without meat, butter, milk. Severe labor alone gave us an appetite our scanty unpalatable fare. Many the slaves so hungry after their excessive toil, they compelled steal food addition this allowance.

During planting harvest season, we had work early late. The men women called at three o'clock the morning, worked on plantation till it dark at night. After they must prepare their food supper for breakfast the next day, attend other duties their own dear homes. Parents would often have work their children at home, aftereach day's protracted toil, till middle the night, then snatch few hours' sleep, get strength the heavy burdens the next day.

In month November, through winter season, men women worked the fields, clearing up new land, chopping burning bushes, burning tar kilns, digging ditches. They worked together, poorly clad, suffering from bitter cold wet those winter months. Women, wives mothers, daughters sisters, on plantation, compelled toil on cold, stormy days the open field, while piercing wind driving storm benumbed their limbs, almost froze tears came forth out their cold desolate hearts. Little boys, girls, too, worked cried, toting brush the fires, husking corn, watching stock, running on errands master mistress, their three sons, Enoch, Edward John, constantly receiving from them scoldings beatings as their reward.

Thus passed nine years my life; years suffering, shuddering memory which is deeply fixed my heart. Oh, these happy, merry boys girls, whom I have seen Massachusetts since my escape from slavery, whom I have so often met rejoicing their mercies since I came here, only knew deep wretchedness the poor slave child! For then, I am sure, their tender hearts would feel love pray these unhappy ones, on whose early life hopeless sufferings bear down crushing, killing burden! These nine years wretchedness passed, a change came me. My master sold me Mr. Jones Wilmington, N. C., distant forty-five miles from Hawes' plantation. Mr. Jones sent his slave driver, colored man named Abraham conduct me my new home Wilmington.I at home with my mother when he came. He looked at door, called me, "Tom must go with me."His looks ugly, his voice savage. I very much afraid, began cry, holding on my mother's clothes, begging her protect me, not let man take me away. Mother wept bitterly, in midst her loud sobbings, cried out broken words, "I can't save Tommy; master has sold must go." She threw her arms around me, while hot tears fell on my face, she strained me her heart. There she held me, sobbing mourning, till brutal Abraham came snatched me away, hurried me out the house where I born, my only home, tore me away from dear mother who loved me as no other friend could do. She followed him, imploring moment's delay, weeping aloud the road, where he turned around, striking at her with his heavy cowhide, fiercely ordered her stop bawling, go back into house.

Thus I snatched from presence my loving parents, from true affection the dear ones home. For thirteen weary years did my heart turn its yearning that precious home. And then at

age twenty-two, I permitted revisit my early home. I found it all desolate; family all broken up; father sold gone; Richard,Alexander, Charles,Sarah John, sold gone. Mother prematurely old, heart-broken, utterly desolate, weak dying, alone remained. I saw her, wept once more on her bosom. I went back my chains with deeper woe my heart than I had ever felt before. There one thought joy my wretched consciousness, that my kind precious mother would soon be at rest the grave. And then, too, I remember, I mused with deep earnestness on death, as only friend poor slave had. And I wished I too, might lie down by my mother's side, die with her her loving embrace.

I should have related, one the earliest scenes painful memory associated with my opening years suffering, is connected with severe whipping which my master inflicted on my sister Sarah.He tied her up, having compelled her strip herself entirely naked, the smoke house, gave her terrible whipping at least so it seemed my young heart, as I heard her scream, stood by my mother, who wringing her hands an agony grief, at cruelties which her tender child enduring. I do not know what my sister had done which she then whipped: I remember her body marked scarred weeks after terrible scourging, that our parents always after seemed hold their breath when they spoke it. Sarah the last the family who sold; my poor mother never looked up after this final act cruelty accomplished. I think my only sister now; often try imagine where she is, how she fares this cruel land slavery. And, oh, my God, how dark wretched these pictures! Can I think that poor sister without sorrow too great utterance? Ah me! how can generous, loving brother sister, blessed with freedom, forget cruel sorrows wrongs the slave brother

sister? How fellowship, even the least act comity, atrocious slave-holder? There may be some who do this from ignorance such cruel wrongs. God grant this simple story may enlighten some who only need know our deep necessities, give us their willing sympathy aid love.

