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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/9941-h.zip b/9941-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e75d8ff --- /dev/null +++ b/9941-h.zip diff --git a/9941-h/9941-h.htm b/9941-h/9941-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3cd1e60 --- /dev/null +++ b/9941-h/9941-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2844 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> +<meta content="pg2html (C version)" + name="generator"> +<title>The PG eBook of Biography of a Slave, by + Rev. Charles Thompson. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin: 10%; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; } + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + .side { float:right; + font-size: 75%; + width: 25%; + padding-left:10px; + border-left: dashed thin; + margin-left: 10px; + text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; + font-weight: bold; + font-style: italic;} + CENTER { padding: 10px; } + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Biography of a Slave, by Charles Thompson + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Biography of a Slave + Being the Experiences of Rev. Charles Thompson + +Author: Charles Thompson + +Posting Date: November 5, 2011 [EBook #9941] +Release Date: February, 2006 +First Posted: November 2, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE *** + + + + +Produced by Dave Morgan and PG Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<center> + <h1>BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE</h1> + +<h2> + Being The Experiences Of Rev. Charles Thompson, +</h2> +<h3> + A Preacher Of The United Brethren Church, +</h3> + + <h2>WHILE A SLAVE IN THE SOUTH.</h2> + +<h4> + Together With Startling Occurrences Incidental To Slave Life. +</h4> + + <h2>1875</h2> +</center> +<a name="2HPRE1"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + PREFACE. +</h2> +<p> + In publishing this book I hope to do good not only to my own race, but + to all who may read it. I am not a book-maker, and make no pretensions + to literary attainments; and I have made no efforts to create for myself + a place in the literary, book-making ranks. I claim for my book + truthfulness and honesty of purpose, and upon that basis it must succeed + or fail. The Biography of a Slave is called for by a very large number + of my immediate acquaintances, and, I am assured, will meet with such + reception as to justify the expense I have incurred in having it printed + and bound. To the members of the United Brethren Church, white as well + as colored, I look for help in the sale and circulation of my work, yet + I am satisfied I will receive commendable patronage from members of all + Christian churches everywhere. +</p> +<p> + The book is written in the narrative style, as being much better suited + to the tastes and capacities of my colored readers, and I have used + simple and plain English language, discarding the idiomatic and + provincial language of the southern slaves and ignorant whites, + expecting thereby to help educate the blacks in the use of proper + language. +</p> +<p> + I am indebted to William H. Rhodes, Esq., attorney at law, of Newman, + Douglas County, Illinois, for his valuable assistance in the preparation + of my manuscript for the printer. He has re-written the whole of it for + me, and has otherwise assisted me in the matter of placing the book + before the public. +</p> +<center> + CHARLES THOMPSON. +</center> +<p> + Newman, Illinois, Aug., 1874. +</p> + + +<br><br> + +<hr> +<br><br> + + + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<h1>Contents</h1> + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HPRE1"> +PREFACE. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_TOC"> +CONTENTS. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH3"> +CHAPTER I. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH4"> +CHAPTER II. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH5"> +CHAPTER III. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH6"> +CHAPTER IV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH7"> +CHAPTER V. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH8"> +CHAPTER VI. +</a></p> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + + +<a name="2H_TOC"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CONTENTS +</h2> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH3"> +CHAPTER I</a></h3> + +<p>Charles Thompson, born in Atala County, Mississippi—Division of +Kirkwood's slaves among his six Children—The writer and his two sisters +fall to Mrs. Wilson—The parting between mother and child—Deprived of a +fond mother forever—Old Uncle Jack—Wilson buys Uncle Ben from +Strucker—Uncle Ben runs away and is hunted with blood-hounds—Two +hundred dollars reward.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH4"> +CHAPTER II</a></h3> + +<p>Not sent to hell by Wilson—Mrs. Wilson protects me, to whom I +belong—Sent to school with the children—The school-children teach me +to read and write—What came of it—Mount that mule or I'll shoot +you—I mounted the mule—A start for the railroad to work—I dismount +and take to the woods—I owe allegiance to God and my country only.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH5"> +CHAPTER III</a></h3> + +<p>Caught, tried, and taken back home to James Wilson—My mistress saves me +from being whipped—I go to the railroad and work one month +precisely—Go back home—Wilson surprised—Left the railroad at +3 o'clock A.M.—Did not want to disturb Leadbitter's rest—Sent to Memphis +with a load of cotton—Afraid of the slave-pens and slave-auction—Start +for home—Not sold—Pray, sing, and shout—Get home and ordered to hire +myself out.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH6"> +CHAPTER IV</a></h3> + +<p>Start out on my travels to hunt a new master—Find Mr. Dansley—Hire to +him—Thirty dollars per month for my master and five dollars for +myself—Wilson astonished—Appointed superintendent of Dansley's +farm—Rules and regulations—Peace and tranquillity—My moral labors +successful—Prayer and social meetings—Meetings in the woods—Quarrel +and fight like very brothers—Time comes to be moved to another field of +labor.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH7"> +CHAPTER V</a></h3> + +<p>James Wilson comes along—Wants me to go with him to Saulsbury, +Tennessee, to help build a house for a grocery-store—Takes me along +with him—Wilson taken sick—I take care of him—He gels well—I make +another attempt to escape from slavery—What came of it.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH8"> +CHAPTER VI</a></h3> + +<p>Was hired to Mr. Thompson, and adopted his name—Opened regular +meetings, and preached on the plantation and other places—Took unto +myself a wife—Was purchased by Thompson, duly installed on the +plantation, and invested with authority—Various means and plans +resorted to by the overseer to degrade me in the eyes of Mr. +Thompson—Driven, through persecution, to run away—Return back to my +master.</p> + +<a name="2H_4_2"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE. +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="2HCH3"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER I. +</h2> +<p> + Charles Thompson, born in Atala County, Mississippi—Division of + Kirkwood's Slaves Among his Six Children—The Writer and his Two Sisters + Fall to Mrs. Wilson—The Parting Between Mother and Child—Deprived of a + Fond Mother Forever—Old Uncle Jack—Wilson Buys Uncle Ben from + Strucker—Uncle Ben Runs Away and is Hunted with Blood-Hounds—Two + Hundred Dollars Reward. +</p> +<p> + I was a slave, and was born in Atala County, Mississippi, near the town + of Rockford, on the third day of March, 1833. My father and mother both + being slaves, of course my pedigree is not traceable, by me, farther + back than my parents. Our family belonged to a man named Kirkwood, who + was a large slave-owner. Kirkwood died when I was about nine years old, + after which, upon the settlement of the affairs of his estate, the + slaves belonging to the estate were divided equally, as to value, among + the six heirs. There were about seventy-five slaves to be divided into + six lots; and great was the tribulation among the poor blacks when they + learned that they were to be separated. +</p> +<p> + When the division was completed two of my sisters and myself were cast + into one lot, my mother into another, and my father into another, and + the rest of the family in the other lots. Young and slave as I was, I + felt the pang of separation from my loved and revered mother; child that + I was I mourned for mother, even before our final separation, as one + dead to me forever. So early to be deprived of a fond mother, by the + "law," gave me my first view of the curse of slavery. Until this time I + did not know what trouble was, but from then until the tocsin of freedom + was sounded through the glorious Emancipation Proclamation by the + immortal Abraham Lincoln, I passed through hardship after hardship, in + quick succession, and many, many times I have almost seen and tasted + death. +</p> +<p> + I bade farewell to my mother, forever, on this earth. Oh! the pangs of + that moment. Even after thirty years have elapsed the scene comes + vividly to my memory as I write. A gloomy, dark cloud seemed to pass + before my vision, and the very air seemed to still with awfulness. I + felt bereaved, forlorn, forsaken, lost. Put yourself in my place; feel + what I have felt, and then say, God is just; he will protect the + helpless and right the wronged, and you will have some idea of my + feelings and the hope that sustained me through long and weary years of + servitude. My mother, my poor mother! what must she have suffered. Never + will I forget her last words; never will I forget the earnest prayers of + that mother begging for her child, and refusing to be comforted. She had + fallen to the lot of Mrs. Anderson, and she pleaded with burning tears + streaming down her cheeks, "He is my only son, my baby child, my + youngest and the only son I have; please let me have him to go with me!" +</p> +<p> + Anderson spoke roughly to her and told her to hold her peace; but with + her arms around me she clung to me and cried the louder, "Let me have my + child; if you will let me have my baby you may have all the rest!" +</p> +<p> + Mothers can realize this situation only, who have parted with children + whom they never expected to see again. Imagine parting with your dearest + child, never to see it again; to be thrown into life-servitude in one + part of the country and your dear child in the same condition six + hundred miles away. Although my mother was black, she had a soul; she + had a heart to feel just as you have, and I, her child, was being + ruthlessly torn from her by inexorable "law." What would you have done + if you had been in her place? <i>She</i> prayed to God for help. +</p> +<p> + My kind old father consoled and encouraged my mother all he could, and + said to her, "Do not be discouraged, for Jesus is your friend; if you + lack for knowledge, he will inform you, and if you meet with troubles + and trials on your way, cast all your cares on Jesus, and don't forget + to pray." The old man spoke these words while praying, shouting, crying, + and saying farewell to my mother. He had, in a manner, raised nearly all + the colored people on the plantation; so he had a fatherly feeling for + all of them. The old man looked down on me, and said, "My child, you are + now without a father and will soon be without a mother; but be a good + boy, and God will be father and mother to you. If you will put your + trust in him and pray to him, he will take you home to heaven when you + die, where you can meet your mother there, where parting will be no + more. Farewell." I was then taken from my mother, and have not seen or + heard of her since—about twenty-nine years ago. Old Uncle Jack, as my + father was called by the plantation people, spoke words of comfort to + all of us before we were parted. +</p> +<p> + The lot of human chattels, of which I was one, was taken to their new + home on Wilson's plantation, in the same county as the Kirkwood + plantation. Wilson told my sisters and myself that our mother and + ourselves were about six hundred miles apart. +</p> +<p> + After I had been in my new home about two years, Wilson bought my uncle + Ben from a man named Strucker, who lived in the same neighborhood, but + he did not buy uncle Ben's wife. Two years later Wilson moved to another + plantation he owned in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, about one hundred + miles distant from his Atala County plantation. Ben not being willing to + go so far from his wife, ran away from his master. Wilson, however, left + word that if any one would catch and return Ben to him, he would pay two + hundred dollars. This was a bait not to be resisted. The professional + slave-hunters, with their blood-hounds, were soon on the track. They + failed to get the poor hunted man, though. Ben was a religious, + God-fearing man, and placed firm reliance on the help of the Almighty, + in his serious trials, and never failed to find help when most needed. + He stayed under cover in the woods, in such lurking places as the nature + of the country provided, in the day time, and at night would cautiously + approach his wife's cabin, when, at an appointed signal, she would let + him in and give him such food and care as his condition required. The + slaves of the South were united in the one particular of helping each + other in such cases as this, and would adopt ingenious telegrams and + signals to communicate with each other; and it may well be believed that + the inventive genius of the blacks was, as a general thing, equal to all + emergencies, and when driven to extremities they were brave to a fault. + Ben's wife, in this instance, used the simple device of hanging a + certain garment in a particular spot, easily to be seen from Ben's + covert, and which denoted that the coast was clear and no danger need be + apprehended. The garment and the place of hanging it had to be changed + every day, yet the signals thus made were true to the purpose, and saved + uncle Ben from capture. Uncle Ben was closely chased by the hounds and + inhuman men-hunters; on one occasion so closely that he plunged into a + stream and followed the current for more than a mile. Taking to the + water threw the hounds off the scent of the track. Before reaching the + stream, uncle Ben was so closely pursued that one of the men in the gang + shot at him, the bullet passing unpleasantly close to him. His wife + heard the hounds and the gun-shot. This race for life and liberty was + only one of a continued series, and was repeated as often as + blood-hounds could find a track to follow. At night Ben was very much + fatigued and hungry, and his only hope of getting anything to eat was to + reach his wife's cabin. How to do this without being observed, was the + question. As well as he was able, about midnight he left his retreat and + approached the cabin. It was too dark to see a signal if one had been + placed for him in the usual manner. After waiting for some time a bright + light shot through the cracks in the cabin for an instant, and was + repeated at intervals of two or three minutes, three or four times. This + was the night-signal of "all right" agreed upon between uncle Ben and + his wife, and was made by placing the usual grease light under a vessel + and raising the vessel for a moment at intervals. Ben approached the + cabin and gave <i>his</i> signal by rapping on the door three times, and + after a short pause three more raps. Thus they had to arrange to meet; + the husband to obtain food to sustain life, and the wife to administer + to him. On this particular night their meeting was unusually impressive. + She had heard the death-hounds, the sound of the gun-shot, and she knew + the yelps of the hounds and the shot were intended for Ben, her + husband. With no crime laid to him, he was hunted down as a wild beast. + Made in God's own image, he is made a slave, a brute, an outcast, and an + outlaw because his skin is black. Thus they met, Ben and his wife. After + the usual precautions and mutual congratulations they both kneeled + before the throne of God and thanked him for their preservation thus + far, and throwing themselves upon his goodness and bounty, asked help in + their need and safety in the future. Without rising from his knees, Ben, + even in the anguish of his heart, consoled his wife, remarking, "that + the darkest hour is always just before daylight." +</p> +<p> + The blacks of the South have their own peculiar moral maxims, applicable + to all situations in life, and the slaves not knowing how to read + committed such Bible truths as were read to them from time to time. It + is true they were generally superstitious in a great degree, as all + ignorant persons are; yet their native sense of right led them to adopt + the best and most religious principles, dressed in homely "sayings," + their circumstances permitted. +</p> +<p> + Ben dare not stay very long at a time in his wife's cabin, as a strict + watch was constantly kept, that the runaway might be apprehended. + Bidding his wife farewell, Ben hastened back to one of a number of his + hiding-places, there to stay through the day, unless routed out by the + blood-hounds. He was fortunate, however, in the help of God, for his + safety, and the efforts of the hounds and the hounds' followers were + futile. +</p> +<p> + Finally, Wilson gave up chasing Ben with blood-hounds, and resolved to + try a better and more human method. He bought Ben's wife and left her + with Strucker, with instructions to send her and Ben to his plantation + if Ben was willing for the arrangement. Ben soon got word of how matters + stood with reference to himself, and concluded if he could live with his + wife on the same plantation that it was the very best he could do, so he + acceded to the wishes of Wilson, and was sent with his wife to Wilson. +</p> +<p> + The happiness of this couple was unbounded when they found they could + once more live together as God intended they should, and the poor wife + in her great gratitude cried, "God is on our side!" Ben replied that he + had told her on one occasion that God was on their side, and that "the + darkest hour was just before day." +</p> +<p> + The usual expression used by the blacks when a runaway returned to his + master was that he "had come out of the woods;" that is, he had left his + hiding place in the woods and returned to the plantation to work. +</p> +<p> + When I heard that uncle Ben had come out of the woods, and was coming to + live on our plantation, my joy knew no bounds. On the day when he was + expected to arrive I got permission to go out on the road some distance + and meet them. Early in the morning I caught a horse and started. Every + wagon I met filled me with hope and fear blended; hope that the wagon + contained my uncle and aunt, and fear that it did not. I rode on, on, + on, all that day, until my heart was sick with hope deferred. I had + received orders before starting that if I did not meet them that day to + return home. But I was so far from home, and with straining my eyes to + catch a glimpse of my uncle, added to my keen disappointment in not + seeing them, made me feel tired, sick, and worn out. So I stopped at a + friendly cabin that night, after telling the inmates who I was and what + my errand was. Early the next morning I was out, and the anxiety to see + my uncle was so great I thought I would ride out the road a short + distance in the hope of meeting him, notwithstanding my orders to return + home. After traveling about an hour I met the wagon containing uncle + Ben and his wife. The joy of that moment to me is inexpressible. Having + been deprived of mother and father he was the only relative my sisters + and myself could ever have any hopes of seeing again. My heart rejoiced + exceedingly. I was, as it were, a new boy entirely, so overcome was I. + We all arrived home that same day, and it was a much more pleasant trip + than I had taken the day before. On that day it was all anxiety, mixed + with hope and fear; to-day it was all joy and thanksgiving, again + proving uncle Ben's saying that "the darkest hour is always just before + day." My sisters were simply wild with joy when we arrived. They ran out + the road to meet, us crying, "There comes uncle Ben; we have one more + friend!" We were all comforted and rejoiced to a very great extent, and + we felt indeed that we had "one more friend" with us. We were as happy + as slaves could be, and spent all the time we could together—uncle Ben, + his wife, my sisters, and myself. +</p> +<p> + But Wilson harbored a grudge toward uncle Ben because he had to buy his + wife in order to get him, and had said that if he ever got Ben after he + ran away he would whip him to death. He treated Ben very well for the + time being, but about a year after he had got him home he began to put + his plans into operation for severely punishing him. He was afraid of + Ben's prayers. Although Wilson would not have hesitated a moment to have + put any plan into execution he may have conceived, under ordinary + circumstances, yet praying Ben, while defending himself by appeals to + Almighty God was stronger than with carnal weapons in his hands. Wilson + proceeded cautiously and laid snares for Ben. Uncle Ben was one of the + best hands on the plantation, and religiously performed the labor + alloted him truly and persistently. He obeyed his overseer and Wilson in + all things pertaining to his manual occupation, and obeyed God to the + very best of his ability in this as in everything else. But Wilson + wanted to punish Ben, and was determined to do so. He knew that Ben was + a faithful slave to labor, and was reliable, yet he wished to break + Ben's spirit—his manhood, the God part of him. Wilson did not seem to + know that he was not fighting Ben in his scheme of revenge but that he + was fighting God in Ben, and that although he punished Ben to the death + he would be conquered himself, and more severely punished than he could + ever hope to punish Ben. But Wilson was mad, infatuated, and + satanically determined. Precautious preparations were made by Wilson to + insure success in his revengeful scheme, and after having obtained the + aid of several neighbors who were what might be called professional + slave-whippers, he deemed his undertaking to punish and conquer Ben + fully ripe for execution. Ben being a field hand was busily employed + picking cotton, with a prayerful heart, and a watchful eye on Wilson. + From Wilson's actions Ben was sure something was going to occur which + would nearly concern him, and having been hunted like a beast he had + become suspicious and on his guard all the time. Having a feeling of + presentiment, he was uneasy, and, as was usual with him, he kneeled down + and asked God to protect him from the machinations of his enemies, and + give him heart, courage, and strength to overcome the evil intended him. + While praying he was startled by the snort of a horse, and on looking + around to ascertain the cause of the noise he discovered himself almost + surrounded by armed men on horseback. No time to think now; the time for + action had arrived. Ben knew at once the flight was for life. Better, + however, was death than to be thus hunted and harassed. Bounding through + the field he gained a friendly covert, and seemingly by mere chance he + eluded his pursuers and the hounds. Ben thanked God for his deliverance. + Wilson with his heartless band were again baffled, and with man-hunting + and disappointments in his man-chase he became furious. Ben stayed in + the woods about four weeks, and during all this time my sisters, Ben's + wife, and myself were kept in close confinement, to keep us from + communicating with Ben or rendering him any assistance. Thus all of us + had to suffer. But we were only slaves. +</p> +<p> + Wilson finally took Ben's wife to a man in Oxford, about twenty-five + miles distant, and came back circulating the word among the blacks that + he had sold her. Wilson had made arrangements at Oxford with some + professional slave-hunters to catch Ben if he ever came to see his wife, + for which purpose she had been taken there. +</p> +<p> + After a time Ben was informed that he and his wife had been sold by + Wilson to a man in Oxford, and of course believing such to be the fact, + he went there to see her, and make arrangements for the future. His wife + was told by the man with whom Wilson had left her that he had bought + both her and Ben, and wished her to get Ben to "come out of the woods." + Laboring under this delusion, Ben was month. The cabin was surrounded + by armed men, when Ben was overpowered, chained, and put in jail for + safe keeping until Wilson should come after him. Living in the woods so + long and the harsh treatment he was now receiving wore Ben down + considerably; yet, believing that "the darkest hour is just before day," + he relied on God's help in his misery. +</p> +<p> + Wilson came for Ben in due time, and after chaining him securely around + the neck he fastened one end of the chain to the rear of his buggy and + literally, a part of the time, dragged him to Holly Springs, about + thirty miles from Oxford, where he sold him to a man who had the + reputation of being the hardest master in the country. Wilson afterwards + took Ben's wife home. Thus they were separated,—Ben and his + wife,—never to meet again on this earth. +</p> +<p> + Wilson told me when he got home that he had sent Ben to hell, and that + he would send me there too. Infatuated man; he supposed he had done with + Ben for the very worst; he thought he had as much power over the souls + of his slaves as he had under "the laws" over their bodies. He found, + however, in time, that God was with us, and in his good time he + delivered us from our bondage and punished our persecutors as they + deserved. +</p> +<a name="2HCH4"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER II. +</h2> +<p> + Not sent to hell by Wilson—Mrs. Wilson protects me, to whom I + belong—Sent to school with the children—The school-children teach me + to read and write—What came of it—Mount that mule or I'll shoot you—I + mounted the mule—A start for the railroad to work—I dismount and take + to the woods—I owe allegiance to God and my country only. +</p> +<p> + The monotonous tedium of routine slave-labor was very often broken by + some scene of cruelty to one or another of the poor blacks, either by + the master or his overseer; and woe unto the luckless one if the master + should happen to be in a good mood to break bones. Although slaves were + worth money in the South at that time, yet the ungovernable passions of + some if not most masters found free vent in cruelty to their own + property—that is, their slaves. This was the case with Wilson, and no + opportunity was missed by him to make a poor black feel the effects of + his brutish nature and passions. His wife, on the other hand, made every + effort to protect the blacks on the plantation as much as possible. When + Wilson threatened to send me to hell, as he had tried to send uncle + Ben, Mrs. Wilson came forward in my behalf and saved me from her + husband's unwarranted wrath by telling him that she wished "Charles to + accompany her children to school and take such care of them as might be + required." It was customary in the South for families who owned slaves + to send one or more of them with their children when they attended + school as waiters, or personal servants, and as I belonged to Mrs. + Wilson, being an inherited chattel, Wilson acceded to her demand, and I + was sent along with the children when they went to school. I was not + allowed to sit with the white children in school, but I "loafed around + handy," ready for a call from either of my young mistresses. +</p> +<p> + The "laws," the enlightened laws of the southern states, prohibited, + under heavy penalties, the education of a slave, or even a negro, + although free; yet some of us, under very disadvantageous circumstances, + learned to read and write. +</p> +<p> + It has always been a kind of habit with me to "be doing something" all + the time, and when not actually employed in some active work I would + make use of my time for some good purpose; and while "loafing around" + that school-house it occurred to me as being strange that the white + children should be compelled to sit and study hour after hour, while us + little darkies "loafed around" and did nothing. Why couldn't we lighten + our young masters and mistresses of that labor as well as other kinds of + labor? I determined that my young mistresses should not be made slaves + of by the school-master, but that I would do that work for them, as they + were generally so kind to me. So I proposed the matter to them, and they + were tremendously pleased; at least they laughed and chatted a great + deal about me getting their lessons for them, which so elated me that I + could not avoid turning handsprings and somersaults all the way home + that evening, my joy being so great at the idea of doing my mistresses + the favor of taking such great labor off their hands as getting their + lessons. I did not doubt my ability to perform the work, for I was + stout, hearty, and large for my age, and could almost make a full hand + in the field. Such was my idea at that time of getting lessons. However, + the next day my young mistresses told me the school-master would not + allow me to study their lessons for them, but that I might take a book + and sit outside of the school-house and study there, but that I must be + sure and not let any one see me. Why not? Why should <i>I</i> not study + lessons in the school-house for my young mistresses? Because it is + against the "law" for slaves to learn to read and write. Well, that is + curious. A person, because he is a slave, must not study lessons; must + not learn to read and write because it is against the "law." What law? +</p> +<p> + My mistress used often to read to the children from a book which told + about Jesus, and Mary, and Lazarus, and Peter, and Paul; and how Jesus + was our Savior, and shed his precious blood for the redemption of all + who believed him and would obey his commands; and how Jesus said, + "Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of + heaven." Did the "law" prohibit me from studying lessons out of a book + about Jesus, and learning to read about Jesus as my mistress did? When + my mistress sent my young mistresses to Jesus wouldn't she send me along + with them just the same as she sent me to school with them? I reckon so. + Such was my reasoning; and I determined to assist my young mistresses in + getting their lessons, law or no law, let the consequences be what they + may. +</p> +<p> + I received the book and went out from the school-house a short distance, + and secured myself from observation in a shady place. I opened the + book—a spelling-book it was. Hallo! here's a dog and a cat, and here's + a sheep too, and right here in the corner is a yoke—a regular ox-yoke. + Well, now, this <i>is</i> nice. So I got my first idea of what a book + contained by the pictures in a spelling-book. The print in the book + meant something, I was sure, and my mind was employed until recess in + endeavors to make out what the print and pictures were intended for. The + scholars came out at recess, and my mistresses gave me such instructions + as they were able, which gave me a start ahead that enabled me to + memorize the first six letters of the alphabet by the time school + dismissed for noon. +</p> +<p> + I began to be deeply interested in "studying lessons," and was soon, + after hard study, complete master of the alphabet. I could repeat it + forwards and backwards, and could instantly tell the name of any letter + pointed out to me. My mistresses seemed to take great pleasure in + teaching me, and I was very anxious to learn. I soon found that I could + understand in a great measure the instructions the teacher gave to the + different scholars, by which I profited. I sat in the back part of the + house, behind the scholars, with my young mistress' old book in my hand, + and held it so that nobody could see it, and studied constantly day + after day, which soon advanced me beyond some of the white children + older than myself in learning. I learned to spell and read; and my + appetite for knowledge increasing, my young mistress set copies for me, + and by the time the school-term was out I could spell, read, and write. +</p> +<p> + Slaves on large plantations in the South were worked in gangs, under the + general supervision of the overseer or slave-owner. The gangs were + placed under the immediate supervision of a trusty and intelligent + slave, whose duty it was to see that each hand performed his or her + allotted task, to weigh cotton during the picking season, and to direct + the slaves in their labor, and were called field superintendents or + bosses. This was my position on the plantation a short time after school + was out for the term. +</p> +<p> + For the first few days after my term at school as waiter for my young + mistresses, I was ordered into the field to pick cotton, but was shortly + placed over the hands as "boss" and cotton-weigher. Each picker had a + "stint" or daily task to perform; that is, each of them was required to + pick so many pounds of cotton, and when in default were unmercifully + whipped. I had the cotton of each hand to weigh, three times each day, + and had to keep the weights of each hand separate and correctly in my + mind and report to Wilson every night. I dare not let Wilson or any of + the slaves know that I knew anything about figures or could read or + write, for a knowledge of those rudiments of education was considered + criminal in a slave. The slaves were nearly always jealous and envious + of a "boss" of their own color, and left no pretext untried to bring a + "boss" into disrepute with the master and consequent corporal + punishment. And should I make a misstatement of the weight of any one + hand's cotton, that hand would know it. Therefore at the time I am now + writing of I had the weights of about three hundred baskets of cotton to + report to Wilson every day. This was hard mind-work for me, but I + mastered the situation and escaped supersedure and punishment. I held + the position of field-superintendent about nine years, and performed my + duties faithfully and honestly, to the satisfaction of my master and the + hands under me generally. +</p> +<p> + Why was I so faithful and dutiful to my slave master? Simply because I + was doing my duty to God and acting in obedience to the commands of + Christ; for my book taught me to do good and shun evil—to obey the + revealed will of God no matter what position I might be placed in. As a + slave I loved to do the will of the Master in heaven; as a responsible + human being I could do no less. +</p> +<p> + I improved my knowledge, whenever opportunity occurred, and it was but a + short time, comparatively, until I found out for myself, by searching + the Scriptures clandestinely, the great truths that Jesus taught. I + read, pondered, and began the work of self-regeneration. I read that God + required of me to do certain things; that unless I obeyed the commands + of Jesus I could expect no help from God. I found that I was commanded + to "do," and not stand still and wait for others to "do" for me. The way + seemed to open before me plainly and unmistakably, and engraved the + command to "do" firmly in my heart, in the simple words, "Do the will of + God." I obeyed the commands of our Savior in all the essentials of + repentance, baptism, and in everything, and began the real work of my + life—of living and being a servant of God and a faithful follower of + Jesus Christ. My field of labor was my own heart, which I endeavored to + render pure in the sight of God. But a short time elapsed when my work + within myself began to bear fruit in my efforts to redeem my + fellow-slaves from sin and make them children of God. I labored with + them in a spirit of brotherly love, and urged them, in season and out + of season, to come to Jesus. My labors were not in vain, for a great + many were brought to the altar of prayer through my exertions, and were + forgiven. +</p> +<p> + Wilson found out that I could read and write. During the time of + cotton-picking, the last season I was superintendent, a protracted + meeting was held in the