The Project Gutenberg EBook of Twelve Years a Slave, by … · 2019. 8. 2. · The Project Gutenberg EBook of Twelve Years a Slave, by Solomon Northup This eBook is for the use of

TheProjectGutenbergEBookofTwelveYearsaSlave,bySolomonNorthup

ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwith

almostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayor

re-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincluded

withthiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.org

Title:TwelveYearsaSlave

NarrativeofSolomonNorthup,aCitizenofNew-York,

KidnappedinWashingtonCityin1841,andRescuedin1853,

fromaCottonPlantationneartheRedRiverinLouisiana

Author:SolomonNorthup

ReleaseDate:May11,2014[EBook#45631]

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKTWELVEYEARSASLAVE***

ProducedbyRichardJ.ShifferandtheDistributed

Proofreadingvolunteersathttp://www.pgdp.netforProject

Gutenberg.(Thisfilewasproducedfromimagesgenerously

madeavailablebyTheInternetArchive.)

Transcriber’sNoteEveryefforthasbeenmadetoreplicatethistextasfaithfullyaspossible,includingobsoleteandvariantspellingsandotherinconsistencies.Textthathasbeenchangedisnotedattheendofthisebook.

Thecoverimagewascreatedbythetranscriberandisplacedinthepublicdomain.FIFTHTHOUSAND.

TWELVEYEARSASLAVE.

N A R RAT I V EOF

S O LOMON NORTHU P,ACITIZENOFNEW-YORK,

KIDNAPPEDINWASHINGTONCITYIN1841,AND

RESCUEDIN1853,

FROMACOTTONPLANTATIONNEARTHEREDRIVER,

INLOUISIANA.

AUBURN:DERBY AND M I L L E R .

BUFFALO:DERBY, O RTON AND MUL L I GAN .

LONDON:SAMPSONLOW,SON&COMPANY,47LUDGATEHILL.

1853.

EnteredaccordingtoActofCongress,intheyearonethousandeighthundredand

fifty-three,byD E R B Y A N D M I L L E R,

IntheClerk’sOfficeoftheDistrictCourtoftheNorthernDistrictofNew-York.

ENTEREDINLONDONATSTATIONERS’HALL.

TOHARRIETBEECHERSTOWE:

WHOSENAME,

THROUGHOUTTHEWORLD,ISIDENTIFIEDWITHTHE

GREATREFORM:THISNARRATIVE,AFFORDINGANOTHER

KeytoUncleTom’sCabin,I S R E S P E C T F U L LY D E D I C AT ED

“Suchdupesarementocustom,andsoprone

Toreverencewhatisancient,andcanplead

Acourseoflongobservanceforitsuse,

Thatevenservitude,theworstofills,

Becausedelivereddownfromsiretoson,

Iskeptandguardedasasacredthing.

Butisitfit,orcanitbeartheshock

Ofrationaldiscussion,thataman

Compoundedandmadeup,likeothermen,

Ofelementstumultuous,inwhomlust

Andfollyinasamplemeasuremeet,

Asinthebosomoftheslaveherules,

Shouldbeadespotabsolute,andboast

Himselftheonlyfreemanofhisland?”

Cowper.

CONTENTS.

PAGE.EDITOR’SPREFACE,

15

CHAPTERI.Introductory—Ancestry—TheNorthupFamily—BirthandParentage—MintusNorthup—MarriagewithAnneHampton—GoodResolutions—ChamplainCanal—RaftingExcursiontoCanada—Farming—TheViolin—Cooking—RemovaltoSaratoga—ParkerandPerry—SlavesandSlavery—TheChildren—TheBeginningofSorrow,

17

CHAPTERII.ThetwoStrangers—TheCircusCompany—DeparturefromSaratoga—VentriloquismandLegerdemain—JourneytoNew-York—FreePapers—BrownandHamilton—ThehastetoreachtheCircus—ArrivalinWashington—FuneralofHarrison—TheSuddenSickness—TheTormentofThirst—TheRecedingLight—Insensibility—ChainsandDarkness,

28

CHAPTERIII.PainfulMeditations—JamesH.Burch—Williams’SlavePeninWashington—TheLackey,Radburn—AssertmyFreedom—TheAngeroftheTrader—ThePaddleandCat-o’-nine-tails—TheWhipping—NewAcquaintances—Ray,Williams,andRandall—ArrivalofLittleEmilyandherMotherinthePen—MaternalSorrows—TheStoryofEliza,

40

CHAPTERIV.Eliza’sSorrows—PreparationtoEmbark—DrivenThroughtheStreetsofWashington—Hail,Columbia—TheTombofWashington—ClemRay—TheBreakfastontheSteamer—ThehappyBirds—AquiaCreek—Fredericksburgh—ArrivalinRichmond—GoodinandhisSlavePen—Robert,ofCincinnati—DavidandhisWife—MaryandLethe—Clem’sReturn—HissubsequentEscapetoCanada—TheBrigOrleans—JamesH.Burch,

54

CHAPTERV.ArrivalatNorfolk—FrederickandMaria—Arthur,theFreeman—AppointedSteward—Jim,Cuffee,andJenny—TheStorm—BahamaBanks—TheCalm—TheConspiracy—TheLongBoat—TheSmall-Pox—DeathofRobert—Manning,theSailor—TheMeetingintheForecastle—TheLetter—ArrivalatNew-Orleans—Arthur’sRescue—TheophilusFreeman,theConsignee—Platt—FirstNightintheNew-OrleansSlavePen,

65

CHAPTERVI.

Freeman’sIndustry—CleanlinessandClothes—ExercisingintheShowRoom—TheDance—Bob,theFiddler—ArrivalofCustomers—SlavesExamined—TheOldGentlemanofNew-Orleans—SaleofDavid,Caroline,andLethe—PartingofRandallandEliza—Small-Pox—TheHospital—RecoveryandReturntoFreeman’sSlavePen—ThePurchaserofEliza,Harry,andPlatt—Eliza’sAgonyonPartingfromLittleEmily,

78

CHAPTERVII.TheSteamboatRodolph—DeparturefromNew-Orleans—WilliamFord—ArrivalatAlexandria,onRedRiver—Resolutions—TheGreatPineWoods—WildCattle—Martin’sSummerResidence—TheTexasRoad—ArrivalatMasterFord’s—Rose—MistressFord—SallyandherChildren—John,theCook—Walter,Sam,andAntony—TheMillsonIndianCreek—SabbathDays—Sam’sConversion—TheProfitofKindness—Rafting—AdamTaydem,theLittleWhiteMan—CascallaandhisTribe—TheIndianBall—JohnM.Tibeats—TheStormapproaching,

89

CHAPTERVIII.Ford’sEmbarrassments—TheSaletoTibeats—TheChattelMortgage—MistressFord’sPlantationonBayouBœuf—DescriptionoftheLatter—Ford’sBrother-in-law,PeterTanner—MeetingwithEliza—ShestillMournsforherChildren—Ford’sOverseer,Chapin—Tibeats’Abuse—TheKegofNails—TheFirstFightwithTibeats—HisDiscomfitureandCastigation—TheattempttoHangme—Chapin’sInterferenceandSpeech—UnhappyReflections—AbruptDepartureofTibeats,Cook,andRamsey—LawsonandtheBrownMule—MessagetothePineWoods,

105

CHAPTERIX.TheHotSun—Yetbound—TheCordssinkintomyFlesh—Chapin’sUneasiness—Speculation—Rachel,andherCupofWater—Sufferingincreases—TheHappinessofSlavery—ArrivalofFord—HecutstheCordswhichbindme,andtakestheRopefrommyNeck—Misery—ThegatheringoftheSlavesinEliza’sCabin—TheirKindness—RachelRepeatstheOccurrencesoftheDay—LawsonentertainshisCompanionswithanAccountofhisRide—Chapin’sapprehensionsofTibeats—HiredtoPeterTanner—PeterexpoundstheScriptures—DescriptionoftheStocks,

118

CHAPTERX.ReturntoTibeats—Impossibilityofpleasinghim—HeattacksmewithaHatchet—TheStruggleovertheBroadAxe—TheTemptationtoMurderhim—EscapeacrossthePlantation—ObservationsfromtheFence—Tibeatsapproaches,followedbytheHounds—TheytakemyTrack—TheirloudYells—Theyalmostovertakeme—IreachtheWater—TheHoundsconfused—MoccasinSnakes—Alligators—Nightinthe“GreatPacoudrieSwamp”—TheSoundsofLife—North-WestCourse—EmergeintothePineWoods—SlaveandhisYoungMaster—ArrivalatFord’s—FoodandRest,

131

CHAPTERXI.TheMistress’Garden—TheCrimsonandGoldenFruit—OrangeandPomegranateTrees—ReturntoBayouBœuf—MasterFord’sRemarksontheway—TheMeeting-withTibeats—HisAccountoftheChase—FordcensureshisBrutality—ArrivalatthePlantation—AstonishmentoftheSlavesonseeingme—TheanticipatedFlogging—KentuckyJohn—Mr.

Eldret,thePlanter—Eldret’sSam—Triptothe“BigCaneBrake”—TheTraditionof“Sutton’sField”—ForestTrees—GnatsandMosquitoes—TheArrivalofBlackWomenintheBigCane—LumberWomen—SuddenAppearanceofTibeats—HisProvokingTreatment—VisittoBayouBœuf—TheSlavePass—SouthernHospitality—TheLastofEliza—SaletoEdwinEpps,

146

CHAPTERXII.PersonalAppearanceofEpps—Epps,DrunkandSober—AGlimpseofhisHistory—CottonGrowing—TheModeofPloughingandPreparingGround—OfPlanting,ofHoeing,ofPicking,ofTreatingRawHands—ThedifferenceinCottonPickers—Patseyaremarkableone—TaskedaccordingtoAbility—BeautyofaCottonField—TheSlave’sLabors—FearofApproachingtheGin-House—Weighing—“Chores”—CabinLife—TheCornMill—TheUsesoftheGourd—FearofOversleeping—Fearcontinually—ModeofCultivatingCorn—SweetPotatoes—FertilityoftheSoil—FatteningHogs—PreservingBacon—RaisingCattle—Shooting-Matches—GardenProducts—FlowersandVerdure,

162

CHAPTERXIII.TheCuriousAxe-Helve—SymptomsofapproachingIllness—Continuetodecline—TheWhipineffectual—ConfinedtotheCabin—VisitbyDr.Wines—PartialRecovery—FailureatCottonPicking—WhatmaybeheardonEpps’Plantation—LashesGraduated—EppsinaWhippingMood—EppsinaDancingMood—DescriptionoftheDance—LossofRestnoExcuse—Epps’Characteristics—JimBurns—RemovalfromHuffPowertoBayouBœuf—DescriptionofUncleAbram;ofWiley;ofAuntPhebe;ofBob,Henry,andEdward;ofPatsey;withaGenealogicalAccountofeach—SomethingoftheirPastHistory,andPeculiarCharacteristics—JealousyandLust—Patsey,theVictim,

176

CHAPTERXIV.DestructionoftheCottonCropin1845—DemandforLaborersinSt.Mary’sParish—SentthitherinaDrove—TheOrderoftheMarch—TheGrandCoteau—HiredtoJudgeTurneronBayouSalle—AppointedDriverinhisSugarHouse—SundayServices—SlaveFurniture;howobtained—ThePartyatYarney’s,inCentreville—GoodFortune—TheCaptainoftheSteamer—HisRefusaltoSecreteme—ReturntoBayouBœuf—SightofTibeats—Patsey’sSorrows—TumultandContention—HuntingtheCoonandOpossum—TheCunningofthelatter—TheLeanConditionoftheSlave—DescriptionoftheFishTrap—TheMurderoftheManfromNatchez—EppsChallengedbyMarshall—TheInfluenceofSlavery—TheLoveofFreedom,

191

CHAPTERXV.LaborsonSugarPlantations—TheModeofPlantingCane—ofHoeingCane—CaneRicks—CuttingCane—DescriptionoftheCaneKnife—Winrowing—PreparingforSucceedingCrops—DescriptionofHawkins’SugarMillonBayouBœuf—TheChristmasHolidays—TheCarnivalSeasonoftheChildrenofBondage—TheChristmasSupper—Red,theFavoriteColor—TheViolin,andtheConsolationitafforded—TheChristmasDance—Lively,theCoquette—SamRoberts,andhisRivals—SlaveSongs—SouthernLifeasitis—ThreeDaysintheYear—TheSystemofMarriage—UncleAbram’sContemptofMatrimony,

208

CHAPTERXVI.

Overseers—HowtheyareArmedandAccompanied—TheHomicide—HisExecutionatMarksville—SlaveDrivers—AppointedDriveronremovingtoBayouBœuf—Practicemakesperfect—Epps’sAttempttoCutPlatt’sThroat—TheEscapefromhim—ProtectedbytheMistress—ForbidsReadingandWriting—ObtainaSheetofPaperafterNineYears’Effort—TheLetter—Armsby,theMeanWhite—Partiallyconfideinhim—HisTreachery—Epps’Suspicions—Howtheywerequieted—BurningtheLetter—ArmsbyleavestheBayou—DisappointmentandDespair,

223

CHAPTERXVII.WileydisregardsthecounselsofAuntPhebeandUncleAbram,andiscaughtbythePatrollers—TheOrganizationandDutiesofthelatter—WileyRunsAway—Speculationsinregardtohim—HisUnexpectedReturn—HisCaptureontheRedRiver,andConfinementinAlexandriaJail—DiscoveredbyJosephB.Roberts—SubduingDogsinanticipationofEscape—TheFugitivesintheGreatPineWoods—CapturedbyAdamTaydemandtheIndians—AugustuskilledbyDogs—Nelly,Eldret’sSlaveWoman—TheStoryofCeleste—TheConcertedMovement—LewCheney,theTraitor—TheIdeaofInsurrection,

236

CHAPTERXVIII.O’Niel,theTanner—ConversationwithAuntPhebeoverheard—EppsintheTanningBusiness—StabbingofUncleAbram—TheUglyWound—EppsisJealous—PatseyisMissing—HerReturnfromShaw’s—Harriet,Shaw’sBlackWife—EppsEnraged—PatseydenieshisCharges—SheisTiedDownNakedtoFourStakes—TheInhumanFlogging—FlayingofPatsey—TheBeautyoftheDay—TheBucketofSaltWater—TheDressstiffwithBlood—PatseygrowsMelancholy—HerIdeaofGodandEternity—OfHeavenandFreedom—TheEffectofSlave-Whipping—Epps’OldestSon—“TheChildisFathertotheMan,”

250

CHAPTERXIX.Avery,onBayouRouge—PeculiarityofDwellings—EppsbuildsaNewHouse—Bass,theCarpenter—HisNobleQualities—HisPersonalAppearanceandEccentricities—BassandEppsdiscusstheQuestionofSlavery—Epps’OpinionofBass—Imakemyselfknowntohim—OurConversation—HisSurprise—TheMidnightMeetingontheBayouBank—Bass’Assurances—DeclaresWaragainstSlavery—WhyIdidnotDisclosemyHistory—BasswritesLetters—CopyofhisLettertoMessrs.ParkerandPerry—TheFeverofSuspense—Disappointments—Bassendeavorstocheerme—MyFaithinhim,

263

CHAPTERXX.Bassfaithfultohisword—HisArrivalonChristmasEve—TheDifficultyofObtaininganInterview—TheMeetingintheCabin—Non-arrivaloftheLetter—BassannounceshisIntentiontoproceedNorth—Christmas—ConversationbetweenEppsandBass—YoungMistressMcCoy,theBeautyofBayouBœuf—The“Neplusultra”ofDinners—MusicandDancing—PresenceoftheMistress—HerExceedingBeauty—TheLastSlaveDance—WilliamPierce—Oversleepmyself—TheLastWhipping—Despondency—ColdMorning—Epps’Threats—ThePassingCarriage—StrangersapproachingthroughtheCotton-Field—LastHouronBayouBœuf,

279

CHAPTERXXI.TheLetterreachesSaratoga—IsforwardedtoAnne—IslaidbeforeHenryB.Northup—The

StatuteofMay14,1840—ItsProvisions—Anne’sMemorialtotheGovernor—TheaffidavitsAccompanyingit—SenatorSoule’sLetter—DepartureoftheAgentappointedbytheGovernor—ArrivalatMarksville—TheHon.JohnP.Waddill—TheConversationonNew-YorkPolitics—ItsuggestsaFortunateIdea—TheMeetingwithBass—TheSecretout—LegalProceedingsinstituted—DepartureofNorthupandtheSherifffromMarksvilleforBayouBœuf—ArrangementsontheWay—ReachEpps’Plantation—DiscoverhisSlavesintheCotton-Field—TheMeeting—TheFarewell,

289

CHAPTERXXII.ArrivalinNew-Orleans—GlimpseofFreeman—Genois,theRecorder—HisDescriptionofSolomon—ReachCharlestonInterruptedbyCustomHouseOfficers—PassthroughRichmond—ArrivalinWashington—BurchArrested—ShekelsandThorn—TheirTestimony—BurchAcquitted—ArrestofSolomon—BurchwithdrawstheComplaint—TheHigherTribunal—DeparturefromWashington—ArrivalatSandyHill—OldFriendsandFamiliarScenes—ProceedtoGlensFalls—MeetingwithAnne,Margaret,andElizabeth—SolomonNorthupStaunton—Incidents—Conclusion,

310

APPENDIX,323

LISTOFILLUSTRATIONS.

PORTRAITOFSOLOMONINHISPLANTATIONSUITSCENEINTHESLAVEPENATWASHINGTON,SEPARATIONOFELIZAANDHERLASTCHILD,CHAPINRESCUESSOLOMONFROMHANGING,THESTAKINGOUTANDFLOGGINGOFTHEGIRLPATSEY,SCENEINTHECOTTONFIELD,ANDSOLOMON’SDELIVERY,ARRIVALHOME,ANDFIRSTMEETINGWITHHISWIFEANDCHILDREN,

EDITOR’SPREFACE.

Whentheeditorcommencedthepreparationofthefollowingnarrative,hedidnotsupposeitwouldreachthesizeofthisvolume.Inorder,however,topresentallthefactswhichhavebeencommunicatedtohim,ithasseemednecessarytoextendittoitspresentlength.

Manyofthestatementscontainedinthefollowingpagesarecorroboratedbyabundantevidence—othersrestentirelyuponSolomon’sassertion.Thathehasadheredstrictlytothetruth,theeditor,atleast,whohashadanopportunityofdetectinganycontradictionordiscrepancyinhisstatements,iswellsatisfied.Hehasinvariablyrepeatedthesamestorywithoutdeviatingintheslightestparticular,andhasalsocarefullyperusedthemanuscript,dictatinganalterationwhereverthemosttrivialinaccuracyhasappeared.

ItwasSolomon’sfortune,duringhiscaptivity,tobeownedbyseveralmasters.Thetreatmenthereceivedwhileatthe“PineWoods”showsthatamongslaveholderstherearemenofhumanityaswellasofcruelty.Someofthemarespokenofwithemotionsofgratitude—othersinaspiritofbitterness.ItisbelievedthatthefollowingaccountofhisexperienceonBayouBœufpresentsacorrectpictureofSlavery,inallitslightsandshadows,asitnowexistsinthatlocality.Unbiased,asheconceives,byanyprepossessionsorprejudices,theonlyobjectoftheeditorhasbeentogiveafaithfulhistoryofSolomonNorthup’slife,ashereceiveditfromhislips.

Intheaccomplishmentofthatobject,hetrustshehassucceeded,notwithstandingthenumerousfaultsofstyleandofexpressionitmaybefoundtocontain.

DAVIDWILSON.

WHITEHALL,N.Y.,May,1853.

NARRAT I V E O F S O L OMONNORTHU P.

CHAPTERI .

INTRODUCTORY—ANCESTRY—THENORTHUPFAMILY—BIRTHANDPARENTAGE—MINTUSNORTHUP—MARRIAGEWITHANNEHAMPTON—GOODRESOLUTIONS—CHAMPLAINCANAL—RAFTINGEXCURSIONTOCANADA—FARMING—THEVIOLIN—COOKING—REMOVALTOSARATOGA—PARKERANDPERRY—SLAVESANDSLAVERY—THECHILDREN—THEBEGINNINGOFSORROW.

Havingbeenbornafreeman,andformorethanthirtyyearsenjoyedtheblessingsoflibertyinafreeState—andhavingattheendofthattimebeenkidnappedandsoldintoSlavery,whereIremained,untilhappilyrescuedinthemonthofJanuary,1853,afterabondageoftwelveyears—ithasbeensuggestedthatanaccountofmylifeandfortuneswouldnotbeuninterestingtothepublic.

Sincemyreturntoliberty,IhavenotfailedtoperceivetheincreasinginterestthroughouttheNorthernStates,inregardtothesubjectofSlavery.Worksoffiction,professingtoportrayitsfeaturesintheirmorepleasingaswellasmorerepugnantaspects,havebeencirculatedtoanextentunprecedented,and,asIunderstand,havecreatedafruitfultopicofcommentanddiscussion.

IcanspeakofSlaveryonlysofarasitcameundermyownobservation—onlysofarasIhaveknownandexperienceditinmyownperson.Myobjectis,togiveacandidandtruthfulstatementoffacts:torepeatthestoryofmylife,withoutexaggeration,leavingitforotherstodetermine,whethereventhepagesoffictionpresentapictureofmorecruelwrongorasevererbondage.

AsfarbackasIhavebeenabletoascertain,myancestorsonthepaternalsidewereslavesinRhodeIsland.TheybelongedtoafamilybythenameofNorthup,oneofwhom,removingtotheStateofNew-York,settledatHoosic,inRensselaercounty.HebroughtwithhimMintusNorthup,myfather.Onthedeathofthisgentleman,whichmusthaveoccurredsomefiftyyearsago,myfatherbecamefree,havingbeenemancipatedbyadirectioninhiswill.

HenryB.Northup,Esq.,ofSandyHill,adistinguishedcounseloratlaw,andthemantowhom,underProvidence,Iamindebtedformypresentliberty,andmyreturntothesocietyofmywifeandchildren,isarelativeofthefamilyinwhichmyforefatherswerethusheldtoservice,andfromwhichtheytookthenameIbear.Tothisfactmaybeattributedtheperseveringinteresthehastakeninmybehalf.

Sometimeaftermyfather’sliberation,heremovedtothetownofMinerva,

Essexcounty,N.Y.,whereIwasborn,inthemonthofJuly,1808.HowlongheremainedinthelatterplaceIhavenotthemeansofdefinitelyascertaining.FromthenceheremovedtoGranville,Washingtoncounty,nearaplaceknownasSlyborough,where,forsomeyears,helaboredonthefarmofClarkNorthup,alsoarelativeofhisoldmaster;fromthenceheremovedtotheAldenfarm,atMossStreet,ashortdistancenorthofthevillageofSandyHill;andfromthencetothefarmnowownedbyRusselPratt,situatedontheroadleadingfromFortEdwardtoArgyle,wherehecontinuedtoresideuntilhisdeath,whichtookplaceonthe22ddayofNovember,1829.Heleftawidowandtwochildren—myself,andJoseph,anelderbrother.ThelatterisstilllivinginthecountyofOswego,nearthecityofthatname;mymotherdiedduringtheperiodofmycaptivity.

Thoughbornaslave,andlaboringunderthedisadvantagestowhichmyunfortunateraceissubjected,myfatherwasamanrespectedforhisindustryandintegrity,asmanynowliving,whowellrememberhim,arereadytotestify.Hiswholelifewaspassedinthepeacefulpursuitsofagriculture,neverseekingemploymentinthosemoremenialpositions,whichseemtobeespeciallyallottedtothechildrenofAfrica.Besidesgivingusaneducationsurpassingthatordinarilybestoweduponchildreninourcondition,heacquired,byhisdiligenceandeconomy,asufficientpropertyqualificationtoentitlehimtotherightofsuffrage.Hewasaccustomedtospeaktousofhisearlylife;andalthoughatalltimescherishingthewarmestemotionsofkindness,andevenofaffectiontowardsthefamily,inwhosehousehehadbeenabondsman,heneverthelesscomprehendedthesystemofSlavery,anddweltwithsorrowonthedegradationofhisrace.Heendeavoredtoimbueourmindswithsentimentsofmorality,andtoteachustoplaceourtrustandconfidenceinHimwhoregardsthehumblestaswellasthehighestofhiscreatures.Howoftensincethattimehastherecollectionofhispaternalcounselsoccurredtome,whilelyinginaslavehutinthedistantandsicklyregionsofLouisiana,smartingwiththeundeservedwoundswhichaninhumanmasterhadinflicted,andlongingonlyforthegravewhichhadcoveredhim,toshieldmealsofromthelashoftheoppressor.Inthechurch-yardatSandyHill,anhumblestonemarksthespotwherehereposes,afterhavingworthilyperformedthedutiesappertainingtothelowlyspherewhereinGodhadappointedhimtowalk.

UptothisperiodIhadbeenprincipallyengagedwithmyfatherinthelaborsofthefarm.Theleisurehoursallowedmeweregenerallyeitheremployedovermybooks,orplayingontheviolin—anamusementwhichwastherulingpassionofmyyouth.Ithasalsobeenthesourceofconsolationsince,affordingpleasuretothesimplebeingswithwhommylotwascast,andbeguilingmyownthoughts,formanyhours,fromthepainfulcontemplation

ofmyfate.

OnChristmasday,1829,IwasmarriedtoAnneHampton,acoloredgirlthenlivinginthevicinityofourresidence.TheceremonywasperformedatFortEdward,byTimothyEddy,Esq.,amagistrateofthattown,andstillaprominentcitizenoftheplace.ShehadresidedalongtimeatSandyHill,withMr.Baird,proprietoroftheEagleTavern,andalsointhefamilyofRev.AlexanderProudfit,ofSalem.ThisgentlemanformanyyearshadpresidedoverthePresbyteriansocietyatthelatterplace,andwaswidelydistinguishedforhislearningandpiety.Annestillholdsingratefulremembrancetheexceedingkindnessandtheexcellentcounselsofthatgoodman.Sheisnotabletodeterminetheexactlineofherdescent,butthebloodofthreeracesminglesinherveins.Itisdifficulttotellwhetherthered,white,orblackpredominates.Theunionofthemall,however,inherorigin,hasgivenherasingularbutpleasingexpression,suchasisrarelytobeseen.Thoughsomewhatresembling,yetshecannotproperlybestyledaquadroon,aclasstowhich,Ihaveomittedtomention,mymotherbelonged.

Ihadjustnowpassedtheperiodofmyminority,havingreachedtheageoftwenty-oneyearsinthemonthofJulyprevious.Deprivedoftheadviceandassistanceofmyfather,withawifedependentuponmeforsupport,Iresolvedtoenteruponalifeofindustry;andnotwithstandingtheobstacleofcolor,andtheconsciousnessofmylowlystate,indulgedinpleasantdreamsofagoodtimecoming,whenthepossessionofsomehumblehabitation,withafewsurroundingacres,shouldrewardmylabors,andbringmethemeansofhappinessandcomfort.

FromthetimeofmymarriagetothisdaytheloveIhavebornemywifehasbeensincereandunabated;andonlythosewhohavefelttheglowingtendernessafathercherishesforhisoffspring,canappreciatemyaffectionforthebelovedchildrenwhichhavesincebeenborntous.ThismuchIdeemappropriateandnecessarytosay,inorderthatthosewhoreadthesepages,maycomprehendthepoignancyofthosesufferingsIhavebeendoomedtobear.

Immediatelyuponourmarriagewecommencedhouse-keeping,intheoldyellowbuildingthenstandingatthesouthernextremityofFortEdwardvillage,andwhichhassincebeentransformedintoamodernmansion,andlatelyoccupiedbyCaptainLathrop.ItisknownastheFortHouse.Inthisbuildingthecourtsweresometimeheldaftertheorganizationofthecounty.ItwasalsooccupiedbyBurgoynein1777,beingsituatedneartheoldFortontheleftbankoftheHudson.

DuringthewinterIwasemployedwithothersrepairingtheChamplainCanal,onthatsectionoverwhichWilliamVanNortwickwassuperintendent.David

McEachronhadtheimmediatechargeofthemeninwhosecompanyIlabored.Bythetimethecanalopenedinthespring,Iwasenabled,fromthesavingsofmywages,topurchaseapairofhorses,andotherthingsnecessarilyrequiredinthebusinessofnavigation.

Havinghiredseveralefficienthandstoassistme,IenteredintocontractsforthetransportationoflargeraftsoftimberfromLakeChamplaintoTroy.DyerBeckwithandaMr.Bartemy,ofWhitehall,accompaniedmeonseveraltrips.DuringtheseasonIbecameperfectlyfamiliarwiththeartandmysteriesofrafting—aknowledgewhichafterwardsenabledmetorenderprofitableservicetoaworthymaster,andtoastonishthesimple-wittedlumbermenonthebanksoftheBayouBœuf.

InoneofmyvoyagesdownLakeChamplain,IwasinducedtomakeavisittoCanada.RepairingtoMontreal,Ivisitedthecathedralandotherplacesofinterestinthatcity,fromwhenceIcontinuedmyexcursiontoKingstonandothertowns,obtainingaknowledgeoflocalities,whichwasalsoofservicetomeafterwards,aswillappeartowardsthecloseofthisnarrative.

Havingcompletedmycontractsonthecanalsatisfactorilytomyselfandtomyemployer,andnotwishingtoremainidle,nowthatthenavigationofthecanalwasagainsuspended,IenteredintoanothercontractwithMedadGunn,tocutalargequantityofwood.InthisbusinessIwasengagedduringthewinterof1831-32.

Withthereturnofspring,Anneandmyselfconceivedtheprojectoftakingafarmintheneighborhood.Ihadbeenaccustomedfromearliestyouthtoagriculturallabors,anditwasanoccupationcongenialtomytastes.IaccordinglyenteredintoarrangementsforapartoftheoldAldenfarm,onwhichmyfatherformerlyresided.Withonecow,oneswine,ayokeoffineoxenIhadlatelypurchasedofLewisBrown,inHartford,andotherpersonalpropertyandeffects,weproceededtoournewhomeinKingsbury.ThatyearIplantedtwenty-fiveacresofcorn,sowedlargefieldsofoats,andcommencedfarminguponaslargeascaleasmyutmostmeanswouldpermit.Annewasdiligentaboutthehouseaffairs,whileItoiledlaboriouslyinthefield.

Onthisplacewecontinuedtoresideuntil1834.InthewinterseasonIhadnumerouscallstoplayontheviolin.Wherevertheyoungpeopleassembledtodance,Iwasalmostinvariablythere.Throughoutthesurroundingvillagesmyfiddlewasnotorious.Anne,also,duringherlongresidenceattheEagleTavern,hadbecomesomewhatfamousasacook.Duringcourtweeks,andonpublicoccasions,shewasemployedathighwagesinthekitchenatSherrill’sCoffeeHouse.

Wealwaysreturnedhomefromtheperformanceoftheseserviceswithmoney

inourpockets;sothat,withfiddling,cooking,andfarming,wesoonfoundourselvesinthepossessionofabundance,and,infact,leadingahappyandprosperouslife.Well,indeed,wouldithavebeenforushadweremainedonthefarmatKingsbury;butthetimecamewhenthenextstepwastobetakentowardsthecrueldestinythatawaitedme.

InMarch,1834,weremovedtoSaratogaSprings.WeoccupiedahousebelongingtoDanielO’Brien,onthenorthsideofWashingtonstreet.AtthattimeIsaacTaylorkeptalargeboardinghouse,knownasWashingtonHall,atthenorthendofBroadway.Heemployedmetodriveahack,inwhichcapacityIworkedforhimtwoyears.AfterthistimeIwasgenerallyemployedthroughthevisitingseason,asalsowasAnne,intheUnitedStatesHotel,andotherpublichousesoftheplace.InwinterseasonsIrelieduponmyviolin,thoughduringtheconstructionoftheTroyandSaratogarailroad,Iperformedmanyharddays’laboruponit.

Iwasinthehabit,atSaratoga,ofpurchasingarticlesnecessaryformyfamilyatthestoresofMr.CephasParkerandMr.WilliamPerry,gentlementowardswhom,formanyactsofkindness,Ientertainedfeelingsofstrongregard.Itwasforthisreasonthat,twelveyearsafterwards,Icausedtobedirectedtothemtheletter,whichishereinafterinserted,andwhichwasthemeans,inthehandsofMr.Northup,ofmyfortunatedeliverance.

WhilelivingattheUnitedStatesHotel,Ifrequentlymetwithslaves,whohadaccompaniedtheirmastersfromtheSouth.Theywerealwayswelldressedandwellprovidedfor,leadingapparentlyaneasylife,withbutfewofitsordinarytroublestoperplexthem.ManytimestheyenteredintoconversationwithmeonthesubjectofSlavery.AlmostuniformlyIfoundtheycherishedasecretdesireforliberty.Someofthemexpressedthemostardentanxietytoescape,andconsultedmeonthebestmethodofeffectingit.Thefearofpunishment,however,whichtheyknewwascertaintoattendtheirre-captureandreturn,inallcasesprovedsufficienttodeterthemfromtheexperiment.HavingallmylifebreathedthefreeairoftheNorth,andconsciousthatIpossessedthesamefeelingsandaffectionsthatfindaplaceinthewhiteman’sbreast;conscious,moreover,ofanintelligenceequaltothatofsomemen,atleast,withafairerskin,Iwastooignorant,perhapstooindependent,toconceivehowanyonecouldbecontenttoliveintheabjectconditionofaslave.Icouldnotcomprehendthejusticeofthatlaw,orthatreligion,whichupholdsorrecognizestheprincipleofSlavery;andneveronce,Iamproudtosay,didIfailtocounselanyonewhocametome,towatchhisopportunity,andstrikeforfreedom.

IcontinuedtoresideatSaratogauntilthespringof1841.Theflatteringanticipationswhich,sevenyearsbefore,hadseducedusfromthequietfarm-

house,ontheeastsideoftheHudson,hadnotbeenrealized.Thoughalwaysincomfortablecircumstances,wehadnotprospered.Thesocietyandassociationsatthatworld-renownedwateringplace,werenotcalculatedtopreservethesimplehabitsofindustryandeconomytowhichIhadbeenaccustomed,but,onthecontrary,tosubstituteothersintheirstead,tendingtoshiftlessnessandextravagance.

Atthistimeweweretheparentsofthreechildren—Elizabeth,Margaret,andAlonzo.Elizabeth,theeldest,wasinhertenthyear;Margaretwastwoyearsyounger,andlittleAlonzohadjustpassedhisfifthbirth-day.Theyfilledourhousewithgladness.Theiryoungvoicesweremusicinourears.Manyanairycastledidtheirmotherandmyselfbuildforthelittleinnocents.WhennotatlaborIwasalwayswalkingwiththem,cladintheirbestattire,throughthestreetsandgrovesofSaratoga.Theirpresencewasmydelight;andIclaspedthemtomybosomwithaswarmandtenderloveasiftheircloudedskinshadbeenaswhiteassnow.

Thusfarthehistoryofmylifepresentsnothingwhateverunusual—nothingbutthecommonhopes,andloves,andlaborsofanobscurecoloredman,makinghishumbleprogressintheworld.ButnowIhadreachedaturningpointinmyexistence—reachedthethresholdofunutterablewrong,andsorrow,anddespair.NowhadIapproachedwithintheshadowofthecloud,intothethickdarknesswhereofIwassoontodisappear,thenceforwardtobehiddenfromtheeyesofallmykindred,andshutoutfromthesweetlightofliberty,formanyawearyyear.

CHAPTERII .

THETWOSTRANGERS—THECIRCUSCOMPANY—DEPARTUREFROMSARATOGA—VENTRILOQUISMANDLEGERDEMAIN—JOURNEYTONEW-YORK—FREEPAPERS—BROWNANDHAMILTON—THEHASTETOREACHTHECIRCUS—ARRIVALINWASHINGTON—FUNERALOFHARRISON—THESUDDENSICKNESS—THETORMENTOFTHIRST—THERECEDINGLIGHT—INSENSIBILITY—CHAINSANDDARKNESS.

Onemorning,towardsthelatterpartofthemonthofMarch,1841,havingatthattimenoparticularbusinesstoengagemyattention,IwaswalkingaboutthevillageofSaratogaSprings,thinkingtomyselfwhereImightobtainsomepresentemployment,untilthebusyseasonshouldarrive.Anne,aswasherusualcustom,hadgoneovertoSandyHill,adistanceofsometwentymiles,totakechargeoftheculinarydepartmentatSherrill’sCoffeeHouse,duringthesessionofthecourt.Elizabeth,Ithink,hadaccompaniedher.MargaretandAlonzowerewiththeirauntatSaratoga.

OnthecornerofCongressstreetandBroadway,nearthetavern,then,andforaughtIknowtothecontrary,stillkeptbyMr.Moon,Iwasmetbytwogentlemenofrespectableappearance,bothofwhomwereentirelyunknowntome.Ihavetheimpressionthattheywereintroducedtomebysomeoneofmyacquaintances,butwho,Ihaveinvainendeavoredtorecall,withtheremarkthatIwasanexpertplayerontheviolin.

Atanyrate,theyimmediatelyenteredintoconversationonthatsubject,makingnumerousinquiriestouchingmyproficiencyinthatrespect.Myresponsesbeingtoallappearancessatisfactory,theyproposedtoengagemyservicesforashortperiod,stating,atthesametime,Iwasjustsuchapersonastheirbusinessrequired.Theirnames,astheyafterwardsgavethemtome,wereMerrillBrownandAbramHamilton,thoughwhethertheseweretheirtrueappellations,Ihavestrongreasonstodoubt.Theformerwasamanapparentlyfortyyearsofage,somewhatshortandthick-set,withacountenanceindicatingshrewdnessandintelligence.Heworeablackfrockcoatandblackhat,andsaidheresidedeitheratRochesteroratSyracuse.Thelatterwasayoungmanoffaircomplexionandlighteyes,and,Ishouldjudge,hadnotpassedtheageoftwenty-five.Hewastallandslender,dressedinasnuff-coloredcoat,withglossyhat,andvestofelegantpattern.Hiswholeapparelwasintheextremeoffashion.Hisappearancewassomewhateffeminate,butprepossessing,andtherewasabouthimaneasyair,thatshowedhehadmingledwiththeworld.Theywereconnected,astheyinformedme,withacircuscompany,theninthecityofWashington;thattheywereontheirwaythithertorejoinit,havingleftitforashorttimetomakeanexcursionnorthward,forthepurposeofseeingthecountry,andwerepayingtheirexpensesbyanoccasionalexhibition.Theyalsoremarkedthattheyhadfoundmuchdifficultyinprocuringmusicfortheirentertainments,andthatifIwouldaccompanythemasfarasNew-York,theywouldgivemeonedollar

foreachday’sservices,andthreedollarsinadditionforeverynightIplayedattheirperformances,besidessufficienttopaytheexpensesofmyreturnfromNew-YorktoSaratoga.

Iatonceacceptedthetemptingoffer,bothfortherewarditpromised,andfromadesiretovisitthemetropolis.Theywereanxioustoleaveimmediately.Thinkingmyabsencewouldbebrief,IdidnotdeemitnecessarytowritetoAnnewhitherIhadgone;infactsupposingthatmyreturn,perhaps,wouldbeassoonashers.Sotakingachangeoflinenandmyviolin,Iwasreadytodepart.Thecarriagewasbroughtround—acoveredone,drawnbyapairofnoblebays,altogetherforminganelegantestablishment.Theirbaggage,consistingofthreelargetrunks,wasfastenedontherack,andmountingtothedriver’sseat,whiletheytooktheirplacesintherear,IdroveawayfromSaratogaontheroadtoAlbany,elatedwithmynewposition,andhappyasIhadeverbeen,onanydayinallmylife.

WepassedthroughBallston,andstrikingtheridgeroad,asitiscalled,ifmymemorycorrectlyservesme,followeditdirecttoAlbany.Wereachedthatcitybeforedark,andstoppedatahotelsouthwardfromtheMuseum.

ThisnightIhadanopportunityofwitnessingoneoftheirperformances—theonlyone,duringthewholeperiodIwaswiththem.Hamiltonwasstationedatthedoor;Iformedtheorchestra,whileBrownprovidedtheentertainment.Itconsistedinthrowingballs,dancingontherope,fryingpancakesinahat,causinginvisiblepigstosqueal,andotherlikefeatsofventriloquismandlegerdemain.Theaudiencewasextraordinarilysparse,andnotoftheselectestcharacteratthat,andHamilton’sreportoftheproceedspresentedbuta“beggarlyaccountofemptyboxes.”

Earlynextmorningwerenewedourjourney.Theburdenoftheirconversationnowwastheexpressionofananxietytoreachthecircuswithoutdelay.Theyhurriedforward,withoutagainstoppingtoexhibit,andinduecourseoftime,wereachedNew-York,takinglodgingsatahouseonthewestsideofthecity,inastreetrunningfromBroadwaytotheriver.Isupposedmyjourneywasatanend,andexpectedinadayortwoatleast,toreturntomyfriendsandfamilyatSaratoga.BrownandHamilton,however,begantoimportunemetocontinuewiththemtoWashington.Theyallegedthatimmediatelyontheirarrival,nowthatthesummerseasonwasapproaching,thecircuswouldsetoutforthenorth.TheypromisedmeasituationandhighwagesifIwouldaccompanythem.Largelydidtheyexpatiateontheadvantagesthatwouldresulttome,andsuchweretheflatteringrepresentationstheymade,thatIfinallyconcludedtoaccepttheoffer.

Thenextmorningtheysuggestedthat,inasmuchaswewereaboutenteringaslaveState,itwouldbewell,beforeleavingNew-York,toprocurefree

papers.Theideastruckmeasaprudentone,thoughIthinkitwouldscarcelyhaveoccurredtome,hadtheynotproposedit.WeproceededatoncetowhatIunderstoodtobetheCustomHouse.TheymadeoathtocertainfactsshowingIwasafreeman.Apaperwasdrawnupandhandedus,withthedirectiontotakeittotheclerk’soffice.Wedidso,andtheclerkhavingaddedsomethingtoit,forwhichhewaspaidsixshillings,wereturnedagaintotheCustomHouse.Somefurtherformalitiesweregonethroughwithbeforeitwascompleted,when,payingtheofficertwodollars,Iplacedthepapersinmypocket,andstartedwithmytwofriendstoourhotel.Ithoughtatthetime,Imustconfess,thatthepaperswerescarcelyworththecostofobtainingthem—theapprehensionofdangertomypersonalsafetyneverhavingsuggesteditselftomeintheremotestmanner.Theclerk,towhomweweredirected,Iremember,madeamemoranduminalargebook,which,Ipresume,isintheofficeyet.AreferencetotheentriesduringthelatterpartofMarch,orfirstofApril,1841,Ihavenodoubtwillsatisfytheincredulous,atleastsofarasthisparticulartransactionisconcerned.

Withtheevidenceoffreedominmypossession,thenextdayafterourarrivalinNew-York,wecrossedtheferrytoJerseyCity,andtooktheroadtoPhiladelphia.Hereweremainedonenight,continuingourjourneytowardsBaltimoreearlyinthemorning.Induetime,wearrivedinthelattercity,andstoppedatahotelneartherailroaddepot,eitherkeptbyaMr.Rathbone,orknownastheRathboneHouse.AllthewayfromNew-York,theiranxietytoreachthecircusseemedtogrowmoreandmoreintense.WeleftthecarriageatBaltimore,andenteringthecars,proceededtoWashington,atwhichplacewearrivedjustatnightfall,theeveningprevioustothefuneralofGeneralHarrison,andstoppedatGadsby’sHotel,onPennsylvaniaAvenue.

Aftersuppertheycalledmetotheirapartments,andpaidmeforty-threedollars,asumgreaterthanmywagesamountedto,whichactofgenerositywasinconsequence,theysaid,oftheirnothavingexhibitedasoftenastheyhadgivenmetoanticipate,duringourtripfromSaratoga.TheymoreoverinformedmethatithadbeentheintentionofthecircuscompanytoleaveWashingtonthenextmorning,butthatonaccountofthefuneral,theyhadconcludedtoremainanotherday.Theywerethen,astheyhadbeenfromthetimeofourfirstmeeting,extremelykind.Noopportunitywasomittedofaddressingmeinthelanguageofapprobation;while,ontheotherhand,Iwascertainlymuchprepossessedintheirfavor.Igavethemmyconfidencewithoutreserve,andwouldfreelyhavetrustedthemtoalmostanyextent.Theirconstantconversationandmannertowardsme—theirforesightinsuggestingtheideaoffreepapers,andahundredotherlittleacts,unnecessarytoberepeated—allindicatedthattheywerefriendsindeed,sincerelysolicitousformywelfare.Iknownotbuttheywere.Iknownotbuttheywere

innocentofthegreatwickednessofwhichInowbelievethemguilty.Whethertheywereaccessorytomymisfortunes—subtleandinhumanmonstersintheshapeofmen—designedlyluringmeawayfromhomeandfamily,andliberty,forthesakeofgold—thosewhoreadthesepageswillhavethesamemeansofdeterminingasmyself.Iftheywereinnocent,mysuddendisappearancemusthavebeenunaccountableindeed;butrevolvinginmymindalltheattendingcircumstances,Ineveryetcouldindulge,towardsthem,socharitableasupposition.

Afterreceivingthemoneyfromthem,ofwhichtheyappearedtohaveanabundance,theyadvisedmenottogointothestreetsthatnight,inasmuchasIwasunacquaintedwiththecustomsofthecity.Promisingtoremembertheiradvice,Ileftthemtogether,andsoonafterwasshownbyacoloredservanttoasleepingroominthebackpartofthehotel,onthegroundfloor.Ilaiddowntorest,thinkingofhomeandwife,andchildren,andthelongdistancethatstretchedbetweenus,untilIfellasleep.Butnogoodangelofpitycametomybedside,biddingmetofly—novoiceofmercyforewarnedmeinmydreamsofthetrialsthatwerejustathand.

ThenextdaytherewasagreatpageantinWashington.Theroarofcannonandthetollingofbellsfilledtheair,whilemanyhouseswereshroudedwithcrape,andthestreetswereblackwithpeople.Asthedayadvanced,theprocessionmadeitsappearance,comingslowlythroughtheAvenue,carriageaftercarriage,inlongsuccession,whilethousandsuponthousandsfollowedonfoot—allmovingtothesoundofmelancholymusic.TheywerebearingthedeadbodyofHarrisontothegrave.

Fromearlyinthemorning,IwasconstantlyinthecompanyofHamiltonandBrown.TheyweretheonlypersonsIknewinWashington.Westoodtogetherasthefuneralpomppassedby.Irememberdistinctlyhowthewindowglasswouldbreakandrattletotheground,aftereachreportofthecannontheywerefiringintheburialground.WewenttotheCapitol,andwalkedalongtimeaboutthegrounds.Intheafternoon,theystrolledtowardsthePresident’sHouse,allthetimekeepingmeneartothem,andpointingoutvariousplacesofinterest.Asyet,Ihadseennothingofthecircus.Infact,Ihadthoughtofitbutlittle,ifatall,amidsttheexcitementoftheday.

Myfriends,severaltimesduringtheafternoon,entereddrinkingsaloons,andcalledforliquor.Theywerebynomeansinthehabit,however,sofarasIknewthem,ofindulgingtoexcess.Ontheseoccasions,afterservingthemselves,theywouldpouroutaglassandhandittome.Ididnotbecomeintoxicated,asmaybeinferredfromwhatsubsequentlyoccurred.Towardsevening,andsoonafterpartakingofoneofthesepotations,Ibegantoexperiencemostunpleasantsensations.Ifeltextremelyill.Myhead

commencedaching—adull,heavypain,inexpressiblydisagreeable.Atthesuppertable,Iwaswithoutappetite;thesightandflavoroffoodwasnauseous.AboutdarkthesameservantconductedmetotheroomIhadoccupiedthepreviousnight.BrownandHamiltonadvisedmetoretire,commiseratingmekindly,andexpressinghopesthatIwouldbebetterinthemorning.Divestingmyselfofcoatandbootsmerely,Ithrewmyselfuponthebed.Itwasimpossibletosleep.Thepaininmyheadcontinuedtoincrease,untilitbecamealmostunbearable.InashorttimeIbecamethirsty.Mylipswereparched.Icouldthinkofnothingbutwater—oflakesandflowingrivers,ofbrookswhereIhadstoopedtodrink,andofthedrippingbucket,risingwithitscoolandoverflowingnectar,fromthebottomofthewell.Towardsmidnight,asnearasIcouldjudge,Iarose,unablelongertobearsuchintensityofthirst.Iwasastrangerinthehouse,andknewnothingofitsapartments.Therewasnooneup,asIcouldobserve.Gropingaboutatrandom,Iknewnotwhere,Ifoundthewayatlasttoakitcheninthebasement.Twoorthreecoloredservantsweremovingthroughit,oneofwhom,awoman,gavemetwoglassesofwater.Itaffordedmomentaryrelief,butbythetimeIhadreachedmyroomagain,thesameburningdesireofdrink,thesametormentingthirst,hadagainreturned.Itwasevenmoretorturingthanbefore,aswasalsothewildpaininmyhead,ifsuchathingcouldbe.Iwasinsoredistress—inmostexcruciatingagony!Iseemedtostandonthebrinkofmadness!Thememoryofthatnightofhorriblesufferingwillfollowmetothegrave.

Inthecourseofanhourormoreaftermyreturnfromthekitchen,Iwasconsciousofsomeoneenteringmyroom.Thereseemedtobeseveral—aminglingofvariousvoices,—buthowmany,orwhotheywere,Icannottell.WhetherBrownandHamiltonwereamongthem,isamerematterofconjecture.Ionlyremember,withanydegreeofdistinctness,thatIwastolditwasnecessarytogotoaphysicianandprocuremedicine,andthatpullingonmyboots,withoutcoatorhat,Ifollowedthemthroughalongpassage-way,oralley,intotheopenstreet.ItranoutatrightanglesfromPennsylvaniaAvenue.Ontheoppositesidetherewasalightburninginawindow.Myimpressionistherewerethenthreepersonswithme,butitisaltogetherindefiniteandvague,andlikethememoryofapainfuldream.Goingtowardsthelight,whichIimaginedproceededfromaphysician’soffice,andwhichseemedtorecedeasIadvanced,isthelastglimmeringrecollectionIcannowrecall.FromthatmomentIwasinsensible.HowlongIremainedinthatcondition—whetheronlythatnight,ormanydaysandnights—Idonotknow;butwhenconsciousnessreturned,Ifoundmyselfalone,inutterdarkness,andinchains.

Thepaininmyheadhadsubsidedinameasure,butIwasveryfaintand

weak.Iwassittinguponalowbench,madeofroughboards,andwithoutcoatorhat.Iwashand-cuffed.Aroundmyanklesalsowereapairofheavyfetters.Oneendofachainwasfastenedtoalargeringinthefloor,theothertothefettersonmyankles.Itriedinvaintostanduponmyfeet.Wakingfromsuchapainfultrance,itwassometimebeforeIcouldcollectmythoughts.WherewasI?Whatwasthemeaningofthesechains?WherewereBrownandHamilton?WhathadIdonetodeserveimprisonmentinsuchadungeon?Icouldnotcomprehend.Therewasablankofsomeindefiniteperiod,precedingmyawakeninginthatlonelyplace,theeventsofwhichtheutmoststretchofmemorywasunabletorecall.Ilistenedintentlyforsomesignorsoundoflife,butnothingbroketheoppressivesilence,savetheclinkingofmychains,wheneverIchancedtomove.Ispokealoud,butthesoundofmyvoicestartledme.Ifeltofmypockets,sofarasthefetterswouldallow—farenough,indeed,toascertainthatIhadnotonlybeenrobbedofliberty,butthatmymoneyandfreepaperswerealsogone!Thendidtheideabegintobreakuponmymind,atfirstdimandconfused,thatIhadbeenkidnapped.ButthatIthoughtwasincredible.Theremusthavebeensomemisapprehension—someunfortunatemistake.ItcouldnotbethatafreecitizenofNew-York,whohadwrongednoman,norviolatedanylaw,shouldbedealtwiththusinhumanly.ThemoreIcontemplatedmysituation,however,themoreIbecameconfirmedinmysuspicions.Itwasadesolatethought,indeed.Ifelttherewasnotrustormercyinunfeelingman;andcommendingmyselftotheGodoftheoppressed,bowedmyheaduponmyfetteredhands,andweptmostbitterly.

CHAPTERIII .

PAINFULMEDITATIONS—JAMESH.BURCH—WILLIAMS’SLAVEPENINWASHINGTON—THELACKEY,RADBURN—ASSERTMYFREEDOM—THEANGEROFTHETRADER—THEPADDLEANDCAT-O’-NINETAILS—THEWHIPPING—NEWACQUAINTANCES—RAY,WILLIAMS,ANDRANDALL—ARRIVALOFLITTLEEMILYANDHERMOTHERINTHEPEN—MATERNALSORROWS—THESTORYOFELIZA.

Somethreehourselapsed,duringwhichtimeIremainedseatedonthelowbench,absorbedinpainfulmeditations.AtlengthIheardthecrowingofacock,andsoonadistantrumblingsound,asofcarriageshurryingthroughthestreets,cametomyears,andIknewthatitwasday.Norayoflight,however,penetratedmyprison.Finally,Iheardfootstepsimmediatelyoverhead,asofsomeonewalkingtoandfro.ItoccurredtomethenthatImustbeinanundergroundapartment,andthedamp,mouldyodorsoftheplaceconfirmedthesupposition.Thenoiseabovecontinuedforatleastanhour,when,atlast,Iheardfootstepsapproachingfromwithout.Akeyrattledinthelock—astrongdoorswungbackuponitshinges,admittingafloodoflight,andtwomenenteredandstoodbeforeme.Oneofthemwasalarge,powerfulman,fortyyearsofage,perhaps,withdark,chestnut-coloredhair,slightlyinterspersedwithgray.Hisfacewasfull,hiscomplexionflush,hisfeaturesgrosslycoarse,expressiveofnothingbutcrueltyandcunning.Hewasaboutfivefeettenincheshigh,offullhabit,and,withoutprejudice,Imustbeallowedtosay,wasamanwhosewholeappearancewassinisterandrepugnant.HisnamewasJamesH.Burch,asIlearnedafterwards—awell-knownslave-dealerinWashington;andthen,orlately,connectedinbusiness,asapartner,withTheophilusFreeman,ofNew-Orleans.Thepersonwhoaccompaniedhimwasasimplelackey,namedEbenezerRadburn,whoactedmerelyinthecapacityofturnkey.BothofthesemenstillliveinWashington,ordid,atthetimeofmyreturnthroughthatcityfromslaveryinJanuarylast.

ThelightadmittedthroughtheopendoorenabledmetoobservetheroominwhichIwasconfined.Itwasabouttwelvefeetsquare—thewallsofsolidmasonry.Thefloorwasofheavyplank.Therewasonesmallwindow,crossedwithgreatironbars,withanoutsideshutter,securelyfastened.

Aniron-bounddoorledintoanadjoiningcell,orvault,whollydestituteofwindows,oranymeansofadmittinglight.ThefurnitureoftheroominwhichIwas,consistedofthewoodenbenchonwhichIsat,anold-fashioned,dirtyboxstove,andbesidesthese,ineithercell,therewasneitherbed,norblanket,noranyotherthingwhatever.Thedoor,throughwhichBurchandRadburn

entered,ledthroughasmallpassage,upaflightofstepsintoayard,surroundedbyabrickwalltenortwelvefeethigh,immediatelyinrearofabuildingofthesamewidthasitself.Theyardextendedrearwardfromthehouseaboutthirtyfeet.Inonepartofthewalltherewasastronglyironeddoor,openingintoanarrow,coveredpassage,leadingalongonesideofthehouseintothestreet.Thedoomofthecoloredman,uponwhomthedoorleadingoutofthatnarrowpassageclosed,wassealed.Thetopofthewallsupportedoneendofaroof,whichascendedinwards,formingakindofopenshed.Underneaththerooftherewasacrazyloftallround,whereslaves,ifsodisposed,mightsleepatnight,orininclementweatherseekshelterfromthestorm.Itwaslikeafarmer’sbarnyardinmostrespects,saveitwassoconstructedthattheoutsideworldcouldneverseethehumancattlethatwereherdedthere.

Thebuildingtowhichtheyardwasattached,wastwostorieshigh,frontingononeofthepublicstreetsofWashington.Itsoutsidepresentedonlytheappearanceofaquietprivateresidence.Astrangerlookingatit,wouldneverhavedreamedofitsexecrableuses.Strangeasitmayseem,withinplainsightofthissamehouse,lookingdownfromitscommandingheightuponit,wastheCapitol.Thevoicesofpatrioticrepresentativesboastingoffreedomandequality,andtherattlingofthepoorslave’schains,almostcommingled.AslavepenwithintheveryshadowoftheCapitol!

Suchisacorrectdescriptionasitwasin1841,ofWilliams’slavepeninWashington,inoneofthecellarsofwhichIfoundmyselfsounaccountablyconfined.

“Well,myboy,howdoyoufeelnow?”saidBurch,asheenteredthroughtheopendoor.IrepliedthatIwassick,andinquiredthecauseofmyimprisonment.HeansweredthatIwashisslave—thathehadboughtme,andthathewasabouttosendmetoNew-Orleans.Iasserted,aloudandboldly,thatIwasafreeman—aresidentofSaratoga,whereIhadawifeandchildren,whowerealsofree,andthatmynamewasNorthup.IcomplainedbitterlyofthestrangetreatmentIhadreceived,andthreatened,uponmyliberation,tohavesatisfactionforthewrong.HedeniedthatIwasfree,andwithanemphaticoath,declaredthatIcamefromGeorgia.AgainandagainIassertedIwasnoman’sslave,andinsisteduponhistakingoffmychainsatonce.Heendeavoredtohushme,asifhefearedmyvoicewouldbeoverheard.ButIwouldnotbesilent,anddenouncedtheauthorsofmyimprisonment,whoevertheymightbe,asunmitigatedvillains.Findinghe

couldnotquietme,heflewintoatoweringpassion.Withblasphemousoaths,hecalledmeablackliar,arunawayfromGeorgia,andeveryotherprofaneandvulgarepithetthatthemostindecentfancycouldconceive.

DuringthistimeRadburnwasstandingsilentlyby.Hisbusinesswas,tooverseethishuman,orratherinhumanstable,receivingslaves,feedingandwhippingthem,attherateoftwoshillingsaheadperday.Turningtohim,Burchorderedthepaddleandcat-o’-ninetailstobebroughtin.Hedisappeared,andinafewmomentsreturnedwiththeseinstrumentsoftorture.Thepaddle,asitistermedinslave-beatingparlance,oratleasttheonewithwhichIfirstbecameacquainted,andofwhichInowspeak,wasapieceofhard-woodboard,eighteenortwentyincheslong,mouldedtotheshapeofanold-fashionedpuddingstick,orordinaryoar.Theflattenedportion,whichwasaboutthesizeincircumferenceoftwoopenhands,wasboredwithasmallaugerinnumerousplaces.Thecatwasalargeropeofmanystrands—thestrandsunraveled,andaknottiedattheextremityofeach.

Assoonastheseformidablewhipsappeared,Iwasseizedbybothofthem,androughlydivestedofmyclothing.Myfeet,ashasbeenstated,werefastenedtothefloor.Drawingmeoverthebench,facedownwards,Radburnplacedhisheavyfootuponthefetters,betweenmywrists,holdingthempainfullytothefloor.Withthepaddle,Burchcommencedbeatingme.Blowafterblowwasinflicteduponmynakedbody.Whenhisunrelentingarmgrewtired,hestoppedandaskedifIstillinsistedIwasafreeman.Ididinsistuponit,andthentheblowswererenewed,fasterandmoreenergetically,ifpossible,thanbefore.Whenagaintired,hewouldrepeatthesamequestion,andreceivingthesameanswer,continuehiscruellabor.Allthistime,theincarnatedevilwasutteringmostfiendishoaths.Atlengththepaddlebroke,leavingtheuselesshandleinhishand.StillIwouldnotyield.AllhisbrutalblowscouldnotforcefrommylipsthefoulliethatIwasaslave.Castingmadlyonthefloorthehandleofthebrokenpaddle,heseizedtherope.Thiswasfarmorepainfulthantheother.Istruggledwithallmypower,butitwasinvain.Iprayedformercy,butmyprayerwasonlyansweredwithimprecationsandwithstripes.IthoughtImustdiebeneaththelashesoftheaccursedbrute.Evennowthefleshcrawlsuponmybones,asIrecallthescene.Iwasallonfire.MysufferingsIcancomparetonothingelsethantheburningagoniesofhell!

SCENEINTHESLAVEPENATWASHINGTON.

AtlastIbecamesilenttohisrepeatedquestions.Iwouldmakenoreply.Infact,Iwasbecomingalmostunabletospeak.Stillhepliedthelashwithoutstintuponmypoorbody,untilitseemedthatthelaceratedfleshwasstrippedfrommybonesateverystroke.Amanwithaparticleofmercyinhissoul

wouldnothavebeatenevenadogsocruelly.AtlengthRadburnsaidthatitwasuselesstowhipmeanymore—thatIwouldbesoreenough.Thereupon,Burchdesisted,saying,withanadmonitoryshakeofhisfistinmyface,andhissingthewordsthroughhisfirm-setteeth,thatifeverIdaredtoutteragainthatIwasentitledtomyfreedom,thatIhadbeenkidnapped,oranythingwhateverofthekind,thecastigationIhadjustreceivedwasnothingincomparisonwithwhatwouldfollow.Hesworethathewouldeitherconquerorkillme.Withtheseconsolatorywords,thefettersweretakenfrommywrists,myfeetstillremainingfastenedtothering;theshutterofthelittlebarredwindow,whichhadbeenopened,wasagainclosed,andgoingout,lockingthegreatdoorbehindthem,Iwasleftindarknessasbefore.

Inanhour,perhapstwo,myheartleapedtomythroat,asthekeyrattledinthedooragain.I,whohadbeensolonely,andwhohadlongedsoardentlytoseesomeone,Icarednotwho,nowshudderedatthethoughtofman’sapproach.Ahumanfacewasfearfultome,especiallyawhiteone.Radburnentered,bringingwithhim,onatinplate,apieceofshriveledfriedpork,asliceofbreadandacupofwater.HeaskedmehowIfelt,andremarkedthatIhadreceivedaprettysevereflogging.Heremonstratedwithmeagainsttheproprietyofassertingmyfreedom.Inratherapatronizingandconfidentialmanner,hegaveittomeashisadvice,thatthelessIsaidonthatsubjectthebetteritwouldbeforme.Themanevidentlyendeavoredtoappearkind—whethertouchedatthesightofmysadcondition,orwiththeviewofsilencing,onmypart,anyfurtherexpressionofmyrights,itisnotnecessarynowtoconjecture.Heunlockedthefettersfrommyankles,openedtheshuttersofthelittlewindow,anddeparted,leavingmeagainalone.

BythistimeIhadbecomestiffandsore;mybodywascoveredwithblisters,anditwaswithgreatpainanddifficultythatIcouldmove.FromthewindowIcouldobservenothingbuttheroofrestingontheadjacentwall.AtnightIlaiddownuponthedamp,hardfloor,withoutanypilloworcoveringwhatever.Punctually,twiceaday,Radburncamein,withhispork,andbread,andwater.Ihadbutlittleappetite,thoughIwastormentedwithcontinualthirst.Mywoundswouldnotpermitmetoremainbutafewminutesinanyoneposition;so,sitting,orstanding,ormovingslowlyround,Ipassedthedaysandnights.Iwasheartsickanddiscouraged.Thoughtsofmyfamily,ofmywifeandchildren,continuallyoccupiedmymind.WhensleepoverpoweredmeIdreamedofthem—dreamedIwasagaininSaratoga—thatIcouldseetheirfaces,andheartheirvoicescallingme.Awakeningfromthepleasantphantasmsofsleeptothebitterrealitiesaroundme,Icouldbutgroanandweep.Stillmyspiritwasnotbroken.Iindulgedtheanticipationofescape,andthatspeedily.Itwasimpossible,Ireasoned,thatmencouldbesounjustastodetainmeasaslave,whenthetruthofmycasewasknown.