My journey Wilmington with heartless Abraham a very sad one. We walked all way. I afraid my savage companion; yet my heart felt so desolate, my longings sympathy so intense, I impelled turn my cruel guide relief. He striding along stern gloom silence too fast my young feet keep pace; I began feel I must stop rest. It bitter cold, too, I poorly clad bear keen air a January day. My limbs weary with travel, stiff with cold. I could not go on at rate I had done, so I turned my guide begged him take me into some hut let me rest get warm. He cursed me, told me keep silence come along, he would warm me with cowhide. Oh, I thought how cruel hopeless my lot! Would I could fall down here die. And I did fall down. We had just passed through soft, wet place, it seemed me I frozen. And I fell down on my dark, cold way, unable proceed. I then carried into slave's cabin, allowed warm rest. It nearly midnight when I arrived, with my conducter, at my place exile suffering. And certainly no heart could be more entirely wretched than I when I threw my weary, aching body on my cold, hard bed.

The next morning I called into presence Mr. Jones, my new master, my work assigned me. I to take care the old gray horse, kept the use the family when they wished ride out, fetch water from spring the house, go on errands my master's store, clean boots shoes belonging the white members the family, to white visitors, sweep rooms, to bring

wood from wharf on my head the fires at house store. From first dawn day till ten eleven, sometimes twelve at night, I could hardly find one moment's time rest. And, oh, how memory year constant toil weariness is imprinted on my heart, an impression appalling sorrow. My dreams still haunted with agony that year. I had just been torn from my home; my yearning heart deprived the sweet sympathy those whose memory I then clung, to whom my heart still turns with irrepressible unutterable longings. I torn from them put into circle cold, selfish cruel hearts, put then perform labors too great my young strength. And yet I lived through year, just as slave lives on through weary years suffering, on which no ray light shines, save which hope a better, happier future gives even the desolate bondman. I lived through it, with all its darkness sorrow. That year I received my first whipping. I had failed one day finish my allotted task. It seemed me I had done my best; somehow, day, thoughts home came so fresh tender into my mind, along with these thoughts, sense my utter hopeless desolation came and took such strong hold my heart, I sank down helpless, heart-broken child. My tasks that day neglected. The next morning my master made me strip off my shirt, then whipped me with cowhide till blood ran trickling down upon floor. My master very profane, with dreadful oaths, he assured me there only one way me avoid repetition this terrible discipline, that to do my tasks every day, sick well.

And so this year went by, my duties changed, my lot made little easier. The cook, Fanny,died, I put into her place. I still had get wood, keep fires the house, after work cooking, setting table, clearing away washing dishes, there always something

be done my mistress. I got little time rest; I got enough eat, which I had not done year before. I by comfortable fire good part the cold winter weather, instead being exposed the cold wet, without warm clothing, as I had been year before, my labor not so hard second year as it had been first.

My mistress complained me at length, I not so obedient as I ought be, so I taken from house into store. My business there to open sweep out store the morning, get all things ready the accommodation customers who might come during day. Then I had bring out deliver all heavy articles might be called during day, such as salt, large quantities which sold the store, ship stores, grain, &c. I had also hold myself ready run on any errand my master clerk, David Cogdell, might wish send me on. While Cogdell remained the store, I enjoyed gleam happiness. He very kind me, never giving me cross word sour look; always ready show me how do anything which I did not understand, to perform little acts kindness me. His condescension me, poor, despised, homeless friendless slave, his tenderness me, while all others severe scornful, sank down precious bond grateful emotion into my desolate heart. I seemed be lifted up by this noble friend at times, from dark despair which had settled down upon my life, to be joined once more a living hope future improvement my sad lot. Should these simple words ever meet eye David Cogdell,let them assure him my fervent gratitude affection his goodness me. Let them tell him how infinitely precious my mourning heart, then now, his generous treatment noble kindness a despised unhappy boy. And let them say him, "My early true friend, Tommy poor slave boy, whom blessed with unfailing kindness, has now grown be man,