neighborhood, and my master and mistress + attended regularly. The only time I could go was on Sunday, and I looked + forward to that day with hope and pleasure. On Saturday evening my + master stayed to church, and did not expect to return home until Sunday + evening. My report of weights were on my mind, and I became somewhat + uneasy about the result if I should attempt to remember them until the + following Monday. What to do under the circumstances I did not know; yet + I knew that "where there was a will there was a way." I was afraid to + set the weights down for fear of detection and punishment. I hesitated + and tried to think of some safe way out of the dilemma. I knew if I let + the matter rest over Sunday I would not remember the weights, for the + reason that my mind was so employed and taken up with the religious + revival that was then going on in the neighborhood, in which I was very + much interested on my own account and on account of my fellow-slaves. I + prayed to God to direct me right. The overseer used a slate on which to + set down the weights of cotton, which was hanging in his cabin. I took + the slate down, made the entries of weights with the names of the + pickers, and hung it up again. During the next day (Sunday) the overseer + came home, and found the slate with the entries on it I had made. He was + somewhat surprised. When Wilson came home he was duly informed of the + fact. I was called, and ordered into <i>the presence</i>. I knew it was + unlawful for me to know how to write, and I dreaded the consequences of + my rash act, yet I unhesitatingly, and with a courage that surprised me, + went to the house. +</p> +<p> + "Who wrote these names and weights on this slate, Charles?" asked Mr. + Wilson. +</p> +<p> + "I did it, sir," I answered. +</p> +<p> + "How and when did you learn to write?" +</p> +<p> + "During the time I attended my young mistresses to school, sir." +</p> +<p> + Wilson looked at me long and angrily, and remarked that I had kept that + fact secret for a long time, and that as I had learned to read and write + he could not help it. "But you must remember, Charles," he continued, + "that the law is that if any negro shall be found writing, his + forefinger shall be cut off at the first joint." +</p> +<p> + My time had now come for my first punishment, I thought. A day or two + after I heard Wilson, while in conversation with the overseer, say, "It + will not do to let Charles stay with the rest of the negroes, or he will + learn them all to read and write, and then we might as well set them + free." +</p> +<p> + What was to be done with me for my unpardonable crime? All kinds of + surmises and speculations entered my mind. What was to be my fate? + Belonging to Mrs. Wilson—her property—I was placed in charge of her + son James, who employed me at teaming, that is, hauling cotton, lumber, + etc. +</p> +<p> + In this occupation I became pretty well acquainted with the surrounding + country and the people, and was very well satisfied with matters + generally as they then stood. But I was soon to learn that my young + master was only anxious to carry out the plans of his father, and was + determined to punish, or, as they pleased to term it, "break me," merely + because I was related to Ben—because I was able to read and write as + well if not better than James Wilson himself. +</p> +<p> + I was told one day by James that he had hired me to a man in Pontotoc to + work in a livery-stable, and that I must come to his plantation without + delay. When I arrived I was informed that instead of going to Pontotoc I + should go to the railroad then building through Mississippi, and work + for Mr. Leadbitter. I expostulated with my master, and urged him, with + all the pleas and arguments at my command, to allow me to remain on the + plantation or go to Pontotoc, but to no avail. He whipped out his + six-shooter, raving and swearing, and bade me mount one of two mules + instanter or he would shoot me on the spot. I mounted the mule. +</p> +<p> + My reasons for not wanting to go to the railroad to work were good. + There was plenty to do on the plantation, and there was no good cause + for sending me away. I feared rough usage at the railroad, and rougher + associations. I had by this time become the religious teacher of all the + well-disposed slaves in the neighborhood, and I was so much interested + in my labors that I doomed my great Master's work of too much importance + to be driven away from it without a struggle. I was no coward, and was + always ready to stand out to the end against all opposition, when my + duty as a humble follower of Jesus was in question. Therefore my + reluctance to be driven from my place of usefulness. However, I got on + the mule and started, in company with a colored man who was going with + me to bring the mules back. After traveling four or five miles, and when + at a convenient place, I dismounted from the mules and told my companion + I was going no farther with him, and that if Wilson wanted any one to go + to the railroad to work he might go himself; and I "took to the woods." +</p> +<p> + This was the first time I ever attempted to escape and gain my freedom. + Whether I was right or wrong I shall not say, only I ask you to put + yourself in my place as I was then situated, and draw your own + conclusions. It is true I had formed dear and near associations, and the + old neighborhood had been the scene of my trials and triumphs. My master + had been uniformly kind, as much so at least as his disposition would + allow, yet I felt, although my skin was black, I was entitled to and + deserved freedom to worship God according to the dictates of my own + conscience, and to teach others the way to everlasting life. I felt that + I was a man made after God's own image, and that no one had any right to + a property in me as a mere chattel, all human laws to the contrary + notwithstanding. I did not deem that I was a criminal, and that I was + escaping from penal servitude; but that I was one of God's children, + escaping from a worse than Egyptian bondage. I rightfully owed + allegiance to God and my country only. So I run away. +</p> +<a name="2HCH5"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER III. +</h2> +<p> + Caught, Tried, and Taken Back Home to James Wilson—My Mistress Saves me + from Being Whipped—I go to the Railroad and Work one Month + Precisely—Go Back Home—Wilson Surprised—Left the Railroad at 3 + o'clock A.M.—Did not Want to Disturb Leadbitter's rest—Sent to Memphis + with a Load of Cotton—Afraid of the Slave-pens and Slave-auction—Start + for Home—Not Sold—Pray, Sing, and Shout—Get Home and Ordered to Hire + myself out. +</p> +<p> + The peculiar feelings one has who is a "runaway" are indescribable. I + felt every bit an outcast, and was frightened by the least noise or the + sight of any person, and the yelp of a hound was terror to me. I skulked + and hid in the woods all day until night, when I concluded to go to + town, get something to eat, and make my arrangements for the future. +</p> +<p> + When the "hoy," who was sent by Wilson with me, returned and repeated to + him my words, vengeance was sworn against me, and the hounds were turned + loose for immediate chase. I went to the town of Pontotoc, and while + there refreshing myself in a cabin I heard hounds whining. That was + sufficient to inform me that I was trapped. What to do I did not know, + but went to the door with the intention of making my escape, if + possible, when I was met by James Wilson and five other persons fully + armed. Resistance was useless, the hounds would have caught me before I + could have run a hundred yards, even if I could have escaped the + bullets. I surrendered, and was securely tied by James Wilson and his + gang and taken back to the plantation. Dire threats were made against + me, but my mistress, James' mother, saved me again. She informed her son + that "Charles belonged to her; that Charles' mother had placed him, + under the care of God, in her custody, and that she did not intend to + have him beaten." +</p> +<p> + James insisted on "breaking" me, as he termed it, and finally prevailed + on his mother, with promises, that if she would let him deal with me he + would "break" me without whipping me. She consented. James came to the + cabin where I was tied and chained, and told me that he did not desire + to whip me, but that if I did not go to the railroad to work every slave + on the plantation would become demoralized, and they would all do as + they pleased. His words and manner were very kind and conciliatory, yet + I took them for what they were worth, and did not believe him; for he + would have whipped me severely if he had dared do so. His reasoning + regarding the poor, ignorant slaves on the plantation, however, was to + the point. In their ignorance they would suppose that if I could do as I + pleased and not be punished, they could do the same; and they would, in + all probability, create an insurrection which would result in their own + destruction. For their sakes I acceded to James' wishes. He told me that + if I would go to the railroad and work for Leadbitter one month, that I + might after that time hire myself out to whom I pleased and for as long + a time as I pleased. +</p> +<p> + I was given a letter to Leadbitter, and immediately started on foot for + the railroad. When I arrived there I handed the letter to Mr. + Leadbitter, who asked me how long I had come to stay with him. I told + him one month. He broke the letter open, and after reading it informed + me that James Wilson stated in the letter that I was to stay as long as + he wanted me. This was a piece of intelligence that learned me that + James Wilson would lie, and from that time forward I had no confidence + in his truthfulness. I did not know what was best to do, but finally + made up my mind to fulfill and make good my promise, and trust to the + future to compel James Wilson to perform his. I thought this the right + course. I did not deem that I would be justified in breaking my promise + because Wilson was unreliable and broke his. I concluded that if + Leadbitter kept me longer than one month he would have to be smarter + than I gave him credit for being. I asked Leadbitter how many days there + were in that month. +</p> +<p> + I went to work, and kept account of the days. I worked carefully. The + time passed slowly and wearily. My associations were of the worst + character possible, and my co-laborers were of that lowest class of + southern blacks whose ignorance and waywardness render them most of the + time more than brutal. I made every effort to do good among them, and + endeavored to preach to them on several occasions, but was interrupted + and deterred by the whites, who forbade my preaching. I talked to the + blacks, however, whenever opportunity occurred, and I hope that my + labors for Jesus were not in vain. +</p> +<p> + The last day of my month came and passed. It was Friday. On Saturday + morning, about three o'clock, I started for home, and with rapid walking + I reached my destination about two hours after sunrise. When I reached + the plantation I "cut across lots," and passed through the field where + Wilson was at work with the hands. I approached, unobserved by him, and + spoke to him. He looked at me with astonishment, and in surprise asked, + "What are you doing here?" +</p> +<p> + "You told me to stay one month; I done so," I answered. +</p> +<p> + "Did Mr. Leadbitter know when you left?" +</p> +<p> + "I do not know, sir," I replied. "I left at three o'clock this morning, + and did not think it worth while to disturb Mr. Leadbitter's rest." +</p> +<p> + "Three o'clock!" exclaimed Wilson. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," I quietly answered. +</p> +<p> + "You ran away, did you?" +</p> +<p> + "No, sir, I did not run away. I stayed as long as you required me to + stay, when, in obedience to your expressed promises, I came home." +</p> +<p> + James Wilson made some remark I could not understand, but finally said + that as I had come home he had some work for me to do before I could + hire myself out. I felt somewhat easy in my mind, and waited to be set + to work. But when he afterwards told me he wanted me to take a load of + cotton to Memphis, my heart misgave me, I felt sure, in my mind, that I + was to be sold from the slave-pens at Memphis. The grand trial time had + now come for me, and the teachings of my mother and uncle Ben and uncle + Jack before and at our final separation came to me in full force. They + taught me, before I could read for myself, that in trouble I should rely + implicitly on the help of my Savior, and that I should pray without + ceasing. To God I immediately turned for guidance and help, and asked + that my every step might be directed by him, and that he should protect + me from my enemies and persecutors. +</p> +<p> + I felt that I was being persecuted for Jesus' sake, for I was promised, + time and again, that if I would quit preaching and talking to the slaves + on religious subjects, I should be advanced and my life made easy and + comfortable. I refused the offers, because my Master's work was of more + importance than my ease. I was impressed, deeply, with the great + responsibilities resting upon me, and was determined to preach and teach + while I had strength and opportunity to do so. I may have been mistaken + with regard to the cause of my persecution by the Wilsons, but I think + not. I do not really believe that any one is persecuted for Christ's + sake in this day and age of the world, in a Christian country, except in + the South before the rebellion. I have heard men, and, I am almost + ashamed to say, preachers, proclaim that they were persecuted because of + their adherence to the cause of Christ, when they were not persecuted + at all on any account, except probably on account of some wrong act of + their own. Paul and the apostles were persecuted, and early Christians + were persecuted, but who ever heard of a citizen of the United States + being persecuted because he was a follower of Jesus! But slaves in the + South were persecuted and punished severely for preaching the gospel of + Christ, not on that very account probably, but because it would teach + the slaves obedience to a higher power than the inhuman laws of the + southern states as they then existed. Paul was persecuted for preaching + the redemption of mankind through the blood of the Savior, by pagans and + gentiles. I was persecuted for the same reasons by the slave-owners of + the South, and for endeavoring to lead the benighted blacks to Jesus. + There seems to be some likeness in the positions of Paul and myself. I + felt that was the case, at any rate. +</p> +<p> + My mind was distressed with the fear that I was being sent to Memphis + only to be sold to the highest bidder. After addressing the throne of + God for help and deliverance I felt relieved, and determined that, come + what would, I would use my best talents and exertions for my heavenly + Master wherever I might be. Relieved, I set about making preparations + for my trip to Memphis, with a prayerful heart. Two of us were going in + company, each with a load of cotton. We started on Monday morning, and + traveled along without unusual trouble or delay for three days over + hilly and rough roads, when we camped for the night within a mile of + Holly Springs, in Mississippi, and about fifty-five miles from home. +</p> +<p> + It will be remembered that uncle Ben was sold by Wilson to a man who + lived in and near Holly Springs. I was anxious to see uncle Ben, if + possible, and began making inquiries regarding his whereabouts. A + colored man came along the road, driving a team, of whom I inquired. + After a little time he said a preacher named Ben Harris lived in a house + close by, at the same time pointing to it. Upon further inquiries I + learned that Ben had taken another wife. This may seem rather criminal, + and may appear to be a clear case of bigamy against uncle Ben; but when + it is remembered that masters compelled their slaves to live together as + man and wife, without ceremony, for the purpose only of breeding + children, and that Ben had no say in the matter, he will be held + blameless. The laws of the southern states did not recognize the legal + relations of man and wife between slaves, therefore they could not + commit the crime of bigamy. If Ben was morally guilty, he was forced + into his guilt by law and general custom. I had not seen Ben for about + ten years, and was so overjoyed at the prospect of seeing him that I + could scarcely wait until night, for I was informed that he would not be + at his cabin until night. After attending to my affairs about town I + waited until sundown, when I went to the house indicated by my + informant. Not being certain that the person who lived in the cabin was + my uncle, I necessarily had to make inquiries. A colored woman met me at + the door, and answered such questions as I asked, from which I was + satisfied that Ben lived here. I informed the woman who I was and that + Ben was my uncle, and that I had called, in passing on my way to + Memphis, to see him. She cordially invited me to enter the cabin, and + told me that Ben was out feeding the horses and would shortly be in. I + had to wait but a little while when Ben came in. He supposed me to be + some passing stranger, and did not recognize me. After some desultory + conversation I told him who I was and how I came to be there. Our + meeting, after mutual recognition, was affectionate and cordial. We + talked over old times and related our experience since we parted at the + Wilson plantation. We kneeled at the family altar, and each poured out + his soul's thanksgiving to God for his goodness to us, having, before I + left, a season of soul-reviving prayer. +</p> +<p> + Thus we knelt, uncle Ben, his wife, and I, poor slaves in the chains of + bondage, really and earnestly thanking God for the many blessings we + received. Strange, was it not? when men and women rolling in wealth and + all the luxuries and happiness that wealth could purchase, did not even + deign to notice the source from whence all their blessings flowed. They + had life and liberty, and were unrestrained in the pursuit of happiness, + yet not once did they thank the great Giver of all their good. Then what + had we, poor wretches, to thank God for? For everything we enjoyed,—for + life, for the blessed plan of salvation, for our senses of seeing, + hearing, and feeling, for our hearts with which to love him, for our + humanity, for the great gifts of sunshine, rain, regulated seasons, + the moon, the stars, the earth, the trees, the brooks, the + rivers,—everything truly enjoyable we thanked God for. We thanked him + for health and strength to do his work. Then we had a great deal to + thank Almighty God for, although slaves. How many of you ever think to + thank God for sunshine or for reason? Let me illustrate. A gentleman + was passing along the highway, when he was met by a poor maniac, who + accosted him, saying, "What do you thank God for?" The gentleman being + surprised by the abrupt question did not reply immediately, when the + maniac continued, "Then thank God for your reason; mine is gone; I'm + mad—a maniac." This was something the gentleman had never thought of + before, and it opened to his mind an entirely new source of + thankfulness. We are apt to forget that we are not slaves, not blind, + deaf, or dumb, and not insane; yet should we lose any one of our five + senses we would then know how to be thankful for and appreciate that + sense should we regain it. Then thank God for everything, your very + existence included. Suppose the sun would stop in his course and not + shine on the earth but for one day. What consternation and grief there + would be throughout the world! Then suppose that after twenty-four hours + the sun should burst upon us in all his refulgence and glorious + magnificence. What a shout of joy would greet his appearance, and glad + hearts would pour out thanks upon thanks to the great Giver for the + needful sunshine. Then let us be thankful for all the great blessings + bestowed upon us by our heavenly Father, and serve him with all our + hearts, in whatever position in life we may be placed. Uncle Ben and I + did <i>then</i>, and we do <i>yet</i>. +</p> +<p> + After a prolonged conversation and a good and refreshing season of + prayer I took my departure for my camp, never expecting to meet my + relative again, and never have. +</p> +<p> + We started next morning on our way to Memphis, and traveled into + Memphis, after three days, on a very fine road for the South, known as + the state-line road. We drove to the cotton-yard, unloaded, and received + the receipts for the cotton, and put up for the night at a wagon-yard. I + spent this night in prayer and supplication that God would save me from + the slave-pen and the auctioneer's block; and my prayers were responded + to in my protection. The next morning we started for home by what was + known as the pigeon-roost route, in order to save toll and other + expenses. +</p> +<p> + The weight on my mind was removed, and I felt happy and thankful. I was + not sold from the shambles. I prayed, I sung, and I shouted by turns. We + arrived at home, and I waited patiently for my next order. +</p> +<p> + My young master soon informed me, however, that I might hire myself out, + if I could find and one that would hire me. Good! God was on my side. + With a light heart and truly happy I set about my preparations to hire + myself out; and the very first thing I did was to go to my cabin and + thank God for his goodness, and ask for his protection and guidance. + Always praying? Yes, I was always at it. My heart was big with love to + God. +</p> +<a name="2HCH6"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER IV. +</h2> +<p> + Start out on my Travels to Hunt a New Master—Find Mr. Dansley—Hire to + Him—Thirty Dollars per Month for my Master and Five Dollars for + Myself—Wilson Astonished—Appointed Superintendent of Dansley's + Farm—Rules and Regulations—Peace and Tranquillity—My Moral Labors + Successful—Prayer and Social Meetings—Meetings in the Woods—Quarrel + and Fight like very Brothers—Time comes to be Moved to Another Field of + Labor. +</p> +<p> + It was customary in the slave states to allow slaves to hire themselves + for their masters to such as the slaves themselves desired to work for. + Sometimes this arrangement was made to save the master trouble. In my + case I was instructed to find a place to work at thirty dollars per + month and board, and then to return and report to Wilson, who would then + give the necessary permission in writing, which would stand as a + contract between him and my employer. +</p> +<p> + My first object was to find a Christian man to hire to who would allow + me to pray and preach on all proper occasions, and who would rather + assist me than hinder me in my efforts to make Christians of the + blacks. I cared nothing for the manual labor I had to do, if I could + only be placed in a position to do my great Master's work. His work was + my life-labor. On this particular account I was very careful who I + applied to. In a day or two I applied to Mr. Dansley, whose plantation + was about eighteen miles from Wilson's, and who had been recommended to + me as being the kind of man I was hunting for. Mr. Dansley questioned me + closely, and examined me as to my reasons for wanting to hire out, and + why my master wished me to hire out when there was plenty of work on his + own place for me to do. I confessed frankly that I could read and write, + and knew something about figures, and was desirous to serve God and do + his work by preaching, and in every other way in my power; that my + master was afraid that I would demoralize his other slaves by learning + them to read and write and by preaching to them, and in order that I + might not do that he wanted me off the plantation; that he could not + sell me because I was the property of his wife, and that she would not + consent to have me sold out of the family. "If those are faults, as + considered by Mr. Wilson, I am very well satisfied that you will perform + your part of the contract notwithstanding; yet what Mr. Wilson is + pleased to consider faults in you I deem good points in your character + and disposition, therefore I will hire you, hoping that your duty to God + will include your duty to me under the contract of hire." I told him + that was my understanding of my duty to God; that it comprised, in my + condition of servitude, my duty to my slave-master. I informed Mr. + Dansley that my master, Wilson, wanted thirty dollars per month for my + services, and that I wanted five dollars per month for myself, making in + all thirty-five dollars per month. He was satisfied to pay that amount, + and gave me a letter to carry to Wilson stating that he would hire me at + thirty dollars per month, yet he agreed with me that he would pay me, + besides, five dollars per month. +</p> +<p> + When Wilson gave me instructions to hire myself out at not less than + thirty dollars per month, he hoped I would fail, from the fact that + wages for field-hands were only twenty-five dollars per month; and when + I went back with Mr. Dansley's letter so soon, he was somewhat + surprised. He would have opened his eyes with wonder if he had known + that Dansley was to pay me five dollars per month extra. He gave me a + written permission to work for Mr. Dansley as long as Dansley should + want me. I immediately went to Dansley's, and stayed with him nine + months—nine months of contented time. +</p> +<p> + I found my new master every way worthy of any confidence I might repose + in him. In moderate circumstances, he used prudence and diligence in his + business transactions and farm operations. He was one of those kind of + men some of which may be found in almost every community—an unassuming, + industrious, Christian gentleman. +</p> +<p> + For his farm-force he hired men, both white and black; and when his work + pushed him he would require his cook and house-maid, the only slaves he + owned, to assist in the fields. At the time of my commencing to work for + him he had white men hired who were worse, if any thing, in their habits + of shiftless laziness than the lazy blacks. These whites, whom the + negroes usually termed "white trash," were, as a general thing, the most + vicious, brutal, thieving, shiftless, and lazy human beings imaginable. + They were ignorant in the greatest degree, and would not work so long as + they could obtain food to sustain life in any other way. They deemed it + an honor to be noticed civilly by a respectable negro, and would fawn + and truckle to the behests of any one who had the physical courage to + command them. Such people can be found in no place except the South. + They are a result of the system of slavery and slave-laws, and + slave-owners are responsible for their condition. Such were the kind of + men I had to work with. These men would quarrel and wrangle among + themselves, and would consume time and neglect their work. When the + house-servants were at work in the field, they would insult and misuse + them in every conceivable manner, and it was with great difficulty that + Mr. Dansley could get his work done properly and in season. Knowing I + had been a farm-superintendent on Wilson's plantation for a number of + years, Mr. Dansley immediately appointed me to the same position on his + farm, which accounts for his readiness and willingness to pay me high + wages. +</p> +<p> + This was a new kind of position for me, and it required considerable + thought and management for me to get matters properly arranged in my + mind. "Bossing" white hands and working with them, so as to make their + labors profitable for my employer, was no easy task. The farm-work was + carried on somewhat similar to the way in which large farms are worked + in the northern states, and it required great prudence and watchful care + to avoid waste and save all the crops. I arranged my rules of conduct, + hours of labor, etc., for the hands, and submitted them to Mr. Dansley + for his approval. Mr. Dansley left the matter entirely with me; and, + after trial, I found my rules were not sufficiently stringent, and that + if I expected to successfully "carry on" that farm I would have to make + rules with penalties attached, the men I had to deal with caring little + or nothing for mild, persuasive laws. I therefore drew up the following + rules, and presented them to Mr. Dansley, and requested him to make them + stipulations in the contracts of hire with his men. He approved them, + and acceded to my request. +</p> +<p> + 1. Quarreling and using vulgar and profane language is strictly + forbidden on the farm, and any hand or hands violating this rule shall + be discharged or corrected, in the discretion of the superintendent. +</p> +<p> + 2. Obedience to the just orders of the superintendent is essential to + the profitable conduct of the farm; therefore, disobedience to the + orders of the superintendent shall be followed by the discharge of the + hand or hands so offending, or his or their correction, in the + discretion of the superintendent. +</p> +<p> + 3. Each and every hand hereby binds himself to obey the just orders of + the superintendent and the rules herein established, and upon the + discharge of any hand or hands, by the superintendent, one month's wages + shall be forfeited. +</p> +<p> + These rules were signed by the hands, that is, they "made their mark;" + but I signed my name, being the only negro hand on the place and the + only one who could write. +</p> +<p> + Peace and tranquillity reigned on that farm thereafter, and better crops + were not raised in the county. My whole study and aim was to do + right—to be just to my hands and do my duty to my employer. I relied on + God's help, and prayerfully asked his guidance in every and all + difficulties and emergencies, and my success is attributable to that + help which is always given when properly asked for. +</p> +<p> + The men I had to deal with were more to be pitied than blamed. They were + entirely ignorant of any but the most crude principles of right, and + were taught from their childhood only such rude notions as prevailed + among the ignorant. When I talked to them of Jesus they seemed + astonished. They did not even know that punishment would meet them + hereafter for their sins committed in this life, and were puzzled and + perplexed with the plan of salvation until after I had repeatedly + explained it to them; in fact, I taught them the history of man, from + Adam down to the coming of our Savior, and taught them the religion of + Jesus. Better-behaved men or better hands were not to be found in the + neighborhood after they learned the way to Jesus, and many happy times + we did have on that farm at our prayer—meetings and social gatherings. + All of us would meet at some convenient place on the farm, every + Sabbath-day, and would spend the time profitably, in exhortation and + prayer. The master and mistress were always there, and worked with a + will in the cause of Christ, and I would exhort and preach to the best + of my ability. Sometimes Mr. Dansley would read a chapter from the Bible + and comment thereon, and sometimes his wife would read and comment. All + of us prayed, and some of the white hands became, in a short time, + earnest public prayers. They had found the fount of true happiness, and + would drink largely therefrom on all occasions. +</p> +<p> + Our regular Sunday meetings soon became known in the neighborhood, and + the neighbors and their slaves would come and worship with us, until our + congregations became so large that Mr. Dansley allowed me to take the + hands and clear away a nice place in the woods, and make seats and a + stand, where we held our meetings regularly thereafter every Sunday, in + the forenoon, afternoon, and at night; besides, we held a social + prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening. These meetings were productive + of great good to the community and to individuals. In this way I + brought men and women to God even while in a condition of slavery, and + required to labor six days in the week in the grain and cotton fields. + If I, a slave, could accomplish this much, how much should the favored + preachers of the country accomplish? This is a hard question to answer, + however, and I shall not insist on its consideration, as every preacher + can not be a Lorenzo Dow, a John Smith, or a James Findley. +</p> +<p> + Among the field-hands under me were two brothers, white men, who, when I + first took charge of the farm were maliciously wicked toward each other, + and were almost constantly quarreling just like brothers(!). Before + three months had elapsed, under my kind of treatment, they were praying, + acting Christians, and remained so as long as I knew them. +</p> +<p> + From this time down to the present writing I have been a zealous worker + in the Lord's vineyard, and shall remain in the harness as long as God + wills. +</p> +<p> + Regarding doctrinal points of theology I knew nothing, and my whole + stock of theological works could have been carried in a vest pocket, in + the shape of one or two tracts which fell in my way, and which I read, + studied, and preserved. I had a Bible, and that alone served me as the + guide in my ministry, and furnished me with all the arguments necessary + to the conversion of sinners and their redemption. +</p> +<p> + Our congregation at Mr. Dansley's was not organized into a church, and I + did not attempt to receive members into the church of Christ. I doubted + my authority to do so, and any efforts on my part in that direction + would have been immediately stopped by the preachers and members of the + white churches. But this did not deter me from preaching and exhorting. + I believed firmly that God required of me the labor I performed, and I + was so much interested and taken up in my work that I did not stop to + consider what the consequences would be to myself. My only consideration + was, "Where can I find an opportunity to do good and save souls." I + asked no pay for my services as a preacher, and never received any; + hence I usually found congregations awaiting me at my appointments made + up of all classes, white and black, and from all churches organized in + the community. My discourses were sometimes off-hand and sometimes + studied. It is true my studied discourses were, in the main, original, + and taken wholly from the Bible, yet they were none the less effective, + because they were earnest and honest. My language was that of the + southern blacks and uneducated whites at the beginning of my labors as + an exhorter, but after hard study and training I improved myself greatly + in this respect, and gained the reputation of being as correct in my + pronunciation of English words as the majority of the white preachers. I + am not yet entirely free from dialectic pronunciation, and never expect + to be; but I find that this very defect, if so it may be called, adds + force to my sermons, and gives them a distinctness not otherwise + attainable. Therefore I make use of my very faults to do good. +</p> +<p> + I had hoped to stay with Mr. Dansley as long as he could find it + profitable to hire me; and so far I had been of great use to him. I had + placed his whole farm in a good state of repair, and had matured and + saved his crops in such a manner that his profits were much larger than + they ever were before in any one season. I had the goodwill and + confidence of the hands, both white and black, who worked under me, and + was an instrument in the hands of God in spreading the religion of Jesus + Christ in the neighborhood; consequently I was happy and contented, with + plenty of all kinds of work to do. But I had accomplished my mission at + this place, and it pleased God to remove me to another field of labor, + where the harvest was ripe and ready for the reaper. I never + complained; on the contrary, I rejoiced that God was not done with me, + and had plenty for me to do. When I had thoroughly worked one field of + labor, I deemed my immediate services no longer required, and was glad + when removed where more work was to be done in God's moral vineyard. Of + course I formed intimate associations in every locality in which I was + placed, and was prone to leave them; but I was content to do the will of + God in every particular, whether that will was expressed through the + slave-laws and James Wilson or otherwise. +</p> +<p> + I was a