Slave Life in Georgia - African American History

Slave Life in Georgia 84
24.03.2006
"spell" at the table, had lasted two hours from the time we sat down.
I was then conducted into a safe retreat, where there was a comfortable bed
provided for me,
Page 161
into which I got, and soon fell asleep. I slept until I was awakened at three in the
afternoon, when I was taken down to dinner. After that we sat and chatted until
supper-time, and then I went to bed again. In the middle of the night I awoke,
and finding myself in a strange place, became alarmed. It was a clear, starlight
night, and I could see the walls of my room, and the curtains all of a dazzling
whiteness around me. I felt so singularly happy, however, notwithstanding the
fear I was in, at not being able to make out where I was, that I could only
conclude I was in a dream, or a vision, and for some minutes I could not rid my
mind of this idea. At last I became alive to the truth; that I was in a friend's
house, and that I really was free and safe.
I had never learnt to pray; but if what passed in my heart that night was not
prayer, I am sure I shall never pray as long as I live.
I cannot describe the blessed happiness I enjoyed in my benefactor's family,
during the time I remained there, which was from the Friday morning to the
Saturday night week. So happy I never can be again, because I do not think the
circumstances in which I may be placed, will ever be of a nature to excite
similar feelings in my breast.
Page 162
At length the time came for me to go, though I was not previously told it was
necessary for my own safety that I should quit my benefactors. On the Saturday
afternoon week, there had been some talk of the camp of the coloured people,
near, where they met for worship, and I was asked, quite cursorily, whether I
would like to go and see it. I answered in the affirmative. When it was quite
dark--perhaps it might be eight o'clock--I was called out to the door, as if to go
and see the camp. There I saw three saddle-horses, on one of which one of the
old gentleman's sons was mounted, holding the second horse by the bridle. The
other son held the third horse, and was dismounted.
"Friend John," he said, "it is not safe for thee to stay any longer; nor for us to
keep thee. Come, jump up."