has run away from dark misery bondage. And now, when he calls upon his Father Heaven pour out rich blessings on few friends who have aided him, then David Cogdell is remembered with fond fervent affection."David one the few who always regarded feelings happiness others as earnestly as his own; who find their own happiness making unfortunate happy by sympathy kindness, who would suffer any loss rather than do injustice the poor defenceless. I often wondered how there could be such difference the character two men, as there between of my master my friend benefactor, David Cogdell.And I often wished I might pass into hands such man as he But his kindness generosity the poor slaves very offensive my master, to other slaveholders; so, at length, Mr. Jones turned him off, though he compelled acknowledge, at same time, he the most trustworthy valuable assistant he ever had his store.

After my master dismissed Mr. C., he tried get along with me alone the store. He kept books waited upon most genteel his customers, leaving me do rest the work. This went on six months, when he declared he could not bear this confinement any longer; so he got white boy come enter as clerk, stay till he of age. James Dixon a poor boy about my own age, when he came into store, could hardly read write. He accordingly engaged part each day with his books writing. I saw him studying, asked him let me see his book. When he felt a good humor, James very kind obliging. The great trouble with him his fits ill-humor much more frequent than his times good feeling. It happened, however, he on good terms with himself when I asked him show me his book, so he let me take it look at it, he answered very kindly many questions which I asked him about

books schools learning. He told me he trying get learning enough fit him do good business himself after he should get through with Mr. Jones. He told me a man who had learning would always find friends, get along very well the world without having work hard, while those who had no learning would have no friends be compelled work very hard a poor living all their days. This all new me, furnished me topics wondering thought days afterwards. The result my meditations an intense burning desire learn read write took possession my mind, occupying me wholly waking hours, stirring up earnest thoughts my soul even when I slept. The question which then took hold my whole consciousness How can I get book begin? James told me a spelling-book the first one necessary getting learning. So I contrived how I might obtain spelling-book. At length, after much study, I hit upon this plan: I cleaned boots a Mr. David Smith, Jr.,who carried on printer's business Wilmington, edited Cape Fear Recorder. He had always appeared me very kind man. I thought I would get him aid me procuring spelling-book. So I went one morning, with beating heart, into his office, asked him sell me spelling-book. He looked at me silence with close attention some time, asked me what I wanted. I told him I wanted learn read. He shook his head, replied, "No, Thomas, it would not answer me sell a book learn out of; will only get yourself into trouble if attempt it; I advise to get foolish notion out your head as quickly as can."

David's brother, Peter Smith, kept book stationery store under printing-office, I next applied him a book, determined persevere till I obtained this coveted treasure. He asked me same question his brother David had done, with same searching, suspicious look. By my previous repulse

I had discovered I could not get spelling- book if I told what I wanted do with it, so I told lie, order get it. I answered, I wanted it a white boy, naming one lived at my master's, he had given me money get it with, had asked me call at store buy it. The book then handed out me, money taken return, I left, feeling very rich with my long-desired treasure. I got out the store, looking around see no one observed me, I hid my book my bosom, hurried on my work, conscious a new era my life opening upon me through possession this book. That counsciousness at once awakened new thoughts, purposes, new hopes, new life, fact, my experience. My mind excited. The words spoken by James Dixon the great advantages learning, made me intensely anxious learn. I a slave; I knew the whole community in league keep poor slave ignorance chains. Yet I longed be free, be able move minds other men by my thoughts. It seemed me now, if I could learn read write, this learning might nay, I really thought it would, point out me way freedom, influence, real, secure happiness. So I hurried on my master's store, watching my opportunity do it safe from curious eyes, I hid my book with utmost care, under some liquor barrels the smoke house. The first opportunity I improved examine my book. I looked it over with most vain endeavor. I could understand picture, from it make out story immediate interest my mind. But I could not associate any thought fact with these crooked letters with which my primer filled. So next day I sought favorable moment, asked James tell me where scholar must begin order learn read, how. He laughed at my