slave, and was compelled to labor for the profit of my owner, + which I performed diligently and faithfully; I was a child of God, and + owed him duty and obedience, which I performed earnestly and constantly. + From my slave-owners I expected and received no reward or remuneration; + from God I received no pay as I labored, but my great reward is yet to + come. I have been a depositor in God's bank, from which I expect to draw + largely at the final settlement. +</p> +<a name="2HCH7"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER V. +</h2> +<p> + James Wilson Comes Along—Wants me to go with Him to Saulsbury, + Tennessee, to Help Build a House for a Grocery-Store—Takes me Along + with Him—Wilson Taken Sick—I Take Care of Him—He gets Well—I make + another Attempt to Escape from Slavery—What Came of it. +</p> +<p> + One day James Wilson came to Mr. Dansley's, and said he had come for me + to go with him to Saulsbury, Tennessee, where he was going to start a + grocery, and that he wished my assistance in erecting a building + therefor. He informed me, at the same time, that as soon as the building + was finished, I might return to Mr. Dansley and stay with him as long as + he wanted me. He had another colored man with him, and desired to go + right away. All I had to do was to obey, so without further ado I bade + farewell to the people of the plantation, and went with Wilson. The + parting made me feel sad, for a time. +</p> +<p> + The word grocery, as applied in the South, has a far different meaning + than that intended in the North. A grocery in the South is a place + where whisky and other intoxicating beverages are sold, and, as a + general thing, at these places the planters and others congregate to + drink, carouse, gamble, quarrel, and fight. This was the kind of grocery + James Wilson was going to start in Saulsbury, and the thought of aiding + even under protest and unwillingly in the establishment of one of these + hells caused me much anxiety. I made every effort to get relieved from + this odious work, but without avail. +</p> +<p> + We immediately began the erection of the grocery-building, on our + arrival at Saulsbury, and made good progress for a while. The boards we + used in the building had to be sawed by us two slaves with a whipsaw. We + dug a deep trench in the ground, and laid the log to be sawed into + boards lengthwise over the trench, and one of us would stand in the + trench under the log and the other on top of the log. In this way we + worked, day after day, until we had a sufficient number of boards to + accommodate our wants. +</p> +<p> + The Almighty, it seemed to me, interfered with our work. James Wilson + was taken down very sick in the midst of our efforts to create this + additional devil's den, and was totally unable to leave his bed. I had + to take care of him, and the work on the grocery-house was necessarily + stopped. As soon as he was able to be moved I took him to the Sulphur + Springs, not many miles away, and nursed him carefully and attentively + until he was able to be about again. +</p> +<p> + This sickness of Wilson I deemed a warning to him, and endeavored to + impress as much on his mind; but I was cursed and reviled for my pains. + I availed myself of every opportunity to dissuade him from his evil + purpose, but failed. He was determined to start a grocery, and start a + grocery he would and did. I cleared my skirts and conscience in the + business, however, as far as I could under the circumstances; yet a + "still small voice" seemed to whisper to me that I was doing very wicked + and sinful acts in helping to further the grocery iniquity. I was, in a + manner, forced to work, yet I was uneasy and troubled in my mind. Others + may think I was blameless; that I was a slave and not accountable for + acts my master commanded me to do. This seemed very specious reasoning, + but still I felt guilty, and sent fervent and prayerful petitions to the + throne of grace for forgiveness and fortitude to withstand temptation, + which enable me to do the will of my great Master regardless of the + consequences that might ensue to me from the effects of Wilson's wrath + or resentment. +</p> +<p> + We finished the building in about two months from the time we first + went to Salisbury, and prepared to return home. +</p> +<p> + It was here that I first saw a complete railroad and a locomotive with a + train of cars. My fellow-slave, on hearing the whistle of the locomotive + for the first time, was very much frightened, and jumped over the log he + was hewing, with the exclamation, "Good God! what is that?" and started + to run. I stopped him, and, explaining to him what the loud, shrill + shriek meant, quieted his fears. We both went to the depot and examined + the locomotive and cars with great curiosity and interest. +</p> +<p> + James Wilson, being still weak with his late sickness, was compelled to + ride in the wagon he had brought from home, and I rode his saddle-horse. + On the way, Wilson informed me that I was to attend the grocery at + Salisbury, and that he expected me to make money out of the concern. My + very soul revolted at the bare idea of being a whisky-vender, and my + immediate determination was not to be one. My mind was made up to "take + to the woods" on the first favorable opportunity. I said nothing, + however, but kept my own counsel. +</p> +<p> + We traveled slowly, by reason of the master's sickness; and when we + stopped for the night I found that the saddle I had been riding had hurt + the horse's back. Wilson was furious, and swore he would take as much + hide from my back when we got home as the saddle had taken from the + horse's back. +</p> +<p> + The next day after leaving Salisbury we arrived at Mr. Dansley's. In + conversation, I heard Wilson tell Mr. Dansley that he intended to take + me home with him. +</p> +<p> + I claimed the fulfillment of his promise from Wilson, and asked him if + he was not going to let me work for Mr. Dansley, according to agreement. + This so enraged Wilson that he pulled out his six-shooter, and + exclaimed: +</p> +<p> + "Mount that horse, you —— black rascal!" +</p> +<p> + I did so. +</p> +<p> + Fearful that the horse's back would become incurably sore if I rode him + with his back in the condition it was, I suggested that the horse had + better be led. Wilson therefore ordered me into the wagon to drive the + team, and required Havely, my fellow-slave, to walk,—intending we + should take turns. After awhile Havely exchanged places with me, and + while walking along in rear of the wagon it occurred to me that this + would be as favorable an opportunity as I would soon again get for + making my escape from Wilson and slavery. +</p> +<p> + I "took to the woods" without attracting the attention of either Wilson + or Havely, and made good my escape, for the time at least. +</p> +<p> + I made my way back to Mr. Dansley's and told him my reasons for + endeavoring to effect my escape from slavery, and that the immediate + cause of my present attempt was to keep myself clear of the accursed sin + of whisky-selling. My motives were applauded, but my judgment was + condemned. +</p> +<p> + How could I ever expect to escape to a country where I could be a free + man? Even should I escape to the northern states the fugitive slave law, + which was then in full force, would remand me back to slavery, and it + was a long, tedious, and perilous journey to Canada. I was going to make + the attempt at any rate. +</p> +<p> + It was agreed between us that Mr. Dansley should buy me of Wilson if he + could, and that I should stay and work for him at the rate of + thirty-five dollars per month until I had re-imbursed Mr. Dansley, when + I should have my freedom papers. It would have required about four years + for me to pay for myself at those rates, as Wilson "priced" me at + sixteen hundred dollars. +</p> +<p> + The negotiations for my purchase by Mr. Dansley failed, and I was left + to my exertions to get to Canada the best way I could. I was secreted + during this time about Dansley's farm, and was aroused to a sense of my + condition one day by reading a hand-bill which was posted on a tree on + the road close to Mr. Dansley's house, of which the following is a copy: +</p> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + "ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD!"<br> + <br> + "Charles, a slave, has disappeared from the plantation of<br> + the undersigned, in Pontotoc County. The above reward<br> + will be given for his apprehension and return to me alive.<br> + <br> + "JAMES WILSON."<br> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + + + +<p> + This settled the matter. The reward was soon known over the whole + country, and every slave-hunter was on the chase to gain the reward. I + "laid close" and waited to escape from that part of the country, so that + I might not compromise Mr. Dansley. He was already under surveillance by + slave-owners, and was in danger of being driven from the country; in + fact, threats of lynching had been made against him. +</p> +<p> + The last day I was there I lay hid in some cotton-pens, close to the + house, when two men came on the hunt of me. They had their blood-hounds + with them, and demanded permission of Dansley to search his house. The + permission was granted, when the men began the search. I could see and + hear all that was going on, and trembled for my safety. I put myself on + the mercy of the Almighty and resigned myself entirely into his hands. + The search was made all over the premises, including the cotton-pens in + which I was hid; but God was on my side, and I was saved from their + clutches. I earnestly thanked God for my deliverance on this occasion. +</p> +<p> + As soon as dark came I emerged from my hiding-place, and, after being + supplied with what provisions I could conveniently carry, I bid good-by + to Christian Dansley and his family, and started on my perilous journey + to the free states and Canada. +</p> +<p> + My progress was necessarily slow and wearisome, being compelled to + travel altogether at night. The first point I designed making on my + journey was Memphis, where I hoped to find means of escape to Illinois. +</p> +<p> + I had plenty of time for meditation and prayer, and my thoughts were + naturally concentrated on my deplorable condition all the time. My past + life came up in review before me, and while sorrowfully wandering + through the woods I would compare myself to persecuted Christians in the + days of the apostles and the early evaneglists. The blessed Savior was + persecuted in his very infancy and had to be hid by his parents. They + had to flee for life; I was fleeing for liberty. What had I to complain + of? Jesus was with me and would protect me. God had delivered him from + the very tomb of death; why need I fear? With these reflections in my + mind I would feel revived and refreshed with the consolation that while + there was life in me there was hope for me. The words of the poet came + to my memory, wherein he says: +</p> +<br> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + +"Neither will he upbraid you,<br> + Though often your request;<br> + He'll give you grace to conquer,<br> + And take you home to rest."<br> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br> + + +<p> + The consolation and help I received from my meditations sustained me + through all my trials and hardships, and I plodded my weary way along + with God in my heart and bright hopes for the future. I knew if I drew + nigh unto God he would draw nigh unto me; and that if I would let the + word of Christ dwell in me I would be rich in all wisdom. Yet I was + aware I should suffer persecution if I lived godly in Jesus Christ; + therefore I determined to continue in the things which I had learned. +</p> +<p> + On Sunday night I arrived at Holly Springs. Uncle Ben lived there, and I + was anxious to see him and obtain through his assistance, if possible, + rest and food. I had proceeded only a little way toward his house when I + met a colored man and began conversation with him. I learned that the + reward Wilson had offered for me had arrived at Holly Springs before me, + and that persons were on the lookout for me. The colored man seemed to + have a suspicion that I was a runaway, and was disposed to aid me all in + his power. To keep out of the way of slave-hunters was my object, and I + knew that the contemplated visit to Uncle Ben was fraught with too much + danger to be further thought of. +</p> +<p> + Fearful that the negro would betray me, yet feeling somewhat safe for + the present, I sat down to think and rest myself. I knew that if I was + caught Wilson would flay me, as he had threatened to do, for making his + saddle-horse's back sore, but that if I could once get through to + Memphis I would be enabled, through the assistance of friends, to make + my way North. Yet I wanted to see Uncle Ben again, and tried to hit upon + some plan to accomplish that object; but I failed, and started on the + road again. +</p> +<p> + After traveling a short time I came to a house by the road-side. The + kitchen stood about twenty yards from the main building, and had a + window in the back part of it. I was very hungry, and debated in my mind + as to the manner in which I should proceed to obtain food. To ask for it + was too risky, and I was fearful that if I was seen by any of the + persons about the house I would be apprehended and put in the nearest + jail as a runaway. Looking in at the window I saw a colored woman; and + on a table a meal was prepared, which, it seemed, was being held in + readiness for the arrival of some one. I waited patiently, hoping the + colored woman would leave the kitchen for some purpose; but she sat + quietly waiting. +</p> +<p> + After awhile the master and mistress arrived, it seems, from a visit. + Shortly the mistress of the house came in and ordered the supper. + Fortunately for me the supper was to be carried into the "big house," + and the cook, taking her hands full of things, left the kitchen and went + into the house. I immediately sprung through the window, promiscuously + emptied the meat and bread into my sack, and left the kitchen the same + way before the return of the cook, just in time to escape detection. +</p> +<p> + I crouched in the shade of the cabin fearing to move, when I heard the + cook exclaim: +</p> +<p> + "Good gracious! some one hab tuk and turned in an' tuk all de bread an' + meat." +</p> +<p> + Her cries brought the household to the kitchen, and during the racket I + made my escape to the road and a more peaceful neighborhood. I walked + briskly for a couple of miles, when I stopped and satisfied my ravenous + hunger. +</p> +<p> + This was my first theft of something to eat. Before this I had been + fortunate enough to obtain supplies of food from friendly slaves, but + for the twenty-four hours previous to my raid on the kitchen I had eaten + nothing. I make no excuse for this immoral act, and ask no one to say I + did right. I only did what perhaps any one else, under the same + circumstances, would have done. I was too weak from hunger and other + causes to withstand the temptation of obtaining the food as I did. As + soon as my appetite was satisfied, however, my sin rose up before me in + all its enormity; I felt distressed; and it came vividly in my mind, "In + that Christ hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that + are tempted." Oh, what had I done! I had lost God's help in this my hour + of trial. I prayed for forgiveness, and asked God to direct and protect + me. Yet I felt uneasy and depressed,—not that my faith in Jesus was any + the less, but that my sin would bring its own punishment. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<br> + "There is many a pang to pursue me;<br> + They may crush, but they shall not contemn—<br> + They may torture, but shall not subdue me,—<br> + 'Tis of God I think—not of them."<br> +<br> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + About daylight I reached a forest in which I could conceal myself during + the day. I slept soundly, being undisturbed, until dark, when I + proceeded onward. While traveling <i>that night</i> I was compelled to pass a + large plantation. I was afraid some white person would see me, + therefore I avoided every one,—not being able to distinguish, in the + dark, a white from a black person. However, about daylight I met a + colored boy, who procured some food for me and directed me to a + cotton-pen close by, where I could hide and sleep during the day. When + night came—it was Thursday night—I crawled out of the pen and started + for another night's walk. I made very good time that night, and walked + to within nine miles of Memphis. I was afraid to go on into Memphis in + the day-time, consequently I slept in the woods that day without + anything to eat, my supply of food being exhausted. +</p> +<p> + I was very much exhausted, and suffered greatly from hunger. When night + came I started again. After proceeding on my way about two miles I came + to the village of Mt. Pleasant, where I thought to obtain something to + eat. I had passed nearly through the village without seeing any one; but + finally I saw a man who I mistook for a colored man. I accosted him, + when, to my chagrin and disappointment, he was a white man. I felt that + I had already betrayed myself; and through my fright and want of + steadiness I was again in bonds. +</p> +<p> + The man asked me numerous and various questions, as to where I came + from, where I was going, who I belonged to, etc. +</p> +<p> + I again sinned, and paid the penalty. I lied to the man. I told him I + belonged to a man by the name of Potts, and that I was going to his + plantation. +</p> +<p> + Quite a number of persons soon gathered around me, and by repeated + questions entrapped me. Inquiries were made as to the health of Mr. + Potts' family, and of Mr. Potts in particular. I stated that the family + were well and that Mr. Potts was as well as usual. +</p> +<p> + It turned out that several of the persons present knew the Potts family, + and that Mr. Potts had died two months previously. +</p> +<p> + I was immediately arrested and placed in a secure place, tied and + chained to the floor. +</p> +<p> + Thus sin brought me into trouble. Had I trusted to God and not been in + too great haste to get something to eat, he would have helped me. My + weakness made me forget that I should not lie to any one, seeing that I + had put off the old man with his deeds. In my great need of + strengthening food, Christ would have succored me had I not forgotten to + pray to him and ask his help, for "a man can receive nothing except it + be given him from heaven." +</p> +<p> + In nearly all the villages of the South, and on most of the large + plantations, were slave-jails, where runaway and refractory slaves were + incarcerated. These jails were usually a double pen, the inside pen + being covered with a roof, and the top of the outside pen being covered + with sharp iron spikes. Between the pens one or more savage dogs were + usually kept. This was the kind of place I was now placed in. +</p> +<p> + Hungry, worn out with my journey, and nearly naked, I soon fell asleep + from sheer exhaustion and slept soundly until morning. +</p> +<p> + After I had eaten my breakfast I was taken out of jail at Mt. Pleasant + and started back to Holly Springs, well ironed and guarded, where I was + recognized as Wilson's slave. Wilson was notified of my apprehension. + After laying in the jail at Holly Springs about three weeks Wilson came + for me. I had made several attempts in that time to escape, but did not + succeed. +</p> +<p> + I was ironed and compelled to walk, which, in my exhausted state, was + too much for me, and I was taken violently sick on the road, when Wilson + procured a conveyance and hauled me the balance of the way home. A + physician was immediately summoned, who ordered my shackles removed. +</p> +<p> + After the irons were removed I regained my spirits, and entertained + hopes of being able to make another attempt to regain my liberty. I was + very sick for several days. +</p> +<p> + About two o'clock on the last morning I stayed there I awoke and felt + fresh, and found that my strength had in a great measure returned. Upon + looking around the moonlit room I found that I was alone. To escape was + my very first intention. Getting out of bed I examined the window to the + cabin, when I found I could raise it easily. I gathered what clothes I + could find, as well as a blanket from the bed, and climbing through the + window made my escape unobserved. I did not stop to put on my clothes + until I had got two or three miles from the plantation. +</p> +<p> + I stayed in the woods about three weeks, when I returned to my master + and asked his forgiveness, and promised that I would never run away + again. I was forgiven. +</p> +<p> + During my three weeks' starving and hiding in the woods I had ample time + for reflection and thought. Prayerfully I considered my situation and + asked God's help to direct me. I came to the conclusion that I was + entirely wrong in my course. God, for his own good purpose, had placed + me in bondage, and in his good time he would relieve me either by death + or emancipation. My hardships, I felt, were by reason of my disobedience + to God's will. Although I was a slave God had given me my task in his + vineyard as a slave, and I should have fronted the wrath of my master, + Wilson, rather than that of God. I felt that I was doing wrong, and + after prayerful consideration I determined to do right, and go back to + the plantation and patiently await God's time to set me free. +</p> +<p> + Wilson received me as kindly as his nature would permit, and treated me + as he did the other slaves and as if I had never been disobedient to him + and ran away. I felt better, and knew then that I was right in the sight + of my heavenly Father. My views underwent a change for the better while + I was an outcast in the woods, and after that I was better fitted to do + my allotted work for God. +</p> +<a name="2HCH8"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER VI. +</h2> +<p> + Was hired to Mr. Thompson, and adopted his name—Opened regular + meetings, and preached on the plantation and other places—Took unto + myself a wife—Was purchased by Thompson, duly installed on the + plantation, and invested with authority—Various means and plans + resorted to by the overseer to degrade me in the eyes of Mr. + Thompson—Driven, through persecution, to run away—Returned back to my + master. +</p> +<p> + A short time after I came in from the woods Wilson determined to hire me + to a man named Thompson, who lived about twenty miles away. I made no + objection, and was duly hired for the term of three years. +</p> +<p> + I adopted the name "Thompson," from my new master, which I have since + retained. +</p> +<p> + The slaves of the South are usually named like brutes, with only one + name for a designation, and it became customary among the slaves to + adopt the surname of their masters. I had never adopted the name of + Wilson, because I disliked the man; but as soon as I was hired to Mr. + Thompson I took his name, therefore I was henceforth known as Charles + Thompson. The adoption of a name by myself may appear strange to a + great many of my readers, yet when it comes to be considered that I was + a human chattel, with no rights or privileges of American citizenship, + and that I was without a name, except simply "Charles," no surprise will + be felt. +</p> +<p> + I labored faithfully and honestly for Mr. Thompson during my term of + service, and endeavored in all things to do my duty. I made such efforts + as I could to bring the slaves on the plantation to Jesus, and + inaugurated regular and stated meetings. I preached and exhorted on the + plantation and at other places where I could gather the negroes to hear + me; and I felt that I was the means in God's hands of redeeming precious + souls. In these meetings I had helpers from among the most intelligent + of the slaves, and made such progress that at all our meetings we would + have a number of God-fearing whites to pray with us. +</p> +<p> + During my term of hired service with Mr. Thompson I married a colored + girl and added the responsibilities of a husband to my various cares. +</p> +<p> + The marriage of slaves was a mere formality among themselves, there + being nothing legal, according to the laws of the southern states, about + the ceremony or marriage contract. The slaves cohabited together in most + instances with the express or implied consent of their masters; and as + the masters did not regard the marriage of their slaves as anything, + wives and husbands were constantly in danger of being separated forever. +</p> +<p> + But the slaves themselves instituted a ceremony which they considered + morally binding, as far as they were concerned; and the slave-owners + deemed it prudent to gratify their slaves by a recognition, in some + degree, of the marital relations that might exist among them. Therefore + a certain set of rules came into operation, by general consent, + governing the visits of the husband to the wife when owned by different + masters. When the wife of a slave lived not more than five miles from + his master he could visit her once a week; when she lived not more than + ten miles away, he could go to see her once in two weeks; and when she + lived twenty or more miles away he could go to see her only once in two + months. +</p> +<p> + At the expiration of my term of service I was loth to leave my wife at + Thompson's, and go back to Wilson's, and strenuously objected, knowing + that I could get to see her only once in two months. +</p> +<p> + Wilson having learned that I was not desirous of returning to him, wrote + to Mr. Thompson to send me home as soon as the last day of my service + expired; but Mr. Thompson was desirous of retaining me, and made + efforts to that effect. He sent me to Wilson to learn the price set for + me. I arrived in due time, when Wilson informed me that he would sell me + to Thompson, but that he would not take less than twelve hundred + dollars, cash. +</p> +<p> + The proposition did not seem to please Thompson, but after a time he + concluded to buy me, and sent his son to Wilson with the purchase money. + The purchase at that particular time was lucky for me, as Wilson had + written Thompson a very abusive letter, and it was received by Mr. + Thompson on the evening of the day on which his son went to Wilson's to + buy me. The bargain was made, however, and I was duly transferred to my + new master, by delivery and a bill of sale. The personal matter between + Wilson and Thompson soon blew over, and I was duly installed on the + plantation as one of the chattel fixtures. +</p> +<p> + I seemed to take a new lease of life from this time, and determined, if + possible, to profit by former experiences and shun every appearance of + ill-nature and evil intentions, and to gain the confidence of my new + master, that I might better do the work of my heavenly Master. All + nature seemed lovely to me, and I was happy in doing my duty and + obliging the will of God. +</p> +<p> + I was invested with authority on the plantation by Mr. Thompson, and + was required to keep an eye on the overseer, and to report any + enormities that might be committed by him. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Thompson was a wealthy planter and kept a general overseer, besides + the usual field bosses; yet there were other slaves on the plantation + who had the confidence of the master and were put at such service as + required intelligence and integrity. +</p> +<p> + The position in which I was now placed was difficult and onerous; but I + did my duty to the very best of my ability, and satisfactorily to my + master. The overseer soon found out that I was <i>his</i> overseer; and he + used every means, and various plans, to drive me to do something that + would degrade me in the eyes of Mr. Thompson. It was only by reason of + the greatest forbearance and the very closest attention to my duties + that I escaped his machinations; and by attending to everything with the + most scrupulous care he could find no fault with me, that had truth for + its foundation. But the constant and pertinacious maliciousness of the + overseer, and my own weakness, eventually brought me to grief. +</p> +<p> + As a rule, when a bad and wicked man undertakes any species of + devilishness he generally prevails, for a time, and is apparently + successful in his schemes; and should he meet with failure at the onset + his want of success only maddens him to greater exertions and more + persistent efforts. Being urged by the devil, and the devil being a hard + driver, he either rushes to his own destruction or destroys the + happiness or lives of others. Thus I was placed in the crucible for + further refinement and regeneration. My humanity gave way for some time; + but God was with me, and in the end I prevailed. The overseer's name was + Hines, and he belonged to that class of southern whites who are noted + for their ignorance and brutality. He could read and write a + little,—just enough to make out a negro's pass or a receipt for money + paid on account of his employer. In this respect I was far in advance of + him, of which my master was aware, and which was one of the causes of + Hines' excessive hatred of me, and of his great desire to "put me down + and make me know my place," as he termed it. He was very irreligious, + and entirely wanting in every attribute of a Christian. He was also what + in the South is termed a "bully"—that is, he was free to use his + pistols on the slightest occasion, when among his equals, but when in + the presence of his superiors he was a cringing sycophant and coward. He + was a real coward, at best, in all places. He did not want me on the + plantation; and he was determined that he would so harrass me that I + would become as reckless and devilish as himself, and thereby compel my + master to send me to a slave-market to be sold. +</p> +<p> + Hines concocted various tales and reported them to Mr. Thompson, + relating to my alleged insubordination, laziness, refusal to work, etc., + but all to no effect. Finally he told my master that I was so + disobedient that the rest of the slaves were affected by my conduct, and + that I would ruin all the slaves on the plantation unless severe means + were used to conquer me. +</p> +<p> + My master informed Hines, after hearing his story, that Jack, a + fellow-servant of mine in my younger days, had killed Prince, another + fellow-servant, on Wilson's plantation, several years before; that I + might be imbued with the same spirit; and that if he undertook to + chastise me he might meet with the same fate of Prince. +</p> +<p> + This murder occurred after I had been sold by Wilson to Thompson, but + being permitted to return to Wilson's plantation once a year to visit + and preach to my old flock, I learned the facts regarding the matter. +</p> +<p> + Jack belonged to a neighbor of Wilson's by the name of Scott, and having + done something displeasing to Scott he wished to tie him up and whip + him. Jack refused to be whipped by Scott or any one else, when Prince + was called upon by his master (Scott) to help him secure Jack. Prince + was reluctant, but was commanded two or three times to take hold of + Jack and hold him. Jack told him not to approach him at the peril of his + life; but not heeding Jack's warning he made the effort to tie Jack, + when he was stabbed to the heart with a knife in Jack's hand, and + expired almost instantly. Jack made his escape for a short time, but was + captured and immediately hanged without a trial or an opportunity to + make any defense. Jack was captured in a corn-crib on Wilson's + plantation, which made Thompson suppose the murder had been committed + there. +</p> +<p> + This recital, which was made in substance to Hines by my master, cowed + the overseer considerably, and a house-servant who was present during + the conversation afterwards told me that Hines' face turned white as a + sheet, and he trembled like a leaf. +</p> +<p> + My master knew his overseer was a coward, and that if he could work upon + his fears by supposing me to be too high-spirited to stand a whipping, + he would probably save me from Hines' malice, and keep the overseer to + his work. Good overseers were hard to get in the South. An intelligent + Christian man would not have such a position under any circumstances, + and the very best of the "poor white trash" who <i>would</i>, were unreliable + and brutish; therefore Mr. Thompson had to do the very best he could + under the circumstances. He did not believe Hines; yet he had to humor + him, in a measure. +</p> +<p> + After a few days Hines reported to Mr. Thompson that he had heard me say + that I would never be whipped by him or any other overseer on the + plantation, as long as I had life to resist, which was a most malicious + falsehood. What I did tell Hines was, that I would so conduct myself and + so perform my work that he nor any other overseer on the plantation + should never have cause to chastise me. +</p> +<p> + The falsehood inflamed my master, and in his wrath he told Hines to whip + me for the first offense I might commit, or kill me in the attempt. +</p> +<p> + Armed with this instruction, Hines was in high glee; yet he dare not + attempt anything without first laying well his plans and making sure of + sufficient force to carry them out. The next morning he charged me to + pick six hundred pounds of cotton and deliver it at the weighing-house + at night, under penalty, for a failure, of one hundred lashes on my bare + back with a rawhide. +</p> +<p> + This would not have been an extraordinary task in good cotton; but where + we had to work that day the cotton was poor, and in that field the crop + was not more than half a one. However, I worked hard against fate all + day, and prayed to Almighty God to help me in my hour of need, and keep + me steadfast. I knew I was to be punished not for any fault or misdoing, + but simply to gratify a brute in human shape, and my inferior in + intellect, morality, and physical strength. The burden was hard to bear, + yet I prayed for strength to bear it. When called from the field to the + weighing-house I was kept waiting until all the other slaves had their + cotton weighed. When mine was weighed I was told by Hines that I had + only picked four hundred pounds. I verily believed this to be untrue, + and felt convinced that I had picked at least five hundred pounds, for I + was one of the best, if not the best, cotton-pickers in the country; and + I had labored faithfully and rapidly all day, and did not lose a + minute's time, unnecessarily. +</p> +<p> + Hines turned to me and said, Go to your quarters; I will settle with you + in the morning. +</p> +<p> + Now began new trials. My duty and my Christianity instructed me to face + the undeserved and unjust punishment manfully. The devil and my human + nature told me to run away. I became weak. The fear of the disgrace of a + whipping was too much for me, and I succumbed to the evil one. +</p> +<p> + I made such arrangements as I could, and concealed myself on the + plantation, before daylight the next morning, so that I could take an + early start in the night and travel behind my pursuers instead of before + them. My wife knew of my hiding-place, and when night came she sought me + and reported what had been done for my capture. +</p> +<p> + Hines seemed, she said, to be more cheerful than usual in the morning + when he found I was gone, and hastened to report the good news, as he + thought, to Mr. Thompson. After some conversation between them it was + determined by my master to obtain the services of a professional + slave-hunter, and follow me with hounds. The slave-hunter was sent for + and came with his pack of dogs that same day about noon. The hunt was + immediately begun, and the country was then being scoured in all + directions for my tracks. +</p> +<p> + This information put me on my guard, and gave me time to consider what + direction I had better take in my flight. I had provide myself a + preparation called "smut" among the negroes, which, when spread thinly + on the soles of the shoes or feet, destroyed that peculiar scent by + which blood-hounds are enabled to follow the trail of a man or a beast. + After bidding my wife farewell I smeared my shoes with "smut" and + started in the direction of the hills, beyond which was a large swamp, + the refuge of many a poor runaway. +</p> +<p> + On my way I had to pass through innumerable thickets of underbrush and + briers, and by reason thereof I tore my already much-worn clothes almost + into shreds, and lacerated my flesh severely, especially on my arms and + legs. I arrived in the swamp, however, without being followed by the + dogs, and while proceeding slowly and dejectedly along, my steps were + suddenly stopped by a fierce and loud growl. I was frightened, to be + sure, yet I knew scarcely what to do. The growl proceeded from a bear, I + felt fully assured, for bears roamed through the hills and swamps of + Mississippi. But with presence of mind I retreated slowly from the + presence of Mr. and Mrs. Bruin, and not being followed by the bears my + fears on that score were removed. +</p> +<p> + About this time it began to rain; and the night was one of those black, + foreboding nights that novelists love so well to depict in their + descriptions of storms. The lightning flashed with a vividness that + lighted up the dismal swamps with a weird and horrible brightness; the + thunder rolled peal upon peal, making to me a pandemonium, real and + feeling; the pitiless rain pelted me unmercifully and constantly, with + that persistence that made it almost unendurable to me. I sat down at + the root of a large tree, not to shelter myself from the rain but to + protect myself from the attack of any wild animal that should approach + me. There I sat the rest of the long night, unfriended, alone, + forsaken,—a hunted outcast. