Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 23
after trimming them up neatly with his pocketknife,
he ordered me to take off my clothes. I
made him no answer, but stood with my clothes
on. He repeated his order. I still made him no
answer, nor did I move to strip myself. Upon
this he rushed at me with the fierceness of a
tiger, tore off my clothes, and lashed me till he
had worn out his switches, cutting me so savagely
as to leave the marks visible for a long time after.
This whipping was the first of a number just like
it, and for similar offenses."
After the affair just narrated, Frederick's sufferings
were increased, and he was driven to such
desperation by the treatment of Covey, that he
determined to defend himself. In the next encounter
which they had Covey was handled so
roughly by the young man that he never again
raised his hand against him. This conflict with
Covey had a most inspiring effect upon the
youth. By resistance he asserted his manhood,
increased his own self-respect, and confidence in
himself. From this day on he was never whipped
while in slavery, though he had several fights.
Leaving Covey in January, 1834, Frederick
went to live with Mr. William Freeland, whom he
found to be a very good man. He for more than
a year after that time conducted a Sabbathschool,
where he taught his fellow slaves to read.
He also devoted three evenings in each week to a