pointing it out; he told me A; so the next, so on through alphabet. I managed remember A B, I studied looked out same letters many other parts the book. And so I fixed a tenacious memory names the first two letters the alphabet. But I found I could not get on without help, so I applied James again show me letters tell me their names. This time he suspected me trying learn read myself, he plied me with questions till he ascertained I good earnest, entering upon an effort get knowledge. At this discovery he manifested good deal indignation. He told me, scorn, it not such as me try improve, I a slave, that it not proper me learn read. He threatened tell my master, at length, by his hard language, my anger fully aroused, I answered taunt with taunt. He called me poor, miserable nigger; I called him poor, ignorant white servant boy. While we engaged loud angry words, mutual defiance scorn, my master came into store. Mr. Jones had never given me whipping since time I have already described, during my first year toil, want suffering his service. But he now caught me the unpardonable offence giving saucy language white boy, one, too, who in his employ. Without stopping make any inquiries, he took down cow- hide, gave me severe whipping. He told me never talk back a white man on pain flogging. I suppose this law custom is universal at south. And I suppose it is thought necessary enforce this habit obsequious submission on part the colored people the whites, order maintain their supremacy over poor, outraged slaves.

I will mention, this connection, as illustrative this cruel custom, an incident which I saw just before I

ran away from my chains. A little colored boy carrying along through Wilmington basket food. His name Ben, he belonged Mrs. Runkin widow lady. A little mischievous white boy, just about Ben's age size, met him, purposely overturned little fellow's basket, scattered his load the mud. Ben, return this wanton act, called him some hard name, when white boy clinched him throw him down with scattered fragments upon his basket the mud. Ben resisted, threw down white boy, proving be stronger the two. Tom Myers young lawyer Wilmington, saw contest, immediately rushing out, seized little Ben dragged him into store opposite place battle. He sent out a saddler's shop, procured cowhide, gave little fellow tremendous flogging, the daring crime resisting white boy who had wantonly invaded his rights. Is it any wonder the spirit self-respect the poor ignorant slave is broken down by such treatment unsparing persevering cruelty?

I now repulsed by James, so I could hope no assistance from him learning read. But I could not go on alone. I must get some one aid me starting, give up effort learn. This I could not bear do. I longed be able read, so I cast about me see what I could do next. I thought a kind boy at bake-house, near my own age. I thought he would help me, so I went him, showed my book, asked him teach me letters. He told their names, went over whole alphabet with me three times. By this assistance I learned few more the letters, so I could remember them afterwards when I sat down alone tried call them over. I could now pick out name five six the letters any part the book. I felt then I getting along, consciousness I making progress, though slow painful, joy hope my sorrowing heart, such as I never felt before. I

could not with safety go the bake-house, as there I exposed detection by sudden entrance customers idlers. I wanted get teacher who would give me little aid each day, now I set about securing this object. As kind Providence would have it, I easily succeeded, on this wise: A little boy, Hiram Bricket,ten years old, about age, came along by store one day, on his way home from school, while my master gone home dinner, James in front part the store. I beckoned Hiram come round the back door; with him I made bargain meet me each day at noon, when I allowed little while get my dinner, to give me instruction reading. I to give him six cents week. I met him next day at his father's stable, place agreed upon our daily meeting; going into one the stalls, noble little Hiram gave me thorough lesson the alphabet. I learned it nearly all at time, with what study I could give it by stealth during day night. And then again I felt lifted up happy.

I permitted enjoy these advantages, however, a short time. A black boy, belonging Hiram'sfather, one day discovered our meeting what we doing. He told his master it, Hiram at once forbidden this employment. I had then got along so I reading spelling words two syllables. My noble little teacher very patient faithful with me, my days passing away very great happiness under consciousness I learning read. I felt at night, as I went my rest, I really beginning be man, preparing myself a condition life better higher, happier than could belong the ignorant slave. And this blessed feeling I found, waking sleeping, most precious happiness.

After I deprived my kind little teacher, I plodded on best way I could myself, in this way I got into words five syllables. I got some little time

study by daylight the morning, before any my master's family had risen. I got moment's opportunity at noon, sometimes at night. During day I in back store good deal, whenever I thought I could have five minutes myself, I would take my book try learn little reading spelling. If I heard James, master Jones any customer coming I would drop my book among barrels, pretend be very busy shovelling salt doing some other work. Several times I came very near being detected. My master suspected something, because I so still the back room, a number times he came very slily see what I about. But at such times I always so fortunate as hear his tread see his shadow on wall time hide away my book.