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<br> + "Man's inhumanity to man<br> + Makes countless thousands mourn."<br> +<br> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<p> + The condition in which I was now placed rendered me indeed a pitiable + object. I waited and longed for morning to come; but the long, slow + minutes passed lazily along without regard to my sufferings or wishes. + After a long time, to me, I heard a rooster crow, and the welcome sound + brought me to my feet in an instant. I started in the direction of the + sound, and approached warily. Having walked a short distance I reached + the edge of the swamps, or rather a dry spot or oasis in the swamp, and + by the faint glimmer of day, which was just breaking, I could see the + outlines of a house. The cock continued to crow, which seemed to invite + me to approach, and which I construed into a good omen,—at least I + really felt good at the sight of the house, even though it might contain + those who would chain me and take me back to my master. I noticed that a + public road ran along close to the house; and after going on the road, + in approaching the house I was discovered by a dog, belonging to the + house, who set up a furious barking. Fearing to stay and make my wants + known I again sought "cover" in the swamp. I stayed in the swamp that + day and ate such berries, roots, and nuts as I could find. I had plenty + of time for prayer and meditation. I was alone with God, and prayed to + him for help in my distress, and for direction. I became convinced that + I had done wrong in running away, and deemed that I had sinned against + God. I had been a runaway and an outcast before, and had came to right + conclusions; yet I had turned from the path of duty, and was even now + being punished for my sin. I determined to return to my master and take + the consequences of my acts in running away. I asked God to have mercy + on me and pardon my sins, and protect me from the wrath of my master and + the maliciousness of Hines. Having fully made up my mind to return to + Thompson and make such efforts as I could to allay the punishment I + expected to receive, I set about perfecting my plans to get there + without being apprehended by the slave-hunters, who were then, I have no + doubt, hunting for me. My master had offered a reward for my return to + his plantation; and should any one arrest me and take me home, although + I might be returning on my own accord, they would receive the reward and + I would have to make up the amount to my master in extra labor and + extra punishment. To avoid this was now my object. +</p> +<p> + At night I left the swamp and went to the road, intending to travel home + that night—thinking I was not more than ten or twelve miles away from + there. I was uncertain which way to go; but I finally started off on the + road, hoping that I was going in the direction of Thompson's. The rain + was pattering down; but I traveled briskly all that night, and about + day-break I came to a plantation. I entered one of the slave-cabins and + told the inmates I was lost, hungry, and tired, and asked them for + something to eat. One of the colored men spoke to a woman who appeared + to be his wife, and told her to get me something to eat, and that he + would go and get some pine to put on the fire. His actions, and the + manner in which he spoke, aroused my suspicions, and being fearful that + he intended to betray me, I left the cabin directly after he did, and + sought an asylum in the woods, where I stayed during that day. Thus "the + wicked flee when no one pursueth." +</p> +<p> + At night I found the same road I had traveled the day before, and + started again to try and get to Thompson's. I knew that I was wrong, and + that I was traveling away from instead of toward Thompson's; therefore I + concluded to make inquiries at the first opportunity. After traveling + three or four miles I came to a cabin in which there was a light + shining through the cracks between the logs. Approaching the cabin, I + intended to enter; but being enabled to see the inmates through the + cracks I discovered three white men sitting around the fire, so I turned + to leave. As I was passing the corner of the cabin a colored woman came + to the door for some purpose, and saw me. She jumped back into the + cabin, at the same time exclaiming, "Here's a runaway nigger!" +</p> +<p> + I immediately ran for the road; but a dog—not a blood-hound—followed + me, and while getting over the fence between the cabin and the road he + caught me by the breeches leg. I shook him off and ran for the woods. +</p> +<p> + The white men were slave-hunters, and were after me particularly, as I + learned afterwards. They followed me closely by the sound of the + crackling of brush, and put the dogs they had with them on my track. + These dogs, fortunately for me, were in the cabin at the time I + approached it. As soon as I heard the first yelp of a blood-hound I + "smutted" my shoe-soles, and soon threw them off the scent. The white + men followed me about three or four miles. Finally, finding I would not + get away from them by running, I stopped, and making my way into a dense + thicket of briers I sat down. The white men stopped a short distance + from me and listened, I suppose, for the sound of brush cracking. After + waiting a short time one of them started off in the direction they had + come, leaving the others still waiting,—using this ruse in order to + throw me off my guard, so as to enable the remaining ones to ascertain + where I was by the noise I would make in walking. I was too close to + them; and from the noise I heard from where they were standing I knew + they had a dog with them, and that they were only waiting for me to move + to begin the chase again. I sat perfectly quiet, and waited patiently + for the remaining whites and the dog to leave. After a time the men + began to move about through the brush, coming still closer to me. I + heard them talking, when one of them said, "We ought to catch the nigger + if we have to run him all night." "No" said the other, "we should let + him alone to-night, and start him up in the morning, when we can have + daylight for the chase, and not run him to-night, for we might run him + off and never catch him." +</p> +<p> + After a short parley they concluded to get some more dogs and be on the + ground before daylight, so as to make sure of me. As soon as they had + gone out of my hearing I emerged from the brier thicket. I found my + limbs had become sore and benumbed from the exposure and hardships I + had undergone, and I was intensely hungry. I worried along, however, to + get out of that neighborhood as soon as possible. The sky was now clear, + the air frosty, and my rags were but a scant protection to me. After + walking awhile I found my soreness began to leave me, when I began to + accelerate my pace. I had to walk as fast as I could, and exercise my + limbs all I could, in order to keep warm. After walking some time I came + to a plantation. Upon reconnoitering, I found an old house, and + approaching it with the intention of seeking a little rest in it during + the remainder of the night and the next day, I saw a light in it. I went + in, however, and found it to be the workshop of the plantation, and five + colored men were there putting handles in their axes. I asked them for + something to eat, and was about to tell them the truth regarding myself, + when one of the negroes hurried me out of the cabin, saying he would get + me something to eat. After we got out he told me I was very imprudent, + for if I had told the negroes who I was and that I was a runaway, they + would have taken me themselves. He got me some meat and bread, and after + I had told him who I was and that I wanted to find my way back to + Thompson's, he put me on the right road and gave me such directions as I + required. +</p> +<p> + I found that I was about fifty miles from Thompson's plantation, and + that it would require two nights' hard walking to get there. I felt very + much discouraged, and grieved considerably to myself. However, having + satisfied the cravings of my appetite, I plucked up courage and started + on my long return walk with renewed energy. +</p> +<p> + After traveling about five miles I came to a little town. I was afraid + to go through it on account of the liability of being apprehended; and I + did not like to go around it for fear of getting lost again. I + determined to risk going through the place, and, by avoiding every one, + escape detection. There was quite an excitement here by reason of an + epidemic sickness among the children, and about every other house had a + light in it. I passed through the town with fear; but I escaped arrest + and felt like rejoicing over my good fortune, not once thinking of any + dangers or hardships that might lay before me. +</p> +<p> + After I got through the town I came to a considerable stream, with a + bridge across it, the name of which I am unable to give; but on the + opposite end of the bridge from the town there is a road-way, or levee, + thrown up across the "bottom" for about two miles. At the time I + crossed, the stream was very much swelled from the recent rains, and the + water extended all over the bottom on each side of the road-grade, and + to within two or three feet of the top of it. This grade I had to cross; + and I was greatly afraid that I would meet some one. I started across, + and when about half way over the grade, or levee, I heard hounds baying + ahead of me; and the sounds seemed to be approaching me, I became very + much frightened, and turned and fled back to the bridge, when, just as I + was stepping on it, I heard men's voices, and stopped, when I found they + were coming across the bridge toward me. I concluded I would rather face + the blood-hounds than the white men, so I made my way back over the + grade as hurriedly as I could. I reached the end of the grade without + meeting the hounds and turned off into the woods. After walking a short + distance I heard the hounds again, and the sound of their yelps was + nearing me rapidly. I turned my course immediately, and ran as fast as I + was able for three or four hundred yards, when I saw distinctly, in the + starlight, a man running nearly toward me. My heart leaped into my + throat, as it were, and I made ready for battle. But the man proved to + be a poor runaway like myself, and the one whom the hounds were after. I + had got into a field, and the runaway passed through the same field + without noticing me. I kept on in an opposite direction from the one + which he had taken, and crossed the fence on the other side of the field + just in time to hear one of the slave-hunters say, "There he is now; I + heard him getting over the fence." I threw myself on the ground and + awaited results. The dogs were "hot" on the other slave's track, and + were running at a great rate, which induced the slave-hunters to think + their companion was mistaken. So, to my great relief and pleasure, they + started on after the hounds. I was nearly exhausted by my exertions + during the night, and as it was now nearly morning I lay on the ground + for a time to rest and recuperate my worn-out energies a little. +</p> +<p> + In a short time I got up, and after looking around I saw the outlines of + plantation houses in the distance. On going to them I found a + resting-place in a fodder-loft, in the horse-lot of the plantation. I + ensconced myself in the fodder, when I again heard the infernal yelps of + the blood-hounds, and the more infernal yelps of the white pursuers + urging the hounds after the poor runaway. The hounds soon after caught + the poor wretch, whose cries for mercy were heart-rending and piteous. + My situation was perilous; yet I had hopes that the other slave being + run down and caught would save me, from the fact that the hunters were + not aware of the presence of another runaway in the immediate + neighborhood. +</p> +<p> + The day wore slowly away, and being very weak from hunger and fatigue I + was unable to gain that rest my wasted body required. I slept two or + three hours, however, and had ample time for reflection. The bridge + where I had been so completely hemmed in the night before was impressed + deeply upon my memory; and the agony of mind while on the bridge was + still troubling me. I relied on a loving heavenly Father in my troubles + and trials, and brought to my mind the condition of the children of + Israel when about to be overwhelmed by the hosts of Pharaoh on the shore + of the Red Sea. God delivered them, and I believed he would deliver me. + My faith was strong. +</p> +<p> + Night came at last, when I cautiously emerged from my hiding-place and + continued my journey toward home. I ran and walked about twenty-five + miles, and did not find any familiar objects to lead me to suppose I was + in the neighborhood of my master's plantation, when I began to look + about for a place of concealment in which to spend another weary and + lonesome day. Walking slowly along, after a short time my attention was + attracted by sounds as if some one was pounding a hard substance. On + stopping and listening, I soon heard some person calling hogs. The + voice seemed familiar. Upon further investigation I began to recognize + objects, and soon ascertained that I was "at home." Now that I had got + back "home," new troubles arose in my mind. I would be punished + severely, without doubt. +</p> +<p> + Instead of going to "the quarters" I went directly to my master's + plantation, in the hope that I could enlist my mistress in my behalf, + and thus have the way made smooth for me. My master was not at home, + fortunately, and my mistress heard my story and prayers for forgiveness. + She promised to intercede with my master for me, but that I must promise + not to run away again, which I did. She bade me to go and hide myself in + the stable loft, and not to leave there until she sent for me. Soon + after, my master came home. In conversation with him my mistress + broached the subject as to my whereabouts. He told her that he believed + I had got to the free states and was lost to him; however, that if any + of the slaves on the plantation knew where I was they should get me word + that if I would come back I should not be punished, and that I should be + forgiven. In that case my mistress said she would insure my return + speedily. +</p> +<p> + Matters were soon arranged, and I was re-instated in my former position + on the plantation. But severe trials were soon to overtake me, and what + I had already gone through was but an atom in comparison with what I + afterwards suffered from the hands of my master, and by reason of my + condition of slavery. +</p> +<p> + Thus ended my earlier experiences as a slave, from my earliest + recollection down to the time of my return to Thompson's plantation. +</p> +<p> + I propose to continue this biography, and include the whole in book + form. This pamphlet is printed for the purpose of enabling me to raise + money to continue my work and paying for printing the whole in a book + substantially and neatly bound. +</p> +<p> + To the friends of the colored race I appeal for help in this matter, + hoping that sufficient interest is taken to insure the accumulation of + sufficient funds for my purpose. +</p> +<p> + The remainder will contain my full experience as a minister of the + gospel, and incidents relating to my efforts and the efforts of my + co-workers in building up the church of Christ among the former slaves + of the South, and such suggestions as I may deem proper to aid to raise + the standard of intelligence among negroes. +</p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Biography of a Slave, by Charles Thompson + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE *** + +***** This file should be named 9941-h.htm or 9941-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/9/9/4/9941/ + +Produced by Dave Morgan and PG Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Biography of a Slave + Being the Experiences of Rev. Charles Thompson + +Author: Charles Thompson + +Posting Date: November 5, 2011 [EBook #9941] +Release Date: February, 2006 +First Posted: November 2, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE *** + + + + +Produced by Dave Morgan and PG Proofreaders + + + + + + + + + +BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE + +Being The Experiences Of Rev. Charles Thompson, +A Preacher Of The United Brethren Church, + +WHILE A SLAVE IN THE SOUTH. + +Together With Startling Occurrences Incidental To Slave Life. + + + +1875. + + + + +PREFACE. + +In publishing this book I hope to do good not only to my own race, but +to all who may read it. I am not a book-maker, and make no pretensions +to literary attainments; and I have made no efforts to create for myself +a place in the literary, book-making ranks. I claim for my book +truthfulness and honesty of purpose, and upon that basis it must succeed +or fail. The Biography of a Slave is called for by a very large number +of my immediate acquaintances, and, I am assured, will meet with such +reception as to justify the expense I have incurred in having it printed +and bound. To the members of the United Brethren Church, white as well +as colored, I look for help in the sale and circulation of my work, yet +I am satisfied I will receive commendable patronage from members of all +Christian churches everywhere. + +The book is written in the narrative style, as being much better suited +to the tastes and capacities of my colored readers, and I have used +simple and plain English language, discarding the idiomatic and +provincial language of the southern slaves and ignorant whites, +expecting thereby to help educate the blacks in the use of proper +language. + +I am indebted to William H. Rhodes, Esq., attorney at law, of Newman, +Douglas County, Illinois, for his valuable assistance in the preparation +of my manuscript for the printer. He has re-written the whole of it for +me, and has otherwise assisted me in the matter of placing the book +before the public. + +CHARLES THOMPSON. + +Newman, Illinois, Aug., 1874. + + + + +CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER I. + +Charles Thompson, born in Atala County, Mississippi--Division of +Kirkwood's slaves among his six Children--The writer and his two sisters +fall to Mrs. Wilson--The parting between mother and child--Deprived of a +fond mother forever--Old Uncle Jack--Wilson buys Uncle Ben from +Strucker--Uncle Ben runs away and is hunted with blood-hounds--Two +hundred dollars reward. + +CHAPTER II. + +Not sent to hell by Wilson--Mrs. Wilson protects me, to whom I +belong--Sent to school with the children--The school-children teach me +to read and write--What came of it--Mount that mule or I'll shoot +you--I mounted the mule--A start for the railroad to work--I dismount +and take to the woods--I owe allegiance to God and my country only. + +CHAPTER III. + +Caught, tried, and taken back home to James Wilson--My mistress saves me +from being whipped--I go to the railroad and work one month +precisely--Go back home--Wilson surprised--Left the railroad at +3 o'clock A.M.--Did not want to disturb Leadbitter's rest--Sent to Memphis +with a load of cotton--Afraid of the slave-pens and slave-auction--Start +for home--Not sold--Pray, sing, and shout--Get home and ordered to hire +myself out. + +CHAPTER IV. + +Start out on my travels to hunt a new master--Find Mr. Dansley--Hire to +him--Thirty dollars per month for my master and five dollars for +myself--Wilson astonished--Appointed superintendent of Dansley's +farm--Rules and regulations--Peace and tranquillity--My moral labors +successful--Prayer and social meetings--Meetings in the woods--Quarrel +and fight like very brothers--Time comes to be moved to another field of +labor. + +CHAPTER V. + +James Wilson comes along--Wants me to go with him to Saulsbury, +Tennessee, to help build a house for a grocery-store--Takes me along +with him--Wilson taken sick--I take care of him--He gels well--I make +another attempt to escape from slavery--What came of it. + +CHAPTER VI. + +Was hired to Mr. Thompson, and adopted his name--Opened regular +meetings, and preached on the plantation and other places--Took unto +myself a wife--Was purchased by Thompson, duly installed on the +plantation, and invested with authority--Various means and plans +resorted to by the overseer to degrade me in the eyes of Mr. +Thompson--Driven, through persecution, to run away--Return back to my +master. + + + + +BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE. + + * * * * * + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +Charles Thompson, born in Atala County, Mississippi--Division of +Kirkwood's Slaves Among his Six Children--The Writer and his Two Sisters +Fall to Mrs. Wilson--The Parting Between Mother and Child--Deprived of a +Fond Mother Forever--Old Uncle Jack--Wilson Buys Uncle Ben from +Strucker--Uncle Ben Runs Away and is Hunted with Blood-Hounds--Two +Hundred Dollars Reward. + + +I was a slave, and was born in Atala County, Mississippi, near the town +of Rockford, on the third day of March, 1833. My father and mother both +being slaves, of course my pedigree is not traceable, by me, farther +back than my parents. Our family belonged to a man named Kirkwood, who +was a large slave-owner. Kirkwood died when I was about nine years old, +after which, upon the settlement of the affairs of his estate, the +slaves belonging to the estate were divided equally, as to value, among +the six heirs. There were about seventy-five slaves to be divided into +six lots; and great was the tribulation among the poor blacks when they +learned that they were to be separated. + +When the division was completed two of my sisters and myself were cast +into one lot, my mother into another, and my father into another, and +the rest of the family in the other lots. Young and slave as I was, I +felt the pang of separation from my loved and revered mother; child that +I was I mourned for mother, even before our final separation, as one +dead to me forever. So early to be deprived of a fond mother, by the +"law," gave me my first view of the curse of slavery. Until this time I +did not know what trouble was, but from then until the tocsin of freedom +was sounded through the glorious Emancipation Proclamation by the +immortal Abraham Lincoln, I passed through hardship after hardship, in +quick succession, and many, many times I have almost seen and tasted +death. + +I bade farewell to my mother, forever, on this earth. Oh! the pangs of +that moment. Even after thirty years have elapsed the scene comes +vividly to my memory as I write. A gloomy, dark cloud seemed to pass +before my vision, and the very air seemed to still with awfulness. I +felt bereaved, forlorn, forsaken, lost. Put yourself in my place; feel +what I have felt, and then say, God is just; he will protect the +helpless and right the wronged, and you will have some idea of my +feelings and the hope that sustained me through long and weary years of +servitude. My mother, my poor mother! what must she have suffered. Never +will I forget her last words; never will I forget the earnest prayers of +that mother begging for her child, and refusing to be comforted. She had +fallen to the lot of Mrs. Anderson, and she pleaded with burning tears +streaming down her cheeks, "He is my only son, my baby child, my +youngest and the only son I have; please let me have him to go with me!" + +Anderson spoke roughly to her and told her to hold her peace; but with +her arms around me she clung to me and cried the louder, "Let me have my +child; if you will let me have my baby you may have all the rest!" + +Mothers can realize this situation only, who have parted with children +whom they never expected to see again. Imagine parting with your dearest +child, never to see it again; to be thrown into life-servitude in one +part of the country and your dear child in the same condition six +hundred miles away. Although my mother was black, she had a soul; she +had a heart to feel just as you have, and I, her child, was being +ruthlessly torn from her by inexorable "law." What would you have done +if you had been in her place? _She_ prayed to God for help. + +My kind old father consoled and encouraged my mother all he could, and +said to her, "Do not be discouraged, for Jesus is your friend; if you +lack for knowledge, he will inform you, and if you meet with troubles +and trials on your way, cast all your cares on Jesus, and don't forget +to pray." The old man spoke these words while praying, shouting, crying, +and saying farewell to my mother. He had, in a manner, raised nearly all +the colored people on the plantation; so he had a fatherly feeling for +all of them. The old man looked down on me, and said, "My child, you are +now without a father and will soon be without a mother; but be a good +boy, and God will be father and mother to you. If you will put your +trust in him and pray to him, he will take you home to heaven when you +die, where you can meet your mother there, where parting will be no +more. Farewell." I was then taken from my mother, and have not seen or +heard of her since--about twenty-nine years ago. Old Uncle Jack, as my +father was called by the plantation people, spoke words of comfort to +all of us before we were parted. + +The lot of human chattels, of which I was one, was taken to their new +home on Wilson's plantation, in the same county as the Kirkwood +plantation. Wilson told my sisters and myself that our mother and +ourselves were about six hundred miles apart. + +After I had been in my new home about two years, Wilson bought my uncle +Ben from a man named Strucker, who lived in the same neighborhood, but +he did not buy uncle Ben's wife. Two years later Wilson moved to another +plantation he owned in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, about one hundred +miles distant from his Atala County plantation. Ben not being willing to +go so far from his wife, ran away from his master. Wilson, however, left +word that if any one would catch and return Ben to him, he would pay two +hundred dollars. This was a bait not to be resisted. The professional +slave-hunters, with their blood-hounds, were soon on the track. They +failed to get the poor hunted man, though. Ben was a religious, +God-fearing man, and placed firm reliance on the help of the Almighty, +in his serious trials, and never failed to find help when most needed. +He stayed under cover in the woods, in such lurking places as the nature +of the country provided, in the day time, and at night would cautiously +approach his wife's cabin, when, at an appointed signal, she would let +him in and give him such food and care as his condition required. The +slaves of the South were united in the one particular of helping each +other in such cases as this, and would adopt ingenious telegrams and +signals to communicate with each other; and it may well be believed that +the inventive genius of the blacks was, as a general thing, equal to all +emergencies, and when driven to extremities they were brave to a fault. +Ben's wife, in this instance, used the simple device of hanging a +certain garment in a particular spot, easily to be seen from Ben's +covert, and which denoted that the coast was clear and no danger need be +apprehended. The garment and the place of hanging it had to be changed +every day, yet the signals thus made were true to the purpose, and saved +uncle Ben from capture. Uncle Ben was closely chased by the hounds and +inhuman men-hunters; on one occasion so closely that he plunged into a +stream and followed the current for more than a mile. Taking to the +water threw the hounds off the scent of the track. Before reaching the +stream, uncle Ben was so closely pursued that one of the men in the gang +shot at him, the bullet passing unpleasantly close to him. His wife +heard the hounds and the gun-shot. This race for life and liberty was +only one of a continued series, and was repeated as often as +blood-hounds could find a track to follow. At night Ben was very much +fatigued and hungry, and his only hope of getting anything to eat was to +reach his wife's cabin. How to do this without being observed, was the +question. As well as he was able, about midnight he left his retreat and +approached the cabin. It was too dark to see a signal if one had been +placed for him in the usual manner. After waiting for some time a bright +light shot through the cracks in the cabin for an instant, and was +repeated at intervals of two or three minutes, three or four times. This +was the night-signal of "all right" agreed upon between uncle Ben and +his wife, and was made by placing the usual grease light under a vessel +and raising the vessel for a moment at intervals. Ben approached the +cabin and gave _his_ signal by rapping on the door three times, and +after a short pause three more raps. Thus they had to arrange to meet; +the husband to obtain food to sustain life, and the wife to administer +to him. On this particular night their meeting was unusually impressive. +She had heard the death-hounds, the sound of the gun-shot, and she knew +the yelps of the hounds and the shot were intended for Ben, her +husband. With no crime laid to him, he was hunted down as a wild beast. +Made in God's own image, he is made a slave, a brute, an outcast, and an +outlaw because his skin is black. Thus they met, Ben and his wife. After +the usual precautions and mutual congratulations they both kneeled +before the throne of God and thanked him for their preservation thus +far, and throwing themselves upon his goodness and bounty, asked help in +their need and safety in the future. Without rising from his knees, Ben, +even in the anguish of his heart, consoled his wife, remarking, "that +the darkest hour is always just before daylight." + +The blacks of the South have their own peculiar moral maxims, applicable +to all situations in life, and the slaves not knowing how to read +committed such Bible truths as were read to them from time to time. It +is true they were generally superstitious in a great degree, as all +ignorant persons are; yet their native sense of right led them to adopt +the best and most religious principles, dressed in homely "sayings," +their circumstances permitted. + +Ben dare not stay very long at a time in his wife's cabin, as a strict +watch was constantly kept, that the runaway might be apprehended. +Bidding his wife farewell, Ben hastened back to one of a number of his +hiding-places, there to stay through the day, unless routed out by the +blood-hounds. He was fortunate, however, in the help of God, for his +safety, and the efforts of the hounds and the hounds' followers were +futile. + +Finally, Wilson gave up chasing Ben with blood-hounds, and resolved to +try a better and more human method. He bought Ben's wife and left her +with Strucker, with instructions to send her and Ben to his plantation +if Ben was willing for the arrangement. Ben soon got word of how matters +stood with reference to himself, and concluded if he could live with his +wife on the same plantation that it was the very best he could do, so he +acceded to the wishes of Wilson, and was sent with his wife to Wilson. + +The happiness of this couple was unbounded when they found they could +once more live together as God intended they should, and the poor wife +in her great gratitude cried, "God is on our side!" Ben replied that he +had told her on one occasion that God was on their side, and that "the +darkest hour was just before day." + +The usual expression used by the blacks when a runaway returned to his +master was that he "had come out of the woods;" that is, he had left his +hiding place in the woods and returned to the plantation to work. + +When I heard that uncle Ben had come out of the woods, and was coming to +live on our plantation, my joy knew no bounds. On the day when he was +expected to arrive I got permission to go out on the road some distance +and meet them. Early in the morning I caught a horse and started. Every +wagon I met filled me with hope and fear blended; hope that the wagon +contained my uncle and aunt, and fear that it did not. I rode on, on, +on, all that day, until my heart was sick with hope deferred. I had +received orders before starting that if I did not meet them that day to +return home. But I was so far from home, and with straining my eyes to +catch a glimpse of my uncle, added to my keen disappointment in not +seeing them, made me feel tired, sick, and worn out. So I stopped at a +friendly cabin that night, after telling the inmates who I was and what +my errand was. Early the next morning I was out, and the anxiety to see +my uncle was so great I thought I would ride out the road a short +distance in the hope of meeting him, notwithstanding my orders to return +home. After traveling about an hour I met the wagon containing uncle +Ben and his wife. The joy of that moment to me is inexpressible. Having +been deprived of mother and father he was the only relative my sisters +and myself could ever have any hopes of seeing again. My heart rejoiced +exceedingly. I was, as it were, a new boy entirely, so overcome was I. +We all arrived home that same day, and it was a much more pleasant trip +than I had taken the day before. On that day it was all anxiety, mixed +with hope and fear; to-day it was all joy and thanksgiving, again +proving uncle Ben's saying that "the darkest hour is always just before +day." My sisters were simply wild with joy when we arrived. They ran out +the road to meet, us crying, "There comes uncle Ben; we have one more +friend!" We were all comforted and rejoiced to a very great extent, and +we felt indeed that we had "one more friend" with us. We were as happy +as slaves could be, and spent all the time we could together--uncle Ben, +his wife, my sisters, and myself. + +But Wilson harbored a grudge toward uncle Ben because he had to buy his +wife in order to get him, and had said that if he ever got Ben after he +ran away he would whip him to death. He treated Ben very well for the +time being, but about a year after he had got him home he began to put +his plans into operation for severely punishing him. He was afraid of +Ben's prayers. Although Wilson would not have hesitated a moment to have +put any plan into execution he may have conceived, under ordinary +circumstances, yet praying Ben, while defending himself by appeals to +Almighty God was stronger than with carnal weapons in his hands. Wilson +proceeded cautiously and laid snares for Ben. Uncle Ben was one of the +best hands on the plantation, and religiously performed the labor +alloted him truly and persistently. He obeyed his overseer and Wilson in +all things pertaining to his manual occupation, and obeyed God to the +very best of his ability in this as in everything else. But Wilson +wanted to punish Ben, and was determined to do so. He knew that Ben was +a faithful slave to labor, and was reliable, yet he wished to break +Ben's spirit--his manhood, the God part of him. Wilson did not seem to +know that he was not fighting Ben in his scheme of revenge but that he +was fighting God in Ben, and that although he punished Ben to the death +he would be conquered himself, and more severely punished than he could +ever hope to punish Ben. But Wilson was mad, infatuated, and +satanically determined. Precautious preparations were made by Wilson to +insure success in his revengeful scheme, and after having obtained the +aid of several neighbors who were what might be called professional +slave-whippers, he deemed his undertaking to punish and conquer Ben +fully ripe for execution. Ben being a field hand was busily employed +picking cotton, with a prayerful heart, and a watchful eye on Wilson. +From Wilson's actions Ben was sure something was going to occur which +would nearly concern him, and having been hunted like a beast he had +become suspicious and on his guard all the time. Having a feeling of +presentiment, he was uneasy, and, as was usual with him, he kneeled down +and asked God to protect him from the machinations of his enemies, and +give him heart, courage, and strength to overcome the evil intended him. +While praying he was startled by the snort of a horse, and on looking +around to ascertain the cause of the noise he discovered himself almost +surrounded by armed men on horseback. No time to think now; the time for +action had arrived. Ben knew at once the flight was for life. Better, +however, was death than to be thus hunted and harassed. Bounding through +the field he gained a friendly covert, and seemingly by mere chance he +eluded his pursuers and the hounds. Ben thanked God for his deliverance. +Wilson with his heartless band were again baffled, and with man-hunting +and disappointments in his man-chase he became furious. Ben stayed in +the woods about four weeks, and during all this time my sisters, Ben's +wife, and myself were kept in close confinement, to keep us from +communicating with Ben or rendering him any assistance. Thus all of us +had to suffer. But we were only slaves. + +Wilson finally took Ben's wife to a man in Oxford, about twenty-five +miles distant, and came back circulating the word among the blacks that +he had sold her. Wilson had made arrangements at Oxford with some +professional slave-hunters to catch Ben if he ever came to see his wife, +for which purpose she had been taken there. + +After a time Ben was informed that he and his wife had been sold by +Wilson to a man in Oxford, and of course believing such to be the fact, +he went there to see her, and make arrangements for the future. His wife +was told by the man with whom Wilson had left her that he had bought +both her and Ben, and wished her to get Ben to "come out of the woods." +Laboring under this delusion, Ben was month. The cabin was surrounded +by armed men, when Ben was overpowered, chained, and put in jail for +safe keeping until Wilson should come after him. Living in the woods so +long and the harsh treatment he was now receiving wore Ben down +considerably; yet, believing that "the darkest hour is just before day," +he relied on God's help in his misery. + +Wilson came for Ben in due time, and after chaining him securely around +the neck he fastened one end of the chain to the rear of his buggy and +literally, a part of the time, dragged him to Holly Springs, about +thirty miles from Oxford, where he sold him to a man who had the +reputation of being the hardest master in the country. Wilson afterwards +took Ben's wife home. Thus they were separated,--Ben and his +wife,--never to meet again on this earth. + +Wilson told me when he got home that he had sent Ben to hell, and that +he would send me there too. Infatuated man; he supposed he had done with +Ben for the very worst; he thought he had as much power over the souls +of his slaves as he had under "the laws" over their bodies. He found, +however, in time, that God was with us, and in his good time he +delivered us from our bondage and punished our persecutors as they +deserved. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +Not sent to hell by Wilson--Mrs. Wilson protects me, to whom I +belong--Sent to school with the children--The school-children teach me +to read and write--What came of it--Mount that mule or I'll shoot you--I +mounted the mule--A start for the railroad to work--I dismount and take +to the woods--I owe allegiance to God and my country only. + + +The monotonous tedium of routine slave-labor was very often broken by +some scene of cruelty to one or another of the poor blacks, either by +the master or his overseer; and woe unto the luckless one if the master +should happen to be in a good mood to break bones. Although slaves were +worth money in the South at that time, yet the ungovernable passions of +some if not most masters found free vent in cruelty to their own +property--that is, their slaves. This was the case with Wilson, and no +opportunity was missed by him to make a poor black feel the effects of +his brutish nature and passions. His wife, on the other hand, made every +effort to protect the blacks on the plantation as much as possible. When +Wilson threatened to send me to hell, as he had tried to send uncle +Ben, Mrs. Wilson came forward in my behalf and saved me from her +husband's unwarranted wrath by telling him that she wished "Charles to +accompany her children to school and take such care of them as might be +required." It was customary in the South for families who owned slaves +to send one or more of them with their children when they attended +school as waiters, or personal servants, and as I belonged to Mrs. +Wilson, being an inherited chattel, Wilson acceded to her demand, and I +was sent along with the children when they went to school. I was not +allowed to sit with the white children in school, but I "loafed around +handy," ready for a call from either of my young mistresses. + +The "laws," the enlightened laws of the southern states, prohibited, +under heavy penalties, the education of a slave, or even a negro, +although free; yet some of us, under very disadvantageous circumstances, +learned to read and write. + +It has always been a kind of habit with me to "be doing something" all +the time, and when not actually employed in some active work I would +make use of my time for some good purpose; and while "loafing around" +that school-house it occurred to me as being strange that the white +children should be compelled to sit and study hour after hour, while us +little darkies "loafed around" and did nothing. Why couldn't we lighten +our young masters and mistresses of that labor as well as other kinds of +labor? I determined that my young mistresses should not be made slaves +of by the school-master, but that I would do that work for them, as they +were generally so kind to me. So I proposed the matter to them, and they +were tremendously pleased; at least they laughed and chatted a great +deal about me getting their lessons for them, which so elated me that I +could not avoid turning handsprings and somersaults all the way home +that evening, my joy being so great at the idea of doing my mistresses +the favor of taking such great labor off their hands as getting their +lessons. I did not doubt my ability to perform the work, for I was +stout, hearty, and large for my age, and could almost make a full hand +in the field. Such was my idea at that time of getting lessons. However, +the next day my young mistresses told me the school-master would not +allow me to study their lessons for them, but that I might take a book +and sit outside of the school-house and study there, but that I must be +sure and not let any one see me. Why not? Why should _I_ not study +lessons in the school-house for my young mistresses? Because it is +against the "law" for slaves to learn to read and write. Well, that is +curious. A person, because he is a slave, must not study lessons; must +not learn to read and write because it is against the "law." What law? + +My mistress used often to read to the children from a book which told +about Jesus, and Mary, and Lazarus, and Peter, and Paul; and how Jesus +was our Savior, and shed his precious blood for the redemption of all +who believed him and would obey his commands; and how Jesus said, +"Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of +heaven." Did the "law" prohibit me from studying lessons out of a book +about Jesus, and learning to read about Jesus as my mistress did? When +my mistress sent my young mistresses to Jesus wouldn't she send me along +with them just the same as she sent me to school with them? I reckon so. +Such was my reasoning; and I determined to assist my young mistresses in +getting their lessons, law or no law, let the consequences be what they +may. + +I received the book and went out from the school-house a short distance, +and secured myself from observation in a shady place. I opened the +book--a spelling-book it was. Hallo! here's a dog and a cat, and here's +a sheep too, and right here in the corner is a yoke--a regular ox-yoke. +Well, now, this _is_ nice. So I got my first idea of what a book +contained by the pictures in a spelling-book. The print in the book +meant something, I was sure, and my mind was employed until recess in +endeavors to make out what the print and pictures were intended for. The +scholars came out at recess, and my mistresses gave me such instructions +as they were able, which gave me a start ahead that enabled me to +memorize the first six letters of the alphabet by the time school +dismissed for noon. + +I began to be deeply interested in "studying lessons," and was soon, +after hard study, complete master of the alphabet. I could repeat it +forwards and backwards, and could instantly tell the name of any letter +pointed out to me. My mistresses seemed to take great pleasure in +teaching me, and I was very anxious to learn. I soon found that I could +understand in a great measure the instructions the teacher gave to the +different scholars, by which I profited. I sat in the back part of the +house, behind the scholars, with my young mistress' old book in my hand, +and held it so that nobody could see it, and studied constantly day +after day, which soon advanced me beyond some of the white children +older than myself in learning. I learned to spell and read; and my +appetite for knowledge increasing, my young mistress set copies for me, +and by the time the school-term was out I could spell, read, and write. + +Slaves on large plantations in the South were worked in gangs, under the +general supervision of the overseer or slave-owner. The gangs were +placed under the immediate supervision of a trusty and intelligent +slave, whose duty it was to see that each hand performed his or her +allotted task, to weigh cotton during the picking season, and to direct +the slaves in their labor, and were called field superintendents or +bosses. This was my position on the plantation a short time after school +was out for the term. + +For the first few days after my term at school as waiter for my young +mistresses, I was ordered into the field to pick cotton, but was shortly +placed over the hands as "boss" and cotton-weigher. Each picker had a +"stint" or daily task to perform; that is, each of them was required to +pick so many pounds of cotton, and when in default were unmercifully +whipped. I had the cotton of each hand to weigh, three times each day, +and had to keep the weights of each hand separate and correctly in my +mind and report to Wilson every night. I dare not let Wilson or any of +the slaves know that I knew anything about figures or could read or +write, for a knowledge of those rudiments of education was considered +criminal in a slave. The slaves were nearly always jealous and envious +of a "boss" of their own color, and left no pretext untried to bring a +"boss" into disrepute with the master and consequent corporal +punishment. And should I make a misstatement of the weight of any one +hand's cotton, that hand would know it. Therefore at the time I am now +writing of I had the weights of about three hundred baskets of cotton to +report to Wilson every day. This was hard mind-work for me, but I +mastered the situation and escaped supersedure and punishment. I held +the position of field-superintendent about nine years, and performed my +duties faithfully and honestly, to the satisfaction of my master and the +hands under me generally. + +Why was I so faithful and dutiful to my slave master? Simply because I +was doing my duty to God and acting in obedience to the commands of +Christ; for my book taught me to do good and shun evil--to obey the +revealed will of God no matter what position I might be placed in. As a +slave I loved to do the will of the Master in heaven; as a responsible +human being I could do no less. + +I improved my knowledge, whenever opportunity occurred, and it was but a +short time, comparatively, until I found out for myself, by searching +the Scriptures clandestinely, the great truths that Jesus taught. I +read, pondered, and began the work of self-regeneration. I read that God +required of me to do certain things; that unless I obeyed the commands +of Jesus I could expect no help from God. I found that I was commanded +to "do," and not stand still and wait for others to "do" for me. The way +seemed to open before me plainly and unmistakably, and engraved the +command to "do" firmly in my heart, in the simple words, "Do the will of +God." I obeyed the commands of our Savior in all the essentials of +repentance, baptism, and in everything, and began the real work of my +life--of living and being a servant of God and a faithful follower of +Jesus Christ. My field of labor was my own heart, which I endeavored to +render pure in the sight of God. But a short time elapsed when my work +within myself began to bear fruit in my efforts to redeem my +fellow-slaves from sin and make them children of God. I labored with +them in a spirit of brotherly love, and urged them, in season and out +of season, to come to Jesus. My labors were not in vain, for a great +many were brought to the altar of prayer through my exertions, and were +forgiven. + +Wilson found out that I could read and write. During the time of +cotton-picking, the last season I was superintendent, a protracted +meeting was held in the neighborhood, and my master and mistress +attended regularly. The only time I could go was on Sunday, and I looked +forward to that day with hope and pleasure. On Saturday evening my +master stayed to church, and did not expect to return home until Sunday +evening. My report of weights were on my mind, and I became somewhat +uneasy about the result if I should attempt to remember them until the +following Monday. What to do under the circumstances I did not know; yet +I knew that "where there was a will there was a way." I was afraid to +set the weights down for fear of detection and punishment. I hesitated +and tried to think of some safe way out of the dilemma. I knew if I let +the matter rest over Sunday I would not remember the weights, for the +reason that my mind was so employed and taken up with the religious +revival that was then going on in the neighborhood, in which I was very +much interested on my own account and on account of my fellow-slaves. I +prayed to God to direct me right. The overseer used a slate on which to +set down the weights of cotton, which was hanging in his cabin. I took +the slate down, made the entries of weights with the names of the +pickers, and hung it up again. During the next day (Sunday) the overseer +came home, and found the slate with the entries on it I had made. He was +somewhat surprised. When Wilson came home he was duly informed of the +fact. I was called, and ordered into _the presence_. I knew it was +unlawful for me to know how to write, and I dreaded the consequences of +my rash act, yet I unhesitatingly, and with a courage that surprised me, +went to the house. + +"Who wrote these names and weights on this slate, Charles?" asked Mr. +Wilson. + +"I did it, sir," I answered. + +"How and when did you learn to write?" + +"During the time I attended my young mistresses to school, sir." + +Wilson looked at me long and angrily, and remarked that I had kept that +fact secret for a long time, and that as I had learned to read and write +he could not help it. "But you must remember, Charles," he continued, +"that the law is that if any negro shall be found writing, his +forefinger shall be cut off at the first joint." + +My time had now come for my first punishment, I thought. A day or two +after I heard Wilson, while in conversation with the overseer, say, "It +will not do to let Charles stay with the rest of the negroes, or he will +learn them all to read and write, and then we might as well set them +free." + +What was to be done with me for my unpardonable crime? All kinds of +surmises and speculations entered my mind. What was to be my fate? +Belonging to Mrs. Wilson--her property--I was placed in charge of her +son James, who employed me at teaming, that is, hauling cotton, lumber, +etc. + +In this occupation I became pretty well acquainted with the surrounding +country and the people, and was very well satisfied with matters +generally as they then stood. But I was soon to learn that my young +master was only anxious to carry out the plans of his father, and was +determined to punish, or, as they pleased to term it, "break me," merely +because I was related to Ben--because I was able to read and write as +well if not better than James Wilson himself. + +I was told one day by James that he had hired me to a man in Pontotoc to +work in a livery-stable, and that I must come to his plantation without +delay. When I arrived I was informed that instead of going to Pontotoc I +should go to the railroad then building through Mississippi, and work +for Mr. Leadbitter. I expostulated with my master, and urged him, with +all the pleas and arguments at my command, to allow me to remain on the +plantation or go to Pontotoc, but to no avail. He whipped out his +six-shooter, raving and swearing, and bade me mount one of two mules +instanter or he would shoot me on the spot. I mounted the mule. + +My reasons for not wanting to go to the railroad to work were good. +There was plenty to do on the plantation, and there was no good cause +for sending me away. I feared rough usage at the railroad, and rougher +associations. I had by this time become the religious teacher of all the +well-disposed slaves in the neighborhood, and I was so much interested +in my labors that I doomed my great Master's work of too much importance +to be driven away from it without a struggle. I was no coward, and was +always ready to stand out to the end against all opposition, when my +duty as a humble follower of Jesus was in question. Therefore my +reluctance to be driven from my place of usefulness. However, I got on +the mule and started, in company with a colored man who was going with +me to bring the mules back. After traveling four or five miles, and when +at a convenient place, I dismounted from the mules and told my companion +I was going no farther with him, and that if Wilson wanted any one to go +to the railroad to work he might go himself; and I "took to the woods." + +This was the first time I ever attempted to escape and gain my freedom. +Whether I was right or wrong I shall not say, only I ask you to put +yourself in my place as I was then situated, and draw your own +conclusions. It is true I had formed dear and near associations, and the +old neighborhood had been the scene of my trials and triumphs. My master +had been uniformly kind, as much so at least as his disposition would +allow, yet I felt, although my skin was black, I was entitled to and +deserved freedom to worship God according to the dictates of my own +conscience, and to teach others the way to everlasting life. I felt that +I was a man made after God's own image, and that no one had any right to +a property in me as a mere chattel, all human laws to the contrary +notwithstanding. I did not deem that I was a criminal, and that I was +escaping from penal servitude; but that I was one of God's children, +escaping from a worse than Egyptian bondage. I rightfully owed +allegiance to God and my country only. So I run away. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +Caught, Tried, and Taken Back Home to James Wilson--My Mistress Saves me +from Being Whipped--I go to the Railroad and Work one Month +Precisely--Go Back Home--Wilson Surprised--Left the Railroad at 3 +o'clock A.M.--Did not Want to Disturb Leadbitter's rest--Sent to Memphis +with a Load of Cotton--Afraid of the Slave-pens and Slave-auction--Start +for Home--Not Sold--Pray, Sing, and Shout--Get Home and Ordered to Hire +myself out. + + +The peculiar feelings one has who is a "runaway" are indescribable. I +felt every bit an outcast, and was frightened by the least noise or the +sight of any person, and the yelp of a hound was terror to me. I skulked +and hid in the woods all day until night, when I concluded to go to +town, get something to eat, and make my arrangements for the future. + +When the "hoy," who was sent by Wilson with me, returned and repeated to +him my words, vengeance was sworn against me, and the hounds were turned +loose for immediate chase. I went to the town of Pontotoc, and while +there refreshing myself in a cabin I heard hounds whining. That was +sufficient to inform me that I was trapped. What to do I did not know, +but went to the door with the intention of making my escape, if +possible, when I was met by James Wilson and five other persons fully +armed. Resistance was useless, the hounds would have caught me before I +could have run a hundred yards, even if I could have escaped the +bullets. I surrendered, and was securely tied by James Wilson and his +gang and taken back to the plantation. Dire threats were made against +me, but my mistress, James' mother, saved me again. She informed her son +that "Charles belonged to her; that Charles' mother had placed him, +under the care of God, in her custody, and that she did not intend to +have him beaten." + +James insisted on "breaking" me, as he termed it, and finally prevailed +on his mother, with promises, that if she would let him deal with me he +would "break" me without whipping me. She consented. James came to the +cabin where I was tied and chained, and told me that he did not desire +to whip me, but that if I did not go to the railroad to work every slave +on the plantation would become demoralized, and they would all do as +they pleased. His words and manner were very kind and conciliatory, yet +I took them for what they were worth, and did not believe him; for he +would have whipped me severely if he had dared do so. His reasoning +regarding the poor, ignorant slaves on the plantation, however, was to +the point. In their ignorance they would suppose that if I could do as I +pleased and not be punished, they could do the same; and they would, in +all probability, create an insurrection which would result in their own +destruction. For their sakes I acceded to James' wishes. He told me that +if I would go to the railroad and work for Leadbitter one month, that I +might after that time hire myself out to whom I pleased and for as long +a time as I pleased. + +I was given a letter to Leadbitter, and immediately started on foot for +the railroad. When I arrived there I handed the letter to Mr. +Leadbitter, who asked me how long I had come to stay with him. I told +him one month. He broke the letter open, and after reading it informed +me that James Wilson stated in the letter that I was to stay as long as +he wanted me. This was a piece of intelligence that learned me that +James Wilson would lie, and from that time forward I had no confidence +in his truthfulness. I did not know what was best to do, but finally +made up my mind to fulfill and make good my promise, and trust to the +future to compel James Wilson to perform his. I thought this the right +course. I did not deem that I would be justified in breaking my promise +because Wilson was unreliable and broke his. I concluded that if +Leadbitter kept me longer than one month he would have to be smarter +than I gave him credit for being. I asked Leadbitter how many days there +were in that month. + +I went to work, and kept account of the days. I worked carefully. The +time passed slowly and wearily. My associations were of the worst +character possible, and my co-laborers were of that lowest class of +southern blacks whose ignorance and waywardness render them most of the +time more than brutal. I made every effort to do good among them, and +endeavored to preach to them on several occasions, but was interrupted +and deterred by the whites, who forbade my preaching. I talked to the +blacks, however, whenever opportunity occurred, and I hope that my +labors for Jesus were not in vain. + +The last day of my month came and passed. It was Friday. On Saturday +morning, about three o'clock, I started for home, and with rapid walking +I reached my destination about two hours after sunrise. When I reached +the plantation I "cut across lots," and passed through the field where +Wilson was at work with the hands. I approached, unobserved by him, and +spoke to him. He looked at me with astonishment, and in surprise asked, +"What are you doing here?" + +"You told me to stay one month; I done so," I answered. + +"Did Mr. Leadbitter know when you left?" + +"I do not know, sir," I replied. "I left at three o'clock this morning, +and did not think it worth while to disturb Mr. Leadbitter's rest." + +"Three o'clock!" exclaimed Wilson. + +"Yes, sir," I quietly answered. + +"You ran away, did you?" + +"No, sir, I did not run away. I stayed as long as you required me to +stay, when, in obedience to your expressed promises, I came home." + +James Wilson made some remark I could not understand, but finally said +that as I had come home he had some work for me to do before I could +hire myself out. I felt somewhat easy in my mind, and waited to be set +to work. But when he afterwards told me he wanted me to take a load of +cotton to Memphis, my heart misgave me, I felt sure, in my mind, that I +was to be sold from the slave-pens at Memphis. The grand trial time had +now come for me, and the teachings of my mother and uncle Ben and uncle +Jack before and at our final separation came to me in full force. They +taught me, before I could read for myself, that in trouble I should rely +implicitly on the help of my Savior, and that I should pray without +ceasing. To God I immediately turned for guidance and help, and asked +that my every step might be directed by him, and that he should protect +me from my enemies and persecutors. + +I felt that I was being persecuted for Jesus' sake, for I was promised, +time and again, that if I would quit preaching and talking to the slaves +on religious subjects, I should be advanced and my life made easy and +comfortable. I refused the offers, because my Master's work was of more +importance than my ease. I was impressed, deeply, with the great +responsibilities resting upon me, and was determined to preach and teach +while I had strength and opportunity to do so. I may have been mistaken +with regard to the cause of my persecution by the Wilsons, but I think +not. I do not really believe that any one is persecuted for Christ's +sake in this day and age of the world, in a Christian country, except in +the South before the rebellion. I have heard men, and, I am almost +ashamed to say, preachers, proclaim that they were persecuted because of +their adherence to the cause of Christ, when they were not persecuted +at all on any account, except probably on account of some wrong act of +their own. Paul and the apostles were persecuted, and early Christians +were persecuted, but who ever heard of a citizen of the United States +being persecuted because he was a follower of Jesus! But slaves in the +South were persecuted and punished severely for preaching the gospel of +Christ, not on that very account probably, but because it would teach +the slaves obedience to a higher power than the inhuman laws of the +southern states as they then existed. Paul was persecuted for preaching +the redemption of mankind through the blood of the Savior, by pagans and +gentiles. I was persecuted for the same reasons by the slave-owners of +the South, and for endeavoring to lead the benighted blacks to Jesus. +There seems to be some likeness in the positions of Paul and myself. I +felt that was the case, at any rate. + +My mind was distressed with the fear that I was being sent to Memphis +only to be sold to the highest bidder. After addressing the throne of +God for help and deliverance I felt relieved, and determined that, come +what would, I would use my best talents and exertions for my heavenly +Master wherever I might be. Relieved, I set about making preparations +for my trip to Memphis, with a prayerful heart. Two of us were going in +company, each with a load of cotton. We started on Monday morning, and +traveled along without unusual trouble or delay for three days over +hilly and rough roads, when we camped for the night within a mile of +Holly Springs, in Mississippi, and about fifty-five miles from home. + +It will be remembered that uncle Ben was sold by Wilson to a man who +lived in and near Holly Springs. I was anxious to see uncle Ben, if +possible, and began making inquiries regarding his whereabouts. A +colored man came along the road, driving a team, of whom I inquired. +After a little time he said a preacher named Ben Harris lived in a house +close by, at the same time pointing to it. Upon further inquiries I +learned that Ben had taken another wife. This may seem rather criminal, +and may appear to be a clear case of bigamy against uncle Ben; but when +it is remembered that masters compelled their slaves to live together as +man and wife, without ceremony, for the purpose only of breeding +children, and that Ben had no say in the matter, he will be held +blameless. The laws of the southern states did not recognize the legal +relations of man and wife between slaves, therefore they could not +commit the crime of bigamy. If Ben was morally guilty, he was forced +into his guilt by law and general custom. I had not seen Ben for about +ten years, and was so overjoyed at the prospect of seeing him that I +could scarcely wait until night, for I was informed that he would not be +at his cabin until night. After attending to my affairs about town I +waited until sundown, when I went to the house indicated by my +informant. Not being certain that the person who lived in the cabin was +my uncle, I necessarily had to make inquiries. A colored woman met me at +the door, and answered such questions as I asked, from which I was +satisfied that Ben lived here. I informed the woman who I was and that +Ben was my uncle, and that I had called, in passing on my way to +Memphis, to see him. She cordially invited me to enter the cabin, and +told me that Ben was out feeding the horses and would shortly be in. I +had to wait but a little while when Ben came in. He supposed me to be +some passing stranger, and did not recognize me. After some desultory +conversation I told him who I was and how I came to be there. Our +meeting, after mutual recognition, was affectionate and cordial. We +talked over old times and related our experience since we parted at the +Wilson plantation. We kneeled at the family altar, and each poured out +his soul's thanksgiving to God for his goodness to us, having, before I +left, a season of soul-reviving prayer. + +Thus we knelt, uncle Ben, his wife, and I, poor slaves in the chains of +bondage, really and earnestly thanking God for the many blessings we +received. Strange, was it not? when men and women rolling in wealth and +all the luxuries and happiness that wealth could purchase, did not even +deign to notice the source from whence all their blessings flowed. They +had life and liberty, and were unrestrained in the pursuit of happiness, +yet not once did they thank the great Giver of all their good. Then what +had we, poor wretches, to thank God for? For everything we enjoyed,--for +life, for the blessed plan of salvation, for our senses of seeing, +hearing, and feeling, for our hearts with which to love him, for our +humanity, for the great gifts of sunshine, rain, regulated seasons, +the moon, the stars, the earth, the trees, the brooks, the +rivers,--everything truly enjoyable we thanked God for. We thanked him +for health and strength to do his work. Then we had a great deal to +thank Almighty God for, although slaves. How many of you ever think to +thank God for sunshine or for reason? Let me illustrate. A gentleman +was passing along the highway, when he was met by a poor maniac, who +accosted him, saying, "What do you thank God for?" The gentleman being +surprised by the abrupt question did not reply immediately, when the +maniac continued, "Then thank God for your reason; mine is gone; I'm +mad--a maniac." This was something the gentleman had never thought of +before, and it opened to his mind an entirely new source of +thankfulness. We are apt to forget that we are not slaves, not blind, +deaf, or dumb, and not insane; yet should we lose any one of our five +senses we would then know how to be thankful for and appreciate that +sense should we regain it. Then thank God for everything, your very +existence included. Suppose the sun would stop in his course and not +shine on the earth but for one day. What consternation and grief there +would be throughout the world! Then suppose that after twenty-four hours +the sun should burst upon us in all his refulgence and glorious +magnificence. What a shout of joy would greet his appearance, and glad +hearts would pour out thanks upon thanks to the great Giver for the +needful sunshine. Then let us be thankful for all the great blessings +bestowed upon us by our heavenly Father, and serve him with all our +hearts, in whatever position in life we may be placed. Uncle Ben and I +did _then_, and we do _yet_. + +After a prolonged conversation and a good and refreshing season of +prayer I took my departure for my camp, never expecting to meet my +relative again, and never have. + +We started next morning on our way to Memphis, and traveled into +Memphis, after three days, on a very fine road for the South, known as +the state-line road. We drove to the cotton-yard, unloaded, and received +the receipts for the cotton, and put up for the night at a wagon-yard. I +spent this night in prayer and supplication that God would save me from +the slave-pen and the auctioneer's block; and my prayers were responded +to in my protection. The next morning we started for home by what was +known as the pigeon-roost route, in order to save toll and other +expenses. + +The weight on my mind was removed, and I felt happy and thankful. I was +not sold from the shambles. I prayed, I sung, and I shouted by turns. We +arrived at home, and I waited patiently for my next order. + +My young master soon informed me, however, that I might hire myself out, +if I could find and one that would hire me. Good! God was on my side. +With a light heart and truly happy I set about my preparations to hire +myself out; and the very first thing I did was to go to my cabin and +thank God for his goodness, and ask for his protection and guidance. +Always praying? Yes, I was always at it. My heart was big with love to +God. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +Start out on my Travels to Hunt a New Master--Find Mr. Dansley--Hire to +Him--Thirty Dollars per Month for my Master and Five Dollars for +Myself--Wilson Astonished--Appointed Superintendent of Dansley's +Farm--Rules and Regulations--Peace and Tranquillity--My Moral Labors +Successful--Prayer and Social Meetings--Meetings in the Woods--Quarrel +and Fight like very Brothers--Time comes to be Moved to Another Field of +Labor. + + +It was customary in the slave states to allow slaves to hire themselves +for their masters to such as the slaves themselves desired to work for. +Sometimes this arrangement was made to save the master trouble. In my +case I was instructed to find a place to work at thirty dollars per +month and board, and then to return and report to Wilson, who would then +give the necessary permission in writing, which would stand as a +contract between him and my employer. + +My first object was to find a Christian man to hire to who would allow +me to pray and preach on all proper occasions, and who would rather +assist me than hinder me in my efforts to make Christians of the +blacks. I cared nothing for the manual labor I had to do, if I could +only be placed in a position to do my great Master's work. His work was +my life-labor. On this particular account I was very careful who I +applied to. In a day or two I applied to Mr. Dansley, whose plantation +was about eighteen miles from Wilson's, and who had been recommended to +me as being the kind of man I was hunting for. Mr. Dansley questioned me +closely, and examined me as to my reasons for wanting to hire out, and +why my master wished me to hire out when there was plenty of work on his +own place for me to do. I confessed frankly that I could read and write, +and knew something about figures, and was desirous to serve God and do +his work by preaching, and in every other way in my power; that my +master was afraid that I would demoralize his other slaves by learning +them to read and write and by preaching to them, and in order that I +might not do that he wanted me off the plantation; that he could not +sell me because I was the property of his wife, and that she would not +consent to have me sold out of the family. "If those are faults, as +considered by Mr. Wilson, I am very well satisfied that you will perform +your part of the contract notwithstanding; yet what Mr. Wilson is +pleased to consider faults in you I deem good points in your character +and disposition, therefore I will hire you, hoping that your duty to God +will include your duty to me under the contract of hire." I told him +that was my understanding of my duty to God; that it comprised, in my +condition of servitude, my duty to my slave-master. I informed Mr. +Dansley that my master, Wilson, wanted thirty dollars per month for my +services, and that I wanted five dollars per month for myself, making in +all thirty-five dollars per month. He was satisfied to pay that amount, +and gave me a letter to carry to Wilson stating that he would hire me at +thirty dollars per month, yet he agreed with me that he would pay me, +besides, five dollars per month. + +When Wilson gave me instructions to hire myself out at not less than +thirty dollars per month, he hoped I would fail, from the fact that +wages for field-hands were only twenty-five dollars per month; and when +I went back with Mr. Dansley's letter so soon, he was somewhat +surprised. He would have opened his eyes with wonder if he had known +that Dansley was to pay me five dollars per month extra. He gave me a +written permission to work for Mr. Dansley as long as Dansley should +want me. I immediately went to Dansley's, and stayed with him nine +months--nine months of contented time. + +I found my new master every way worthy of any confidence I might repose +in him. In moderate circumstances, he used prudence and diligence in his +business transactions and farm operations. He was one of those kind of +men some of which may be found in almost every community--an unassuming, +industrious, Christian gentleman. + +For his farm-force he hired men, both white and black; and when his work +pushed him he would require his cook and house-maid, the only slaves he +owned, to assist in the fields. At the time of my commencing to work for +him he had white men hired who were worse, if any thing, in their habits +of shiftless laziness than the lazy blacks. These whites, whom the +negroes usually termed "white trash," were, as a general thing, the most +vicious, brutal, thieving, shiftless, and lazy human beings imaginable. +They were ignorant in the greatest degree, and would not work so long as +they could obtain food to sustain life in any other way. They deemed it +an honor to be noticed civilly by a respectable negro, and would fawn +and truckle to the behests of any one who had the physical courage to +command them. Such people can be found in no place except the South. +They are a result of the system of slavery and slave-laws, and +slave-owners are responsible for their condition. Such were the kind of +men I had to work with. These men would quarrel and wrangle among +themselves, and would consume time and neglect their work. When the +house-servants were at work in the field, they would insult and misuse +them in every conceivable manner, and it was with great difficulty that +Mr. Dansley could get his work done properly and in season. Knowing I +had been a farm-superintendent on Wilson's plantation for a number of +years, Mr. Dansley immediately appointed me to the same position on his +farm, which accounts for his readiness and willingness to pay me high +wages. + +This was a new kind of position for me, and it required considerable +thought and management for me to get matters properly arranged in my +mind. "Bossing" white hands and working with them, so as to make their +labors profitable for my employer, was no easy task. The farm-work was +carried on somewhat similar to the way in which large farms are worked +in the northern states, and it required great prudence and watchful care +to avoid waste and save all the crops. I arranged my rules of conduct, +hours of labor, etc., for the hands, and submitted them to Mr. Dansley +for his approval. Mr. Dansley left the matter entirely with me; and, +after trial, I found my rules were not sufficiently stringent, and that +if I expected to successfully "carry on" that farm I would have to make +rules with penalties attached, the men I had to deal with caring little +or nothing for mild, persuasive laws. I therefore drew up the following +rules, and presented them to Mr. Dansley, and requested him to make them +stipulations in the contracts of hire with his men. He approved them, +and acceded to my request. + +1. Quarreling and using vulgar and profane language is strictly +forbidden on the farm, and any hand or hands violating this rule shall +be discharged or corrected, in the discretion of the superintendent. + +2. Obedience to the just orders of the superintendent is essential to +the profitable conduct of the farm; therefore, disobedience to the +orders of the superintendent shall be followed by the discharge of the +hand or hands so offending, or his or their correction, in the +discretion of the superintendent. + +3. Each and every hand hereby binds himself to obey the just orders of +the superintendent and the rules herein established, and upon the +discharge of any hand or hands, by the superintendent, one month's wages +shall be forfeited. + +These rules were signed by the hands, that is, they "made their mark;" +but I signed my name, being the only negro hand on the place and the +only one who could write. + +Peace and tranquillity reigned on that farm thereafter, and better crops +were not raised in the county. My whole study and aim was to do +right--to be just to my hands and do my duty to my employer. I relied on +God's help, and prayerfully asked his guidance in every and all +difficulties and emergencies, and my success is attributable to that +help which is always given when properly asked for. + +The men I had to deal with were more to be pitied than blamed. They were +entirely ignorant of any but the most crude principles of right, and +were taught from their childhood only such rude notions as prevailed +among the ignorant. When I talked to them of Jesus they seemed +astonished. They did not even know that punishment would meet them +hereafter for their sins committed in this life, and were puzzled and +perplexed with the plan of salvation until after I had repeatedly +explained it to them; in fact, I taught them the history of man, from +Adam down to the coming of our Savior, and taught them the religion of +Jesus. Better-behaved men or better hands were not to be found in the +neighborhood after they learned the way to Jesus, and many happy times +we did have on that farm at our prayer--meetings and social gatherings. +All of us would meet at some convenient place on the farm, every +Sabbath-day, and would spend the time profitably, in exhortation and +prayer. The master and mistress were always there, and worked with a +will in the cause of Christ, and I would exhort and preach to the best +of my ability. Sometimes Mr. Dansley would read a chapter from the Bible +and comment thereon, and sometimes his wife would read and comment. All +of us prayed, and some of the white hands became, in a short time, +earnest public prayers. They had found the fount of true happiness, and +would drink largely therefrom on all occasions. + +Our regular Sunday meetings soon became known in the neighborhood, and +the neighbors and their slaves would come and worship with us, until our +congregations became so large that Mr. Dansley allowed me to take the +hands and clear away a nice place in the woods, and make seats and a +stand, where we held our meetings regularly thereafter every Sunday, in +the forenoon, afternoon, and at night; besides, we held a social +prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening. These meetings were productive +of great good to the community and to individuals. In this way I +brought men and women to God even while in a condition of slavery, and +required to labor six days in the week in the grain and cotton fields. +If I, a slave, could accomplish this much, how much should the favored +preachers of the country accomplish? This is a hard question to answer, +however, and I shall not insist on its consideration, as every preacher +can not be a Lorenzo Dow, a John Smith, or a James Findley. + +Among the field-hands under me were two brothers, white men, who, when I +first took charge of the farm were maliciously wicked toward each other, +and were almost constantly quarreling just like brothers(!). Before +three months had elapsed, under my kind of treatment, they were praying, +acting Christians, and remained so as long as I knew them. + +From this time down to the present writing I have been a zealous worker +in the Lord's vineyard, and shall remain in the harness as long as God +wills. + +Regarding doctrinal points of theology I knew nothing, and my whole +stock of theological works could have been carried in a vest pocket, in +the shape of one or two tracts which fell in my way, and which I read, +studied, and preserved. I had a Bible, and that alone served me as the +guide in my ministry, and furnished me with all the arguments necessary +to the conversion of sinners and their redemption. + +Our congregation at Mr. Dansley's was not organized into a church, and I +did not attempt to receive members into the church of Christ. I doubted +my authority to do so, and any efforts on my part in that direction +would have been immediately stopped by the preachers and members of the +white churches. But this did not deter me from preaching and exhorting. +I believed firmly that God required of me the labor I performed, and I +was so much interested and taken up in my work that I did not stop to +consider what the consequences would be to myself. My only consideration +was, "Where can I find an opportunity to do good and save souls." I +asked no pay for my services as a preacher, and never received any; +hence I usually found congregations awaiting me at my appointments made +up of all classes, white and black, and from all churches organized in +the community. My discourses were sometimes off-hand and sometimes +studied. It is true my studied discourses were, in the main, original, +and taken wholly from the Bible, yet they were none the less effective, +because they were earnest and honest. My language was that of the +southern blacks and uneducated whites at the beginning of my labors as +an exhorter, but after hard study and training I improved myself greatly +in this respect, and gained the reputation of being as correct in my +pronunciation of English words as the majority of the white preachers. I +am not yet entirely free from dialectic pronunciation, and never expect +to be; but I find that this very defect, if so it may be called, adds +force to my sermons, and gives them a distinctness not otherwise +attainable. Therefore I make use of my very faults to do good. + +I had hoped to stay with Mr. Dansley as long as he could find it +profitable to hire me; and so far I had been of great use to him. I had +placed his whole farm in a good state of repair, and had matured and +saved his crops in such a manner that his profits were much larger than +they ever were before in any one season. I had the goodwill and +confidence of the hands, both white and black, who worked under me, and +was an instrument in the hands of God in spreading the religion of Jesus +Christ in the neighborhood; consequently I was happy and contented, with +plenty of all kinds of work to do. But I had accomplished my mission at +this place, and it pleased God to remove me to another field of labor, +where the harvest was ripe and ready for the reaper. I never +complained; on the contrary, I rejoiced that God was not done with me, +and had plenty for me to do. When I had thoroughly worked one field of +labor, I deemed my immediate services no longer required, and was glad +when removed where more work was to be done in God's moral vineyard. Of +course I formed intimate associations in every locality in which I was +placed, and was prone to leave them; but I was content to do the will of +God in every particular, whether that will was expressed through the +slave-laws and James Wilson or otherwise. + +I was a slave, and was compelled to labor for the profit of my owner, +which I performed diligently and faithfully; I was a child of God, and +owed him duty and obedience, which I performed earnestly and constantly. +From my slave-owners I expected and received no reward or remuneration; +from God I received no pay as I labored, but my great reward is yet to +come. I have been a depositor in God's bank, from which I expect to draw +largely at the final settlement. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +James Wilson Comes Along--Wants me to go with Him to Saulsbury, +Tennessee, to Help Build a House for a Grocery-Store--Takes me Along +with Him--Wilson Taken Sick--I Take Care of Him--He gets Well--I make +another Attempt to Escape from Slavery--What Came of it. + + +One day James Wilson came to Mr. Dansley's, and said he had come for me +to go with him to Saulsbury, Tennessee, where he was going to start a +grocery, and that he wished my assistance in erecting a building +therefor. He informed me, at the same time, that as soon as the building +was finished, I might return to Mr. Dansley and stay with him as long as +he wanted me. He had another colored man with him, and desired to go +right away. All I had to do was to obey, so without further ado I bade +farewell to the people of the plantation, and went with Wilson. The +parting made me feel sad, for a time. + +The word grocery, as applied in the South, has a far different meaning +than that intended in the North. A grocery in the South is a place +where whisky and other intoxicating beverages are sold, and, as a +general thing, at these places the planters and others congregate to +drink, carouse, gamble, quarrel, and fight. This was the kind of grocery +James Wilson was going to start in Saulsbury, and the thought of aiding +even under protest and unwillingly in the establishment of one of these +hells caused me much anxiety. I made every effort to get relieved from +this odious work, but without avail. + +We immediately began the erection of the grocery-building, on our +arrival at Saulsbury, and made good progress for a while. The boards we +used in the building had to be sawed by us two slaves with a whipsaw. We +dug a deep trench in the ground, and laid the log to be sawed into +boards lengthwise over the trench, and one of us would stand in the +trench under the log and the other on top of the log. In this way we +worked, day after day, until we had a sufficient number of boards to +accommodate our wants. + +The Almighty, it seemed to me, interfered with our work. James Wilson +was taken down very sick in the midst of our efforts to create this +additional devil's den, and was totally unable to leave his bed. I had +to take care of him, and the work on the grocery-house was necessarily +stopped. As soon as he was able to be moved I took him to the Sulphur +Springs, not many miles away, and nursed him carefully and attentively +until he was able to be about again. + +This sickness of Wilson I deemed a warning to him, and endeavored to +impress as much on his mind; but I was cursed and reviled for my pains. +I availed myself of every opportunity to dissuade him from his evil +purpose, but failed. He was determined to start a grocery, and start a +grocery he would and did. I cleared my skirts and conscience in the +business, however, as far as I could under the circumstances; yet a +"still small voice" seemed to whisper to me that I was doing very wicked +and sinful acts in helping to further the grocery iniquity. I was, in a +manner, forced to work, yet I was uneasy and troubled in my mind. Others +may think I was blameless; that I was a slave and not accountable for +acts my master commanded me to do. This seemed very specious reasoning, +but still I felt guilty, and sent fervent and prayerful petitions to the +throne of grace for forgiveness and fortitude to withstand temptation, +which enable me to do the will of my great Master regardless of the +consequences that might ensue to me from the effects of Wilson's wrath +or resentment. + +We finished the building in about two months from the time we first +went to Salisbury, and prepared to return home. + +It was here that I first saw a complete railroad and a locomotive with a +train of cars. My fellow-slave, on hearing the whistle of the locomotive +for the first time, was very much frightened, and jumped over the log he +was hewing, with the exclamation, "Good God! what is that?" and started +to run. I stopped him, and, explaining to him what the loud, shrill +shriek meant, quieted his fears. We both went to the depot and examined +the locomotive and cars with great curiosity and interest. + +James Wilson, being still weak with his late sickness, was compelled to +ride in the wagon he had brought from home, and I rode his saddle-horse. +On the way, Wilson informed me that I was to attend the grocery at +Salisbury, and that he expected me to make money out of the concern. My +very soul revolted at the bare idea of being a whisky-vender, and my +immediate determination was not to be one. My mind was made up to "take +to the woods" on the first favorable opportunity. I said nothing, +however, but kept my own counsel. + +We traveled slowly, by reason of the master's sickness; and when we +stopped for the night I found that the saddle I had been riding had hurt +the horse's back. Wilson was furious, and swore he would take as much +hide from my back when we got home as the saddle had taken from the +horse's back. + +The next day after leaving Salisbury we arrived at Mr. Dansley's. In +conversation, I heard Wilson tell Mr. Dansley that he intended to take +me home with him. + +I claimed the fulfillment of his promise from Wilson, and asked him if +he was not going to let me work for Mr. Dansley, according to agreement. +This so enraged Wilson that he pulled out his six-shooter, and +exclaimed: + +"Mount that horse, you ---- black rascal!" + +I did so. + +Fearful that the horse's back would become incurably sore if I rode him +with his back in the condition it was, I suggested that the horse had +better be led. Wilson therefore ordered me into the wagon to drive the +team, and required Havely, my fellow-slave, to walk,--intending we +should take turns. After awhile Havely exchanged places with me, and +while walking along in rear of the wagon it occurred to me that this +would be as favorable an opportunity as I would soon again get for +making my escape from Wilson and slavery. + +I "took to the woods" without attracting the attention of either Wilson +or Havely, and made good my escape, for the time at least. + +I made my way back to Mr. Dansley's and told him my reasons for +endeavoring to effect my escape from slavery, and that the immediate +cause of my present attempt was to keep myself clear of the accursed sin +of whisky-selling. My motives were applauded, but my judgment was +condemned. + +How could I ever expect to escape to a country where I could be a free +man? Even should I escape to the northern states the fugitive slave law, +which was then in full force, would remand me back to slavery, and it +was a long, tedious, and perilous journey to Canada. I was going to make +the attempt at any rate. + +It was agreed between us that Mr. Dansley should buy me of Wilson if he +could, and that I should stay and work for him at the rate of +thirty-five dollars per month until I had re-imbursed Mr. Dansley, when +I should have my freedom papers. It would have required about four years +for me to pay for myself at those rates, as Wilson "priced" me at +sixteen hundred dollars. + +The negotiations for my purchase by Mr. Dansley failed, and I was left +to my exertions to get to Canada the best way I could. I was secreted +during this time about Dansley's farm, and was aroused to a sense of my +condition one day by reading a hand-bill which was posted on a tree on +the road close to Mr. Dansley's house, of which the following is a copy: + + "ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD!" + + "Charles, a slave, has disappeared from the plantation of + the undersigned, in Pontotoc County. The above reward + will be given for his apprehension and return to me alive. + + "JAMES WILSON." + +This settled the matter. The reward was soon known over the whole +country, and every slave-hunter was on the chase to gain the reward. I +"laid close" and waited to escape from that part of the country, so that +I might not compromise Mr. Dansley. He was already under surveillance by +slave-owners, and was in danger of being driven from the country; in +fact, threats of lynching had been made against him. + +The last day I was there I lay hid in some cotton-pens, close to the +house, when two men came on the hunt of me. They had their blood-hounds +with them, and demanded permission of Dansley to search his house. The +permission was granted, when the men began the search. I could see and +hear all that was going on, and trembled for my safety. I put myself on +the mercy of the Almighty and resigned myself entirely into his hands. +The search was made all over the premises, including the cotton-pens in +which I was hid; but God was on my side, and I was saved from their +clutches. I earnestly thanked God for my deliverance on this occasion. + +As soon as dark came I emerged from my hiding-place, and, after being +supplied with what provisions I could conveniently carry, I bid good-by +to Christian Dansley and his family, and started on my perilous journey +to the free states and Canada. + +My progress was necessarily slow and wearisome, being compelled to +travel altogether at night. The first point I designed making on my +journey was Memphis, where I hoped to find means of escape to Illinois. + +I had plenty of time for meditation and prayer, and my thoughts were +naturally concentrated on my deplorable condition all the time. My past +life came up in review before me, and while sorrowfully wandering +through the woods I would compare myself to persecuted Christians in the +days of the apostles and the early evaneglists. The blessed Savior was +persecuted in his very infancy and had to be hid by his parents. They +had to flee for life; I was fleeing for liberty. What had I to complain +of? Jesus was with me and would protect me. God had delivered him from +the very tomb of death; why need I fear? With these reflections in my +mind I would feel revived and refreshed with the consolation that while +there was life in me there was hope for me. The words of the poet came +to my memory, wherein he says: + + "Neither will he upbraid you, + Though often your request; + He'll give you grace to conquer, + And take you home to rest." + +The consolation and help I received from my meditations sustained me +through all my trials and hardships, and I plodded my weary way along +with God in my heart and bright hopes for the future. I knew if I drew +nigh unto God he would draw nigh unto me; and that if I would let the +word of Christ dwell in me I would be rich in all wisdom. Yet I was +aware I should suffer persecution if I lived godly in Jesus Christ; +therefore I determined to continue in the things which I had learned. + +On Sunday night I arrived at Holly Springs. Uncle Ben lived there, and I +was anxious to see him and obtain through his assistance, if possible, +rest and food. I had proceeded only a little way toward his house when I +met a colored man and began conversation with him. I learned that the +reward Wilson had offered for me had arrived at Holly Springs before me, +and that persons were on the lookout for me. The colored man seemed to +have a suspicion that I was a runaway, and was disposed to aid me all in +his power. To keep out of the way of slave-hunters was my object, and I +knew that the contemplated visit to Uncle Ben was fraught with too much +danger to be further thought of. + +Fearful that the negro would betray me, yet feeling somewhat safe for +the present, I sat down to think and rest myself. I knew that if I was +caught Wilson would flay me, as he had threatened to do, for making his +saddle-horse's back sore, but that if I could once get through to +Memphis I would be enabled, through the assistance of friends, to make +my way North. Yet I wanted to see Uncle Ben again, and tried to hit upon +some plan to accomplish that object; but I failed, and started on the +road again. + +After traveling a short time I came to a house by the road-side. The +kitchen stood about twenty yards from the main building, and had a +window in the back part of it. I was very hungry, and debated in my mind +as to the manner in which I should proceed to obtain food. To ask for it +was too risky, and I was fearful that if I was seen by any of the +persons about the house I would be apprehended and put in the nearest +jail as a runaway. Looking in at the window I saw a colored woman; and +on a table a meal was prepared, which, it seemed, was being held in +readiness for the arrival of some one. I waited patiently, hoping the +colored woman would leave the kitchen for some purpose; but she sat +quietly waiting. + +After awhile the master and mistress arrived, it seems, from a visit. +Shortly the mistress of the house came in and ordered the supper. +Fortunately for me the supper was to be carried into the "big house," +and the cook, taking her hands full of things, left the kitchen and went +into the house. I immediately sprung through the window, promiscuously +emptied the meat and bread into my sack, and left the kitchen the same +way before the return of the cook, just in time to escape detection. + +I crouched in the shade of the cabin fearing to move, when I heard the +cook exclaim: + +"Good gracious! some one hab tuk and turned in an' tuk all de bread an' +meat." + +Her cries brought the household to the kitchen, and during the racket I +made my escape to the road and a more peaceful neighborhood. I walked +briskly for a couple of miles, when I stopped and satisfied my ravenous +hunger. + +This was my first theft of something to eat. Before this I had been +fortunate enough to obtain supplies of food from friendly slaves, but +for the twenty-four hours previous to my raid on the kitchen I had eaten +nothing. I make no excuse for this immoral act, and ask no one to say I +did right. I only did what perhaps any one else, under the same +circumstances, would have done. I was too weak from hunger and other +causes to withstand the temptation of obtaining the food as I did. As +soon as my appetite was satisfied, however, my sin rose up before me in +all its enormity; I felt distressed; and it came vividly in my mind, "In +that Christ hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that +are tempted." Oh, what had I done! I had lost God's help in this my hour +of trial. I prayed for forgiveness, and asked God to direct and protect +me. Yet I felt uneasy and depressed,--not that my faith in Jesus was any +the less, but that my sin would bring its own punishment. + + "There is many a pang to pursue me; + They may crush, but they shall not contemn-- + They may torture, but shall not subdue me,-- + 'Tis of God I think--not of them." + +About daylight I reached a forest in which I could conceal myself during +the day. I slept soundly, being undisturbed, until dark, when I +proceeded onward. While traveling _that night_ I was compelled to pass a +large plantation. I was afraid some white person would see me, +therefore I avoided every one,--not being able to distinguish, in the +dark, a white from a black person. However, about daylight I met a +colored boy, who procured some food for me and directed me to a +cotton-pen close by, where I could hide and sleep during the day. When +night came--it was Thursday night--I crawled out of the pen and started +for another night's walk. I made very good time that night, and walked +to within nine miles of Memphis. I was afraid to go on into Memphis in +the day-time, consequently I slept in the woods that day without +anything to eat, my supply of food being exhausted. + +I was very much exhausted, and suffered greatly from hunger. When night +came I started again. After proceeding on my way about two miles I came +to the village of Mt. Pleasant, where I thought to obtain something to +eat. I had passed nearly through the village without seeing any one; but +finally I saw a man who I mistook for a colored man. I accosted him, +when, to my chagrin and disappointment, he was a white man. I felt that +I had already betrayed myself; and through my fright and want of +steadiness I was again in bonds. + +The man asked me numerous and various questions, as to where I came +from, where I was going, who I belonged to, etc. + +I again sinned, and paid the penalty. I lied to the man. I told him I +belonged to a man by the name of Potts, and that I was going to his +plantation. + +Quite a number of persons soon gathered around me, and by repeated +questions entrapped me. Inquiries were made as to the health of Mr. +Potts' family, and of Mr. Potts in particular. I stated that the family +were well and that Mr. Potts was as well as usual. + +It turned out that several of the persons present knew the Potts family, +and that Mr. Potts had died two months previously. + +I was immediately arrested and placed in a secure place, tied and +chained to the floor. + +Thus sin brought me into trouble. Had I trusted to God and not been in +too great haste to get something to eat, he would have helped me. My +weakness made me forget that I should not lie to any one, seeing that I +had put off the old man with his deeds. In my great need of +strengthening food, Christ would have succored me had I not forgotten to +pray to him and ask his help, for "a man can receive nothing except it +be given him from heaven." + +In nearly all the villages of the South, and on most of the large +plantations, were slave-jails, where runaway and refractory slaves were +incarcerated. These jails were usually a double pen, the inside pen +being covered with a roof, and the top of the outside pen being covered +with sharp iron spikes. Between the pens one or more savage dogs were +usually kept. This was the kind of place I was now placed in. + +Hungry, worn out with my journey, and nearly naked, I soon fell asleep +from sheer exhaustion and slept soundly until morning. + +After I had eaten my breakfast I was taken out of jail at Mt. Pleasant +and started back to Holly Springs, well ironed and guarded, where I was +recognized as Wilson's slave. Wilson was notified of my apprehension. +After laying in the jail at Holly Springs about three weeks Wilson came +for me. I had made several attempts in that time to escape, but did not +succeed. + +I was ironed and compelled to walk, which, in my exhausted state, was +too much for me, and I was taken violently sick on the road, when Wilson +procured a conveyance and hauled me the balance of the way home. A +physician was immediately summoned, who ordered my shackles removed. + +After the irons were removed I regained my spirits, and entertained +hopes of being able to make another attempt to regain my liberty. I was +very sick for several days. + +About two o'clock on the last morning I stayed there I awoke and felt +fresh, and found that my strength had in a great measure returned. Upon +looking around the moonlit room I found that I was alone. To escape was +my very first intention. Getting out of bed I examined the window to the +cabin, when I found I could raise it easily. I gathered what clothes I +could find, as well as a blanket from the bed, and climbing through the +window made my escape unobserved. I did not stop to put on my clothes +until I had got two or three miles from the plantation. + +I stayed in the woods about three weeks, when I returned to my master +and asked his forgiveness, and promised that I would never run away +again. I was forgiven. + +During my three weeks' starving and hiding in the woods I had ample time +for reflection and thought. Prayerfully I considered my situation and +asked God's help to direct me. I came to the conclusion that I was +entirely wrong in my course. God, for his own good purpose, had placed +me in bondage, and in his good time he would relieve me either by death +or emancipation. My hardships, I felt, were by reason of my disobedience +to God's will. Although I was a slave God had given me my task in his +vineyard as a slave, and I should have fronted the wrath of my master, +Wilson, rather than that of God. I felt that I was doing wrong, and +after prayerful consideration I determined to do right, and go back to +the plantation and patiently await God's time to set me free. + +Wilson received me as kindly as his nature would permit, and treated me +as he did the other slaves and as if I had never been disobedient to him +and ran away. I felt better, and knew then that I was right in the sight +of my heavenly Father. My views underwent a change for the better while +I was an outcast in the woods, and after that I was better fitted to do +my allotted work for God. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +Was hired to Mr. Thompson, and adopted his name--Opened regular +meetings, and preached on the plantation and other places--Took unto +myself a wife--Was purchased by Thompson, duly installed on the +plantation, and invested with authority--Various means and plans +resorted to by the overseer to degrade me in the eyes of Mr. +Thompson--Driven, through persecution, to run away--Returned back to my +master. + + +A short time after I came in from the woods Wilson determined to hire me +to a man named Thompson, who lived about twenty miles away. I made no +objection, and was duly hired for the term of three years. + +I adopted the name "Thompson," from my new master, which I have since +retained. + +The slaves of the South are usually named like brutes, with only one +name for a designation, and it became customary among the slaves to +adopt the surname of their masters. I had never adopted the name of +Wilson, because I disliked the man; but as soon as I was hired to Mr. +Thompson I took his name, therefore I was henceforth known as Charles +Thompson. The adoption of a name by myself may appear strange to a +great many of my readers, yet when it comes to be considered that I was +a human chattel, with no rights or privileges of American citizenship, +and that I was without a name, except simply "Charles," no surprise will +be felt. + +I labored faithfully and honestly for Mr. Thompson during my term of +service, and endeavored in all things to do my duty. I made such efforts +as I could to bring the slaves on the plantation to Jesus, and +inaugurated regular and stated meetings. I preached and exhorted on the +plantation and at other places where I could gather the negroes to hear +me; and I felt that I was the means in God's hands of redeeming precious +souls. In these meetings I had helpers from among the most intelligent +of the slaves, and made such progress that at all our meetings we would +have a number of God-fearing whites to pray with us. + +During my term of hired service with Mr. Thompson I married a colored +girl and added the responsibilities of a husband to my various cares. + +The marriage of slaves was a mere formality among themselves, there +being nothing legal, according to the laws of the southern states, about +the ceremony or marriage contract. The slaves cohabited together in most +instances with the express or implied consent of their masters; and as +the masters did not regard the marriage of their slaves as anything, +wives and husbands were constantly in danger of being separated forever. + +But the slaves themselves instituted a ceremony which they considered +morally binding, as far as they were concerned; and the slave-owners +deemed it prudent to gratify their slaves by a recognition, in some +degree, of the marital relations that might exist among them. Therefore +a certain set of rules came into operation, by general consent, +governing the visits of the husband to the wife when owned by different +masters. When the wife of a slave lived not more than five miles from +his master he could visit her once a week; when she lived not more than +ten miles away, he could go to see her once in two weeks; and when she +lived twenty or more miles away he could go to see her only once in two +months. + +At the expiration of my term of service I was loth to leave my wife at +Thompson's, and go back to Wilson's, and strenuously objected, knowing +that I could get to see her only once in two months. + +Wilson having learned that I was not desirous of returning to him, wrote +to Mr. Thompson to send me home as soon as the last day of my service +expired; but Mr. Thompson was desirous of retaining me, and made +efforts to that effect. He sent me to Wilson to learn the price set for +me. I arrived in due time, when Wilson informed me that he would sell me +to Thompson, but that he would not take less than twelve hundred +dollars, cash. + +The proposition did not seem to please Thompson, but after a time he +concluded to buy me, and sent his son to Wilson with the purchase money. +The purchase at that particular time was lucky for me, as Wilson had +written Thompson a very abusive letter, and it was received by Mr. +Thompson on the evening of the day on which his son went to Wilson's to +buy me. The bargain was made, however, and I was duly transferred to my +new master, by delivery and a bill of sale. The personal matter between +Wilson and Thompson soon blew over, and I was duly installed on the +plantation as one of the chattel fixtures. + +I seemed to take a new lease of life from this time, and determined, if +possible, to profit by former experiences and shun every appearance of +ill-nature and evil intentions, and to gain the confidence of my new +master, that I might better do the work of my heavenly Master. All +nature seemed lovely to me, and I was happy in doing my duty and +obliging the will of God. + +I was invested with authority on the plantation by Mr. Thompson, and +was required to keep an eye on the overseer, and to report any +enormities that might be committed by him. + +Mr. Thompson was a wealthy planter and kept a general overseer, besides +the usual field bosses; yet there were other slaves on the plantation +who had the confidence of the master and were put at such service as +required intelligence and integrity. + +The position in which I was now placed was difficult and onerous; but I +did my duty to the very best of my ability, and satisfactorily to my +master. The overseer soon found out that I was _his_ overseer; and he +used every means, and various plans, to drive me to do something that +would degrade me in the eyes of Mr. Thompson. It was only by reason of +the greatest forbearance and the very closest attention to my duties +that I escaped his machinations; and by attending to everything with the +most scrupulous care he could find no fault with me, that had truth for +its foundation. But the constant and pertinacious maliciousness of the +overseer, and my own weakness, eventually brought me to grief. + +As a rule, when a bad and wicked man undertakes any species of +devilishness he generally prevails, for a time, and is apparently +successful in his schemes; and should he meet with failure at the onset +his want of success only maddens him to greater exertions and more +persistent efforts. Being urged by the devil, and the devil being a hard +driver, he either rushes to his own destruction or destroys the +happiness or lives of others. Thus I was placed in the crucible for +further refinement and regeneration. My humanity gave way for some time; +but God was with me, and in the end I prevailed. The overseer's name was +Hines, and he belonged to that class of southern whites who are noted +for their ignorance and brutality. He could read and write a +little,--just enough to make out a negro's pass or a receipt for money +paid on account of his employer. In this respect I was far in advance of +him, of which my master was aware, and which was one of the causes of +Hines' excessive hatred of me, and of his great desire to "put me down +and make me know my place," as he termed it. He was very irreligious, +and entirely wanting in every attribute of a Christian. He was also what +in the South is termed a "bully"--that is, he was free to use his +pistols on the slightest occasion, when among his equals, but when in +the presence of his superiors he was a cringing sycophant and coward. He +was a real coward, at best, in all places. He did not want me on the +plantation; and he was determined that he would so harrass me that I +would become as reckless and devilish as himself, and thereby compel my +master to send me to a slave-market to be sold. + +Hines concocted various tales and reported them to Mr. Thompson, +relating to my alleged insubordination, laziness, refusal to work, etc., +but all to no effect. Finally he told my master that I was so +disobedient that the rest of the slaves were affected by my conduct, and +that I would ruin all the slaves on the plantation unless severe means +were used to conquer me. + +My master informed Hines, after hearing his story, that Jack, a +fellow-servant of mine in my younger days, had killed Prince, another +fellow-servant, on Wilson's plantation, several years before; that I +might be imbued with the same spirit; and that if he undertook to +chastise me he might meet with the same fate of Prince. + +This murder occurred after I had been sold by Wilson to Thompson, but +being permitted to return to Wilson's plantation once a year to visit +and preach to my old flock, I learned the facts regarding the matter. + +Jack belonged to a neighbor of Wilson's by the name of Scott, and having +done something displeasing to Scott he wished to tie him up and whip +him. Jack refused to be whipped by Scott or any one else, when Prince +was called upon by his master (Scott) to help him secure Jack. Prince +was reluctant, but was commanded two or three times to take hold of +Jack and hold him. Jack told him not to approach him at the peril of his +life; but not heeding Jack's warning he made the effort to tie Jack, +when he was stabbed to the heart with a knife in Jack's hand, and +expired almost instantly. Jack made his escape for a short time, but was +captured and immediately hanged without a trial or an opportunity to +make any defense. Jack was captured in a corn-crib on Wilson's +plantation, which made Thompson suppose the murder had been committed +there. + +This recital, which was made in substance to Hines by my master, cowed +the overseer considerably, and a house-servant who was present during +the conversation afterwards told me that Hines' face turned white as a +sheet, and he trembled like a leaf. + +My master knew his overseer was a coward, and that if he could work upon +his fears by supposing me to be too high-spirited to stand a whipping, +he would probably save me from Hines' malice, and keep the overseer to +his work. Good overseers were hard to get in the South. An intelligent +Christian man would not have such a position under any circumstances, +and the very best of the "poor white trash" who _would_, were unreliable +and brutish; therefore Mr. Thompson had to do the very best he could +under the circumstances. He did not believe Hines; yet he had to humor +him, in a measure. + +After a few days Hines reported to Mr. Thompson that he had heard me say +that I would never be whipped by him or any other overseer on the +plantation, as long as I had life to resist, which was a most malicious +falsehood. What I did tell Hines was, that I would so conduct myself and +so perform my work that he nor any other overseer on the plantation +should never have cause to chastise me. + +The falsehood inflamed my master, and in his wrath he told Hines to whip +me for the first offense I might commit, or kill me in the attempt. + +Armed with this instruction, Hines was in high glee; yet he dare not +attempt anything without first laying well his plans and making sure of +sufficient force to carry them out. The next morning he charged me to +pick six hundred pounds of cotton and deliver it at the weighing-house +at night, under penalty, for a failure, of one hundred lashes on my bare +back with a rawhide. + +This would not have been an extraordinary task in good cotton; but where +we had to work that day the cotton was poor, and in that field the crop +was not more than half a one. However, I worked hard against fate all +day, and prayed to Almighty God to help me in my hour of need, and keep +me steadfast. I knew I was to be punished not for any fault or misdoing, +but simply to gratify a brute in human shape, and my inferior in +intellect, morality, and physical strength. The burden was hard to bear, +yet I prayed for strength to bear it. When called from the field to the +weighing-house I was kept waiting until all the other slaves had their +cotton weighed. When mine was weighed I was told by Hines that I had +only picked four hundred pounds. I verily believed this to be untrue, +and felt convinced that I had picked at least five hundred pounds, for I +was one of the best, if not the best, cotton-pickers in the country; and +I had labored faithfully and rapidly all day, and did not lose a +minute's time, unnecessarily. + +Hines turned to me and said, Go to your quarters; I will settle with you +in the morning. + +Now began new trials. My duty and my Christianity instructed me to face +the undeserved and unjust punishment manfully. The devil and my human +nature told me to run away. I became weak. The fear of the disgrace of a +whipping was too much for me, and I succumbed to the evil one. + +I made such arrangements as I could, and concealed myself on the +plantation, before daylight the next morning, so that I could take an +early start in the night and travel behind my pursuers instead of before +them. My wife knew of my hiding-place, and when night came she sought me +and reported what had been done for my capture. + +Hines seemed, she said, to be more cheerful than usual in the morning +when he found I was gone, and hastened to report the good news, as he +thought, to Mr. Thompson. After some conversation between them it was +determined by my master to obtain the services of a professional +slave-hunter, and follow me with hounds. The slave-hunter was sent for +and came with his pack of dogs that same day about noon. The hunt was +immediately begun, and the country was then being scoured in all +directions for my tracks. + +This information put me on my guard, and gave me time to consider what +direction I had better take in my flight. I had provide myself a +preparation called "smut" among the negroes, which, when spread thinly +on the soles of the shoes or feet, destroyed that peculiar scent by +which blood-hounds are enabled to follow the trail of a man or a beast. +After bidding my wife farewell I smeared my shoes with "smut" and +started in the direction of the hills, beyond which was a large swamp, +the refuge of many a poor runaway. + +On my way I had to pass through innumerable thickets of underbrush and +briers, and by reason thereof I tore my already much-worn clothes almost +into shreds, and lacerated my flesh severely, especially on my arms and +legs. I arrived in the swamp, however, without being followed by the +dogs, and while proceeding slowly and dejectedly along, my steps were +suddenly stopped by a fierce and loud growl. I was frightened, to be +sure, yet I knew scarcely what to do. The growl proceeded from a bear, I +felt fully assured, for bears roamed through the hills and swamps of +Mississippi. But with presence of mind I retreated slowly from the +presence of Mr. and Mrs. Bruin, and not being followed by the bears my +fears on that score were removed. + +About this time it began to rain; and the night was one of those black, +foreboding nights that novelists love so well to depict in their +descriptions of storms. The lightning flashed with a vividness that +lighted up the dismal swamps with a weird and horrible brightness; the +thunder rolled peal upon peal, making to me a pandemonium, real and +feeling; the pitiless rain pelted me unmercifully and constantly, with +that persistence that made it almost unendurable to me. I sat down at +the root of a large tree, not to shelter myself from the rain but to +protect myself from the attack of any wild animal that should approach +me. There I sat the rest of the long night, unfriended, alone, +forsaken,--a hunted outcast. + + "Man's inhumanity to man + Makes countless thousands mourn." + +The condition in which I was now placed rendered me indeed a pitiable +object. I waited and longed for morning to come; but the long, slow +minutes passed lazily along without regard to my sufferings or wishes. +After a long time, to me, I heard a rooster crow, and the welcome sound +brought me to my feet in an instant. I started in the direction of the +sound, and approached warily. Having walked a short distance I reached +the edge of the swamps, or rather a dry spot or oasis in the swamp, and +by the faint glimmer of day, which was just breaking, I could see the +outlines of a house. The cock continued to crow, which seemed to invite +me to approach, and which I construed into a good omen,--at least I +really felt good at the sight of the house, even though it might contain +those who would chain me and take me back to my master. I noticed that a +public road ran along close to the house; and after going on the road, +in approaching the house I was discovered by a dog, belonging to the +house, who set up a furious barking. Fearing to stay and make my wants +known I again sought "cover" in the swamp. I stayed in the swamp that +day and ate such berries, roots, and nuts as I could find. I had plenty +of time for prayer and meditation. I was alone with God, and prayed to +him for help in my distress, and for direction. I became convinced that +I had done wrong in running away, and deemed that I had sinned against +God. I had been a runaway and an outcast before, and had came to right +conclusions; yet I had turned from the path of duty, and was even now +being punished for my sin. I determined to return to my master and take +the consequences of my acts in running away. I asked God to have mercy +on me and pardon my sins, and protect me from the wrath of my master and +the maliciousness of Hines. Having fully made up my mind to return to +Thompson and make such efforts as I could to allay the punishment I +expected to receive, I set about perfecting my plans to get there +without being apprehended by the slave-hunters, who were then, I have no +doubt, hunting for me. My master had offered a reward for my return to +his plantation; and should any one arrest me and take me home, although +I might be returning on my own accord, they would receive the reward and +I would have to make up the amount to my master in extra labor and +extra punishment. To avoid this was now my object. + +At night I left the swamp and went to the road, intending to travel home +that night--thinking I was not more than ten or twelve miles away from +there. I was uncertain which way to go; but I finally started off on the +road, hoping that I was going in the direction of Thompson's. The rain +was pattering down; but I traveled briskly all that night, and about +day-break I came to a plantation. I entered one of the slave-cabins and +told the inmates I was lost, hungry, and tired, and asked them for +something to eat. One of the colored men spoke to a woman who appeared +to be his wife, and told her to get me something to eat, and that he +would go and get some pine to put on the fire. His actions, and the +manner in which he spoke, aroused my suspicions, and being fearful that +he intended to betray me, I left the cabin directly after he did, and +sought an asylum in the woods, where I stayed during that day. Thus "the +wicked flee when no one pursueth." + +At night I found the same road I had traveled the day before, and +started again to try and get to Thompson's. I knew that I was wrong, and +that I was traveling away from instead of toward Thompson's; therefore I +concluded to make inquiries at the first opportunity. After traveling +three or four miles I came to a cabin in which there was a light +shining through the cracks between the logs. Approaching the cabin, I +intended to enter; but being enabled to see the inmates through the +cracks I discovered three white men sitting around the fire, so I turned +to leave. As I was passing the corner of the cabin a colored woman came +to the door for some purpose, and saw me. She jumped back into the +cabin, at the same time exclaiming, "Here's a runaway nigger!" + +I immediately ran for the road; but a dog--not a blood-hound--followed +me, and while getting over the fence between the cabin and the road he +caught me by the breeches leg. I shook him off and ran for the woods. + +The white men were slave-hunters, and were after me particularly, as I +learned afterwards. They followed me closely by the sound of the +crackling of brush, and put the dogs they had with them on my track. +These dogs, fortunately for me, were in the cabin at the time I +approached it. As soon as I heard the first yelp of a blood-hound I +"smutted" my shoe-soles, and soon threw them off the scent. The white +men followed me about three or four miles. Finally, finding I would not +get away from them by running, I stopped, and making my way into a dense +thicket of briers I sat down. The white men stopped a short distance +from me and listened, I suppose, for the sound of brush cracking. After +waiting a short time one of them started off in the direction they had +come, leaving the others still waiting,--using this ruse in order to +throw me off my guard, so as to enable the remaining ones to ascertain +where I was by the noise I would make in walking. I was too close to +them; and from the noise I heard from where they were standing I knew +they had a dog with them, and that they were only waiting for me to move +to begin the chase again. I sat perfectly quiet, and waited patiently +for the remaining whites and the dog to leave. After a time the men +began to move about through the brush, coming still closer to me. I +heard them talking, when one of them said, "We ought to catch the nigger +if we have to run him all night." "No" said the other, "we should let +him alone to-night, and start him up in the morning, when we can have +daylight for the chase, and not run him to-night, for we might run him +off and never catch him." + +After a short parley they concluded to get some more dogs and be on the +ground before daylight, so as to make sure of me. As soon as they had +gone out of my hearing I emerged from the brier thicket. I found my +limbs had become sore and benumbed from the exposure and hardships I +had undergone, and I was intensely hungry. I worried along, however, to +get out of that neighborhood as soon as possible. The sky was now clear, +the air frosty, and my rags were but a scant protection to me. After +walking awhile I found my soreness began to leave me, when I began to +accelerate my pace. I had to walk as fast as I could, and exercise my +limbs all I could, in order to keep warm. After walking some time I came +to a plantation. Upon reconnoitering, I found an old house, and +approaching it with the intention of seeking a little rest in it during +the remainder of the night and the next day, I saw a light in it. I went +in, however, and found it to be the workshop of the plantation, and five +colored men were there putting handles in their axes. I asked them for +something to eat, and was about to tell them the truth regarding myself, +when one of the negroes hurried me out of the cabin, saying he would get +me something to eat. After we got out he told me I was very imprudent, +for if I had told the negroes who I was and that I was a runaway, they +would have taken me themselves. He got me some meat and bread, and after +I had told him who I was and that I wanted to find my way back to +Thompson's, he put me on the right road and gave me such directions as I +required. + +I found that I was about fifty miles from Thompson's plantation, and +that it would require two nights' hard walking to get there. I felt very +much discouraged, and grieved considerably to myself. However, having +satisfied the cravings of my appetite, I plucked up courage and started +on my long return walk with renewed energy. + +After traveling about five miles I came to a little town. I was afraid +to go through it on account of the liability of being apprehended; and I +did not like to go around it for fear of getting lost again. I +determined to risk going through the place, and, by avoiding every one, +escape detection. There was quite an excitement here by reason of an +epidemic sickness among the children, and about every other house had a +light in it. I passed through the town with fear; but I escaped arrest +and felt like rejoicing over my good fortune, not once thinking of any +dangers or hardships that might lay before me. + +After I got through the town I came to a considerable stream, with a +bridge across it, the name of which I am unable to give; but on the +opposite end of the bridge from the town there is a road-way, or levee, +thrown up across the "bottom" for about two miles. At the time I +crossed, the stream was very much swelled from the recent rains, and the +water extended all over the bottom on each side of the road-grade, and +to within two or three feet of the top of it. This grade I had to cross; +and I was greatly afraid that I would meet some one. I started across, +and when about half way over the grade, or levee, I heard hounds baying +ahead of me; and the sounds seemed to be approaching me, I became very +much frightened, and turned and fled back to the bridge, when, just as I +was stepping on it, I heard men's voices, and stopped, when I found they +were coming across the bridge toward me. I concluded I would rather face +the blood-hounds than the white men, so I made my way back over the +grade as hurriedly as I could. I reached the end of the grade without +meeting the hounds and turned off into the woods. After walking a short +distance I heard the hounds again, and the sound of their yelps was +nearing me rapidly. I turned my course immediately, and ran as fast as I +was able for three or four hundred yards, when I saw distinctly, in the +starlight, a man running nearly toward me. My heart leaped into my +throat, as it were, and I made ready for battle. But the man proved to +be a poor runaway like myself, and the one whom the hounds were after. I +had got into a field, and the runaway passed through the same field +without noticing me. I kept on in an opposite direction from the one +which he had taken, and crossed the fence on the other side of the field +just in time to hear one of the slave-hunters say, "There he is now; I +heard him getting over the fence." I threw myself on the ground and +awaited results. The dogs were "hot" on the other slave's track, and +were running at a great rate, which induced the slave-hunters to think +their companion was mistaken. So, to my great relief and pleasure, they +started on after the hounds. I was nearly exhausted by my exertions +during the night, and as it was now nearly morning I lay on the ground +for a time to rest and recuperate my worn-out energies a little. + +In a short time I got up, and after looking around I saw the outlines of +plantation houses in the distance. On going to them I found a +resting-place in a fodder-loft, in the horse-lot of the plantation. I +ensconced myself in the fodder, when I again heard the infernal yelps of +the blood-hounds, and the more infernal yelps of the white pursuers +urging the hounds after the poor runaway. The hounds soon after caught +the poor wretch, whose cries for mercy were heart-rending and piteous. +My situation was perilous; yet I had hopes that the other slave being +run down and caught would save me, from the fact that the hunters were +not aware of the presence of another runaway in the immediate +neighborhood. + +The day wore slowly away, and being very weak from hunger and fatigue I +was unable to gain that rest my wasted body required. I slept two or +three hours, however, and had ample time for reflection. The bridge +where I had been so completely hemmed in the night before was impressed +deeply upon my memory; and the agony of mind while on the bridge was +still troubling me. I relied on a loving heavenly Father in my troubles +and trials, and brought to my mind the condition of the children of +Israel when about to be overwhelmed by the hosts of Pharaoh on the shore +of the Red Sea. God delivered them, and I believed he would deliver me. +My faith was strong. + +Night came at last, when I cautiously emerged from my hiding-place and +continued my journey toward home. I ran and walked about twenty-five +miles, and did not find any familiar objects to lead me to suppose I was +in the neighborhood of my master's plantation, when I began to look +about for a place of concealment in which to spend another weary and +lonesome day. Walking slowly along, after a short time my attention was +attracted by sounds as if some one was pounding a hard substance. On +stopping and listening, I soon heard some person calling hogs. The +voice seemed familiar. Upon further investigation I began to recognize +objects, and soon ascertained that I was "at home." Now that I had got +back "home," new troubles arose in my mind. I would be punished +severely, without doubt. + +Instead of going to "the quarters" I went directly to my master's +plantation, in the hope that I could enlist my mistress in my behalf, +and thus have the way made smooth for me. My master was not at home, +fortunately, and my mistress heard my story and prayers for forgiveness. +She promised to intercede with my master for me, but that I must promise +not to run away again, which I did. She bade me to go and hide myself in +the stable loft, and not to leave there until she sent for me. Soon +after, my master came home. In conversation with him my mistress +broached the subject as to my whereabouts. He told her that he believed +I had got to the free states and was lost to him; however, that if any +of the slaves on the plantation knew where I was they should get me word +that if I would come back I should not be punished, and that I should be +forgiven. In that case my mistress said she would insure my return +speedily. + +Matters were soon arranged, and I was re-instated in my former position +on the plantation. But severe trials were soon to overtake me, and what +I had already gone through was but an atom in comparison with what I +afterwards suffered from the hands of my master, and by reason of my +condition of slavery. + +Thus ended my earlier experiences as a slave, from my earliest +recollection down to the time of my return to Thompson's plantation. + +I propose to continue this biography, and include the whole in book +form. This pamphlet is printed for the purpose of enabling me to raise +money to continue my work and paying for printing the whole in a book +substantially and neatly bound. + +To the friends of the colored race I appeal for help in this matter, +hoping that sufficient interest is taken to insure the accumulation of +sufficient funds for my purpose. + +The remainder will contain my full experience as a minister of the +gospel, and incidents relating to my efforts and the efforts of my +co-workers in building up the church of Christ among the former slaves +of the South, and such suggestions as I may deem proper to aid to raise +the standard of intelligence among negroes. + + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Biography of a Slave, by Charles Thompson + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE *** + +***** This file should be named 9941.txt or 9941.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/9/9/4/9941/ + +Produced by Dave Morgan and PG Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Biography of a Slave + Being the Experiences of Rev. Charles Thompson + +Author: Charles Thompson + +Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9941] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on November 2, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE *** + + + + +Produced by Dave Morgan and PG Proofreaders + + + + +BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE + +Being The Experiences Of Rev. Charles Thompson, +A Preacher Of The United Brethren Church, + +WHILE A SLAVE IN THE SOUTH. + +Together With Startling Occurrences Incidental To Slave Life. + + + +1875. + + + + +PREFACE. + +In publishing this book I hope to do good not only to my own race, but +to all who may read it. I am not a book-maker, and make no pretensions +to literary attainments; and I have made no efforts to create for myself +a place in the literary, book-making ranks. I claim for my book +truthfulness and honesty of purpose, and upon that basis it must succeed +or fail. The Biography of a Slave is called for by a very large number +of my immediate acquaintances, and, I am assured, will meet with such +reception as to justify the expense I have incurred in having it printed +and bound. To the members of the United Brethren Church, white as well +as colored, I look for help in the sale and circulation of my work, yet +I am satisfied I will receive commendable patronage from members of all +Christian churches everywhere. + +The book is written in the narrative style, as being much better suited +to the tastes and capacities of my colored readers, and I have used +simple and plain English language, discarding the idiomatic and +provincial language of the southern slaves and ignorant whites, +expecting thereby to help educate the blacks in the use of proper +language. + +I am indebted to William H. Rhodes, Esq., attorney at law, of Newman, +Douglas County, Illinois, for his valuable assistance in the preparation +of my manuscript for the printer. He has re-written the whole of it for +me, and has otherwise assisted me in the matter of placing the book +before the public. + +CHARLES THOMPSON. + +Newman, Illinois, Aug., 1874. + + + + +CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER I. + +Charles Thompson, born in Atala County, Mississippi--Division of +Kirkwood's slaves among his six Children--The writer and his two sisters +fall to Mrs. Wilson--The parting between mother and child--Deprived of a +fond mother forever--Old Uncle Jack--Wilson buys Uncle Ben from +Strucker--Uncle Ben runs away and is hunted with blood-hounds--Two +hundred dollars reward. + +CHAPTER II. + +Not sent to hell by Wilson--Mrs. Wilson protects me, to whom I +belong--Sent to school with the children--The school-children teach me +to read and write--What came of it--Mount that mule or I'll shoot +you--I mounted the mule--A start for the railroad to work--I dismount +and take to the woods--I owe allegiance to God and my country only. + +CHAPTER III. + +Caught, tried, and taken back home to James Wilson--My mistress saves me +from being whipped--I go to the railroad and work one month +precisely--Go back home--Wilson surprised--Left the railroad at +3 o'clock A.M.