Burch,ascertainingIwasnorunawayfromGeorgia,wouldcertainlyletmego.ThoughsuspicionsofBrownandHamiltonwerenotunfrequent,Icouldnotreconcilemyselftotheideathattheywereinstrumentaltomyimprisonment.Surelytheywouldseekmeout—theywoulddelivermefromthraldom.Alas!Ihadnotthenlearnedthemeasureof“man’sinhumanitytoman,”nortowhatlimitlessextentofwickednesshewillgofortheloveofgain.

Inthecourseofseveraldaystheouterdoorwasthrownopen,allowingmethelibertyoftheyard.ThereIfoundthreeslaves—oneofthemaladoftenyears,theothersyoungmenofabouttwentyandtwenty-five.Iwasnotlonginforminganacquaintance,andlearningtheirnamesandtheparticularsoftheirhistory.

TheeldestwasacoloredmannamedClemensRay.HehadlivedinWashington;haddrivenahack,andworkedinaliverystablethereforalongtime.Hewasveryintelligent,andfullycomprehendedhissituation.Thethoughtofgoingsouthoverwhelmedhimwithgrief.Burchhadpurchasedhimafewdaysbefore,andhadplacedhimthereuntilsuchtimeashewasreadytosendhimtotheNew-Orleansmarket.FromhimIlearnedforthefirsttimethatIwasinWilliam’sSlavePen,aplaceIhadneverheardofpreviously.Hedescribedtometheusesforwhichitwasdesigned.Irepeatedtohimtheparticularsofmyunhappystory,buthecouldonlygivemetheconsolationofhissympathy.Healsoadvisedmetobesilenthenceforthonthesubjectofmyfreedom;for,knowingthecharacterofBurch,heassuredmethatitwouldonlybeattendedwithrenewedwhipping.ThenexteldestwasnamedJohnWilliams.HewasraisedinVirginia,notfarfromWashington.Burchhadtakenhiminpaymentofadebt,andheconstantlyentertainedthehopethathismasterwouldredeemhim—ahopethatwassubsequentlyrealized.Theladwasasprightlychild,thatansweredtothenameofRandall.Mostofthetimehewasplayingabouttheyard,butoccasionallywouldcry,callingforhismother,andwonderingwhenshewouldcome.Hismother’sabsenceseemedtobethegreatandonlygriefinhislittleheart.Hewastooyoungtorealizehiscondition,andwhenthememoryofhismotherwasnotinhismind,heamuseduswithhispleasantpranks.

Atnight,Ray,Williams,andtheboy,sleptintheloftoftheshed,whileIwaslockedinthecell.Finallywewereeachprovidedwithblankets,suchasareuseduponhorses—theonlybeddingIwasallowedtohavefortwelveyearsafterwards.RayandWilliamsaskedmemanyquestionsaboutNew-York—howcoloredpeopleweretreatedthere;howtheycouldhavehomesandfamiliesoftheirown,withnonetodisturbandoppressthem;andRay,

especially,sighedcontinuallyforfreedom.Suchconversations,however,werenotinthehearingofBurch,orthekeeperRadburn.Aspirationssuchasthesewouldhavebroughtdownthelashuponourbacks.

Itisnecessaryinthisnarrative,inordertopresentafullandtruthfulstatementofalltheprincipaleventsinthehistoryofmylife,andtoportraytheinstitutionofSlaveryasIhaveseenandknownit,tospeakofwell-knownplaces,andofmanypersonswhoareyetliving.Iam,andalwayswas,anentirestrangerinWashingtonanditsvicinity—asidefromBurchandRadburn,knowingnomanthere,exceptasIhaveheardofthemthroughmyenslavedcompanions.WhatIamabouttosay,iffalse,canbeeasilycontradicted.

IremainedinWilliams’slavepenabouttwoweeks.Thenightprevioustomydepartureawomanwasbroughtin,weepingbitterly,andleadingbythehandalittlechild.TheywereRandall’smotherandhalf-sister.Onmeetingthemhewasoverjoyed,clingingtoherdress,kissingthechild,andexhibitingeverydemonstrationofdelight.Themotheralsoclaspedhiminherarms,embracedhimtenderly,andgazedathimfondlythroughhertears,callinghimbymanyanendearingname.

Emily,thechild,wassevenoreightyearsold,oflightcomplexion,andwithafaceofadmirablebeauty.Herhairfellincurlsaroundherneck,whilethestyleandrichnessofherdress,andtheneatnessofherwholeappearanceindicatedshehadbeenbroughtupinthemidstofwealth.Shewasasweetchildindeed.Thewomanalsowasarrayedinsilk,withringsuponherfingers,andgoldenornamentssuspendedfromherears.Herairandmanners,thecorrectnessandproprietyofherlanguage—allshowed,evidently,thatshehadsometimestoodabovethecommonlevelofaslave.Sheseemedtobeamazedatfindingherselfinsuchaplaceasthat.Itwasplainlyasuddenandunexpectedturnoffortunethathadbroughtherthere.Fillingtheairwithhercomplainings,shewashustled,withthechildrenandmyself,intothecell.Languagecanconveybutaninadequateimpressionofthelamentationstowhichshegaveincessantutterance.Throwingherselfuponthefloor,andencirclingthechildreninherarms,shepouredforthsuchtouchingwordsasonlymaternalloveandkindnesscansuggest.Theynestledcloselytoher,asifthereonlywasthereanysafetyorprotection.Atlasttheyslept,theirheadsrestinguponherlap.Whiletheyslumbered,shesmoothedthehairbackfromtheirlittleforeheads,andtalkedtothemallnightlong.Shecalledthemherdarlings—hersweetbabes—poorinnocentthings,thatknewnotthemiserytheyweredestinedtoendure.Soontheywouldhavenomothertocomfortthem—theywouldbetakenfromher.Whatwouldbecomeofthem?Oh!shecouldnotliveawayfromherlittleEmmyandherdearboy.Theyhadalways

beengoodchildren,andhadsuchlovingways.Itwouldbreakherheart,Godknew,shesaid,iftheyweretakenfromher;andyetsheknewtheymeanttosellthem,and,maybe,theywouldbeseparated,andcouldneverseeeachotheranymore.Itwasenoughtomeltaheartofstonetolistentothepitifulexpressionsofthatdesolateanddistractedmother.HernamewasEliza;andthiswasthestoryofherlife,assheafterwardsrelatedit:

ShewastheslaveofElishaBerry,arichman,livingintheneighborhoodofWashington.Shewasborn,Ithinkshesaid,onhisplantation.Yearsbefore,hehadfallenintodissipatedhabits,andquarreledwithhiswife.Infact,soonafterthebirthofRandall,theyseparated.Leavinghiswifeanddaughterinthehousetheyhadalwaysoccupied,heerectedanewonenearby,ontheestate.IntothishousehebroughtEliza;and,onconditionofherlivingwithhim,sheandherchildrenweretobeemancipated.Sheresidedwithhimtherenineyears,withservantstoattenduponher,andprovidedwitheverycomfortandluxuryoflife.Emilywashischild!Finally,heryoungmistress,whohadalwaysremainedwithhermotheratthehomestead,marriedaMr.JacobBrooks.Atlength,forsomecause,(asIgatheredfromherrelation,)beyondBerry’scontrol,adivisionofhispropertywasmade.SheandherchildrenfelltotheshareofMr.Brooks.DuringthenineyearsshehadlivedwithBerry,inconsequenceofthepositionshewascompelledtooccupy,sheandEmilyhadbecometheobjectofMrs.Berryandherdaughter’shatredanddislike.Berryhimselfsherepresentedasamanofnaturallyakindheart,whoalwayspromisedherthatsheshouldhaveherfreedom,andwho,shehadnodoubt,wouldgrantittoherthen,ifitwereonlyinhispower.Assoonastheythuscameintothepossessionandcontrolofthedaughter,itbecameverymanifesttheywouldnotlivelongtogether.ThesightofElizaseemedtobeodioustoMrs.Brooks;neithercouldshebeartolookuponthechild,half-sister,andbeautifulasshewas!

Thedayshewasledintothepen,Brookshadbroughtherfromtheestateintothecity,underpretencethatthetimehadcomewhenherfreepapersweretobeexecuted,infulfillmentofhermaster’spromise.Elatedattheprospectofimmediateliberty,shedeckedherselfandlittleEmmyintheirbestapparel,andaccompaniedhimwithajoyfulheart.Ontheirarrivalinthecity,insteadofbeingbaptizedintothefamilyoffreemen,shewasdeliveredtothetraderBurch.Thepaperthatwasexecutedwasabillofsale.Thehopeofyearswasblastedinamoment.Fromtheheightofmostexultinghappinesstotheutmostdepthsofwretchedness,shehadthatdaydescended.Nowonderthatshewept,andfilledthepenwithwailingsandexpressionsofheart-rendingwoe.

Elizaisnowdead.FaruptheRedRiver,whereitpoursitswaterssluggishly

throughtheunhealthylowlandsofLouisiana,sherestsinthegraveatlast—theonlyrestingplaceofthepoorslave!Howallherfearswererealized—howshemourneddayandnight,andneverwouldbecomforted—how,asshepredicted,herheartdidindeedbreak,withtheburdenofmaternalsorrow,willbeseenasthenarrativeproceeds.

CHAPTERIV.

ELIZA’SSORROWS—PREPARATIONTOEMBARK—DRIVENTHROUGHTHESTREETSOFWASHINGTON—HAIL,COLUMBIA—THETOMBOFWASHINGTON—CLEMRAY—THEBREAKFASTONTHESTEAMER—THEHAPPYBIRDS—AQUIACREEK—FREDERICKSBURGH—ARRIVALINRICHMOND—GOODINANDHISSLAVEPEN—ROBERT,OFCINCINNATI—DAVIDANDHISWIFE—MARYANDLETHE—CLEM’SRETURN—HISSUBSEQUENTESCAPETOCANADA—THEBRIGORLEANS—JAMESH.BURCH.

AtintervalsduringthefirstnightofEliza’sincarcerationinthepen,shecomplainedbitterlyofJacobBrooks,heryoungmistress’husband.Shedeclaredthathadshebeenawareofthedeceptionheintendedtopracticeuponher,heneverwouldhavebroughthertherealive.TheyhadchosentheopportunityofgettingherawaywhenMasterBerrywasabsentfromtheplantation.Hehadalwaysbeenkindtoher.Shewishedthatshecouldseehim;butsheknewthatevenhewasunablenowtorescueher.Thenwouldshecommenceweepingagain—kissingthesleepingchildren—talkingfirsttoone,thentotheother,astheylayintheirunconsciousslumbers,withtheirheadsuponherlap.Soworethelongnightaway;andwhenthemorningdawned,andnighthadcomeagain,stillshekeptmourningon,andwouldnotbeconsoled.

Aboutmidnightfollowing,thecelldooropened,andBurchandRadburnentered,withlanternsintheirhands.Burch,withanoath,orderedustorollupourblanketswithoutdelay,andgetreadytogoonboardtheboat.Hesworewewouldbeleftunlesswehurriedfast.Hearousedthechildrenfromtheirslumberswitharoughshake,andsaidtheywered—dsleepy,itappeared.Goingoutintotheyard,hecalledClemRay,orderinghimtoleavetheloftandcomeintothecell,andbringhisblanketwithhim.WhenClemappeared,heplacedussidebyside,andfastenedustogetherwithhand-cuffs—mylefthandtohisright.JohnWilliamshadbeentakenoutadayortwobefore,hismasterhavingredeemedhim,greatlytohisdelight.ClemandIwereorderedtomarch,Elizaandthechildrenfollowing.Wewereconductedintotheyard,fromthenceintothecoveredpassage,andupaflightofstepsthroughasidedoorintotheupperroom,whereIhadheardthewalkingtoandfro.Itsfurniturewasastove,afewoldchairs,andalongtable,coveredwithpapers.Itwasawhite-washedroom,withoutanycarpetonthefloor,andseemedasortofoffice.Byoneofthewindows,Iremember,hungarustysword,whichattractedmyattention.Burch’strunkwasthere.Inobediencetohisorders,Itookholdofoneofitshandleswithmyunfetteredhand,whilehetakinghold

oftheother,weproceededoutofthefrontdoorintothestreetinthesameorderaswehadleftthecell.

Itwasadarknight.Allwasquiet.Icouldseelights,orthereflectionofthem,overtowardsPennsylvaniaAvenue,buttherewasnoone,notevenastraggler,tobeseen.Iwasalmostresolvedtoattempttobreakaway.HadInotbeenhand-cuffedtheattemptwouldcertainlyhavebeenmade,whateverconsequencemighthavefollowed.Radburnwasintherear,carryingalargestick,andhurryingupthechildrenasfastasthelittleonescouldwalk.Sowepassed,hand-cuffedandinsilence,throughthestreetsofWashington—throughtheCapitalofanation,whosetheoryofgovernment,wearetold,restsonthefoundationofman’sinalienablerighttolife,liberty,andthepursuitofhappiness!Hail!Columbia,happyland,indeed!

Reachingthesteamboat,wewerequicklyhustledintothehold,amongbarrelsandboxesoffreight.Acoloredservantbroughtalight,thebellrung,andsoonthevesselstarteddownthePotomac,carryingusweknewnotwhere.ThebelltolledaswepassedthetombofWashington!Burch,nodoubt,withuncoveredhead,bowedreverentlybeforethesacredashesofthemanwhodevotedhisillustriouslifetothelibertyofhiscountry.

NoneofussleptthatnightbutRandallandlittleEmmy.ForthefirsttimeClemRaywaswhollyovercome.Tohimtheideaofgoingsouthwasterribleintheextreme.Hewasleavingthefriendsandassociationsofhisyouth—everythingthatwasdearandprecioustohisheart—inallprobabilitynevertoreturn.HeandElizamingledtheirtearstogether,bemoaningtheircruelfate.Formyownpart,difficultasitwas,Iendeavoredtokeepupmyspirits.Iresolvedinmymindahundredplansofescape,andfullydeterminedtomaketheattemptthefirstdesperatechancethatoffered.Ihadbythistimebecomesatisfied,however,thatmytruepolicywastosaynothingfurtheronthesubjectofmyhavingbeenbornafreeman.Itwouldbutexposemetomal-treatment,anddiminishthechancesofliberation.

Aftersunriseinthemorningwewerecalledupondecktobreakfast.Burchtookourhand-cuffsoff,andwesatdowntotable.HeaskedElizaifshewouldtakeadram.Shedeclined,thankinghimpolitely.Duringthemealwewereallsilent—notawordpassedbetweenus.Amulattowomanwhoservedattableseemedtotakeaninterestinourbehalf—toldustocheerup,andnottobesocastdown.Breakfastover,thehand-cuffswererestored,andBurchorderedusoutonthesterndeck.Wesatdowntogetheronsomeboxes,stillsayingnothinginBurch’spresence.Occasionallyapassengerwouldwalkouttowherewewere,lookatusforawhile,thensilentlyreturn.

Itwasaverypleasantmorning.Thefieldsalongtheriverwerecoveredwithverdure,farinadvanceofwhatIhadbeenaccustomedtoseeatthatseasonof

theyear.Thesunshoneoutwarmly;thebirdsweresinginginthetrees.Thehappybirds—Ienviedthem.Iwishedforwingslikethem,thatImightcleavetheairtowheremybirdlingswaitedvainlyfortheirfather’scoming,inthecoolerregionoftheNorth.

IntheforenoonthesteamerreachedAquiaCreek.Therethepassengerstookstages—Burchandhisfiveslavesoccupyingoneexclusively.Helaughedwiththechildren,andatonestoppingplacewentsofarastopurchasethemapieceofgingerbread.Hetoldmetoholdupmyheadandlooksmart.ThatImight,perhaps,getagoodmasterifIbehavedmyself.Imadehimnoreply.Hisfacewashatefultome,andIcouldnotbeartolookuponit.Isatinthecorner,cherishinginmyheartthehope,notyetextinct,ofsomedaymeetingthetyrantonthesoilofmynativeState.

AtFredericksburghweweretransferredfromthestagecoachtoacar,andbeforedarkarrivedinRichmond,thechiefcityofVirginia.Atthiscityweweretakenfromthecars,anddriventhroughthestreettoaslavepen,betweentherailroaddepotandtheriver,keptbyaMr.Goodin.ThispenissimilartoWilliams’inWashington,exceptitissomewhatlarger;andbesides,thereweretwosmallhousesstandingatoppositecornerswithintheyard.Thesehousesareusuallyfoundwithinslaveyards,beingusedasroomsfortheexaminationofhumanchattelsbypurchasersbeforeconcludingabargain.Unsoundnessinaslave,aswellasinahorse,detractsmateriallyfromhisvalue.Ifnowarrantyisgiven,acloseexaminationisamatterofparticularimportancetothenegrojockey.

WeweremetatthedoorofGoodin’syardbythatgentlemanhimself—ashort,fatman,witharound,plumpface,blackhairandwhiskers,andacomplexionalmostasdarkassomeofhisownnegroes.Hehadahard,sternlook,andwasperhapsaboutfiftyyearsofage.Burchandhemetwithgreatcordiality.Theywereevidentlyoldfriends.Shakingeachotherwarmlybythehand,Burchremarkedhehadbroughtsomecompany,inquiredatwhattimethebrigwouldleave,andwasansweredthatitwouldprobablyleavethenextdayatsuchanhour.Goodinthenturnedtome,tookholdofmyarm,turnedmepartlyround,lookedatmesharplywiththeairofonewhoconsideredhimselfagoodjudgeofproperty,andasifestimatinginhisownmindabouthowmuchIwasworth.

“Well,boy,wheredidyoucomefrom?”

Forgettingmyself,foramoment,Ianswered,“FromNew-York.”

“New-York!H—l!whathaveyoubeendoingupthere?”washisastonishedinterrogatory.

ObservingBurchatthismomentlookingatmewithanangryexpressionthat

conveyedameaningitwasnotdifficulttounderstand,Iimmediatelysaid,“O,Ihaveonlybeenupthatwayapiece,”inamannerintendedtoimplythatalthoughImighthavebeenasfarasNew-York,yetIwisheditdistinctlyunderstoodthatIdidnotbelongtothatfreeState,nortoanyother.

GoodinthenturnedtoClem,andthentoElizaandthechildren,examiningthemseverally,andaskingvariousquestions.HewaspleasedwithEmily,aswaseveryonewhosawthechild’ssweetcountenance.ShewasnotastidyaswhenIfirstbeheldher;herhairwasnowsomewhatdisheveled;butthroughitsunkemptandsoftprofusiontherestillbeamedalittlefaceofmostsurpassingloveliness.“Altogetherwewereafairlot—adevilishgoodlot,”hesaid,enforcingthatopinionwithmorethanoneemphaticadjectivenotfoundintheChristianvocabulary.Thereuponwepassedintotheyard.Quiteanumberofslaves,asmanyasthirtyIshouldsay,weremovingabout,orsittingonbenchesundertheshed.Theywereallcleanlydressed—themenwithhats,thewomenwithhandkerchiefstiedabouttheirheads.

BurchandGoodin,afterseparatingfromus,walkedupthestepsatthebackpartofthemainbuilding,andsatdownuponthedoorsill.Theyenteredintoconversation,butthesubjectofitIcouldnothear.PresentlyBurchcamedownintotheyard,unfetteredme,andledmeintooneofthesmallhouses.

“YoutoldthatmanyoucamefromNew-York,”saidhe.

Ireplied,“ItoldhimIhadbeenupasfarasNew-York,tobesure,butdidnottellhimIbelongedthere,northatIwasafreeman.Imeantnoharmatall,MasterBurch.IwouldnothavesaidithadIthought.”

Helookedatmeamomentasifhewasreadytodevourme,thenturningroundwentout.Inafewminuteshereturned.“IfeverIhearyousayawordaboutNew-York,oraboutyourfreedom,Iwillbethedeathofyou—Iwillkillyou;youmayrelyonthat,”heejaculatedfiercely.

IdoubtnotheunderstoodthenbetterthanIdid,thedangerandthepenaltyofsellingafreemanintoslavery.Hefeltthenecessityofclosingmymouthagainstthecrimeheknewhewascommitting.Ofcourse,mylifewouldnothaveweighedafeather,inanyemergencyrequiringsuchasacrifice.Undoubtedly,hemeantpreciselywhathesaid.

Undertheshedononesideoftheyard,therewasconstructedaroughtable,whileoverheadweresleepinglofts—thesameasinthepenatWashington.Afterpartakingatthistableofoursupperofporkandbread,Iwashand-cuffedtoalargeyellowman,quitestoutandfleshy,withacountenanceexpressiveoftheutmostmelancholy.Hewasamanofintelligenceandinformation.Chainedtogether,itwasnotlongbeforewebecameacquaintedwitheachother’shistory.HisnamewasRobert.Likemyself,hehadbeen

bornfree,andhadawifeandtwochildreninCincinnati.Hesaidhehadcomesouthwithtwomen,whohadhiredhiminthecityofhisresidence.Withoutfreepapers,hehadbeenseizedatFredericksburgh,placedinconfinement,andbeatenuntilhehadlearned,asIhad,thenecessityandthepolicyofsilence.HehadbeeninGoodin’spenaboutthreeweeks.TothismanIbecamemuchattached.Wecouldsympathizewith,andunderstandeachother.Itwaswithtearsandaheavyheart,notmanydayssubsequently,thatIsawhimdie,andlookedforthelasttimeuponhislifelessform!

Robertandmyself,withClem,Elizaandherchildren,sleptthatnightuponourblankets,inoneofthesmallhousesintheyard.Therewerefourothers,allfromthesameplantation,whohadbeensold,andwerenowontheirwaysouth,whoalsooccupieditwithus.Davidandhiswife,Caroline,bothmulattoes,wereexceedinglyaffected.Theydreadedthethoughtofbeingputintothecaneandcottonfields;buttheirgreatestsourceofanxietywastheapprehensionofbeingseparated.Mary,atall,lithegirl,ofamostjettyblack,waslistlessandapparentlyindifferent.Likemanyoftheclass,shescarcelyknewtherewassuchawordasfreedom.Broughtupintheignoranceofabrute,shepossessedbutlittlemorethanabrute’sintelligence.Shewasoneofthose,andthereareverymany,whofearnothingbuttheirmaster’slash,andknownofurtherdutythantoobeyhisvoice.TheotherwasLethe.Shewasofanentirelydifferentcharacter.Shehadlong,straighthair,andboremoretheappearanceofanIndianthananegrowoman.Shehadsharpandspitefuleyes,andcontinuallygaveutterancetothelanguageofhatredandrevenge.Herhusbandhadbeensold.Sheknewnotwhereshewas.Anexchangeofmasters,shewassure,couldnotbefortheworse.Shecarednotwhithertheymightcarryher.Pointingtothescarsuponherface,thedesperatecreaturewishedthatshemightseethedaywhenshecouldwipethemoffinsomeman’sblood!

Whilewewerethuslearningthehistoryofeachother’swretchedness,Elizawasseatedinacornerbyherself,singinghymnsandprayingforherchildren.Weariedfromthelossofsomuchsleep,Icouldnolongerbearupagainsttheadvancesofthat“sweetrestorer,”andlayingdownbythesideofRobert,onthefloor,soonforgotmytroubles,andsleptuntilthedawnofday.

Inthemorning,havingswepttheyard,andwashedourselves,underGoodin’ssuperintendence,wewereorderedtorollupourblankets,andmakereadyforthecontinuanceofourjourney.ClemRaywasinformedthathewouldgonofurther,Burch,forsomecause,havingconcludedtocarryhimbacktoWashington.Hewasmuchrejoiced.Shakinghands,wepartedintheslavepenatRichmond,andIhavenotseenhimsince.But,muchtomysurprise,sincemyreturn,Ilearnedthathehadescapedfrombondage,andonhisway

tothefreesoilofCanada,lodgedonenightatthehouseofmybrother-in-lawinSaratoga,informingmyfamilyoftheplaceandtheconditioninwhichheleftme.

Intheafternoonweweredrawnup,twoabreast,Robertandmyselfinadvance,andinthisorder,drivenbyBurchandGoodinfromtheyard,throughthestreetsofRichmondtothebrigOrleans.Shewasavesselofrespectablesize,fullrigged,andfreightedprincipallywithtobacco.Wewereallonboardbyfiveo’clock.Burchbroughtuseachatincupandaspoon.Therewerefortyofusinthebrig,beingall,exceptClem,thatwereinthepen.

Withasmallpocketknifethathadnotbeentakenfromme,Ibegancuttingtheinitialsofmynameuponthetincup.Theothersimmediatelyflockedroundme,requestingmetomarktheirsinasimilarmanner.Intime,Igratifiedthemall,ofwhichtheydidnotappeartobeforgetful.

Wewereallstowedawayintheholdatnight,andthehatchbarreddown.Welaidonboxes,orwhere-evertherewasroomenoughtostretchourblanketsonthefloor.

BurchaccompaniedusnofartherthanRichmond,returningfromthatpointtothecapitalwithClem.Notuntilthelapseofalmosttwelveyears,towit,inJanuarylast,intheWashingtonpoliceoffice,didIsetmyeyesuponhisfaceagain.

JamesH.Burchwasaslave-trader—buyingmen,womenandchildrenatlowprices,andsellingthematanadvance.Hewasaspeculatorinhumanflesh—adisreputablecalling—andsoconsideredattheSouth.Forthepresenthedisappearsfromthescenesrecordedinthisnarrative,buthewillappearagainbeforeitsclose,notinthecharacterofaman-whippingtyrant,butasanarrested,cringingcriminalinacourtoflaw,thatfailedtodohimjustice.

CHAPTERV.

ARRIVALATNORFOLK—FREDERICKANDMARIA—ARTHUR,THEFREEMAN—APPOINTEDSTEWARD—JIM,CUFFEE,ANDJENNY—THESTORM—BAHAMABANKS—THECALM—THECONSPIRACY—THELONGBOAT—THESMALL-POX—DEATHOFROBERT—MANNING,THESAILOR—THEMEETINGINTHEFORECASTLE—THELETTER—ARRIVALATNEW-ORLEANS—ARTHUR’SRESCUE—THEOPHILUSFREEMAN,THECONSIGNEE—PLATT—FIRSTNIGHTINTHENEW-ORLEANSSLAVEPEN.

Afterwewereallonboard,thebrigOrleansproceededdownJamesRiver.PassingintoChesapeakeBay,wearrivednextdayoppositethecityofNorfolk.Whilelyingatanchor,alighterapproachedusfromthetown,bringingfourmoreslaves.Frederick,aboyofeighteen,hadbeenbornaslave,asalsohadHenry,whowassomeyearsolder.Theyhadbothbeenhouseservantsinthecity.Mariawasarathergenteellookingcoloredgirl,withafaultlessform,butignorantandextremelyvain.TheideaofgoingtoNew-Orleanswaspleasingtoher.Sheentertainedanextravagantlyhighopinionofherownattractions.Assumingahaughtymien,shedeclaredtohercompanions,thatimmediatelyonourarrivalinNew-Orleans,shehadnodoubt,somewealthysinglegentlemanofgoodtastewouldpurchaseheratonce!

Butthemostprominentofthefour,wasamannamedArthur.Asthelighterapproached,hestruggledstoutlywithhiskeepers.Itwaswithmainforcethathewasdraggedaboardthebrig.Heprotested,inaloudvoice,againstthetreatmenthewasreceiving,anddemandedtobereleased.Hisfacewasswollen,andcoveredwithwoundsandbruises,and,indeed,onesideofitwasacompleterawsore.Hewasforced,withallhaste,downthehatchwayintothehold.Icaughtanoutlineofhisstoryashewasbornestrugglingalong,ofwhichheafterwardsgavemeamorefullrelation,anditwasasfollows:HehadlongresidedinthecityofNorfolk,andwasafreeman.Hehadafamilylivingthere,andwasamasonbytrade.Havingbeenunusuallydetained,hewasreturninglateonenighttohishouseinthesuburbsofthecity,whenhewasattackedbyagangofpersonsinanunfrequentedstreet.Hefoughtuntilhisstrengthfailedhim.Overpoweredatlast,hewasgaggedandboundwithropes,andbeaten,untilhebecameinsensible.ForseveraldaystheysecretedhimintheslavepenatNorfolk—averycommonestablishment,itappears,inthecitiesoftheSouth.Thenightbefore,hehadbeentakenoutandputonboardthelighter,which,pushingoutfromshore,hadawaitedourarrival.Forsometimehecontinuedhisprotestations,andwasaltogetherirreconcilable.Atlength,however,hebecamesilent.Hesankintoagloomyandthoughtfulmood,andappearedtobecounselingwithhimself.Therewasintheman’sdeterminedface,somethingthatsuggestedthethoughtofdesperation.

AfterleavingNorfolkthehand-cuffsweretakenoff,andduringthedaywewereallowedtoremainondeck.ThecaptainselectedRobertashiswaiter,

andIwasappointedtosuperintendthecookingdepartment,andthedistributionoffoodandwater.Ihadthreeassistants,Jim,CuffeeandJenny.Jenny’sbusinesswastopreparethecoffee,whichconsistedofcornmealscorchedinakettle,boiledandsweetenedwithmolasses.JimandCuffeebakedthehoe-cakeandboiledthebacon.

Standingbyatable,formedofawideboardrestingontheheadsofthebarrels,Icutandhandedtoeachasliceofmeatanda“dodger”ofthebread,andfromJenny’skettlealsodippedoutforeachacupofthecoffee.Theuseofplateswasdispensedwith,andtheirsablefingerstooktheplaceofknivesandforks.JimandCuffeewereverydemureandattentivetobusiness,somewhatinflatedwiththeirsituationassecondcooks,andwithoutdoubtfeelingthattherewasagreatresponsibilityrestingonthem.Iwascalledsteward—anamegivenmebythecaptain.

Theslaveswerefedtwiceaday,attenandfiveo’clock—alwaysreceivingthesamekindandquantityoffare,andinthesamemannerasabovedescribed.Atnightweweredrivenintothehold,andsecurelyfasteneddown.

Scarcelywereweoutofsightoflandbeforewewereovertakenbyaviolentstorm.Thebrigrolledandplungeduntilwefearedshewouldgodown.Someweresea-sick,othersontheirkneespraying,whilesomewerefastholdingtoeachother,paralyzedwithfear.Thesea-sicknessrenderedtheplaceofourconfinementloathsomeanddisgusting.Itwouldhavebeenahappythingformostofus—itwouldhavesavedtheagonyofmanyhundredlashes,andmiserabledeathsatlast—hadthecompassionateseasnatchedusthatdayfromtheclutchesofremorselessmen.ThethoughtofRandallandlittleEmmysinkingdownamongthemonstersofthedeep,isamorepleasantcontemplationthantothinkofthemastheyarenow,perhaps,draggingoutlivesofunrequitedtoil.

WheninsightoftheBahamaBanks,ataplacecalledOldPointCompass,ortheHoleintheWall,wewerebecalmedthreedays.Therewasscarcelyabreathofair.Thewatersofthegulfpresentedasingularlywhiteappearance,likelimewater.

Intheorderofevents,Icomenowtotherelationofanoccurrence,whichInevercalltomindbutwithsensationsofregret.IthankGod,whohassincepermittedmetoescapefromthethralldomofslavery,thatthroughhismercifulinterpositionIwaspreventedfromimbruingmyhandsinthebloodofhiscreatures.Letnotthosewhohaveneverbeenplacedinlikecircumstances,judgemeharshly.Untiltheyhavebeenchainedandbeaten—untiltheyfindthemselvesinthesituationIwas,borneawayfromhomeandfamilytowardsalandofbondage—letthemrefrainfromsayingwhattheywouldnotdoforliberty.HowfarIshouldhavebeenjustifiedinthesightof

Godandman,itisunnecessarynowtospeculateupon.ItisenoughtosaythatIamabletocongratulatemyselfupontheharmlessterminationofanaffairwhichthreatened,foratime,tobeattendedwithseriousresults.

Towardsevening,onthefirstdayofthecalm,Arthurandmyselfwereinthebowofthevessel,seatedonthewindlass.Wewereconversingtogetheroftheprobabledestinythatawaitedus,andmourningtogetheroverourmisfortunes.Arthursaid,andIagreedwithhim,thatdeathwasfarlessterriblethanthelivingprospectthatwasbeforeus.Foralongtimewetalkedofourchildren,ourpastlives,andoftheprobabilitiesofescape.Obtainingpossessionofthebrigwassuggestedbyoneofus.Wediscussedthepossibilityofourbeingable,insuchanevent,tomakeourwaytotheharborofNew-York.Iknewlittleofthecompass;buttheideaofriskingtheexperimentwaseagerlyentertained.Thechances,forandagainstus,inanencounterwiththecrew,wascanvassed.Whocouldbereliedupon,andwhocouldnot,thepropertimeandmanneroftheattack,werealltalkedoverandoveragain.FromthemomenttheplotsuggesteditselfIbegantohope.Irevolveditconstantlyinmymind.Asdifficultyafterdifficultyarose,somereadyconceitwasathand,demonstratinghowitcouldbeovercome.Whileothersslept,ArthurandIwerematuringourplans.Atlength,withmuchcaution,Robertwasgraduallymadeacquaintedwithourintentions.Heapprovedofthematonce,andenteredintotheconspiracywithazealousspirit.Therewasnotanotherslavewedaredtotrust.Broughtupinfearandignoranceastheyare,itcanscarcelybeconceivedhowservilelytheywillcringebeforeawhiteman’slook.Itwasnotsafetodepositsoboldasecretwithanyofthem,andfinallywethreeresolvedtotakeuponourselvesalonethefearfulresponsibilityoftheattempt.

Atnight,ashasbeensaid,weweredrivenintothehold,andthehatchbarreddown.Howtoreachthedeckwasthefirstdifficultythatpresenteditself.Onthebowofthebrig,however,Ihadobservedthesmallboatlyingbottomupwards.Itoccurredtomethatbysecretingourselvesunderneathit,wewouldnotbemissedfromthecrowd,astheywerehurrieddownintotheholdatnight.Iwasselectedtomaketheexperiment,inordertosatisfyourselvesofitsfeasibility.Thenextevening,accordingly,aftersupper,watchingmyopportunity,Ihastilyconcealedmyselfbeneathit.Lyingcloseuponthedeck,Icouldseewhatwasgoingonaroundme,whilewhollyunperceivedmyself.Inthemorning,astheycameup,Islippedfrommyhidingplacewithoutbeingobserved.Theresultwasentirelysatisfactory.

Thecaptainandmatesleptinthecabinoftheformer.FromRobert,whohadfrequentoccasion,inhiscapacityofwaiter,tomakeobservationsinthatquarter,weascertainedtheexactpositionoftheirrespectiveberths.Hefurtherinformedusthattherewerealwaystwopistolsandacutlasslyingonthe

table.Thecrew’scooksleptinthecookgalleyondeck,asortofvehicleonwheels,thatcouldbemovedaboutasconveniencerequired,whilethesailors,numberingonlysix,eithersleptintheforecastle,orinhammocksswungamongtherigging.

Finallyourarrangementswereallcompleted.ArthurandIweretostealsilentlytothecaptain’scabin,seizethepistolsandcutlass,andasquicklyaspossibledespatchhimandthemate.Robert,withaclub,wastostandbythedoorleadingfromthedeckdownintothecabin,and,incaseofnecessity,beatbackthesailors,untilwecouldhurrytohisassistance.Weweretoproceedthenascircumstancesmightrequire.Shouldtheattackbesosuddenandsuccessfulastopreventresistance,thehatchwastoremainbarreddown;otherwisetheslavesweretobecalledup,andinthecrowd,andhurry,andconfusionofthetime,weresolvedtoregainourlibertyorloseourlives.Iwasthentoassumetheunaccustomedplaceofpilot,and,steeringnorthward,wetrustedthatsomeluckywindmightbearustothesoiloffreedom.

Themate’snamewasBiddee,thecaptain’sIcannotnowrecall,thoughIrarelyeverforgetanameonceheard.Thecaptainwasasmall,genteelman,erectandprompt,withaproudbearing,andlookedthepersonificationofcourage.Ifheisstillliving,andthesepagesshouldchancetomeethiseye,hewilllearnafactconnectedwiththevoyageofthebrig,fromRichmondtoNew-Orleans,in1841,notenteredonhislog-book.

Wewereallprepared,andimpatientlywaitinganopportunityofputtingourdesignsintoexecution,whentheywerefrustratedbyasadandunforeseenevent.Robertwastakenill.Itwassoonannouncedthathehadthesmall-pox.Hecontinuedtogrowworse,andfourdaysprevioustoourarrivalinNew-Orleanshedied.Oneofthesailorssewedhiminhisblanket,withalargestonefromtheballastathisfeet,andthenlayinghimonahatchway,andelevatingitwithtacklesabovetherailing,theinanimatebodyofpoorRobertwasconsignedtothewhitewatersofthegulf.

Wewereallpanic-strickenbytheappearanceofthesmall-pox.Thecaptainorderedlimetobescatteredthroughthehold,andotherprudentprecautionstobetaken.ThedeathofRobert,however,andthepresenceofthemalady,oppressedmesadly,andIgazedoutoverthegreatwasteofwaterswithaspiritthatwasindeeddisconsolate.

AneveningortwoafterRobert’sburial,Iwasleaningonthehatchwayneartheforecastle,fullofdespondingthoughts,whenasailorinakindvoiceaskedmewhyIwassodown-hearted.Thetoneandmannerofthemanassuredme,andIanswered,becauseIwasafreeman,andhadbeenkidnapped.Heremarkedthatitwasenoughtomakeanyonedown-hearted,andcontinuedtointerrogatemeuntilhelearnedtheparticularsofmywhole

history.Hewasevidentlymuchinterestedinmybehalf,and,inthebluntspeechofasailor,sworehewouldaidmeallhecould,ifit“splithistimbers.”Irequestedhimtofurnishmepen,inkandpaper,inorderthatImightwritetosomeofmyfriends.Hepromisedtoobtainthem—buthowIcouldusethemundiscoveredwasadifficulty.IfIcouldonlygetintotheforecastlewhilehiswatchwasoff,andtheothersailorsasleep,thethingcouldbeaccomplished.Thesmallboatinstantlyoccurredtome.HethoughtwewerenotfarfromtheBalize,atthemouthoftheMississippi,anditwasnecessarythattheletterbewrittensoon,ortheopportunitywouldbelost.Accordingly,byarrangement,Imanagedthenextnighttosecretmyselfagainunderthelong-boat.Hiswatchwasoffattwelve.Isawhimpassintotheforecastle,andinaboutanhourfollowedhim.Hewasnoddingoveratable,halfasleep,onwhichasicklylightwasflickering,andonwhichalsowasapenandsheetofpaper.AsIenteredhearoused,beckonedmetoaseatbesidehim,andpointedtothepaper.IdirectedthelettertoHenryB.Northup,ofSandyHill—statingthatIhadbeenkidnapped,wasthenonboardthebrigOrleans,boundforNew-Orleans;thatitwasthenimpossibleformetoconjecturemyultimatedestination,andrequestinghewouldtakemeasurestorescueme.Theletterwassealedanddirected,andManning,havingreadit,promisedtodeposititintheNew-Orleanspost-office.Ihastenedbacktomyplaceunderthelong-boat,andinthemorning,astheslavescameupandwerewalkinground,creptoutunnoticedandmingledwiththem.

Mygoodfriend,whosenamewasJohnManning,wasanEnglishmanbybirth,andanoble-hearted,generoussailoraseverwalkedadeck.HehadlivedinBoston—wasatall,well-builtman,abouttwenty-fouryearsold,withafacesomewhatpock-marked,butfullofbenevolentexpression.

Nothingtovarythemonotonyofourdailylifeoccurred,untilwereachedNew-Orleans.Oncomingtothelevee,andbeforethevesselwasmadefast,IsawManningleaponshoreandhurryawayintothecity.Ashestartedoffhelookedbackoverhisshouldersignificantly,givingmetounderstandtheobjectofhiserrand.Presentlyhereturned,andpassingclosebyme,hunchedmewithhiselbow,withapeculiarwink,asmuchastosay,“itisallright.”

Theletter,asIhavesincelearned,reachedSandyHill.Mr.NorthupvisitedAlbanyandlaiditbeforeGovernorSeward,butinasmuchasitgavenodefiniteinformationastomyprobablelocality,itwasnot,atthattime,deemedadvisabletoinstitutemeasuresformyliberation.Itwasconcludedtodelay,trustingthataknowledgeofwhereIwasmighteventuallybeobtained.

Ahappyandtouchingscenewaswitnessedimmediatelyuponourreachingthelevee.JustasManningleftthebrig,onhiswaytothepost-office,twomencameupandcalledaloudforArthur.Thelatter,asherecognizedthem,

wasalmostcrazywithdelight.Hecouldhardlyberestrainedfromleapingoverthebrig’sside;andwhentheymetsoonafter,hegraspedthembythehand,andclungtothemalong,longtime.TheyweremenfromNorfolk,whohadcomeontoNew-Orleanstorescuehim.Hiskidnappers,theyinformedhim,hadbeenarrested,andwerethenconfinedintheNorfolkprison.Theyconversedafewmomentswiththecaptain,andthendepartedwiththerejoicingArthur.

Butinallthecrowdthatthrongedthewharf,therewasnoonewhokneworcaredforme.Notone.Nofamiliarvoicegreetedmyears,norwasthereasinglefacethatIhadeverseen.SoonArthurwouldrejoinhisfamily,andhavethesatisfactionofseeinghiswrongsavenged:myfamily,alas,shouldIeverseethemmore?Therewasafeelingofutterdesolationinmyheart,fillingitwithadespairingandregretfulsense,thatIhadnotgonedownwithRoberttothebottomofthesea.

Verysoontradersandconsigneescameonboard.One,atall,thin-facedman,withlightcomplexionandalittlebent,madehisappearance,withapaperinhishand.Burch’sgang,consistingofmyself,Elizaandherchildren,Harry,Lethe,andsomeothers,whohadjoinedusatRichmond,wereconsignedtohim.ThisgentlemanwasMr.TheophilusFreeman.Readingfromhispaper,hecalled,“Platt.”Nooneanswered.Thenamewascalledagainandagain,butstilltherewasnoreply.ThenLethewascalled,thenEliza,thenHarry,untilthelistwasfinished,eachonesteppingforwardashisorhernamewascalled.

“Captain,where’sPlatt?”demandedTheophilusFreeman.

Thecaptainwasunabletoinformhim,noonebeingonboardansweringtothatname.

“Whoshippedthatnigger?”heagaininquiredofthecaptain,pointingtome.

“Burch,”repliedthecaptain.

“YournameisPlatt—youanswermydescription.Whydon’tyoucomeforward?”hedemandedofme,inanangrytone.

Iinformedhimthatwasnotmyname;thatIhadneverbeencalledbyit,butthatIhadnoobjectiontoitasIknewof.

“Well,Iwilllearnyouyourname,”saidhe;“andsoyouwon’tforgetiteither,by——,”headded.

Mr.TheophilusFreeman,bytheway,wasnotawhitbehindhispartner,Burch,inthematterofblasphemy.OnthevesselIhadgonebythenameof“Steward,”andthiswasthefirsttimeIhadeverbeendesignatedasPlatt—the

nameforwardedbyBurchtohisconsignee.FromthevesselIobservedthechain-gangatworkonthelevee.WepassednearthemasweweredriventoFreeman’sslavepen.ThispenisverysimilartoGoodin’sinRichmond,excepttheyardwasenclosedbyplank,standingupright,withendssharpened,insteadofbrickwalls.

Includingus,therewerenowatleastfiftyinthispen.Depositingourblanketsinoneofthesmallbuildingsintheyard,andhavingbeencalledupandfed,wewereallowedtosaunterabouttheenclosureuntilnight,whenwewrappedourblanketsroundusandlaiddownundertheshed,orintheloft,orintheopenyard,justaseachonepreferred.

ItwasbutashorttimeIclosedmyeyesthatnight.Thoughtwasbusyinmybrain.CoulditbepossiblethatIwasthousandsofmilesfromhome—thatIhadbeendriventhroughthestreetslikeadumbbeast—thatIhadbeenchainedandbeatenwithoutmercy—thatIwaseventhenherdedwithadroveofslaves,aslavemyself?Weretheeventsofthelastfewweeksrealitiesindeed?—orwasIpassingonlythroughthedismalphasesofalong,protracteddream?Itwasnoillusion.Mycupofsorrowwasfulltooverflowing.ThenIliftedupmyhandstoGod,andinthestillwatchesofthenight,surroundedbythesleepingformsofmycompanions,beggedformercyonthepoor,forsakencaptive.TotheAlmightyFatherofusall—thefreemanandtheslave—Ipouredforththesupplicationsofabrokenspirit,imploringstrengthfromonhightobearupagainsttheburdenofmytroubles,untilthemorninglightarousedtheslumberers,usheringinanotherdayofbondage.

CHAPTERVI.

FREEMAN’SINDUSTRY—CLEANLINESSANDCLOTHES—EXERCISINGINTHESHOWROOM—THEDANCE—BOB,THEFIDDLER—ARRIVALOFCUSTOMERS—SLAVESEXAMINED—THEOLDGENTLEMANOFNEW-ORLEANS—SALEOFDAVID,CAROLINEANDLETHE—PARTINGOFRANDALLANDELIZA—SMALLPOX—THEHOSPITAL—RECOVERYANDRETURNTOFREEMAN’SSLAVEPEN—THEPURCHASEROFELIZA,HARRYANDPLATT—ELIZA’SAGONYONPARTINGFROMLITTLEEMILY.

Theveryamiable,pious-heartedMr.TheophilusFreeman,partnerorconsigneeofJamesH.Burch,andkeeperoftheslavepeninNew-Orleans,wasoutamonghisanimalsearlyinthemorning.Withanoccasionalkickoftheoldermenandwomen,andmanyasharpcrackofthewhipabouttheearsoftheyoungerslaves,itwasnotlongbeforetheywereallastir,andwideawake.Mr.TheophilusFreemanbustledaboutinaveryindustriousmanner,gettinghispropertyreadyforthesales-room,intending,nodoubt,todothatdayarousingbusiness.

Inthefirstplacewewererequiredtowashthoroughly,andthosewithbeards,toshave.Wewerethenfurnishedwithanewsuiteach,cheap,butclean.Themenhadhat,coat,shirt,pantsandshoes;thewomenfrocksofcalico,andhandkerchiefstobindabouttheirheads.Wewerenowconductedintoalargeroominthefrontpartofthebuildingtowhichtheyardwasattached,inordertobeproperlytrained,beforetheadmissionofcustomers.Themenwerearrangedononesideoftheroom,thewomenontheother.Thetallestwasplacedattheheadoftherow,thenthenexttallest,andsoonintheorderoftheirrespectiveheights.Emilywasatthefootofthelineofwomen.Freemanchargedustorememberourplaces;exhortedustoappearsmartandlively,—sometimesthreatening,andagain,holdingoutvariousinducements.Duringthedayheexercisedusintheartof“lookingsmart,”andofmovingtoourplaceswithexactprecision.

Afterbeingfed,intheafternoon,wewereagainparadedandmadetodance.Bob,acoloredboy,whohadsometimebelongedtoFreeman,playedontheviolin.Standingnearhim,Imadeboldtoinquireifhecouldplaythe“VirginiaReel.”Heansweredhecouldnot,andaskedmeifIcouldplay.Replyingintheaffirmative,hehandedmetheviolin.Istruckupatune,andfinishedit.Freemanorderedmetocontinueplaying,andseemedwellpleased,tellingBobthatIfarexcelledhim—aremarkthatseemedtogrievemymusicalcompanionverymuch.

NextdaymanycustomerscalledtoexamineFreeman’s“newlot.”Thelatter

gentlemanwasveryloquacious,dwellingatmuchlengthuponourseveralgoodpointsandqualities.Hewouldmakeusholdupourheads,walkbrisklybackandforth,whilecustomerswouldfeelofourhandsandarmsandbodies,turnusabout,askuswhatwecoulddo,makeusopenourmouthsandshowourteeth,preciselyasajockeyexaminesahorsewhichheisabouttobarterfororpurchase.Sometimesamanorwomanwastakenbacktothesmallhouseintheyard,stripped,andinspectedmoreminutely.Scarsuponaslave’sbackwereconsideredevidenceofarebelliousorunrulyspirit,andhurthissale.

Oneoldgentleman,whosaidhewantedacoachman,appearedtotakeafancytome.FromhisconversationwithBurch,Ilearnedhewasaresidentinthecity.Iverymuchdesiredthathewouldbuyme,becauseIconceiveditwouldnotbedifficulttomakemyescapefromNew-Orleansonsomenorthernvessel.Freemanaskedhimfifteenhundreddollarsforme.Theoldgentlemaninsisteditwastoomuch,astimeswereveryhard.Freeman,however,declaredthatIwassoundandhealthy,ofagoodconstitution,andintelligent.Hemadeitapointtoenlargeuponmymusicalattainments.Theoldgentlemanarguedquiteadroitlythattherewasnothingextraordinaryaboutthenigger,andfinally,tomyregret,wentout,sayinghewouldcallagain.Duringtheday,however,anumberofsalesweremade.DavidandCarolinewerepurchasedtogetherbyaNatchezplanter.Theyleftus,grinningbroadly,andinthemosthappystateofmind,causedbythefactoftheirnotbeingseparated.LethewassoldtoaplanterofBatonRouge,hereyesflashingwithangerasshewasledaway.

ThesamemanalsopurchasedRandall.Thelittlefellowwasmadetojump,andrunacrossthefloor,andperformmanyotherfeats,exhibitinghisactivityandcondition.Allthetimethetradewasgoingon,Elizawascryingaloud,andwringingherhands.Shebesoughtthemannottobuyhim,unlesshealsoboughtherselfandEmily.Shepromised,inthatcase,tobethemostfaithfulslavethateverlived.Themanansweredthathecouldnotaffordit,andthenElizaburstintoaparoxysmofgrief,weepingplaintively.Freemanturnedroundtoher,savagely,withhiswhipinhisupliftedhand,orderinghertostophernoise,orhewouldflogher.Hewouldnothavesuchwork—suchsnivelling;andunlesssheceasedthatminute,hewouldtakehertotheyardandgiveherahundredlashes.Yes,hewouldtakethenonsenseoutofherprettyquick—ifhedidn’t,mighthebed—d.Elizashrunkbeforehim,andtriedtowipeawayhertears,butitwasallinvain.Shewantedtobewithherchildren,shesaid,thelittletimeshehadtolive.AllthefrownsandthreatsofFreeman,couldnotwhollysilencetheafflictedmother.Shekeptonbeggingandbeseechingthem,mostpiteously,nottoseparatethethree.Overandoveragainshetoldthemhowshelovedherboy.Agreatmanytimessherepeated

herformerpromises—howveryfaithfulandobedientshewouldbe;howhardshewouldlabordayandnight,tothelastmomentofherlife,ifhewouldonlybuythemalltogether.Butitwasofnoavail;themancouldnotaffordit.Thebargainwasagreedupon,andRandallmustgoalone.ThenElizarantohim;embracedhimpassionately;kissedhimagainandagain;toldhimtorememberher—allthewhilehertearsfallingintheboy’sfacelikerain.

Freemandamnedher,callingherablubbering,bawlingwench,andorderedhertogotoherplace,andbehaveherself,andbesomebody.Hesworehewouldn’tstandsuchstuffbutalittlelonger.Hewouldsoongivehersomethingtocryabout,ifshewasnotmightycareful,andthatshemightdependupon.

TheplanterfromBatonRouge,withhisnewpurchases,wasreadytodepart.

“Don’tcry,mama.Iwillbeagoodboy.Don’tcry,”saidRandall,lookingback,astheypassedoutofthedoor.

Whathasbecomeofthelad,Godknows.Itwasamournfulsceneindeed.IwouldhavecriedmyselfifIhaddared.

Thatnight,nearlyallwhocameinonthebrigOrleans,weretakenill.Theycomplainedofviolentpainintheheadandback.LittleEmily—athingunusualwithher—criedconstantly.Inthemorningaphysicianwascalledin,butwasunabletodeterminethenatureofourcomplaint.Whileexaminingme,andaskingquestionstouchingmysymptoms,Igaveitasmyopinionthatitwasanattackofsmall-pox—mentioningthefactofRobert’sdeathasthereasonofmybelief.Itmightbesoindeed,hethought,andhewouldsendfortheheadphysicianofthehospital.Shortly,theheadphysiciancame—asmall,light-hairedman,whomtheycalledDr.Carr.Hepronounceditsmall-pox,whereupontherewasmuchalarmthroughouttheyard.SoonafterDr.Carrleft,Eliza,Emmy,Harryandmyselfwereputintoahackanddriventothehospital—alargewhitemarblebuilding,standingontheoutskirtsofthecity.HarryandIwereplacedinaroominoneoftheupperstories.Ibecameverysick.ForthreedaysIwasentirelyblind.Whilelyinginthisstateoneday,Bobcamein,sayingtoDr.CarrthatFreemanhadsenthimovertoinquirehowweweregettingon.Tellhim,saidthedoctor,thatPlattisverybad,butthatifhesurvivesuntilnineo’clock,hemayrecover.

Iexpectedtodie.Thoughtherewaslittleintheprospectbeforemeworthlivingfor,thenearapproachofdeathappalledme.IthoughtIcouldhavebeenresignedtoyieldupmylifeinthebosomofmyfamily,buttoexpireinthemidstofstrangers,undersuchcircumstances,wasabitterreflection.

Therewereagreatnumberinthehospital,ofbothsexes,andofallages.Intherearofthebuildingcoffinsweremanufactured.Whenonedied,thebell

tolled—asignaltotheundertakertocomeandbearawaythebodytothepotter’sfield.Manytimes,eachdayandnight,thetollingbellsentforthitsmelancholyvoice,announcinganotherdeath.Butmytimehadnotyetcome.Thecrisishavingpassed,Ibegantorevive,andattheendoftwoweeksandtwodays,returnedwithHarrytothepen,bearinguponmyfacetheeffectsofthemalady,whichtothisdaycontinuestodisfigureit.ElizaandEmilywerealsobroughtbacknextdayinahack,andagainwereweparadedinthesales-room,fortheinspectionandexaminationofpurchasers.Istillindulgedthehopethattheoldgentlemaninsearchofacoachmanwouldcallagain,ashehadpromised,andpurchaseme.InthateventIfeltanabidingconfidencethatIwouldsoonregainmyliberty.Customeraftercustomerentered,buttheoldgentlemannevermadehisappearance.

Atlength,oneday,whilewewereintheyard,Freemancameoutandorderedustoourplaces,inthegreatroom.Agentlemanwaswaitingforusasweentered,andinasmuchashewillbeoftenmentionedintheprogressofthisnarrative,adescriptionofhispersonalappearance,andmyestimationofhischaracter,atfirstsight,maynotbeoutofplace.

Hewasamanabovetheordinaryheight,somewhatbentandstoopingforward.Hewasagood-lookingman,andappearedtohavereachedaboutthemiddleageoflife.Therewasnothingrepulsiveinhispresence;butontheotherhand,therewassomethingcheerfulandattractiveinhisface,andinhistoneofvoice.Thefinerelementswereallkindlymingledinhisbreast,asanyonecouldsee.Hemovedaboutamongus,askingmanyquestions,astowhatwecoulddo,andwhatlaborwehadbeenaccustomedto;ifwethoughtwewouldliketolivewithhim,andwouldbegoodboysifhewouldbuyus,andotherinterrogatoriesoflikecharacter.

Aftersomefurtherinspection,andconversationtouchingprices,hefinallyofferedFreemanonethousanddollarsforme,ninehundredforHarry,andsevenhundredforEliza.Whetherthesmall-poxhaddepreciatedourvalue,orfromwhatcauseFreemanhadconcludedtofallfivehundreddollarsfromthepriceIwasbeforeheldat,Icannotsay.Atanyrate,afteralittleshrewdreflection,heannouncedhisacceptanceoftheoffer.

AssoonasElizaheardit,shewasinanagonyagain.Bythistimeshehadbecomehaggardandhollow-eyedwithsicknessandwithsorrow.ItwouldbeareliefifIcouldconsistentlypassoverinsilencethescenethatnowensued.Itrecallsmemoriesmoremournfulandaffectingthananylanguagecanportray.Ihaveseenmotherskissingforthelasttimethefacesoftheirdeadoffspring;Ihaveseenthemlookingdownintothegrave,astheearthfellwithadullsoundupontheircoffins,hidingthemfromtheireyesforever;butneverhaveIseensuchanexhibitionofintense,unmeasured,andunboundedgrief,

aswhenElizawaspartedfromherchild.Shebrokefromherplaceinthelineofwomen,andrushingdownwhereEmilywasstanding,caughtherinherarms.Thechild,sensibleofsomeimpendingdanger,instinctivelyfastenedherhandsaroundhermother’sneck,andnestledherlittleheaduponherbosom.Freemansternlyorderedhertobequiet,butshedidnotheedhim.Hecaughtherbythearmandpulledherrudely,butsheonlyclungtheclosertothechild.Then,withavolleyofgreatoaths,hestruckhersuchaheartlessblow,thatshestaggeredbackward,andwasliketofall.Oh!howpiteouslythendidshebeseechandbegandpraythattheymightnotbeseparated.Whycouldtheynotbepurchasedtogether?Whynotletherhaveoneofherdearchildren?“Mercy,mercy,master!”shecried,fallingonherknees.“Please,master,buyEmily.Icanneverworkanyifsheistakenfromme:Iwilldie.”

Freemaninterferedagain,but,disregardinghim,shestillpleadmostearnestly,tellinghowRandallhadbeentakenfromher—howsheneverwouldseehimagain,andnowitwastoobad—oh,God!itwastoobad,toocruel,totakeherawayfromEmily—herpride—heronlydarling,thatcouldnotlive,itwassoyoung,withoutitsmother!

Finally,aftermuchmoreofsupplication,thepurchaserofElizasteppedforward,evidentlyaffected,andsaidtoFreemanhewouldbuyEmily,andaskedhimwhatherpricewas.

“Whatisherprice?Buyher?”wastheresponsiveinterrogatoryofTheophilusFreeman.Andinstantlyansweringhisowninquiry,headded,“Iwon’tsellher.She’snotforsale.”

Themanremarkedhewasnotinneedofonesoyoung—thatitwouldbeofnoprofittohim,butsincethemotherwassofondofher,ratherthanseethemseparated,hewouldpayareasonableprice.ButtothishumaneproposalFreemanwasentirelydeaf.Hewouldnotsellherthenonanyaccountwhatever.Therewereheapsandpilesofmoneytobemadeofher,hesaid,whenshewasafewyearsolder.ThereweremenenoughinNew-Orleanswhowouldgivefivethousanddollarsforsuchanextra,handsome,fancypieceasEmilywouldbe,ratherthannotgether.No,no,hewouldnotsellherthen.Shewasabeauty—apicture—adoll—oneoftheregularbloods—noneofyourthick-lipped,bullet-headed,cotton-pickingniggers—ifshewasmighthebed—d.

WhenElizaheardFreeman’sdeterminationnottopartwithEmily,shebecameabsolutelyfrantic.

“Iwillnotgowithouther.Theyshallnottakeherfromme,”shefairlyshrieked,hershriekscomminglingwiththeloudandangryvoiceofFreeman,commandinghertobesilent.

MeantimeHarryandmyselfhadbeentotheyardandreturnedwithourblankets,andwereatthefrontdoorreadytoleave.Ourpurchaserstoodnearus,gazingatElizawithanexpressionindicativeofregretathavingboughtherattheexpenseofsomuchsorrow.Wewaitedsometime,when,finally,Freeman,outofpatience,toreEmilyfromhermotherbymainforce,thetwoclingingtoeachotherwithalltheirmight.

“Don’tleaveme,mama—don’tleaveme,”screamedthechild,asitsmotherwaspushedharshlyforward;“Don’tleaveme—comeback,mama,”shestillcried,stretchingforthherlittlearmsimploringly.Butshecriedinvain.Outofthedoorandintothestreetwewerequicklyhurried.Stillwecouldhearhercallingtohermother,“Comeback—don’tleaveme—comeback,mama,”untilherinfantvoicegrewfaintandstillmorefaint,andgraduallydiedaway,asdistanceintervened,andfinallywaswhollylost.

ElizaneveraftersaworheardofEmilyorRandall.Daynornight,however,weretheyeverabsentfromhermemory.Inthecottonfield,inthecabin,alwaysandeverywhere,shewastalkingofthem—oftentothem,asiftheywereactuallypresent.Onlywhenabsorbedinthatillusion,orasleep,didsheeverhaveamoment’scomfortafterwards.

Shewasnocommonslave,ashasbeensaid.Toalargeshareofnaturalintelligencewhichshepossessed,wasaddedageneralknowledgeandinformationonmostsubjects.Shehadenjoyedopportunitiessuchasareaffordedtoveryfewofheroppressedclass.Shehadbeenliftedupintotheregionsofahigherlife.Freedom—freedomforherselfandforheroffspring,formanyyearshadbeenhercloudbyday,herpillaroffirebynight.Inherpilgrimagethroughthewildernessofbondage,witheyesfixeduponthathope-inspiringbeacon,shehadatlengthascendedto“thetopofPisgah,”andbeheld“thelandofpromise.”Inanunexpectedmomentshewasutterlyoverwhelmedwithdisappointmentanddespair.Thegloriousvisionoflibertyfadedfromhersightastheyledherawayintocaptivity.Now“sheweepethsoreinthenight,andtearsareonhercheeks:allherfriendshavedealttreacherouslywithher:theyhavebecomeherenemies.”

SEPERATIONOFELIZAANDHERLASTCHILD.

CHAPTERVII .

THESTEAMBOATRODOLPH—DEPARTUREFROMNEW-ORLEANS—WILLIAMFORD—ARRIVALATALEXANDRIA,ONREDRIVER—RESOLUTIONS—THEGREATPINEWOODS—WILDCATTLE—MARTIN’SSUMMERRESIDENCE—THETEXASROAD—ARRIVALATMASTERFORD’S—ROSE—MISTRESSFORD—SALLY,ANDHERCHILDREN—JOHN,THECOOK—WALTER,SAM,ANDANTONY—THEMILLSONINDIANCREEK—SABBATHDAYS—SAM’SCONVERSION—THEPROFITOFKINDNESS—RAFTING—ADAMTAYDEM,THELITTLEWHITEMAN—CASCALLAANDHISTRIBE—THEINDIANBALL—JOHNM.TIBEATS—THESTORMAPPROACHING.

OnleavingtheNew-Orleansslavepen,HarryandIfollowedournewmasterthroughthestreets,whileEliza,cryingandturningback,wasforcedalongbyFreemanandhisminions,untilwefoundourselvesonboardthesteamboatRodolph,thenlyingatthelevee.InthecourseofhalfanhourweweremovingbrisklyuptheMississippi,boundforsomepointonRedRiver.Therewerequiteanumberofslavesonboardbesideourselves,justpurchasedintheNew-Orleansmarket.IrememberaMr.Kelsow,whowassaidtobeawellknownandextensiveplanter,hadinchargeagangofwomen.

Ourmaster’snamewasWilliamFord.Heresidedtheninthe“GreatPineWoods,”intheparishofAvoyelles,situatedontherightbankofRedRiver,intheheartofLouisiana.HeisnowaBaptistpreacher.ThroughoutthewholeparishofAvoyelles,andespeciallyalongbothshoresofBayouBœuf,whereheismoreintimatelyknown,heisaccountedbyhisfellow-citizensasaworthyministerofGod.Inmanynorthernminds,perhaps,theideaofamanholdinghisbrothermaninservitude,andthetrafficinhumanflesh,mayseemaltogetherincompatiblewiththeirconceptionsofamoralorreligiouslife.FromdescriptionsofsuchmenasBurchandFreeman,andothershereinaftermentioned,theyareledtodespiseandexecratethewholeclassofslaveholders,indiscriminately.ButIwassometimehisslave,andhadanopportunityoflearningwellhischaracteranddisposition,anditisbutsimplejusticetohimwhenIsay,inmyopinion,thereneverwasamorekind,noble,candid,ChristianmanthanWilliamFord.Theinfluencesandassociationsthathadalwayssurroundedhim,blindedhimtotheinherentwrongatthebottomofthesystemofSlavery.Heneverdoubtedthemoralrightofonemanholdinganotherinsubjection.Lookingthroughthesamemediumwithhisfathersbeforehim,hesawthingsinthesamelight.Broughtupunderothercircumstancesandotherinfluences,hisnotionswouldundoubtedlyhavebeendifferent.Nevertheless,hewasamodelmaster,walkinguprightly,accordingtothelightofhisunderstanding,andfortunatewastheslavewhocametohis

possession.Wereallmensuchashe,Slaverywouldbedeprivedofmorethanhalfitsbitterness.

