Slave Life in Georgia - African American History

Slave Life in Georgia 52
ignorant as I was, they would have felt quite as much alarmed, I am sure.
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CHAPTER XI.
FORTUNE AND MISFORTUNE.
WHEN I look back upon the events of my life, I fancy I can perceive the
directing hand of Providence in all that befelme at this particular time. My very
ignorance may have proved one means of my safety, for if I had not been
terrified into abandoning my raft, I do not see how I could have escaped again
speedily falling into the hands of my enemies. The circumstances of my escape
show me now, that every thing worked together for my ultimate good, though I
did not, at the time, think so, nor easily reconcile myself to the various
misfortunes which befelme, and delayed my obtaining my freedom.
Had it been broad day instead of quite dark, when I left my raft to be carried
away by the current, my appearance in Paducah would certainly had led to my
re-capture. I was dirty and miserable-looking from fatigue, travelling, and want
of sufficient food, and my clothes were all worn and ragged. I got into the town,
however,
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at an hour when few people were about, and it was easier for me to avoid them.
After resting to take breath, I determined to look out for a barber's shop. In the
United States, the barbers are generally coloured men, and I concluded I should
be in safer hands with one of my own race. So I strolled about, up and down the
streets, peeping in at doors and windows, until at length I found what I was
seeking. After a moment's hesitation I knocked gently at the door. It was
presently opened by a black man, who no sooner saw me, than he understood by
my looks that I wanted assistance. He at once invited me in, and immediately
closed and fastened the door.
Having made me take a seat he asked me which way I was going.
"My master's gone down to New Orleans," I said, "and I want to join him
again."
24.03.2006