When I had got along words five syllables, I went see colored friend, Ned Cowan,whom I knew I could trust. I told him I trying learn read, asked him help me little. He said he did not dare give me any instruction, he heard me read few words, then told me I should learn if I would only persevere as nobly as I had done thus far. I told him how I had got along, what difficulties I had met with. He encouraged me, spoke very kindly my efforts improve my condition by getting learning. He told me I had got along far enough get another book, which I could learn write letters, as well as read. He told me where how procure this book. I followed his directions, obtained another spelling-book at Worcester's store, Wilmington. Jacob showed me little about writing. He set me copy, first straight marks. I now got me box which I could hide under my bed, some ink, pens, a bit candle. So, when I went bed, I pulled my box out from under my cot, turned it up on end, began my first attempt at writing. I worked away till my candle burned out, then laid down sleep. Jacob next set me copy which he called pot

hooks; then, letters the alphabet. These letters also my new spelling-book, according Jacob's directions, I set them before me copy, wrote on these exercises till I could form all letters call them by name. One evening I wrote out my name large letters THOMAS JONES. This I carried Jacob, a great excitement happiness, he warmly commended me my perseverance diligence.

About this time, I at store early one morning, thinking I safe from all danger a few minutes, had seated myself the back store, on one the barrels, study my precious spelling-book. While I absorbed this happy enterprise, my master came much earlier than usual, I did not hear him. He came directly into back store. I saw his shadow on wall, just time throw my book over among barrels, before he could see what it although he saw I had thrown something quickly away. His suspicion aroused. He said I had been stealing something out the store, fiercely ordered me get what I threw away just as he coming at door. Without moment's hesitation, I determined save my precious book my future opportunities learn out it. I knew if my book discovered all lost, I felt prepared any hazard suffering rather than give up my book my hopes improvement. So I replied at once his questions, I had not thrown anything away; I had not stolen anything from store; I did not have anything my hands which I could throw away when he came My master declared a high passion, I lying, ordered me begin roll away barrels. This I did; managed keep book slipping along so he could not see it, as he stood the door-way. He charged me again with stealing throwing something away, I again denied charge. In great rage, he got down his long, heavy cow-hide, ordered me strip off

my jacket shirt, saying, with an oath, "I will make tell me what it you had when I came." I stripped myself, came forward, according his directions, at same time denying his charge with great earnestness tone, look, manner. He cut me on my naked back, perhaps thirty times, with great severity, making blood flow freely. He then stopped, asked me what I had thrown away as he came I answered again I had thrown nothing away. He swore terribly; said he certain I lying, declared he would kill me if I did not tell him truth. He whipped me second time with greater severity, at greater length than before. He then repeated his question, I answered again as before. I determined die, if I could possibly bear pain, rather than give up my dear book. He whipped me third time, with same result as before, then seizing hold my shoulders, turned me round as though he would inflict on my quivering flesh still another scourging, he saw deep gashes he had already made, the blood already flowing under his cruel infliction; his stern purpose failed him. He said, "Why, Tom,I didn't think I had cut so bad," saying he stopped, told me put on my shirt again. I did as he bade me, although my coarse shirt touching my raw back put me a cruel pain. He then went out, I got my book hid it safely away before he came again. When I went the house, my wounds had dried, I in an agony pain. My mistress told servant girl, Rachel help me off with my shirt, to wash my wounds me, put on them some sweet oil. The shirt dried my back so it could not be got off without tearing off some the skin with it. The pain, upon doing this, greater even than I had endured from my cruel whipping. After Rachel had got my shirt off, my mistress asked me what I had done which my master had whipped me so severely. I told her he had accused me stealing when I had not, then had whipped me make me own it.

While Rachel putting on sweet oil my master came I could hear mistress scolding him giving me such an inhuman beating, when I had done nothing. He said reply, Tom an obstinate liar, was reason why he had whipped me.