WeweretwodaysandthreenightsonboardthesteamboatRodolph,duringwhichtimenothingofparticularinterestoccurred.IwasnowknownasPlatt,thenamegivenmebyBurch,andbywhichIwasdesignatedthroughthewholeperiodofmyservitude.Elizawassoldbythenameof“Dradey.”ShewassodistinguishedintheconveyancetoFord,nowonrecordintherecorder’sofficeinNew-Orleans.

OnourpassageIwasconstantlyreflectingonmysituation,andconsultingwithmyselfonthebestcoursetopursueinordertoeffectmyultimateescape.Sometimes,notonlythen,butafterwards,IwasalmostonthepointofdisclosingfullytoFordthefactsofmyhistory.Iaminclinednowtotheopinionitwouldhaveresultedinmybenefit.Thiscoursewasoftenconsidered,butthroughfearofitsmiscarriage,neverputintoexecution,untileventuallymytransferandhispecuniaryembarrassmentsrendereditevidentlyunsafe.Afterwards,underothermasters,unlikeWilliamFord,IknewwellenoughtheslightestknowledgeofmyrealcharacterwouldconsignmeatoncetotheremoterdepthsofSlavery.Iwastoocostlyachatteltobelost,andwaswellawarethatIwouldbetakenfartheron,intosomeby-place,overtheTexanborder,perhaps,andsold;thatIwouldbedisposedofasthethiefdisposesofhisstolenhorse,ifmyrighttofreedomwasevenwhispered.SoIresolvedtolockthesecretcloselyinmyheart—nevertoutteronewordorsyllableastowhoorwhatIwas—trustinginProvidenceandmyownshrewdnessfordeliverance.

AtlengthweleftthesteamboatRodolphataplacecalledAlexandria,severalhundredmilesfromNew-Orleans.ItisasmalltownonthesouthernshoreofRedRiver.Havingremainedthereovernight,weenteredthemorningtrainofcars,andweresoonatBayouLamourie,astillsmallerplace,distanteighteenmilesfromAlexandria.Atthattimeitwastheterminationoftherailroad.Ford’splantationwassituatedontheTexasroad,twelvemilesfromLamourie,intheGreatPineWoods.Thisdistance,itwasannouncedtous,mustbetraveledonfoot,therebeingpublicconveyancesnofarther.AccordinglyweallsetoutinthecompanyofFord.Itwasanexcessivelyhotday.Harry,Eliza,andmyselfwereyetweak,andthebottomsofourfeetwereverytenderfromtheeffectsofthesmall-pox.Weproceededslowly,Fordtellingustotakeourtimeandsitdownandrestwheneverwedesired—aprivilegethatwastakenadvantageofquitefrequently.AfterleavingLamourieandcrossingtwoplantations,onebelongingtoMr.Carnell,theothertoaMr.Flint,wereachedthePineWoods,awildernessthatstretchestotheSabineRiver.

ThewholecountryaboutRedRiverislowandmarshy.ThePineWoods,astheyarecalled,iscomparativelyupland,withfrequentsmallintervals,however,runningthroughthem.Thisuplandiscoveredwithnumeroustrees—thewhiteoak,thechincopin,resemblingchestnut,butprincipallytheyellowpine.Theyareofgreatsize,runningupsixtyfeet,andperfectlystraight.Thewoodswerefullofcattle,veryshyandwild,dashingawayinherds,withaloudsnuff,atourapproach.Someofthemweremarkedorbranded,therestappearedtobeintheirwildanduntamedstate.Theyaremuchsmallerthannorthernbreeds,andthepeculiarityaboutthemthatmostattractedmyattentionwastheirhorns.Theystandoutfromthesidesoftheheadpreciselystraight,liketwoironspikes.

Atnoonwereachedaclearedpieceofgroundcontainingthreeorfouracres.Uponitwasasmall,unpainted,woodenhouse,acorncrib,or,aswewouldsay,abarn,andalogkitchen,standingaboutarodfromthehouse.ItwasthesummerresidenceofMr.Martin.Richplanters,havinglargeestablishmentsonBayouBœuf,areaccustomedtospendthewarmerseasoninthesewoods.Heretheyfindclearwateranddelightfulshades.Infact,theseretreatsaretotheplantersofthatsectionofthecountrywhatNewportandSaratogaaretothewealthierinhabitantsofnortherncities.

Weweresentaroundintothekitchen,andsuppliedwithsweetpotatoes,corn-bread,andbacon,whileMasterForddinedwithMartininthehouse.Therewereseveralslavesaboutthepremises.Martincameoutandtookalookatus,askingFordthepriceofeach,ifweweregreenhands,andsoforth,andmakinginquiriesinrelationtotheslavemarketgenerally.

Afteralongrestwesetforthagain,followingtheTexasroad,whichhadtheappearanceofbeingveryrarelytraveled.Forfivemileswepassedthroughcontinuouswoodswithoutobservingasinglehabitation.Atlength,justasthesunwassinkinginthewest,weenteredanotheropening,containingsometwelveorfifteenacres.

InthisopeningstoodahousemuchlargerthanMr.Martin’s.Itwastwostorieshigh,withapiazzainfront.Intherearofitwasalsoalogkitchen,poultryhouse,corncribs,andseveralnegrocabins.Nearthehousewasapeachorchard,andgardensoforangeandpomegranatetrees.Thespacewasentirelysurroundedbywoods,andcoveredwithacarpetofrich,rankverdure.Itwasaquiet,lonely,pleasantplace—literallyagreenspotinthewilderness.Itwastheresidenceofmymaster,WilliamFord.

Asweapproached,ayellowgirl—hernamewasRose—wasstandingonthepiazza.Goingtothedoor,shecalledhermistress,whopresentlycamerunningouttomeetherlord.Shekissedhim,andlaughinglydemandedifhehadbought“thoseniggers.”Fordsaidhehad,andtoldustogoroundto

Sally’scabinandrestourselves.Turningthecornerofthehouse,wediscoveredSallywashing—hertwobabychildrennearher,rollingonthegrass.Theyjumpedupandtoddledtowardsus,lookedatusamomentlikeabraceofrabbits,thenranbacktotheirmotherasifafraidofus.

Sallyconductedusintothecabin,toldustolaydownourbundlesandbeseated,forshewassurethatweweretired.JustthenJohn,thecook,aboysomesixteenyearsofage,andblackerthananycrow,camerunningin,lookedsteadilyinourfaces,thenturninground,withoutsayingasmuchas“howd’yedo,”ranbacktothekitchen,laughingloudly,asifourcomingwasagreatjokeindeed.

Muchweariedwithourwalk,assoonasitwasdark,HarryandIwrappedourblanketsroundus,andlaiddownuponthecabinfloor.Mythoughts,asusual,wanderedbacktomywifeandchildren.Theconsciousnessofmyrealsituation;thehopelessnessofanyefforttoescapethroughthewideforestsofAvoyelles,pressedheavilyuponme,yetmyheartwasathomeinSaratoga.

IwasawakenedearlyinthemorningbythevoiceofMasterFord,callingRose.Shehastenedintothehousetodressthechildren,Sallytothefieldtomilkthecows,whileJohnwasbusyinthekitchenpreparingbreakfast.InthemeantimeHarryandIwerestrollingabouttheyard,lookingatournewquarters.Justafterbreakfastacoloredman,drivingthreeyokeofoxen,attachedtoawagonloadoflumber,droveintotheopening.HewasaslaveofFord’s,namedWalton,thehusbandofRose.Bytheway,RosewasanativeofWashington,andhadbeenbroughtfromthencefiveyearsbefore.ShehadneverseenEliza,butshehadheardofBerry,andtheyknewthesamestreets,andthesamepeople,eitherpersonally,orbyreputation.Theybecamefastfriendsimmediately,andtalkedagreatdealtogetherofoldtimes,andoffriendstheyhadleftbehind.

Fordwasatthattimeawealthyman.BesideshisseatinthePineWoods,heownedalargelumberingestablishmentonIndianCreek,fourmilesdistant,andalso,inhiswife’sright,anextensiveplantationandmanyslavesonBayouBœuf.

WaltonhadcomewithhisloadoflumberfromthemillsonIndianCreek.Forddirectedustoreturnwithhim,sayinghewouldfollowusassoonaspossible.Beforeleaving,MistressFordcalledmeintothestore-room,andhandedme,asitistheretermed,atinbucketofmolassesforHarryandmyself.

Elizawasstillringingherhandsanddeploringthelossofherchildren.Fordtriedasmuchaspossibletoconsoleher—toldhersheneednotworkveryhard;thatshemightremainwithRose,andassistthemadaminthehouse

affairs.

RidingwithWaltoninthewagon,HarryandIbecamequitewellacquaintedwithhimlongbeforereachingIndianCreek.Hewasa“bornthrall”ofFord’s,andspokekindlyandaffectionatelyofhim,asachildwouldspeakofhisownfather.InanswertohisinquiriesfromwhenceIcame,ItoldhimfromWashington.Ofthatcity,hehadheardmuchfromhiswife,Rose,andallthewaypliedmewithmanyextravagantandabsurdquestions.

OnreachingthemillsatIndianCreek,wefoundtwomoreofFord’sslaves,SamandAntony.Sam,also,wasaWashingtonian,havingbeenbroughtoutinthesamegangwithRose.HehadworkedonafarmnearGeorgetown.Antonywasablacksmith,fromKentucky,whohadbeeninhispresentmaster’sserviceabouttenyears.SamknewBurch,andwheninformedthathewasthetraderwhohadsentmeonfromWashington,itwasremarkablehowwellweagreeduponthesubjectofhissuperlativerascality.HehadforwardedSam,also.

OnFord’sarrivalatthemill,wewereemployedinpilinglumber,andchoppinglogs,whichoccupationwecontinuedduringtheremainderofthesummer.

WeusuallyspentourSabbathsattheopening,onwhichdaysourmasterwouldgatherallhisslavesabouthim,andreadandexpoundtheScriptures.Hesoughttoinculcateinourmindsfeelingsofkindnesstowardseachother,ofdependenceuponGod—settingforththerewardspromiseduntothosewholeadanuprightandprayerfullife.Seatedinthedoorwayofhishouse,surroundedbyhisman-servantsandhismaid-servants,wholookedearnestlyintothegoodman’sface,hespokeofthelovingkindnessoftheCreator,andofthelifethatistocome.Oftendidthevoiceofprayerascendfromhislipstoheaven,theonlysoundthatbrokethesolitudeoftheplace.

InthecourseofthesummerSambecamedeeplyconvicted,hisminddwellingintenselyonthesubjectofreligion.HismistressgavehimaBible,whichhecarriedwithhimtohiswork.Whateverleisuretimewasallowedhim,hespentinperusingit,thoughitwasonlywithgreatdifficultythathecouldmasteranypartofit.Ioftenreadtohim,afavorwhichhewellrepaidmebymanyexpressionsofgratitude.Sam’spietywasfrequentlyobservedbywhitemenwhocametothemill,andtheremarkitmostgenerallyprovokedwas,thatamanlikeFord,whoallowedhisslavestohaveBibles,was“notfittoownanigger.”

He,however,lostnothingbyhiskindness.ItisafactIhavemorethanonceobserved,thatthosewhotreatedtheirslavesmostleniently,wererewardedbythegreatestamountoflabor.Iknowitfrommyownexperience.Itwasa

sourceofpleasuretosurpriseMasterFordwithagreaterday’sworkthanwasrequired,while,undersubsequentmasters,therewasnopromptertoextraeffortbuttheoverseer’slash.

ItwasthedesireofFord’sapprovingvoicethatsuggestedtomeanideathatresultedtohisprofit.ThelumberweweremanufacturingwascontractedtobedeliveredatLamourie.Ithadhithertobeentransportedbyland,andwasanimportantitemofexpense.IndianCreek,uponwhichthemillsweresituated,wasanarrowbutdeepstreamemptyingintoBayouBœuf.Insomeplacesitwasnotmorethantwelvefeetwide,andmuchobstructedwithtrunksoftrees.BayouBœufwasconnectedwithBayouLamourie.Iascertainedthedistancefromthemillstothepointonthelatterbayou,whereourlumberwastobedelivered,wasbutafewmileslessbylandthanbywater.Providedthecreekcouldbemadenavigableforrafts,itoccurredtomethattheexpenseoftransportationwouldbemateriallydiminished.

AdamTaydem,alittlewhiteman,whohadbeenasoldierinFlorida,andhadstrolledintothatdistantregion,wasforemanandsuperintendentofthemills.Hescoutedtheidea;butFord,whenIlaiditbeforehim,receiveditfavorably,andpermittedmetotrytheexperiment.

Havingremovedtheobstructions,Imadeupanarrowraft,consistingoftwelvecribs.AtthisbusinessIthinkIwasquiteskillful,nothavingforgottenmyexperienceyearsbeforeontheChamplaincanal.Ilaboredhard,beingextremelyanxioustosucceed,bothfromadesiretopleasemymaster,andtoshowAdamTaydemthatmyschemewasnotsuchavisionaryoneasheincessantlypronouncedit.Onehandcouldmanagethreecribs.Itookchargeoftheforwardthree,andcommencedpolingdownthecreek.Induetimeweenteredthefirstbayou,andfinallyreachedourdestinationinashorterperiodoftimethanIhadanticipated.

ThearrivaloftheraftatLamouriecreatedasensation,whileMr.Fordloadedmewithcommendations.OnallsidesIheardFord’sPlattpronouncedthe“smartestniggerinthePineWoods”—infactIwastheFultonofIndianCreek.Iwasnotinsensibletothepraisebestoweduponme,andenjoyed,especially,mytriumphoverTaydem,whosehalf-maliciousridiculehadstungmypride.FromthistimetheentirecontrolofbringingthelumbertoLamouriewasplacedinmyhandsuntilthecontractwasfulfilled.

IndianCreek,initswholelength,flowsthroughamagnificentforest.TheredwellsonitsshoreatribeofIndians,aremnantoftheChickasawsorChickopees,ifIrememberrightly.Theyliveinsimplehuts,tenortwelvefeetsquare,constructedofpinepolesandcoveredwithbark.Theysubsistprincipallyonthefleshofthedeer,thecoon,andopossum,allofwhichareplentyinthesewoods.Sometimestheyexchangevenisonforalittlecornand

whiskywiththeplantersonthebayous.Theirusualdressisbuckskinbreechesandcalicohuntingshirtsoffantasticcolors,buttonedfrombelttochin.Theywearbrassringsontheirwrists,andintheirearsandnoses.Thedressofthesquawsisverysimilar.Theyarefondofdogsandhorses—owningmanyofthelatter,ofasmall,toughbreed—andareskillfulriders.Theirbridles,girthsandsaddlesweremadeofrawskinsofanimals;theirstirrupsofacertainkindofwood.Mountedastridetheirponies,menandwomen,Ihaveseenthemdashoutintothewoodsattheutmostoftheirspeed,followingnarrowwindingpaths,anddodgingtrees,inamannerthateclipsedthemostmiraculousfeatsofcivilizedequestrianism.Circlingawayinvariousdirections,theforestechoingandre-echoingwiththeirwhoops,theywouldpresentlyreturnatthesamedashing,headlongspeedwithwhichtheystarted.TheirvillagewasonIndianCreek,knownasIndianCastle,buttheirrangeextendedtotheSabineRiver.OccasionallyatribefromTexaswouldcomeoveronavisit,andthentherewasindeedacarnivalinthe“GreatPineWoods.”ChiefofthetribewasCascalla;secondinrank,JohnBaltese,hisson-in-law;withbothofwhom,aswithmanyothersofthetribe,Ibecameacquaintedduringmyfrequentvoyagesdownthecreekwithrafts.Samandmyselfwouldoftenvisitthemwhentheday’staskwasdone.Theywereobedienttothechief;thewordofCascallawastheirlaw.Theywerearudebutharmlesspeople,andenjoyedtheirwildmodeoflife.Theyhadlittlefancyfortheopencountry,theclearedlandsontheshoresofthebayous,butpreferredtohidethemselveswithintheshadowsoftheforest.TheyworshipedtheGreatSpirit,lovedwhisky,andwerehappy.

OnoneoccasionIwaspresentatadance,whenarovingherdfromTexashadencampedintheirvillage.Theentirecarcassofadeerwasroastingbeforealargefire,whichthrewitslightalongdistanceamongthetreesunderwhichtheywereassembled.Whentheyhadformedinaring,menandsquawsalternately,asortofIndianfiddlesetupanindescribabletune.Itwasacontinuous,melancholykindofwavysound,withtheslightestpossiblevariation.Atthefirstnote,ifindeedtherewasmorethanonenoteinthewholetune,theycircledaround,trottingaftereachother,andgivingutterancetoaguttural,sing-songnoise,equallyasnondescriptasthemusicofthefiddle.Attheendofthethirdcircuit,theywouldstopsuddenly,whoopasiftheirlungswouldcrack,thenbreakfromthering,formingincouples,manandsquaw,eachjumpingbackwardsasfaraspossiblefromtheother,thenforwards—whichgracefulfeathavingbeentwiceorthriceaccomplished,theywouldforminaring,andgotrottingroundagain.Thebestdancerappearedtobeconsideredtheonewhocouldwhooptheloudest,jumpthefarthest,andutterthemostexcruciatingnoise.Atintervals,oneormorewouldleavethedancingcircle,andgoingtothefire,cutfromtheroasting

carcassasliceofvenison.

Inahole,shapedlikeamortar,cutinthetrunkofafallentree,theypoundedcornwithawoodenpestle,andofthemealmadecake.Alternatelytheydancedandate.ThuswerethevisitorsfromTexasentertainedbytheduskysonsanddaughtersoftheChicopees,andsuchisadescription,asIsawit,ofanIndianballinthePineWoodsofAvoyelles.

Intheautumn,Ileftthemills,andwasemployedattheopening.OnedaythemistresswasurgingFordtoprocurealoom,inorderthatSallymightcommenceweavingclothforthewintergarmentsoftheslaves.Hecouldnotimaginewhereonewastobefound,whenIsuggestedthattheeasiestwaytogetonewouldbetomakeit,informinghimatthesametime,thatIwasasortof“Jackatalltrades,”andwouldattemptit,withhispermission.Itwasgrantedveryreadily,andIwasallowedtogotoaneighboringplanter’stoinspectonebeforecommencingtheundertaking.AtlengthitwasfinishedandpronouncedbySallytobeperfect.Shecouldeasilyweavehertaskoffourteenyards,milkthecows,andhaveleisuretimebesideseachday.Itworkedsowell,Iwascontinuedintheemploymentofmakinglooms,whichweretakendowntotheplantationonthebayou.

AtthistimeoneJohnM.Tibeats,acarpenter,cametotheopeningtodosomeworkonmaster’shouse.Iwasdirectedtoquittheloomsandassisthim.FortwoweeksIwasinhiscompany,planningandmatchingboardsforceiling,aplasteredroombeingararethingintheparishofAvoyelles.

JohnM.TibeatswastheoppositeofFordinallrespects.Hewasasmall,crabbed,quick-tempered,spitefulman.HehadnofixedresidencethatIeverheardof,butpassedfromoneplantationtoanother,whereverhecouldfindemployment.Hewaswithoutstandinginthecommunity,notesteemedbywhitemen,norevenrespectedbyslaves.Hewasignorant,withal,andofarevengefuldisposition.HelefttheparishlongbeforeIdid,andIknownotwhetherheisatpresentaliveordead.Certainitis,itwasamostunluckydayformethatbroughtustogether.DuringmyresidencewithMasterFordIhadseenonlythebrightsideofslavery.Hiswasnoheavyhandcrushingustotheearth.Hepointedupwards,andwithbenignandcheeringwordsaddressedusashisfellow-mortals,accountable,likehimself,totheMakerofusall.Ithinkofhimwithaffection,andhadmyfamilybeenwithme,couldhavebornehisgentleservitude,withoutmurmuring,allmydays.Butcloudsweregatheringinthehorizon—forerunnersofapitilessstormthatwassoontobreakoverme.Iwasdoomedtoenduresuchbittertrialsasthepoorslaveonlyknows,andtoleadnomorethecomparativelyhappylifewhichIhadledinthe“GreatPineWoods.”

CHAPTERVIII .

FORD’SEMBARRASSMENTS—THESALETOTIBEATS—THECHATTELMORTGAGE—MISTRESSFORD’SPLANTATIONONBAYOUBŒUF—DESCRIPTIONOFTHELATTER—FORD’SBROTHER-IN-LAW,PETERTANNER—MEETINGWITHELIZA—SHESTILLMOURNSFORHERCHILDREN—FORD’SOVERSEER,CHAPIN—TIBEAT’SABUSE—THEKEGOFNAILS—THEFIRSTFIGHTWITHTIBEATS—HISDISCOMFITUREANDCASTIGATION—THEATTEMPTTOHANGME—CHAPIN’SINTERFERENCEANDSPEECH—UNHAPPYREFLECTIONS—ABRUPTDEPARTUREOFTIBEATS,COOKANDRAMSAY—LAWSONANDTHEBROWNMULE—MESSAGETOTHEPINEWOODS.

WilliamFordunfortunatelybecameembarrassedinhispecuniaryaffairs.Aheavyjudgmentwasrenderedagainsthiminconsequenceofhishavingbecomesecurityforhisbrother,FranklinFord,residingonRedRiver,aboveAlexandria,andwhohadfailedtomeethisliabilities.HewasalsoindebtedtoJohnM.TibeatstoaconsiderableamountinconsiderationofhisservicesinbuildingthemillsonIndianCreek,andalsoaweaving-house,corn-millandothererectionsontheplantationatBayouBœuf,notyetcompleted.Itwasthereforenecessary,inordertomeetthesedemands,todisposeofeighteenslaves,myselfamongthenumber.Seventeenofthem,includingSamandHarry,werepurchasedbyPeterCompton,aplanteralsoresidingonRedRiver.

IwassoldtoTibeats,inconsequence,undoubtedly,ofmyslightskillasacarpenter.Thiswasinthewinterof1842.ThedeedofmyselffromFreemantoFord,asIascertainedfromthepublicrecordsinNew-Orleansonmyreturn,wasdatedJune23d,1841.AtthetimeofmysaletoTibeats,thepriceagreedtobegivenformebeingmorethanthedebt,Fordtookachattelmortgageoffourhundreddollars.Iamindebtedformylife,aswillhereafterbeseen,tothatmortgage.

Ibadefarewelltomygoodfriendsattheopening,anddepartedwithmynewmasterTibeats.WewentdowntotheplantationonBayouBœuf,distanttwenty-sevenmilesfromthePineWoods,tocompletetheunfinishedcontract.BayouBœufisasluggish,windingstream—oneofthosestagnantbodiesofwatercommoninthatregion,settingbackfromRedRiver.ItstretchesfromapointnotfarfromAlexandria,inasouth-easterlydirection,andfollowingitstortuouscourse,ismorethanfiftymilesinlength.Largecottonandsugarplantationslineeachshore,extendingbacktothebordersofinterminableswamps.Itisalivewithalligators,renderingitunsafeforswine,orunthinkingslavechildrentostrollalongitsbanks.Uponabendinthisbayou,ashortdistancefromCheneyville,wassituatedtheplantationofMadamFord—herbrother,PeterTanner,agreatlandholder,livingontheoppositeside.

OnmyarrivalatBayouBœuf,IhadthepleasureofmeetingEliza,whomIhadnotseenforseveralmonths.ShehadnotpleasedMrs.Ford,beingmore

occupiedinbroodingoverhersorrowsthaninattendingtoherbusiness,andhad,inconsequence,beensentdowntoworkinthefieldontheplantation.Shehadgrownfeebleandemaciated,andwasstillmourningforherchildren.SheaskedmeifIhadforgottenthem,andagreatmanytimesinquiredifIstillrememberedhowhandsomelittleEmilywas—howmuchRandalllovedher—andwonderediftheywerelivingstill,andwherethedarlingscouldthenbe.Shehadsunkbeneaththeweightofanexcessivegrief.Herdroopingformandhollowcheekstooplainlyindicatedthatshehadwellnighreachedtheendofherwearyroad.

Ford’soverseeronthisplantation,andwhohadtheexclusivechargeofit,wasaMr.Chapin,akindly-disposedman,andanativeofPennsylvania.Incommonwithothers,heheldTibeatsinlightestimation,whichfact,inconnectionwiththefourhundreddollarmortgage,wasfortunateforme.

Iwasnowcompelledtolaborveryhard.Fromearliestdawnuntillateatnight,Iwasnotallowedtobeamomentidle.Notwithstandingwhich,Tibeatswasneversatisfied.Hewascontinuallycursingandcomplaining.Heneverspoketomeakindword.Iwashisfaithfulslave,andearnedhimlargewageseveryday,andyetIwenttomycabinnightly,loadedwithabuseandstingingepithets.

Wehadcompletedthecornmill,thekitchen,andsoforth,andwereatworkupontheweaving-house,whenIwasguiltyofanact,inthatStatepunishablewithdeath.ItwasmyfirstfightwithTibeats.Theweaving-housewewereerectingstoodintheorchardafewrodsfromtheresidenceofChapin,orthe“greathouse,”asitwascalled.Onenight,havingworkeduntilitwastoodarktosee,IwasorderedbyTibeatstoriseveryearlyinthemorning,procureakegofnailsfromChapin,andcommenceputtingontheclapboards.Iretiredtothecabinextremelytired,andhavingcookedasupperofbaconandcorncake,andconversedawhilewithEliza,whooccupiedthesamecabin,asalsodidLawsonandhiswifeMary,andaslavenamedBristol,laiddownuponthegroundfloor,littledreamingofthesufferingsthatawaitedmeonthemorrow.BeforedaylightIwasonthepiazzaofthe“greathouse,”awaitingtheappearanceofoverseerChapin.Tohavearousedhimfromhisslumbersandstatedmyerrand,wouldhavebeenanunpardonableboldness.Atlengthhecameout.Takingoffmyhat,IinformedhimMasterTibeatshaddirectedmetocalluponhimforakegofnails.Goingintothestore-room,herolleditout,atthesametimesaying,ifTibeatspreferredadifferentsize,hewouldendeavortofurnishthem,butthatImightusethoseuntilfurtherdirected.Thenmountinghishorse,whichstoodsaddledandbridledatthedoor,herodeawayintothefield,whithertheslaveshadprecededhim,whileItookthekegonmyshoulder,andproceedingtotheweaving-house,brokeinthe

head,andcommencednailingontheclapboards.

Asthedaybegantoopen,TibeatscameoutofthehousetowhereIwas,hardatwork.Heseemedtobethatmorningevenmoremoroseanddisagreeablethanusual.Hewasmymaster,entitledbylawtomyfleshandblood,andtoexerciseovermesuchtyrannicalcontrolashismeannatureprompted;buttherewasnolawthatcouldpreventmylookinguponhimwithintensecontempt.Idespisedbothhisdispositionandhisintellect.Ihadjustcomeroundtothekegforafurthersupplyofnails,ashereachedtheweaving-house.

“IthoughtItoldyoutocommenceputtingonweather-boardsthismorning,”heremarked.

“Yes,master,andIamaboutit,”Ireplied.

“Where?”hedemanded.

“Ontheotherside,”wasmyanswer.

Hewalkedroundtotheotherside,examinedmyworkforawhile,mutteringtohimselfinafault-findingtone.

“Didn’tItellyoulastnighttogetakegofnailsofChapin?”hebrokeforthagain.

“Yes,master,andsoIdid;andoverseersaidhewouldgetanothersizeforyou,ifyouwantedthem,whenhecamebackfromthefield.”

Tibeatswalkedtothekeg,lookedamomentatthecontents,thenkickeditviolently.Comingtowardsmeinagreatpassion,heexclaimed,

“G—dd—nyou!Ithoughtyouknowedsomething.”

Imadeanswer:“Itriedtodoasyoutoldme,master.Ididn’tmeananythingwrong.Overseersaid—”ButheinterruptedmewithsuchafloodofcursesthatIwasunabletofinishthesentence.Atlengthherantowardsthehouse,andgoingtothepiazza,tookdownoneoftheoverseer’swhips.Thewhiphadashortwoodenstock,braidedoverwithleather,andwasloadedatthebutt.Thelashwasthreefeetlong,orthereabouts,andmadeofraw-hidestrands.

AtfirstIwassomewhatfrightened,andmyimpulsewastorun.TherewasnooneaboutexceptRachel,thecook,andChapin’swife,andneitherofthemweretobeseen.Therestwereinthefield.Iknewheintendedtowhipme,anditwasthefirsttimeanyonehadattempteditsincemyarrivalatAvoyelles.Ifelt,moreover,thatIhadbeenfaithful—thatIwasguiltyofnowrongwhatever,anddeservedcommendationratherthanpunishment.Myfearchangedtoanger,andbeforehereachedmeIhadmadeupmymindfullynottobewhipped,lettheresultbelifeordeath.

Windingthelasharoundhishand,andtakingholdofthesmallendofthestock,hewalkeduptome,andwithamalignantlook,orderedmetostrip.

“MasterTibeats”saidI,lookinghimboldlyintheface,“Iwillnot.”Iwasabouttosaysomethingfurtherinjustification,butwithconcentratedvengeance,hespranguponme,seizingmebythethroatwithonehand,raisingthewhipwiththeother,intheactofstriking.Beforetheblowdescended,however,Ihadcaughthimbythecollarofthecoat,anddrawnhimcloselytome.Reachingdown,Iseizedhimbytheankle,andpushinghimbackwiththeotherhand,hefelloverontheground.Puttingonearmaroundhisleg,andholdingittomybreast,sothathisheadandshouldersonlytouchedtheground,Iplacedmyfootuponhisneck.Hewascompletelyinmypower.Mybloodwasup.Itseemedtocoursethroughmyveinslikefire.InthefrenzyofmymadnessIsnatchedthewhipfromhishand.Hestruggledwithallhispower;sworethatIshouldnotlivetoseeanotherday;andthathewouldtearoutmyheart.Buthisstrugglesandhisthreatswerealikeinvain.IcannottellhowmanytimesIstruckhim.Blowafterblowfellfastandheavyuponhiswrigglingform.Atlengthhescreamed—criedmurder—andatlasttheblasphemoustyrantcalledonGodformercy.Buthewhohadnevershownmercydidnotreceiveit.Thestiffstockofthewhipwarpedroundhiscringingbodyuntilmyrightarmached.

UntilthistimeIhadbeentoobusytolookaboutme.Desistingforamoment,IsawMrs.Chapinlookingfromthewindow,andRachelstandinginthekitchendoor.Theirattitudesexpressedtheutmostexcitementandalarm.Hisscreamshadbeenheardinthefield.Chapinwascomingasfastashecouldride.Istruckhimablowortwomore,thenpushedhimfrommewithsuchawell-directedkickthathewentrollingoverontheground.

Risingtohisfeet,andbrushingthedirtfromhishair,hestoodlookingatme,palewithrage.Wegazedateachotherinsilence.NotawordwasuttereduntilChapingallopeduptous.

“Whatisthematter?”hecriedout.

“MasterTibeatswantstowhipmeforusingthenailsyougaveme,”Ireplied.

“Whatisthematterwiththenails?”heinquired,turningtoTibeats.

Tibeatsansweredtotheeffectthattheyweretoolarge,payinglittleheed,however,toChapin’squestion,butstillkeepinghissnakisheyesfastenedmaliciouslyonme.

“Iamoverseerhere,”Chapinbegan.“ItoldPlatttotakethemandusethem,andiftheywerenotofthepropersizeIwouldgetothersonreturningfromthefield.Itisnothisfault.Besides,IshallfurnishsuchnailsasIplease.I

hopeyouwillunderstandthat,Mr.Tibeats.”

Tibeatsmadenoreply,but,grindinghisteethandshakinghisfist,sworehewouldhavesatisfaction,andthatitwasnothalfoveryet.Thereuponhewalkedaway,followedbytheoverseer,andenteredthehouse,thelattertalkingtohimallthewhileinasuppressedtone,andwithearnestgestures.

IremainedwhereIwas,doubtingwhetheritwasbettertoflyorabidetheresult,whateveritmightbe.PresentlyTibeatscameoutofthehouse,and,saddlinghishorse,theonlypropertyhepossessedbesidesmyself,departedontheroadtoCheneyville.

Whenhewasgone,Chapincameout,visiblyexcited,tellingmenottostir,nottoattempttoleavetheplantationonanyaccountwhatever.Hethenwenttothekitchen,andcallingRachelout,conversedwithhersometime.Comingback,heagainchargedmewithgreatearnestnessnottorun,sayingmymasterwasarascal;thathehadleftonnogooderrand,andthattheremightbetroublebeforenight.Butatallevents,heinsisteduponit,Imustnotstir.

AsIstoodthere,feelingsofunutterableagonyoverwhelmedme.IwasconsciousthatIhadsubjectedmyselftounimaginablepunishment.Thereactionthatfollowedmyextremeebullitionofangerproducedthemostpainfulsensationsofregret.Anunfriended,helplessslave—whatcouldIdo,whatcouldIsay,tojustify,intheremotestmanner,theheinousactIhadcommitted,ofresentingawhiteman’scontumelyandabuse.Itriedtopray—ItriedtobeseechmyHeavenlyFathertosustainmeinmysoreextremity,butemotionchokedmyutterance,andIcouldonlybowmyheaduponmyhandsandweep.ForatleastanhourIremainedinthissituation,findingreliefonlyintears,when,lookingup,IbeheldTibeats,accompaniedbytwohorsemen,comingdownthebayou.Theyrodeintotheyard,jumpedfromtheirhorses,andapproachedmewithlargewhips,oneofthemalsocarryingacoilofrope.

“Crossyourhands,”commandedTibeats,withtheadditionofsuchashudderingexpressionofblasphemyasisnotdecoroustorepeat.

“Youneednotbindme,MasterTibeats,Iamreadytogowithyouanywhere,”saidI.

Oneofhiscompanionsthensteppedforward,swearingifImadetheleastresistancehewouldbreakmyhead—hewouldtearmelimbfromlimb—hewouldcutmyblackthroat—andgivingwidescopetoothersimilarexpressions.Perceivinganyimportunityaltogethervain,Icrossedmyhands,submittinghumblytowhateverdispositiontheymightpleasetomakeofme.ThereuponTibeatstiedmywrists,drawingtheropearoundthemwithhisutmoststrength.Thenheboundmyanklesinthesamemanner.Inthemeantimetheothertwohadslippedacordwithinmyelbows,runningit

acrossmyback,andtyingitfirmly.Itwasutterlyimpossibletomovehandorfoot.WitharemainingpieceofropeTibeatsmadeanawkwardnoose,andplaceditaboutmyneck.

“Now,then,”inquiredoneofTibeats’companions,“whereshallwehangthenigger?”

Oneproposedsuchalimb,extendingfromthebodyofapeachtree,nearthespotwherewewerestanding.Hiscomradeobjectedtoit,allegingitwouldbreak,andproposedanother.Finallytheyfixeduponthelatter.

Duringthisconversation,andallthetimetheywerebindingme,Iutterednotaword.OverseerChapin,duringtheprogressofthescene,waswalkinghastilybackandforthonthepiazza.Rachelwascryingbythekitchendoor,andMrs.Chapinwasstilllookingfromthewindow.Hopediedwithinmyheart.Surelymytimehadcome.Ishouldneverbeholdthelightofanotherday—neverbeholdthefacesofmychildren—thesweetanticipationIhadcherishedwithsuchfondness.Ishouldthathourstrugglethroughthefearfulagoniesofdeath!Nonewouldmournforme—nonerevengeme.Soonmyformwouldbemoulderinginthatdistantsoil,or,perhaps,becasttotheslimyreptilesthatfilledthestagnantwatersofthebayou!Tearsfloweddownmycheeks,buttheyonlyaffordedasubjectofinsultingcommentformyexecutioners.

CHAPINRESCUESSOLOMONFROMHANGING.

Atlength,astheyweredraggingmetowardsthetree,Chapin,whohadmomentarilydisappearedfromthepiazza,cameoutofthehouseandwalkedtowardsus.Hehadapistolineachhand,andasnearasIcannowrecalltomind,spokeinafirm,determinedmanner,asfollows:

“Gentlemen,Ihaveafewwordstosay.Youhadbetterlistentothem.Whoevermovesthatslaveanotherfootfromwherehestandsisadeadman.Inthefirstplace,hedoesnotdeservethistreatment.Itisashametomurderhiminthismanner.IneverknewamorefaithfulboythanPlatt.You,Tibeats,areinthefaultyourself.Youareprettymuchofascoundrel,andIknowit,andyourichlydeservethefloggingyouhavereceived.Inthenextplace,Ihavebeenoverseeronthisplantationsevenyears,and,intheabsenceofWilliamFord,ammasterhere.Mydutyistoprotecthisinterests,andthatdutyIshallperform.Youarenotresponsible—youareaworthlessfellow.FordholdsamortgageonPlattoffourhundreddollars.Ifyouhanghimheloseshisdebt.Untilthatiscanceledyouhavenorighttotakehislife.Youhavenorighttotakeitanyway.Thereisalawfortheslaveaswellasforthewhiteman.Youarenobetterthanamurderer.

“Asforyou,”addressingCookandRamsay,acoupleofoverseersfrom

neighboringplantations,“asforyou—begone!Ifyouhaveanyregardforyourownsafety,Isay,begone.”

CookandRamsay,withoutafurtherword,mountedtheirhorsesandrodeaway.Tibeats,inafewminutes,evidentlyinfear,andoverawedbythedecidedtoneofChapin,sneakedofflikeacoward,ashewas,andmountinghishorse,followedhiscompanions.

IremainedstandingwhereIwas,stillbound,withtheropearoundmyneck.Assoonastheyweregone,ChapincalledRachel,orderinghertoruntothefield,andtellLawsontohurrytothehousewithoutdelay,andbringthebrownmulewithhim,ananimalmuchprizedforitsunusualfleetness.Presentlytheboyappeared.

“Lawson,”saidChapin,“youmustgotothePineWoods.TellyourmasterFordtocomehereatonce—thathemustnotdelayasinglemoment.TellhimtheyaretryingtomurderPlatt.Nowhurry,boy.BeatthePineWoodsbynoonifyoukillthemule.”

Chapinsteppedintothehouseandwroteapass.Whenhereturned,Lawsonwasatthedoor,mountedonhismule.Receivingthepass,hepliedthewhiprightsmartlytothebeast,dashedoutoftheyard,andturningupthebayouonahardgallop,inlesstimethanithastakenmetodescribethescene,wasoutofsight.

CHAPTERIX.

THEHOTSUN—YETBOUND—THECORDSSINKINTOMYFLESH—CHAPIN’SUNEASINESS—SPECULATION—RACHEL,ANDHERCUPOFWATER—SUFFERINGINCREASES—THEHAPPINESSOFSLAVERY—ARRIVALOFFORD—HECUTSTHECORDSWHICHBINDME,ANDTAKESTHEROPEFROMMYNECK—MISERY—THEGATHERINGOFTHESLAVESINELIZA’SCABIN—THEIRKINDNESS—RACHELREPEATSTHEOCCURRENCESOFTHEDAY—LAWSONENTERTAINSHISCOMPANIONSWITHANACCOUNTOFHISRIDE—CHAPIN’SAPPREHENSIONSOFTIBEATS—HIREDTOPETERTANNER—PETEREXPOUNDSTHESCRIPTURES—DESCRIPTIONOFTHESTOCKS.

Asthesunapproachedthemeridianthatdayitbecameinsufferablywarm.Itshotraysscorchedtheground.Theearthalmostblisteredthefootthatstooduponit.Iwaswithoutcoatorhat,standingbare-headed,exposedtoitsburningblaze.Greatdropsofperspirationrolleddownmyface,drenchingthescantyapparelwherewithIwasclothed.Overthefence,averylittlewayoff,thepeachtreescasttheircool,deliciousshadowsonthegrass.Iwouldgladlyhavegivenalongyearofservicetohavebeenenabledtoexchangetheheatedoven,asitwere,whereinIstood,foraseatbeneaththeirbranches.ButIwasyetbound,theropestilldanglingfrommyneck,andstandinginthesametrackswhereTibeatsandhiscomradesleftme.Icouldnotmoveaninch,sofirmlyhadIbeenbound.Tohavebeenenabledtoleanagainsttheweavinghousewouldhavebeenaluxuryindeed.Butitwasfarbeyondmyreach,thoughdistantlessthantwentyfeet.Iwantedtoliedown,butknewIcouldnotriseagain.ThegroundwassoparchedandboilinghotIwasawareitwouldbutaddtothediscomfortofmysituation.IfIcouldhaveonlymovedmyposition,howeverslightly,itwouldhavebeenreliefunspeakable.Butthehotraysofasouthernsun,beatingallthelongsummerdayonmybarehead,producednothalfthesufferingIexperiencedfrommyachinglimbs.Mywristsandankles,andthecordsofmylegsandarmsbegantoswell,buryingtheropethatboundthemintotheswollenflesh.

AlldayChapinwalkedbackandforthuponthestoop,butnotonceapproachedme.Heappearedtobeinastateofgreatuneasiness,lookingfirsttowardsme,andthenuptheroad,asifexpectingsomearrivaleverymoment.Hedidnotgotothefield,aswashiscustom.ItwasevidentfromhismannerthathesupposedTibeatswouldreturnwithmoreandbetterarmedassistance,perhaps,torenewthequarrel,anditwasequallyevidenthehadpreparedhismindtodefendmylifeatwhateverhazard.Whyhedidnotrelieveme—whyhesufferedmetoremaininagonythewholewearyday,Ineverknew.Itwasnotforwantofsympathy,Iamcertain.PerhapshewishedFordtoseethe

ropeaboutmyneck,andthebrutalmannerinwhichIhadbeenbound;perhapshisinterferencewithanother’spropertyinwhichhehadnolegalinterestmighthavebeenatrespass,whichwouldhavesubjectedhimtothepenaltyofthelaw.WhyTibeatswasalldayabsentwasanothermysteryInevercoulddivine.HeknewwellenoughthatChapinwouldnotharmhimunlesshepersistedinhisdesignagainstme.Lawsontoldmeafterwards,that,ashepassedtheplantationofJohnDavidCheney,hesawthethree,andthattheyturnedandlookedafterhimasheflewby.Ithinkhissuppositionwas,thatLawsonhadbeensentoutbyOverseerChapintoarousetheneighboringplanters,andtocallonthemtocometohisassistance.He,therefore,undoubtedly,actedontheprinciple,that“discretionisthebetterpartofvalor,”andkeptaway.

Butwhatevermotivemayhavegovernedthecowardlyandmalignanttyrant,itisofnoimportance.ThereIstillstoodinthenoon-tidesun,groaningwithpain.FromlongbeforedaylightIhadnoteatenamorsel.Iwasgrowingfaintfrompain,andthirst,andhunger.Onceonly,intheveryhottestportionoftheday,Rachel,halffearfulshewasactingcontrarytotheoverseer’swishes,venturedtome,andheldacupofwatertomylips.Thehumblecreatureneverknew,norcouldshecomprehendifshehadheardthem,theblessingsIinvokeduponher,forthatbalmydraught.Shecouldonlysay,“Oh,Platt,howIdopityyou,”andthenhastenedbacktoherlaborsinthekitchen.

Neverdidthesunmovesoslowlythroughtheheavens—neverdiditshowerdownsuchferventandfieryrays,asitdidthatday.Atleast,soitappearedtome.Whatmymeditationswere—theinnumerablethoughtsthatthrongedthroughmydistractedbrain—Iwillnotattempttogiveexpressionto.Sufficeittosay,duringthewholelongdayIcamenottotheconclusion,evenonce,thatthesouthernslave,fed,clothed,whippedandprotectedbyhismaster,ishappierthanthefreecoloredcitizenoftheNorth.TothatconclusionIhaveneversincearrived.Therearemany,however,evenintheNorthernStates,benevolentandwell-disposedmen,whowillpronouncemyopinionerroneous,andgravelyproceedtosubstantiatetheassertionwithanargument.Alas!theyhaveneverdrunk,asIhave,fromthebittercupofslavery.Justatsunsetmyheartleapedwithunboundedjoy,asFordcameridingintotheyard,hishorsecoveredwithfoam.Chapinmethimatthedoor,andafterconversingashorttime,hewalkeddirectlytome.

“PoorPlatt,youareinabadstate,”wastheonlyexpressionthatescapedhislips.

“ThankGod!”saidI,“thankGod,MasterFord,thatyouhavecomeatlast.”

Drawingaknifefromhispocket,heindignantlycutthecordfrommywrists,arms,andankles,andslippedthenoosefrommyneck.Iattemptedtowalk,

butstaggeredlikeadrunkenman,andfellpartiallytotheground.

Fordreturnedimmediatelytothehouse,leavingmealoneagain.Ashereachedthepiazza,Tibeatsandhistwofriendsrodeup.Alongdialoguefollowed.Icouldhearthesoundoftheirvoices,themildtonesofFordminglingwiththeangryaccentsofTibeats,butwasunabletodistinguishwhatwassaid.Finallythethreedepartedagain,apparentlynotwellpleased.

Iendeavoredtoraisethehammer,thinkingtoshowFordhowwillingIwastowork,byproceedingwithmylaborsontheweavinghouse,butitfellfrommynervelesshand.AtdarkIcrawledintothecabin,andlaiddown.Iwasingreatmisery—allsoreandswollen—theslightestmovementproducingexcruciatingsuffering.Soonthehandscameinfromthefield.Rachel,whenshewentafterLawson,hadtoldthemwhathadhappened.ElizaandMarybroiledmeapieceofbacon,butmyappetitewasgone.Thentheyscorchedsomecornmealandmadecoffee.ItwasallthatIcouldtake.Elizaconsoledmeandwasverykind.Itwasnotlongbeforethecabinwasfullofslaves.Theygatheredroundme,askingmanyquestionsaboutthedifficultywithTibeatsinthemorning—andtheparticularsofalltheoccurrencesoftheday.ThenRachelcamein,andinhersimplelanguage,repeateditoveragain—dwellingemphaticallyonthekickthatsentTibeatsrollingoverontheground—whereupontherewasageneraltitterthroughoutthecrowd.ThenshedescribedhowChapinwalkedoutwithhispistolsandrescuedme,andhowMasterFordcuttheropeswithhisknife,justasifhewasmad.

BythistimeLawsonhadreturned.HehadtoregalethemwithanaccountofhistriptothePineWoods—howthebrownmuleborehimfasterthana“streako’lightnin”—howheastonishedeverybodyasheflewalong—howMasterFordstartedrightaway—howhesaidPlattwasagoodnigger,andtheyshouldn’tkillhim,concludingwithprettystrongintimationsthattherewasnotanotherhumanbeinginthewideworld,whocouldhavecreatedsuchauniversalsensationontheroad,orperformedsuchamarvelousJohnGilpinfeat,ashehaddonethatdayonthebrownmule.

Thekindcreaturesloadedmewiththeexpressionoftheirsympathy—saying,Tibeatswasahard,cruelman,andhoping“MassaFord”wouldgetmebackagain.Inthismannertheypassedthetime,discussing,chatting,talkingoverandoveragaintheexcitingaffair,untilsuddenlyChapinpresentedhimselfatthecabindoorandcalledme.

“Platt,”saidhe,“youwillsleeponthefloorinthegreathouseto-night;bringyourblanketwithyou.”

IaroseasquicklyasIwasable,tookmyblanketinmyhand,andfollowedhim.OnthewayheinformedmethatheshouldnotwonderifTibeatswas

backagainbeforemorning—thatheintendedtokillme—andthathedidnotmeanheshoulddoitwithoutwitnesses.Hadhestabbedmetotheheartinthepresenceofahundredslaves,notoneofthem,bythelawsofLouisiana,couldhavegivenevidenceagainsthim.Ilaiddownonthefloorinthe“greathouse”—thefirstandthelasttimesuchasumptuousrestingplacewasgrantedmeduringmytwelveyearsofbondage—andtriedtosleep.Nearmidnightthedogbegantobark.Chapinarose,lookedfromthewindow,butcoulddiscovernothing.Atlengththedogwasquiet.Ashereturnedtohisroom,hesaid,

“Ibelieve,Platt,thatscoundrelisskulkingaboutthepremisessomewhere.Ifthedogbarksagain,andIamsleeping,wakeme.”

Ipromisedtodoso.Afterthelapseofanhourormore,thedogre-commencedhisclamor,runningtowardsthegate,thenbackagain,allthewhilebarkingfuriously.

Chapinwasoutofbedwithoutwaitingtobecalled.Onthisoccasion,hesteppedforthuponthepiazza,andremainedstandingthereaconsiderablelengthoftime.Nothing,however,wastobeseen,andthedogreturnedtohiskennel.Wewerenotdisturbedagainduringthenight.TheexcessivepainthatIsuffered,andthedreadofsomeimpendingdanger,preventedanyrestwhatever.WhetherornotTibeatsdidactuallyreturntotheplantationthatnight,seekinganopportunitytowreakhisvengeanceuponme,isasecretknownonlytohimself,perhaps.Ithoughtthen,however,andhavethestrongimpressionstill,thathewasthere.Atallevents,hehadthedispositionofanassassin—coweringbeforeabraveman’swords,butreadytostrikehishelplessorunsuspectingvictimintheback,asIhadreasonafterwardstoknow.

Atdaylightinthemorning,Iarose,soreandweary,havingrestedlittle.Nevertheless,afterpartakingbreakfast,whichMaryandElizahadpreparedformeinthecabin,Iproceededtotheweavinghouseandcommencedthelaborsofanotherday.ItwasChapin’spractice,asitisthepracticeofoverseersgenerally,immediatelyonarising,tobestridehishorse,alwayssaddledandbridledandreadyforhim—theparticularbusinessofsomeslave—andrideintothefield.Thismorning,onthecontrary,hecametotheweavinghouse,askingifIhadseenanythingofTibeatsyet.Replyinginthenegative,heremarkedtherewassomethingnotrightaboutthefellow—therewasbadbloodinhim—thatImustkeepasharpwatchofhim,orhewoulddomewrongsomedaywhenIleastexpectedit.

Whilehewasyetspeaking,Tibeatsrodein,hitchedhishorse,andenteredthehouse.IhadlittlefearofhimwhileFordandChapinwereathand,buttheycouldnotbenearmealways.

Oh!howheavilytheweightofslaverypresseduponmethen.Imusttoildayafterday,endureabuseandtauntsandscoffs,sleeponthehardground,liveonthecoarsestfare,andnotonlythis,butlivetheslaveofablood-seekingwretch,ofwhomImuststandhenceforthincontinuedfearanddread.WhyhadInotdiedinmyyoungyears—beforeGodhadgivenmechildrentoloveandlivefor?Whatunhappinessandsufferingandsorrowitwouldhaveprevented.Isighedforliberty;butthebondman’schainwasroundme,andcouldnotbeshakenoff.IcouldonlygazewistfullytowardstheNorth,andthinkofthethousandsofmilesthatstretchedbetweenmeandthesoiloffreedom,overwhichablackfreemanmaynotpass.

Tibeats,inthecourseofhalfanhour,walkedovertotheweaving-house,lookedatmesharply,thenreturnedwithoutsayinganything.Mostoftheforenoonhesatonthepiazza,readinganewspaperandconversingwithFord.Afterdinner,thelatterleftforthePineWoods,anditwasindeedwithregretthatIbeheldhimdepartfromtheplantation.

OncemoreduringthedayTibeatscametome,gavemesomeorder,andreturned.

Duringtheweektheweaving-housewascompleted—Tibeatsinthemeantimemakingnoallusionwhatevertothedifficulty—whenIwasinformedhehadhiredmetoPeterTanner,toworkunderanothercarpenterbythenameofMyers.Thisannouncementwasreceivedwithgratification,asanyplacewasdesirablethatwouldrelievemeofhishatefulpresence.

PeterTanner,asthereaderhasalreadybeeninformed,livedontheoppositeshore,andwasthebrotherofMistressFord.HeisoneofthemostextensiveplantersonBayouBœuf,andownsalargenumberofslaves.

OverIwenttoTanner’s,joyfullyenough.Hehadheardofmylatedifficulties—infact,IascertainedthefloggingofTibeatswassoonblazonedfarandwide.Thisaffair,togetherwithmyraftingexperiment,hadrenderedmesomewhatnotorious.MorethanonceIhearditsaidthatPlattFord,nowPlattTibeats—aslave’snamechangeswithhischangeofmaster—was“adevilofanigger.”ButIwasdestinedtomakeastillfurthernoise,aswillpresentlybeseen,throughoutthelittleworldofBayouBœuf.

PeterTannerendeavoredtoimpressuponmetheideathathewasquitesevere,thoughIcouldperceivetherewasaveinofgoodhumorintheoldfellow,afterall.

“You’rethenigger,”hesaidtomeonmyarrival—“You’retheniggerthatfloggedyourmaster,eh?You’retheniggerthatkicks,andholdscarpenterTibeatsbytheleg,andwallopshim,areye?I’dliketoseeyouholdmebytheleg—Ishould.You’rea‘portantcharacter—you’reagreatnigger—very

remarkablenigger,ain’tye?I’dlashyou—I’dtakethetantrumsoutofye.Jesttakeholdofmyleg,ifyouplease.Noneofyourprankshere,myboy,rememberthat.Nowgotowork,youkickin’rascal,”concludedPeterTanner,unabletosuppressahalf-comicalgrinathisownwitandsarcasm.

Afterlisteningtothissalutation,IwastakenchargeofbyMyers,andlaboredunderhisdirectionforamonth,tohisandmyownsatisfaction.

LikeWilliamFord,hisbrother-in-law,TannerwasinthehabitofreadingtheBibletohisslavesontheSabbath,butinasomewhatdifferentspirit.HewasanimpressivecommentatorontheNewTestament.ThefirstSundayaftermycomingtotheplantation,hecalledthemtogether,andbegantoreadthetwelfthchapterofLuke.Whenhecametothe47thverse,helookeddeliberatelyaroundhim,andcontinued—“Andthatservantwhichknewhislord’swill,”—herehepaused,lookingaroundmoredeliberatelythanbefore,andagainproceeded—“whichknewhislord’swill,andpreparednothimself”—herewasanotherpause—”preparednothimself,neitherdidaccordingtohiswill,shallbebeatenwithmanystripes.”

“D’yehearthat?”demandedPeter,emphatically.“Stripes,”herepeated,slowlyanddistinctly,takingoffhisspectacles,preparatorytomakingafewremarks.

“Thatniggerthatdon’ttakecare—thatdon’tobeyhislord—that’shismaster—d’yesee?—that‘ereniggershallbebeatenwithmanystripes.Now,‘many’signifiesagreatmany—forty,ahundred,ahundredandfiftylashes.That’sScripter!”andsoPetercontinuedtoelucidatethesubjectforagreatlengthoftime,muchtotheedificationofhissableaudience.

Attheconclusionoftheexercises,callingupthreeofhisslaves,Warner,WillandMajor,hecriedouttome—

“Here,Platt,youheldTibeatsbythelegs;nowI’llseeifyoucanholdtheserascalsinthesameway,tillIgetbackfrommeetin’.”

Thereuponheorderedthemtothestocks—acommonthingonplantationsintheRedRivercountry.Thestocksareformedoftwoplanks,theloweronemadefastattheendstotwoshortposts,drivenfirmlyintotheground.Atregulardistanceshalfcirclesarecutintheupperedge.Theotherplankisfastenedtooneofthepostsbyahinge,sothatitcanbeopenedorshutdown,inthesamemannerasthebladeofapocket-knifeisshutoropened.Intheloweredgeoftheupperplankcorrespondinghalfcirclesarealsocut,sothatwhentheyclose,arowofholesisformedlargeenoughtoadmitanegro’slegabovetheankle,butnotlargeenoughtoenablehimtodrawouthisfoot.Theotherendoftheupperplank,oppositethehinge,isfastenedtoitspostbylockandkey.Theslaveismadetositupontheground,whentheuppermostplank

iselevated,hislegs,justabovetheankles,placedinthesub-halfcircles,andshuttingitdownagain,andlockingit,heisheldsecureandfast.Veryoftentheneckinsteadoftheankleisenclosed.Inthismannertheyareheldduringtheoperationofwhipping.

Warner,WillandMajor,accordingtoTanner’saccountofthem,weremelon-stealing,Sabbath-breakingniggers,andnotapprovingofsuchwickedness,hefeltithisdutytoputtheminthestocks.Handingmethekey,himself,Myers,MistressTannerandthechildrenenteredthecarriageanddroveawaytochurchatCheneyville.Whentheyweregone,theboysbeggedmetoletthemout.Ifeltsorrytoseethemsittingonthehotground,andrememberedmyownsufferingsinthesun.Upontheirpromisetoreturntothestocksatanymomenttheywererequiredtodoso,Iconsentedtoreleasethem.Gratefulforthelenityshownthem,andinorderinsomemeasuretorepayit,theycoulddonoless,ofcourse,thanpilotmetothemelon-patch.ShortlybeforeTanner’sreturn,theywereinthestocksagain.Finallyhedroveup,andlookingattheboys,said,withachuckle,—

“Aha!yehavn’tbeenstrollingaboutmuchto-day,anyway.I’llteachyouwhat’swhat.I’lltireyeofeatingwater-melonsontheLord’sday,yeSabbath-breakingniggers.”

PeterTannerpridedhimselfuponhisstrictreligiousobservances:hewasadeaconinthechurch.

ButIhavenowreachedapointintheprogressofmynarrative,whenitbecomesnecessarytoturnawayfromtheselightdescriptions,tothemoregraveandweightymatterofthesecondbattlewithMasterTibeats,andtheflightthroughthegreatPacoudrieSwamp.

CHAPTERX.

RETURNTOTIBEATS—IMPOSSIBILITYOFPLEASINGHIM—HEATTACKSMEWITHAHATCHET—THESTRUGGLEOVERTHEBROADAXE—THETEMPTATIONTOMURDERHIM—ESCAPEACROSSTHEPLANTATION—OBSERVATIONSFROMTHEFENCE—TIBEATSAPPROACHES,FOLLOWEDBYTHEHOUNDS—THEYTAKEMYTRACK—THEIRLOUDYELLS—THEYALMOSTOVERTAKEME—IREACHTHEWATER—THEHOUNDSCONFUSED—MOCCASINSNAKES—ALLIGATORS—NIGHTINTHE“GREATPACOUDRIESWAMP”—THESOUNDSOFLIFE—NORTH-WESTCOURSE—EMERGEINTOTHEPINEWOODS—THESLAVEANDHISYOUNGMASTER—ARRIVALATFORD’S—FOODANDREST.

Attheendofamonth,myservicesbeingnolongerrequiredatTanner’sIwassentoverthebayouagaintomymaster,whomIfoundengagedinbuildingthecottonpress.Thiswassituatedatsomedistancefromthegreathouse,inaratherretiredplace.IcommencedworkingoncemoreincompanywithTibeats,beingentirelyalonewithhimmostpartofthetime.IrememberedthewordsofChapin,hisprecautions,hisadvicetobeware,lestinsomeunsuspectingmomenthemightinjureme.Theywerealwaysinmymind,sothatIlivedinamostuneasystateofapprehensionandfear.Oneeyewasonmywork,theotheronmymaster.Ideterminedtogivehimnocauseofoffence,toworkstillmorediligently,ifpossible,thanIhaddone,tobearwhateverabusehemightheapuponme,savebodilyinjury,humblyandpatiently,hopingtherebytosofteninsomedegreehismannertowardsme,untiltheblessedtimemightcomewhenIshouldbedeliveredfromhisclutches.

Thethirdmorningaftermyreturn,ChapinlefttheplantationforCheneyville,tobeabsentuntilnight.Tibeats,onthatmorning,wasattackedwithoneofthoseperiodicalfitsofspleenandill-humortowhichhewasfrequentlysubject,renderinghimstillmoredisagreeableandvenomousthanusual.

Itwasaboutnineo’clockintheforenoon,whenIwasbusilyemployedwiththejack-planeononeofthesweeps.Tibeatswasstandingbythework-bench,fittingahandleintothechisel,withwhichhehadbeenengagedpreviouslyincuttingthethreadofthescrew.

“Youarenotplaningthatdownenough,”saidhe.

“Itisjustevenwiththeline,”Ireplied.

“You’read—dliar,”heexclaimedpassionately.

“Oh,well,master,”Isaid,mildly,“Iwillplaneitdownmoreifyousayso,”at

thesametimeproceedingtodoasIsupposedhedesired.Beforeoneshavinghadbeenremoved,however,hecriedout,sayingIhadnowplanedittoodeep—itwastoosmall—Ihadspoiledthesweepentirely.Thenfollowedcursesandimprecations.Ihadendeavoredtodoexactlyashedirected,butnothingwouldsatisfytheunreasonableman.InsilenceandindreadIstoodbythesweep,holdingthejack-planeinmyhand,notknowingwhattodo,andnotdaringtobeidle.Hisangergrewmoreandmoreviolent,until,finally,withanoath,suchabitter,frightfuloathasonlyTibeatscouldutter,heseizedahatchetfromthework-benchanddartedtowardsme,swearinghewouldcutmyheadopen.

Itwasamomentoflifeordeath.Thesharp,brightbladeofthehatchetglitteredinthesun.Inanotherinstantitwouldbeburiedinmybrain,andyetinthatinstant—soquickwillaman’sthoughtscometohiminsuchafearfulstrait—Ireasonedwithmyself.IfIstoodstill,mydoomwascertain;ifIfled,tenchancestoonethehatchet,flyingfromhishandwithatoo-deadlyandunerringaim,wouldstrikemeintheback.Therewasbutonecoursetotake.Springingtowardshimwithallmypower,andmeetinghimfullhalf-way,beforehecouldbringdowntheblow,withonehandIcaughthisupliftedarm,withtheotherseizedhimbythethroat.Westoodlookingeachotherintheeyes.InhisIcouldseemurder.IfeltasifIhadaserpentbytheneck,watchingtheslightestrelaxationofmygripe,tocoilitselfroundmybody,crushingandstingingittodeath.Ithoughttoscreamaloud,trustingthatsomeearmightcatchthesound—butChapinwasaway;thehandswereinthefield;therewasnolivingsoulinsightorhearing.

Thegoodgenius,whichthusfarthroughlifehassavedmefromthehandsofviolence,atthatmomentsuggestedaluckythought.Withavigorousandsuddenkick,thatbroughthimononeknee,withagroan,Ireleasedmyholduponhisthroat,snatchedthehatchet,andcastitbeyondreach.

Franticwithrage,maddenedbeyondcontrol,heseizedawhiteoakstick,fivefeetlong,perhaps,andaslargeincircumferenceashishandcouldgrasp,whichwaslyingontheground.Againherushedtowardsme,andagainImethim,seizedhimaboutthewaist,andbeingthestrongerofthetwo,borehimtotheearth.WhileinthatpositionIobtainedpossessionofthestick,andrising,castitfromme,also.

Helikewisearoseandranforthebroad-axe,onthework-bench.Fortunately,therewasaheavyplanklyinguponitsbroadblade,insuchamannerthathecouldnotextricateit,beforeIhadsprunguponhisback.Pressinghimdowncloselyandheavilyontheplank,sothattheaxewasheldmorefirmlytoitsplace,Iendeavored,butinvain,tobreakhisgraspuponthehandle.Inthatpositionweremainedsomeminutes.

