Slave Life in Georgia - African American History

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Slave Life in Georgia 82 I HAD been instructed by my friend to seek out a certain coloured man, on my arrival at the town in which I now was, and where there was a considerable settlement of Quakers. He had given me a very precise description of the spot where his house stood, and by what signs I should know it. Accordingly I lost no time in seeking it, and soon found it out. My new friend was at home, and on my making myself known to him, which I did by mentioning the name of our mutual acquaintance, he knew what I wanted. He then gave me directions to go to a certain house, which he pointed out to me, where I should be in safety. He could not accompany me, as that would have been imprudent, and have exposed him to danger. I made straight for the place, and, on being seen, was instantly taken in. Between nine and ten months had now elapsed since I left De Cator Stevens', the whole of which Page 158 time had been one of sore trial to me. Having, however, brought my readers with me to a place of rest, I wish to dwell a little on this part of my history, for what happened to me here, forms an era in my life. I was introduced by two sturdy young men to their father, as "another of the travellers bound to the North Star." The old man laid a hand upon my shoulder, and taking my other hand in his, gave me a welcome, and then conducting me into the parlour, introduced me to his wife. It was now past sun-rise, and they were about going to breakfast. I was, however, taken to an upper room, where I had a good wash, in a white basin, and where clean linen and a complete suit of clothes were brought to me. After refreshing myself by this wholesome change, I was re-conducted to the parlour, and seated at the table. It was the first time in my life I had found myself in such grand company. I was so completely abashed, and felt so out of my element, that I had no eyes, no ears, no understanding. I was quite bewildered. As to eating, it was out of the question. "Come, friend John Brown, thee must eat," said the kind old lady, heaping my plate up with Page 159 24.03.2006
Slave Life in Georgia 83 24.03.2006 fried ham and eggs. "Thee need'nt be afraid of eating." "I'm sure thee must be hungry," added the old gentleman, handing me a great chunk of bread. "Eat away, and don't thee be afraid. We have plenty more in the house." But it was all of no use, and though an hour or even half an hour before, I had felt that I could devour any thing, the smoking coffee, ham, eggs, and sausages, and the nice white bread could not tempt me. For a good half hour this continued: they pressing me to eat, and I quite unable to do so. At last I began, and picked a bit now and then, receiving encouragement as my courage seemed to increase. My appetite came with my courage, and then--oh! how I did eat! I fear my readers may think I exaggerate when I tell them that "I ate straight on for an entire hour, quite steady." I demolished all the ham and eggs and sausages they placed before me, with their due accompaniment of bread, and then a round of cold salt beef was brought up, from which I was helped abundantly. I could not but notice the looks of my new friends. The old gentleman would cough and wipe his eyes now and then, Page 160 and the younger folks keep exchanging glances with one another. The old lady, fearing I should do myself an injury, made several ineffectual attempts to draw my attention off. "Friend John Brown, we wish to talk with thee, as soon as thou can," she said; "we want to hear all about thee." "Yes, ma'am," I answered, without leaving off: "you can go on, ma'am; I can talk and eat too." I dare not say how long I might have gone on. I had not eaten a meal for so long, that now it seemed as though I never could satisfy my craving. At last the old lady said, decidedly: "Friend, John Brown, thee must n't take it unkindly, but thee must n't eat any more now. Thou can'st have some more in the day-time if thou like; but thou wilt make thyself ill, if thou take more now." And so I was obliged to give in. A chapter from the Scriptures was read after breakfast, which, including my
Page 1 and 2:
Slave Life in Georgia 1 24.03.2006
Page 3 and 4:
Slave Life in Georgia 3 and to prom
Page 5 and 6:
Page 7 and 8:
Slave Life in Georgia 7 By about tw
Page 9 and 10:
Page 11 and 12:
Slave Life in Georgia 11 many women
Page 13 and 14:
Slave Life in Georgia 13 auction. T
Page 15 and 16:
Page 17 and 18:
Slave Life in Georgia 17 Page 28 es
Page 19 and 20:
Page 21 and 22:
Page 23 and 24:
Slave Life in Georgia 23 have a wif
Page 25 and 26:
Slave Life in Georgia 25 cannot rem
Page 27 and 28:
Slave Life in Georgia 27 to to say,
Page 29 and 30:
Slave Life in Georgia 29 Page 53 CH
Page 31 and 32: Slave Life in Georgia 31 Page 57 ag
Page 33 and 34: Slave Life in Georgia 33 but he sti
Page 35 and 36: Slave Life in Georgia 35 24.03.2006
Page 37 and 38: Slave Life in Georgia 37 DE CATOR S
Page 41 and 42: Slave Life in Georgia 41 his fees;
Page 43 and 44: Slave Life in Georgia 43 the chance
Page 45 and 46: Slave Life in Georgia 45 day, in fe
Page 47 and 48: Slave Life in Georgia 47 any descri
Page 55 and 56: Slave Life in Georgia 55 crowd, inc
Page 57 and 58: Slave Life in Georgia 57 in, and pr
Page 67 and 68: Slave Life in Georgia 67 and we got
Page 69 and 70: Slave Life in Georgia 69 witnessed
Page 71 and 72: Slave Life in Georgia 71 I have sta
Page 73 and 74: Slave Life in Georgia 73 chapel, wh
Page 77 and 78: Slave Life in Georgia 77 "Well, old
Page 79 and 80: Slave Life in Georgia 79 keeping by
Page 81: Slave Life in Georgia 81 the Underg
Page 89 and 90: Slave Life in Georgia 89 1851. Page
Page 91 and 92: Slave Life in Georgia 91 overseer,
Page 93 and 94: Slave Life in Georgia 93 bag. In th
Page 97 and 98: Slave Life in Georgia 97 eight inch
Page 99 and 100: Slave Life in Georgia 99 they 24.03
Page 101 and 102: Slave Life in Georgia 101 the day t
Page 103 and 104: Slave Life in Georgia 103 them "Sal
Page 107 and 108: Slave Life in Georgia 107 have been
Page 109 and 110: Slave Life in Georgia 109 Ohio. Lak
Page 111 and 112: Slave Life in Georgia 111 A word no
Page 115 and 116: Slave Life in Georgia 115 in Ohio S
Page 117 and 118: Slave Life in Georgia 117 convenien
Page 119 and 120: Slave Life in Georgia 119 in my gri
Page 121 and 122: Slave Life in Georgia 121 declarant
Page 123 and 124: Slave Life in Georgia 123 him to hi
Page 125 and 126: Slave Life in Georgia 125 SAMUEL BA
Page 127 and 128: Slave Life in Georgia 127 Although
Page 129 and 130: Slave Life in Georgia 129 testimoni
Page 131 and 132: Slave Life in Georgia 131 streets o
show all

Slave Life in Georgia - African American History

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?