But I got well my mangled back, my book still left. This my best, my constant friend. With great eagerness, I snatched every moment I could get, morning, noon night, study. I had begun read; oh, how I loved study, to dwell on thoughts which I gained from reading. About this time, I read piece my book about God. It said "God, who sees knows all our thoughts, loves good makes them happy; while he is angry with bad, will punish them all their sins." This made me feel very unhappy, because I sure I not good the sight God. I thought about this, could'nt get it out my mind single hour. So I went James Galley, colored man, who exhorted slaves sometimes on Sunday, told him my trouble, asking, "what shall I do?" He told me about Jesus, told me I must pray Lord forgive me help me be good happy. So I went home, went down cellar prayed, I found no relief, no comfort my unhappy mind. I felt so bad I could not study my book. My master saw I looked very unhappy, he asked me what ailed me. I did not dare now tell lie, I wanted be good, I might be happy. So I told my master just how it with me; then he swore terribly at me, said he would whip me if I did not give over praying. He said there no heaven no hell, that Christians all hypocrites, that there nothing after this life, that he would not permit me go moping round, praying going the meetings. I told him I could not help praying, then he cursed me a great passion, declared he would whip me if he knew my going on any more that foolish way. The next night I to meeting,

which led by Jack Cammon free colored man, a class leader the Methodist Church. I so much overcome by my feelings, I staid very late. They prayed me, I did not yet find any relief; I still very unhappy. The next morning, my master came asked me if I went night before the meeting. I told him truth. He said,"didn't I tell I would whip if went nigh these meetings, did n't I tell to stop this foolish praying?" I told him he did, if he would, why, he might whip me, still I could not stop praying, because I wanted be good, I might be happy go heaven. This reply made my master very angry. With many bitter oaths, he said he had promised me whipping, now he should be as good as his word. And so he He whipped me, then forbade, with bitter threatenings, my praying any more, especially my going again meeting. This Friday morning. I continued pray comfort peace. The next Sunday I went meeting. The minister preached sermon on being born again, from words Jesus Nicodemus.All this alone deepened my trouble mind. I returned home very unhappy. Collins free man color, at meeting, told my master I there. So, on Monday morning my master whipped me again, once more forbade my going meetings praying. The next Sunday there a class meeting, led by Binney Pennison colored free man. I asked my master, towards night, if I might go out. I told him I did not feel well. I wanted go the class meeting. Without asking me where I going, he said I might go. I went the class. I staid very late, I so overcome by my feelings, I could not go home night. So they carried me Joseph Jones' cabin, slave Mr. Jones. Joseph talked prayed with me nearly all night. In morning I went home as soon as it light, fear master, I asked Nancy, one the slaves, go into mistress's room

get store key me, I might go open store. My master told her go back tell me come up. I obeyed with many fears. My master asked me where I had been night before. I told him whole truth. He cursed me again, said he should whip me my obstinate disobedience; he declared he would kill me if I did not promise obey him. He refused listen my mistress, who a professor, who tried intercede me. And, just as soon as he had finished threatening me with what he would do, he ordered me take key go open store. When he came into store morning, two his neighbors, Julius Dumbiven McCauslin,came too. He called me up asked me again where I staid last night. I told him with his boy, Joseph. He said he knew was lie; he immediately sent off Joseph confirm his suspicions. He ordered me strip off my clothes, as I did so, he took down cow-hide, heavy stiff with blood which he had before drawn from my body with cruel weapon, which congealed upon it. Dumbiven professed be Christian, he now came forward, earnestly interceded me, to no purpose, then he left. McCauslin asked my master, if he did not know a slave worth more money after he became pious than he before. And why then, he said, should forbid Tom going meetings praying? He replied, religion all damned mockery, he not going have any his slaves praying whining round about their souls. McCauslin then left. Joseph came told same story about night before I had done; then he began beg master not whip me. He cursed him drove him off. He then whipped me with great severity, inflicting terrible pain at every blow upon my quivering body, which still very tender from recent lacerations. My suffering so great, it seemed me I should die. He paused at length, asked me would I mind him stop

praying. I told him I could not promise him not pray any more, I felt I must should pray as long as I lived. "Well, then, Tom," he said, "I swear I will whip to death." I told him I could not help myself, if he determined kill me, that I must pray while I lived. He then began whip me second time, soon stopped, threw down bloody cowhide, told me go wash myself the river, just back the store, then dress myself, if I determined be fool, why, I must be one. My mistress now interceded earnestly me with my cruel master. The next Sabbath love feast, I felt very anxious join that feast. This I could not do without paper from my master, so I asked mistress help me. She advised me be patient, said she would help me all she could. Master refused give any paper, so I could not join the love feast next day.