Therehavebeenhoursinmyunhappylife,manyofthem,whenthecontemplationofdeathastheendofearthlysorrow—ofthegraveasarestingplaceforthetiredandwornoutbody—hasbeenpleasanttodwellupon.Butsuchcontemplationsvanishinthehourofperil.Noman,inhisfullstrength,canstandundismayed,inthepresenceofthe“kingofterrors.”Lifeisdeartoeverylivingthing;thewormthatcrawlsuponthegroundwillstruggleforit.Atthatmomentitwasdeartome,enslavedandtreatedasIwas.

Notabletounloosehishand,oncemoreIseizedhimbythethroat,andthistime,withavice-likegripethatsoonrelaxedhishold.Hebecamepliantandunstrung.Hisface,thathadbeenwhitewithpassion,wasnowblackfromsuffocation.Thosesmallserpenteyesthatspatsuchvenom,werenowfullofhorror—twogreatwhiteorbsstartingfromtheirsockets!

Therewas“alurkingdevil”inmyheartthatpromptedmetokillthehumanblood-houndonthespot—toretainthegriponhisaccursedthroattillthebreathoflifewasgone!Idarednotmurderhim,andIdarednotlethimlive.IfIkilledhim,mylifemustpaytheforfeit—ifhelived,mylifeonlywouldsatisfyhisvengeance.Avoicewithinwhisperedmetofly.Tobeawandereramongtheswamps,afugitiveandavagabondonthefaceoftheearth,waspreferabletothelifethatIwasleading.

Myresolutionwassoonformed,andswinginghimfromthework-benchtotheground,Ileapedafencenearby,andhurriedacrosstheplantation,passingtheslavesatworkinthecottonfield.AttheendofaquarterofamileIreachedthewood-pasture,anditwasashorttimeindeedthatIhadbeenrunningit.Climbingontoahighfence,Icouldseethecottonpress,thegreathouse,andthespacebetween.Itwasaconspicuousposition,fromwhencethewholeplantationwasinview.IsawTibeatscrossthefieldtowardsthehouse,andenterit—thenhecameout,carryinghissaddle,andpresentlymountedhishorseandgallopedaway.

Iwasdesolate,butthankful.Thankfulthatmylifewasspared,—desolateanddiscouragedwiththeprospectbeforeme.Whatwouldbecomeofme?Whowouldbefriendme?WhithershouldIfly?Oh,God!Thouwhogavestmelife,andimplantedinmybosomtheloveoflife—whofilleditwithemotionssuchasothermen,thycreatures,have,donotforsakeme.Havepityonthepoorslave—letmenotperish.Ifthoudostnotprotectme,Iamlost—lost!Suchsupplications,silentlyandunuttered,ascendedfrommyinmosthearttoHeaven.Buttherewasnoansweringvoice—nosweet,lowtone,comingdownfromonhigh,whisperingtomysoul,“ItisI,benotafraid.”IwastheforsakenofGod,itseemed—thedespisedandhatedofmen!

Inaboutthree-fourthsofanhourseveraloftheslavesshoutedandmadesignsformetorun.Presently,lookingupthebayou,IsawTibeatsandtwoothers

onhorse-back,comingatafastgait,followedbyatroopofdogs.Therewereasmanyaseightorten.DistantasIwas,Iknewthem.Theybelongedontheadjoiningplantation.ThedogsusedonBayouBœufforhuntingslavesareakindofblood-hound,butafarmoresavagebreedthanisfoundintheNorthernStates.Theywillattackanegro,attheirmaster’sbidding,andclingtohimasthecommonbull-dogwillclingtoafourfootedanimal.Frequentlytheirloudbayisheardintheswamps,andthenthereisspeculationastowhatpointtherunawaywillbeoverhauled—thesameasaNew-Yorkhunterstopstolistentothehoundscoursingalongthehillsides,andsuggeststohiscompanionthatthefoxwillbetakenatsuchaplace.IneverknewaslaveescapingwithhislifefromBayouBœuf.Onereasonis,theyarenotallowedtolearntheartofswimming,andareincapableofcrossingthemostinconsiderablestream.Intheirflighttheycangoinnodirectionbutalittlewaywithoutcomingtoabayou,whentheinevitablealternativeispresented,ofbeingdrownedorovertakenbythedogs.InyouthIhadpractisedintheclearstreamsthatflowthroughmynativedistrict,untilIhadbecomeanexpertswimmer,andfeltathomeinthewateryelement.

Istooduponthefenceuntilthedogshadreachedthecottonpress.Inaninstantmore,theirlong,savageyellsannouncedtheywereonmytrack.Leapingdownfrommyposition,Irantowardstheswamp.Feargavemestrength,andIexertedittotheutmost.EveryfewmomentsIcouldheartheyelpingsofthedogs.Theyweregaininguponme.Everyhowlwasnearerandnearer.EachmomentIexpectedtheywouldspringuponmyback—expectedtofeeltheirlongteethsinkingintomyflesh.Thereweresomanyofthem,Iknewtheywouldtearmetopieces,thattheywouldworryme,atonce,todeath.Igaspedforbreath—gaspedforthahalf-uttered,chokingprayertotheAlmightytosaveme—togivemestrengthtoreachsomewide,deepbayouwhereIcouldthrowthemoffthetrack,orsinkintoitswaters.PresentlyIreachedathickpalmettobottom.AsIfledthroughthemtheymadealoudrustlingnoise,notloudenough,however,todrownthevoicesofthedogs.

Continuingmycourseduesouth,asnearlyasIcanjudge,Icameatlengthtowaterjustovershoe.Thehoundsatthatmomentcouldnothavebeenfiverodsbehindme.Icouldhearthemcrashingandplungingthroughthepalmettoes,theirloud,eageryellsmakingthewholeswampclamorouswiththesound.HoperevivedalittleasIreachedthewater.Ifitwereonlydeeper,theymightlosethescent,andthusdisconcerted,affordmetheopportunityofevadingthem.Luckily,itgrewdeeperthefartherIproceeded—nowovermyankles—nowhalf-waytomyknees—nowsinkingamomenttomywaist,andthenemergingpresentlyintomoreshallowplaces.ThedogshadnotgaineduponmesinceIstruckthewater.Evidentlytheywereconfused.Nowtheirsavageintonationsgrewmoreandmoredistant,assuringmethatIwas

leavingthem.FinallyIstoppedtolisten,butthelonghowlcameboomingontheairagain,tellingmeIwasnotyetsafe.Frombogtobog,whereIhadstepped,theycouldstillkeepuponthetrack,thoughimpededbythewater.Atlength,tomygreatjoy,Icametoawidebayou,andplungingin,hadsoonstemmeditssluggishcurrenttotheotherside.There,certainly,thedogswouldbeconfounded—thecurrentcarryingdownthestreamalltracesofthatslight,mysteriousscent,whichenablesthequick-smellinghoundtofollowinthetrackofthefugitive.

AftercrossingthisbayouthewaterbecamesodeepIcouldnotrun.IwasnowinwhatIafterwardslearnedwasthe“GreatPacoudrieSwamp.”Itwasfilledwithimmensetrees—thesycamore,thegum,thecottonwoodandcypress,andextends,Iaminformed,totheshoreoftheCalcasieuriver.Forthirtyorfortymilesitiswithoutinhabitants,savewildbeasts—thebear,thewild-cat,thetiger,andgreatslimyreptiles,thatarecrawlingthroughiteverywhere.LongbeforeIreachedthebayou,infact,fromthetimeIstruckthewateruntilIemergedfromtheswamponmyreturn,thesereptilessurroundedme.Isawhundredsofmoccasinsnakes.Everylogandbog—everytrunkofafallentree,overwhichIwascompelledtosteporclimb,wasalivewiththem.Theycrawledawayatmyapproach,butsometimesinmyhaste,Ialmostplacedmyhandorfootuponthem.Theyarepoisonousserpents—theirbitemorefatalthantherattlesnake’s.Besides,Ihadlostoneshoe,thesolehavingcomeentirelyoff,leavingtheupperonlydanglingtomyankle.

Isawalsomanyalligators,greatandsmall,lyinginthewater,oronpiecesoffloodwood.ThenoiseImadeusuallystartledthem,whentheymovedoffandplungedintothedeepestplaces.Sometimes,however,Iwouldcomedirectlyuponamonsterbeforeobservingit.Insuchcases,Iwouldstartback,runashortwayround,andinthatmannershunthem.Straightforward,theywillrunashortdistancerapidly,butdonotpossessthepowerofturning.Inacrookedrace,thereisnodifficultyinevadingthem.

Abouttwoo’clockintheafternoon,Iheardthelastofthehounds.Probablytheydidnotcrossthebayou.Wetandweary,butrelievedfromthesenseofinstantperil,Icontinuedon,morecautiousandafraid,however,ofthesnakesandalligatorsthanIhadbeenintheearlierportionofmyflight.Now,beforesteppingintoamuddypool,Iwouldstrikethewaterwithastick.Ifthewatersmoved,Iwouldgoaroundit,ifnot,wouldventurethrough.

Atlengththesunwentdown,andgraduallynight’strailingmantleshroudedthegreatswampindarkness.StillIstaggeredon,fearingeveryinstantIshouldfeelthedreadfulstingofthemoccasin,orbecrushedwithinthejawsofsomedisturbedalligator.Thedreadofthemnowalmostequaledthefearof

thepursuinghounds.Themoonaroseafteratime,itsmildlightcreepingthroughtheoverspreadingbranches,loadedwithlong,pendentmoss.Ikepttravelingforwardsuntilaftermidnight,hopingallthewhilethatIwouldsoonemergeintosomelessdesolateanddangerousregion.Butthewatergrewdeeperandthewalkingmoredifficultthanever.Iperceiveditwouldbeimpossibletoproceedmuchfarther,andknewnot,moreover,whathandsImightfallinto,shouldIsucceedinreachingahumanhabitation.Notprovidedwithapass,anywhitemanwouldbeatlibertytoarrestme,andplacemeinprisonuntilsuchtimeasmymastershould“proveproperty,paycharges,andtakemeaway.”Iwasanestray,andifsounfortunateastomeetalaw-abidingcitizenofLouisiana,hewoulddeemithisdutytohisneighbor,perhaps,toputmeforthwithinthepound.Really,itwasdifficulttodeterminewhichIhadmostreasontofear—dogs,alligatorsormen!

Aftermidnight,however,Icametoahalt.Imaginationcannotpicturethedrearinessofthescene.Theswampwasresonantwiththequackingofinnumerableducks!Sincethefoundationoftheearth,inallprobability,ahumanfootstephadneverbeforesofarpenetratedtherecessesoftheswamp.Itwasnotsilentnow—silenttoadegreethatrendereditoppressive,—asitwaswhenthesunwasshiningintheheavens.Mymidnightintrusionhadawakenedthefeatheredtribes,whichseemedtothrongthemorassinhundredsofthousands,andtheirgarrulousthroatspouredforthsuchmultitudinoussounds—therewassuchaflutteringofwings—suchsullenplungesinthewaterallaroundme—thatIwasaffrightedandappalled.Allthefowlsoftheair,andallthecreepingthingsoftheearthappearedtohaveassembledtogetherinthatparticularplace,forthepurposeoffillingitwithclamorandconfusion.Notbyhumandwellings—notincrowdedcitiesalone,arethesightsandsoundsoflife.Thewildestplacesoftheeartharefullofthem.Evenintheheartofthatdismalswamp,Godhadprovidedarefugeandadwellingplaceformillionsoflivingthings.

Themoonhadnowrisenabovethetrees,whenIresolveduponanewproject.ThusfarIhadendeavoredtotravelasnearlysouthaspossible.TurningaboutIproceededinanorth-westdirection,myobjectbeingtostrikethePineWoodsinthevicinityofMasterFord’s.Oncewithintheshadowofhisprotection,IfeltIwouldbecomparativelysafe.

Myclotheswereintatters,myhands,face,andbodycoveredwithscratches,receivedfromthesharpknotsoffallentrees,andinclimbingoverpilesofbrushandfloodwood.Mybarefootwasfullofthorns.Iwasbesmearedwithmuckandmud,andthegreenslimethathadcollectedonthesurfaceofthedeadwater,inwhichIhadbeenimmersedtotheneckmanytimesduringthedayandnight.Hourafterhour,andtiresomeindeedhadtheybecome,I

continuedtoplodalongonmynorth-westcourse.Thewaterbegantogrowlessdeep,andthegroundmorefirmundermyfeet.AtlastIreachedthePacoudrie,thesamewidebayouIhadswamwhile“outwardbound.”Iswamitagain,andshortlyafterthoughtIheardacockcrow,butthesoundwasfaint,anditmighthavebeenamockeryoftheear.Thewaterrecededfrommyadvancingfootsteps—nowIhadleftthebogsbehindme—nowIwasondrylandthatgraduallyascendedtotheplain,andIknewIwassomewhereinthe“GreatPineWoods.”

Justatday-breakIcametoanopening—asortofsmallplantation—butoneIhadneverseenbefore.IntheedgeofthewoodsIcameupontwomen,aslaveandhisyoungmaster,engagedincatchingwildhogs.ThewhitemanIknewwoulddemandmypass,andnotabletogivehimone,wouldtakemeintopossession.Iwastooweariedtorunagain,andtoodesperatetobetaken,andthereforeadoptedarusethatprovedentirelysuccessful.Assumingafierceexpression,Iwalkeddirectlytowardshim,lookinghimsteadilyintheface.AsIapproached,hemovedbackwardswithanairofalarm.Itwasplainhewasmuchaffrighted—thathelookeduponmeassomeinfernalgoblin,justarisenfromthebowelsoftheswamp!

“WheredoesWilliamFordlive?”Idemanded,innogentletone.

“Helivessevenmilesfromhere,”wasthereply.

“Whichisthewaytohisplace?”Iagaindemanded,tryingtolookmorefiercelythanever.

“Doyouseethosepinetreesyonder?”heasked,pointingtotwo,amiledistant,thatrosefarabovetheirfellows,likeacoupleoftallsentinels,overlookingthebroadexpanseofforest.

“Iseethem,”wastheanswer.

“Atthefeetofthosepinetrees,”hecontinued,“runstheTexasroad.Turntotheleft,anditwillleadyoutoWilliamFord’s.”

Withoutfartherparley,Ihastenedforward,happyashewas,nodoubt,toplacethewidestpossibledistancebetweenus.StrikingtheTexasroad,Iturnedtothelefthand,asdirected,andsoonpassedagreatfire,whereapileoflogswereburning.Iwenttoit,thinkingIwoulddrymyclothes;butthegraylightofthemorningwasfastbreakingaway,—somepassingwhitemanmightobserveme;besides,theheatoverpoweredmewiththedesireofsleep:so,lingeringnolonger,Icontinuedmytravels,andfinally,abouteighto’clock,reachedthehouseofMasterFord.

Theslaveswereallabsentfromthequarters,attheirwork.Steppingontothepiazza,Iknockedatthedoor,whichwassoonopenedbyMistressFord.My

appearancewassochanged—Iwasinsuchawobegoneandforlorncondition,shedidnotknowme.InquiringifMasterFordwasathome,thatgoodmanmadehisappearance,beforethequestioncouldbeanswered.Itoldhimofmyflight,andalltheparticularsconnectedwithit.Helistenedattentively,andwhenIhadconcluded,spoketomekindlyandsympathetically,andtakingmetothekitchen,calledJohn,andorderedhimtopreparemefood.Ihadtastednothingsincedaylightthepreviousmorning.

WhenJohnhadsetthemealbeforeme,themadamcameoutwithabowlofmilk,andmanylittledeliciousdainties,suchasrarelypleasethepalateofaslave.Iwashungry,andIwasweary,butneitherfoodnorrestaffordedhalfthepleasureasdidtheblessedvoicesspeakingkindnessandconsolation.ItwastheoilandthewinewhichtheGoodSamaritaninthe“GreatPineWoods”wasreadytopourintothewoundedspiritoftheslave,whocametohim,strippedofhisraimentandhalf-dead.

Theyleftmeinthecabin,thatImightrest.Blessedbesleep!Itvisitethallalike,descendingasthedewsofheavenonthebondandfree.Soonitnestledtomybosom,drivingawaythetroublesthatoppressedit,andbearingmetothatshadowyregion,whereIsawagainthefaces,andlistenedtothevoicesofmychildren,who,alas,foraughtIknewinmywakinghours,hadfallenintothearmsofthatothersleep,fromwhichtheyneverwouldarouse.

CHAPTERXI.

THEMISTRESS’GARDEN—THECRIMSONANDGOLDENFRUIT—ORANGEANDPOMEGRANATETREES—RETURNTOBAYOUBŒUF—MASTERFORD’SREMARKSONTHEWAY—THEMEETINGWITHTIBEATS—HISACCOUNTOFTHECHASE—FORDCENSURESHISBRUTALITY—ARRIVALATTHEPLANTATION—ASTONISHMENTOFTHESLAVESONSEEINGME—THEANTICIPATEDFLOGGING—KENTUCKYJOHN—MR.ELDRET,THEPLANTER—ELDRET’SSAM—TRIPTOTHE“BIGCANEBRAKE”—THETRADITIONOF“SUTTON’SFIELD”—FORESTTREES—GNATSANDMOSQUITOS—THEARRIVALOFBLACKWOMENINTHEBIGCANE—LUMBERWOMEN—SUDDENAPPEARANCEOFTIBEATS—HISPROVOKINGTREATMENT—VISITTOBAYOUBŒUF—THESLAVEPASS—SOUTHERNHOSPITALITY—THELASTOFELIZA—SALETOEDWINEPPS.

Afteralongsleep,sometimeintheafternoonIawoke,refreshed,butverysoreandstiff.Sallycameinandtalkedwithme,whileJohncookedmesomedinner.Sallywasingreattrouble,aswellasmyself,oneofherchildrenbeingill,andshefeareditcouldnotsurvive.Dinnerover,afterwalkingaboutthequartersforawhile,visitingSally’scabinandlookingatthesickchild,Istrolledintothemadam’sgarden.Thoughitwasaseasonoftheyearwhenthevoicesofthebirdsaresilent,andthetreesarestrippedoftheirsummergloriesinmorefrigidclimes,yetthewholevarietyofroseswerethenbloomingthere,andthelong,luxuriantvinescreepingovertheframes.Thecrimsonandgoldenfruithunghalfhiddenamidsttheyoungerandolderblossomsofthepeach,theorange,theplum,andthepomegranate;for,inthatregionofalmostperpetualwarmth,theleavesarefallingandthebudsburstingintobloomthewholeyearlong.

IindulgedthemostgratefulfeelingstowardsMasterandMistressFord,andwishinginsomemannertorepaytheirkindness,commencedtrimmingthevines,andafterwardsweedingoutthegrassfromamongtheorangeandpomegranatetrees.Thelattergrowseightortenfeethigh,anditsfruit,thoughlarger,issimilarinappearancetothejelly-flower.Ithasthelusciousflavorofthestrawberry.Oranges,peaches,plums,andmostotherfruitsareindigenoustotherich,warmsoilofAvoyelles;buttheapple,themostcommonofthemallincolderlatitudes,israrelytobeseen.

MistressFordcameoutpresently,sayingitwaspraise-worthyinme,butIwasnotinaconditiontolabor,andmightrestmyselfatthequartersuntilmastershouldgodowntoBayouBœuf,whichwouldnotbethatday,anditmightnotbethenext.Isaidtoher—tobesure,Ifeltbad,andwasstiff,andthatmyfootpainedme,thestubsandthornshavingsotornit,butthoughtsuchexercisewouldnothurtme,andthatitwasagreatpleasuretoworkforsogoodamistress.Thereuponshereturnedtothegreathouse,andforthreedaysIwasdiligentinthegarden,cleaningthewalks,weedingtheflowerbeds,andpullinguptherankgrassbeneaththejessaminevines,whichthegentleandgeneroushandofmyprotectresshadtaughttoclamberalongthe

walls.

Thefourthmorning,havingbecomerecruitedandrefreshed,MasterFordorderedmetomakereadytoaccompanyhimtothebayou.Therewasbutonesaddlehorseattheopening,alltheotherswiththemuleshavingbeensentdowntotheplantation.IsaidIcouldwalk,andbiddingSallyandJohngoodbye,lefttheopening,trottingalongbythehorse’sside.

ThatlittleparadiseintheGreatPineWoodswastheoasisinthedesert,towardswhichmyheartturnedlovingly,duringmanyyearsofbondage.Iwentforthfromitnowwithregretandsorrow,notsooverwhelming,however,asifithadthenbeengivenmetoknowthatIshouldneverreturntoitagain.

MasterFordurgedmetotakehisplaceoccasionallyonthehorse,torestme;butIsaidno,Iwasnottired,anditwasbetterformetowalkthanhim.Hesaidmanykindandcheeringthingstomeontheway,ridingslowly,inorderthatImightkeeppacewithhim.ThegoodnessofGodwasmanifest,hedeclared,inmymiraculousescapefromtheswamp.AsDanielcameforthunharmedfromthedenoflions,andasJonahhadbeenpreservedinthewhale’sbelly,evensohadIbeendeliveredfromevilbytheAlmighty.HeinterrogatedmeinregardtothevariousfearsandemotionsIhadexperiencedduringthedayandnight,andifIhadfelt,atanytime,adesiretopray.Ifeltforsakenofthewholeworld,Iansweredhim,andwasprayingmentallyallthewhile.Atsuchtimes,saidhe,theheartofmanturnsinstinctivelytowardshisMaker.Inprosperity,andwhenthereisnothingtoinjureormakehimafraid,heremembersHimnot,andisreadytodefyHim;butplacehiminthemidstofdangers,cuthimofffromhumanaid,letthegraveopenbeforehim—thenitis,inthetimeofhistribulation,thatthescofferandunbelievingmanturnstoGodforhelp,feelingthereisnootherhope,orrefuge,orsafety,saveinhisprotectingarm.

Sodidthatbenignantmanspeaktomeofthislifeandofthelifehereafter;ofthegoodnessandpowerofGod,andofthevanityofearthlythings,aswejourneyedalongthesolitaryroadtowardsBayouBœuf.

Whenwithinsomefivemilesoftheplantation,wediscoveredahorsemanatadistance,gallopingtowardsus.AshecamenearIsawthatitwasTibeats!Helookedatmeamoment,butdidnotaddressme,andturningabout,rodealongsidebysidewithFord.Itrottedsilentlyattheirhorses’heels,listeningtotheirconversation.FordinformedhimofmyarrivalinthePineWoodsthreedaysbefore,ofthesadplightIwasin,andofthedifficultiesanddangersIhadencountered.

“Well,”exclaimedTibeats,omittinghisusualoathsinthepresenceofFord,“I

neversawsuchrunningbefore.I’llbethimagainstahundreddollars,he’llbeatanyniggerinLouisiana.IofferedJohnDavidCheneytwenty-fivedollarstocatchhim,deadoralive,butheoutranhisdogsinafairrace.ThemCheneydogsain’tmuch,afterall.Dunwoodie’shoundswouldhavehadhimdownbeforehetouchedthepalmettoes.Somehowthedogsgotoffthetrack,andwehadtogiveupthehunt.Werodethehorsesasfaraswecould,andthenkeptonfoottillthewaterwasthreefeetdeep.Theboyssaidhewasdrowned,sure.IallowIwantedashotathimmightily.Eversince,Ihavebeenridingupanddownthebayou,buthad’ntmuchhopeofcatchinghim—thoughthewasdead,sartin.Oh,he’sacusstorun—thatniggeris!”

InthiswayTibeatsranon,describinghissearchintheswamp,thewonderfulspeedwithwhichIhadfledbeforethehounds,andwhenhehadfinished,MasterFordrespondedbysaying,Ihadalwaysbeenawillingandfaithfulboywithhim;thathewassorrywehadsuchtrouble;that,accordingtoPlatt’sstory,hehadbeeninhumanlytreated,andthathe,Tibeats,washimselfinfault.Usinghatchetsandbroad-axesuponslaveswasshameful,andshouldnotbeallowed,heremarked.“Thisisnowayofdealingwiththem,whenfirstbroughtintothecountry.Itwillhaveaperniciousinfluence,andsetthemallrunningaway.Theswampswillbefullofthem.Alittlekindnesswouldbefarmoreeffectualinrestrainingthem,andrenderingthemobedient,thantheuseofsuchdeadlyweapons.Everyplanteronthebayoushouldfrownuponsuchinhumanity.Itisfortheinterestofalltodoso.Itisevidentenough,Mr.Tibeats,thatyouandPlattcannotlivetogether.Youdislikehim,andwouldnothesitatetokillhim,andknowingit,hewillrunfromyouagainthroughfearofhislife.Now,Tibeats,youmustsellhim,orhirehimout,atleast.Unlessyoudoso,Ishalltakemeasurestogethimoutofyourpossession.”

InthisspiritFordaddressedhimtheremainderofthedistance.Iopenednotmymouth.Onreachingtheplantationtheyenteredthegreathouse,whileIrepairedtoEliza’scabin.Theslaveswereastonishedtofindmethere,onreturningfromthefield,supposingIwasdrowned.Thatnight,again,theygatheredaboutthecabintolistentothestoryofmyadventure.TheytookitforgrantedIwouldbewhipped,andthatitwouldbesevere,thewell-knownpenaltyofrunningawaybeingfivehundredlashes.

“Poorfellow,”saidEliza,takingmebythehand,“itwouldhavebeenbetterforyouifyouhaddrowned.Youhaveacruelmaster,andhewillkillyouyet,Iamafraid.”

Lawsonsuggestedthatitmightbe,overseerChapinwouldbeappointedtoinflictthepunishment,inwhichcaseitwouldnotbesevere,whereuponMary,Rachel,Bristol,andothershopeditwouldbeMasterFord,andthenitwouldbenowhippingatall.Theyallpitiedmeandtriedtoconsoleme,andwere

sadinviewofthecastigationthatawaitedme,exceptKentuckyJohn.Therewerenoboundstohislaughter;hefilledthecabinwithcachinnations,holdinghissidestopreventanexplosion,andthecauseofhisnoisymirthwastheideaofmyoutstrippingthehounds.Somehow,helookedatthesubjectinacomicallight.“Iknow’ddeywould’ntcotchhim,whenheruncrossdeplantation.O,delor’,did’ntPlattpickhisfeetrightup,tho’,hey?Whendemdogsgotwharhewas,hewas’ntdar—haw,haw,haw!O,delor’a’mity!”—andthenKentuckyJohnrelapsedintoanotherofhisboisterousfits.

Earlythenextmorning,Tibeatslefttheplantation.Inthecourseoftheforenoon,whilesaunteringaboutthegin-house,atall,good-lookingmancametome,andinquiredifIwasTibeats’boy,thatyouthfulappellationbeingappliedindiscriminatelytoslaveseventhoughtheymayhavepassedthenumberofthreescoreyearsandten.Itookoffmyhat,andansweredthatIwas.

“Howwouldyouliketoworkforme?”heinquired.

“Oh,Iwouldliketo,verymuch,”saidI,inspiredwithasuddenhopeofgettingawayfromTibeats.

“YouworkedunderMyersatPeterTanner’s,didn’tyou?”

IrepliedIhad,addingsomecomplimentaryremarksthatMyershadmadeconcerningme.

“Well,boy,”saidhe,“Ihavehiredyouofyourmastertoworkformeinthe“BigCaneBrake,”thirty-eightmilesfromhere,downonRedRiver.”

ThismanwasMr.Eldret,wholivedbelowFord’s,onthesamesideofthebayou.Iaccompaniedhimtohisplantation,andinthemorningstartedwithhisslaveSam,andawagon-loadofprovisions,drawnbyfourmules,fortheBigCane,EldretandMyershavingprecededusonhorseback.ThisSamwasanativeofCharleston,wherehehadamother,brotherandsisters.He“allowed”—acommonwordamongbothblackandwhite—thatTibeatswasameanman,andhoped,asImostearnestlydidalso,thathismasterwouldbuyme.

Weproceededdownthesouthshoreofthebayou,crossingitatCarey’splantation;fromthencetoHuffPower,passingwhich,wecameupontheBayouRougeroad,whichrunstowardsRedRiver.AfterpassingthroughBayouRougeSwamp,andjustatsunset,turningfromthehighway,westruckoffintothe“BigCaneBrake.”Wefollowedanunbeatentrack,scarcelywideenoughtoadmitthewagon.Thecane,suchasareusedforfishing-rods,wereasthickastheycouldstand.Apersoncouldnotbeseenthroughthemthedistanceofarod.Thepathsofwildbeastsrunthroughtheminvarious

directions—thebearandtheAmericantigeraboundinginthesebrakes,andwhereverthereisabasinofstagnantwater,itisfullofalligators.

Wekeptonourlonelycoursethroughthe“BigCane”severalmiles,whenweenteredaclearing,knownas“Sutton’sField.”Manyyearsbefore,amanbythenameofSuttonhadpenetratedthewildernessofcanetothissolitaryplace.Traditionhasit,thathefledthither,afugitive,notfromservice,butfromjustice.Herehelivedalone—recluseandhermitoftheswamp—withhisownhandsplantingtheseedandgatheringintheharvest.OnedayabandofIndiansstoleuponhissolitude,andafterabloodybattle,overpoweredandmassacredhim.Formilesthecountryround,intheslaves’quarters,andonthepiazzasof“greathouses,”wherewhitechildrenlistentosuperstitioustales,thestorygoes,thatthatspot,intheheartofthe“BigCane,”isahauntedplace.Formorethanaquarterofacentury,humanvoiceshadrarely,ifever,disturbedthesilenceoftheclearing.Rankandnoxiousweedshadoverspreadtheoncecultivatedfield—serpentssunnedthemselvesonthedoorwayofthecrumblingcabin.Itwasindeedadrearypictureofdesolation.

Passing“Sutton’sField,”wefollowedanew-cutroadtwomilesfarther,whichbroughtustoitstermination.WehadnowreachedthewildlandsofMr.Eldret,wherehecontemplatedclearingupanextensiveplantation.Wewenttoworknextmorningwithourcane-knives,andclearedasufficientspacetoallowtheerectionoftwocabins—oneforMyersandEldret,theotherforSam,myself,andtheslavesthatweretojoinus.Wewerenowinthemidstoftreesofenormousgrowth,whosewide-spreadingbranchesalmostshutoutthelightofthesun,whilethespacebetweenthetrunkswasanimperviousmassofcane,withhereandthereanoccasionalpalmetto.

Thebayandthesycamore,theoakandthecypress,reachagrowthunparalleled,inthosefertilelowlandsborderingtheRedRiver.Fromeverytree,moreover,hanglong,largemassesofmoss,presentingtotheeyeunaccustomedtothem,astrikingandsingularappearance.Thismoss,inlargequantities,issentnorth,andthereusedformanufacturingpurposes.

Wecutdownoaks,splitthemintorails,andwiththeseerectedtemporarycabins.Wecoveredtheroofswiththebroadpalmettoleaf,anexcellentsubstituteforshingles,aslongastheylast.

ThegreatestannoyanceImetwithhereweresmallflies,gnatsandmosquitoes.Theyswarmedtheair.Theypenetratedtheporchesoftheear,thenose,theeyes,themouth.Theysuckedthemselvesbeneaththeskin.Itwasimpossibletobrushorbeatthemoff.Itseemed,indeed,asiftheywoulddevourus—carryusawaypiecemeal,intheirsmalltormentingmouths.

Alonelierspot,oronemoredisagreeable,thanthecentreofthe“BigCane

Brake,”itwouldbedifficulttoconceive;yettomeitwasaparadise,incomparisonwithanyotherplaceinthecompanyofMasterTibeats.Ilaboredhard,andoft-timeswaswearyandfatigued,yetIcouldliedownatnightinpeace,andariseinthemorningwithoutfear.

Inthecourseofafortnight,fourblackgirlscamedownfromEldret’splantation—Charlotte,Fanny,CresiaandNelly.Theywerealllargeandstout.Axeswereputintotheirhands,andtheyweresentoutwithSamandmyselftocuttrees.Theywereexcellentchoppers,thelargestoakorsycamorestandingbutabriefseasonbeforetheirheavyandwell-directedblows.Atpilinglogs,theywereequaltoanyman.TherearelumberwomenaswellaslumbermenintheforestsoftheSouth.Infact,intheregionoftheBayouBœuftheyperformtheirshareofallthelaborrequiredontheplantation.Theyplough,drag,driveteam,clearwildlands,workonthehighway,andsoforth.Someplanters,owninglargecottonandsugarplantations,havenoneotherthanthelaborofslavewomen.SuchaoneisJimBurns,wholivesonthenorthshoreofthebayou,oppositetheplantationofJohnFogaman.

Onourarrivalinthebrake,Eldretpromisedme,ifIworkedwell,ImightgouptovisitmyfriendsatFord’sinfourweeks.OnSaturdaynightofthefifthweek,Iremindedhimofhispromise,whenhetoldmeIhaddonesowell,thatImightgo.Ihadsetmyheartuponit,andEldret’sannouncementthrilledmewithpleasure.IwastoreturnintimetocommencethelaborsofthedayonTuesdaymorning.

Whileindulgingthepleasantanticipationofsosoonmeetingmyoldfriendsagain,suddenlythehatefulformofTibeatsappearedamongus.HeinquiredhowMyersandPlattgotalongtogether,andwastold,verywell,andthatPlattwasgoinguptoFord’splantationinthemorningonavisit.

“Poh,poh!”sneeredTibeats;“itisn’tworthwhile—theniggerwillgetunsteady.Hecan’tgo.”

ButEldretinsistedIhadworkedfaithfully—thathehadgivenmehispromise,andthat,underthecircumstances,Ioughtnottobedisappointed.Theythen,itbeingaboutdark,enteredonecabinandItheother.Icouldnotgiveuptheideaofgoing;itwasasoredisappointment.BeforemorningIresolved,ifEldretmadenoobjection,toleaveatallhazards.AtdaylightIwasathisdoor,withmyblanketrolledupintoabundle,andhangingonastickovermyshoulder,waitingforapass.Tibeatscameoutpresentlyinoneofhisdisagreeablemoods,washedhisface,andgoingtoastumpnearby,satdownuponit,apparentlybusilythinkingwithhimself.Afterstandingtherealongtime,impelledbyasuddenimpulseofimpatience,Istartedoff.

“Areyougoingwithoutapass?”hecriedouttome.

“Yes,master,IthoughtIwould,”Ianswered.

“Howdoyouthinkyou’llgetthere?”demandedhe.

“Don’tknow,”wasallthereplyImadehim.

“You’dbetakenandsenttojail,whereyououghttobe,beforeyougothalf-waythere,”headded,passingintothecabinashesaidit.Hecameoutsoonwiththepassinhishand,andcallingmea“d—dniggerthatdeservedahundredlashes,”threwitontheground.Ipickeditup,andhurriedawayrightspeedily.

Aslavecaughtoffhismaster’splantationwithoutapass,maybeseizedandwhippedbyanywhitemanwhomhemeets.TheoneInowreceivedwasdated,andreadasfollows:

“PlatthaspermissiontogotoFord’splantation,onBayouBœuf,andreturnbyTuesdaymorning.

JOHNM.TIBEATS.”

Thisistheusualform.Ontheway,agreatmanydemandedit,readit,andpassedon.Thosehavingtheairandappearanceofgentlemen,whosedressindicatedthepossessionofwealth,frequentlytooknonoticeofmewhatever;butashabbyfellow,anunmistakableloafer,neverfailedtohailme,andtoscrutinizeandexaminemeinthemostthoroughmanner.Catchingrunawaysissometimesamoney-makingbusiness.If,afteradvertising,noownerappears,theymaybesoldtothehighestbidder;andcertainfeesareallowedthefinderforhisservices,atallevents,evenifreclaimed.“Ameanwhite,”therefore,—anameappliedtothespeciesloafer—considersitagod-sendtomeetanunknownnegrowithoutapass.

TherearenoinnsalongthehighwaysinthatportionoftheStatewhereIsojourned.Iwaswhollydestituteofmoney,neitherdidIcarryanyprovisions,onmyjourneyfromtheBigCanetoBayouBœuf;nevertheless,withhispassinhishand,aslaveneedneversufferfromhungerorfromthirst.Itisonlynecessarytopresentittothemasteroroverseerofaplantation,andstatehiswants,whenhewillbesentroundtothekitchenandprovidedwithfoodorshelter,asthecasemayrequire.Thetravelerstopsatanyhouseandcallsforamealwithasmuchfreedomasifitwasapublictavern.Itisthegeneralcustomofthecountry.Whatevertheirfaultsmaybe,itiscertaintheinhabitantsalongRedRiver,andaroundthebayousintheinteriorofLouisianaarenotwantinginhospitality.

IarrivedatFord’splantationtowardsthecloseoftheafternoon,passingtheeveninginEliza’scabin,withLawson,Rachel,andothersofmyacquaintance.WhenweleftWashingtonEliza’sformwasroundandplump.Shestooderect,andinhersilksandjewels,presentedapictureofgraceful

strengthandelegance.Nowshewasbutathinshadowofherformerself.Herfacehadbecomeghastlyhaggard,andtheoncestraightandactiveformwasboweddown,asifbearingtheweightofahundredyears.Crouchingonhercabinfloor,andcladinthecoarsegarmentsofaslave,oldElishaBerrywouldnothaverecognizedthemotherofhischild.Ineversawherafterwards.Havingbecomeuselessinthecotton-field,shewasbarteredforatrifle,tosomemanresidinginthevicinityofPeterCompton’s.Griefhadgnawedremorselesslyatherheart,untilherstrengthwasgone;andforthat,herlastmaster,itissaid,lashedandabusedhermostunmercifully.Buthecouldnotwhipbackthedepartedvigorofheryouth,norstraightenupthatbendedbodytoitsfullheight,suchasitwaswhenherchildrenwerearoundher,andthelightoffreedomwasshiningonherpath.Ilearnedtheparticularsrelativetoherdeparturefromthisworld,fromsomeofCompton’sslaves,whohadcomeoverRedRivertothebayou,toassistyoungMadamTannerduringthe“busyseason.”Shebecameatlength,theysaid,utterlyhelpless,forseveralweekslyingonthegroundfloorinadilapidatedcabin,dependentuponthemercyofherfellow-thrallsforanoccasionaldropofwater,andamorseloffood.Hermasterdidnot“knockheronthehead,”asissometimesdonetoputasufferinganimaloutofmisery,butleftherunprovidedfor,andunprotected,tolingerthroughalifeofpainandwretchednesstoitsnaturalclose.Whenthehandsreturnedfromthefieldonenighttheyfoundherdead!Duringtheday,theAngeloftheLord,whomovethinvisiblyoveralltheearth,gatheringinhisharvestofdepartingsouls,hadsilentlyenteredthecabinofthedyingwoman,andtakenherfromthence.Shewasfreeatlast!

Nextday,rollingupmyblanket,IstartedonmyreturntotheBigCane.Aftertravelingfivemiles,ataplacecalledHuffPower,theever-presentTibeatsmetmeintheroad.HeinquiredwhyIwasgoingbacksosoon,andwheninformedIwasanxioustoreturnbythetimeIwasdirected,hesaidIneedgonofartherthanthenextplantation,ashehadthatdaysoldmetoEdwinEpps.Wewalkeddownintotheyard,wherewemetthelattergentleman,whoexaminedme,andaskedmetheusualquestionspropoundedbypurchasers.Havingbeendulydeliveredover,Iwasorderedtothequarters,andatthesametimedirectedtomakeahoeandaxehandleformyself.

IwasnownolongerthepropertyofTibeats—hisdog,hisbrute,dreadinghiswrathandcrueltydayandnight;andwhoeverorwhatevermynewmastermightprovetobe,Icouldnot,certainly,regretthechange.Soitwasgoodnewswhenthesalewasannounced,andwithasighofreliefIsatdownforthefirsttimeinmynewabode.

Tibeatssoonafterdisappearedfromthatsectionofthecountry.Once

afterwards,andonlyonce,Icaughtaglimpseofhim.ItwasmanymilesfromBayouBœuf.Hewasseatedinthedoorwayofalowgroggery.Iwaspassing,inadroveofslaves,throughSt.Mary’sparish.

CHAPTERXII .

PERSONALAPPEARANCEOFEPPS—EPPS,DRUNKANDSOBER—AGLIMPSEOFHISHISTORY—COTTONGROWING—THEMODEOFPLOUGHINGANDPREPARINGGROUND—OFPLANTING—OFHOEING,OFPICKING,OFTREATINGRAWHANDS—THEDIFFERENCEINCOTTONPICKERS—PATSEYAREMARKABLEONE—TASKEDACCORDINGTOABILITY—BEAUTYOFACOTTONFIELD—THESLAVE’SLABORS—FEARONAPPROACHINGTHEGIN-HOUSE—WEIGHING—“CHORES”—CABINLIFE—THECORNMILL—THEUSESOFTHEGOURD—FEAROFOVERSLEEPING—FEARCONTINUALLY—MODEOFCULTIVATINGCORN—SWEETPOTATOES—FERTILITYOFTHESOIL—FATTENINGHOGS—PRESERVINGBACON—RAISINGCATTLE—SHOOTING-MATCHES—GARDENPRODUCTS—FLOWERSANDVERDURE.

EdwinEpps,ofwhommuchwillbesaidduringtheremainderofthishistory,isalarge,portly,heavy-bodiedmanwithlighthair,highcheekbones,andaRomannoseofextraordinarydimensions.Hehasblueeyes,afaircomplexion,andis,asIshouldsay,fullsixfeethigh.Hehasthesharp,inquisitiveexpressionofajockey.Hismannersarerepulsiveandcoarse,andhislanguagegivesspeedyandunequivocalevidencethathehasneverenjoyedtheadvantagesofaneducation.Hehasthefacultyofsayingmostprovokingthings,inthatrespectevenexcellingoldPeterTanner.AtthetimeIcameintohispossession,EdwinEppswasfondofthebottle,his“sprees”sometimesextendingoverthespaceoftwowholeweeks.Latterly,however,hehadreformedhishabits,andwhenIlefthim,wasasstrictaspecimenoftemperanceascouldbefoundonBayouBœuf.When“inhiscups,”MasterEppswasaroystering,blustering,noisyfellow,whosechiefdelightwasindancingwithhis“niggers,”orlashingthemabouttheyardwithhislongwhip,justforthepleasureofhearingthemscreechandscream,asthegreatweltswereplantedontheirbacks.Whensober,hewassilent,reservedandcunning,notbeatingusindiscriminately,asinhisdrunkenmoments,butsendingtheendofhisrawhidetosometenderspotofalaggingslave,withaslydexteritypeculiartohimself.

Hehadbeenadriverandoverseerinhisyoungeryears,butatthistimewasinpossessionofaplantationonBayouHuffPower,twoandahalfmilesfromHolmesville,eighteenfromMarksville,andtwelvefromCheneyville.ItbelongedtoJosephB.Roberts,hiswife’suncle,andwasleasedbyEpps.Hisprincipalbusinesswasraisingcotton,andinasmuchassomemayreadthisbookwhohaveneverseenacottonfield,adescriptionofthemannerofitsculturemaynotbeoutofplace.

Thegroundispreparedbythrowingupbedsorridges,withtheplough—

back-furrowing,itiscalled.Oxenandmules,thelatteralmostexclusively,areusedinploughing.Thewomenasfrequentlyasthemenperformthislabor,feeding,currying,andtakingcareoftheirteams,andinallrespectsdoingthefieldandstablework,preciselyasdotheploughboysoftheNorth.

Thebeds,orridges,aresixfeetwide,thatis,fromwaterfurrowtowaterfurrow.Aploughdrawnbyonemuleisthenrunalongthetopoftheridgeorcenterofthebed,makingthedrill,intowhichagirlusuallydropstheseed,whichshecarriesinabaghungroundherneck.Behindhercomesamuleandharrow,coveringuptheseed,sothattwomules,threeslaves,aploughandharrow,areemployedinplantingarowofcotton.ThisisdoneinthemonthsofMarchandApril.CornisplantedinFebruary.Whentherearenocoldrains,thecottonusuallymakesitsappearanceinaweek.Inthecourseofeightortendaysafterwardsthefirsthoeingiscommenced.Thisisperformedinpart,also,bytheaidoftheploughandmule.Theploughpassesasnearaspossibletothecottononbothsides,throwingthefurrowfromit.Slavesfollowwiththeirhoes,cuttingupthegrassandcotton,leavinghillstwofeetandahalfapart.Thisiscalledscrapingcotton.Intwoweeksmorecommencesthesecondhoeing.Thistimethefurrowisthrowntowardsthecotton.Onlyonestalk,thelargest,isnowleftstandingineachhill.Inanotherfortnightitishoedthethirdtime,throwingthefurrowtowardsthecottoninthesamemannerasbefore,andkillingallthegrassbetweentherows.AboutthefirstofJuly,whenitisafoothighorthereabouts,itishoedthefourthandlasttime.Nowthewholespacebetweentherowsisploughed,leavingadeepwaterfurrowinthecenter.Duringallthesehoeingstheoverseerordriverfollowstheslavesonhorsebackwithawhip,suchashasbeendescribed.Thefastesthoertakestheleadrow.Heisusuallyaboutarodinadvanceofhiscompanions.Ifoneofthempasseshim,heiswhipped.Ifonefallsbehindorisamomentidle,heiswhipped.Infact,thelashisflyingfrommorninguntilnight,thewholedaylong.ThehoeingseasonthuscontinuesfromApriluntilJuly,afieldhavingnosoonerbeenfinishedonce,thanitiscommencedagain.

InthelatterpartofAugustbeginsthecottonpickingseason.Atthistimeeachslaveispresentedwithasack.Astrapisfastenedtoit,whichgoesovertheneck,holdingthemouthofthesackbreasthigh,whilethebottomreachesnearlytotheground.Eachoneisalsopresentedwithalargebasketthatwillholdabouttwobarrels.Thisistoputthecottoninwhenthesackisfilled.Thebasketsarecarriedtothefieldandplacedatthebeginningoftherows.

Whenanewhand,oneunaccustomedtothebusiness,issentforthefirsttimeintothefield,heiswhippedupsmartly,andmadeforthatdaytopickasfastashecanpossibly.Atnightitisweighed,sothathiscapabilityincottonpickingisknown.Hemustbringinthesameweighteachnightfollowing.If

itfallsshort,itisconsideredevidencethathehasbeenlaggard,andagreaterorlessnumberoflashesisthepenalty.

Anordinaryday’sworkistwohundredpounds.Aslavewhoisaccustomedtopicking,ispunished,ifheorshebringsinalessquantitythanthat.Thereisagreatdifferenceamongthemasregardsthiskindoflabor.Someofthemseemtohaveanaturalknack,orquickness,whichenablesthemtopickwithgreatcelerity,andwithbothhands,whileothers,withwhateverpracticeorindustry,areutterlyunabletocomeuptotheordinarystandard.Suchhandsaretakenfromthecottonfieldandemployedinotherbusiness.Patsey,ofwhomIshallhavemoretosay,wasknownasthemostremarkablecottonpickeronBayouBœuf.Shepickedwithbothhandsandwithsuchsurprisingrapidity,thatfivehundredpoundsadaywasnotunusualforher.

Eachoneistasked,therefore,accordingtohispickingabilities,none,however,tocomeshortoftwohundredweight.I,beingunskillfulalwaysinthatbusiness,wouldhavesatisfiedmymasterbybringinginthelatterquantity,whileontheotherhand,Patseywouldsurelyhavebeenbeatenifshefailedtoproducetwiceasmuch.

Thecottongrowsfromfivetosevenfeethigh,eachstalkhavingagreatmanybranches,shootingoutinalldirections,andlappingeachotherabovethewaterfurrow.

Therearefewsightsmorepleasanttotheeye,thanawidecottonfieldwhenitisinthebloom.Itpresentsanappearanceofpurity,likeanimmaculateexpanseoflight,new-fallensnow.

Sometimestheslavepicksdownonesideofarow,andbackupontheother,butmoreusually,thereisoneoneitherside,gatheringallthathasblossomed,leavingtheunopenedbollsforasucceedingpicking.Whenthesackisfilled,itisemptiedintothebasketandtroddendown.Itisnecessarytobeextremelycarefulthefirsttimegoingthroughthefield,inordernottobreakthebranchesoffthestalks.Thecottonwillnotbloomuponabrokenbranch.Eppsneverfailedtoinflicttheseverestchastisementontheunluckyservantwho,eithercarelesslyorunavoidably,wasguiltyintheleastdegreeinthisrespect.

Thehandsarerequiredtobeinthecottonfieldassoonasitislightinthemorning,and,withtheexceptionoftenorfifteenminutes,whichisgiventhematnoontoswallowtheirallowanceofcoldbacon,theyarenotpermittedtobeamomentidleuntilitistoodarktosee,andwhenthemoonisfull,theyoftentimeslabortillthemiddleofthenight.Theydonotdaretostopevenatdinnertime,norreturntothequarters,howeverlateitbe,untiltheordertohaltisgivenbythedriver.

Theday’sworkoverinthefield,thebasketsare“toted,”orinotherwords,

carriedtothegin-house,wherethecottonisweighed.Nomatterhowfatiguedandwearyhemaybe—nomatterhowmuchhelongsforsleepandrest—aslaveneverapproachesthegin-housewithhisbasketofcottonbutwithfear.Ifitfallsshortinweight—ifhehasnotperformedthefulltaskappointedhim,heknowsthathemustsuffer.Andifhehasexceededitbytenortwentypounds,inallprobabilityhismasterwillmeasurethenextday’staskaccordingly.So,whetherhehastoolittleortoomuch,hisapproachtothegin-houseisalwayswith,fearandtrembling.Mostfrequentlytheyhavetoolittle,andthereforeitistheyarenotanxioustoleavethefield.Afterweighing,followthewhippings;andthenthebasketsarecarriedtothecottonhouse,andtheircontentsstoredawaylikehay,allhandsbeingsentintotrampitdown.Ifthecottonisnotdry,insteadoftakingittothegin-houseatonce,itislaiduponplatforms,twofeethigh,andsomethreetimesaswide,coveredwithboardsorplank,withnarrowwalksrunningbetweenthem.

Thisdone,thelaborofthedayisnotyetended,byanymeans.Eachonemustthenattendtohisrespectivechores.Onefeedsthemules,anothertheswine—anothercutsthewood,andsoforth;besides,thepackingisalldonebycandlelight.Finally,atalatehour,theyreachthequarters,sleepyandovercomewiththelongday’stoil.Thenafiremustbekindledinthecabin,thecorngroundinthesmallhand-mill,andsupper,anddinnerforthenextdayinthefield,prepared.Allthatisallowedthemiscornandbacon,whichisgivenoutatthecorncribandsmoke-houseeverySundaymorning.Eachonereceives,ashisweekly,allowance,threeandahalfpoundsofbacon,andcornenoughtomakeapeckofmeal.Thatisall—notea,coffee,sugar,andwiththeexceptionofaveryscantysprinklingnowandthen,nosalt.Icansay,fromatenyears’residencewithMasterEpps,thatnoslaveofhisiseverlikelytosufferfromthegout,superinducedbyexcessivehighliving.MasterEpps’hogswerefedonshelledcorn—itwasthrownouttohis“niggers”intheear.Theformer,hethought,wouldfattenfasterbyshelling,andsoakingitinthewater—thelatter,perhaps,iftreatedinthesamemanner,mightgrowtoofattolabor.MasterEppswasashrewdcalculator,andknewhowtomanagehisownanimals,drunkorsober.

Thecornmillstandsintheyardbeneathashelter.Itislikeacommoncoffeemill,thehopperholdingaboutsixquarts.TherewasoneprivilegewhichMasterEppsgrantedfreelytoeveryslavehehad.Theymightgrindtheircornnightly,insuchsmallquantitiesastheirdailywantsrequired,ortheymightgrindthewholeweek’sallowanceatonetime,onSundays,justastheypreferred.AverygenerousmanwasMasterEpps!

Ikeptmycorninasmallwoodenbox,themealinagourd;and,bytheway,thegourdisoneofthemostconvenientandnecessaryutensilsona

plantation.Besidessupplyingtheplaceofallkindsofcrockeryinaslavecabin,itisusedforcarryingwatertothefields.Another,also,containsthedinner.Itdispenseswiththenecessityofpails,dippers,basins,andsuchtinandwoodensuperfluitiesaltogether.

Whenthecornisground,andfireismade,thebaconistakendownfromthenailonwhichithangs,aslicecutoffandthrownuponthecoalstobroil.Themajorityofslaveshavenoknife,muchlessafork.Theycuttheirbaconwiththeaxeatthewood-pile.Thecornmealismixedwithalittlewater,placedinthefire,andbaked.Whenitis“donebrown,”theashesarescrapedoff,andbeingplaceduponachip,whichanswersforatable,thetenantoftheslavehutisreadytositdownuponthegroundtosupper.Bythistimeitisusuallymidnight.Thesamefearofpunishmentwithwhichtheyapproachthegin-house,possessesthemagainonlyingdowntogetasnatchofrest.Itisthefearofoversleepinginthemorning.Suchanoffencewouldcertainlybeattendedwithnotlessthantwentylashes.Withaprayerthathemaybeonhisfeetandwideawakeatthefirstsoundofthehorn,hesinkstohisslumbersnightly.

Thesoftestcouchesintheworldarenottobefoundinthelogmansionoftheslave.TheonewhereonIreclinedyearafteryear,wasaplanktwelveincheswideandtenfeetlong.Mypillowwasastickofwood.Thebeddingwasacoarseblanket,andnotaragorshredbeside.Mossmightbeused,wereitnotthatitdirectlybreedsaswarmoffleas.

Thecabinisconstructedoflogs,withoutfloororwindow.Thelatterisaltogetherunnecessary,thecrevicesbetweenthelogsadmittingsufficientlight.Instormyweathertheraindrivesthroughthem,renderingitcomfortlessandextremelydisagreeable.Therudedoorhangsongreatwoodenhinges.Inoneendisconstructedanawkwardfire-place.

Anhourbeforedaylightthehornisblown.Thentheslavesarouse,preparetheirbreakfast,fillagourdwithwater,inanotherdeposittheirdinnerofcoldbaconandcorncake,andhurrytothefieldagain.Itisanoffenceinvariablyfollowedbyaflogging,tobefoundatthequartersafterdaybreak.Thenthefearsandlaborsofanotherdaybegin;anduntilitsclosethereisnosuchthingasrest.Hefearshewillbecaughtlaggingthroughtheday;hefearstoapproachthegin-housewithhisbasket-loadofcottonatnight;hefears,whenheliesdown,thathewilloversleephimselfinthemorning.Suchisatrue,faithful,unexaggeratedpictureanddescriptionoftheslave’sdailylife,duringthetimeofcotton-picking,ontheshoresofBayouBœuf.

InthemonthofJanuary,generally,thefourthandlastpickingiscompleted.Thencommencestheharvestingofcorn.Thisisconsideredasecondarycrop,andreceivesfarlessattentionthanthecotton.Itisplanted,asalready

mentioned,inFebruary.Cornisgrowninthatregionforthepurposeoffatteninghogsandfeedingslaves;verylittle,ifany,beingsenttomarket.Itisthewhitevariety,theearofgreatsize,andthestalkgrowingtotheheightofeight,andoftentimestenfeet.InAugusttheleavesarestrippedoff,driedinthesun,boundinsmallbundles,andstoredawayasprovenderforthemulesandoxen.Afterthistheslavesgothroughthefield,turningdowntheear,forthepurposeofkeepingtherainsfrompenetratingtothegrain.Itisleftinthisconditionuntilaftercotton-pickingisover,whetherearlierorlater.Thentheearsareseparatedfromthestalks,anddepositedinthecorncribwiththehuskson;otherwise,strippedofthehusks,theweevilwoulddestroyit.Thestalksareleftstandinginthefield.

TheCarolina,orsweetpotato,isalsogrowninthatregiontosomeextent.Theyarenotfed,however,tohogsorcattle,andareconsideredbutofsmallimportance.Theyarepreservedbyplacingthemuponthesurfaceoftheground,withaslightcoveringofearthorcornstalks.ThereisnotacellaronBayouBœuf.Thegroundissolowitwouldfillwithwater.Potatoesareworthfromtwotothree“bits,”orshillingsabarrel;corn,exceptwhenthereisanunusualscarcity,canbepurchasedatthesamerate.

Assoonasthecottonandcorncropsaresecured,thestalksarepulledup,thrownintopilesandburned.Theploughsarestartedatthesametime,throwingupthebedsagain,preparatorytoanotherplanting.Thesoil,intheparishesofRapidesandAvoyelles,andthroughoutthewholecountry,sofarasmyobservationextended,isofexceedingrichnessandfertility.Itisakindofmarl,ofabrownorreddishcolor.Itdoesnotrequirethoseinvigoratingcompostsnecessarytomorebarrenlands,andonthesamefieldthesamecropisgrownformanysuccessiveyears.

Ploughing,planting,pickingcotton,gatheringthecorn,andpullingandburningstalks,occupiesthewholeofthefourseasonsoftheyear.Drawingandcuttingwood,pressingcotton,fatteningandkillinghogs,arebutincidentallabors.

InthemonthofSeptemberorOctober,thehogsarerunoutoftheswampsbydogs,andconfinedinpens.Onacoldmorning,generallyaboutNewYear’sday,theyareslaughtered.Eachcarcassiscutintosixparts,andpiledoneabovetheotherinsalt,uponlargetablesinthesmoke-house.Inthisconditionitremainsafortnight,whenitishungup,andafirebuilt,andcontinuedmorethanhalfthetimeduringtheremainderoftheyear.Thisthoroughsmokingisnecessarytopreventthebaconfrombecominginfestedwithworms.Insowarmaclimateitisdifficulttopreserveit,andverymanytimesmyselfandmycompanionshavereceivedourweeklyallowanceofthreepoundsandahalf,whenitwasfullofthesedisgustingvermin.

Althoughtheswampsareoverrunwithcattle,theyarenevermadethesourceofprofit,toanyconsiderableextent.Theplantercutshismarkupontheear,orbrandshisinitialsupontheside,andturnsthemintotheswamps,toroamunrestrictedwithintheiralmostlimitlessconfines.TheyaretheSpanishbreed,smallandspike-horned.IhaveknownofdrovesbeingtakenfromBayouBœuf,butitisofveryrareoccurrence.Thevalueofthebestcowsisaboutfivedollarseach.Twoquartsatonemilking,wouldbeconsideredanunusuallargequantity.Theyfurnishlittletallow,andthatofasoft,inferiorquality.Notwithstandingthegreatnumberofcowsthatthrongtheswamps,theplantersareindebtedtotheNorthfortheircheeseandbutter,whichispurchasedintheNew-Orleansmarket.Saltedbeefisnotanarticleoffoodeitherinthegreathouse,orinthecabin.

MasterEppswasaccustomedtoattendshootingmatchesforthepurposeofobtainingwhatfreshbeefherequired.ThesesportsoccurredweeklyattheneighboringvillageofHolmesville.Fatbeevesaredriventhitherandshotat,astipulatedpricebeingdemandedfortheprivilege.Theluckymarksmandividesthefleshamonghisfellows,andinthismannertheattendingplantersaresupplied.

ThegreatnumberoftameanduntamedcattlewhichswarmthewoodsandswampsofBayouBœuf,mostprobablysuggestedthatappellationtotheFrench,inasmuchastheterm,translated,signifiesthecreekorriverofthewildox.

Gardenproducts,suchascabbages,turnipsandthelike,arecultivatedfortheuseofthemasterandhisfamily.Theyhavegreensandvegetablesatalltimesandseasonsoftheyear.“Thegrasswitherethandtheflowerfadeth”beforethedesolatingwindsofautumninthechillnorthernlatitudes,butperpetualverdureoverspreadsthehotlowlands,andflowersbloomintheheartofwinter,intheregionofBayouBœuf.

Therearenomeadowsappropriatedtothecultivationofthegrasses.Theleavesofthecornsupplyasufficiencyoffoodforthelaboringcattle,whiletherestprovideforthemselvesalltheyearintheever-growingpasture.

Therearemanyotherpeculiaritiesofclimate,habit,custom,andofthemanneroflivingandlaboringattheSouth,buttheforegoing,itissupposed,willgivethereaderaninsightandgeneralideaoflifeonacottonplantationinLouisiana.Themodeofcultivatingcane,andtheprocessofsugarmanufacturing,willbementionedinanotherplace.

CHAPTERXIII .

THECURIOUSAXE-HELVE—SYMPTOMSOFAPPROACHINGILLNESS—CONTINUETODECLINE—THEWHIPINEFFECTUAL—CONFINEDTOTHECABIN—VISITBYDR.WINES—PARTIALRECOVERY—FAILUREATCOTTONPICKING—WHATMAYBEHEARDONEPPS’PLANTATION—LASHESGRADUATED—EPPSINAWHIPPINGMOOD—EPPSINADANCINGMOOD—DESCRIPTIONOFTHEDANCE—LOSSOFRESTNOEXCUSE—EPPS’CHARACTERISTICS—JIMBURNSREMOVALFROMHUFFPOWERTOBAYOUBŒUF—DESCRIPTIONOFUNCLEABRAM;OFWILEY;OFAUNTPHEBE;OFBOB,HENRY,ANDEDWARD;OFPATSEY;WITHAGENEALOGICALACCOUNTOFEACH—SOMETHINGOFTHEIRPASTHISTORY,ANDPECULIARCHARACTERISTICS—JEALOUSYANDLUST—PATSEY,THEVICTIM.

OnmyarrivalatMasterEpps’,inobediencetohisorder,thefirstbusinessuponwhichIenteredwasthemakingofanaxe-helve.Thehandlesinusetherearesimplyaround,straightstick.Imadeacrookedone,shapedlikethosetowhichIhadbeenaccustomedattheNorth.Whenfinished,andpresentedtoEpps,helookedatitwithastonishment,unabletodetermineexactlywhatitwas.Hehadneverbeforeseensuchahandle,andwhenIexplaineditsconveniences,hewasforciblystruckwiththenoveltyoftheidea.Hekeptitinthehousealongtime,andwhenhisfriendscalled,waswonttoexhibititasacuriosity.

Itwasnowtheseasonofhoeing.Iwasfirstsentintothecorn-field,andafterwardssettoscrapingcotton.InthisemploymentIremaineduntilhoeingtimewasnearlypassed,whenIbegantoexperiencethesymptomsofapproachingillness.Iwasattackedwithchills,whichweresucceededbyaburningfever.Ibecameweakandemaciated,andfrequentlysodizzythatitcausedmetoreelandstaggerlikeadrunkenman.Nevertheless,Iwascompelledtokeepupmyrow.WheninhealthIfoundlittledifficultyinkeepingpacewithmyfellow-laborers,butnowitseemedtobeanutterimpossibility.OftenIfellbehind,whenthedriver’slashwassuretogreetmyback,infusingintomysickanddroopingbodyalittletemporaryenergy.Icontinuedtodeclineuntilatlengththewhipbecameentirelyineffectual.Thesharpeststingoftherawhidecouldnotarouseme.Finally,inSeptember,whenthebusyseasonofcottonpickingwasathand,Iwasunabletoleavemycabin.UptothistimeIhadreceivednomedicine,noranyattentionfrommymasterormistress.Theoldcookvisitedmeoccasionally,preparingmecorn-coffee,andsometimesboilingabitofbacon,whenIhadgrowntoofeebletoaccomplishitmyself.

WhenitwassaidthatIwoulddie,MasterEpps,unwillingtobeartheloss,whichthedeathofananimalworthathousanddollarswouldbringuponhim,concludedtoincurtheexpenseofsendingtoHolmesvilleforDr.Wines.HeannouncedtoEppsthatitwastheeffectoftheclimate,andtherewasaprobabilityofhislosingme.Hedirectedmetoeatnomeat,andtopartakeofnomorefoodthanwasabsolutelynecessarytosustainlife.Severalweekselapsed,duringwhichtime,underthescantydiettowhichIwassubjected,Ihadpartiallyrecovered.Onemorning,longbeforeIwasinaproperconditiontolabor,Eppsappearedatthecabindoor,and,presentingmeasack,orderedmetothecottonfield.AtthistimeIhadhadnoexperiencewhateverincottonpicking.Itwasanawkwardbusinessindeed.Whileothersusedbothhands,snatchingthecottonanddepositingitinthemouthofthesack,withaprecisionanddexteritythatwasincomprehensibletome,Ihadtoseizethebollwithonehand,anddeliberatelydrawoutthewhite,gushingblossomwiththeother.

Depositingthecottoninthesack,moreover,wasadifficultythatdemandedtheexerciseofbothhandsandeyes.Iwascompelledtopickitfromthegroundwhereitwouldfall,nearlyasoftenasfromthestalkwhereithadgrown.Imadehavocalsowiththebranches,loadedwiththeyetunbrokenbolls,thelong,cumbersomesackswingingfromsidetosideinamannernotallowableinthecottonfield.AfteramostlaboriousdayIarrivedatthegin-housewithmyload.Whenthescaledetermineditsweighttobeonlyninety-fivepounds,nothalfthequantityrequiredofthepoorestpicker,Eppsthreatenedtheseverestflogging,butinconsiderationofmybeinga“rawhand,”concludedtopardonmeonthatoccasion.Thefollowingday,andmanydayssucceeding,Ireturnedatnightwithnobettersuccess—Iwasevidentlynotdesignedforthatkindoflabor.Ihadnotthegift—thedexterousfingersandquickmotionofPatsey,whocouldflyalongonesideofarowofcotton,strippingitofitsundefiledandfleecywhitenessmiraculouslyfast.Practiceandwhippingwerealikeunavailing,andEpps,satisfiedofitatlast,sworeIwasadisgrace—thatIwasnotfittoassociatewithacotton-picking“nigger”—thatIcouldnotpickenoughinadaytopaythetroubleofweighingit,andthatIshouldgointothecottonfieldnomore.Iwasnowemployedincuttingandhaulingwood,drawingcottonfromthefieldtothegin-house,andperformedwhateverotherservicewasrequired.Sufficetosay,Iwasneverpermittedtobeidle.

Itwasrarelythatadaypassedbywithoutoneormorewhippings.Thisoccurredatthetimethecottonwasweighed.Thedelinquent,whoseweighthadfallenshort,wastakenout,stripped,madetolieupontheground,facedownwards,whenhereceivedapunishmentproportionedtohisoffence.Itistheliteral,unvarnishedtruth,thatthecrackofthelash,andtheshriekingof

theslaves,canbeheardfromdarktillbedtime,onEpps’plantation,anydayalmostduringtheentireperiodofthecotton-pickingseason.

Thenumberoflashesisgraduatedaccordingtothenatureofthecase.Twenty-fivearedeemedamerebrush,inflicted,forinstance,whenadryleaforpieceofbollisfoundinthecotton,orwhenabranchisbrokeninthefield;fiftyistheordinarypenaltyfollowingalldelinquenciesofthenexthighergrade;onehundrediscalledsevere:itisthepunishmentinflictedfortheseriousoffenceofstandingidleinthefield;fromonehundredandfiftytotwohundredisbestoweduponhimwhoquarrelswithhiscabin-mates,andfivehundred,welllaidon,besidesthemanglingofthedogs,perhaps,iscertaintoconsignthepoor,unpitiedrunawaytoweeksofpainandagony.

DuringthetwoyearsEppsremainedontheplantationatBayouHuffPower,hewasinthehabit,asoftenasonceinafortnightatleast,ofcominghomeintoxicatedfromHolmesville.Theshooting-matchesalmostinvariablyconcludedwithadebauch.Atsuchtimeshewasboisterousandhalf-crazy.Oftenhewouldbreakthedishes,chairs,andwhateverfurniturehecouldlayhishandson.Whensatisfiedwithhisamusementinthehouse,hewouldseizethewhipandwalkforthintotheyard.Thenitbehoovedtheslavestobewatchfulandexceedingwary.Thefirstonewhocamewithinreachfeltthesmartofhislash.Sometimesforhourshewouldkeepthemrunninginalldirections,dodgingaroundthecornersofthecabins.Occasionallyhewouldcomeupononeunawares,andifhesucceededininflictingafair,roundblow,itwasafeatthatmuchdelightedhim.Theyoungerchildren,andtheaged,whohadbecomeinactive,sufferedthen.Inthemidstoftheconfusionhewouldslilytakehisstandbehindacabin,waitingwithraisedwhip,todashitintothefirstblackfacethatpeepedcautiouslyaroundthecorner.

Atothertimeshewouldcomehomeinalessbrutalhumor.Thentheremustbeamerry-making.Thenallmustmovetothemeasureofatune.ThenMasterEppsmustneedsregalehismelodiousearswiththemusicofafiddle.Thendidhebecomebuoyant,elastic,gaily“trippingthelightfantastictoe”aroundthepiazzaandallthroughthehouse.

Tibeats,atthetimeofmysale,hadinformedhimIcouldplayontheviolin.HehadreceivedhisinformationfromFord.ThroughtheimportunitiesofMistressEpps,herhusbandhadbeeninducedtopurchasemeoneduringavisittoNew-Orleans.FrequentlyIwascalledintothehousetoplaybeforethefamily,mistressbeingpassionatelyfondofmusic.

Allofuswouldbeassembledinthelargeroomofthegreathouse,wheneverEppscamehomeinoneofhisdancingmoods.Nomatterhowwornoutandtiredwewere,theremustbeageneraldance.Whenproperlystationedonthefloor,Iwouldstrikeupatune.

“Dance,youd—dniggers,dance,”Eppswouldshout.

Thentheremustbenohaltingordelay,nosloworlanguidmovements;allmustbebrisk,andlively,andalert.“Upanddown,heelandtoe,andawaywego,”wastheorderofthehour.Epps’portlyformmingledwiththoseofhisduskyslaves,movingrapidlythroughallthemazesofthedance.

Usuallyhiswhipwasinhishand,readytofallabouttheearsofthepresumptuousthrall,whodaredtorestamoment,orevenstoptocatchhisbreath.Whenhewashimselfexhausted,therewouldbeabriefcessation,butitwouldbeverybrief.Withaslash,andcrack,andflourishofthewhip,hewouldshoutagain,“Dance,niggers,dance,”andawaytheywouldgooncemore,pell-mell,whileIspurredbyanoccasionalsharptouchofthelash,satinacorner,extractingfrommyviolinamarvelousquick-steppingtune.Themistressoftenupbraidedhim,declaringshewouldreturntoherfather’shouseatCheneyville;nevertheless,thereweretimesshecouldnotrestrainaburstoflaughter,onwitnessinghisuproariouspranks.Frequently,wewerethusdetaineduntilalmostmorning.Bentwithexcessivetoil—actuallysufferingforalittlerefreshingrest,andfeelingratherasifwecouldcastourselvesupontheearthandweep,manyanightinthehouseofEdwinEppshavehisunhappyslavesbeenmadetodanceandlaugh.

Notwithstandingthesedeprivationsinordertogratifythewhimofanunreasonablemaster,wehadtobeinthefieldassoonasitwaslight,andduringthedayperformtheordinaryandaccustomedtask.Suchdeprivationscouldnotbeurgedatthescalesinextenuationofanylackofweight,orinthecornfieldfornothoeingwiththeusualrapidity.Thewhippingswerejustassevereasifwehadgoneforthinthemorning,strengthenedandinvigoratedbyanight’srepose.Indeed,aftersuchfranticrevels,hewasalwaysmoresourandsavagethanbefore,punishingforslightercauses,andusingthewhipwithincreasedandmorevindictiveenergy.

TenyearsItoiledforthatmanwithoutreward.Tenyearsofmyincessantlaborhascontributedtoincreasethebulkofhispossessions.TenyearsIwascompelledtoaddresshimwithdown-casteyesanduncoveredhead—intheattitudeandlanguageofaslave.Iamindebtedtohimfornothing,saveundeservedabuseandstripes.

Beyondthereachofhisinhumanthong,andstandingonthesoilofthefreeStatewhereIwasborn,thanksbetoHeaven,Icanraisemyheadoncemoreamongmen.IcanspeakofthewrongsIhavesuffered,andofthosewhoinflictedthem,withupraisedeyes.ButIhavenodesiretospeakofhimoranyotheroneotherwisethantruthfully.YettospeaktruthfullyofEdwinEppswouldbetosay—heisamaninwhoseheartthequalityofkindnessorofjusticeisnotfound.Arough,rudeenergy,unitedwithanuncultivatedmind

andanavariciousspirit,arehisprominentcharacteristics.Heisknownasa“niggerbreaker,”distinguishedforhisfacultyofsubduingthespiritoftheslave,andpridinghimselfuponhisreputationinthisrespect,asajockeyboastsofhisskillinmanagingarefractoryhorse.Helookeduponacoloredman,notasahumanbeing,responsibletohisCreatorforthesmalltalententrustedtohim,butasa“chattelpersonal,”asmereliveproperty,nobetter,exceptinvalue,thanhismuleordog.Whentheevidence,clearandindisputable,waslaidbeforehimthatIwasafreeman,andasmuchentitledtomylibertyashe—when,onthedayIleft,hewasinformedthatIhadawifeandchildren,asdeartomeashisownbabestohim,heonlyravedandswore,denouncingthelawthattoremefromhim,anddeclaringhewouldfindoutthemanwhohadforwardedtheletterthatdisclosedtheplaceofmycaptivity,iftherewasanyvirtueorpowerinmoney,andwouldtakehislife.Hethoughtofnothingbuthisloss,andcursedmeforhavingbeenbornfree.Hecouldhavestoodunmovedandseenthetonguesofhispoorslavestornoutbytheroots—hecouldhaveseenthemburnedtoashesoveraslowfire,orgnawedtodeathbydogs,ifitonlybroughthimprofit.Suchahard,cruel,unjustmanisEdwinEpps.

TherewasbutonegreatersavageonBayouBœufthanhe.JimBurns’plantationwascultivated,asalreadymentioned,exclusivelybywomen.Thatbarbariankepttheirbackssosoreandraw,thattheycouldnotperformthecustomarylabordemandeddailyoftheslave.Heboastedofhiscruelty,andthroughallthecountryroundwasaccountedamorethorough-going,energeticmanthanevenEpps.Abrutehimself,JimBurnshadnotaparticleofmercyforhissubjectbrutes,andlikeafool,whippedandscourgedawaytheverystrengthuponwhichdependedhisamountofgain.

EppsremainedonHuffPowertwoyears,when,havingaccumulatedaconsiderablesumofmoney,heexpendeditinthepurchaseoftheplantationontheeastbankofBayouBœuf,wherehestillcontinuestoreside.Hetookpossessionofitin1845,aftertheholidayswerepassed.Hecarriedthitherwithhimnineslaves,allofwhom,exceptmyself,andSusan,whohassincedied,remainthereyet.Hemadenoadditiontothisforce,andforeightyearsthefollowingweremycompanionsinhisquarters,viz:Abram,Wiley,Phebe,Bob,Henry,Edward,andPatsey.Allthese,exceptEdward,bornsince,werepurchasedoutofadrovebyEppsduringthetimehewasoverseerforArchyB.Williams,whoseplantationissituatedontheshoreofRedRiver,notfarfromAlexandria.

Abramwastall,standingafullheadaboveanycommonman.Heissixtyyearsofage,andwasborninTennessee.Twentyyearsago,hewaspurchasedbyatrader,carriedintoSouthCarolina,andsoldtoJamesBuford,of

Williamsburghcounty,inthatState.Inhisyouthhewasrenownedforhisgreatstrength,butageandunremittingtoilhavesomewhatshatteredhispowerfulframeandenfeebledhismentalfaculties.

Wileyisforty-eight.HewasbornontheestateofWilliamTassle,andformanyyearstookchargeofthatgentleman’sferryovertheBigBlackRiver,inSouthCarolina.

PhebewasaslaveofBuford,Tassle’sneighbor,andhavingmarriedWiley,heboughtthelatter,atherinstigation.Bufordwasakindmaster,sheriffofthecounty,andinthosedaysamanofwealth.

BobandHenryarePhebe’schildren,byaformerhusband,theirfatherhavingbeenabandonedtogiveplacetoWiley.ThatseductiveyouthhadinsinuatedhimselfintoPhebe’saffections,andthereforethefaithlessspousehadgentlykickedherfirsthusbandoutofhercabindoor.EdwardhadbeenborntothemonBayouHuffPower.

Patseyistwenty-three—alsofromBuford’splantation.Sheisinnowiseconnectedwiththeothers,butgloriesinthefactthatsheistheoffspringofa“Guineanigger,”broughtovertoCubainaslaveship,andinthecourseoftradetransferredtoBuford,whowashermother’sowner.

This,asIlearnedfromthem,isagenealogicalaccountofmymaster’sslaves.Foryearstheyhadbeentogether.Oftentheyrecalledthememoriesofotherdays,andsighedtoretracetheirstepstotheoldhomeinCarolina.TroublescameupontheirmasterBuford,whichbroughtfargreatertroublesuponthem.Hebecameinvolvedindebt,andunabletobearupagainsthisfailingfortunes,wascompelledtosellthese,andothersofhisslaves.InachaingangtheyhadbeendrivenfrombeyondtheMississippitotheplantationofArchyB.Williams.EdwinEpps,who,foralongwhilehadbeenhisdriverandoverseer,wasaboutestablishinghimselfinbusinessonhisownaccount,atthetimeoftheirarrival,andacceptedtheminpaymentofhiswages.

OldAbramwasakind-heartedbeing—asortofpatriarchamongus,fondofentertaininghisyoungerbrethrenwithgraveandseriousdiscourse.Hewasdeeplyversedinsuchphilosophyasistaughtinthecabinoftheslave;butthegreatabsorbinghobbyofUncleAbramwasGeneralJackson,whomhisyoungmasterinTennesseehadfollowedtothewars.Helovedtowanderback,inimagination,totheplacewherehewasborn,andtorecountthescenesofhisyouthduringthosestirringtimeswhenthenationwasinarms.Hehadbeenathletic,andmorekeenandpowerfulthanthegeneralityofhisrace,butnowhiseyehadbecomedim,andhisnaturalforceabated.Veryoften,indeed,whilediscussingthebestmethodofbakingthehoe-cake,orexpatiatingatlargeuponthegloryofJackson,hewouldforgetwhereheleft

hishat,orhishoe,orhisbasket;andthenwouldtheoldmanbelaughedat,ifEppswasabsent,andwhippedifhewaspresent.Sowasheperplexedcontinually,andsighedtothinkthathewasgrowingagedandgoingtodecay.PhilosophyandJacksonandforgetfulnesshadplayedthemischiefwithhim,anditwasevidentthatallofthemcombinedwerefastbringingdownthegrayhairsofUncleAbramtothegrave.

AuntPhebehadbeenanexcellentfieldhand,butlatterlywasputintothekitchen,wheresheremained,exceptoccasionally,inatimeofuncommonhurry.Shewasaslyoldcreature,andwhennotinthepresenceofhermistressorhermaster,wasgarrulousintheextreme.

Wiley,onthecontrary,wassilent.Heperformedhistaskwithoutmurmurorcomplaint,seldomindulgingintheluxuryofspeech,excepttoutterawish,thathewasawayfromEpps,andbackoncemoreinSouthCarolina.

BobandHenryhadreachedtheagesoftwentyandtwenty-three,andweredistinguishedfornothingextraordinaryorunusual,whileEdward,aladofthirteen,notyetabletomaintainhisrowinthecornorthecottonfield,waskeptinthegreathouse,towaitonthelittleEppses.

Patseywasslimandstraight.Shestooderectasthehumanformiscapableofstanding.Therewasanairofloftinessinhermovement,thatneitherlabor,norweariness,norpunishmentcoulddestroy.Truly,Patseywasasplendidanimal,andwereitnotthatbondagehadenshroudedherintellectinutterandeverlastingdarkness,wouldhavebeenchiefamongtenthousandofherpeople.Shecouldleapthehighestfences,andafleethounditwasindeed,thatcouldoutstripherinarace.Nohorsecouldflingherfromhisback.Shewasaskillfulteamster.Sheturnedastrueafurrowasthebest,andatsplittingrailstherewerenonewhocouldexcelher.Whentheordertohaltwasheardatnight,shewouldhavehermulesatthecrib,unharnessed,fedandcurried,beforeuncleAbramhadfoundhishat.Not,however,foralloranyofthese,wasshechieflyfamous.Suchlightning-likemotionwasinherfingersasnootherfingerseverpossessed,andthereforeitwas,thatincottonpickingtime,Patseywasqueenofthefield.

Shehadagenialandpleasanttemper,andwasfaithfulandobedient.Naturally,shewasajoyouscreature,alaughing,light-heartedgirl,rejoicinginthemeresenseofexistence.YetPatseyweptoftener,andsufferedmore,thananyofhercompanions.Shehadbeenliterallyexcoriated.Herbackborethescarsofathousandstripes;notbecauseshewasbackwardinherwork,norbecauseshewasofanunmindfulandrebelliousspirit,butbecauseithadfallentoherlottobetheslaveofalicentiousmasterandajealousmistress.Sheshrankbeforethelustfuleyeoftheone,andwasindangerevenofherlifeatthehandsoftheother,andbetweenthetwo,shewasindeedaccursed.

Inthegreathouse,fordaystogether,therewerehighandangrywords,poutingsandestrangement,whereofshewastheinnocentcause.Nothingdelightedthemistresssomuchastoseehersuffer,andmorethanonce,whenEppshadrefusedtosellher,hasshetemptedmewithbribestoputhersecretlytodeath,andburyherbodyinsomelonelyplaceinthemarginoftheswamp.GladlywouldPatseyhaveappeasedthisunforgivingspirit,ifithadbeeninherpower,butnotlikeJoseph,daredsheescapefromMasterEpps,leavinghergarmentinhishand.Patseywalkedunderacloud.Ifsheutteredawordinoppositiontohermaster’swill,thelashwasresortedtoatonce,tobringhertosubjection;ifshewasnotwatchfulwhenabouthercabin,orwhenwalkingintheyard,abilletofwood,orabrokenbottleperhaps,hurledfromhermistress’hand,wouldsmiteherunexpectedlyintheface.Theenslavedvictimoflustandhate,Patseyhadnocomfortofherlife.

Theseweremycompanionsandfellow-slaves,withwhomIwasaccustomedtobedriventothefield,andwithwhomithasbeenmylottodwellfortenyearsinthelogcabinsofEdwinEpps.They,ifliving,areyettoilingonthebanksofBayouBœuf,neverdestinedtobreathe,asInowdo,theblessedairofliberty,nortoshakeofftheheavyshacklesthatenthrallthem,untiltheyshallliedownforeverinthedust.

CHAPTERXIV.

DESTRUCTIONOFTHECOTTONCROPIN1845—DEMANDFORLABORERSINST.MARY’SPARISH—SENTTHITHERINADROVE—THEORDEROFTHEMARCH—THEGRANDCOTEAU—HIREDTOJUDGETURNERONBAYOUSALLE—APPOINTEDDRIVERINHISSUGARHOUSE—SUNDAYSERVICESSLAVEFURNITURE,HOWOBTAINED—THEPARTYATYARNEY’SINCENTREVILLE—GOODFORTUNE—THECAPTAINOFTHESTEAMER—HISREFUSALTOSECRETEME—RETURNTOBAYOUBŒUF—SIGHTOFTIBEATS—PATSEY’SSORROWS—TUMULTANDCONTENTION—HUNTINGTHECOONANDOPOSSUM—THECUNNINGOFTHELATTER—THELEANCONDITIONOFTHESLAVE—DESCRIPTIONOFTHEFISHTRAP—THEMURDEROFTHEMANFROMNATCHEZ—EPPSCHALLENGEDBYMARSHALL—THEINFLUENCEOFSLAVERY—THELOVEOFFREEDOM.

ThefirstyearofEpps’residenceonthebayou,1845,thecaterpillarsalmosttotallydestroyedthecottoncropthroughoutthatregion.Therewaslittletobedone,sothattheslaveswerenecessarilyidlehalfthetime.However,therecamearumortoBayouBœufthatwageswerehigh,andlaborersingreatdemandonthesugarplantationsinSt.Mary’sparish.ThisparishissituatedonthecoastoftheGulfofMexico,aboutonehundredandfortymilesfromAvoyelles.TheRioTeche,aconsiderablestream,flowsthroughSt.Mary’stothegulf.

Itwasdeterminedbytheplanters,onthereceiptofthisintelligence,tomakeupadroveofslavestobesentdowntoTuckapawinSt.Mary’s,forthepurposeofhiringthemoutinthecanefields.Accordingly,inthemonthofSeptember,therewereonehundredandforty-sevencollectedatHolmesville,Abram,Bobandmyselfamongthenumber.Oftheseaboutone-halfwerewomen.Epps,AlonsonPierce,HenryToler,andAddisonRoberts,werethewhitemen,selectedtoaccompany,andtakechargeofthedrove.Theyhadatwo-horsecarriageandtwosaddlehorsesfortheiruse.Alargewagon,drawnbyfourhorses,anddrivenbyJohn,aboybelongingtoMr.Roberts,carriedtheblanketsandprovisions.

About2o’clockintheafternoon,havingbeenfed,preparationsweremadetodepart.Thedutyassignedmewas,totakechargeoftheblanketsandprovisions,andseethatnonewerelostbytheway.Thecarriageproceededinadvance,thewagonfollowing;behindthistheslaveswerearranged,whilethetwohorsemenbroughtuptherear,andinthisordertheprocessionmovedoutofHolmesville.

ThatnightwereachedaMr.McCrow’splantation,adistanceoftenorfifteenmiles,whenwewereorderedtohalt.Largefireswerebuilt,andeachone

spreadinghisblanketontheground,laiddownuponit.Thewhitemenlodgedinthegreathouse.Anhourbeforedaywewerearousedbythedriverscomingamongus,crackingtheirwhipsandorderingustoarise.Thentheblanketswererolledup,andbeingseverallydeliveredtomeanddepositedinthewagon,theprocessionsetforthagain.

Thefollowingnightitrainedviolently.Wewerealldrenched,ourclothessaturatedwithmudandwater.Reachinganopenshed,formerlyagin-house,wefoundbeneathitsuchshelterasitafforded.Therewasnotroomforallofustolaydown.Thereweremained,huddledtogether,throughthenight,continuingourmarch,asusual,inthemorning.Duringthejourneywewerefedtwiceaday,boilingourbaconandbakingourcorn-cakeatthefiresinthesamemannerasinourhuts.WepassedthroughLafayetteville,Mountsville,New-Town,toCentreville,whereBobandUncleAbramwerehired.Ournumberdecreasedasweadvanced—nearlyeverysugarplantationrequiringtheservicesofoneormore.

OnourroutewepassedtheGrandCoteauorprairie,avastspaceoflevel,monotonouscountry,withoutatree,exceptanoccasionalonewhichhadbeentransplantednearsomedilapidateddwelling.Itwasoncethicklypopulated,andundercultivation,butforsomecausehadbeenabandoned.Thebusinessofthescatteredinhabitantsthatnowdwelluponitisprincipallyraisingcattle.Immenseherdswerefeedinguponitaswepassed.InthecentreoftheGrandCoteauonefeelsasifhewereontheocean,outofsightofland.Asfarastheeyecansee,inalldirections,itisbutaruinedanddesertedwaste.

IwashiredtoJudgeTurner,adistinguishedmanandextensiveplanter,whoselargeestateissituatedonBayouSalle,withinafewmilesofthegulf.BayonSalleisasmallstreamflowingintothebayofAtchafalaya.ForsomedaysIwasemployedatTurner’sinrepairinghissugarhouse,whenacaneknifewasputintomyhand,andwiththirtyorfortyothers,Iwassentintothefield.IfoundnosuchdifficultyinlearningtheartofcuttingcanethatIhadinpickingcotton.Itcametomenaturallyandintuitively,andinashorttimeIwasabletokeepupwiththefastestknife.Beforethecuttingwasover,however,JudgeTurnertransferredmefromthefieldtothesugarhouse,toactthereinthecapacityofdriver.Fromthetimeofthecommencementofsugarmakingtotheclose,thegrindingandboilingdoesnotceasedayornight.Thewhipwasgivenmewithdirectionstouseituponanyonewhowascaughtstandingidle.IfIfailedtoobeythemtotheletter,therewasanotheroneformyownback.Inadditiontothismydutywastocallonandoffthedifferentgangsatthepropertime.Ihadnoregularperiodsofrest,andcouldneversnatchbutafewmomentsofsleepatatime.

ItisthecustominLouisiana,asIpresumeitisinotherslaveStates,toallow

theslavetoretainwhatevercompensationhemayobtainforservicesperformedonSundays.Inthisway,only,aretheyabletoprovidethemselveswithanyluxuryorconveniencewhatever.Whenaslave,purchased,orkidnappedintheNorth,istransportedtoacabinonBayouBœufheisfurnishedwithneitherknife,norfork,nordish,norkettle,noranyotherthingintheshapeofcrockery,orfurnitureofanynatureordescription.Heisfurnishedwithablanketbeforehereachesthere,andwrappingthataroundhim,hecaneitherstandup,orliedownupontheground,oronaboard,ifhismasterhasnouseforit.Heisatlibertytofindagourdinwhichtokeephismeal,orhecaneathiscornfromthecob,justashepleases.Toaskthemasterforaknife,orskillet,oranysmallconvenienceofthekind,wouldbeansweredwithakick,orlaughedatasajoke.WhatevernecessaryarticleofthisnatureisfoundinacabinhasbeenpurchasedwithSundaymoney.Howeverinjurioustothemorals,itiscertainlyablessingtothephysicalconditionoftheslave,tobepermittedtobreaktheSabbath.Otherwisetherewouldbenowaytoprovidehimselfwithanyutensils,whichseemtobeindispensabletohimwhoiscompelledtobehisowncook.

Oncaneplantationsinsugartime,thereisnodistinctionastothedaysoftheweek.ItiswellunderstoodthatallhandsmustlaborontheSabbath,anditisequallywellunderstoodthatthoseespeciallywhoarehired,asIwastoJudgeTurner,andothersinsucceedingyears,shallreceiveremunerationforit.Itisusual,also,inthemosthurryingtimeofcotton-picking,torequirethesameextraservice.Fromthissource,slavesgenerallyareaffordedanopportunityofearningsufficienttopurchaseaknife,akettle,tobaccoandsoforth.Thefemales,discardingthelatterluxury,areapttoexpendtheirlittlerevenueinthepurchaseofgaudyribbons,wherewithaltodecktheirhairinthemerryseasonoftheholidays.

IremainedinSt.Mary’suntilthefirstofJanuary,duringwhichtimemySundaymoneyamountedtotendollars.Imetwithothergoodfortune,forwhichIwasindebtedtomyviolin,myconstantcompanion,thesourceofprofit,andsootherofmysorrowsduringyearsofservitude.TherewasagrandpartyofwhitesassembledatMr.Yarney’s,inCentreville,ahamletinthevicinityofTurner’splantation.Iwasemployedtoplayforthem,andsowellpleasedwerethemerry-makerswithmyperformance,thatacontributionwastakenformybenefit,whichamountedtoseventeendollars.

Withthissuminpossession,Iwaslookeduponbymyfellowsasamillionaire.Itaffordedmegreatpleasuretolookatit—tocountitoverandoveragain,dayafterday.Visionsofcabinfurniture,ofwaterpails,ofpocketknives,newshoesandcoatsandhats,floatedthroughmyfancy,andupthroughallrosethetriumphantcontemplation,thatIwasthewealthiest

“nigger”onBayouBœuf.

VesselsrunuptheRioTechetoCentreville.Whilethere,Iwasboldenoughonedaytopresentmyselfbeforethecaptainofasteamer,andbegpermissiontohidemyselfamongthefreight.Iwasemboldenedtoriskthehazardofsuchastep,fromoverhearingaconversation,inthecourseofwhichIascertainedhewasanativeoftheNorth.Ididnotrelatetohimtheparticularsofmyhistory,butonlyexpressedanardentdesiretoescapefromslaverytoafreeState.Hepitiedme,butsaiditwouldbeimpossibletoavoidthevigilantcustomhouseofficersinNew-Orleans,andthatdetectionwouldsubjecthimtopunishment,andhisvesseltoconfiscation.Myearnestentreatiesevidentlyexcitedhissympathies,anddoubtlesshewouldhaveyieldedtothem,couldhehavedonesowithanykindofsafety.Iwascompelledtosmotherthesuddenflamethatlightedupmybosomwithsweethopesofliberation,andturnmystepsoncemoretowardstheincreasingdarknessofdespair.

ImmediatelyafterthiseventthedroveassembledatCentreville,andseveraloftheownershavingarrivedandcollectedthemoniesdueforourservices,weweredrivenbacktoBayouBœuf.Itwasonourreturn,whilepassingthroughasmallvillage,thatIcaughtsightofTibeats,seatedinthedoorofadirtygrocery,lookingsomewhatseedyandoutofrepair.Passionandpoorwhisky,Idoubtnot,haveerethislaidhimontheshelf.

Duringourabsence,IlearnedfromAuntPhebeandPatsey,thatthelatterhadbeengettingdeeperanddeeperintotrouble.Thepoorgirlwastrulyanobjectofpity.“OldHogjaw,”thenamebywhichEppswascalled,whentheslaveswerebythemselves,hadbeatenhermoreseverelyandfrequentlythanever.AssurelyashecamefromHolmesville,elatedwithliquor—anditwasofteninthosedays—hewouldwhipher,merelytogratifythemistress;wouldpunishhertoanextentalmostbeyondendurance,foranoffenceofwhichhehimselfwasthesoleandirresistiblecause.Inhissobermomentshecouldnotalwaysbeprevailedupontoindulgehiswife’sinsatiablethirstforvengeance.

ToberidofPatsey—toplaceherbeyondsightorreach,bysale,ordeath,orinanyothermanner,oflateyears,seemedtobetherulingthoughtandpassionofmymistress.Patseyhadbeenafavoritewhenachild,eveninthegreathouse.Shehadbeenpettedandadmiredforheruncommonsprightlinessandpleasantdisposition.Shehadbeenfedmanyatime,soUncleAbramsaid,evenonbiscuitandmilk,whenthemadam,inheryoungerdays,waswonttocallhertothepiazza,andfondleherasshewouldaplayfulKitten.Butasadchangehadcomeoverthespiritofthewoman.Now,onlyblackandangryfiendsministeredinthetempleofherheart,untilshecouldlookonPatseybutwithconcentratedvenom.

MistressEppswasnotnaturallysuchanevilwoman,afterall.Shewas

possessedofthedevil,jealousy,itistrue,butasidefromthat,therewasmuchinhercharactertoadmire.Herfather,Mr.Roberts,residedinCheneyville,aninfluentialandhonorableman,andasmuchrespectedthroughouttheparishasanyothercitizen.ShehadbeenwelleducatedatsomeinstitutionthissidetheMississippi;wasbeautiful,accomplished,andusuallygood-humored.ShewaskindtoallofusbutPatsey—frequently,intheabsenceofherhusband,sendingouttoussomelittledaintyfromherowntable.Inothersituations—inadifferentsocietyfromthatwhichexistsontheshoresofBayouBœuf,shewouldhavebeenpronouncedanelegantandfascinatingwoman.AnillwinditwasthatblewherintothearmsofEpps.

Herespectedandlovedhiswifeasmuchasacoarsenaturelikehisiscapableofloving,butsupremeselfishnessalwaysovermasteredconjugalaffection.

“Helovedaswellasbasernaturescan,

Butameanheartandsoulwereinthatman.”

Hewasreadytogratifyanywhim—tograntanyrequestshemade,provideditdidnotcosttoomuch.Patseywasequaltoanytwoofhisslavesinthecottonfield.Hecouldnotreplaceherwiththesamemoneyshewouldbring.Theideaofdisposingofher,therefore,couldnotbeentertained.Themistressdidnotregardheratallinthatlight.Theprideofthehaughtywomanwasaroused;thebloodofthefierysouthernboiledatthesightofPatsey,andnothinglessthantramplingoutthelifeofthehelplessbondwomanwouldsatisfyher.

Sometimesthecurrentofherwrathturneduponhimwhomshehadjustcausetohate.Butthestormofangrywordswouldpassoveratlength,andtherewouldbeaseasonofcalmagain.AtsuchtimesPatseytrembledwithfear,andcriedasifherheartwouldbreak,forsheknewfrompainfulexperience,thatifmistressshouldworkherselftothered-hotpitchofrage,EppswouldquietheratlastwithapromisethatPatseyshouldbeflogged—apromisehewassuretokeep.Thusdidpride,andjealousy,andvengeancewarwithavariceandbrute-passioninthemansionofmymaster,fillingitwithdailytumultandcontention.Thus,upontheheadofPatsey—thesimple-mindedslave,inwhoseheartGodhadimplantedtheseedsofvirtue—theforceofallthesedomestictempestsspentitselfatlast.

DuringthesummersucceedingmyreturnfromSt.Mary’sparish,Iconceivedaplanofprovidingmyselfwithfood,which,thoughsimple,succeededbeyondexpectation.Ithasbeenfollowedbymanyothersinmycondition,upanddownthebayou,andofsuchbenefithasitbecomethatIamalmostpersuadedtolookuponmyselfasabenefactor.Thatsummerthewormsgotintothebacon.Nothingbutravenoushungercouldinduceustoswallowit.

Theweeklyallowanceofmealscarcelysufficedtosatisfyus.Itwascustomarywithus,asitiswithallinthatregion,wheretheallowanceisexhaustedbeforeSaturdaynight,orisinsuchastateastorenderitnauseousanddisgusting,tohuntintheswampsforcoonandopossum.This,however,mustbedoneatnight,aftertheday’sworkisaccomplished.Thereareplanterswhoseslaves,formonthsatatime,havenoothermeatthansuchasisobtainedinthismanner.Noobjectionsaremadetohunting,inasmuchasitdispenseswithdraftsuponthesmoke-house,andbecauseeverymaraudingcoonthatiskilledissomuchsavedfromthestandingcorn.Theyarehuntedwithdogsandclubs,slavesnotbeingallowedtheuseoffire-arms.

Thefleshofthecoonispalatable,butverilythereisnothinginallbutcherdomsodeliciousasaroasted‘possum.Theyarearound,ratherlong-bodied,littleanimal,ofawhitishcolor,withnoselikeapig,andcaudalextremitylikearat.Theyburrowamongtherootsandinthehollowsofthegumtree,andareclumsyandslowofmotion.Theyaredeceitfulandcunningcreatures.Onreceivingtheslightesttapofastick,theywillrolloveronthegroundandfeigndeath.Ifthehunterleaveshim,inpursuitofanother,withoutfirsttakingparticularpainstobreakhisneck,thechancesare,onhisreturn,heisnottobefound.Thelittleanimalhasoutwittedtheenemy—has“played‘possum”—andisoff.Butafteralongandhardday’swork,thewearyslavefeelslittlelikegoingtotheswampforhissupper,andhalfthetimeprefersthrowinghimselfonthecabinfloorwithoutit.Itisfortheinterestofthemasterthattheservantshouldnotsufferinhealthfromstarvation,anditisalsoforhisinterestthatheshouldnotbecomegrossfromover-feeding.Intheestimationoftheowner,aslaveisthemostserviceablewheninratheraleanandlankcondition,suchaconditionastherace-horseisin,whenfittedforthecourse,andinthatconditiontheyaregenerallytobefoundonthesugarandcottonplantationsalongRedRiver.

Mycabinwaswithinafewrodsofthebayoubank,andnecessitybeingindeedthemotherofinvention,Iresolveduponamodeofobtainingtherequisiteamountoffood,withoutthetroubleofresortingnightlytothewoods.Thiswastoconstructafishtrap.Having,inmymind,conceivedthemannerinwhichitcouldbedone,thenextSundayIsetaboutputtingitintopracticalexecution.Itmaybeimpossibleformetoconveytothereaderafullandcorrectideaofitsconstruction,butthefollowingwillserveasageneraldescription:

Aframebetweentwoandthreefeetsquareismade,andofagreaterorlessheight,accordingtothedepthofwater.Boardsorslatsarenailedonthreesidesofthisframe,notsoclosely,however,astopreventthewatercirculatingfreelythroughit.Adoorisfittedintothefourthside,insuchmannerthatit

willslideeasilyupanddowninthegroovescutinthetwoposts.Amovablebottomisthensofittedthatitcanberaisedtothetopoftheframewithoutdifficulty.Inthecentreofthemovablebottomanaugerholeisbored,andintothisoneendofahandleorroundstickisfastenedontheundersidesolooselythatitwillturn.Thehandleascendsfromthecentreofthemovablebottomtothetopoftheframe,orasmuchhigherasisdesirable.Upanddownthishandle,inagreatmanyplaces,aregimletholes,throughwhichsmallsticksareinserted,extendingtooppositesidesoftheframe.Somanyofthesesmallsticksarerunningoutfromthehandleinalldirections,thatafishofanyconsiderabledimensionscannotpassthroughwithouthittingoneofthem.Theframeisthenplacedinthewaterandmadestationary.

Thetrapis“set”byslidingordrawingupthedoor,andkeptinthatpositionbyanotherstick,oneendofwhichrestsinanotchontheinnerside,theotherendinanotchmadeinthehandle,runningupfromthecentreofthemovablebottom.Thetrapisbaitedbyrollingahandfulofwetmealandcottontogetheruntilitbecomeshard,anddepositingitinthebackpartoftheframe.Afishswimmingthroughtheupraiseddoortowardsthebait,necessarilystrikesoneofthesmallsticksturningthehandle,whichdisplacingthesticksupportingthedoor,thelatterfalls,securingthefishwithintheframe.Takingholdofthetopofthehandle,themovablebottomisthendrawnuptothesurfaceofthewater,andthefishtakenout.Theremayhavebeenothersuchtrapsinusebeforeminewasconstructed,butiftherewereIhadneverhappenedtoseeone.BayouBœufaboundsinfishoflargesizeandexcellentquality,andafterthistimeIwasveryrarelyinwantofoneformyself,orformycomrades.Thusaminewasopened—anewresourcewasdeveloped,hithertounthoughtofbytheenslavedchildrenofAfrica,whotoilandhungeralongtheshoresofthatsluggish,butprolificstream.

AboutthetimeofwhichIamnowwriting,aneventoccurredinourimmediateneighborhood,whichmadeadeepimpressionuponme,andwhichshowsthestateofsocietyexistingthere,andthemannerinwhichaffrontsareoftentimesavenged.Directlyoppositeourquarters,ontheothersideofthebayou,wassituatedtheplantationofMr.Marshall.Hebelongedtoafamilyamongthemostwealthyandaristocraticinthecountry.AgentlemanfromthevicinityofNatchezhadbeennegotiatingwithhimforthepurchaseoftheestate.Onedayamessengercameingreathastetoourplantation,sayingthatabloodyandfearfulbattlewasgoingonatMarshall’s—thatbloodhadbeenspilled—andunlessthecombatantswereforthwithseparated,theresultwouldbedisastrous.

OnrepairingtoMarshall’shouse,ascenepresenteditselfthatbeggarsdescription.Onthefloorofoneoftheroomslaytheghastlycorpseofthe

manfromNatchez,whileMarshall,enragedandcoveredwithwoundsandblood,wasstalkingbackandforth,“breathingoutthreateningsandslaughter.”Adifficultyhadariseninthecourseoftheirnegotiation,highwordsensued,whendrawingtheirweapons,thedeadlystrifebeganthatendedsounfortunately.Marshallwasneverplacedinconfinement.AsortoftrialorinvestigationwashadatMarksville,whenhewasacquitted,andreturnedtohisplantation,rathermorerespected,asIthought,thanever,fromthefactthatthebloodofafellowbeingwasonhissoul.

Eppsinterestedhimselfinhisbehalf,accompanyinghimtoMarksville,andonalloccasionsloudlyjustifyinghim,buthisservicesinthisrespectdidnotafterwardsdeterakinsmanofthissameMarshallfromseekinghislifealso.Abrawloccurredbetweenthemoveragambling-table,whichterminatedinadeadlyfeud.Ridinguponhorsebackinfrontofthehouseoneday,armedwithpistolsandbowieknife,Marshallchallengedhimtocomeforthandmakeafinalsettlementofthequarrel,orhewouldbrandhimasacoward,andshoothimlikeadogthefirstopportunity.Notthroughcowardice,norfromanyconscientiousscruples,inmyopinion,butthroughtheinfluenceofhiswife,hewasrestrainedfromacceptingthechallengeofhisenemy.Areconciliation,however,waseffectedafterward,sincewhichtimetheyhavebeenontermsoftheclosestintimacy.

Suchoccurrences,whichwouldbringuponthepartiesconcernedinthemmeritedandcondignpunishmentintheNorthernStates,arefrequentonthebayou,andpasswithoutnotice,andalmostwithoutcomment.Everymancarrieshisbowieknife,andwhentwofallout,theysettoworkhackingandthrustingateachother,morelikesavagesthancivilizedandenlightenedbeings.

TheexistenceofSlaveryinitsmostcruelformamongthem,hasatendencytobrutalizethehumaneandfinerfeelingsoftheirnature.Dailywitnessesofhumansuffering—listeningtotheagonizingscreechesoftheslave—beholdinghimwrithingbeneaththemercilesslash—bittenandtornbydogs—dyingwithoutattention,andburiedwithoutshroudorcoffin—itcannototherwisebeexpected,thanthattheyshouldbecomebrutifiedandrecklessofhumanlife.Itistruetherearemanykind-heartedandgoodmenintheparishofAvoyelles—suchmenasWilliamFord—whocanlookwithpityuponthesufferingsofaslave,justasthereare,overalltheworld,sensitiveandsympatheticspirits,whocannotlookwithindifferenceuponthesufferingsofanycreaturewhichtheAlmightyhasendowedwithlife.Itisnotthefaultoftheslaveholderthatheiscruel,somuchasitisthefaultofthesystemunderwhichhelives.Hecannotwithstandtheinfluenceofhabitandassociationsthatsurroundhim.Taughtfromearliestchildhood,byallthatheseesand

hears,thattherodisfortheslave’sback,hewillnotbeapttochangehisopinionsinmatureryears.

Theremaybehumanemasters,astherecertainlyareinhumanones—theremaybeslaveswell-clothed,well-fed,andhappy,astheresurelyarethosehalf-clad,half-starvedandmiserable;nevertheless,theinstitutionthattoleratessuchwrongandinhumanityasIhavewitnessed,isacruel,unjust,andbarbarousone.Menmaywritefictionsportrayinglowlylifeasitis,orasitisnot—mayexpatiatewithowlishgravityupontheblissofignorance—discourseflippantlyfromarmchairsofthepleasuresofslavelife;butletthemtoilwithhiminthefield—sleepwithhiminthecabin—feedwithhimonhusks;letthembeholdhimscourged,hunted,trampledon,andtheywillcomebackwithanotherstoryintheirmouths.Letthemknowtheheartofthepoorslave—learnhissecretthoughts—thoughtshedarenotutterinthehearingofthewhiteman;letthemsitbyhiminthesilentwatchesofthenight—conversewithhimintrustfulconfidence,of“life,liberty,andthepursuitofhappiness,”andtheywillfindthatninety-nineoutofeveryhundredareintelligentenoughtounderstandtheirsituation,andtocherishintheirbosomstheloveoffreedom,aspassionatelyasthemselves.

CHAPTERXV.

LABORSONSUGARPLANTATIONS—THEMODEOFPLANTINGCANE—OFHOEINGCANE—CANERICKS—CUTTINGCANE—DESCRIPTIONOFTHECANEKNIFE—WINROWING—PREPARINGFORSUCCEEDINGCROPS—DESCRIPTIONOFHAWKINS’SUGARMILLONBAYOUBŒUF—THECHRISTMASHOLIDAYS—THECARNIVALSEASONOFTHECHILDRENOFBONDAGE—THECHRISTMASSUPPER—RED,THEFAVORITECOLOR—THEVIOLIN,ANDTHECONSOLATIONITAFFORDED—THECHRISTMASDANCE—LIVELY,THECOQUETTE—SAMROBERTS,ANDHISRIVALS—SLAVESONGS—SOUTHERNLIFEASITIS—THREEDAYSINTHEYEAR—THESYSTEMOFMARRIAGE—UNCLEABRAM’SCONTEMPTOFMATRIMONY.

Inconsequenceofmyinabilityincotton-picking,Eppswasinthehabitofhiringmeoutonsugarplantationsduringtheseasonofcane-cuttingandsugar-making.Hereceivedformyservicesadollaraday,withthemoneysupplyingmyplaceonhiscottonplantation.Cuttingcanewasanemploymentthatsuitedme,andforthreesuccessiveyearsIheldtheleadrowatHawkins’,leadingagangoffromfiftytoanhundredhands.

Inapreviouschapterthemodeofcultivatingcottonisdescribed.Thismaybetheproperplacetospeakofthemannerofcultivatingcane.

Thegroundispreparedinbeds,thesameasitispreparedforthereceptionofthecottonseed,exceptitisplougheddeeper.Drillsaremadeinthesamemanner.PlantingcommencesinJanuary,andcontinuesuntilApril.Itisnecessarytoplantasugarfieldonlyonceinthreeyears.Threecropsaretakenbeforetheseedorplantisexhausted.

Threegangsareemployedintheoperation.Onedrawsthecanefromtherick,orstack,cuttingthetopandflagsfromthestalk,leavingonlythatpartwhichissoundandhealthy.Eachjointofthecanehasaneye,liketheeyeofapotato,whichsendsforthasproutwhenburiedinthesoil.Anotherganglaysthecaneinthedrill,placingtwostalkssidebysideinsuchmannerthatjointswilloccuronceinfourorsixinches.Thethirdgangfollowswithhoes,drawingearthuponthestalks,andcoveringthemtothedepth,ofthreeinches.

Infourweeks,atthefarthest,thesproutsappearabovetheground,andfromthistimeforwardgrowwithgreatrapidity.Asugarfieldishoedthreetimes,thesameascotton,savethatagreaterquantityofearthisdrawntotheroots.BythefirstofAugusthoeingisusuallyover.AboutthemiddleofSeptember,whateverisrequiredforseediscutandstackedinricks,astheyaretermed.InOctoberitisreadyforthemillorsugar-house,andthenthegeneralcuttingbegins.Thebladeofacane-knifeisfifteenincheslong,threeincheswidein

themiddle,andtaperingtowardsthepointandhandle.Thebladeisthin,andinordertobeatallserviceablemustbekeptverysharp.Everythirdhandtakestheleadoftwoothers,oneofwhomisoneachsideofhim.Theleadhand,inthefirstplace,withablowofhisknifeshearstheflagsfromthestalk.Henextcutsoffthetopdownasfarasitisgreen.Hemustbecarefultoseverallthegreenfromtheripepart,inasmuchasthejuiceoftheformersoursthemolasses,andrendersitunsalable.Thenheseversthestalkattheroot,andlaysitdirectlybehindhim.Hisrightandlefthandcompanionslaytheirstalks,whencutinthesamemanner,uponhis.Toeverythreehandsthereisacart,whichfollows,andthestalksarethrownintoitbytheyoungerslaves,whenitisdrawntothesugar-houseandground.

Iftheplanterapprehendsafrost,thecaneiswinrowed.Winrowingisthecuttingthestalksatanearlyperiodandthrowingthemlengthwiseinthewaterfurrowinsuchamannerthatthetopswillcoverthebuttsofthestalks.Theywillremaininthisconditionthreeweeksoramonthwithoutsouring,andsecurefromfrost.Whenthepropertimearrives,theyaretakenup,trimmedandcartedtothesugar-house.

InthemonthofJanuarytheslavesenterthefieldagaintoprepareforanothercrop.Thegroundisnowstrewnwiththetops,andflagscutfromthepastyear’scane.Onadrydayfireissettothiscombustiblerefuse,whichsweepsoverthefield,leavingitbareandclean,andreadyforthehoes.Theearthisloosenedabouttherootsoftheoldstubble,andinprocessoftimeanothercropspringsupfromthelastyear’sseed.Itisthesametheyearfollowing;butthethirdyeartheseedhasexhausteditsstrength,andthefieldmustbeploughedandplantedagain.Thesecondyearthecaneissweeterandyieldsmorethanthefirst,andthethirdyearmorethanthesecond.

DuringthethreeseasonsIlaboredonHawkins’plantation,Iwasemployedaconsiderableportionofthetimeinthesugar-house.Heiscelebratedastheproducerofthefinestvarietyofwhitesugar.Thefollowingisageneraldescriptionofhissugar-houseandtheprocessofmanufacture:

Themillisanimmensebrickbuilding,standingontheshoreofthebayou.Runningoutfromthebuildingisanopenshed,atleastanhundredfeetinlengthandfortyorfiftyfeetinwidth.Theboilerinwhichthesteamisgeneratedissituatedoutsidethemainbuilding;themachineryandenginerestonabrickpier,fifteenfeetabovethefloor,withinthebodyofthebuilding.Themachineryturnstwogreatironrollers,betweentwoandthreefeetindiameterandsixoreightfeetinlength.Theyareelevatedabovethebrickpier,androllintowardseachother.Anendlesscarrier,madeofchainandwood,likeleathernbeltsusedinsmallmills,extendsfromtheironrollersoutofthemainbuildingandthroughtheentirelengthoftheopenshed.Thecarts

inwhichthecaneisbroughtfromthefieldasfastasitiscut,areunloadedatthesidesoftheshed.Allalongtheendlesscarrierarerangedslavechildren,whosebusinessitistoplacethecaneuponit,whenitisconveyedthroughtheshedintothemainbuilding,whereitfallsbetweentherollers,iscrushed,anddropsuponanothercarrierthatconveysitoutofthemainbuildinginanoppositedirection,depositingitinthetopofachimneyuponafirebeneath,whichconsumesit.Itisnecessarytoburnitinthismanner,becauseotherwiseitwouldsoonfillthebuilding,andmoreespeciallybecauseitwouldsoonsourandengenderdisease.Thejuiceofthecanefallsintoaconductorunderneaththeironrollers,andiscarriedintoareservoir.Pipesconveyitfromthenceintofivefilterers,holdingseveralhogsheadseach.Thesefilterersarefilledwithbone-black,asubstanceresemblingpulverizedcharcoal.Itismadeofbonescalcinatedinclosevessels,andisusedforthepurposeofdecolorizing,byfiltration,thecanejuicebeforeboiling.Throughthesefivefilterersitpassesinsuccession,andthenrunsintoalargereservoirunderneaththegroundfloor,fromwhenceitiscarriedup,bymeansofasteampump,intoaclarifiermadeofsheetiron,whereitisheatedbysteamuntilitboils.Fromthefirstclarifieritiscarriedinpipestoasecondandathird,andthenceintocloseironpans,throughwhichtubespass,filledwithsteam.Whileinaboilingstateitflowsthroughthreepansinsuccession,andisthencarriedinotherpipesdowntothecoolersonthegroundfloor.Coolersarewoodenboxeswithsievebottomsmadeofthefinestwire.Assoonasthesyruppassesintothecoolers,andismetbytheair,itgrains,andthemolassesatonceescapesthroughthesievesintoacisternbelow.Itisthenwhiteorloafsugarofthefinestkind—clear,clean,andaswhiteassnow.Whencool,itistakenout,packedinhogsheads,andisreadyformarket.Themolassesisthencarriedfromthecisternintotheupperstoryagain,andbyanotherprocessconvertedintobrownsugar.

Therearelargermills,andthoseconstructeddifferentlyfromtheonethusimperfectlydescribed,butnone,perhaps,morecelebratedthanthisanywhereonBayouBœuf.Lambert,ofNew-Orleans,isapartnerofHawkins.Heisamanofvastwealth,holding,asIhavebeentold,aninterestinoverfortydifferentsugarplantationsinLouisiana.

Theonlyrespitefromconstantlabortheslavehasthroughthewholeyear,isduringtheChristmasholidays.Eppsallowedusthree—othersallowfour,fiveandsixdays,accordingtothemeasureoftheirgenerosity.Itistheonlytimetowhichtheylookforwardwithanyinterestorpleasure.Theyaregladwhennightcomes,notonlybecauseitbringsthemafewhoursrepose,butbecause

itbringsthemonedaynearerChristmas.Itishailedwithequaldelightbytheoldandtheyoung;evenUncleAbramceasestoglorifyAndrewJackson,andPatseyforgetshermanysorrows,amidthegeneralhilarityoftheholidays.Itisthetimeoffeasting,andfrolicking,andfiddling—thecarnivalseasonwiththechildrenofbondage.Theyaretheonlydayswhentheyareallowedalittlerestrictedliberty,andheartilyindeeddotheyenjoyit.

Itisthecustomforoneplantertogivea“Christmassupper,”invitingtheslavesfromneighboringplantationstojoinhisownontheoccasion;forinstance,oneyearitisgivenbyEpps,thenextbyMarshall,thenextbyHawkins,andsoon.Usuallyfromthreetofivehundredareassembled,comingtogetheronfoot,incarts,onhorseback,onmules,ridingdoubleandtriple,sometimesaboyandgirl,atothersagirlandtwoboys,andatothersagainaboy,agirlandanoldwoman.UncleAbramastrideamule,withAuntPhebeandPatseybehindhim,trottingtowardsaChristmassupper,wouldbenouncommonsightonBayouBœuf.

Then,too,“ofalldaysi’theyear,”theyarraythemselvesintheirbestattire.Thecottoncoathasbeenwashedclean,thestumpofatallowcandlehasbeenappliedtotheshoes,andifsofortunateastopossessarimlessoracrownlesshat,itisplacedjauntilyonthehead.Theyarewelcomedwithequalcordiality,however,iftheycomebare-headedandbarefootedtothefeast.Asageneralthing,thewomenwearhandkerchiefstiedabouttheirheads,butifchancehasthrownintheirwayafieryredribbon,oracast-offbonnetoftheirmistress’grandmother,itissuretobewornonsuchoccasions.Red—thedeepbloodred—isdecidedlythefavoritecoloramongtheenslaveddamselsofmyacquaintance.Ifaredribbondoesnotencircletheneck,youwillbecertaintofindallthehairoftheirwoollyheadstiedupwithredstringsofonesortoranother.

Thetableisspreadintheopenair,andloadedwithvarietiesofmeatandpilesofvegetables.Baconandcornmealatsuchtimesaredispensedwith.Sometimesthecookingisperformedinthekitchenontheplantation,atothersintheshadeofwidebranchingtrees.Inthelattercase,aditchisdugintheground,andwoodlaidinandburneduntilitisfilledwithglowingcoals,overwhichchickens,ducks,turkeys,pigs,andnotunfrequentlytheentirebodyofawildox,areroasted.Theyarefurnishedalsowithflour,ofwhichbiscuitsaremade,andoftenwithpeachandotherpreserves,withtarts,andeverymanneranddescriptionofpies,exceptthemince,thatbeinganarticleofpastryasyetunknownamongthem.Onlytheslavewhohaslivedalltheyearsonhisscantyallowanceofmealandbacon,canappreciatesuchsuppers.Whitepeopleingreatnumbersassembletowitnessthegastronomicalenjoyments.

Theyseatthemselvesattherustictable—themalesononeside,thefemalesontheother.Thetwobetweenwhomtheremayhavebeenanexchangeoftenderness,invariablymanagetositopposite;fortheomnipresentCupiddisdainsnottohurlhisarrowsintothesimpleheartsofslaves.Unalloyedandexultinghappinesslightsupthedarkfacesofthemall.Theivoryteeth,contrastingwiththeirblackcomplexions,exhibittwolong,whitestreaksthewholeextentofthetable.Allroundthebountifulboardamultitudeofeyesrollinecstacy.Gigglingandlaughterandtheclatteringofcutleryandcrockerysucceed.Cuffee’selbowhuncheshisneighbor’sside,impelledbyaninvoluntaryimpulseofdelight;NellyshakesherfingeratSamboandlaughs,sheknowsnotwhy,andsothefunandmerrimentflowson.

Whentheviandshavedisappeared,andthehungrymawsofthechildrenoftoilaresatisfied,then,nextintheorderofamusement,istheChristmasdance.Mybusinessonthesegaladaysalwayswastoplayontheviolin.TheAfricanraceisamusic-lovingone,proverbially;andmanytherewereamongmyfellow-bondsmenwhoseorgansoftunewerestrikinglydeveloped,andwhocouldthumbthebanjowithdexterity;butattheexpenseofappearingegotistical,Imust,nevertheless,declare,thatIwasconsideredtheOleBullofBayouBœuf.Mymasteroftenreceivedletters,sometimesfromadistanceoftenmiles,requestinghimtosendmetoplayataballorfestivalofthewhites.Hereceivedhiscompensation,andusuallyIalsoreturnedwithmanypicayunesjinglinginmypockets—theextracontributionsofthosetowhosedelightIhadadministered.InthismannerIbecamemoreacquaintedthanIotherwisewould,upanddownthebayou.TheyoungmenandmaidensofHolmesvillealwaysknewtherewastobeajollificationsomewhere,wheneverPlattEppswasseenpassingthroughthetownwithhisfiddleinhishand.“Whereareyougoingnow,Platt?”and“Whatiscomingoffto-night,Platt?”wouldbeinterrogatoriesissuingfromeverydoorandwindow,andmanyatimewhentherewasnospecialhurry,yieldingtopressingimportunities,Plattwoulddrawhisbow,andsittingastridehismule,perhaps,discoursemusicallytoacrowdofdelightedchildren,gatheredaroundhiminthestreet.

Alas!haditnotbeenformybelovedviolin,IscarcelycanconceivehowIcouldhaveenduredthelongyearsofbondage.Itintroducedmetogreathouses—relievedmeofmanydays’laborinthefield—suppliedmewithconveniencesformycabin—withpipesandtobacco,andextrapairsofshoes,andoftentimesledmeawayfromthepresenceofahardmaster,towitnessscenesofjollityandmirth.Itwasmycompanion—thefriendofmybosom—triumphingloudlywhenIwasjoyful,andutteringitssoft,melodiousconsolationswhenIwassad.Often,atmidnight,whensleephadfledaffrightedfromthecabin,andmysoulwasdisturbedandtroubledwiththe

contemplationofmyfate,itwouldsingmeasongofpeace.OnholySabbathdays,whenanhourortwoofleisurewasallowed,itwouldaccompanymetosomequietplaceonthebayoubank,and,liftingupitsvoice,discoursekindlyandpleasantlyindeed.Itheraldedmynameroundthecountry—mademefriends,who,otherwisewouldnothavenoticedme—gavemeanhonoredseatattheyearlyfeasts,andsecuredtheloudestandheartiestwelcomeofthemallattheChristmasdance.TheChristmasdance!Oh,yepleasure-seekingsonsanddaughtersofidleness,whomovewithmeasuredstep,listlessandsnail-like,throughtheslow-windingcotillon,ifyewishtolookuponthecelerity,ifnotthe“poetryofmotion”—upongenuinehappiness,rampantandunrestrained—godowntoLouisiana,andseetheslavesdancinginthestarlightofaChristmasnight.

OnthatparticularChristmasIhavenowinmymind,adescriptionwhereofwillserveasadescriptionofthedaygenerally,MissLivelyandMr.Sam,thefirstbelongingtoStewart,thelattertoRoberts,startedtheball.ItwaswellknownthatSamcherishedanardentpassionforLively,asalsodidoneofMarshall’sandanotherofCarey’sboys;forLivelywaslivelyindeed,andaheart-breakingcoquettewithal.ItwasavictoryforSamRoberts,when,risingfromtherepast,shegavehimherhandforthefirst“figure”inpreferencetoeitherofhisrivals.Theyweresomewhatcrest-fallen,and,shakingtheirheadsangrily,ratherintimatedtheywouldliketopitchintoMr.Samandhurthimbadly.ButnotanemotionofwrathruffledtheplacidbosomofSamuel,ashislegsflewlikedrum-sticksdowntheoutsideandupthemiddle,bythesideofhisbewitchingpartner.Thewholecompanycheeredthemvociferously,and,excitedwiththeapplause,theycontinued“tearingdown”afteralltheothershadbecomeexhaustedandhaltedamomenttorecoverbreath.ButSam’ssuperhumanexertionsovercamehimfinally,leavingLivelyalone,yetwhirlinglikeatop.ThereupononeofSam’srivals,PeteMarshall,dashedin,and,withmightandmain,leapedandshuffledandthrewhimselfintoeveryconceivableshape,asifdeterminedtoshowMissLivelyandalltheworldthatSamRobertswasofnoaccount.

Pete’saffection,however,wasgreaterthanhisdiscretion.Suchviolentexercisetookthebreathoutofhimdirectly,andhedroppedlikeanemptybag.ThenwasthetimeforHarryCareytotryhishand;butLivelyalsosoonout-windedhim,amidsthurrahsandshouts,fullysustainingherwell-earnedreputationofbeingthe“fastestgal”onthebayou.

One“set”off,anothertakesitsplace,heorsheremaininglongestonthefloorreceivingthemostuproariouscommendation,andsothedancingcontinuesuntilbroaddaylight.Itdoesnotceasewiththesoundofthefiddle,butinthatcasetheysetupamusicpeculiartothemselves.Thisiscalled“patting,”

accompaniedwithoneofthoseunmeaningsongs,composedratherforitsadaptationtoacertaintuneormeasure,thanforthepurposeofexpressinganydistinctidea.Thepattingisperformedbystrikingthehandsontheknees,thenstrikingthehandstogether,thenstrikingtherightshoulderwithonehand,theleftwiththeother—allthewhilekeepingtimewiththefeet,andsinging,perhaps,thissong:

“Harper’screekandroarin’ribber,

Thar,mydear,we’llliveforebber;

Denwe’llgotodeInginnation,

AllIwantindiscreation,

Isprettylittlewifeandbigplantation.

Chorus.Updatoakanddowndatribber,

Twooverseersandonelittlenigger.”

Or,ifthesewordsarenotadaptedtothetunecalledfor,itmaybethat“OldHogEye”is—arathersolemnandstartlingspecimenofversification,not,however,tobeappreciatedunlessheardattheSouth.Itrunnethasfollows:

“Who’sbeenheresinceI’vebeengone?

Prettylittlegalwidajoseyon.

HogEye!

OldHogEye,

AndHoseytoo!

NeverseedelikesinceIwasborn,

Herecomealittlegalwidajoseyon.

HogEye!

OldHogEye!

AndHoseytoo!”

Or,maybethefollowing,perhaps,equallynonsensical,butfullofmelody,nevertheless,asitflowsfromthenegro’smouth:

“EboDickandJurdan’sJo,

Themtwoniggersstolemyyo’.

Chorus.HopJimalong,

WalkJimalong,

TalkJimalong,”&c.

OldblackDan,asblackastar,

Hedamgladhewasnotdar.

HopJimalong,”&c.

DuringtheremainingholidayssucceedingChristmas,theyareprovidedwithpasses,andpermittedtogowheretheypleasewithinalimiteddistance,ortheymayremainandlaborontheplantation,inwhichcasetheyarepaidforit.Itisveryrarely,however,thatthelatteralternativeisaccepted.Theymaybeseenatthesetimeshurryinginalldirections,ashappylookingmortalsascanbefoundonthefaceoftheearth.Theyaredifferentbeingsfromwhattheyareinthefield;thetemporaryrelaxation,thebriefdeliverancefromfear,andfromthelash,producinganentiremetamorphosisintheirappearanceanddemeanor.Invisiting,riding,renewingoldfriendships,or,perchance,revivingsomeoldattachment,orpursuingwhateverpleasuremaysuggestitself,thetimeisoccupied.Suchis“southernlifeasitis,”threedaysintheyear,asIfoundit—theotherthreehundredandsixty-twobeingdaysofweariness,andfear,andsuffering,andunremittinglabor.

Marriageisfrequentlycontractedduringtheholidays,ifsuchaninstitutionmaybesaidtoexistamongthem.Theonlyceremonyrequiredbeforeenteringintothat“holyestate,”istoobtaintheconsentoftherespectiveowners.Itisusuallyencouragedbythemastersoffemaleslaves.Eitherpartycanhaveasmanyhusbandsorwivesastheownerwillpermit,andeitherisatlibertytodiscardtheotheratpleasure.Thelawinrelationtodivorce,ortobigamy,andsoforth,isnotapplicabletoproperty,ofcourse.Ifthewifedoesnotbelongonthesameplantationwiththehusband,thelatterispermittedtovisitheronSaturdaynights,ifthedistanceisnottoofar.UncleAbram’swifelivedsevenmilesfromEpps’,onBayouHuffPower.Hehadpermissiontovisitheronceafortnight,buthewasgrowingold,ashasbeensaid,andtruthtosay,hadlatterlywellnighforgottenher.UncleAbramhadnotimetosparefromhismeditationsonGeneralJackson—connubialdalliancebeingwellenoughfortheyoungandthoughtless,butunbecomingagraveandsolemnphilosopherlikehimself.