On next Friday evening, I went the prayer meeting. Jack Cammon there, opened meeting with prayer. Then Binney Pennison gave out sweet hymn, which begins these words:

"Come ye sinners, poor needy, Weak wounded, sick sore."

I felt it all applied most sweetly my condition, I said my heart, I will come now Jesus, trust him. So when those who felt anxious requested come forward kneel within altar prayer, I came knelt down. While Jacob Cammon praying me, those who knelt by my side, my burden sorrow, which had so long weighed me down, removed. I felt glory God's love warming my heart, making me very happy. I shouted aloud joy, tried tell all my poor slave brothers sisters, who in house, what dear Saviour I had found, how happy I felt his precious love. Binney Pennison asked me if I could forgive my master. I told him I could,

did, that I could pray God forgive him, too, make him good man. He asked me if I could tell my master the change my feelings. I told him I should tell him the morning. "And what," he said "will do if he whips still praying going meeting?" I said I will ask Jesus help me bear pain, to forgive my master being so wicked. He then said, "Well, then, Brother Jones, I believe you a Christian."

A good many us went from meeting a brother's cabin, where we began express our joy happy songs. The palace General Dudley only little way off, he soon sent over slave with orders stop our noise, he would send patrolers upon us. We then stopped our singing spent remainder the night talking, rejoicing praying. It a night very great happiness me. The contrast between my feelings then, for many weeks previous, very great. Now, all bright joyous my relations towards my precious Saviour. I felt certain Jesus my Saviour, in this blessed assurance flood glory joy filled my happy soul. But this sweet night passed away, as morning came, I felt I must go home, bear slave's heavy cross. I went, told my mistress blessed change my feelings. She promised me what aid she could give me with my master, enjoined upon me be patient very faithful his interest, this way, I should at length wear out his opposition my praying going meeting.

I went down the store a very happy state mind. I told James my feelings. He called me fool, said master would be sure whip me. I told him I hoped I should be able bear it, to forgive master his cruelty me. Master came down, talked with me while, told me he should whip me because I had disobeyed him staying out all night. He had told me he should whip me if ever I did so, he should make every promise good. So I began take off my clothes. He called me crazy fool,

told me keep my clothes on till he told me take them off. He whipped me over my jacket; I enjoyed so much peace mind I scarcely felt cow-hide. This the last whipping Mr. Jones inflicted upon me.

I then nearly eighteen years old. I waited begged a paper join church six months before I could get it. But all this time I cheerful, as far as slave can be, very earnest do all I could do my master mistress. I resolved convince them I happier better being Christian; my master at last acknowledged he could not find any fault with my conduct, that it impossible find more faithful slave than I to him. And so, at last, he gave me paper Ben English leader the colored members, I joined love feast, was taken into church on trial six months. I put into Billy Cochrane's class. At expiration six months, I received into Church full fellowship, Quaker Davis'class. I remained there three years. My master much kinder after this time than he had ever been before; I allowed some more time myself than I had been before. I pursued my studies as far as I could, I soon found utter impossibility carrying on my studies as I wished do. I a slave, all avenues real improvement I found guarded with jealous care cruel tenacity against despised desolated bondman.

I still felt longing desire improve, be free, the conviction getting hold my soul I only struggling vain when seeking elevate myself into manly happy position. And now my mind fast sinking into despair. I could read write, often enjoyed much happiness poring over very few books I could obtain; especially, at times, I found great peace reading my old worn Testament. But I wanted now hope which had filled my mind with such joy when I first began learn read. I found much happiness prayer. But here, also, my

mind labored sadness darkness much the time. I read my Testament Jesus came from bright heaven his glory into this selfish cruel world seek to save lost. I read pondered with deep earnestness on blessed rule heavenly love which Jesus declared be whole man's duty his fellow: each treat his brother as he would be treated. I thought the command given the followers the loving Savior, teach all nations obey blessed precepts the gospel. I considered eighteen hundred years had gone by since Jesus plead man's redemption salvation, going up heaven, had left His work mercy be finished by His children, then I thought I thousands my brothers sisters, loving Lord pressing on a blessed endless home His presence, slaves branded, whipped, chained; deeply, hopelessly degraded, thus degraded outraged, too, a land Bibles Sabbaths Churches, by professed followers the Lord Love. And often, such thoughts too much me. In an agony despair, I have at times given up prayer hope together, believing my master's words true, "religion is cursed mockery, the Bible lie." May God forgive me doubting, at such times, His justice love. There but one thing saved me from going at once fully into dark infidelity, when such agony assailed my bleeding heart, memory season's unspeakable joy prayer, when Love Faith strong my heart. The sweet remembrance these dear hours would draw me back Jesus to peace his mercy. Oh all true Christians knew just how slave feels view the religion this country, by whose sanction men women bound, branded, bought sold!

About this time my master taken sick. On Sunday he prostrated by mortal pains; on Friday same week he died. He left fifteen slaves; I purchased by Owen Holmes $435. I then my twenty-third year. I had just passed through

darkest season despairing agony I had yet known. This came upon me consequence the visit, which I have already described, my dear old desolate home. About this time, too, I entered on new distinct period life, which I will unfold another chapter. I will close this period sorrow shame with few lines touching interest my mind.

Who shall avenge slave? I stood cried; The earth, earth, echoing sea replied. I turned me the ocean, each wave Declined be avenger the slave. Who shall avenge slave? my species cried; The winds, flood, lightnings the sky. I turned these, from them one echo ran, The right avenger the slave is man. Man my fellow; his sight I stood, Wept besought him by voice blood. Sternly he looked, as proud on earth he trod, Then said, avenger the slave is GOD. I looked prayer towards Heaven, while 'twas still, And then methought, God's voice replied, I WILL. ------------

CHAPTER SECOND.

I enter now upon new development wrongs woes which I, as slave, called undergo. I must go back some two three years from time when my master died, I sold Owen Holmes.The bitterness persecution which master Jones had kept up against me so long, because I would try serve Lord, had passed away. I permitted pray go our meetings without molestation. My master laid aside his terrible severity towards me. By his treatment me afterwards, he seemed feel he had done wrong scourging me as he had done, because I could not obey his wicked command, stop praying, keep away from meetings. For, after time my joining Church, he allowed me go all meetings, granted me many other little favors, which I had never before received from him. About this time I began feel very lonely. I wanted

friend whom I could tell my story sorrows, unsatisfied longing, new fondly cherished plans. I wanted companion whom I could love with all my warm affections, who should love me return with true fervent heart, whom I might think when toiling a selfish, unfeeling master, who shall dwell fondly on my memory when we separated during severe labors the day, with whom I might enjoy blessed happiness social endearments after work each day over. My heart yearned have home, if it only wretched home the unprotected slave, have wife love me to love. It seems me no one can have such fondness love such intensity desire home home affections, as poor slave. Despised trampled upon by cruel race unfeeling men, bondman must die the prime his wretched life, if he finds no refuge a dear home, where love sympathy shall meet him from hearts made sacred him by his own irrepressible affection tenderness them. And so I sought love win true heart return. I did this too, with full knowledge the desperate agony the slave husband father is exposed Had I not seen this the anguish my own parents? Yea, I saw it every public auction, where men women children brought upon block, examined, bought. I saw it on such occasions, the hopeless agony depicted on countenance husband wife there separated meet no more this cruel world; in screams wild despair useless entreaty which mother, then deprived her darling child, sent forth. I heard doom which stares every slave parent the face each waking sleeping hour an unhappy life. And yet I sought become husband a father, because I felt I could live no longer unloved unloving. I married Lucilla Smith, slave Mrs Moore. We called it we considered it true marriage, although we knew well marriage not permitted the slaves as sacred right the loving heart. Lucilla seventeen years old