CHAPTERXVI.

OVERSEERS—HOWTHEYAREARMEDANDACCOMPANIED—THEHOMICIDE—HISEXECUTIONATMARKSVILLE—SLAVE-DRIVERS—APPOINTEDDRIVERONREMOVINGTOBAYOUBŒUF—PRACTICEMAKESPERFECT—EPPS’ATTEMPTTOCUTPLATT’STHROAT—THEESCAPEFROMHIM—PROTECTEDBYTHEMISTRESS—FORBIDSREADINGANDWRITING—OBTAINASHEETOFPAPERAFTERNINEYEARS’EFFORT—THELETTER—ARMSBY,THEMEANWHITE—PARTIALLYCONFIDEINHIM—HISTREACHERY—EPPS’SUSPICIONS—HOWTHEYWEREQUIETED—BURNINGTHELETTER—ARMSBYLEAVESTHEBAYOU—DISAPPOINTMENTANDDESPAIR.

WiththeexceptionofmytriptoSt.Mary’sparish,andmyabsenceduringthecane-cuttingseasons,IwasconstantlyemployedontheplantationofMasterEpps.Hewasconsideredbutasmallplanter,nothavingasufficientnumberofhandstorequiretheservicesofanoverseer,actinginthelattercapacityhimself.Notabletoincreasehisforce,itwashiscustomtohireduringthehurryofcotton-picking.

Onlargerestates,employingfiftyorahundred,orperhapstwohundredhands,anoverseerisdeemedindispensable.Thesegentlemenrideintothefieldonhorseback,withoutanexception,tomyknowledge,armedwithpistols,bowieknife,whip,andaccompaniedbyseveraldogs.Theyfollow,equippedinthisfashion,inrearoftheslaves,keepingasharplookoutuponthemall.Therequisitequalificationsinanoverseerareutterheartlessness,brutalityandcruelty.Itishisbusinesstoproducelargecrops,andifthatisaccomplished,nomatterwhatamountofsufferingitmayhavecost.Thepresenceofthedogsarenecessarytooverhaulafugitivewhomaytaketohisheels,asissometimesthecase,whenfaintorsick,heisunabletomaintainhisrow,andunable,also,toendurethewhip.Thepistolsarereservedforanydangerousemergency,therehavingbeeninstanceswhensuchweaponswerenecessary.Goadedintouncontrollablemadness,eventheslavewillsometimesturnuponhisoppressor.ThegallowswerestandingatMarksvillelastJanuary,uponwhichonewasexecutedayearagoforkillinghisoverseer.ItoccurrednotmanymilesfromEpps’plantationonRedRiver.Theslavewasgivenhistaskatsplittingrails.Inthecourseofthedaytheoverseersenthimonanerrand,whichoccupiedsomuchtimethatitwasnotpossibleforhimtoperformthetask.Thenextdayhewascalledtoanaccount,butthelossoftimeoccasionedbytheerrandwasnoexcuse,andhewasorderedtokneelandbarehisbackforthereceptionofthelash.Theywereinthewoodsalone—beyondthereachofsightorhearing.Theboysubmitteduntilmaddenedatsuchinjustice,andinsanewithpain,hesprangtohisfeet,andseizinganaxe,literallychoppedtheoverseerinpieces.Hemadenoattemptwhateveratconcealment,buthasteningtohismaster,relatedthewholeaffair,anddeclaredhimselfreadytoexpiatethewrongbythesacrificeofhislife.Hewasledtothescaffold,andwhiletheropewasaroundhisneck,maintained

anundismayedandfearlessbearing,andwithhislastwordsjustifiedtheact.

Besidestheoverseer,therearedriversunderhim,thenumberbeinginproportiontothenumberofhandsinthefield.Thedriversareblack,who,inadditiontotheperformanceoftheirequalshareofwork,arecompelledtodothewhippingoftheirseveralgangs.Whipshangaroundtheirnecks,andiftheyfailtousethemthoroughly,arewhippedthemselves.Theyhaveafewprivileges,however;forexample,incane-cuttingthehandsarenotallowedtositdownlongenoughtoeattheirdinners.Cartsfilledwithcorncake,cookedatthekitchen,aredrivenintothefieldatnoon.Thecakeisdistributedbythedrivers,andmustbeeatenwiththeleastpossibledelay.

Whentheslaveceasestoperspire,asheoftendoeswhentaxedbeyondhisstrength,hefallstothegroundandbecomesentirelyhelpless.Itisthenthedutyofthedrivertodraghimintotheshadeofthestandingcottonorcane,orofaneighboringtree,wherehedashesbucketsofwateruponhim,andusesothermeansofbringingoutperspirationagain,whenheisorderedtohisplace,andcompelledtocontinuehislabor.

AtHuffPower,whenIfirstcametoEpps’,Tom,oneofRoberts’negroes,wasdriver.Hewasaburlyfellow,andsevereintheextreme.AfterEpps’removaltoBayouBœuf,thatdistinguishedhonorwasconferreduponmyself.UptothetimeofmydepartureIhadtowearawhipaboutmyneckinthefield.IfEppswaspresent,Idarednotshowanylenity,nothavingtheChristianfortitudeofacertainwell-knownUncleTomsufficientlytobravehiswrath,byrefusingtoperformtheoffice.Inthatway,only,Iescapedtheimmediatemartyrdomhesuffered,and,withal,savedmycompanionsmuchsuffering,asitprovedintheend.Epps,Isoonfound,whetheractuallyinthefieldornot,hadhiseyesprettygenerallyuponus.Fromthepiazza,frombehindsomeadjacenttree,orotherconcealedpointofobservation,hewasperpetuallyonthewatch.Ifoneofushadbeenbackwardoridlethroughtheday,wewereapttobetoldallaboutitonreturningtothequarters,andasitwasamatterofprinciplewithhimtoreproveeveryoffenceofthatkindthatcamewithinhisknowledge,theoffendernotonlywascertainofreceivingacastigationforhistardiness,butIlikewisewaspunishedforpermittingit.

If,ontheotherhand,hehadseenmeusethelashfreely,themanwassatisfied.“Practicemakesperfect,”truly;andduringmyeightyears’experienceasadriver,Ilearnedtohandlethewhipwithmarvelousdexterityandprecision,throwingthelashwithinahair’sbreadthoftheback,theear,thenose,without,however,touchingeitherofthem.IfEppswasobservedatadistance,orwehadreasontoapprehendhewassneakingsomewhereinthevicinity,Iwouldcommenceplyingthelashvigorously,when,accordingtoarrangement,theywouldsquirmandscreechasifinagony,althoughnotone

ofthemhadinfactbeenevengrazed.Patseywouldtakeoccasion,ifhemadehisappearancepresently,tomumbleinhishearingsomecomplaintsthatPlattwaslashingthemthewholetime,andUncleAbram,withanappearanceofhonestypeculiartohimself,woulddeclareroundlyIhadjustwhippedthemworsethanGeneralJacksonwhippedtheenemyatNew-Orleans.IfEppswasnotdrunk,andinoneofhisbeastlyhumors,thiswas,ingeneral,satisfactory.Ifhewas,someoneormoreofusmustsuffer,asamatterofcourse.Sometimeshisviolenceassumedadangerousform,placingthelivesofhishumanstockinjeopardy.Ononeoccasionthedrunkenmadmanthoughttoamusehimselfbycuttingmythroat.

HehadbeenabsentatHolmesville,inattendanceatashooting-match,andnoneofuswereawareofhisreturn.WhilehoeingbythesideofPatsey,sheexclaimed,inalowvoice,suddenly,“Platt,d’yeseeoldHog-Jawbeckoningmetocometohim?”

Glancingsideways,Idiscoveredhimintheedgeofthefield,motioningandgrimacing,aswashishabitwhenhalf-intoxicated.Awareofhislewdintentions,Patseybegantocry.Iwhisperedhernottolookup,andtocontinueatherwork,asifshehadnotobservedhim.Suspectingthetruthofthematter,however,hesoonstaggereduptomeinagreatrage.

“WhatdidyousaytoPats?”hedemanded,withanoath.Imadehimsomeevasiveanswer,whichonlyhadtheeffectofincreasinghisviolence.

“Howlonghaveyouownedthisplantation,say,youd——dnigger?”heinquired,withamalicioussneer,atthesametimetakingholdofmyshirtcollarwithonehand,andthrustingtheotherintohispocket.“NowI’llcutyourblackthroat;that’swhatI’lldo,”drawinghisknifefromhispocketashesaidit.Butwithonehandhewasunabletoopenit,untilfinallyseizingthebladeinhisteeth,Isawhewasabouttosucceed,andfeltthenecessityofescapingfromhim,forinhispresentrecklessstate,itwasevidenthewasnotjoking,byanymeans.Myshirtwasopeninfront,andasIturnedroundquicklyandsprangfromhim,whilehestillretainedhisgripe,itwasstrippedentirelyfrommyback.Therewasnodifficultynowineludinghim.Hewouldchasemeuntiloutofbreath,thenstopuntilitwasrecovered,swear,andrenewthechaseagain.Nowhewouldcommandmetocometohim,nowendeavortocoaxme,butIwascarefultokeepatarespectfuldistance.Inthismannerwemadethecircuitofthefieldseveraltimes,hemakingdesperateplunges,andIalwaysdodgingthem,moreamusedthanfrightened,wellknowingthatwhenhissobersensesreturned,hewouldlaughathisowndrunkenfolly.AtlengthIobservedthemistressstandingbytheyardfence,watchingourhalf-serious,half-comicalmanœuvres.Shootingpasthim,Irandirectlytoher.Epps,ondiscoveringher,didnotfollow.Heremainedabout

thefieldanhourormore,duringwhichtimeIstoodbythemistress,havingrelatedtheparticularsofwhathadtakenplace.Now,shewasarousedagain,denouncingherhusbandandPatseyaboutequally.Finally,Eppscametowardsthehouse,bythistimenearlysober,walkingdemurely,withhishandsbehindhisback,andattemptingtolookasinnocentasachild.

Asheapproached,nevertheless,MistressEppsbegantoberatehimroundly,heapinguponhimmanyratherdisrespectfulepithets,anddemandingforwhatreasonhehadattemptedtocutmythroat.Eppsmadewondrousstrangeofitall,andtomysurprise,sworebyallthesaintsinthecalendarhehadnotspokentomethatday.

“Platt,youlyingnigger,haveI?”washisbrazenappealtome.

Itisnotsafetocontradictamaster,evenbytheassertionofatruth.SoIwassilent,andwhenheenteredthehouseIreturnedtothefield,andtheaffairwasneverafteralludedto.

Shortlyafterthistimeacircumstanceoccurredthatcamenighdivulgingthesecretofmyrealnameandhistory,whichIhadsolongandcarefullyconcealed,anduponwhichIwasconvinceddependedmyfinalescape.Soonafterhepurchasedme,EppsaskedmeifIcouldwriteandread,andonbeinginformedthatIhadreceivedsomeinstructioninthosebranchesofeducation,heassuredme,withemphasis,ifheevercaughtmewithabook,orwithpenandink,hewouldgivemeahundredlashes.Hesaidhewantedmetounderstandthathebought“niggers”toworkandnottoeducate.Heneverinquiredawordofmypastlife,orfromwhenceIcame.Themistress,however,cross-examinedmefrequentlyaboutWashington,whichshesupposedwasmynativecity,andmorethanonceremarkedthatIdidnottalknoractliketheother“niggers,”andshewassureIhadseenmoreoftheworldthanIadmitted.

Mygreatobjectalwayswastoinventmeansofgettingalettersecretlyintothepost-office,directedtosomeofmyfriendsorfamilyattheNorth.Thedifficultyofsuchanachievementcannotbecomprehendedbyoneunacquaintedwiththesevererestrictionsimposeduponme.Inthefirstplace,Iwasdeprivedofpen,ink,andpaper.Inthesecondplace,aslavecannotleavehisplantationwithoutapass,norwillapost-mastermailaletterforonewithoutwritteninstructionsfromhisowner.Iwasinslaverynineyears,andalwayswatchfulandonthealert,beforeImetwiththegoodfortuneofobtainingasheetofpaper.WhileEppswasinNew-Orleans,onewinter,disposingofhiscotton,themistresssentmetoHolmesville,withanorderforseveralarticles,andamongtherestaquantityoffoolscap.Iappropriatedasheet,concealingitinthecabin,undertheboardonwhichIslept.

AftervariousexperimentsIsucceededinmakingink,byboilingwhitemaplebark,andwithafeatherpluckedfromthewingofaduck,manufacturedapen.Whenallwereasleepinthecabin,bythelightofthecoals,lyinguponmyplankcouch,Imanagedtocompleteasomewhatlengthyepistle.ItwasdirectedtoanoldacquaintanceatSandyHill,statingmycondition,andurginghimtotakemeasurestorestoremetoliberty.ThisletterIkeptalongtime,contrivingmeasuresbywhichitcouldbesafelydepositedinthepost-office.Atlength,alowfellow,bythenameofArmsby,hithertoastranger,cameintotheneighborhood,seekingasituationasoverseer.HeappliedtoEpps,andwasabouttheplantationforseveraldays.HenextwentovertoShaw’s,nearby,andremainedwithhimseveralweeks.Shawwasgenerallysurroundedbysuchworthlesscharacters,beinghimselfnotedasagamblerandunprincipledman.HehadmadeawifeofhisslaveCharlotte,andabroodofyoungmulattoesweregrowingupinhishouse.Armsbybecamesomuchreducedatlast,thathewascompelledtolaborwiththeslaves.AwhitemanworkinginthefieldisarareandunusualspectacleonBayouBœuf.Iimprovedeveryopportunityofcultivatinghisacquaintanceprivately,desiringtoobtainhisconfidencesofarastobewillingtointrustthelettertohiskeeping.HevisitedMarksvillerepeatedly,heinformedme,atownsometwentymilesdistant,andthere,Iproposedtomyself,thelettershouldbemailed.

Carefullydeliberatingonthemostpropermannerofapproachinghimonthesubject,IconcludedfinallytoaskhimsimplyifhewoulddepositaletterformeintheMarksvillepost-officethenexttimehevisitedthatplace,withoutdisclosingtohimthattheletterwaswritten,oranyoftheparticularsitcontained;forIhadfearsthathemightbetrayme,andknewthatsomeinducementmustbeheldouttohimofapecuniarynature,beforeitwouldbesafetoconfideinhim.Aslateasoneo’clockonenightIstolenoiselesslyfrommycabin,and,crossingthefieldtoShaw’s,foundhimsleepingonthepiazza.Ihadbutafewpicayunes—theproceedsofmyfiddlingperformances,butallIhadintheworldIpromisedhimifhewoulddomethefavorrequired.Ibeggedhimnottoexposemeifhecouldnotgranttherequest.Heassuredme,uponhishonor,hewoulddeposititintheMarksvillepost-office,andthathewouldkeepitaninviolablesecretforever.Thoughtheletterwasinmypocketatthetime,Idarednotthendeliverittohim,butstatingIwouldhaveitwritteninadayortwo,badehimgoodnight,andreturnedtomycabin.ItwasimpossibleformetoexpelthesuspicionsIentertained,andallnightIlayawake,revolvinginmymindthesafestcoursetopursue.Iwaswillingtoriskagreatdealtoaccomplishmypurpose,butshouldtheletterbyanymeansfallintothehandsofEpps,itwouldbeadeath-blowtomyaspirations.Iwas“perplexedintheextreme.”

Mysuspicionswerewell-founded,asthesequeldemonstrated.Thenextdaybutone,whilescrapingcottoninthefield,EppsseatedhimselfonthelinefencebetweenShaw’splantationandhisown,insuchapositionastooverlookthesceneofourlabors.PresentlyArmsbymadehisappearance,and,mountingthefence,tookaseatbesidehim.Theyremainedtwoorthreehours,allofwhichtimeIwasinanagonyofapprehension.

Thatnight,whilebroilingmybacon,Eppsenteredthecabinwithhisrawhideinhishand.

“Well,boy,”saidhe,“IunderstandI’vegotalarnednigger,thatwritesletters,andtriestogetwhitefellowstomail‘em.Wonderifyouknowwhoheis?”

Myworstfearswererealized,andalthoughitmaynotbeconsideredentirelycreditable,evenunderthecircumstances,yetaresorttoduplicityanddownrightfalsehoodwastheonlyrefugethatpresenteditself.

“Don’tknownothingaboutit,MasterEpps,”Iansweredhim,assuminganairofignoranceandsurprise;“Don’tknownothingatallaboutit,sir.”

“Wan’tyouovertoShaw’snightbeforelast?”heinquired.

“No,master,”wasthereply.

“Hav’ntyouaskedthatfellow,Armsby,tomailaletterforyouatMarksville?”

“Why,Lord,master,Ineverspokethreewordstohiminallmylife.Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”

“Well,”hecontinued,“Armsbytoldmeto-daythedevilwasamongmyniggers;thatIhadonethatneededclosewatchingorhewouldrunaway;andwhenIaxedhimwhy,hesaidyoucomeovertoShaw’s,andwakedhimupinthenight,andwantedhimtocarryalettertoMarksville.Whathaveyougottosaytothat,ha?”

“AllI’vegottosay,master,”Ireplied,“is,thereisnotruthinit.HowcouldIwritealetterwithoutanyinkorpaper?ThereisnobodyIwanttowriteto,‘causeIhaintgotnofriendslivingasIknowof.ThatArmsbyisalying,drunkenfellow,theysay,andnobodybelieveshimanyway.YouknowIalwaystellthetruth,andthatInevergoofftheplantationwithoutapass.Now,master,IcanseewhatthatArmsbyisafter,plainenough.Did’nthewantyoutohirehimforanoverseer?”

“Yes,hewantedmetohirehim,”answeredEpps.

“That’sit,”saidI,“hewantstomakeyoubelievewe’reallgoingtorunaway,andthenhethinksyou’llhireanoverseertowatchus.Hejustmadethatstoryoutofwholecloth,‘causehewantstogetasituation.It’sallalie,master,you

maydependon’t.”

Eppsmusedawhile,evidentlyimpressedwiththeplausibilityofmytheory,andexclaimed,

“I’md—d,Platt,ifIdon’tbelieveyoutellthetruth.Hemusttakemeforasoft,tothinkhecancomeitovermewiththemkindofyarns,musn’the?Maybehethinkshecanfoolme;maybehethinksIdon’tknownothing—can’ttakecareofmyownniggers,eh!SoftsoapoldEpps,eh!Ha,ha,ha!D—nArmsby!Setthedogsonhim,Platt,”andwithmanyothercommentsdescriptiveofArmsby’sgeneralcharacter,andhiscapabilityoftakingcareofhisownbusiness,andattendingtohisown“niggers,”MasterEppsleftthecabin.AssoonashewasgoneIthrewtheletterinthefire,and,withadespondinganddespairingheart,beheldtheepistlewhichhadcostmesomuchanxietyandthought,andwhichIfondlyhopedwouldhavebeenmyforerunnertothelandoffreedom,writheandshrivelonitsbedofcoals,anddissolveintosmokeandashes.Armsby,thetreacherouswretch,wasdrivenfromShaw’splantationnotlongsubsequently,muchtomyrelief,forIfearedhemightrenewhisconversation,andperhapsinduceEppstocredithim.

Iknewnotnowwhithertolookfordeliverance.Hopessprangupinmyheartonlytobecrushedandblighted.Thesummerofmylifewaspassingaway;IfeltIwasgrowingprematurelyold;thatafewyearsmore,andtoil,andgrief,andthepoisonousmiasmasoftheswampswouldaccomplishtheirworkuponme—wouldconsignmetothegrave’sembrace,tomoulderandbeforgotten.Repelled,betrayed,cutofffromthehopeofsuccor,Icouldonlyprostratemyselfupontheearthandgroaninunutterableanguish.Thehopeofrescuewastheonlylightthatcastarayofcomfortonmyheart.Thatwasnowflickering,faintandlow;anotherbreathofdisappointmentwouldextinguishitaltogether,leavingmetogropeinmidnightdarknesstotheendoflife.

CHAPTERXVII.

WILEYDISREGARDSTHECOUNSELSOFAUNTPHEBEANDUNCLEABRAM,ANDISCAUGHTBYTHEPATROLLERS—THEORGANIZATIONANDDUTIESOFTHELATTER—WILEYRUNSAWAY—SPECULATIONSINREGARDTOHIM—HISUNEXPECTEDRETURN—HISCAPTUREONREDRIVER,ANDCONFINEMENTINALEXANDRIAJAIL—DISCOVEREDBYJOSEPHB.ROBERTS—SUBDUINGDOGSINANTICIPATIONOFESCAPE—THEFUGITIVESINTHEGREATPINEWOODS—CAPTUREDBYADAMTAYDEMANDTHEINDIANS—AUGUSTUSKILLEDBYDOGS—NELLY,ELDRET’SSLAVEWOMAN—THESTORYOFCELESTE—THECONCERTEDMOVEMENT—LEWCHENEY,THETRAITOR—THEIDEAOFINSURRECTION.

Theyear1850,downtowhichtimeIhavenowarrived,omittingmanyoccurrencesuninterestingtothereader,wasanunluckyyearformycompanionWiley,thehusbandofPhebe,whosetaciturnandretiringnaturehasthusfarkepthiminthebackground.NotwithstandingWileyseldomopenedhismouth,andrevolvedinhisobscureandunpretendingorbitwithoutagrumble,neverthelessthewarmelementsofsocialitywerestronginthebosomofthatsilent“nigger.”Intheexuberanceofhisself-reliance,disregardingthephilosophyofUncleAbram,andsettingthecounselsofAuntPhebeutterlyatnaught,hehadthefool-hardinesstoessayanocturnalvisittoaneighboringcabinwithoutapass.

Soattractivewasthesocietyinwhichhefoundhimself,thatWileytooklittlenoteofthepassinghours,andthelightbegantobreakintheeastbeforehewasaware.Speedinghomewardasfastashecouldrun,hehopedtoreachthequartersbeforethehornwouldsound;but,unhappily,hewasspiedonthewaybyacompanyofpatrollers.

Howitisinotherdarkplacesofslavery,Idonotknow,butonBayouBœufthereisanorganizationofpatrollers,astheyarestyled,whosebusinessitistoseizeandwhipanyslavetheymayfindwanderingfromtheplantation.Theyrideonhorseback,headedbyacaptain,armed,andaccompaniedbydogs.Theyhavetheright,eitherbylaw,orbygeneralconsent,toinflictdiscretionarychastisementuponablackmancaughtbeyondtheboundariesofhismaster’sestatewithoutapass,andeventoshoothim,ifheattemptstoescape.Eachcompanyhasacertaindistancetorideupanddownthebayou.Theyarecompensatedbytheplanters,whocontributeinproportiontothenumberofslavestheyown.Theclatteroftheirhorses’hoofsdashingbycanbeheardatallhoursofthenight,andfrequentlytheymaybeseendrivingaslavebeforethem,orleadinghimbyaropefastenedaroundhisneck,tohisowner’splantation.

Wileyfledbeforeoneofthesecompanies,thinkinghecouldreachhiscabinbeforetheycouldovertakehim;butoneoftheirdogs,agreatravenoushound,gripedhimbytheleg,andheldhimfast.Thepatrollerswhippedhimseverely,andbroughthim,aprisoner,toEpps.Fromhimhereceivedanotherflagellationstillmoresevere,sothatthecutsofthelashandthebitesofthedogrenderedhimsore,stiffandmiserable,insomuchhewasscarcelyabletomove.Itwasimpossibleinsuchastatetokeepuphisrow,andconsequentlytherewasnotanhourinthedaybutWileyfeltthestingofhismaster’srawhideonhisrawandbleedingback.Hissufferingsbecameintolerable,andfinallyheresolvedtorunaway.WithoutdisclosinghisintentionstorunawayeventohiswifePhebe,heproceededtomakearrangementsforcarryinghisplanintoexecution.Havingcookedhiswholeweek’sallowance,hecautiouslyleftthecabinonaSundaynight,aftertheinmatesofthequarterswereasleep.Whenthehornsoundedinthemorning,Wileydidnotmakehisappearance.Searchwasmadeforhiminthecabins,inthecorn-crib,inthecotton-house,andineverynookandcornerofthepremises.Eachofuswasexamined,touchinganyknowledgewemighthavethatcouldthrowlightuponhissuddendisappearanceorpresentwhereabouts.Eppsravedandstormed,andmountinghishorse,gallopedtoneighboringplantations,makinginquiriesinalldirections.Thesearchwasfruitless.Nothingwhateverwaselicited,goingtoshowwhathadbecomeofthemissingman.Thedogswereledtotheswamp,butwereunabletostrikehistrail.Theywouldcircleawaythroughtheforest,theirnosestotheground,butinvariablyreturnedinashorttimetothespotfromwhencetheystarted.

Wileyhadescaped,andsosecretlyandcautiouslyastoeludeandbaffleallpursuit.Daysandevenweekspassedaway,andnothingcouldbeheardofhim.Eppsdidnothingbutcurseandswear.Itwastheonlytopicofconversationamonguswhenalone.Weindulgedinagreatdealofspeculationinregardtohim,onesuggestinghemighthavebeendrownedinsomebayou,inasmuchashewasapoorswimmer;another,thatperhapshemighthavebeendevouredbyalligators,orstungbythevenomousmoccasin,whosebiteiscertainandsuddendeath.Thewarmandheartysympathiesofusall,however,werewithpoorWiley,whereverhemightbe.ManyanearnestprayerascendedfromthelipsofUncleAbram,beseechingsafetyforthewanderer.

Inaboutthreeweeks,whenallhopeofeverseeinghimagainwasdismissed,tooursurprise,heonedayappearedamongus.Onleavingtheplantation,heinformedus,itwashisintentiontomakehiswaybacktoSouthCarolina—totheoldquartersofMasterBuford.Duringthedayheremainedsecreted,sometimesinthebranchesofatree,andatnightpressedforwardthroughtheswamps.Finally,onemorning,justatdawn,hereachedtheshoreofRed

River.Whilestandingonthebank,consideringhowhecouldcrossit,awhitemanaccostedhim,anddemandedapass.Withoutone,andevidentlyarunaway,hewastakentoAlexandria,theshiretownoftheparishofRapides,andconfinedinprison.IthappenedseveraldaysafterthatJosephB.Roberts,uncleofMistressEpps,wasinAlexandria,andgoingintothejail,recognizedhim.Wileyhadworkedonhisplantation,whenEppsresidedatHuffPower.Payingthejailfee,andwritinghimapass,underneathwhichwasanotetoEpps,requestinghimnottowhiphimonhisreturn,WileywassentbacktoBayouBœuf.Itwasthehopethathunguponthisrequest,andwhichRobertsassuredhimwouldberespectedbyhismaster,thatsustainedhimasheapproachedthehouse.Therequest,however,asmaybereadilysupposed,wasentirelydisregarded.Afterbeingkeptinsuspensethreedays,Wileywasstripped,andcompelledtoendureoneofthoseinhumanfloggingstowhichthepoorslaveissooftensubjected.ItwasthefirstandlastattemptofWileytorunaway.Thelongscarsuponhisback,whichhewillcarrywithhimtothegrave,perpetuallyremindhimofthedangersofsuchastep.

TherewasnotadaythroughoutthetenyearsIbelongedtoEppsthatIdidnotconsultwithmyselfupontheprospectofescape.Ilaidmanyplans,whichatthetimeIconsideredexcellentones,butoneaftertheothertheywereallabandoned.Nomanwhohasneverbeenplacedinsuchasituation,cancomprehendthethousandobstaclesthrowninthewayoftheflyingslave.Everywhiteman’shandisraisedagainsthim—thepatrollersarewatchingforhim—thehoundsarereadytofollowonhistrack,andthenatureofthecountryissuchasrendersitimpossibletopassthroughitwithanysafety.Ithought,however,thatthetimemightcome,perhaps,whenIshouldberunningthroughtheswampsagain.Iconcluded,inthatcase,tobepreparedforEpps’dogs,shouldtheypursueme.Hepossessedseveral,oneofwhichwasanotoriousslave-hunter,andthemostfierceandsavageofhisbreed.Whileouthuntingthecoonortheopossum,Ineverallowedanopportunitytoescape,whenalone,ofwhippingthemseverely.InthismannerIsucceededatlengthinsubduingthemcompletely.Theyfearedme,obeyingmyvoiceatoncewhenothershadnocontroloverthemwhatever.Hadtheyfollowedandovertakenme,Idoubtnottheywouldhaveshrankfromattackingme.

Notwithstandingthecertaintyofbeingcaptured,thewoodsandswampsare,nevertheless,continuallyfilledwithrunaways.Manyofthem,whensick,orsowornoutastobeunabletoperformtheirtasks,escapeintotheswamps,willingtosufferthepunishmentinflictedforsuchoffences,inordertoobtainadayortwoofrest.

WhileIbelongedtoFord,Iwasunwittinglythemeansofdisclosingthehiding-placeofsixoreight,whohadtakenuptheirresidenceinthe“Great

PineWoods.”AdamTaydemfrequentlysentmefromthemillsovertotheopeningafterprovisions.Thewholedistancewasthenathickpineforest.Aboutteno’clockofabeautifulmoonlightnight,whilewalkingalongtheTexasroad,returningtothemills,carryingadressedpiginabagswungovermyshoulder,Iheardfootstepsbehindme,andturninground,beheldtwoblackmeninthedressofslavesapproachingatarapidpace.Whenwithinashortdistance,oneofthemraisedaclub,asifintendingtostrikeme;theothersnatchedatthebag.Imanagedtododgethemboth,andseizingapineknot,hurleditwithsuchforceagainsttheheadofoneofthemthathewasprostratedapparentlysenselesstotheground.Justthentwomoremadetheirappearancefromonesideoftheroad.Beforetheycouldgrappleme,however,Isucceededinpassingthem,andtakingtomyheels,fled,muchaffrighted,towardsthemills.WhenAdamwasinformedoftheadventure,hehastenedstraightwaytotheIndianvillage,andarousingCascallaandseveralofhistribe,startedinpursuitofthehighwaymen.Iaccompaniedthemtothesceneofattack,whenwediscoveredapuddleofbloodintheroad,wherethemanwhomIhadsmittenwiththepineknothadfallen.Aftersearchingcarefullythroughthewoodsalongtime,oneofCascalla’smendiscoveredasmokecurlingupthroughthebranchesofseveralprostratepines,whosetopshadfallentogether.Therendezvouswascautiouslysurrounded,andallofthemtakenprisoners.TheyhadescapedfromaplantationinthevicinityofLamourie,andhadbeensecretedtherethreeweeks.Theyhadnoevildesignuponme,excepttofrightenmeoutofmypig.HavingobservedmepassingtowardsFord’sjustatnight-fall,andsuspectingthenatureofmyerrand,theyhadfollowedme,seenmebutcheranddresstheporker,andstartonmyreturn.Theyhadbeenpinchedforfood,andweredriventothisextremitybynecessity.Adamconveyedthemtotheparishjail,andwasliberallyrewarded.

Notunfrequentlytherunawayloseshislifeintheattempttoescape.Epps’premiseswereboundedononesidebyCarey’s,averyextensivesugarplantation.Hecultivatesannuallyatleastfifteenhundredacresofcane,manufacturingtwenty-twoortwenty-threehundredhogsheadsofsugar;anhogsheadandahalfbeingtheusualyieldofanacre.Besidesthishealsocultivatesfiveorsixhundredacresofcornandcotton.Heownedlastyearonehundredandfiftythreefieldhands,besidesnearlyasmanychildren,andyearlyhiresadroveduringthebusyseasonfromthissidetheMississippi.

Oneofhisnegrodrivers,apleasant,intelligentboy,wasnamedAugustus.Duringtheholidays,andoccasionallywhileatworkinadjoiningfields,Ihadanopportunityofmakinghisacquaintance,whicheventuallyripenedintoawarmandmutualattachment.Summerbeforelasthewassounfortunateastoincurthedispleasureoftheoverseer,acoarse,heartlessbrute,whowhippedhimmostcruelly.Augustusranaway.ReachingacanerickonHawkins’

plantation,hesecretedhimselfinthetopofit.AllCarey’sdogswereputuponhistrack—somefifteenofthem—andsoonscentedhisfootstepstothehidingplace.Theysurroundedtherick,bayingandscratching,butcouldnotreachhim.Presently,guidedbytheclamorofthehounds,thepursuersrodeup,whentheoverseer,mountingontotherick,drewhimforth.Asherolleddowntothegroundthewholepackplungeduponhim,andbeforetheycouldbebeatenoff,hadgnawedandmutilatedhisbodyinthemostshockingmanner,theirteethhavingpenetratedtotheboneinanhundredplaces.Hewastakenup,tieduponamule,andcarriedhome.ButthiswasAugustus’lasttrouble.Helingereduntilthenextday,whendeathsoughttheunhappyboy,andkindlyrelievedhimfromhisagony.

Itwasnotunusualforslavewomenaswellasslavementoendeavortoescape.Nelly,Eldret’sgirl,withwhomIlumberedforatimeinthe“BigCaneBrake,”layconcealedinEpps’corncribthreedays.Atnight,whenhisfamilywereasleep,shewouldstealintothequartersforfood,andreturntothecribagain.Weconcludeditwouldnolongerbesafeforustoallowhertoremain,andaccordinglysheretracedherstepstoherowncabin.

Butthemostremarkableinstanceofasuccessfulevasionofdogsandhunterswasthefollowing:AmongCarey’sgirlswasonebythenameofCeleste.Shewasnineteenortwenty,andfarwhiterthanherowner,oranyofhisoffspring.ItrequiredacloseinspectiontodistinguishinherfeaturestheslightesttraceofAfricanblood.Astrangerwouldneverhavedreamedthatshewasthedescendantofslaves.Iwassittinginmycabinlateatnight,playingalowaironmyviolin,whenthedooropenedcarefully,andCelestestoodbeforeme.Shewaspaleandhaggard.Hadanapparitionarisenfromtheearth,Icouldnothavebeenmorestartled.

“Whoareyou?”Idemanded,aftergazingatheramoment.

“I’mhungry;givemesomebacon,”washerreply.

Myfirstimpressionwasthatshewassomederangedyoungmistress,who,escapingfromhome,waswandering,sheknewnotwhither,andhadbeenattractedtomycabinbythesoundoftheviolin.Thecoarsecottonslavedressshewore,however,soondispelledsuchasupposition.

“Whatisyourname?”Iagaininterrogated.

“MynameisCeleste,”sheanswered.“IbelongtoCarey,andhavebeentwodaysamongthepalmettoes.Iamsickandcan’twork,andwouldratherdieintheswampthanbewhippedtodeathbytheoverseer.Carey’sdogswon’tfollowme.Theyhavetriedtosetthemon.There’sasecretbetweenthemandCeleste,andtheywontmindthedevilishordersoftheoverseer.Givemesomemeat—I’mstarving.”

Idividedmyscantyallowancewithher,andwhilepartakingofit,sherelatedhowshehadmanagedtoescape,anddescribedtheplaceofherconcealment.Intheedgeoftheswamp,nothalfamilefromEpps’house,wasalargespace,thousandsofacresinextent,thicklycoveredwithpalmetto.Talltrees,whoselongarmsinterlockedeachother,formedacanopyabovethem,sodenseastoexcludethebeamsofthesun.Itwasliketwilightalways,eveninthemiddleofthebrightestday.Inthecentreofthisgreatspace,whichnothingbutserpentsveryoftenexplore—asombreandsolitaryspot—Celestehaderectedarudehutofdeadbranchesthathadfallentotheground,andcovereditwiththeleavesofthepalmetto.Thiswastheabodeshehadselected.ShehadnofearofCarey’sdogs,anymorethanIhadofEpps’.Itisafact,whichIhaveneverbeenabletoexplain,thattherearethosewhosetracksthehoundswillabsolutelyrefusetofollow.Celestewasoneofthem.

Forseveralnightsshecametomycabinforfood.Ononeoccasionourdogsbarkedassheapproached,whicharousedEpps,andinducedhimtoreconnoitrethepremises.Hedidnotdiscoverher,butafterthatitwasnotdeemedprudentforhertocometotheyard.WhenallwassilentIcarriedprovisionstoacertainspotagreedupon,whereshewouldfindthem.

InthismannerCelestepassedthegreaterpartofthesummer.Sheregainedherhealth,andbecamestrongandhearty.Atallseasonsoftheyearthehowlingsofwildanimalscanbeheardatnightalongthebordersoftheswamps.Severaltimestheyhadmadeheramidnightcall,awakeningherfromslumberwithagrowl.Terrifiedbysuchunpleasantsalutations,shefinallyconcludedtoabandonherlonelydwelling;and,accordingly,returningtohermaster,wasscourged,herneckmeanwhilebeingfastenedinthestocks,andsentintothefieldagain.

TheyearbeforemyarrivalinthecountrytherewasaconcertedmovementamonganumberofslavesonBayouBœuf,thatterminatedtragicallyindeed.Itwas,Ipresume,amatterofnewspapernotorietyatthetime,butalltheknowledgeIhaveofit,hasbeenderivedfromtherelationofthoselivingatthatperiodintheimmediatevicinityoftheexcitement.Ithasbecomeasubjectofgeneralandunfailinginterestineveryslave-hutonthebayou,andwilldoubtlessgodowntosucceedinggenerationsastheirchieftradition.LewCheney,withwhomIbecameacquainted—ashrewd,cunningnegro,moreintelligentthanthegeneralityofhisrace,butunscrupulousandfulloftreachery—conceivedtheprojectoforganizingacompanysufficientlystrongtofighttheirwayagainstallopposition,totheneighboringterritoryofMexico.

Aremotespot,farwithinthedepthsoftheswamp,backofHawkins’plantation,wasselectedastherallyingpoint.Lewflittedfromoneplantation

toanother,inthedeadofnight,preachingacrusadetoMexico,and,likePetertheHermit,creatingafurorofexcitementwhereverheappeared.Atlengthalargenumberofrunawayswereassembled;stolenmules,andcorngatheredfromthefields,andbaconfilchedfromsmoke-houses,hadbeenconveyedintothewoods.Theexpeditionwasaboutreadytoproceed,whentheirhidingplacewasdiscovered.LewCheney,becomingconvincedoftheultimatefailureofhisproject,inordertocurryfavorwithhismaster,andavoidtheconsequenceswhichheforesawwouldfollow,deliberatelydeterminedtosacrificeallhiscompanions.Departingsecretlyfromtheencampment,heproclaimedamongtheplantersthenumbercollectedintheswamp,and,insteadofstatingtrulytheobjecttheyhadinview,assertedtheirintentionwastoemergefromtheirseclusionthefirstfavorableopportunity,andmurdereverywhitepersonalongthebayou.

Suchanannouncement,exaggeratedasitpassedfrommouthtomouth,filledthewholecountrywithterror.Thefugitivesweresurroundedandtakenprisoners,carriedinchainstoAlexandria,andhungbythepopulace.Notonlythose,butmanywhoweresuspected,thoughentirelyinnocent,weretakenfromthefieldandfromthecabin,andwithouttheshadowofprocessorformoftrial,hurriedtothescaffold.TheplantersonBayouBœuffinallyrebelledagainstsuchrecklessdestructionofproperty,butitwasnotuntilaregimentofsoldiershadarrivedfromsomefortontheTexanfrontier,demolishedthegallows,andopenedthedoorsoftheAlexandriaprison,thattheindiscriminateslaughterwasstayed.LewCheneyescaped,andwasevenrewardedforhistreachery.Heisstillliving,buthisnameisdespisedandexecratedbyallhisracethroughouttheparishesofRapidesandAvoyelles.

Suchanideaasinsurrection,however,isnotnewamongtheenslavedpopulationofBayouBœuf.MorethanonceIhavejoinedinseriousconsultation,whenthesubjecthasbeendiscussed,andtherehavebeentimeswhenawordfrommewouldhaveplacedhundredsofmyfellow-bondsmeninanattitudeofdefiance.Withoutarmsorammunition,orevenwiththem,Isawsuchastepwouldresultincertaindefeat,disasteranddeath,andalwaysraisedmyvoiceagainstit.

DuringtheMexicanwarIwellremembertheextravaganthopesthatwereexcited.Thenewsofvictoryfilledthegreathousewithrejoicing,butproducedonlysorrowanddisappointmentinthecabin.Inmyopinion—andIhavehadopportunitytoknowsomethingofthefeelingofwhichIspeak—therearenotfiftyslavesontheshoresofBayouBœuf,butwouldhailwithunmeasureddelighttheapproachofaninvadingarmy.

Theyaredeceivedwhoflatterthemselvesthattheignorantanddebasedslavehasnoconceptionofthemagnitudeofhiswrongs.Theyaredeceivedwho

imaginethathearisesfromhisknees,withbacklaceratedandbleeding,cherishingonlyaspiritofmeeknessandforgiveness.Adaymaycome—itwillcome,ifhisprayerisheard—aterribledayofvengeance,whenthemasterinhisturnwillcryinvainformercy.

CHAPTERXVIII .

O’NIEL,THETANNER—CONVERSATIONWITHAUNTPHEBEOVERHEARD—EPPSINTHETANNINGBUSINESS—STABBINGOFUNCLEABRAM—THEUGLYWOUND—EPPSISJEALOUS—PATSEYISMISSING—HERRETURNFROMSHAW’S—HARRIET,SHAW’SBLACKWIFE—EPPSENRAGED—PATSEYDENIESHISCHARGES—SHEISTIEDDOWNNAKEDTOFOURSTAKES—THEINHUMANFLOGGING—FLAYINGOFPATSEY—THEBEAUTYOFTHEDAY—THEBUCKETOFSALTWATER—THEDRESSSTIFFWITHBLOOD—PATSEYGROWSMELANCHOLY—HERIDEAOFGODANDETERNITY—OFHEAVENANDFREEDOM—THEEFFECTOFSLAVE-WHIPPING—EPPS’OLDESTSON—“THECHILDISFATHERTOTHEMAN.”

WileysufferedseverelyatthehandsofMasterEpps,ashasbeenrelatedintheprecedingchapter,butinthisrespecthefarednoworsethanhisunfortunatecompanions.“Sparetherod,”wasanideascoutedbyourmaster.Hewasconstitutionallysubjecttoperiodsofill-humor,andatsuchtimes,howeverlittleprovocationtheremightbe,acertainamountofpunishmentwasinflicted.ThecircumstancesattendingthelastfloggingbutonethatIreceived,willshowhowtrivialacausewassufficientwithhimforresortingtothewhip.

AMr.O’Niel,residinginthevicinityoftheBigPineWoods,calleduponEppsforthepurposeofpurchasingme.Hewasatannerandcurrierbyoccupation,transactinganextensivebusiness,andintendedtoplacemeatserviceinsomedepartmentofhisestablishment,providedheboughtme.AuntPhebe,whilepreparingthedinner-tableinthegreathouse,overheardtheirconversation.Onreturningtotheyardatnight,theoldwomanrantomeetme,designing,ofcourse,tooverwhelmmewiththenews.Sheenteredintoaminuterepetitionofallshehadheard,andAuntPhebewasonewhoseearsneverfailedtodrinkineverywordofconversationutteredinherhearing.Sheenlargeduponthefactthat“MassaEppswasg’winetosellmetoatanneroberindePineWoods,”solongandloudlyastoattracttheattentionofthemistress,who,standingunobservedonthepiazzaatthetime,waslisteningtoourconversation.

“Well,AuntPhebe,”saidI,“I’mgladofit.I’mtiredofscrapingcotton,andwouldratherbeatanner.Ihopehe’llbuyme.”

O’Nieldidnoteffectapurchase,however,thepartiesdifferingastoprice,andthemorningfollowinghisarrival,departedhomewards.Hehadbeengonebutashorttime,whenEppsmadehisappearanceinthefield.Nownothingwillmoreviolentlyenrageamaster,especiallyEpps,thanthe

intimationofoneofhisservantsthathewouldliketoleavehim.MistressEppshadrepeatedtohimmyexpressionstoAuntPhebetheeveningprevious,asIlearnedfromthelatterafterwards,themistresshavingmentionedtoherthatshehadoverheardus.Onenteringthefield,Eppswalkeddirectlytome.

“So,Platt,you’retiredofscrapingcotton,areyou?Youwouldliketochangeyourmaster,eh?You’refondofmovinground—traveler—ain’tye?Ah,yes—liketotravelforyourhealth,maybe?Feelabovecotton-scraping,I‘spose.Soyou’regoingintothetanningbusiness?Goodbusiness—devilishfinebusiness.Enterprisingnigger!B’lieveI’llgointothatbusinessmyself.Downonyourknees,andstripthatragoffyourback!I’lltrymyhandattanning.”

Ibeggedearnestly,andendeavoredtosoftenhimwithexcuses,butinvain.Therewasnootheralternative;sokneelingdown,Ipresentedmybarebackfortheapplicationofthelash.

“Howdoyouliketanning?”heexclaimed,astherawhidedescendeduponmyflesh.“Howdoyouliketanning?”herepeatedateveryblow.Inthismannerhegavemetwentyorthirtylashes,incessantlygivingutterancetotheword“tanning,”inoneformofexpressionoranother.Whensufficiently“tanned,”heallowedmetoarise,andwithahalf-maliciouslaughassuredme,ifIstillfanciedthebusiness,hewouldgivemefurtherinstructioninitwheneverIdesired.Thistime,heremarked,hehadonlygivenmeashortlessonin“tanning“—thenexttimehewould“currymedown.”

UncleAbram,also,wasfrequentlytreatedwithgreatbrutality,althoughhewasoneofthekindestandmostfaithfulcreaturesintheworld.Hewasmycabin-mateforyears.Therewasabenevolentexpressionintheoldman’sface,pleasanttobehold.Heregardeduswithakindofparentalfeeling,alwayscounselinguswithremarkablegravityanddeliberation.

ReturningfromMarshall’splantationoneafternoon,whitherIhadbeensentonsomeerrandofthemistress,Ifoundhimlyingonthecabinfloor,hisclothessaturatedwithblood.Heinformedmethathehadbeenstabbed!Whilespreadingcottononthescaffold,EppscamehomeintoxicatedfromHolmesville.Hefoundfaultwitheverything,givingmanyorderssodirectlycontrarythatitwasimpossibletoexecuteanyofthem.UncleAbram,whosefacultiesweregrowingdull,becameconfused,andcommittedsomeblunderofnoparticularconsequence.Eppswassoenragedthereat,that,withdrunkenrecklessness,heflewupontheoldman,andstabbedhimintheback.Itwasalong,uglywound,butdidnothappentopenetratefarenoughtoresultfatally.Itwassewedupbythemistress,whocensuredherhusbandwithextremeseverity,notonlydenouncinghisinhumanity,butdeclaringthatsheexpectednothingelsethanthathewouldbringthefamilytopoverty—thathewould

killalltheslavesontheplantationinsomeofhisdrunkenfits.

ItwasnouncommonthingwithhimtoprostrateAuntPhebewithachairorstickofwood;butthemostcruelwhippingthateverIwasdoomedtowitness—oneIcanneverrecallwithanyotheremotionthanthatofhorror—wasinflictedontheunfortunatePatsey.

IthasbeenseenthatthejealousyandhatredofMistressEppsmadethedailylifeofheryoungandagileslavecompletelymiserable.IamhappyinthebeliefthatonnumerousoccasionsIwasthemeansofavertingpunishmentfromtheinoffensivegirl.InEpps’absencethemistressoftenorderedmetowhipherwithouttheremotestprovocation.Iwouldrefuse,sayingthatIfearedmymaster’sdispleasure,andseveraltimesventuredtoremonstratewithheragainstthetreatmentPatseyreceived.Iendeavoredtoimpressherwiththetruththatthelatterwasnotresponsiblefortheactsofwhichshecomplained,butthatshebeingaslave,andsubjectentirelytohermaster’swill,healonewasanswerable.

Atlength“thegreen-eyedmonster”creptintothesoulofEppsalso,andthenitwasthathejoinedwithhiswrathfulwifeinaninfernaljubileeoverthegirl’smiseries.

OnaSabbathdayinhoeingtime,notlongago,wewereonthebayoubank,washingourclothes,aswasourusualcustom.PresentlyPatseywasmissing.Eppscalledaloud,buttherewasnoanswer.Noonehadobservedherleavingtheyard,anditwasawonderwithuswhithershehadgone.InthecourseofacoupleofhoursshewasseenapproachingfromthedirectionofShaw’s.Thisman,ashasbeenintimated,wasanotoriousprofligate,andwithalnotonthemostfriendlytermswithEpps.Harriet,hisblackwife,knowingPatsey’stroubles,waskindtoher,inconsequenceofwhichthelatterwasinthehabitofgoingovertoseehereveryopportunity.Hervisitswerepromptedbyfriendshipmerely,butthesuspiciongraduallyenteredthebrainofEpps,thatanotherandabaserpassionledherthither—thatitwasnotHarrietshedesiredtomeet,butrathertheunblushinglibertine,hisneighbor.Patseyfoundhermasterinafearfulrageonherreturn.Hisviolencesoalarmedherthatatfirstsheattemptedtoevadedirectanswerstohisquestions,whichonlyservedtoincreasehissuspicions.Shefinally,however,drewherselfupproudly,andinaspiritofindignationboldlydeniedhischarges.

“Missusdon’tgivemesoaptowashwith,asshedoestherest,”saidPatsey,“andyouknowwhy.IwentovertoHarriet’stogetapiece,”andsayingthis,shedrewitforthfromapocketinherdressandexhibitedittohim.“That’swhatIwenttoShaw’sfor,MassaEpps,”continuedshe;“theLordknowsthatwasall.”

“Youlie,youblackwench!”shoutedEpps.

“Idon’tlie,massa.Ifyoukillme,I’llsticktothat.”

“Oh!I’llfetchyoudown.I’lllearnyoutogotoShaw’s.I’lltakethestarchoutofye,”hemutteredfiercelythroughhisshutteeth.

Thenturningtome,heorderedfourstakestobedrivenintotheground,pointingwiththetoeofhisboottotheplaceswherehewantedthem.Whenthestakesweredrivendown,heorderedhertobestrippedofeveryarticleofdress.Ropeswerethenbrought,andthenakedgirlwaslaiduponherface,herwristsandfeeteachtiedfirmlytoastake.Steppingtothepiazza,hetookdownaheavywhip,andplacingitinmyhands,commandedmetolashher.Unpleasantasitwas,Iwascompelledtoobeyhim.Nowherethatday,onthefaceofthewholeearth,Iventuretosay,wastheresuchademoniacexhibitionwitnessedasthenensued.

MistressEppsstoodonthepiazzaamongherchildren,gazingonthescenewithanairofheartlesssatisfaction.Theslaveswerehuddledtogetheratalittledistance,theircountenancesindicatingthesorrowoftheirhearts.PoorPatseyprayedpiteouslyformercy,butherprayerswerevain.Eppsgroundhisteeth,andstampedupontheground,screamingatme,likeamadfiend,tostrikeharder.

“Strikeharder,oryourturnwillcomenext,youscoundrel,”heyelled.

“Oh,mercy,massa!—oh!havemercy,do.Oh,God!pityme,”Patseyexclaimedcontinually,strugglingfruitlessly,andthefleshquiveringateverystroke.

WhenIhadstruckherasmanyasthirtytimes,Istopped,andturnedroundtowardEpps,hopinghewassatisfied;butwithbitteroathsandthreats,heorderedmetocontinue.Iinflictedtenorfifteenblowsmore.Bythistimeherbackwascoveredwithlongwelts,intersectingeachotherlikenetwork.Eppswasyetfuriousandsavageasever,demandingifshewouldliketogotoShaw’sagain,andswearinghewouldflogheruntilshewishedshewasinh—l.Throwingdownthewhip,IdeclaredIcouldpunishhernomore.Heorderedmetogoon,threateningmewithasevererfloggingthanshehadreceived,incaseofrefusal.Myheartrevoltedattheinhumanscene,andriskingtheconsequences,Iabsolutelyrefusedtoraisethewhip.Hethenseizedithimself,andapplieditwithten-foldgreaterforcethanIhad.ThepainfulcriesandshrieksofthetorturedPatsey,minglingwiththeloudandangrycursesofEpps,loadedtheair.Shewasterriblylacerated—Imaysay,withoutexaggeration,literallyflayed.Thelashwaswetwithblood,whichfloweddownhersidesanddroppedupontheground.Atlengthsheceasedstruggling.Herheadsanklistlesslyontheground.Herscreamsand

supplicationsgraduallydecreasedanddiedawayintoalowmoan.Shenolongerwrithedandshrankbeneaththelashwhenitbitoutsmallpiecesofherflesh.Ithoughtthatshewasdying!

THESTAKINGOUTANDFLOGGINGOFTHEGIRLPATSEY.

ItwastheSabbathoftheLord.Thefieldssmiledinthewarmsunlight—thebirdschirpedmerrilyamidstthefoliageofthetrees—peaceandhappinessseemedtoreigneverywhere,saveinthebosomsofEppsandhispantingvictimandthesilentwitnessesaroundhim.Thetempestuousemotionsthatwereragingtherewerelittleinharmonywiththecalmandquietbeautyoftheday.IcouldlookonEppsonlywithunutterableloathingandabhorrence,andthoughtwithinmyself—“Thoudevil,soonerorlater,somewhereinthecourseofeternaljustice,thoushaltanswerforthissin!”

Finally,heceasedwhippingfrommereexhaustion,andorderedPhebetobringabucketofsaltandwater.Afterwashingherthoroughlywiththis,Iwastoldtotakehertohercabin.Untyingtheropes,Iraisedherinmyarms.Shewasunabletostand,andasherheadrestedonmyshoulder,sherepeatedmanytimes,inafaintvoicescarcelyperceptible,“Oh,Platt—oh,Platt!”butnothingfurther.Herdresswasreplaced,butitclungtoherback,andwassoonstiffwithblood.Welaidheronsomeboardsinthehut,wheresheremainedalongtime,witheyesclosedandgroaninginagony.AtnightPhebeappliedmeltedtallowtoherwounds,andsofaraswewereable,allendeavoredtoassistandconsoleher.Dayafterdayshelayinhercabinuponherface,thesorespreventingherrestinginanyotherposition.

Ablessedthingitwouldhavebeenforher—daysandweeksandmonthsofmiseryitwouldhavesavedher—hadsheneverliftedupherheadinlifeagain.Indeed,fromthattimeforwardshewasnotwhatshehadbeen.Theburdenofadeepmelancholyweighedheavilyonherspirits.Shenolongermovedwiththatbuoyantandelasticstep—therewasnotthatmirthfulsparkleinhereyesthatformerlydistinguishedher.Theboundingvigor—thesprightly,laughter-lovingspiritofheryouth,weregone.Shefellintoamournfulanddespondingmood,andoftentimeswouldstartupinhersleep,andwithraisedhands,pleadformercy.Shebecamemoresilentthanshewas,toilingalldayinourmidst,notutteringaword.Acare-worn,pitifulexpressionsettledonherface,anditwasherhumornowtoweep,ratherthanrejoice.Ifevertherewasabrokenheart—onecrushedandblightedbytherudegraspofsufferingandmisfortune—itwasPatsey’s.

Shehadbeenrearednobetterthanhermaster’sbeast—lookeduponmerelyasavaluableandhandsomeanimal—andconsequentlypossessedbutalimitedamountofknowledge.Andyetafaintlightcastitsraysoverherintellect,sothatitwasnotwhollydark.ShehadadimperceptionofGodandofeternity,andastillmoredimperceptionofaSaviourwhohaddiedevenforsuchasher.Sheentertainedbutconfusednotionsofafuturelife—notcomprehendingthedistinctionbetweenthecorporealandspiritualexistence.Happiness,in

hermind,wasexemptionfromstripes—fromlabor—fromthecrueltyofmastersandoverseers.Herideaofthejoyofheavenwassimplyrest,andisfullyexpressedintheselinesofamelancholybard:

“Iasknoparadiseonhigh,

Withcaresonearthoppressed,

TheonlyheavenforwhichIsigh,

Isrest,eternalrest.”

Itisamistakenopinionthatprevailsinsomequarters,thattheslavedoesnotunderstandtheterm—doesnotcomprehendtheideaoffreedom.EvenonBayouBœuf,whereIconceiveslaveryexistsinitsmostabjectandcruelform—whereitexhibitsfeaturesaltogetherunknowninmorenorthernStates—themostignorantofthemgenerallyknowfullwellitsmeaning.Theyunderstandtheprivilegesandexemptionsthatbelongtoit—thatitwouldbestowuponthemthefruitsoftheirownlabors,andthatitwouldsecuretothemtheenjoymentofdomestichappiness.Theydonotfailtoobservethedifferencebetweentheirownconditionandthemeanestwhiteman’s,andtorealizetheinjusticeofthelawswhichplaceitinhispowernotonlytoappropriatetheprofitsoftheirindustry,buttosubjectthemtounmeritedandunprovokedpunishment,withoutremedy,ortherighttoresist,ortoremonstrate.

Patsey’slife,especiallyafterherwhipping,wasonelongdreamofliberty.Faraway,toherfancyanimmeasurabledistance,sheknewtherewasalandoffreedom.AthousandtimesshehadheardthatsomewhereinthedistantNorththerewerenoslaves—nomasters.Inherimaginationitwasanenchantedregion,theParadiseoftheearth.Todwellwheretheblackmanmayworkforhimself—liveinhisowncabin—tillhisownsoil,wasablissfuldreamofPatsey’s—adream,alas!thefulfillmentofwhichshecanneverrealize.

Theeffectoftheseexhibitionsofbrutalityonthehouseholdoftheslave-holder,isapparent.Epps’oldestsonisanintelligentladoftenortwelveyearsofage.Itispitiable,sometimes,toseehimchastising,forinstance,thevenerableUncleAbram.Hewillcalltheoldmantoaccount,andifinhischildishjudgmentitisnecessary,sentencehimtoacertainnumberoflashes,whichheproceedstoinflictwithmuchgravityanddeliberation.Mountedonhispony,heoftenridesintothefieldwithhiswhip,playingtheoverseer,greatlytohisfather’sdelight.Withoutdiscrimination,atsuchtimes,heappliestherawhide,urgingtheslavesforwardwithshouts,andoccasionalexpressionsofprofanity,whiletheoldmanlaughs,andcommendshimasathorough-goingboy.

“Thechildisfathertotheman,”andwithsuchtraining,whatevermaybehis

naturaldisposition,itcannotwellbeotherwisethanthat,onarrivingatmaturity,thesufferingsandmiseriesoftheslavewillbelookeduponwithentireindifference.Theinfluenceoftheiniquitoussystemnecessarilyfostersanunfeelingandcruelspirit,eveninthebosomsofthosewho,amongtheirequals,areregardedashumaneandgenerous.

YoungMasterEppspossessedsomenoblequalities,yetnoprocessofreasoningcouldleadhimtocomprehend,thatintheeyeoftheAlmightythereisnodistinctionofcolor.Helookedupontheblackmansimplyasananimal,differinginnorespectfromanyotheranimal,saveinthegiftofspeechandthepossessionofsomewhathigherinstincts,and,therefore,themorevaluable.Toworklikehisfather’smules—tobewhippedandkickedandscourgedthroughlife—toaddressthewhitemanwithhatinhand,andeyesbentservilelyontheearth,inhismind,wasthenaturalandproperdestinyoftheslave.Broughtupwithsuchideas—inthenotionthatwestandwithoutthepaleofhumanity—nowondertheoppressorsofmypeopleareapitilessandunrelentingrace.

CHAPTERXIX.

AVERY,OFBAYOUROUGE—PECULIARITYOFDWELLINGS—EPPSBUILDSANEWHOUSE—BASS,THECARPENTER—HISNOBLEQUALITIES—HISPERSONALAPPEARANCEANDECCENTRICITIES—BASSANDEPPSDISCUSSTHEQUESTIONOFSLAVERY—EPPS’OPINIONOFBASS—IMAKEMYSELFKNOWNTOHIM—OURCONVERSATION—HISSURPRISE—THEMIDNIGHTMEETINGONTHEBAYOUBANK—BASS’ASSURANCES—DECLARESWARAGAINSTSLAVERY—WHYIDIDNOTDISCLOSEMYHISTORY—BASSWRITESLETTERS—COPYOFHISLETTERTOMESSRS.PARKERANDPERRY—THEFEVEROFSUSPENSE—DISAPPOINTMENTS—BASSENDEAVORSTOCHEERME—MYFAITHINHIM.

InthemonthofJune,1852,inpursuanceofapreviouscontract,Mr.Avery,acarpenterofBayouRouge,commencedtheerectionofahouseforMasterEpps.IthaspreviouslybeenstatedthattherearenocellarsonBayouBœuf;ontheotherhand,suchisthelowandswampynatureoftheground,thegreathousesareusuallybuiltuponspiles.Anotherpeculiarityis,theroomsarenotplastered,buttheceilingandsidesarecoveredwithmatchedcypressboards,paintedsuchcolorasmostpleasestheowner’staste.Generallytheplankandboardsaresawedbyslaveswithwhip-saws,therebeingnowaterpoweruponwhichmillsmightbebuiltwithinmanymiles.Whentheplantererectsforhimselfadwelling,therefore,thereisplentyofextraworkforhisslaves.HavinghadsomeexperienceunderTibeatsasacarpenter,Iwastakenfromthefieldaltogether,onthearrivalofAveryandhishands.

AmongthemwasonetowhomIoweanimmeasurabledebtofgratitude.Onlyforhim,inallprobability,Ishouldhaveendedmydaysinslavery.Hewasmydeliverer—amanwhosetrueheartoverflowedwithnobleandgenerousemotions.TothelastmomentofmyexistenceIshallrememberhimwithfeelingsofthankfulness.HisnamewasBass,andatthattimeheresidedinMarksville.Itwillbedifficulttoconveyacorrectimpressionofhisappearanceorcharacter.Hewasalargeman,betweenfortyandfiftyyearsold,oflightcomplexionandlighthair.Hewasverycoolandself-possessed,fondofargument,butalwaysspeakingwithextremedeliberation.Hewasthatkindofpersonwhosepeculiarityofmannerwassuchthatnothingheutteredevergaveoffence.Whatwouldbeintolerable,comingfromthelipsofanother,couldbesaidbyhimwithimpunity.TherewasnotamanonRedRiver,perhaps,thatagreedwithhimonthesubjectofpoliticsorreligion,andnotaman,Iventuretosay,whodiscussedeitherofthosesubjectshalfasmuch.Itseemedtobetakenforgrantedthathewouldespousetheunpopularsideofeverylocalquestion,anditalwayscreatedamusementratherthan

displeasureamonghisauditors,tolistentotheingeniousandoriginalmannerinwhichhemaintainedthecontroversy.Hewasabachelor—an“oldbachelor,”accordingtothetrueacceptationoftheterm—havingnokindredliving,asheknewof,intheworld.Neitherhadheanypermanentabidingplace—wanderingfromoneStatetoanother,ashisfancydictated.HehadlivedinMarksvillethreeorfouryears,andintheprosecutionofhisbusinessasacarpenter;andinconsequence,likewise,ofhispeculiarities,wasquiteextensivelyknownthroughouttheparishofAvoyelles.Hewasliberaltoafault;andhismanyactsofkindnessandtransparentgoodnessofheartrenderedhimpopularinthecommunity,thesentimentofwhichheunceasinglycombated.

HewasanativeofCanada,fromwhencehehadwanderedinearlylife,andaftervisitingalltheprincipallocalitiesinthenorthernandwesternStates,inthecourseofhisperegrinations,arrivedintheunhealthyregionoftheRedRiver.HislastremovalwasfromIllinois.Whitherhehasnowgone,Iregrettobeobligedtosay,isunknowntome.HegathereduphiseffectsanddepartedquietlyfromMarksvillethedaybeforeIdid,thesuspicionsofhisinstrumentalityinprocuringmyliberationrenderingsuchastepnecessary.Forthecommissionofajustandrighteousacthewouldundoubtedlyhavesuffereddeath,hadheremainedwithinreachoftheslave-whippingtribeonBayouBœuf.

Oneday,whileworkingonthenewhouse,BassandEppsbecameengagedinacontroversy,towhich,aswillbereadilysupposed,Ilistenedwithabsorbinginterest.TheywerediscussingthesubjectofSlavery.

“ItellyouwhatitisEpps,”saidBass,“it’sallwrong—allwrong,sir—there’snojusticenorrighteousnessinit.Iwouldn’townaslaveifIwasrichasCrœsus,whichIamnot,asisperfectlywellunderstood,moreparticularlyamongmycreditors.There’sanotherhumbug—thecreditsystem—humbug,sir;nocredit—nodebt.Creditleadsamanintotemptation.Cashdownistheonlythingthatwilldeliverhimfromevil.ButthisquestionofSlavery;whatrighthaveyoutoyourniggerswhenyoucomedowntothepoint?”

“Whatright!”saidEpps,laughing;“why,Ibought‘em,andpaidfor‘em.”

“Ofcourseyoudid;thelawsaysyouhavetherighttoholdanigger,butbeggingthelaw’spardon,itlies.Yes,Epps,whenthelawsaysthatit’saliar,andthetruthisnotinit.Iseverythingrightbecausethelawallowsit?Supposethey’dpassalawtakingawayyourlibertyandmakingyouaslave?”

“Oh,thatain’tasupposablecase,”saidEpps,stilllaughing;“hopeyoudon’tcomparemetoanigger,Bass.”

“Well,”Bassansweredgravely,“no,notexactly.ButIhaveseenniggers

beforenowasgoodasIam,andIhavenoacquaintancewithanywhitemaninthesepartsthatIconsiderawhitbetterthanmyself.Now,inthesightofGod,whatisthedifference,Epps,betweenawhitemanandablackone?”

“Allthedifferenceintheworld,”repliedEpps.“Youmightaswellaskwhatthedifferenceisbetweenawhitemanandababoon.Now,I’veseenoneofthemcrittersinOrleansthatknowedjustasmuchasanyniggerI’vegot.You’dcallthemfellercitizens,Is’pose?”—andEppsindulgedinaloudlaughathisownwit.

“Lookhere,Epps,”continuedhiscompanion;“youcan’tlaughmedowninthatway.Somemenarewitty,andsomeain’tsowittyastheythinktheyare.Nowletmeaskyouaquestion.AreallmencreatedfreeandequalastheDeclarationofIndependenceholdstheyare?”

“Yes,”respondedEpps,“butallmen,niggers,andmonkeysain’t;”andhereuponhebrokeforthintoamoreboisterouslaughthanbefore.

“Therearemonkeysamongwhitepeopleaswellasblack,whenyoucometothat,”coollyremarkedBass.“Iknowsomewhitementhatuseargumentsnosensiblemonkeywould.Butletthatpass.Theseniggersarehumanbeings.Iftheydon’tknowasmuchastheirmasters,whosefaultisit?Theyarenotallowedtoknowanything.Youhavebooksandpapers,andcangowhereyouplease,andgatherintelligenceinathousandways.Butyourslaveshavenoprivileges.You’dwhiponeofthemifcaughtreadingabook.Theyareheldinbondage,generationaftergeneration,deprivedofmentalimprovement,andwhocanexpectthemtopossessmuchknowledge?Iftheyarenotbroughtdowntoalevelwiththebrutecreation,youslaveholderswillneverbeblamedforit.Iftheyarebaboons,orstandnohigherinthescaleofintelligencethansuchanimals,youandmenlikeyouwillhavetoanswerforit.There’sasin,afearfulsin,restingonthisnation,thatwillnotgounpunishedforever.Therewillbeareckoningyet—yes,Epps,there’sadaycomingthatwillburnasanoven.Itmaybesooneroritmaybelater,butit’sacomingassureastheLordisjust.”

“IfyoulivedupamongtheYankeesinNew-England,”saidEpps,“Iexpectyou’dbeoneofthemcursedfanaticsthatknowmorethantheconstitution,andgoaboutpeddlingclocksandcoaxingniggerstorunaway.”

“IfIwasinNew-England,”returnedBass,“IwouldbejustwhatIamhere.IwouldsaythatSlaverywasaniniquity,andoughttobeabolished.Iwouldsaytherewasnoreasonnorjusticeinthelaw,ortheconstitutionthatallowsonemantoholdanothermaninbondage.Itwouldbehardforyoutoloseyourproperty,tobesure,butitwouldn’tbehalfashardasitwouldbetoloseyourliberty.Youhavenomorerighttoyourfreedom,inexactjustice,than

UncleAbramyonder.Talkaboutblackskin,andblackblood;why,howmanyslavesarethereonthisbayouaswhiteaseitherofus?Andwhatdifferenceisthereinthecolorofthesoul?Pshaw!thewholesystemisasabsurdasitiscruel.Youmayownniggersandbehanged,butIwouldn’townoneforthebestplantationinLouisiana.”

“Youliketohearyourselftalk,Bass,betterthananymanIknowof.Youwouldarguethatblackwaswhite,orwhiteblack,ifanybodywouldcontradictyou.Nothingsuitsyouinthisworld,andIdon’tbelieveyouwillbesatisfiedwiththenext,ifyoushouldhaveyourchoiceinthem.”

Conversationssubstantiallyliketheforegoingwerenotunusualbetweenthetwoafterthis;Eppsdrawinghimoutmoreforthepurposeofcreatingalaughathisexpense,thanwithaviewoffairlydiscussingthemeritsofthequestion.HelookeduponBass,asamanreadytosayanythingmerelyforthepleasureofhearinghisownvoice;assomewhatself-conceited,perhaps,contendingagainsthisfaithandjudgment,inorder,simply,toexhibithisdexterityinargumentation.

HeremainedatEpps’throughthesummer,visitingMarksvillegenerallyonceafortnight.ThemoreIsawofhim,themoreIbecameconvincedhewasamaninwhomIcouldconfide.Nevertheless,mypreviousill-fortunehadtaughtmetobeextremelycautious.Itwasnotmyplacetospeaktoawhitemanexceptwhenspokento,butIomittednoopportunityofthrowingmyselfinhisway,andendeavoredconstantlyineverypossiblemannertoattracthisattention.IntheearlypartofAugustheandmyselfwereatworkaloneinthehouse,theothercarpentershavingleft,andEppsbeingabsentinthefield.Nowwasthetime,ifever,tobroachthesubject,andIresolvedtodoit,andsubmittowhateverconsequencesmightensue.Wewerebusilyatworkintheafternoon,whenIstoppedsuddenlyandsaid—

“MasterBass,Iwanttoaskyouwhatpartofthecountryyoucamefrom?”

“Why,Platt,whatputthatintoyourhead?”heanswered.“Youwouldn’tknowifIshouldtellyou.”Afteramomentortwoheadded—“IwasborninCanada;nowguesswherethatis.”

“Oh,IknowwhereCanadais,”saidI,“Ihavebeentheremyself.”

“Yes,Iexpectyouarewellacquaintedallthroughthatcountry,”heremarked,laughingincredulously.

“AssureasIlive,MasterBass,”Ireplied,“Ihavebeenthere.IhavebeeninMontrealandKingston,andQueenston,andagreatmanyplacesinCanada,andIhavebeeninYorkState,too—inBuffalo,andRochester,andAlbany,andcantellyouthenamesofthevillagesontheEriecanalandtheChamplain

canal.”

Bassturnedroundandgazedatmealongtimewithoututteringasyllable.

“Howcameyouhere?”heinquired,atlength.“MasterBass,”Ianswered,“ifjusticehadbeendone,Ineverwouldhavebeenhere.”

“Well,how’sthis?”saidhe.“Whoareyou?YouhavebeeninCanadasureenough;Iknowalltheplacesyoumention.Howdidyouhappentogethere?Come,tellmeallaboutit.”

“Ihavenofriendshere,”wasmyreply,“thatIcanputconfidencein.Iamafraidtotellyou,thoughIdon’tbelieveyouwouldtellMasterEppsifIshould.”

HeassuredmeearnestlyhewouldkeepeverywordImightspeaktohimaprofoundsecret,andhiscuriositywasevidentlystronglyexcited.Itwasalongstory,Iinformedhim,andwouldtakesometimetorelateit.MasterEppswouldbebacksoon,butifhewouldseemethatnightafterallwereasleep,Iwouldrepeatittohim.Heconsentedreadilytothearrangement,anddirectedmetocomeintothebuildingwherewewerethenatwork,andIwouldfindhimthere.Aboutmidnight,whenallwasstillandquiet,Icreptcautiouslyfrommycabin,andsilentlyenteringtheunfinishedbuilding,foundhimawaitingme.

AfterfurtherassurancesonhispartthatIshouldnotbebetrayed,Ibeganarelationofthehistoryofmylifeandmisfortunes.Hewasdeeplyinterested,askingnumerousquestionsinreferencetolocalitiesandevents.HavingendedmystoryIbesoughthimtowritetosomeofmyfriendsattheNorth,acquaintingthemwithmysituation,andbeggingthemtoforwardfreepapers,ortakesuchstepsastheymightconsiderpropertosecuremyrelease.Hepromisedtodoso,butdweltuponthedangerofsuchanactincaseofdetection,andnowimpresseduponmethegreatnecessityofstrictsilenceandsecresy.Beforewepartedourplanofoperationwasarranged.

Weagreedtomeetthenextnightataspecifiedplaceamongthehighweedsonthebankofthebayou,somedistancefrommaster’sdwelling.Therehewastowritedownonpaperthenamesandaddressofseveralpersons,oldfriendsintheNorth,towhomhewoulddirectlettersduringhisnextvisittoMarksville.Itwasnotdeemedprudenttomeetinthenewhouse,inasmuchasthelightitwouldbenecessarytousemightpossiblybediscovered.InthecourseofthedayImanagedtoobtainafewmatchesandapieceofcandle,unperceived,fromthekitchen,duringatemporaryabsenceofAuntPhebe.Basshadpencilandpaperinhistoolchest.

Attheappointedhourwemetonthebayoubank,andcreepingamongthe

highweeds,Ilightedthecandle,whilehedrewforthpencilandpaperandpreparedforbusiness.IgavehimthenamesofWilliamPerry,CephasParkerandJudgeMarvin,allofSaratogaSprings,Saratogacounty,New-York.IhadbeenemployedbythelatterintheUnitedStatesHotel,andhadtransactedbusinesswiththeformertoaconsiderableextent,andtrustedthatatleastoneofthemwouldbestilllivingatthatplace.Hecarefullywrotethenames,andthenremarked,thoughtfully—

“ItissomanyyearssinceyouleftSaratoga,allthesemenmaybedead,ormayhaveremoved.YousayyouobtainedpapersatthecustomhouseinNew-York.Probablythereisarecordofthemthere,andIthinkitwouldbewelltowriteandascertain.”

Iagreedwithhim,andagainrepeatedthecircumstancesrelatedheretofore,connectedwithmyvisittothecustomhousewithBrownandHamilton.Welingeredonthebankofthebayouanhourormore,conversinguponthesubjectwhichnowengrossedourthoughts.Icouldnolongerdoubthisfidelity,andfreelyspoketohimofthemanysorrowsIhadborneinsilence,andsolong.Ispokeofmywifeandchildren,mentioningtheirnamesandages,anddwellingupontheunspeakablehappinessitwouldbetoclaspthemtomyheartoncemorebeforeIdied.Icaughthimbythehand,andwithtearsandpassionateentreatiesimploredhimtobefriendme—torestoremetomykindredandtoliberty—promisingIwouldwearyHeaventheremainderofmylifewithprayersthatitwouldblessandprosperhim.Intheenjoymentoffreedom—surroundedbytheassociationsofyouth,andrestoredtothebosomofmyfamily—thatpromiseisnotyetforgotten,norshalliteverbesolongasIhavestrengthtoraisemyimploringeyesonhigh.

“Oh,blessingsonhiskindlyvoiceandonhissilverhair,

Andblessingsonhiswholelifelong,untilhemeetmethere.”

Heoverwhelmedmewithassurancesoffriendshipandfaithfulness,sayinghehadneverbeforetakensodeepaninterestinthefateofanyone.Hespokeofhimselfinasomewhatmournfultone,asalonelyman,awandererabouttheworld—thathewasgrowingold,andmustsoonreachtheendofhisearthlyjourney,andliedowntohisfinalrestwithoutkithorkintomournforhim,ortorememberhim—thathislifewasoflittlevaluetohimself,andhenceforthshouldbedevotedtotheaccomplishmentofmyliberty,andtoanunceasingwarfareagainsttheaccursedshameofSlavery.

Afterthistimeweseldomspoketo,orrecognizedeachother.Hewas,moreover,lessfreeinhisconversationwithEppsonthesubjectofSlavery.Theremotestsuspicionthattherewasanyunusualintimacy—anysecretunderstandingbetweenus—neveronceenteredthemindofEpps,orany

otherperson,whiteorblack,ontheplantation.

Iamoftenasked,withanairofincredulity,howIsucceededsomanyyearsinkeepingfrommydailyandconstantcompanionstheknowledgeofmytruenameandhistory.TheterriblelessonBurchtaughtme,impressedindeliblyuponmymindthedangeranduselessnessofassertingIwasafreeman.Therewasnopossibilityofanyslavebeingabletoassistme,while,ontheotherhand,therewasapossibilityofhisexposingme.Whenitisrecollectedthewholecurrentofmythoughts,fortwelveyears,turnedtothecontemplationofescape,itwillnotbewonderedat,thatIwasalwayscautiousandonmyguard.Itwouldhavebeenanactoffollytohaveproclaimedmyrighttofreedom;itwouldonlyhavesubjectedmetosevererscrutiny—probablyhaveconsignedmetosomemoredistantandinaccessibleregionthanevenBayouBœuf.EdwinEppswasapersonutterlyregardlessofablackman’srightsorwrongs—utterlydestituteofanynaturalsenseofjustice,asIwellknew.Itwasimportant,therefore,notonlyasregardedmyhopeofdeliverance,butalsoasregardedthefewpersonalprivilegesIwaspermittedtoenjoy,tokeepfromhimthehistoryofmylife.

TheSaturdaynightsubsequenttoourinterviewatthewater’sedge,BasswenthometoMarksville.Thenextday,beingSunday,heemployedhimselfinhisownroomwritingletters.OnehedirectedtotheCollectorofCustomsatNew-York,anothertoJudgeMarvin,andanothertoMessrs.ParkerandPerryjointly.Thelatterwastheonewhichledtomyrecovery.Hesubscribedmytruename,butinthepostscriptintimatedIwasnotthewriter.Theletteritselfshowsthatheconsideredhimselfengagedinadangerousundertaking—nolessthanrunning“theriskofhislife,ifdetected.”Ididnotseetheletterbeforeitwasmailed,buthavesinceobtainedacopy,whichishereinserted:

“BayouBœuf,August15,1852.

“Mr.WILLIAMPERRYorMr.CEPHASPARKER:“Gentlemen—Ithavingbeena long timesince Ihaveseenorheard fromyou,andnotknowingthatyouareliving,itiswithuncertaintythatIwritetoyou,butthenecessityofthecasemustbemyexcuse.

“Havingbeenbornfree,justacrosstheriverfromyou,Iamcertainyoumustknowme,andIamherenowaslave.Iwishyoutoobtainfreepapersforme,andforwardthemtomeatMarksville,Louisiana,ParishofAvoyelles,andoblige

“Yours,SOLOMONNORTHUP.

“ThewayIcametobeaslave,IwastakensickinWashingtonCity,andwasinsensibleforsometime.WhenIrecoveredmyreason,Iwasrobbedofmyfree-papers,andinironsonmywaytothisState,andhaveneverbeenabletogetanyonetowriteformeuntilnow;andhethatiswritingformerunstheriskofhislifeifdetected.”

Theallusiontomyselfintheworkrecentlyissued,entitled“AKeytoUncleTom’sCabin,”containsthefirstpartofthisletter,omittingthepostscript.

Neitherarethefullnamesofthegentlementowhomitisdirectedcorrectlystated,therebeingaslightdiscrepancy,probablyatypographicalerror.TothepostscriptmorethantothebodyofthecommunicationamIindebtedformyliberation,aswillpresentlybeseen.WhenBassreturnedfromMarksvilleheinformedmeofwhathehaddone.Wecontinuedourmidnightconsultations,neverspeakingtoeachotherthroughtheday,exceptingasitwasnecessaryaboutthework.Asnearlyashewasabletoascertain,itwouldrequiretwoweeksforthelettertoreachSaratogainduecourseofmail,andthesamelengthoftimeforananswertoreturn.Withinsixweeks,atthefarthest,weconcluded,ananswerwouldarrive,ifitarrivedatall.Agreatmanysuggestionswerenowmade,andagreatdealofconversationtookplacebetweenus,astothemostsafeandpropercoursetopursueonreceiptofthefreepapers.Theywouldstandbetweenhimandharm,incasewewereovertakenandarrestedleavingthecountryaltogether.Itwouldbenoinfringementoflaw,howevermuchitmightprovokeindividualhostility,toassistafreemantoregainhisfreedom.

AttheendoffourweekshewasagainatMarksville,butnoanswerhadarrived.Iwassorelydisappointed,butstillreconciledmyselfwiththereflectionthatsufficientlengthoftimehadnotyetelapsed—thattheremighthavebeendelays—andthatIcouldnotreasonablyexpectonesosoon.Six,seven,eight,andtenweekspassedby,however,andnothingcame.IwasinafeverofsuspensewheneverBassvisitedMarksville,andcouldscarcelyclosemyeyesuntilhisreturn.Finallymymaster’shousewasfinished,andthetimecamewhenBassmustleaveme.ThenightbeforehisdepartureIwaswhollygivenuptodespair.Ihadclungtohimasadrowningmanclingstothefloatingspar,knowingifitslipsfromhisgrasphemustforeversinkbeneaththewaves.Theall-glorioushope,uponwhichIhadlaidsucheagerhold,wascrumblingtoashesinmyhands.Ifeltasifsinkingdown,down,amidstthebitterwatersofSlavery,fromtheunfathomabledepthsofwhichIshouldneverriseagain.

Thegenerousheartofmyfriendandbenefactorwastouchedwithpityatthesightofmydistress.Heendeavoredtocheermeup,promisingtoreturnthedaybeforeChristmas,andifnointelligencewasreceivedinthemeantime,somefurtherstepwouldbeundertakentoeffectourdesign.Heexhortedmetokeepupmyspirits—torelyuponhiscontinuedeffortsinmybehalf,assuringme,inmostearnestandimpressivelanguage,thatmyliberationshould,fromthenceforth,bethechiefobjectofhisthoughts.

Inhisabsencethetimepassedslowlyindeed.IlookedforwardtoChristmaswithintenseanxietyandimpatience.Ihadaboutgivenuptheexpectationofreceivinganyanswertotheletters.Theymighthavemiscarried,ormight

havebeenmisdirected.PerhapsthoseatSaratoga,towhomtheyhadbeenaddressed,werealldead;perhaps,engagedintheirpursuits,theydidnotconsiderthefateofanobscure,unhappyblackmanofsufficientimportancetobenoticed.MywholereliancewasinBass.ThefaithIhadinhimwascontinuallyre-assuringme,andenabledmetostandupagainstthetideofdisappointmentthathadoverwhelmedme.

SowhollywasIabsorbedinreflectinguponmysituationandprospects,thatthehandswithwhomIlaboredinthefieldoftenobservedit.PatseywouldaskmeifIwassick,andUncleAbram,andBob,andWileyfrequentlyexpressedacuriositytoknowwhatIcouldbethinkingaboutsosteadily.ButIevadedtheirinquirieswithsomelightremark,andkeptmythoughtslockedcloselyinmybreast.

CHAPTERXX.

BASSFAITHFULTOHISWORD—HISARRIVALONCHRISTMASEVE—THEDIFFICULTYOFOBTAININGANINTERVIEW—THEMEETINGINTHECABIN—NON-ARRIVALOFTHELETTER—BASSANNOUNCESHISINTENTIONTOPROCEEDNORTH—CHRISTMAS—CONVERSATIONBETWEENEPPSANDBASS—YOUNGMISTRESSM’COY,THEBEAUTYOFBAYOUBŒUF—THE“NEPLUSULTRA”OFDINNERS—MUSICANDDANCING—PRESENCEOFTHEMISTRESS—HEREXCEEDINGBEAUTY—THELASTSLAVEDANCE—WILLIAMPIERCE—OVERSLEEPMYSELF—THELASTWHIPPING—DESPONDENCY—THECOLDMORNING—EPPS’THREATS—THEPASSINGCARRIAGE—STRANGERSAPPROACHINGTHROUGHTHECOTTON-FIELD—LASTHOURONBAYOUBŒUF.

Faithfultohisword,thedaybeforeChristmas,justatnight-fall,Basscameridingintotheyard.

“Howareyou,”saidEpps,shakinghimbythehand,“gladtoseeyou.”

Hewouldnothavebeenverygladhadheknowntheobjectofhiserrand.

“Quitewell,quitewell,”answeredBass.“Hadsomebusinessoutonthebayou,andconcludedtocallandseeyou,andstayovernight.”

Eppsorderedoneoftheslavestotakechargeofhishorse,andwithmuchtalkandlaughtertheypassedintothehousetogether;not,however,untilBasshadlookedatmesignificantly,asmuchastosay,“Keepdark,weunderstandeachother.”Itwasteno’clockatnightbeforethelaborsofthedaywereperformed,whenIenteredthecabin.AtthattimeUncleAbramandBoboccupieditwithme.IlaiddownuponmyboardandfeignedIwasasleep.Whenmycompanionshadfallenintoaprofoundslumber,Imovedstealthilyoutofthedoor,andwatched,andlistenedattentivelyforsomesignorsoundfromBass.ThereIstooduntillongaftermidnight,butnothingcouldbeseenorheard.AsIsuspected,hedarednotleavethehouse,throughfearofexcitingthesuspicionofsomeofthefamily.Ijudged,correctly,hewouldriseearlierthanwashiscustom,andtaketheopportunityofseeingmebeforeEppswasup.AccordinglyIarousedUncleAbramanhoursoonerthanusual,andsenthimintothehousetobuildafire,which,atthatseasonoftheyear,isapartofUncleAbram’sduties.

IalsogaveBobaviolentshake,andaskedhimifheintendedtosleeptillnoon,sayingmasterwouldbeupbeforethemuleswerefed.Heknewrightwelltheconsequencethatwouldfollowsuchanevent,and,jumpingtohisfeet,wasatthehorse-pastureinatwinkling.

Presently,whenbothweregone,Bassslippedintothecabin.

“Noletteryet,Platt,”saidhe.Theannouncementfelluponmyheartlikelead.

“Oh,dowriteagain,MasterBass,”Icried;“IwillgiveyouthenamesofagreatmanyIknow.Surelytheyarenotalldead.Surelysomeonewillpityme.”

“Nouse,”Bassreplied,“nouse.Ihavemadeupmymindtothat.IfeartheMarksvillepost-masterwillmistrustsomething,Ihaveinquiredsooftenathisoffice.Toouncertain—toodangerous.”

“Thenitisallover,”Iexclaimed.“Oh,myGod,howcanIendmydayshere!”

“You’renotgoingtoendthemhere,”hesaid,“unlessyoudieverysoon.I’vethoughtthismatterallover,andhavecometoadetermination.Therearemorewaysthanonetomanagethisbusiness,andabetterandsurerwaythanwritingletters.IhaveajobortwoonhandwhichcanbecompletedbyMarchorApril.BythattimeIshallhaveaconsiderablesumofmoney,andthen,Platt,IamgoingtoSaratogamyself.”

Icouldscarcelycreditmyownsensesasthewordsfellfromhislips.Butheassuredme,inamannerthatleftnodoubtofthesincerityofhisintention,thatifhislifewasspareduntilspring,heshouldcertainlyundertakethejourney.

“Ihavelivedinthisregionlongenough,”hecontinued;“Imayaswellbeinoneplaceasanother.ForalongtimeIhavebeenthinkingofgoingbackoncemoretotheplacewhereIwasborn.I’mtiredofSlaveryaswellasyou.IfIcansucceedingettingyouawayfromhere,itwillbeagoodactthatIshallliketothinkofallmylife.AndIshallsucceed,Platt;I’mboundtodoit.NowletmetellyouwhatIwant.Eppswillbeupsoon,anditwon’tdotobecaughthere.ThinkofagreatmanymenatSaratogaandSandyHill,andinthatneighborhood,whoonceknewyou.Ishallmakeexcusetocomehereagaininthecourseofthewinter,whenIwillwritedowntheirnames.IwillthenknowwhotocallonwhenIgonorth.Thinkofallyoucan.Cheerup!Don’tbediscouraged.I’mwithyou,lifeordeath.Good-bye.Godblessyou,”andsayingthisheleftthecabinquickly,andenteredthegreathouse.

ItwasChristmasmorning—thehappiestdayinthewholeyearfortheslave.Thatmorningheneednothurrytothefield,withhisgourdandcotton-bag.Happinesssparkledintheeyesandoverspreadthecountenancesofall.Thetimeoffeastinganddancinghadcome.Thecaneandcottonfieldsweredeserted.Thatdaythecleandresswastobedonned—theredribbondisplayed;thereweretobere-unions,andjoyandlaughter,andhurryingtoandfro.ItwastobeadayoflibertyamongthechildrenofSlavery.

Whereforetheywerehappy,andrejoiced.

AfterbreakfastEppsandBasssaunteredabouttheyard,conversinguponthepriceofcotton,andvariousothertopics.

“WheredoyourniggersholdChristmas?”Bassinquired.

“PlattisgoingtoTannersto-day.Hisfiddleisingreatdemand.TheywanthimatMarshall’sMonday,andMissMaryMcCoy,ontheoldNorwoodplantation,writesmeanotethatshewantshimtoplayforherniggersTuesday.”

“Heisratherasmartboy,ain’the?”saidBass.“Comehere,Platt,”headded,lookingatmeasIwalkeduptothem,asifhehadneverthoughtbeforetotakeanyspecialnoticeofme.

“Yes,”repliedEpps,takingholdofmyarmandfeelingit,“thereisn’tabadjointinhim.Thereain’taboyonthebayouworthmorethanheis—perfectlysound,andnobadtricks.D—nhim,heisn’tlikeotherniggers;doesn’tlooklike‘em—don’tactlike‘em.Iwasofferedseventeenhundreddollarsforhimlastweek.”

“Anddidn’ttakeit?”Bassinquired,withanairofsurprise.

“Takeit—no;devilishclearofit.Why,he’sareg’largenius;canmakeaploughbeam,wagontongue—anything,aswellasyoucan.Marshallwantedtoputuponeofhisniggersaginhimandraffleforthem,butItoldhimIwouldseethedevilhavehimfirst.”

“Idon’tseeanythingremarkableabouthim,”Bassobserved.

“Why,justfeelofhim,now,”Eppsrejoined.“Youdon’tseeaboyveryoftenputtogetheranycloserthanheis.He’sathin-skin’dcuss,andwon’tbearasmuchwhippingassome;buthe’sgotthemuscleinhim,andnomistake.”

Bassfeltofme,turnedmeround,andmadeathoroughexamination,Eppsallthewhiledwellingonmygoodpoints.Buthisvisitorseemedtotakebutlittleinterestfinallyinthesubject,andconsequentlyitwasdropped.Basssoondeparted,givingmeanotherslylookofrecognitionandsignificance,ashetrottedoutoftheyard.

WhenhewasgoneIobtainedapass,andstartedforTanner’s—notPeterTanner’s,ofwhommentionhaspreviouslybeenmade,butarelativeofhis.Iplayedduringthedayandmostofthenight,spendingthenextday,Sunday,inmycabin.MondayIcrossedthebayoutoDouglasMarshall’s,allEpps’slavesaccompanyingme,andonTuesdaywenttotheoldNorwoodplace,whichisthethirdplantationaboveMarshall’s,onthesamesideofthewater.

ThisestateisnowownedbyMissMaryMcCoy,alovelygirl,sometwenty

yearsofage.SheisthebeautyandthegloryofBayouBœuf.Sheownsaboutahundredworkinghands,besidesagreatmanyhouseservants,yardboys,andyoungchildren.Herbrother-in-law,whoresidesontheadjoiningestate,ishergeneralagent.Sheisbelovedbyallherslaves,andgoodreasonindeedhavetheytobethankfulthattheyhavefallenintosuchgentlehands.Nowhereonthebayouaretheresuchfeasts,suchmerrymaking,asatyoungMadamMcCoy’s.Thither,morethantoanyotherplace,dotheoldandtheyoungformilesaroundlovetorepairinthetimeoftheChristmasholidays;fornowhereelsecantheyfindsuchdeliciousrepasts;nowhereelsecantheyhearavoicespeakingtothemsopleasantly.Nooneissowellbeloved—noonefillssolargeaspaceintheheartsofathousandslaves,asyoungMadamMcCoy,theorphanmistressoftheoldNorwoodestate.

Onmyarrivalatherplace,Ifoundtwoorthreehundredhadassembled.Thetablewaspreparedinalongbuilding,whichshehaderectedexpresslyforherslavestodancein.Itwascoveredwitheveryvarietyoffoodthecountryafforded,andwaspronouncedbygeneralacclamationtobetherarestofdinners.Roastturkey,pig,chicken,duck,andallkindsofmeat,baked,boiled,andbroiled,formedalinethewholelengthoftheextendedtable,whilethevacantspaceswerefilledwithtarts,jellies,andfrostedcake,andpastryofmanykinds.Theyoungmistresswalkedaroundthetable,smilingandsayingakindwordtoeachone,andseemedtoenjoythesceneexceedingly.

Whenthedinnerwasoverthetableswereremovedtomakeroomforthedancers.Itunedmyviolinandstruckupalivelyair;whilesomejoinedinanimblereel,otherspattedandsangtheirsimplebutmelodioussongs,fillingthegreatroomwithmusicmingledwiththesoundofhumanvoicesandtheclatterofmanyfeet.

Intheeveningthemistressreturned,andstoodinthedooralongtime,lookingatus.Shewasmagnificentlyarrayed.Herdarkhairandeyescontrastedstronglywithherclearanddelicatecomplexion.Herformwasslenderbutcommanding,andhermovementwasacombinationofunaffecteddignityandgrace.Asshestoodthere,cladinherrichapparel,herfaceanimatedwithpleasure,IthoughtIhadneverlookeduponahumanbeinghalfsobeautiful.Idwellwithdelightuponthedescriptionofthisfairandgentlelady,notonlybecausesheinspiredmewithemotionsofgratitudeandadmiration,butbecauseIwouldhavethereaderunderstandthatallslave-ownersonBayouBœufarenotlikeEpps,orTibeats,orJimBurns.Occasionallycanbefound,rarelyitmaybe,indeed,agoodmanlikeWilliamFord,oranangelofkindnesslikeyoungMistressMcCoy.

TuesdayconcludedthethreeholidaysEppsyearlyallowedus.Onmywayhome,Wednesdaymorning,whilepassingtheplantationofWilliamPierce,

thatgentlemanhailedme,sayinghehadreceivedalinefromEpps,broughtdownbyWilliamVarnell,permittinghimtodetainmeforthepurposeofplayingforhisslavesthatnight.ItwasthelasttimeIwasdestinedtowitnessaslavedanceontheshoresofBayouBœuf.ThepartyatPierce’scontinuedtheirjollificationuntilbroaddaylight,whenIreturnedtomymaster’shouse,somewhatweariedwiththelossofrest,butrejoicinginthepossessionofnumerousbitsandpicayunes,whichthewhites,whowerepleasedwithmymusicalperformances,hadcontributed.

OnSaturdaymorning,forthefirsttimeinyears,Ioversleptmyself.Iwasfrightenedoncomingoutofthecabintofindtheslaveswerealreadyinthefield.Theyhadprecededmesomefifteenminutes.Leavingmydinnerandwater-gourd,IhurriedafterthemasfastasIcouldmove.Itwasnotyetsunrise,butEppswasonthepiazzaasIleftthehut,andcriedouttomethatitwasaprettytimeofdaytobegettingup.Byextraexertionmyrowwasupwhenhecameoutafterbreakfast.This,however,wasnoexcusefortheoffenceofoversleeping.Biddingmestripandliedown,hegavemetenorfifteenlashes,attheconclusionofwhichheinquiredifIthought,afterthat,Icouldgetupsometimeinthemorning.IexpressedmyselfquitepositivelythatIcould,and,withbackstingingwithpain,wentaboutmywork.

Thefollowingday,Sunday,mythoughtswereuponBass,andtheprobabilitiesandhopeswhichhunguponhisactionanddetermination.Iconsideredtheuncertaintyoflife;thatifitshouldbethewillofGodthatheshoulddie,myprospectofdeliverance,andallexpectationofhappinessinthisworld,wouldbewhollyendedanddestroyed.Mysoreback,perhaps,didnothaveatendencytorendermeunusuallycheerful.Ifeltdown-heartedandunhappyalldaylong,andwhenIlaiddownuponthehardboardatnight,myheartwasoppressedwithsuchaloadofgrief,itseemedthatitmustbreak.

Mondaymorning,thethirdofJanuary,1853,wewereinthefieldbetimes.Itwasaraw,coldmorning,suchasisunusualinthatregion.Iwasinadvance,UncleAbramnexttome,behindhimBob,PatseyandWiley,withourcotton-bagsaboutournecks.Eppshappened(ararething,indeed,)tocomeoutthatmorningwithouthiswhip.Heswore,inamannerthatwouldshameapirate,thatweweredoingnothing.Bobventuredtosaythathisfingersweresonumbwithcoldhecouldn’tpickfast.Eppscursedhimselffornothavingbroughthisrawhide,anddeclaredthatwhenhecameoutagainhewouldwarmuswell;yes,hewouldmakeusallhotterthanthatfieryrealminwhichIamsometimescompelledtobelievehewillhimselfeventuallyreside.

Withtheseferventexpressions,heleftus.Whenoutofhearing,wecommencedtalkingtoeachother,sayinghowharditwastobecompelledtokeepupourtaskswithnumbfingers;howunreasonablemasterwas,and

speakingofhimgenerallyinnoflatteringterms.Ourconversationwasinterruptedbyacarriagepassingrapidlytowardsthehouse.Lookingup,wesawtwomenapproachingusthroughthecotton-field.

HavingnowbroughtdownthisnarrativetothelasthourIwastospendonBayouBœuf—havinggottenthroughmylastcottonpicking,andabouttobidMasterEppsfarewell—ImustbegthereadertogobackwithmetothemonthofAugust;tofollowBass’letteronitslongjourneytoSaratoga;tolearntheeffectitproduced—andthat,whileIwasrepininganddespairingintheslavehutofEdwinEpps,throughthefriendshipofBassandthegoodnessofProvidence,allthingswereworkingtogetherformydeliverance.

CHAPTERXXI.

THELETTERREACHESSARATOGA—ISFORWARDEDTOANNE—ISLAIDBEFOREHENRYB.NORTHUP—THESTATUTEOFMAY14,1840—ITSPROVISIONS—ANNE’SMEMORIALTOTHEGOVERNOR—THEAFFIDAVITSACCOMPANYINGIT—SENATORSOULE’SLETTER—DEPARTUREOFTHEAGENTAPPOINTEDBYTHEGOVERNOR—ARRIVALATMARKSVILLE—THEHON.JOHNP.WADDILL—THECONVERSATIONONNEW-YORKPOLITICS—ITSUGGESTSAFORTUNATEIDEA—THEMEETINGWITHBASS—THESECRETOUT—LEGALPROCEEDINGSINSTITUTED—DEPARTUREOFNORTHUPANDTHESHERIFFFROMMARKSVILLEFORBAYOUBŒUF—ARRANGEMENTSONTHEWAY—REACHEPPS’PLANTATION—DISCOVERHISSLAVESINTHECOTTONFIELD—THEMEETING—THEFAREWELL.

IamindebtedtoMr.HenryB.Northupandothersformanyoftheparticularscontainedinthischapter.

TheletterwrittenbyBass,directedtoParkerandPerry,andwhichwasdepositedinthepost-officeinMarksvilleonthe15thdayofAugust,1852,arrivedatSaratogaintheearlypartofSeptember.Sometimeprevioustothis,AnnehadremovedtoGlensFalls,Warrencounty,whereshehadchargeofthekitcheninCarpenter’sHotel.Shekepthouse,however,lodgingwithourchildren,andwasonlyabsentfromthemduringsuchtimeasthedischargeofherdutiesinthehotelrequired.

Messrs.ParkerandPerry,onreceiptoftheletter,forwardeditimmediatelytoAnne.Onreadingitthechildrenwereallexcitement,andwithoutdelayhastenedtotheneighboringvillageofSandyHill,toconsultHenryB.Northup,andobtainhisadviceandassistanceinthematter.

Uponexamination,thatgentlemanfoundamongthestatutesoftheStateanactprovidingfortherecoveryoffreecitizensfromslavery.ItwaspassedMay14,1840,andisentitled“AnactmoreeffectuallytoprotectthefreecitizensofthisStatefrombeingkidnappedorreducedtoslavery.”ItprovidesthatitshallbethedutyoftheGovernor,uponthereceiptofsatisfactoryinformationthatanyfreecitizenorinhabitantofthisState,iswrongfullyheldinanotherStateorTerritoryoftheUnitedStates,upontheallegationorpretencethatsuchpersonisaslave,orbycolorofanyusageorruleoflawisdeemedortakentobeaslave,totakesuchmeasurestoprocuretherestorationofsuchpersontoliberty,asheshalldeemnecessary.Andtothatend,heisauthorizedtoappointandemployanagent,anddirectedtofurnishhimwithsuchcredentialsandinstructionsaswillbelikelytoaccomplishtheobjectofhisappointment.Itrequirestheagentsoappointedtoproceedtocollecttheproperprooftoestablishtherightofsuchpersontohisfreedom;toperformsuchjourneys,takesuchmeasures,institutesuchlegalproceedings,&c.,asmaybenecessarytoreturnsuchpersontothisState,andchargesallexpensesincurredincarryingtheactintoeffect,uponmoneysnototherwiseappropriatedinthetreasury.[1]

ItwasnecessarytoestablishtwofactstothesatisfactionoftheGovernor:First,thatIwasafreecitizenofNew-York;andsecondly,thatIwaswrongfullyheldinbondage.Astothefirstpoint,therewasnodifficulty,alltheolderinhabitantsinthevicinitybeingreadytotestifytoit.ThesecondpointrestedentirelyuponthelettertoParkerandPerry,writteninanunknownhand,andupontheletterpennedonboardthebrigOrleans,which,unfortunately,hadbeenmislaidorlost.

Amemorialwasprepared,directedtohisexcellency,GovernorHunt,settingforthhermarriage,mydeparturetoWashingtoncity;thereceiptoftheletters;thatIwasafreecitizen,andsuchotherfactsasweredeemedimportant,andwassignedandverifiedbyAnne.AccompanyingthismemorialwereseveralaffidavitsofprominentcitizensofSandyHillandFortEdward,corroboratingfullythestatementsitcontained,andalsoarequestofseveralwellknowngentlementotheGovernor,thatHenryB.Northupbeappointedagentunderthelegislativeact.

Onreadingthememorialandaffidavits,hisexcellencytookalivelyinterestinthematter,andonthe23ddayofNovember,1852,underthesealoftheState,“constituted,appointedandemployedHenryB.Northup,Esq.,anagent,withfullpowertoeffect”myrestoration,andtotakesuchmeasuresaswouldbemostlikelytoaccomplishit,andinstructinghimtoproceedtoLouisianawithallconvenientdispatch.[2]

ThepressingnatureofMr.Northup’sprofessionalandpoliticalengagementsdelayedhisdepartureuntilDecember.OnthefourteenthdayofthatmonthheleftSandyHill,andproceededtoWashington.TheHon.PierreSoule,SenatorinCongressfromLouisiana,Hon.Mr.Conrad,SecretaryofWar,andJudgeNelson,oftheSupremeCourtoftheUnitedStates,uponhearingastatementofthefacts,andexamininghiscommission,andcertifiedcopiesofthememorialandaffidavits,furnishedhimwithopenletterstogentlemeninLouisiana,stronglyurgingtheirassistanceinaccomplishingtheobjectofhisappointment.

SenatorSouleespeciallyinterestedhimselfinthematter,insisting,inforciblelanguage,thatitwasthedutyandinterestofeveryplanterinhisStatetoaidinrestoringmetofreedom,andtrustedthesentimentsofhonorandjusticeinthebosomofeverycitizenofthecommonwealthwouldenlisthimatonceinmybehalf.Havingobtainedthesevaluableletters,Mr.NorthupreturnedtoBaltimore,andproceededfromthencetoPittsburgh.Itwashisoriginalintention,underadviceoffriendsatWashington,togodirectlytoNewOrleans,andconsulttheauthoritiesofthatcity.Providentially,however,onarrivingatthemouthofRedRiver,hechangedhismind.Hadhecontinuedon,hewouldnothavemetwithBass,inwhichcasethesearchformewould

probablyhavebeenfruitless.

Takingpassageonthefirststeamerthatarrived,hepursuedhisjourneyupRedRiver,asluggish,windingstream,flowingthroughavastregionofprimitiveforestsandimpenetrableswamps,almostwhollydestituteofinhabitants.Aboutnineo’clockintheforenoon,January1st,1853,heleftthesteamboatatMarksville,andproceededdirectlytoMarksvilleCourtHouse,asmallvillagefourmilesintheinterior.

FromthefactthatthelettertoMessrs.ParkerandPerrywaspost-markedatMarksville,itwassupposedbyhimthatIwasinthatplaceoritsimmediatevicinity.Onreachingthistown,heatoncelaidhisbusinessbeforetheHon.JohnP.Waddill,alegalgentlemanofdistinction,andamanoffinegeniusandmostnobleimpulses.Afterreadingthelettersanddocumentspresentedhim,andlisteningtoarepresentationofthecircumstancesunderwhichIhadbeencarriedawayintocaptivity,Mr.Waddillatonceprofferedhisservices,andenteredintotheaffairwithgreatzealandearnestness.He,incommonwithothersoflikeelevatedcharacter,lookeduponthekidnapperwithabhorrence.Thetitleofhisfellowparishionersandclientstothepropertywhichconstitutedthelargerproportionoftheirwealth,notonlydependeduponthegoodfaithinwhichslavesalesweretransacted,buthewasamaninwhosehonorableheartemotionsofindignationwerearousedbysuchaninstanceofinjustice.

Marksville,althoughoccupyingaprominentposition,andstandingoutinimpressiveitalicsonthemapofLouisiana,is,infact,butasmallandinsignificanthamlet.Asidefromthetavern,keptbyajollyandgenerousboniface,thecourthouse,inhabitedbylawlesscowsandswineintheseasonsofvacation,andahighgallows,withitsdisseveredropedanglingintheair,thereislittletoattracttheattentionofthestranger.

SolomonNorthupwasanameMr.Waddillhadneverheard,buthewasconfidentthatiftherewasaslavebearingthatappellationinMarksvilleorvicinity,hisblackboyTomwouldknowhim.Tomwasaccordinglycalled,butinallhisextensivecircleofacquaintancestherewasnosuchpersonage.

ThelettertoParkerandPerrywasdatedatBayouBœuf.Atthisplace,therefore,theconclusionwas,Imustbesought.Buthereadifficultysuggesteditself,ofaverygravecharacterindeed.BayouBœuf,atitsnearestpoint,wastwenty-threemilesdistant,andwasthenameappliedtothesectionofcountryextendingbetweenfiftyandahundredmiles,onbothsidesofthatstream.Thousandsandthousandsofslavesresideduponitsshores,theremarkablerichnessandfertilityofthesoilhavingattractedthitheragreatnumberofplanters.Theinformationintheletterwassovagueandindefiniteastorenderitdifficulttoconcludeuponanyspecificcourseofproceeding.It

wasfinallydetermined,however,astheonlyplanthatpresentedanyprospectofsuccess,thatNorthupandthebrotherofWaddill,astudentintheofficeofthelatter,shouldrepairtotheBayou,andtravelinguponesideanddowntheotheritswholelength,inquireateachplantationforme.Mr.Waddilltenderedtheuseofhiscarriage,anditwasdefinitelyarrangedthattheyshouldstartupontheexcursionearlyMondaymorning.

Itwillbeseenatoncethatthiscourse,inallprobability,wouldhaveresultedunsuccessfully.Itwouldhavebeenimpossibleforthemtohavegoneintothefieldsandexamineallthegangsatwork.TheywerenotawarethatIwasknownonlyasPlatt;andhadtheyinquiredofEppshimself,hewouldhavestatedtrulythatheknewnothingofSolomonNorthup.

Thearrangementbeingadopted,however,therewasnothingfurthertobedoneuntilSundayhadelapsed.TheconversationbetweenMessrs.NorthupandWaddill,inthecourseoftheafternoon,turneduponNew-Yorkpolitics.

“IcanscarcelycomprehendthenicedistinctionsandshadesofpoliticalpartiesinyourState,”observedMr.Waddill.“Ireadofsoft-shellsandhard-shells,hunkersandbarnburners,woolly-headsandsilver-grays,andamunabletounderstandtheprecisedifferencebetweenthem.Pray,whatisit?”

Mr.Northup,re-fillinghispipe,enteredintoquiteanelaboratenarrativeoftheoriginofthevarioussectionsofparties,andconcludedbysayingtherewasanotherpartyinNew-York,knownasfree-soilersorabolitionists.“Youhaveseennoneofthoseinthispartofthecountry,Ipresume?”Mr.Northupremarked.

“Never,butone,”answeredWaddill,laughingly.“WehaveonehereinMarksville,aneccentriccreature,whopreachesabolitionismasvehementlyasanyfanaticattheNorth.Heisagenerous,inoffensiveman,butalwaysmaintainingthewrongsideofanargument.Itaffordsusadealofamusement.Heisanexcellentmechanic,andalmostindispensableinthiscommunity.Heisacarpenter.HisnameisBass.”

Somefurthergood-naturedconversationwashadattheexpenseofBass’peculiarities,whenWaddillallatoncefellintoareflectivemood,andaskedforthemysteriousletteragain.

“Letmesee—l-e-tm-es-e-e!”herepeated,thoughtfullytohimself,runninghiseyesovertheletteroncemore.“‘BayouBœuf,August15.’August15—post-markedhere.‘Hethatiswritingforme—’WheredidBassworklastsummer?”heinquired,turningsuddenlytohisbrother.Hisbrotherwasunabletoinformhim,butrising,lefttheoffice,andsoonreturnedwiththeintelligencethat“BassworkedlastsummersomewhereonBayouBœuf.”

“Heistheman,”bringingdownhishandemphaticallyonthetable,“whocantellusallaboutSolomonNorthup,”exclaimedWaddill.

Basswasimmediatelysearchedfor,butcouldnotbefound.Aftersomeinquiry,itwasascertainedhewasatthelandingonRedRiver.Procuringaconveyance,youngWaddillandNorthupwerenotlongintraversingthefewmilestothelatterplace.Ontheirarrival,Basswasfound,justonthepointofleaving,tobeabsentafortnightormore.Afteranintroduction,Northupbeggedtheprivilegeofspeakingtohimprivatelyamoment.Theywalkedtogethertowardstheriver,whenthefollowingconversationensued:

“Mr.Bass,”saidNorthup,“allowmetoaskyouifyouwereonBayouBœuflastAugust?”

“Yes,sir,IwasthereinAugust,”wasthereply.

“DidyouwritealetterforacoloredmanatthatplacetosomegentlemaninSaratogaSprings?”

“Excuseme,sir,ifIsaythatisnoneofyourbusiness,”answeredBass,stoppingandlookinghisinterrogatorsearchinglyintheface.

“PerhapsIamratherhasty,Mr.Bass;Ibegyourpardon;butIhavecomefromtheStateofNew-Yorktoaccomplishthepurposethewriterofaletterdatedthe15thofAugust,post-markedatMarksville,hadinview.Circumstanceshaveledmetothinkthatyouareperhapsthemanwhowroteit.IaminsearchofSolomonNorthup.Ifyouknowhim,Ibegyoutoinformmefranklywhereheis,andIassureyouthesourceofanyinformationyoumaygivemeshallnotbedivulged,ifyoudesireitnottobe.”

AlongtimeBasslookedhisnewacquaintancesteadilyintheeyes,withoutopeninghislips.Heseemedtobedoubtinginhisownmindiftherewasnotanattempttopracticesomedeceptionuponhim.Finallyhesaid,deliberately—

“Ihavedonenothingtobeashamedof.Iamthemanwhowrotetheletter.IfyouhavecometorescueSolomonNorthup,Iamgladtoseeyou.”

“Whendidyoulastseehim,andwhereishe?”Northupinquired.

“IlastsawhimChristmas,aweekagoto-day.HeistheslaveofEdwinEpps,aplanteronBayouBœuf,nearHolmesville.HeisnotknownasSolomonNorthup;heiscalledPlatt.”

Thesecretwasout—themysterywasunraveled.Throughthethick,blackcloud,amidwhosedarkanddismalshadowsIhadwalkedtwelveyears,brokethestarthatwastolightmebacktoliberty.Allmistrustandhesitationweresoonthrownaside,andthetwomenconversedlongandfreelyuponthe

subjectuppermostintheirthoughts.Bassexpressedtheinteresthehadtakeninmybehalf—hisintentionofgoingnorthintheSpring,anddeclaringthathehadresolvedtoaccomplishmyemancipation,ifitwereinhispower.Hedescribedthecommencementandprogressofhisacquaintancewithme,andlistenedwitheagercuriositytotheaccountgivenhimofmyfamily,andthehistoryofmyearlylife.Beforeseparating,hedrewamapofthebayouonastripofpaperwithapieceofredchalk,showingthelocalityofEpps’plantation,andtheroadleadingmostdirectlytoit.

NorthupandhisyoungcompanionreturnedtoMarksville,whereitwasdeterminedtocommencelegalproceedingstotestthequestionofmyrighttofreedom.Iwasmadeplaintiff,Mr.Northupactingasmyguardian,andEdwinEppsdefendant.Theprocesstobeissuedwasinthenatureofreplevin,directedtothesheriffoftheparish,commandinghimtotakemeintocustody,anddetainmeuntilthedecisionofthecourt.Bythetimethepapersweredulydrawnup,itwastwelveo’clockatnight—toolatetoobtainthenecessarysignatureoftheJudge,whoresidedsomedistanceoutoftown.FurtherbusinesswasthereforesuspendeduntilMondaymorning.

Everything,apparently,wasmovingalongswimmingly,untilSundayafternoon,whenWaddillcalledatNorthup’sroomtoexpresshisapprehensionofdifficultiestheyhadnotexpectedtoencounter.Basshadbecomealarmed,andhadplacedhisaffairsinthehandsofapersonatthelanding,communicatingtohimhisintentionofleavingtheState.Thispersonhadbetrayedtheconfidencereposedinhimtoacertainextent,andarumorbegantofloataboutthetown,thatthestrangeratthehotel,whohadbeenobservedinthecompanyoflawyerWaddill,wasafteroneofoldEpps’slaves,overonthebayou.EppswasknownatMarksville,havingfrequentoccasiontovisitthatplaceduringthesessionofthecourts,andthefearentertainedbyMr.Northup’sadviserwas,thatintelligencewouldbeconveyedtohiminthenight,givinghimanopportunityofsecretingmebeforethearrivalofthesheriff.

Thisapprehensionhadtheeffectofexpeditingmattersconsiderably.Thesheriff,wholivedinonedirectionfromthevillage,wasrequestedtoholdhimselfinreadinessimmediatelyaftermidnight,whiletheJudgewasinformedhewouldbecalleduponatthesametime.Itisbutjusticetosay,thattheauthoritiesatMarksvillecheerfullyrenderedalltheassistanceintheirpower.

Assoonaftermidnightasbailcouldbeperfected,andtheJudge’ssignatureobtained,acarriage,containingMr.Northupandthesheriff,drivenbythelandlord’sson,rolledrapidlyoutofthevillageofMarksville,ontheroadtowardsBayouBœuf.

ItwassupposedthatEppswouldcontesttheissueinvolvingmyrighttoliberty,anditthereforesuggesteditselftoMr.Northup,thatthetestimonyofthesheriff,describingmyfirstmeetingwiththeformer,mightperhapsbecomematerialonthetrial.Itwasaccordinglyarrangedduringtheride,that,beforeIhadanopportunityofspeakingtoMr.Northup,thesheriffshouldpropoundtomecertainquestionsagreedupon,suchasthenumberandnamesofmychildren,thenameofmywifebeforemarriage,ofplacesIknewattheNorth,andsoforth.Ifmyanswerscorrespondedwiththestatementsgivenhim,theevidencemustnecessarilybeconsideredconclusive.

Atlength,shortlyafterEppshadleftthefield,withtheconsolingassurancethathewouldsoonreturnandwarmus,aswasstatedintheconclusionoftheprecedingchapter,theycameinsightoftheplantation,anddiscoveredusatwork.Alightingfromthecarriage,anddirectingthedrivertoproceedtothegreathouse,withinstructionsnottomentiontoanyonetheobjectoftheirerranduntiltheymetagain,Northupandthesheriffturnedfromthehighway,andcametowardsusacrossthecottonfield.Weobservedthem,onlookingupatthecarriage—oneseveralrodsinadvanceoftheother.Itwasasingularandunusualthingtoseewhitemenapproachingusinthatmanner,andespeciallyatthatearlyhourinthemorning,andUncleAbramandPatseymadesomeremarks,expressiveoftheirastonishment.WalkinguptoBob,thesheriffinquired:

“Where’stheboytheycallPlatt?”

“Tharheis,massa,”answeredBob,pointingtome,andtwitchingoffhishat.

Iwonderedtomyselfwhatbusinesshecouldpossiblyhavewithme,andturninground,gazedathimuntilhehadapproachedwithinastep.Duringmylongresidenceonthebayou,Ihadbecomefamiliarwiththefaceofeveryplanterwithinmanymiles;butthismanwasanutterstranger—certainlyIhadneverseenhimbefore.

“YournameisPlatt,isit?”heasked.

“Yes,master,”Iresponded.

PointingtowardsNorthup,standingafewrodsdistant,hedemanded—“Doyouknowthatman?”

Ilookedinthedirectionindicated,andasmyeyesrestedonhiscountenance,aworldofimagesthrongedmybrain;amultitudeofwell-knownfaces—Anne’s,andthedearchildren’s,andmyolddeadfather’s;allthescenesandassociationsofchildhoodandyouth;allthefriendsofotherandhappierdays,appearedanddisappeared,flittingandfloatinglikedissolvingshadowsbeforethevisionofmyimagination,untilatlasttheperfectmemoryoftheman

recurredtome,andthrowingupmyhandstowardsHeaven,Iexclaimed,inavoicelouderthanIcouldutterinalessexcitingmoment—

“HenryB.Northup!ThankGod—thankGod!”

InaninstantIcomprehendedthenatureofhisbusiness,andfeltthatthehourofmydeliverancewasathand.Istartedtowardshim,butthesheriffsteppedbeforeme.

“Stopamoment,”saidhe;“haveyouanyothernamethanPlatt?”

“SolomonNorthupismyname,master,”Ireplied.

“Haveyouafamily?”heinquired.

“Ihadawifeandthreechildren.”

“Whatwereyourchildren’snames?”

“Elizabeth,MargaretandAlonzo.”

“Andyourwife’snamebeforehermarriage?”

“AnneHampton.”

“Whomarriedyou?”

“TimothyEddy,ofFortEdward.”

“Wheredoesthatgentlemanlive?”againpointingtoNorthup,whoremainedstandinginthesameplacewhereIhadfirstrecognizedhim.

“HelivesinSandyHill,Washingtoncounty,New-York,”wasthereply.

Hewasproceedingtoaskfurtherquestions,butIpushedpasthim,unablelongertorestrainmyself.Iseizedmyoldacquaintancebybothhands.Icouldnotspeak.Icouldnotrefrainfromtears.

“Sol,”hesaidatlength,“I’mgladtoseeyou.”

Iessayedtomakesomeanswer,butemotionchokedallutterance,andIwassilent.Theslaves,utterlyconfounded,stoodgazinguponthescene,theiropenmouthsandrollingeyesindicatingtheutmostwonderandastonishment.FortenyearsIhaddweltamongthem,inthefieldandinthecabin,bornethesamehardships,partakenthesamefare,mingledmygriefswiththeirs,participatedinthesamescantyjoys;nevertheless,notuntilthishour,thelastIwastoremainamongthem,hadtheremotestsuspicionofmytruename,ortheslightestknowledgeofmyrealhistory,beenentertainedbyanyoneofthem.

Notawordwasspokenforseveralminutes,duringwhichtimeIclungfasttoNorthup,lookingupintohisface,fearfulIshouldawakeandfinditalla

dream.

“Throwdownthatsack,”Northupadded,finally;“yourcotton-pickingdaysareover.Comewithustothemanyoulivewith.”

Iobeyedhim,andwalkingbetweenhimandthesheriff,wemovedtowardsthegreathouse.ItwasnotuntilwehadproceededsomedistancethatIhadrecoveredmyvoicesufficientlytoaskifmyfamilywereallliving.HeinformedmehehadseenAnne,MargaretandElizabethbutashorttimepreviously;thatAlonzowasalsoliving,andallwerewell.Mymother,however,Icouldneverseeagain.AsIbegantorecoverinsomemeasurefromthesuddenandgreatexcitementwhichsooverwhelmedme,Igrewfaintandweak,insomuchitwaswithdifficultyIcouldwalk.Thesherifftookholdofmyarmandassistedme,orIthinkIshouldhavefallen.Asweenteredtheyard,Eppsstoodbythegate,conversingwiththedriver.Thatyoungman,faithfultohisinstructions,wasentirelyunabletogivehimtheleastinformationinanswertohisrepeatedinquiriesofwhatwasgoingon.BythetimewereachedhimhewasalmostasmuchamazedandpuzzledasBoborUncleAbram.

Shakinghandswiththesheriff,andreceivinganintroductiontoMr.Northup,heinvitedthemintothehouse,orderingme,atthesametime,tobringinsomewood.ItwassometimebeforeIsucceededincuttinganarmful,having,somehow,unaccountablylostthepowerofwieldingtheaxewithanymannerofprecision.WhenIenteredwithitatlast,thetablewasstrewnwithpapers,fromoneofwhichNorthupwasreading.Iwasprobablylongerthannecessityrequired,inplacingthesticksuponthefire,beingparticularastotheexactpositionofeachindividualoneofthem.Iheardthewords,“thesaidSolomonNorthup,”and“thedeponentfurthersays,”and“freecitizenofNew-York,”repeatedfrequently,andfromtheseexpressionsunderstoodthatthesecretIhadsolongretainedfromMasterandMistressEpps,wasfinallydeveloping.Ilingeredaslongasprudencepermitted,andwasaboutleavingtheroom,whenEppsinquired,

SCENEINTHECOTTONFIELD,SOLOMONDELIVEREDUP.

“Platt,doyouknowthisgentleman?”

“Yes,master,”Ireplied,“IhaveknownhimaslongasIcanremember.”

“Wheredoeshelive?”

“HelivesinNew-York.”

“Didyoueverlivethere?”

“Yes,master—bornandbredthere.”

“Youwasfree,then.Nowyoud——dnigger,”heexclaimed,“whydidyounottellmethatwhenIboughtyou?”

“MasterEpps,”Ianswered,inasomewhatdifferenttonethantheoneinwhichIhadbeenaccustomedtoaddresshim—“MasterEpps,youdidnottakethetroubletoaskme;besides,Itoldoneofmyowners—themanthatkidnappedme—thatIwasfree,andwaswhippedalmosttodeathforit.”

“Itseemstherehasbeenaletterwrittenforyoubysomebody.Now,whoisit?”hedemanded,authoritatively.Imadenoreply.

“Isay,whowrotethatletter?”hedemandedagain.

“PerhapsIwroteitmyself,”Isaid.

“Youhaven’tbeentoMarksvillepost-officeandbackbeforelight,Iknow.”

Heinsisteduponmyinforminghim,andIinsistedIwouldnot.Hemademanyvehementthreatsagainsttheman,whoeverhemightbe,andintimatedthebloodyandsavagevengeancehewouldwreakuponhim,whenhefoundhimout.Hiswholemannerandlanguageexhibitedafeelingofangertowardstheunknownpersonwhohadwrittenforme,andoffretfulnessattheideaoflosingsomuchproperty.AddressingMr.Northup,hesworeifhehadonlyhadanhour’snoticeofhiscoming,hewouldhavesavedhimthetroubleoftakingmebacktoNew-York;thathewouldhaverunmeintotheswamp,orsomeotherplaceoutoftheway,whereallthesheriffsonearthcouldn’thavefoundme.

Iwalkedoutintotheyard,andwasenteringthekitchendoor,whensomethingstruckmeintheback.AuntPhebe,emergingfromthebackdoorofthegreathousewithapanofpotatoes,hadthrownoneofthemwithunnecessaryviolence,therebygivingmetounderstandthatshewishedtospeaktomeamomentconfidentially.Runninguptome,shewhisperedinmyearwithgreatearnestness,

“Lora’mity,Platt!whatd’yethink?Demtwomencomeafterye.Heard‘emtellmassayoufree—gotwifeandtreechildrenbacktharwharyoucomefrom.Goin’wid‘em?Foolifyedon’t—wishIcouldgo,”andAuntPheberanoninthismanneratarapidrate.

PresentlyMistressEppsmadeherappearanceinthekitchen.Shesaidmanythingstome,andwonderedwhyIhadnottoldherwhoIwas.Sheexpressedherregret,complimentingmebysayingshehadratherloseanyotherservantontheplantation.HadPatseythatdaystoodinmyplace,themeasureofmymistress’joywouldhaveoverflowed.Nowtherewasnooneleftwhocouldmendachairorapieceoffurniture—noonewhowasofanyuseaboutthehouse—noonewhocouldplayforherontheviolin—andMistressEppswas

actuallyaffectedtotears.

EppshadcalledtoBobtobringuphissaddlehorse.Theotherslaves,also,overcomingtheirfearofthepenalty,hadlefttheirworkandcometotheyard.Theywerestandingbehindthecabins,outofsightofEpps.Theybeckonedmetocometothem,andwithalltheeagernessofcuriosity,excitedtothehighestpitch,conversedwithandquestionedme.IfIcouldrepeattheexactwordstheyuttered,withthesameemphasis—ifIcouldpainttheirseveralattitudes,andtheexpressionoftheircountenances—itwouldbeindeedaninterestingpicture.Intheirestimation,Ihadsuddenlyarisentoanimmeasurableheight—hadbecomeabeingofimmenseimportance.

Thelegalpapershavingbeenserved,andarrangementsmadewithEppstomeetthemthenextdayatMarksville,Northupandthesheriffenteredthecarriagetoreturntothelatterplace.AsIwasaboutmountingtothedriver’sseat,thesheriffsaidIoughttobidMr.andMrs.Eppsgoodbye.Iranbacktothepiazzawheretheywerestanding,andtakingoffmyhat,said,

“Good-bye,missis.”

“Good-bye,Platt,”saidMrs.Epps,kindly.

“Good-bye,master.”

“Ah!youd—dnigger,”mutteredEpps,inasurly,malicioustoneofvoice,“youneedn’tfeelsocussedtickled—youain’tgoneyet—I’llseeaboutthisbusinessatMarksvilleto-morrow.”

Iwasonlya“nigger”andknewmyplace,butfeltasstronglyasifIhadbeenawhiteman,thatitwouldhavebeenaninwardcomfort,hadIdaredtohavegivenhimapartingkick.Onmywaybacktothecarriage,Patseyranfrombehindacabinandthrewherarmsaboutmyneck.

“Oh!Platt,”shecried,tearsstreamingdownherface,“you’regoin’tobefree—you’regoin’wayoffyonderwherewe’llneberseeyeanymore.You’vesavedmeagoodmanywhippins,Platt;I’mgladyou’regoin’tobefree—butoh!deLord,deLord!what’llbecomeofme?”

Idisengagedmyselffromher,andenteredthecarriage.Thedrivercrackedhiswhipandawaywerolled.IlookedbackandsawPatsey,withdroopinghead,halfrecliningontheground;Mrs.Eppswasonthepiazza;UncleAbram,andBob,andWiley,andAuntPhebestoodbythegate,gazingafterme.Iwavedmyhand,butthecarriageturnedabendofthebayou,hidingthemfrommyeyesforever.

WestoppedamomentatCarey’ssugarhouse,whereagreatnumberofslaveswereatwork,suchanestablishmentbeingacuriositytoaNorthernman.

Eppsdashedbyusonhorsebackatfullspeed—ontheway,aswelearnednextday,tothe“PineWoods,”toseeWilliamFord,whohadbroughtmeintothecountry.

Tuesday,thefourthofJanuary,Eppsandhiscounsel,theHon.H.Taylor,Northup,Waddill,theJudgeandsheriffofAvoyelles,andmyself,metinaroominthevillageofMarksville.Mr.Northupstatedthefactsinregardtome,andpresentedhiscommission,andtheaffidavitsaccompanyingit.Thesheriffdescribedthesceneinthecottonfield.Iwasalsointerrogatedatgreatlength.Finally,Mr.Taylorassuredhisclientthathewassatisfied,andthatlitigationwouldnotonlybeexpensive,bututterlyuseless.Inaccordancewithhisadvice,apaperwasdrawnupandsignedbytheproperparties,whereinEppsacknowledgedhewassatisfiedofmyrighttofreedom,andformallysurrenderedmetotheauthoritiesofNew-York.Itwasalsostipulatedthatitbeenteredofrecordintherecorder’sofficeofAvoyelles.[3]

Mr.Northupandmyselfimmediatelyhastenedtothelanding,andtakingpassageonthefirststeamerthatarrived,weresoonfloatingdownRedRiver,upwhich,withsuchdespondingthoughts,Ihadbeenbornetwelveyearsbefore.

FOOTNOTES:

[1]SeeAppendixA.

[2]SeeAppendixB.[3]SeeAppendixC.

CHAPTERXXII.

ARRIVALINNEW-ORLEANS—GLIMPSEOFFREEMAN—GENOIS,THERECORDER—HISDESCRIPTIONOFSOLOMON—REACHCHARLESTON—INTERRUPTEDBYCUSTOMHOUSEOFFICERS—PASSTHROUGHRICHMOND—ARRIVALINWASHINGTON—BURCHARRESTED—SHEKELSANDTHORN—THEIRTESTIMONY—BURCHACQUITTED—ARRESTOFSOLOMON—BURCHWITHDRAWSTHECOMPLAINT—THEHIGHERTRIBUNAL—DEPARTUREFROMWASHINGTON—ARRIVALATSANDYHILL—OLDFRIENDSANDFAMILIARSCENES—PROCEEDTOGLENSFALLS—MEETINGWITHANNE,MARGARETANDELIZABETH—SOLOMONNORTHUPSTAUNTON—INCIDENTS—CONCLUSION.

AsthesteamerglidedonitswaytowardsNew-Orleans,perhapsIwasnothappy—perhapstherewasnodifficultyinrestrainingmyselffromdancingroundthedeck—perhapsIdidnotfeelgratefultothemanwhohadcomesomanyhundredmilesforme—perhapsIdidnotlighthispipe,andwaitandwatchhisword,andrunathisslightestbidding.IfIdidn’t—well,nomatter.

WetarriedatNew-Orleanstwodays.DuringthattimeIpointedoutthelocalityofFreeman’sslavepen,andtheroominwhichFordpurchasedme.WehappenedtomeetTheophilusinthestreet,butIdidnotthinkitworthwhiletorenewacquaintancewithhim.Fromrespectablecitizensweascertainedhehadbecomealow,miserablerowdy—abroken-down,disreputableman.

Wealsovisitedtherecorder,Mr.Genois,towhomSenatorSoule’sletterwasdirected,andfoundhimamanwelldeservingthewideandhonorablereputationthathebears.Heverygenerouslyfurnisheduswithasortoflegalpass,overhissignatureandsealofoffice,andasitcontainstherecorder’sdescriptionofmypersonalappearance,itmaynotbeamisstoinsertithere.Thefollowingisacopy:

“StateofLouisiana—CityofNew-Orleans:Recorder’sOffice,SecondDistrict.

“Toalltowhomthesepresentsshallcome:—“This is tocertify thatHenryB.Northup,Esquire,of thecountyofWashington,New-York,hasproducedbeforemedueevidenceofthefreedomofSolomon,amulattoman,agedaboutforty-twoyears,fivefeet,seveninchesandsixlines,woollyhair,andchestnuteyes,whoisanativebornoftheStateofNew-York.ThatthesaidNorthup,beingaboutbringingthesaidSolomontohisnativeplace, through the southern routes, thecivil authoritiesare requested to let theaforesaidcoloredmanSolomonpassunmolested,hedemeaningwellandproperly.

“GivenundermyhandandthesealofthecityofNew-Orleansthis7thJanuary,1853.[L.S.]

“TH.GENOIS,Recorder.”

Onthe8thwecametoLakePontchartrain,byrailroad,and,induetime,followingtheusualroute,reachedCharleston.Aftergoingonboardthesteamboat,andpayingourpassageatthiscity,Mr.Northupwascalleduponbyacustom-houseofficertoexplainwhyhehadnotregisteredhisservant.Herepliedthathehadnoservant—that,astheagentofNew-York,hewasaccompanyingafreecitizenofthatStatefromslaverytofreedom,anddidnotdesirenorintendtomakeanyregistrywhatever.Iconceivedfromhisconversationandmanner,thoughImayperhapsbeentirelymistaken,thatnogreatpainswouldbetakentoavoidwhateverdifficultytheCharlestonofficialsmightdeempropertocreate.Atlength,however,wewerepermittedtoproceed,and,passingthroughRichmond,whereIcaughtaglimpseofGoodin’spen,arrivedinWashingtonJanuary17th,1853.

WeascertainedthatbothBurchandRadburnwerestillresidinginthatcity.ImmediatelyacomplaintwasenteredwithapolicemagistrateofWashington,againstJamesH.Burch,forkidnappingandsellingmeintoslavery.HewasarresteduponawarrantissuedbyJusticeGoddard,andreturnedbeforeJusticeMansel,andheldtobailinthesumofthreethousanddollars.Whenfirstarrested,Burchwasmuchexcited,exhibitingtheutmostfearandalarm,andbeforereachingthejustice’sofficeonLouisianaAvenue,andbeforeknowingtheprecisenatureofthecomplaint,beggedthepolicetopermithimtoconsultBenjaminO.Shekels,aslavetraderofseventeenyears’standing,andhisformerpartner.Thelatterbecamehisbail.

Atteno’clock,the18thofJanuary,bothpartiesappearedbeforethemagistrate.SenatorChase,ofOhio,Hon.OrvilleClark,ofSandyHill,andMr.Northupactedascounselfortheprosecution,andJosephH.Bradleyforthedefence.

Gen.OrvilleClarkwascalledandswornasawitness,andtestifiedthathehadknownmefromchildhood,andthatIwasafreeman,aswasmyfatherbeforeme.Mr.Northupthentestifiedtothesame,andprovedthefactsconnectedwithhismissiontoAvoyelles.

EbenezerRadburnwasthenswornfortheprosecution,andtestifiedhewasforty-eightyearsold;thathewasaresidentofWashington,andhadknownBurchfourteenyears;thatin1841hewaskeeperofWilliams’slavepen;thatherememberedthefactofmyconfinementinthepenthatyear.Atthispointitwasadmittedbythedefendant’scounsel,thatIhadbeenplacedinthepenbyBurchinthespringof1841,andhereupontheprosecutionrested.

BenjaminO.Shekelswasthenofferedasawitnessbytheprisoner.Benjaminisalarge,coarse-featuredman,andthereadermayperhapsgetasomewhatcorrectconceptionofhimbyreadingtheexactlanguageheusedinanswertothefirstquestionofdefendant’slawyer.Hewasaskedtheplaceofhis

nativity,andhisreply,utteredinasortofrowdyishway,wasintheseverywords—

“IwasborninOntariocounty,New-York,andweighedfourteenpounds!”

Benjaminwasaprodigiousbaby!HefurthertestifiedthathekepttheSteamboatHotelinWashingtonin1841,andsawmethereinthespringofthatyear.Hewasproceedingtostatewhathehadheardtwomensay,whenSenatorChaseraisedalegalobjection,towit,thatthesayingsofthirdpersons,beinghearsay,wasimproperevidence.TheobjectionwasoverruledbytheJustice,andShekelscontinued,statingthattwomencametohishotelandrepresentedtheyhadacoloredmanforsale;thattheyhadaninterviewwithBurch;thattheystatedtheycamefromGeorgia,buthedidnotrememberthecounty;thattheygaveafullhistoryoftheboy,sayinghewasabricklayer,andplayedontheviolin;thatBurchremarkedhewouldpurchaseiftheycouldagree;thattheywentoutandbroughttheboyin,andthatIwasthesameperson.Hefurthertestified,withasmuchunconcernasifitwasthetruth,thatIrepresentedIwasbornandbredinGeorgia;thatoneoftheyoungmenwithmewasmymaster;thatIexhibitedagreatdealofregretatpartingwithhim,andhebelieved“gotintotears!”—nevertheless,thatIinsistedmymasterhadarighttosellme;thatheoughttosellme;andtheremarkablereasonIgavewas,accordingtoShekels,becausehe,mymaster,“hadbeengamblingandonaspree!”

Hecontinued,inthesewords,copiedfromtheminutestakenontheexamination:“Burchinterrogatedtheboyintheusualmanner,toldhimifhepurchasedhimheshouldsendhimsouth.Theboysaidhehadnoobjection,thatinfacthewouldliketogosouth.Burchpaid$650forhim,tomyknowledge.Idon’tknowwhatnamewasgivenhim,butthinkitwasnotSolomon.Didnotknowthenameofeitherofthetwomen.Theywereinmytaverntwoorthreehours,duringwhichtimetheboyplayedontheviolin.Thebillofsalewassignedinmybar-room.Itwasaprintedblank,filledupbyBurch.Before1838Burchwasmypartner.Ourbusinesswasbuyingandsellingslaves.AfterthattimehewasapartnerofTheophilusFreeman,ofNew-Orleans.Burchboughthere—Freemansoldthere!”

Shekels,beforetestifying,hadheardmyrelationofthecircumstancesconnectedwiththevisittoWashingtonwithBrownandHamilton,andtherefore,itwas,undoubtedly,hespokeof“twomen,”andofmyplayingontheviolin.Suchwashisfabrication,utterlyuntrue,andyettherewasfoundinWashingtonamanwhoendeavoredtocorroboratehim.

BenjaminA.ThorntestifiedhewasatShekels’in1841,andsawacoloredboyplayingonafiddle.“Shekelssaidhewasforsale.Heardhismastertellhimheshouldsellhim.Theboyacknowledgedtomehewasaslave.Iwas

notpresentwhenthemoneywaspaid.Willnotswearpositivelythisistheboy.Themastercamenearsheddingtears:Ithinktheboydid!Ihavebeenengagedinthebusinessoftakingslavessouth,offandon,fortwentyyears.WhenIcan’tdothatIdosomethingelse.”

Iwasthenofferedasawitness,but,objectionbeingmade,thecourtdecidedmyevidenceinadmissible.ItwasrejectedsolelyonthegroundthatIwasacoloredman—thefactofmybeingafreecitizenofNew-Yorknotbeingdisputed.

Shekelshavingtestifiedtherewasabillofsaleexecuted,Burchwascalleduponbytheprosecutiontoproduceit,inasmuchassuchapaperwouldcorroboratethetestimonyofThornandShekels.Theprisoner’scounselsawthenecessityofexhibitingit,orgivingsomereasonableexplanationforitsnon-production.Toeffectthelatter,Burchhimselfwasofferedasawitnessinhisownbehalf.Itwascontendedbycounselforthepeople,thatsuchtestimonyshouldnotbeallowed—thatitwasincontraventionofeveryruleofevidence,andifpermittedwoulddefeattheendsofjustice.Histestimony,however,wasreceivedbythecourt!Hemadeoaththatsuchabillofsalehadbeendrawnupandsigned,buthehadlostit,anddidnotknowwhathadbecomeofit!ThereuponthemagistratewasrequestedtodispatchapoliceofficertoBurch’sresidence,withdirectionstobringhisbooks,containinghisbillsofsalesfortheyear1841.Therequestwasgranted,andbeforeanymeasurecouldbetakentopreventit,theofficerhadobtainedpossessionofthebooks,andbroughtthemintocourt.Thesalesfortheyear1841werefound,andcarefullyexamined,butnosaleofmyself,byanyname,wasdiscovered!

Uponthistestimonythecourtheldthefacttobeestablished,thatBurchcameinnocentlyandhonestlybyme,andaccordinglyhewasdischarged.

AnattemptwasthenmadebyBurchandhissatellites,tofastenuponmethechargethatIhadconspiredwiththetwowhitementodefraudhim—withwhatsuccess,appearsinanextracttakenfromanarticleintheNew-YorkTimes,publishedadayortwosubsequenttothetrial:“Thecounselforthedefendanthaddrawnup,beforethedefendantwasdischarged,anaffidavit,signedbyBurch,andhadawarrantoutagainstthecoloredmanforaconspiracywiththetwowhitemenbeforereferredto,todefraudBurchoutofsixhundredandtwenty-fivedollars.Thewarrantwasserved,andthecoloredmanarrestedandbroughtbeforeofficerGoddard.Burchandhiswitnessesappearedincourt,andH.B.Northupappearedascounselforthecoloredman,statinghewasreadytoproceedascounselonthepartofthedefendant,andaskingnodelaywhatever.Burch,afterconsultingprivatelyashorttimewithShekels,statedtothemagistratethathewishedhimtodismissthe

complaint,ashewouldnotproceedfartherwithit.Defendant’scounselstatedtothemagistratethatifthecomplaintwaswithdrawn,itmustbewithouttherequestorconsentofthedefendant.Burchthenaskedthemagistratetolethimhavethecomplaintandthewarrant,andhetookthem.Thecounselforthedefendantobjectedtohisreceivingthem,andinsistedtheyshouldremainaspartoftherecordsofthecourt,andthatthecourtshouldendorsetheproceedingswhichhadbeenhadundertheprocess.Burchdeliveredthemup,andthecourtrenderedajudgmentofdiscontinuancebytherequestoftheprosecutor,andfileditinhisoffice.”

Theremaybethosewhowillaffecttobelievethestatementoftheslave-trader—those,inwhosemindshisallegationswillweighheavierthanmine.Iamapoorcoloredman—oneofadown-troddenanddegradedrace,whosehumblevoicemaynotbeheededbytheoppressor—butknowingthetruth,andwithafullsenseofmyaccountability,Idosolemnlydeclarebeforemen,andbeforeGod,thatanychargeorassertion,thatIconspireddirectlyorindirectlywithanypersonorpersonstosellmyself;thatanyotheraccountofmyvisittoWashington,mycaptureandimprisonmentinWilliams’slavepen,thaniscontainedinthesepages,isutterlyandabsolutelyfalse.IneverplayedontheviolininWashington.IneverwasintheSteamboatHotel,andneversawThornorShekels,tomyknowledge,inmylife,untillastJanuary.Thestoryofthetrioofslave-tradersisafabricationasabsurdasitisbaseandunfounded.Wereittrue,IshouldnothaveturnedasideonmywaybacktolibertyforthepurposeofprosecutingBurch.Ishouldhaveavoidedratherthansoughthim.Ishouldhaveknownthatsuchastepwouldhaveresultedinrenderingmeinfamous.Underthecircumstances—longingasIdidtobeholdmyfamily,andelatedwiththeprospectofreturninghome—itisanoutrageuponprobabilitytosupposeIwouldhaverunthehazard,notonlyofexposure,butofacriminalprosecutionandconviction,byvoluntarilyplacingmyselfinthepositionIdid,ifthestatementsofBurchandhisconfederatescontainaparticleoftruth.Itookpainstoseekhimout,toconfronthiminacourtoflaw,charginghimwiththecrimeofkidnapping;andtheonlymotivethatimpelledmetothisstep,wasaburningsenseofthewronghehadinflicteduponme,andadesiretobringhimtojustice.Hewasacquitted,inthemanner,andbysuchmeansashavebeendescribed.Ahumantribunalhaspermittedhimtoescape;butthereisanotherandahighertribunal,wherefalsetestimonywillnotprevail,andwhereIamwilling,sofaratleastasthesestatementsareconcerned,tobejudgedatlast.

WeleftWashingtononthe20thofJanuary,andproceedingbythewayofPhiladelphia,New-York,andAlbany,reachedSandyHillinthenightofthe21st.MyheartoverflowedwithhappinessasIlookedarounduponoldfamiliarscenes,andfoundmyselfinthemidstoffriendsofotherdays.ThefollowingmorningIstarted,incompanywithseveralacquaintances,forGlensFalls,theresidenceofAnneandourchildren.

AsIenteredtheircomfortablecottage,Margaretwasthefirstthatmetme.Shedidnotrecognizeme.WhenIlefther,shewasbutsevenyearsold,alittleprattlinggirl,playingwithhertoys.Nowshewasgrowntowomanhood—wasmarried,withabright-eyedboystandingbyherside.Notforgetfulofhisenslaved,unfortunategrand-father,shehadnamedthechildSolomonNorthupStaunton.WhentoldwhoIwas,shewasovercomewithemotion,andunabletospeak.PresentlyElizabethenteredtheroom,andAnnecamerunningfromthehotel,havingbeeninformedofmyarrival.Theyembracedme,andwithtearsflowingdowntheircheeks,hunguponmyneck.ButIdrawaveiloverascenewhichcanbetterbeimaginedthandescribed.

Whentheviolenceofouremotionshadsubsidedtoasacredjoy—whenthehouseholdgatheredroundthefire,thatsentoutitswarmandcracklingcomfortthroughtheroom,weconversedofthethousandeventsthathadoccurred—thehopesandfears,thejoysandsorrows,thetrialsandtroubleswehadeachexperiencedduringthelongseparation.AlonzowasabsentinthewesternpartoftheState.Theboyhadwrittentohismotherashorttimeprevious,oftheprospectofhisobtainingsufficientmoneytopurchasemyfreedom.Fromhisearliestyears,thathadbeenthechiefobjectofhisthoughtsandhisambition.TheyknewIwasinbondage.Theletterwrittenonboardthebrig,andClemRayhimself,hadgiventhemthatinformation.ButwhereIwas,untilthearrivalofBass’letter,wasamatterofconjecture.ElizabethandMargaretoncereturnedfromschool—soAnneinformedme—weepingbitterly.Oninquiringthecauseofthechildren’ssorrow,itwasfoundthat,whilestudyinggeography,theirattentionhadbeenattractedtothepictureofslavesworkinginthecotton-field,andanoverseerfollowingthemwithhiswhip.Itremindedthemofthesufferingstheirfathermightbe,and,asithappened,actuallywas,enduringintheSouth.Numerousincidents,suchasthese,wererelated—incidentsshowingtheystillheldmeinconstantremembrance,butnot,perhaps,ofsufficientinteresttothereader,toberecounted.

ARRIVALHOME,ANDFIRSTMEETINGWITHHISWIFEANDCHILDREN

Mynarrativeisatanend.IhavenocommentstomakeuponthesubjectofSlavery.Thosewhoreadthisbookmayformtheirownopinionsofthe“peculiarinstitution.”WhatitmaybeinotherStates,Idonotprofesstoknow;whatitisintheregionofRedRiver,istrulyandfaithfullydelineatedinthesepages.Thisisnofiction,noexaggeration.IfIhavefailedinanything,ithasbeeninpresentingtothereadertooprominentlythebrightsideofthepicture.Idoubtnothundredshavebeenasunfortunateasmyself;thathundredsoffreecitizenshavebeenkidnappedandsoldintoslavery,andareatthismomentwearingouttheirlivesonplantationsinTexasandLouisiana.ButIforbear.ChastenedandsubduedinspiritbythesufferingsIhaveborne,andthankfultothatgoodBeingthroughwhosemercyIhavebeenrestoredtohappinessandliberty,Ihopehenceforwardtoleadanuprightthoughlowlylife,andrestatlastinthechurchyardwheremyfathersleeps.

ROARINGRIVER.

AREFRAINOFTHEREDRIVERPLANTATION.

“Harper’screekandroarin’ribber,

Thar,mydear,we’llliveforebber;

Denwe’llgotodeInginnation,

AllIwantindiscreation,

Isprettylittlewifeandbigplantation.CHORUS.

Updatoakanddowndatribber,

Twooverseersandonelittlenigger.”

APPENDIX.

A.—Page291.

CHAP.375.

AnactmoreeffectuallytoprotectthefreecitizensofthisStatefrombeingkidnapped,orreducedtoSlavery.

[PassedMay14,1840.]

ThePeopleoftheStateofNew-York,representedinSenateandAssembly,doenactasfollows:

§1.WhenevertheGovernorofthisStateshallreceiveinformationsatisfactorytohimthatanyfreecitizenoranyinhabitantofthisStatehasbeenkidnappedortransportedawayoutofthisState,intoanyotherStateorTerritoryoftheUnitedStates,forthepurposeofbeingthereheldinslavery;orthatsuchfreecitizenorinhabitantiswrongfullyseized,imprisonedorheldinslaveryinanyoftheStatesorTerritoriesoftheUnitedStates,ontheallegationorpretencethatsuchapersonisaslave,orbycolorofanyusageorruleoflawprevailinginsuchStateorTerritory,isdeemedortakentobeaslave,ornotentitledofrighttothepersonallibertybelongingtoacitizen;itshallbethedutyofthesaidGovernortotakesuchmeasuresasheshalldeemnecessarytoprocuresuchpersontoberestoredtohislibertyandreturnedtothisState.TheGovernorisherebyauthorizedtoappointandemploysuchagentoragentsasheshalldeemnecessarytoeffecttherestorationandreturnofsuchperson;andshallfurnishthesaidagentwithsuchcredentialsandinstructionsaswillbelikelytoaccomplishtheobjectofhisappointment.TheGovernormaydeterminethecompensationtobeallowedtosuchagentforhisservicesbesideshisnecessaryexpenses.

§2.Suchagentshallproceedtocollecttheproperprooftoestablishtherightofsuchpersontohisfreedom,andshallperformsuchjourneys,takesuchmeasures,instituteandprocuretobeprosecutedsuchlegalproceedings,underthedirectionoftheGovernor,asshallbenecessarytoprocuresuchpersontoberestoredtohislibertyandreturnedtothisState.

§3.TheaccountsforallservicesandexpensesincurredincarryingthisactintoeffectshallbeauditedbytheComptroller,andpaidbytheTreasureronhiswarrant,outofanymoneysinthetreasuryofthisStatenototherwiseappropriated.TheTreasurermayadvance,onthewarrantoftheComptroller,

tosuchagent,suchsumorsumsastheGovernorshallcertifytobereasonableadvancestoenablehimtoaccomplishthepurposesofhisappointment,forwhichadvancesuchagentshallaccount,onthefinalauditofhiswarrant.§4.Thisactshalltakeeffectimmediately.

B.—Page292.

MEMORIALOFANNE.

ToHisExcellency,theGovernoroftheStateofNew-York:

ThememorialofAnneNorthup,ofthevillageofGlensFalls,inthecountyofWarren,Stateaforesaid,respectfullysetsforth—

Thatyourmemorialist,whosemaidennamewasAnneHampton,wasforty-fouryearsoldonthe14thdayofMarchlast,andwasmarriedtoSolomonNorthup,thenofFortEdward,inthecountyofWashingtonandStateaforesaid,onthe25thdayofDecember,A.D.1828,byTimothyEddy,thenaJusticeofthePeace.ThatthesaidSolomon,aftersuchmarriage,livedandkepthousewithyourmemorialistinsaidtownuntil1830,whenheremovedwithhissaidfamilytothetownofKingsburyinsaidcounty,andremainedthereaboutthreeyears,andthenremovedtoSaratogaSpringsintheStateaforesaid,andcontinuedtoresideinsaidSaratogaSpringsandtheadjoiningtownuntilabouttheyear1841,asnearasthetimecanberecollected,whenthesaidSolomonstartedtogotothecityofWashington,intheDistrictofColumbia,sincewhichtimeyourmemorialisthasneverseenhersaidhusband.

Andyourmemorialistfurtherstates,thatintheyear1841shereceivedinformationbyaletterdirectedtoHenryB.Northup,Esq.,ofSandyHill,Washingtoncounty,New-York,andpost-markedatNew-Orleans,thatsaidSolomonhadbeenkidnappedinWashington,putonboardofavessel,andwastheninsuchvesselinNew-Orleans,butcouldnottellhowhecameinthatsituation,norwhathisdestinationwas.

ThatyourmemorialisteversincethelastmentionedperiodhasbeenwhollyunabletoobtainanyinformationofwherethesaidSolomonwas,untilthemonthofSeptemberlast,whenanotherletterwasreceivedfromthesaidSolomon,post-markedatMarksville,intheparishofAvoyelles,intheStateofLouisiana,statingthathewasheldthereasaslave,whichstatementyourmemorialistbelievestobetrue.

ThatthesaidSolomonisaboutforty-fiveyearsofage,andneverresidedoutoftheStateofNew-York,inwhichStatehewasborn,untilthetimehewenttoWashingtoncity,asbeforestated.ThatthesaidSolomonNorthupisafree

citizenoftheStateofNew-York,andisnowwrongfullyheldinslavery,inornearMarksville,intheparishofAvoyelles,intheStateofLouisiana,oneoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,ontheallegationorpretencethatthesaidSolomonisaslave.

AndyourmemorialistfurtherstatesthatMintusNorthupwasthereputedfatherofsaidSolomon,andwasanegro,anddiedatFortEdward,onthe22ddayofNovember,1829;thatthemotherofsaidSolomonwasamulatto,orthreequarterswhite,anddiedinthecountyofOswego,New-York,somefiveorsixyearsago,asyourmemorialistwasinformedandbelieves,andneverwasaslave.

ThatyourmemorialistandherfamilyarepoorandwhollyunabletopayorsustainanyportionoftheexpensesofrestoringthesaidSolomontohisfreedom.

YourexcellencyisentreatedtoemploysuchagentoragentsasshallbedeemednecessarytoeffecttherestorationandreturnofsaidSolomonNorthup,inpursuanceofanactoftheLegislatureoftheStateofNew-York,passedMay14th,1840,entitled“AnactmoreeffectuallytoprotectthefreecitizensofthisStatefrombeingkidnappdorreducedtoslavery.”Andyourmemorialistwilleverpray.

(Signed,)ANNENORTHUP.

DatedNovember19,1852.

STATEOFNEW-YORK:Washingtoncounty,ss.

AnneNorthup,ofthevillageofGlensFalls,inthecountyofWarren,insaidState,beingdulysworn,dothdeposeandsaythatshesignedtheabovememorial,andthatthestatementsthereincontainedaretrue.

(Signed,)ANNENORTHUP.

Subscribedandswornbeforemethis19thNovember,1852.CHARLESHUGHES,JusticePeace.

WerecommendthattheGovernorappointHenryB.Northup,ofthevillageof

SandyHill,Washingtoncounty,New-York,asoneoftheagentstoprocuretherestorationandreturnofSolomonNorthup,namedintheforegoingmemorialofAnneNorthup.

DatedatSandyHill,WashingtonCo.,N.Y.,

November20,1852.(Signed.)

PETERHOLBROOK, DANIELSWEET,B.F.HOAG, ALMONCLARK,CHARLESHUGHES, BENJAMINFERRIS,E.D.BAKER, JOSIAHH.BROWN,

ORVILLECLARK.

STATEOFNEW-YORK:WashingtonCounty,ss:

JosiahHand,ofthevillageofSandyHill,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,says,heisfifty-sevenyearsold,andwasborninsaidvillage,andhasalwaysresidedthere;thathehasknownMintusNorthupandhissonSolomon,namedintheannexedmemorialofAnneNorthup,sinceprevioustotheyear1816;thatMintusNorthupthen,anduntilthetimeofhisdeath,cultivatedafarminthetownsofKingsburyandFortEdward,fromthetimedeponentfirstknewhimuntilhedied;thatsaidMintusandhiswife,themotherofsaidSolomonNorthup,werereportedtobefreecitizensofNew-York,anddeponentbelievestheyweresofree;thatsaidSolomonNorthupwasborninsaidcountyofWashington,asdeponentbelieves,andwasmarriedDec.25th,1828,inFortEdwardaforesaid,andhissaidwifeandthreechildren—twodaughtersandoneson—arenowlivinginGlensFalls,Warrencounty,New-York,andthatthesaidSolomonNorthupalwaysresidedinsaidcountyofWashington,anditsimmediatevicinity,untilabout1841,sincewhichtimedeponenthasnotseenhim,butdeponenthasbeencrediblyinformed,andasheverilybelievestruly,thesaidSolomonisnowwrongfullyheldasaslaveintheStateofLouisiana.AnddeponentfurthersaysthatAnneNorthup,namedinthesaidmemorial,isentitledtocredit,anddeponentbelievesthestatementscontainedinhersaidmemorialaretrue.

(Signed,)JOSIAHHAND.

Subscribedandswornbeforemethis19thdayofNovember,1852,CHARLESHUGHES,JusticePeace.

STATEOFNEW-YORK:Washingtoncounty,ss:

TimothyEddy,ofFortEdward,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,saysheisnowover—yearsold,andhasbeenaresidentofsaidtownmorethan—yearslastpast,andthathewaswellacquaintedwithSolomonNorthup,namedintheannexedmemorialofAnneNorthup,andwithhisfather,MintusNorthup,whowasanegro,—thewifeofsaidMintuswasamulattowoman;thatsaidMintusNorthupandhissaidwifeandfamily,twosons,JosephandSolomon,residedinsaidtownofFortEdwardforseveralyearsbeforetheyear1828,andsaidMintusdiedinsaidtownA.D.1829,asdeponentbelieves.AnddeponentfurthersaysthathewasaJusticeofthePeaceinsaidtownintheyear1828,andassuchJusticeofthePeace,he,onthe25thdayofDec’r,1828,joinedthesaidSolomonNorthupinmarriagewithAnneHampton,whoisthesamepersonwhohassubscribedtheannexedmemorial.Anddeponentexpresslysays,thatsaidSolomonwasafreecitizenoftheStateofNew-York,andalwayslivedinsaidState,untilabouttheyearA.D.1840,sincewhichtimedeponenthasnotseenhim,buthasrecentlybeeninformed,andasdeponentbelievestruly,thatsaidSolomonNorthupiswrongfullyheldinslaveryinornearMarksville,intheparishofAvoyelles,intheStateofLouisiana.Anddeponentfurthersays,thatsaidMintusNorthupwasnearlysixtyyearsoldatthetimeofhisdeath,andwas,formorethanthirtyyearsnextpriortohisdeath,afreecitizenoftheStateofNew-York.

Andthisdeponentfurthersays,thatAnneNorthup,thewifeofsaidSolomonNorthup,isofgoodcharacterandreputation,andherstatements,ascontainedinthememorialheretoannexed,areentitledtofullcredit.

(Signed,)TIMOTHYEDDY.

Subscribedandswornbeforemethis19thdayofNovember,1852,TIM’YSTOUGHTON,Justice.

STATEOFNEW-YORK:WashingtonCounty,ss:

HenryB.Northup,ofthevillageofSandyHill,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,says,thatheisforty-sevenyearsold,andhasalwayslivedinsaidcounty;thatheknewMintusNorthup,namedintheannexedmemorial,from

deponent’searliestrecollectionuntilthetimeofhisdeath,whichoccurredatFortEdward,insaidcounty,in1829;thatdeponentknewthechildrenofsaidMintus,viz,SolomonandJoseph;thattheywerebothborninthecountyofWashingtonaforesaid,asdeponentbelieves;thatdeponentwaswellacquaintedwithsaidSolomon,whoisthesamepersonnamedintheannexedmemorialofAnneNorthup,fromhischildhood;andthatsaidSolomonalwaysresidedinsaidcountyofWashingtonandtheadjoiningcountiesuntilabouttheyear1841;thatsaidSolomoncouldreadandwrite;thatsaidSolomonandhismotherandfatherwerefreecitizensoftheStateofNew-York;thatsometimeabouttheyear1841thisdeponentreceivedaletterfromsaidSolomon,post-markedNew-Orleans,statingthatwhileonbusinessatWashingtoncity,hehadbeenkidnapped,andhisfreepaperstakenfromhim,andhewasthenonboardavessel,inirons,andwasclaimedasaslave,andthathedidnotknowhisdestination,whichthedeponentbelievestobetrue,andheurgedthisdeponenttoassistinprocuringhisrestorationtofreedom;thatdeponenthaslostormislaidsaidletter,andcannotfindit;thatdeponenthassinceendeavoredtofindwheresaidSolomonwas,butcouldgetnofarthertraceofhimuntilSept.last,whenthisdeponentascertainedbyaletterpurportingtohavebeenwrittenbythedirectionofsaidSolomon,thatsaidSolomonwasheldandclaimedasaslaveinornearMarksville,intheparishofAvoyelles,Louisiana,andthatthisdeponentverilybelievesthatsuchinformationistrue,andthatsaidSolomonisnowwrongfullyheldinslaveryatMarksvilleaforesaid.

(Signed,)HENRYB.NORTHUP.

Subscribedandsworntobeforemethis20thdayofNovember,1852,CHARLESHUGHES,J.P.

STATEOFNEW-YORK:WashingtonCounty,ss

NicholasC.Northup,ofthevillageofSandyHill,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,dothdeposeandsay,thatheisnowfifty-eightyearsofage,andhasknownSolomonNorthup,mentionedintheannexedmemorialofAnnNorthup,eversincehewasborn.AndthisdeponentsaiththatsaidSolomonisnowaboutforty-fiveyearsold,andwasborninthecountyofWashingtonaforesaid,orinthecountyofEssex,insaidState,andalwaysresidedintheStateofNew-Yorkuntilabouttheyear1841,sincewhichtimedeponenthasnotseenhimorknownwherehewas,untilafewweekssince,deponentwas

informed,andbelievestruly,thatsaidSolomonwasheldinslaveryintheStateofLouisiana.Deponentfurthersays,thatsaidSolomonwasmarriedinthetownofFortEdward,insaidcounty,abouttwenty-fouryearsago,andthathiswifeandtwodaughtersandonesonnowresideinthevillageofGlensFalls,countyofWarren,insaidStateofNew-York.AndthisdeponentswearspositivelythatsaidSolomonNorthupisacitizenofsaidStateofNew-York,andwasbornfree,andfromhisearliestinfancylivedandresidedinthecountiesofWashington,Essex,WarrenandSaratoga,intheStateofNew-York,andthathissaidwifeandchildrenhaveneverresidedoutofsaidcountiessincethetimesaidSolomonwasmarried;thatdeponentknewthefatherofsaidSolomonNorthup;thatsaidfatherwasanegro,namedMintusNorthup,anddiedinthetownofFortEdward,inthecountyofWashington,StateofNew-York,onthe22ddayofNovember,A.D.1829,andwasburiedinthegrave-yardinSandyHillaforesaid;thatformorethanthirtyyearsbeforehisdeathhelivedinthecountiesofEssex,WashingtonandRensselaerandStateofNew-York,andleftawifeandtwosons,JosephandthesaidSolomon,himsurviving;thatthemotherofsaidSolomonwasamulattowoman,andisnowdead,anddied,asdeponentbelieves,inOswegocounty,New-York,withinfiveorsixyearspast.Andthisdeponentfurtherstates,thatthemotherofthesaidSolomonNorthupwasnotaslaveatthetimeofthebirthofsaidSolomonNorthup,andhasnotbeenaslaveatanytimewithinthelastfiftyyears.

(Signed,)N.C.NORTHUP.

Subscribedandswornbeforemethis19thdayofNovember,1852.CHARLESHUGHES,JusticePeace.

STATEOFNEW-YORK:WashingtonCounty,ss.

OrvilleClark,ofthevillageofSandyHill,inthecountyofWashington,StateofNew-York,beingdulysworn,dothdeposeandsay—thathe,thisdeponent,isoverfiftyyearsofage;thatintheyears1810and1811,ormostofthetimeofthoseyears,thisdeponentresidedatSandyHill,aforesaid,andatGlensFalls;thatthisdeponentthenknewMintusNorthup,ablackorcoloredman;hewasthenafreeman,asthisdeponentbelievesandalwaysunderstood;thatthewifeofsaidMintusNorthup,andmotherofSolomon,wasafreewoman;thatfromtheyear1818untilthetimeofthedeathofsaidMintusNorthup,abouttheyear1829,thisdeponentwasverywellacquaintedwiththesaidMintusNorthup;thathewasarespectablemaninthecommunityinwhichhe

resided,andwasafreeman,sotakenandesteemedbyallhisacquaintances;thatthisdeponenthasalsobeenandwasacquaintedwithhissonSolomonNorthup,fromthesaidyear1818untilheleftthispartofthecountry,abouttheyear1840or1841;thathemarriedAnneHampton,daughterofWilliamHampton,anearneighborofthisdeponent;thatthesaidAnne,wifeofsaidSolomon,isnowlivingandresidesinthisvicinity;thatthesaidMintusNorthupandWilliamHamptonwerebothreputedandesteemedinthiscommunityasrespectablemen.AndthisdeponentsaiththatthesaidMintusNorthupandhisfamily,andthesaidWilliamHamptonandhisfamily,fromtheearliestrecollectionandacquaintanceofthisdeponentwithhim(asfarbackas1810,)werealwaysreputed,esteemed,andtakentobe,andthisdeponentbelieves,trulyso,freecitizensoftheStateofNew-York.ThisdeponentknowsthesaidWilliamHampton,underthelawsofthisState,wasentitledtovoteatourelections,andhebelievesthesaidMintusNorthupalsowasentitledasafreecitizenwiththepropertyqualification.Andthisdeponentfurthersaith,thatthesaidSolomonNorthup,sonofsaidMintus,andhusbandofsaidAnneHampton,whenheleftthisState,wasatthetimethereofafreecitizenoftheStateofNew-York.Andthisdeponentfurthersaith,thatsaidAnneHampton,wifeofSolomonNorthup,isarespectablewoman,ofgoodcharacter,andIwouldbelieveherstatements,anddobelievethefactssetforthinhermemorialtohisexcellency,theGovernor,inrelationtohersaidhusband,aretrue.

(Signed,)ORVILLECLARK.

Swornbeforeme,November19th,1852.U.G.PARIS,JusticeofthePeace.

STATEOFNEW-YORK:WashingtonCounty,ss.

BenjaminFerris,ofthevillageofSandyHill,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,dothdeposeandsay—thatheisnowfifty-sevenyearsold,andhasresidedinsaidvillageforty-fiveyears;thathewaswellacquaintedwithMintusNorthup,namedintheannexedmemorialofAnneNorthup,fromtheyear1816tothetimeofhisdeath,whichoccurredatFortEdward,inthefallof1829;thatheknewthechildrenofthesaidMintus,namely,JosephNorthupandSolomonNorthup,andthatthesaidSolomonisthesamepersonnamedinsaidmemorial;thatsaidMintusresidedinthesaidcountyofWashingtontothetimeofhisdeath,andwas,duringallthattime,afree

citizenofthesaidStateofNew-York,asdeponentverilybelieves;thatsaidmemorialist,AnneNorthup,isawomanofgoodcharacter,andthestatementcontainedinhermemorialisentitledtocredit.

(Signed)BENJAMINFERRIS.

Swornbeforeme,November19th,1852.U.G.PARIS,JusticeofthePeace.

STATEOFNEW-YORK:ExecutiveChamber,Albany,Nov.30,1852.

IherebycertifythattheforegoingisacorrectcopyofcertainproofsfiledintheExecutiveDepartment,uponwhichIhaveappointedHenryB.NorthupanAgentofthisState,totakeproperproceedingsinbehalfofSolomonNorthup,thereinmentioned.

(Signed,)WASHINGTONHUNT.

BytheGovernor.J.F.R.,PrivateSecretary.

STATEOFNEW-YORK:ExecutiveDepartment.

WASHINGTONHUNT,GovernoroftheStateofNew-York,towhomitmayconcern,greeting:

Whereas,Ihavereceivedinformationonoath,whichissatisfactarytome,thatSolomonNorthup,whoisafreecitizenofthisState,iswrongfullyheldinslavery,intheStateofLouisiana:

Andwhereas,itismademyduty,bythelawsofthisState,totakesuchmeasuresasIshalldeemnecessarytoprocureanycitizensowrongfullyheldinslavery,toberestoredtohislibertyandreturnedtothisState:

Beitknown,thatinpursuanceofchapter375ofthelawsofthisState,passedin1840,Ihaveconstituted,appointedandemployedHenryB.Northup,Esquire,ofthecountyofWashington,inthisState,anAgent,withfullpowertoeffecttherestorationofsaidSolomonNorthup,andthesaidAgentisherebyauthorizedandempoweredtoinstitutesuchproperandlegal

proceedings,toprocuresuchevidence,retainsuchcounsel,andfinallytotakesuchmeasuresaswillbemostlikelytoaccomplishtheobjectofhissaidappointment.

HeisalsoinstructedtoproceedtotheStateofLouisianawithallconvenientdispatch,toexecutetheagencyherebycreated.

[L.S.]

Inwitnesswhereof,Ihavehereuntosubscribedmyname,andaffixedtheprivysealoftheState,atAlbany,this23ddayofNovember,intheyearofourLord1852.

(Signed,)WASHINGTONHUNT.

JAMESF.RUGGLES,PrivateSecretary.

C.—Page309.

STATEOFLOUISIANA:ParishofAvoyelles.

Beforeme,AristideBarbin,RecorderoftheparishofAvoyelles,personallycameandappearedHenryB.Northup,ofthecountyofWashington,StateofNew-York,whohathdeclaredthatbyvirtueofacommissiontohimasagentoftheStateofNew-York,givenandgrantedbyhisexcellency,WashingtonHunt,GovernorofthesaidStateofNew-York,bearingdatethe23ddayofNovember,1852,authorizingandempoweringhim,thesaidNorthup,topursueandrecoverfromslaveryafreemanofcolor,calledSolomonNorthup,whoisafreecitizenoftheStateofNew-York,andwhowaskidnappedandsoldintoslavery,intheStateofLouisiana,andnowinthepossessionofEdwinEpps,oftheStateofLouisiana,oftheParishofAvoyelles;he,thesaidagent,heretosigning,acknowledgesthatthesaidEdwinhasthisdaygivenandsurrenderedtohimassuchagent,thesaidSolomonNorthup,freemanofcolor,asaforesaid,inorderthatheberestoredtohisfreedom,andcarriedbacktothesaidStateofNew-York,pursuanttosaidcommission,thesaidEdwinEppsbeingsatisfiedfromtheproofsproducedbysaidagent,thatthesaidSolomonNorthupisentitledtohisfreedom.Thepartiesconsentingthatacertifiedcopyofsaidpowerofattorneybeannexedtothisact.

DoneandsignedatMarksville,parishofAvoyelles,thisfourthdayofJanuary,onethousandeighthundredandfifty-three,inthepresenceoftheundersigned,legalandcompetentwitnesses,whohavealsoheretosigned.

(Signed,)HENRYB.NORTHUP.EDWINEPPS.

ADE.BARBIN,Recorder.

Witnesses:H.TAYLOR,JOHNP.WADDILL.

STATEOFLOUISIANA:ParishofAvoyelles.

Idoherebycertifytheforegoingtobeatrueandcorrectcopyoftheoriginalonfileandofrecordinmyoffice.

[L.S.]

GivenundermyhandandsealofofficeasRecorderinandfortheparishofAvoyelles,this4thdayofJanuary,A.D.1853.

(Signed,)ADE.BARBIN,Recorder.

THEEND

Transcriber’sNotes

Thetranscribermadethesechangestothetext:

1. p.xi.,Chalenged—>Challenged2. p.xiii.,Coversation—>Conversation3. p.xvi,expresssion—>expression4. p.53,hight—>height5. p.58,susually—>usually6. p.86,She’snotforsale.—>She’snotforsale.”7. p.97,looded—>looked8. p,103,capenter—>carpenter9. p.106,aligators—>alligators10. p.112,Chenyville—>Cheneyville11. p.135,gripe—>grip12. p.138,loose—>lose13. p.149,listing—>listening14. p.156,anone—>aone15. p.224,maintin—>maintain16. p.244,LEWCHEENEY—>LEWCHENEY17. p.274,priviliges—>privileges18. p.296,‘bringingdownhishandemphaticallyonthetable,’—>

bringingdownhishandemphaticallyonthetable,19. p.314,reppresented—>represented20. p.316,offer-—>offered

EndoftheProjectGutenbergEBookofTwelveYearsaSlave,bySolomonNorthup

***ENDOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKTWELVEYEARSASLAVE***

*****Thisfileshouldbenamed45631-h.htmor45631-h.zip*****

Thisandallassociatedfilesofvariousformatswillbefoundin:

http://www.gutenberg.org/4/5/6/3/45631/

ProducedbyRichardJ.ShifferandtheDistributed

Proofreadingvolunteersathttp://www.pgdp.netforProject

Gutenberg.(Thisfilewasproducedfromimagesgenerously

madeavailablebyTheInternetArchive.)

Updatededitionswillreplacethepreviousone—theoldeditions

willberenamed.

Creatingtheworksfrompublicdomainprinteditionsmeansthatno

oneownsaUnitedStatescopyrightintheseworks,sotheFoundation

(andyou!)cancopyanddistributeitintheUnitedStateswithout

permissionandwithoutpayingcopyrightroyalties.Specialrules,

setforthintheGeneralTermsofUsepartofthislicense,applyto

copyinganddistributingProjectGutenberg-tmelectronicworksto

protectthePROJECTGUTENBERG-tmconceptandtrademark.Project

Gutenbergisaregisteredtrademark,andmaynotbeusedifyou

chargefortheeBooks,unlessyoureceivespecificpermission.Ifyou

donotchargeanythingforcopiesofthiseBook,complyingwiththe

rulesisveryeasy.YoumayusethiseBookfornearlyanypurpose

suchascreationofderivativeworks,reports,performancesand

research.Theymaybemodifiedandprintedandgivenaway—youmaydo

practicallyANYTHINGwithpublicdomaineBooks.Redistributionis

subjecttothetrademarklicense,especiallycommercial

redistribution.

***START:FULLLICENSE***

THEFULLPROJECTGUTENBERGLICENSE

PLEASEREADTHISBEFOREYOUDISTRIBUTEORUSETHISWORK

ToprotecttheProjectGutenberg-tmmissionofpromotingthefree

distributionofelectronicworks,byusingordistributingthiswork

(oranyotherworkassociatedinanywaywiththephrase“Project

Gutenberg”),youagreetocomplywithallthetermsoftheFullProject

Gutenberg-tmLicenseavailablewiththisfileoronlineat

www.gutenberg.org/license.

Section1.GeneralTermsofUseandRedistributingProjectGutenberg-tm

electronicworks

1.A.ByreadingorusinganypartofthisProjectGutenberg-tm

electronicwork,youindicatethatyouhaveread,understand,agreeto

andacceptallthetermsofthislicenseandintellectualproperty

(trademark/copyright)agreement.Ifyoudonotagreetoabidebyall

thetermsofthisagreement,youmustceaseusingandreturnordestroy

allcopiesofProjectGutenberg-tmelectronicworksinyourpossession.

IfyoupaidafeeforobtainingacopyoforaccesstoaProject

Gutenberg-tmelectronicworkandyoudonotagreetobeboundbythe

termsofthisagreement,youmayobtainarefundfromthepersonor

entitytowhomyoupaidthefeeassetforthinparagraph1.E.8.

1.B.“ProjectGutenberg”isaregisteredtrademark.Itmayonlybe

usedonorassociatedinanywaywithanelectronicworkbypeoplewho

agreetobeboundbythetermsofthisagreement.Thereareafew

thingsthatyoucandowithmostProjectGutenberg-tmelectronicworks

evenwithoutcomplyingwiththefulltermsofthisagreement.See

paragraph1.Cbelow.TherearealotofthingsyoucandowithProject

Gutenberg-tmelectronicworksifyoufollowthetermsofthisagreement

andhelppreservefreefutureaccesstoProjectGutenberg-tmelectronic

works.Seeparagraph1.Ebelow.

1.C.TheProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundation(“theFoundation”

orPGLAF),ownsacompilationcopyrightinthecollectionofProject

Gutenberg-tmelectronicworks.Nearlyalltheindividualworksinthe

collectionareinthepublicdomainintheUnitedStates.Ifan

individualworkisinthepublicdomainintheUnitedStatesandyouare

locatedintheUnitedStates,wedonotclaimarighttopreventyoufrom

copying,distributing,performing,displayingorcreatingderivative

worksbasedontheworkaslongasallreferencestoProjectGutenberg

areremoved.Ofcourse,wehopethatyouwillsupporttheProject

Gutenberg-tmmissionofpromotingfreeaccesstoelectronicworksby

freelysharingProjectGutenberg-tmworksincompliancewiththetermsof

thisagreementforkeepingtheProjectGutenberg-tmnameassociatedwith

thework.Youcaneasilycomplywiththetermsofthisagreementby

keepingthisworkinthesameformatwithitsattachedfullProject

Gutenberg-tmLicensewhenyoushareitwithoutchargewithothers.

1.D.Thecopyrightlawsoftheplacewhereyouarelocatedalsogovern

whatyoucandowiththiswork.Copyrightlawsinmostcountriesarein

aconstantstateofchange.IfyouareoutsidetheUnitedStates,check

thelawsofyourcountryinadditiontothetermsofthisagreement

beforedownloading,copying,displaying,performing,distributingor

creatingderivativeworksbasedonthisworkoranyotherProject

Gutenberg-tmwork.TheFoundationmakesnorepresentationsconcerning

thecopyrightstatusofanyworkinanycountryoutsidetheUnited

States.

1.E.UnlessyouhaveremovedallreferencestoProjectGutenberg:

1.E.1.Thefollowingsentence,withactivelinksto,orotherimmediate

accessto,thefullProjectGutenberg-tmLicensemustappearprominently

wheneveranycopyofaProjectGutenberg-tmwork(anyworkonwhichthe

phrase“ProjectGutenberg”appears,orwithwhichthephrase“Project

Gutenberg”isassociated)isaccessed,displayed,performed,viewed,

copiedordistributed:

ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwith

almostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayor

re-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincluded

withthiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.org

1.E.2.IfanindividualProjectGutenberg-tmelectronicworkisderived

fromthepublicdomain(doesnotcontainanoticeindicatingthatitis

postedwithpermissionofthecopyrightholder),theworkcanbecopied

anddistributedtoanyoneintheUnitedStateswithoutpayinganyfees

orcharges.Ifyouareredistributingorprovidingaccesstoawork

withthephrase“ProjectGutenberg”associatedwithorappearingonthe

work,youmustcomplyeitherwiththerequirementsofparagraphs1.E.1

through1.E.7orobtainpermissionfortheuseoftheworkandthe

ProjectGutenberg-tmtrademarkassetforthinparagraphs1.E.8or

1.E.9.

1.E.3.IfanindividualProjectGutenberg-tmelectronicworkisposted

withthepermissionofthecopyrightholder,youruseanddistribution

mustcomplywithbothparagraphs1.E.1through1.E.7andanyadditional

termsimposedbythecopyrightholder.Additionaltermswillbelinked

totheProjectGutenberg-tmLicenseforallworkspostedwiththe

permissionofthecopyrightholderfoundatthebeginningofthiswork.

1.E.4.DonotunlinkordetachorremovethefullProjectGutenberg-tm

Licensetermsfromthiswork,oranyfilescontainingapartofthis

workoranyotherworkassociatedwithProjectGutenberg-tm.

1.E.5.Donotcopy,display,perform,distributeorredistributethis

electronicwork,oranypartofthiselectronicwork,without

prominentlydisplayingthesentencesetforthinparagraph1.E.1with

activelinksorimmediateaccesstothefulltermsoftheProject

Gutenberg-tmLicense.

1.E.6.Youmayconverttoanddistributethisworkinanybinary,

compressed,markedup,nonproprietaryorproprietaryform,includingany

wordprocessingorhypertextform.However,ifyouprovideaccesstoor

distributecopiesofaProjectGutenberg-tmworkinaformatotherthan

“PlainVanillaASCII”orotherformatusedintheofficialversion

postedontheofficialProjectGutenberg-tmwebsite(www.gutenberg.org),

youmust,atnoadditionalcost,feeorexpensetotheuser,providea

copy,ameansofexportingacopy,orameansofobtainingacopyupon

request,oftheworkinitsoriginal“PlainVanillaASCII”orother

form.AnyalternateformatmustincludethefullProjectGutenberg-tm

Licenseasspecifiedinparagraph1.E.1.

1.E.7.Donotchargeafeeforaccessto,viewing,displaying,

performing,copyingordistributinganyProjectGutenberg-tmworks

unlessyoucomplywithparagraph1.E.8or1.E.9.

1.E.8.Youmaychargeareasonablefeeforcopiesoforproviding

accesstoordistributingProjectGutenberg-tmelectronicworksprovided

that

-Youpayaroyaltyfeeof20%ofthegrossprofitsyouderivefrom

theuseofProjectGutenberg-tmworkscalculatedusingthemethod

youalreadyusetocalculateyourapplicabletaxes.Thefeeis

owedtotheowneroftheProjectGutenberg-tmtrademark,buthe

hasagreedtodonateroyaltiesunderthisparagraphtothe

ProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundation.Royaltypayments

mustbepaidwithin60daysfollowingeachdateonwhichyou

prepare(orarelegallyrequiredtoprepare)yourperiodictax

returns.Royaltypaymentsshouldbeclearlymarkedassuchand

senttotheProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundationatthe

addressspecifiedinSection4,“Informationaboutdonationsto

theProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundation.”

-Youprovideafullrefundofanymoneypaidbyauserwhonotifies

youinwriting(orbye-mail)within30daysofreceiptthats/he

doesnotagreetothetermsofthefullProjectGutenberg-tm

License.Youmustrequiresuchausertoreturnor

destroyallcopiesoftheworkspossessedinaphysicalmedium

anddiscontinuealluseofandallaccesstoothercopiesof

ProjectGutenberg-tmworks.

-Youprovide,inaccordancewithparagraph1.F.3,afullrefundofany

moneypaidforaworkorareplacementcopy,ifadefectinthe

electronicworkisdiscoveredandreportedtoyouwithin90days

ofreceiptofthework.

-Youcomplywithallothertermsofthisagreementforfree

distributionofProjectGutenberg-tmworks.

1.E.9.IfyouwishtochargeafeeordistributeaProjectGutenberg-tm

electronicworkorgroupofworksondifferenttermsthanareset

forthinthisagreement,youmustobtainpermissioninwritingfrom

boththeProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundationandMichael

Hart,theowneroftheProjectGutenberg-tmtrademark.Contactthe

FoundationassetforthinSection3below.

1.F.

1.F.1.ProjectGutenbergvolunteersandemployeesexpendconsiderable

efforttoidentify,docopyrightresearchon,transcribeandproofread

publicdomainworksincreatingtheProjectGutenberg-tm

collection.Despitetheseefforts,ProjectGutenberg-tmelectronic

works,andthemediumonwhichtheymaybestored,maycontain

“Defects,”suchas,butnotlimitedto,incomplete,inaccurateor

corruptdata,transcriptionerrors,acopyrightorotherintellectual

propertyinfringement,adefectiveordamageddiskorothermedium,a

computervirus,orcomputercodesthatdamageorcannotbereadby

yourequipment.

1.F.2.LIMITEDWARRANTY,DISCLAIMEROFDAMAGES-Exceptforthe“Right

ofReplacementorRefund”describedinparagraph1.F.3,theProject

GutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundation,theowneroftheProject

Gutenberg-tmtrademark,andanyotherpartydistributingaProject

Gutenberg-tmelectronicworkunderthisagreement,disclaimall

liabilitytoyoufordamages,costsandexpenses,includinglegal

fees.YOUAGREETHATYOUHAVENOREMEDIESFORNEGLIGENCE,STRICT

LIABILITY,BREACHOFWARRANTYORBREACHOFCONTRACTEXCEPTTHOSE

PROVIDEDINPARAGRAPH1.F.3.YOUAGREETHATTHEFOUNDATION,THE

TRADEMARKOWNER,ANDANYDISTRIBUTORUNDERTHISAGREEMENTWILLNOTBE

LIABLETOYOUFORACTUAL,DIRECT,INDIRECT,CONSEQUENTIAL,PUNITIVEOR

INCIDENTALDAMAGESEVENIFYOUGIVENOTICEOFTHEPOSSIBILITYOFSUCH

DAMAGE.

1.F.3.LIMITEDRIGHTOFREPLACEMENTORREFUND-Ifyoudiscovera

defectinthiselectronicworkwithin90daysofreceivingit,youcan

receivearefundofthemoney(ifany)youpaidforitbysendinga

writtenexplanationtothepersonyoureceivedtheworkfrom.Ifyou

receivedtheworkonaphysicalmedium,youmustreturnthemediumwith

yourwrittenexplanation.Thepersonorentitythatprovidedyouwith

thedefectiveworkmayelecttoprovideareplacementcopyinlieuofa

refund.Ifyoureceivedtheworkelectronically,thepersonorentity

providingittoyoumaychoosetogiveyouasecondopportunityto

receivetheworkelectronicallyinlieuofarefund.Ifthesecondcopy

isalsodefective,youmaydemandarefundinwritingwithoutfurther

opportunitiestofixtheproblem.

1.F.4.Exceptforthelimitedrightofreplacementorrefundsetforth

inparagraph1.F.3,thisworkisprovidedtoyou‘AS-IS’,WITHNOOTHER

WARRANTIESOFANYKIND,EXPRESSORIMPLIED,INCLUDINGBUTNOTLIMITEDTO

WARRANTIESOFMERCHANTABILITYORFITNESSFORANYPURPOSE.

1.F.5.Somestatesdonotallowdisclaimersofcertainimplied

warrantiesortheexclusionorlimitationofcertaintypesofdamages.

Ifanydisclaimerorlimitationsetforthinthisagreementviolatesthe

lawofthestateapplicabletothisagreement,theagreementshallbe

interpretedtomakethemaximumdisclaimerorlimitationpermittedby

theapplicablestatelaw.Theinvalidityorunenforceabilityofany

provisionofthisagreementshallnotvoidtheremainingprovisions.

1.F.6.INDEMNITY-YouagreetoindemnifyandholdtheFoundation,the

trademarkowner,anyagentoremployeeoftheFoundation,anyone

providingcopiesofProjectGutenberg-tmelectronicworksinaccordance

withthisagreement,andanyvolunteersassociatedwiththeproduction,

promotionanddistributionofProjectGutenberg-tmelectronicworks,

harmlessfromallliability,costsandexpenses,includinglegalfees,

thatarisedirectlyorindirectlyfromanyofthefollowingwhichyoudo

orcausetooccur:(a)distributionofthisoranyProjectGutenberg-tm

work,(b)alteration,modification,oradditionsordeletionstoany

ProjectGutenberg-tmwork,and(c)anyDefectyoucause.

Section2.InformationabouttheMissionofProjectGutenberg-tm

ProjectGutenberg-tmissynonymouswiththefreedistributionof

electronicworksinformatsreadablebythewidestvarietyofcomputers

includingobsolete,old,middle-agedandnewcomputers.Itexists

becauseoftheeffortsofhundredsofvolunteersanddonationsfrom

peopleinallwalksoflife.

Volunteersandfinancialsupporttoprovidevolunteerswiththe

assistancetheyneedarecriticaltoreachingProjectGutenberg-tm’s

goalsandensuringthattheProjectGutenberg-tmcollectionwill

remainfreelyavailableforgenerationstocome.In2001,theProject

GutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundationwascreatedtoprovideasecure

andpermanentfutureforProjectGutenberg-tmandfuturegenerations.

TolearnmoreabouttheProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundation

andhowyoureffortsanddonationscanhelp,seeSections3and4

andtheFoundationinformationpageatwww.gutenberg.org

Section3.InformationabouttheProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchive

Foundation

TheProjectGutenbergLiteraryArchiveFoundationisanonprofit

501(c)(3)educationalcorporationorganizedunderthelawsofthe

stateofMississippiandgrantedtaxexemptstatusbytheInternal

RevenueService.TheFoundation’sEINorfederaltaxidentification

numberis64-6221541.ContributionstotheProjectGutenberg

LiteraryArchiveFoundationaretaxdeductibletothefullextent

permittedbyU.S.federallawsandyourstate’slaws.

TheFoundation’sprincipalofficeislocatedat4557MelanDr.S.

Fairbanks,AK,99712.,butitsvolunteersandemployeesarescattered

throughoutnumerouslocations.Itsbusinessofficeislocatedat809

North1500West,SaltLakeCity,UT84116,(801)596-1887.Email

contactlinksanduptodatecontactinformationcanbefoundatthe

Foundation’swebsiteandofficialpageatwww.gutenberg.org/contact

Foradditionalcontactinformation:

Dr.GregoryB.Newby

ChiefExecutiveandDirector

[email protected]

Section4.InformationaboutDonationstotheProjectGutenberg

LiteraryArchiveFoundation

ProjectGutenberg-tmdependsuponandcannotsurvivewithoutwide

spreadpublicsupportanddonationstocarryoutitsmissionof

increasingthenumberofpublicdomainandlicensedworksthatcanbe

freelydistributedinmachinereadableformaccessiblebythewidest

arrayofequipmentincludingoutdatedequipment.Manysmalldonations

($1to$5,000)areparticularlyimportanttomaintainingtaxexempt

statuswiththeIRS.

TheFoundationiscommittedtocomplyingwiththelawsregulating

charitiesandcharitabledonationsinall50statesoftheUnited

States.Compliancerequirementsarenotuniformandittakesa

considerableeffort,muchpaperworkandmanyfeestomeetandkeepup

withtheserequirements.Wedonotsolicitdonationsinlocations

wherewehavenotreceivedwrittenconfirmationofcompliance.To

SENDDONATIONSordeterminethestatusofcomplianceforany

particularstatevisitwww.gutenberg.org/donate

Whilewecannotanddonotsolicitcontributionsfromstateswherewe

havenotmetthesolicitationrequirements,weknowofnoprohibition

againstacceptingunsoliciteddonationsfromdonorsinsuchstateswho

approachuswithofferstodonate.

Internationaldonationsaregratefullyaccepted,butwecannotmake

anystatementsconcerningtaxtreatmentofdonationsreceivedfrom

outsidetheUnitedStates.U.S.lawsaloneswampoursmallstaff.

PleasechecktheProjectGutenbergWebpagesforcurrentdonation

methodsandaddresses.Donationsareacceptedinanumberofother

waysincludingchecks,onlinepaymentsandcreditcarddonations.

Todonate,pleasevisit:www.gutenberg.org/donate

Section5.GeneralInformationAboutProjectGutenberg-tmelectronic

works.

ProfessorMichaelS.HartwastheoriginatoroftheProjectGutenberg-tm

conceptofalibraryofelectronicworksthatcouldbefreelyshared

withanyone.Forfortyyears,heproducedanddistributedProject

Gutenberg-tmeBookswithonlyaloosenetworkofvolunteersupport.

ProjectGutenberg-tmeBooksareoftencreatedfromseveralprinted

editions,allofwhichareconfirmedasPublicDomainintheU.S.

unlessacopyrightnoticeisincluded.Thus,wedonotnecessarily

keepeBooksincompliancewithanyparticularpaperedition.

MostpeoplestartatourWebsitewhichhasthemainPGsearchfacility:

www.gutenberg.org

ThisWebsiteincludesinformationaboutProjectGutenberg-tm,

includinghowtomakedonationstotheProjectGutenbergLiterary

ArchiveFoundation,howtohelpproduceourneweBooks,andhowto

subscribetoouremailnewslettertohearaboutneweBooks.

Documents

The Project Gutenberg EBook of Twelve Years a Slave, by … · 2019. 8. 2. · The Project Gutenberg EBook of Twelve Years a Slave, by Solomon Northup This eBook is for the use of