--Did not want to disturb Leadbitter's rest--Sent to Memphis +with a load of cotton--Afraid of the slave-pens and slave-auction--Start +for home--Not sold--Pray, sing, and shout--Get home and ordered to hire +myself out. + +CHAPTER IV. + +Start out on my travels to hunt a new master--Find Mr. Dansley--Hire to +him--Thirty dollars per month for my master and five dollars for +myself--Wilson astonished--Appointed superintendent of Dansley's +farm--Rules and regulations--Peace and tranquillity--My moral labors +successful--Prayer and social meetings--Meetings in the woods--Quarrel +and fight like very brothers--Time comes to be moved to another field of +labor. + +CHAPTER V. + +James Wilson comes along--Wants me to go with him to Saulsbury, +Tennessee, to help build a house for a grocery-store--Takes me along +with him--Wilson taken sick--I take care of him--He gels well--I make +another attempt to escape from slavery--What came of it. + +CHAPTER VI. + +Was hired to Mr. Thompson, and adopted his name--Opened regular +meetings, and preached on the plantation and other places--Took unto +myself a wife--Was purchased by Thompson, duly installed on the +plantation, and invested with authority--Various means and plans +resorted to by the overseer to degrade me in the eyes of Mr. +Thompson--Driven, through persecution, to run away--Return back to my +master. + + + + +BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE. + + * * * * * + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +Charles Thompson, born in Atala County, Mississippi--Division of +Kirkwood's Slaves Among his Six Children--The Writer and his Two Sisters +Fall to Mrs. Wilson--The Parting Between Mother and Child--Deprived of a +Fond Mother Forever--Old Uncle Jack--Wilson Buys Uncle Ben from +Strucker--Uncle Ben Runs Away and is Hunted with Blood-Hounds--Two +Hundred Dollars Reward. + + +I was a slave, and was born in Atala County, Mississippi, near the town +of Rockford, on the third day of March, 1833. My father and mother both +being slaves, of course my pedigree is not traceable, by me, farther +back than my parents. Our family belonged to a man named Kirkwood, who +was a large slave-owner. Kirkwood died when I was about nine years old, +after which, upon the settlement of the affairs of his estate, the +slaves belonging to the estate were divided equally, as to value, among +the six heirs. There were about seventy-five slaves to be divided into +six lots; and great was the tribulation among the poor blacks when they +learned that they were to be separated. + +When the division was completed two of my sisters and myself were cast +into one lot, my mother into another, and my father into another, and +the rest of the family in the other lots. Young and slave as I was, I +felt the pang of separation from my loved and revered mother; child that +I was I mourned for mother, even before our final separation, as one +dead to me forever. So early to be deprived of a fond mother, by the +"law," gave me my first view of the curse of slavery. Until this time I +did not know what trouble was, but from then until the tocsin of freedom +was sounded through the glorious Emancipation Proclamation by the +immortal Abraham Lincoln, I passed through hardship after hardship, in +quick succession, and many, many times I have almost seen and tasted +death. + +I bade farewell to my mother, forever, on this earth. Oh! the pangs of +that moment. Even after thirty years have elapsed the scene comes +vividly to my memory as I write. A gloomy, dark cloud seemed to pass +before my vision, and the very air seemed to still with awfulness. I +felt bereaved, forlorn, forsaken, lost. Put yourself in my place; feel +what I have felt, and then say, God is just; he will protect the +helpless and right the wronged, and you will have some idea of my +feelings and the hope that sustained me through long and weary years of +servitude. My mother, my poor mother! what must she have suffered. Never +will I forget her last words; never will I forget the earnest prayers of +that mother begging for her child, and refusing to be comforted. She had +fallen to the lot of Mrs. Anderson, and she pleaded with burning tears +streaming down her cheeks, "He is my only son, my baby child, my +youngest and the only son I have; please let me have him to go with me!" + +Anderson spoke roughly to her and told her to hold her peace; but with +her arms around me she clung to me and cried the louder, "Let me have my +child; if you will let me have my baby you may have all the rest!" + +Mothers can realize this situation only, who have parted with children +whom they never expected to see again. Imagine parting with your dearest +child, never to see it again; to be thrown into life-servitude in one +part of the country and your dear child in the same condition six +hundred miles away. Although my mother was black, she had a soul; she +had a heart to feel just as you have, and I, her child, was being +ruthlessly torn from her by inexorable "law." What would you have done +if you had been in her place? _She_ prayed to God for help. + +My kind old father consoled and encouraged my mother all he could, and +said to her, "Do not be discouraged, for Jesus is your friend; if you +lack for knowledge, he will inform you, and if you meet with troubles +and trials on your way, cast all your cares on Jesus, and don't forget +to pray." The old man spoke these words while praying, shouting, crying, +and saying farewell to my mother. He had, in a manner, raised nearly all +the colored people on the plantation; so he had a fatherly feeling for +all of them. The old man looked down on me, and said, "My child, you are +now without a father and will soon be without a mother; but be a good +boy, and God will be father and mother to you. If you will put your +trust in him and pray to him, he will take you home to heaven when you +die, where you can meet your mother there, where parting will be no +more. Farewell." I was then taken from my mother, and have not seen or +heard of her since--about twenty-nine years ago. Old Uncle Jack, as my +father was called by the plantation people, spoke words of comfort to +all of us before we were parted. + +The lot of human chattels, of which I was one, was taken to their new +home on Wilson's plantation, in the same county as the Kirkwood +plantation. Wilson told my sisters and myself that our mother and +ourselves were about six hundred miles apart. + +After I had been in my new home about two years, Wilson bought my uncle +Ben from a man named Strucker, who lived in the same neighborhood, but +he did not buy uncle Ben's wife. Two years later Wilson moved to another +plantation he owned in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, about one hundred +miles distant from his Atala County plantation. Ben not being willing to +go so far from his wife, ran away from his master. Wilson, however, left +word that if any one would catch and return Ben to him, he would pay two +hundred dollars. This was a bait not to be resisted. The professional +slave-hunters, with their blood-hounds, were soon on the track. They +failed to get the poor hunted man, though. Ben was a religious, +God-fearing man, and placed firm reliance on the help of the Almighty, +in his serious trials, and never failed to find help when most needed. +He stayed under cover in the woods, in such lurking places as the nature +of the country provided, in the day time, and at night would cautiously +approach his wife's cabin, when, at an appointed signal, she would let +him in and give him such food and care as his condition required. The +slaves of the South were united in the one particular of helping each +other in such cases as this, and would adopt ingenious telegrams and +signals to communicate with each other; and it may well be believed that +the inventive genius of the blacks was, as a general thing, equal to all +emergencies, and when driven to extremities they were brave to a fault. +Ben's wife, in this instance, used the simple device of hanging a +certain garment in a particular spot, easily to be seen from Ben's +covert, and which denoted that the coast was clear and no danger need be +apprehended. The garment and the place of hanging it had to be changed +every day, yet the signals thus made were true to the purpose, and saved +uncle Ben from capture. Uncle Ben was closely chased by the hounds and +inhuman men-hunters; on one occasion so closely that he plunged into a +stream and followed the current for more than a mile. Taking to the +water threw the hounds off the scent of the track. Before reaching the +stream, uncle Ben was so closely pursued that one of the men in the gang +shot at him, the bullet passing unpleasantly close to him. His wife +heard the hounds and the gun-shot. This race for life and liberty was +only one of a continued series, and was repeated as often as +blood-hounds could find a track to follow. At night Ben was very much +fatigued and hungry, and his only hope of getting anything to eat was to +reach his wife's cabin. How to do this without being observed, was the +question. As well as he was able, about midnight he left his retreat and +approached the cabin. It was too dark to see a signal if one had been +placed for him in the usual manner. After waiting for some time a bright +light shot through the cracks in the cabin for an instant, and was +repeated at intervals of two or three minutes, three or four times. This +was the night-signal of "all right" agreed upon between uncle Ben and +his wife, and was made by placing the usual grease light under a vessel +and raising the vessel for a moment at intervals. Ben approached the +cabin and gave _his_ signal by rapping on the door three times, and +after a short pause three more raps. Thus they had to arrange to meet; +the husband to obtain food to sustain life, and the wife to administer +to him. On this particular night their meeting was unusually impressive. +She had heard the death-hounds, the sound of the gun-shot, and she knew +the yelps of the hounds and the shot were intended for Ben, her +husband. With no crime laid to him, he was hunted down as a wild beast. +Made in God's own image, he is made a slave, a brute, an outcast, and an +outlaw because his skin is black. Thus they met, Ben and his wife. After +the usual precautions and mutual congratulations they both kneeled +before the throne of God and thanked him for their preservation thus +far, and throwing themselves upon his goodness and bounty, asked help in +their need and safety in the future. Without rising from his knees, Ben, +even in the anguish of his heart, consoled his wife, remarking, "that +the darkest hour is always just before daylight." + +The blacks of the South have their own peculiar moral maxims, applicable +to all situations in life, and the slaves not knowing how to read +committed such Bible truths as were read to them from time to time. It +is true they were generally superstitious in a great degree, as all +ignorant persons are; yet their native sense of right led them to adopt +the best and most religious principles, dressed in homely "sayings," +their circumstances permitted. + +Ben dare not stay very long at a time in his wife's cabin, as a strict +watch was constantly kept, that the runaway might be apprehended. +Bidding his wife farewell, Ben hastened back to one of a number of his +hiding-places, there to stay through the day, unless routed out by the +blood-hounds. He was fortunate, however, in the help of God, for his +safety, and the efforts of the hounds and the hounds' followers were +futile. + +Finally, Wilson gave up chasing Ben with blood-hounds, and resolved to +try a better and more human method. He bought Ben's wife and left her +with Strucker, with instructions to send her and Ben to his plantation +if Ben was willing for the arrangement. Ben soon got word of how matters +stood with reference to himself, and concluded if he could live with his +wife on the same plantation that it was the very best he could do, so he +acceded to the wishes of Wilson, and was sent with his wife to Wilson. + +The happiness of this couple was unbounded when they found they could +once more live together as God intended they should, and the poor wife +in her great gratitude cried, "God is on our side!" Ben replied that he +had told her on one occasion that God was on their side, and that "the +darkest hour was just before day." + +The usual expression used by the blacks when a runaway returned to his +master was that he "had come out of the woods;" that is, he had left his +hiding place in the woods and returned to the plantation to work. + +When I heard that uncle Ben had come out of the woods, and was coming to +live on our plantation, my joy knew no bounds. On the day when he was +expected to arrive I got permission to go out on the road some distance +and meet them. Early in the morning I caught a horse and started. Every +wagon I met filled me with hope and fear blended; hope that the wagon +contained my uncle and aunt, and fear that it did not. I rode on, on, +on, all that day, until my heart was sick with hope deferred. I had +received orders before starting that if I did not meet them that day to +return home. But I was so far from home, and with straining my eyes to +catch a glimpse of my uncle, added to my keen disappointment in not +seeing them, made me feel tired, sick, and worn out. So I stopped at a +friendly cabin that night, after telling the inmates who I was and what +my errand was. Early the next morning I was out, and the anxiety to see +my uncle was so great I thought I would ride out the road a short +distance in the hope of meeting him, notwithstanding my orders to return +home. After traveling about an hour I met the wagon containing uncle +Ben and his wife. The joy of that moment to me is inexpressible. Having +been deprived of mother and father he was the only relative my sisters +and myself could ever have any hopes of seeing again. My heart rejoiced +exceedingly. I was, as it were, a new boy entirely, so overcome was I. +We all arrived home that same day, and it was a much more pleasant trip +than I had taken the day before. On that day it was all anxiety, mixed +with hope and fear; to-day it was all joy and thanksgiving, again +proving uncle Ben's saying that "the darkest hour is always just before +day." My sisters were simply wild with joy when we arrived. They ran out +the road to meet, us crying, "There comes uncle Ben; we have one more +friend!" We were all comforted and rejoiced to a very great extent, and +we felt indeed that we had "one more friend" with us. We were as happy +as slaves could be, and spent all the time we could together--uncle Ben, +his wife, my sisters, and myself. + +But Wilson harbored a grudge toward uncle Ben because he had to buy his +wife in order to get him, and had said that if he ever got Ben after he +ran away he would whip him to death. He treated Ben very well for the +time being, but about a year after he had got him home he began to put +his plans into operation for severely punishing him. He was afraid of +Ben's prayers. Although Wilson would not have hesitated a moment to have +put any plan into execution he may have conceived, under ordinary +circumstances, yet praying Ben, while defending himself by appeals to +Almighty God was stronger than with carnal weapons in his hands. Wilson +proceeded cautiously and laid snares for Ben. Uncle Ben was one of the +best hands on the plantation, and religiously performed the labor +alloted him truly and persistently. He obeyed his overseer and Wilson in +all things pertaining to his manual occupation, and obeyed God to the +very best of his ability in this as in everything else. But Wilson +wanted to punish Ben, and was determined to do so. He knew that Ben was +a faithful slave to labor, and was reliable, yet he wished to break +Ben's spirit--his manhood, the God part of him. Wilson did not seem to +know that he was not fighting Ben in his scheme of revenge but that he +was fighting God in Ben, and that although he punished Ben to the death +he would be conquered himself, and more severely punished than he could +ever hope to punish Ben. But Wilson was mad, infatuated, and +satanically determined. Precautious preparations were made by Wilson to +insure success in his revengeful scheme, and after having obtained the +aid of several neighbors who were what might be called professional +slave-whippers, he deemed his undertaking to punish and conquer Ben +fully ripe for execution. Ben being a field hand was busily employed +picking cotton, with a prayerful heart, and a watchful eye on Wilson. +From Wilson's actions Ben was sure something was going to occur which +would nearly concern him, and having been hunted like a beast he had +become suspicious and on his guard all the time. Having a feeling of +presentiment, he was uneasy, and, as was usual with him, he kneeled down +and asked God to protect him from the machinations of his enemies, and +give him heart, courage, and strength to overcome the evil intended him. +While praying he was startled by the snort of a horse, and on looking +around to ascertain the cause of the noise he discovered himself almost +surrounded by armed men on horseback. No time to think now; the time for +action had arrived. Ben knew at once the flight was for life. Better, +however, was death than to be thus hunted and harassed. Bounding through +the field he gained a friendly covert, and seemingly by mere chance he +eluded his pursuers and the hounds. Ben thanked God for his deliverance. +Wilson with his heartless band were again baffled, and with man-hunting +and disappointments in his man-chase he became furious. Ben stayed in +the woods about four weeks, and during all this time my sisters, Ben's +wife, and myself were kept in close confinement, to keep us from +communicating with Ben or rendering him any assistance. Thus all of us +had to suffer. But we were only slaves. + +Wilson finally took Ben's wife to a man in Oxford, about twenty-five +miles distant, and came back circulating the word among the blacks that +he had sold her. Wilson had made arrangements at Oxford with some +professional slave-hunters to catch Ben if he ever came to see his wife, +for which purpose she had been taken there. + +After a time Ben was informed that he and his wife had been sold by +Wilson to a man in Oxford, and of course believing such to be the fact, +he went there to see her, and make arrangements for the future. His wife +was told by the man with whom Wilson had left her that he had bought +both her and Ben, and wished her to get Ben to "come out of the woods." +Laboring under this delusion, Ben was month. The cabin was surrounded +by armed men, when Ben was overpowered, chained, and put in jail for +safe keeping until Wilson should come after him. Living in the woods so +long and the harsh treatment he was now receiving wore Ben down +considerably; yet, believing that "the darkest hour is just before day," +he relied on God's help in his misery. + +Wilson came for Ben in due time, and after chaining him securely around +the neck he fastened one end of the chain to the rear of his buggy and +literally, a part of the time, dragged him to Holly Springs, about +thirty miles from Oxford, where he sold him to a man who had the +reputation of being the hardest master in the country. Wilson afterwards +took Ben's wife home. Thus they were separated,--Ben and his +wife,--never to meet again on this earth. + +Wilson told me when he got home that he had sent Ben to hell, and that +he would send me there too. Infatuated man; he supposed he had done with +Ben for the very worst; he thought he had as much power over the souls +of his slaves as he had under "the laws" over their bodies. He found, +however, in time, that God was with us, and in his good time he +delivered us from our bondage and punished our persecutors as they +deserved. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +Not sent to hell by Wilson--Mrs. Wilson protects me, to whom I +belong--Sent to school with the children--The school-children teach me +to read and write--What came of it--Mount that mule or I'll shoot you--I +mounted the mule--A start for the railroad to work--I dismount and take +to the woods--I owe allegiance to God and my country only. + + +The monotonous tedium of routine slave-labor was very often broken by +some scene of cruelty to one or another of the poor blacks, either by +the master or his overseer; and woe unto the luckless one if the master +should happen to be in a good mood to break bones. Although slaves were +worth money in the South at that time, yet the ungovernable passions of +some if not most masters found free vent in cruelty to their own +property--that is, their slaves. This was the case with Wilson, and no +opportunity was missed by him to make a poor black feel the effects of +his brutish nature and passions. His wife, on the other hand, made every +effort to protect the blacks on the plantation as much as possible. When +Wilson threatened to send me to hell, as he had tried to send uncle +Ben, Mrs. Wilson came forward in my behalf and saved me from her +husband's unwarranted wrath by telling him that she wished "Charles to +accompany her children to school and take such care of them as might be +required." It was customary in the South for families who owned slaves +to send one or more of them with their children when they attended +school as waiters, or personal servants, and as I belonged to Mrs. +Wilson, being an inherited chattel, Wilson acceded to her demand, and I +was sent along with the children when they went to school. I was not +allowed to sit with the white children in school, but I "loafed around +handy," ready for a call from either of my young mistresses. + +The "laws," the enlightened laws of the southern states, prohibited, +under heavy penalties, the education of a slave, or even a negro, +although free; yet some of us, under very disadvantageous circumstances, +learned to read and write. + +It has always been a kind of habit with me to "be doing something" all +the time, and when not actually employed in some active work I would +make use of my time for some good purpose; and while "loafing around" +that school-house it occurred to me as being strange that the white +children should be compelled to sit and study hour after hour, while us +little darkies "loafed around" and did nothing. Why couldn't we lighten +our young masters and mistresses of that labor as well as other kinds of +labor? I determined that my young mistresses should not be made slaves +of by the school-master, but that I would do that work for them, as they +were generally so kind to me. So I proposed the matter to them, and they +were tremendously pleased; at least they laughed and chatted a great +deal about me getting their lessons for them, which so elated me that I +could not avoid turning handsprings and somersaults all the way home +that evening, my joy being so great at the idea of doing my mistresses +the favor of taking such great labor off their hands as getting their +lessons. I did not doubt my ability to perform the work, for I was +stout, hearty, and large for my age, and could almost make a full hand +in the field. Such was my idea at that time of getting lessons. However, +the next day my young mistresses told me the school-master would not +allow me to study their lessons for them, but that I might take a book +and sit outside of the school-house and study there, but that I must be +sure and not let any one see me. Why not? Why should _I_ not study +lessons in the school-house for my young mistresses? Because it is +against the "law" for slaves to learn to read and write. Well, that is +curious. A person, because he is a slave, must not study lessons; must +not learn to read and write because it is against the "law." What law? + +My mistress used often to read to the children from a book which told +about Jesus, and Mary, and Lazarus, and Peter, and Paul; and how Jesus +was our Savior, and shed his precious blood for the redemption of all +who believed him and would obey his commands; and how Jesus said, +"Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of +heaven." Did the "law" prohibit me from studying lessons out of a book +about Jesus, and learning to read about Jesus as my mistress did? When +my mistress sent my young mistresses to Jesus wouldn't she send me along +with them just the same as she sent me to school with them? I reckon so. +Such was my reasoning; and I determined to assist my young mistresses in +getting their lessons, law or no law, let the consequences be what they +may. + +I received the book and went out from the school-house a short distance, +and secured myself from observation in a shady place. I opened the +book--a spelling-book it was. Hallo! here's a dog and a cat, and here's +a sheep too, and right here in the corner is a yoke--a regular ox-yoke. +Well, now, this _is_ nice. So I got my first idea of what a book +contained by the pictures in a spelling-book. The print in the book +meant something, I was sure, and my mind was employed until recess in +endeavors to make out what the print and pictures were intended for. The +scholars came out at recess, and my mistresses gave me such instructions +as they were able, which gave me a start ahead that enabled me to +memorize the first six letters of the alphabet by the time school +dismissed for noon. + +I began to be deeply interested in "studying lessons," and was soon, +after hard study, complete master of the alphabet. I could repeat it +forwards and backwards, and could instantly tell the name of any letter +pointed out to me. My mistresses seemed to take great pleasure in +teaching me, and I was very anxious to learn. I soon found that I could +understand in a great measure the instructions the teacher gave to the +different scholars, by which I profited. I sat in the back part of the +house, behind the scholars, with my young mistress' old book in my hand, +and held it so that nobody could see it, and studied constantly day +after day, which soon advanced me beyond some of the white children +older than myself in learning. I learned to spell and read; and my +appetite for knowledge increasing, my young mistress set copies for me, +and by the time the school-term was out I could spell, read, and write. + +Slaves on large plantations in the South were worked in gangs, under the +general supervision of the overseer or slave-owner. The gangs were +placed under the immediate supervision of a trusty and intelligent +slave, whose duty it was to see that each hand performed his or her +allotted task, to weigh cotton during the picking season, and to direct +the slaves in their labor, and were called field superintendents or +bosses. This was my position on the plantation a short time after school +was out for the term. + +For the first few days after my term at school as waiter for my young +mistresses, I was ordered into the field to pick cotton, but was shortly +placed over the hands as "boss" and cotton-weigher. Each picker had a +"stint" or daily task to perform; that is, each of them was required to +pick so many pounds of cotton, and when in default were unmercifully +whipped. I had the cotton of each hand to weigh, three times each day, +and had to keep the weights of each hand separate and correctly in my +mind and report to Wilson every night. I dare not let Wilson or any of +the slaves know that I knew anything about figures or could read or +write, for a knowledge of those rudiments of education was considered +criminal in a slave. The slaves were nearly always jealous and envious +of a "boss" of their own color, and left no pretext untried to bring a +"boss" into disrepute with the master and consequent corporal +punishment. And should I make a misstatement of the weight of any one +hand's cotton, that hand would know it. Therefore at the time I am now +writing of I had the weights of about three hundred baskets of cotton to +report to Wilson every day. This was hard mind-work for me, but I +mastered the situation and escaped supersedure and punishment. I held +the position of field-superintendent about nine years, and performed my +duties faithfully and honestly, to the satisfaction of my master and the +hands under me generally. + +Why was I so faithful and dutiful to my slave master? Simply because I +was doing my duty to God and acting in obedience to the commands of +Christ; for my book taught me to do good and shun evil--to obey the +revealed will of God no matter what position I might be placed in. As a +slave I loved to do the will of the Master in heaven; as a responsible +human being I could do no less. + +I improved my knowledge, whenever opportunity occurred, and it was but a +short time, comparatively, until I found out for myself, by searching +the Scriptures clandestinely, the great truths that Jesus taught. I +read, pondered, and began the work of self-regeneration. I read that God +required of me to do certain things; that unless I obeyed the commands +of Jesus I could expect no help from God. I found that I was commanded +to "do," and not stand still and wait for others to "do" for me. The way +seemed to open before me plainly and unmistakably, and engraved the +command to "do" firmly in my heart, in the simple words, "Do the will of +God." I obeyed the commands of our Savior in all the essentials of +repentance, baptism, and in everything, and began the real work of my +life--of living and being a servant of God and a faithful follower of +Jesus Christ. My field of labor was my own heart, which I endeavored to +render pure in the sight of God. But a short time elapsed when my work +within myself began to bear fruit in my efforts to redeem my +fellow-slaves from sin and make them children of God. I labored with +them in a spirit of brotherly love, and urged them, in season and out +of season, to come to Jesus. My labors were not in vain, for a great +many were brought to the altar of prayer through my exertions, and were +forgiven. + +Wilson found out that I could read and write. During the time of +cotton-picking, the last season I was superintendent, a protracted +meeting was held in the neighborhood, and my master and mistress +attended regularly. The only time I could go was on Sunday, and I looked +forward to that day with hope and pleasure. On Saturday evening my +master stayed to church, and did not expect to return home until Sunday +evening. My report of weights were on my mind, and I became somewhat +uneasy about the result if I should attempt to remember them until the +following Monday. What to do under the circumstances I did not know; yet +I knew that "where there was a will there was a way." I was afraid to +set the weights down for fear of detection and punishment. I hesitated +and tried to think of some safe way out of the dilemma. I knew if I let +the matter rest over Sunday I would not remember the weights, for the +reason that my mind was so employed and taken up with the religious +revival that was then going on in the neighborhood, in which I was very +much interested on my own account and on account of my fellow-slaves. I +prayed to God to direct me right. The overseer used a slate on which to +set down the weights of cotton, which was hanging in his cabin. I took +the slate down, made the entries of weights with the names of the +pickers, and hung it up again. During the next day (Sunday) the overseer +came home, and found the slate with the entries on it I had made. He was +somewhat surprised. When Wilson came home he was duly informed of the +fact. I was called, and ordered into _the presence_. I knew it was +unlawful for me to know how to write, and I dreaded the consequences of +my rash act, yet I unhesitatingly, and with a courage that surprised me, +went to the house. + +"Who wrote these names and weights on this slate, Charles?" asked Mr. +Wilson. + +"I did it, sir," I answered. + +"How and when did you learn to write?" + +"During the time I attended my young mistresses to school, sir." + +Wilson looked at me long and angrily, and remarked that I had kept that +fact secret for a long time, and that as I had learned to read and write +he could not help it. "But you must remember, Charles," he continued, +"that the law is that if any negro shall be found writing, his +forefinger shall be cut off at the first joint." + +My time had now come for my first punishment, I thought. A day or two +after I heard Wilson, while in conversation with the overseer, say, "It +will not do to let Charles stay with the rest of the negroes, or he will +learn them all to read and write, and then we might as well set them +free." + +What was to be done with me for my unpardonable crime? All kinds of +surmises and speculations entered my mind. What was to be my fate? +Belonging to Mrs. Wilson--her property--I was placed in charge of her +son James, who employed me at teaming, that is, hauling cotton, lumber, +etc. + +In this occupation I became pretty well acquainted with the surrounding +country and the people, and was very well satisfied with matters +generally as they then stood. But I was soon to learn that my young +master was only anxious to carry out the plans of his father, and was +determined to punish, or, as they pleased to term it, "break me," merely +because I was related to Ben--because I was able to read and write as +well if not better than James Wilson himself. + +I was told one day by James that he had hired me to a man in Pontotoc to +work in a livery-stable, and that I must come to his plantation without +delay. When I arrived I was informed that instead of going to Pontotoc I +should go to the railroad then building through Mississippi, and work +for Mr. Leadbitter. I expostulated with my master, and urged him, with +all the pleas and arguments at my command, to allow me to remain on the +plantation or go to Pontotoc, but to no avail. He whipped out his +six-shooter, raving and swearing, and bade me mount one of two mules +instanter or he would shoot me on the spot. I mounted the mule. + +My reasons for not wanting to go to the railroad to work were good. +There was plenty to do on the plantation, and there was no good cause +for sending me away. I feared rough usage at the railroad, and rougher +associations. I had by this time become the religious teacher of all the +well-disposed slaves in the neighborhood, and I was so much interested +in my labors that I doomed my great Master's work of too much importance +to be driven away from it without a struggle. I was no coward, and was +always ready to stand out to the end against all opposition, when my +duty as a humble follower of Jesus was in question. Therefore my +reluctance to be driven from my place of usefulness. However, I got on +the mule and started, in company with a colored man who was going with +me to bring the mules back. After traveling four or five miles, and when +at a convenient place, I dismounted from the mules and told my companion +I was going no farther with him, and that if Wilson wanted any one to go +to the railroad to work he might go himself; and I "took to the woods." + +This was the first time I ever attempted to escape and gain my freedom. +Whether I was right or wrong I shall not say, only I ask you to put +yourself in my place as I was then situated, and draw your own +conclusions. It is true I had formed dear and near associations, and the +old neighborhood had been the scene of my trials and triumphs. My master +had been uniformly kind, as much so at least as his disposition would +allow, yet I felt, although my skin was black, I was entitled to and +deserved freedom to worship God according to the dictates of my own +conscience, and to teach others the way to everlasting life. I felt that +I was a man made after God's own image, and that no one had any right to +a property in me as a mere chattel, all human laws to the contrary +notwithstanding. I did not deem that I was a criminal, and that I was +escaping from penal servitude; but that I was one of God's children, +escaping from a worse than Egyptian bondage. I rightfully owed +allegiance to God and my country only. So I run away. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +Caught, Tried, and Taken Back Home to James Wilson--My Mistress Saves me +from Being Whipped--I go to the Railroad and Work one Month +Precisely--Go Back Home--Wilson Surprised--Left the Railroad at 3 +o'clock A.M.--Did not Want to Disturb Leadbitter's rest--Sent to Memphis +with a Load of Cotton--Afraid of the Slave-pens and Slave-auction--Start +for Home--Not Sold--Pray, Sing, and Shout--Get Home and Ordered to Hire +myself out. + + +The peculiar feelings one has who is a "runaway" are indescribable. I +felt every bit an outcast, and was frightened by the least noise or the +sight of any person, and the yelp of a hound was terror to me. I skulked +and hid in the woods all day until night, when I concluded to go to +town, get something to eat, and make my arrangements for the future. + +When the "hoy," who was sent by Wilson with me, returned and repeated to +him my words, vengeance was sworn against me, and the hounds were turned +loose for immediate chase. I went to the town of Pontotoc, and while +there refreshing myself in a cabin I heard hounds whining. That was +sufficient to inform me that I was trapped. What to do I did not know, +but went to the door with the intention of making my escape, if +possible, when I was met by James Wilson and five other persons fully +armed. Resistance was useless, the hounds would have caught me before I +could have run a hundred yards, even if I could have escaped the +bullets. I surrendered, and was securely tied by James Wilson and his +gang and taken back to the plantation. Dire threats were made against +me, but my mistress, James' mother, saved me again. She informed her son +that "Charles belonged to her; that Charles' mother had placed him, +under the care of God, in her custody, and that she did not intend to +have him beaten." + +James insisted on "breaking" me, as he termed it, and finally prevailed +on his mother, with promises, that if she would let him deal with me he +would "break" me without whipping me. She consented. James came to the +cabin where I was tied and chained, and told me that he did not desire +to whip me, but that if I did not go to the railroad to work every slave +on the plantation would become demoralized, and they would all do as +they pleased. His words and manner were very kind and conciliatory, yet +I took them for what they were worth, and did not believe him; for he +would have whipped me severely if he had dared do so. His reasoning +regarding the poor, ignorant slaves on the plantation, however, was to +the point. In their ignorance they would suppose that if I could do as I +pleased and not be punished, they could do the same; and they would, in +all probability, create an insurrection which would result in their own +destruction. For their sakes I acceded to James' wishes. He told me that +if I would go to the railroad and work for Leadbitter one month, that I +might after that time hire myself out to whom I pleased and for as long +a time as I pleased. + +I was given a letter to Leadbitter, and immediately started on foot for +the railroad. When I arrived there I handed the letter to Mr. +Leadbitter, who asked me how long I had come to stay with him. I told +him one month. He broke the letter open, and after reading it informed +me that James Wilson stated in the letter that I was to stay as long as +he wanted me. This was a piece of intelligence that learned me that +James Wilson would lie, and from that time forward I had no confidence +in his truthfulness. I did not know what was best to do, but finally +made up my mind to fulfill and make good my promise, and trust to the +future to compel James Wilson to perform his. I thought this the right +course. I did not deem that I would be justified in breaking my promise +because Wilson was unreliable and broke his. I concluded that if +Leadbitter kept me longer than one month he would have to be smarter +than I gave him credit for being. I asked Leadbitter how many days there +were in that month. + +I went to work, and kept account of the days. I worked carefully. The +time passed slowly and wearily. My associations were of the worst +character possible, and my co-laborers were of that lowest class of +southern blacks whose ignorance and waywardness render them most of the +time more than brutal. I made every effort to do good among them, and +endeavored to preach to them on several occasions, but was interrupted +and deterred by the whites, who forbade my preaching. I talked to the +blacks, however, whenever opportunity occurred, and I hope that my +labors for Jesus were not in vain. + +The last day of my month came and passed. It was Friday. On Saturday +morning, about three o'clock, I started for home, and with rapid walking +I reached my destination about two hours after sunrise. When I reached +the plantation I "cut across lots," and passed through the field where +Wilson was at work with the hands. I approached, unobserved by him, and +spoke to him. He looked at me with astonishment, and in surprise asked, +"What are you doing here?" + +"You told me to stay one month; I done so," I answered. + +"Did Mr. Leadbitter know when you left?" + +"I do not know, sir," I replied. "I left at three o'clock this morning, +and did not think it worth while to disturb Mr. Leadbitter's rest." + +"Three o'clock!" exclaimed Wilson. + +"Yes, sir," I quietly answered. + +"You ran away, did you?" + +"No, sir, I did not run away. I stayed as long as you required me to +stay, when, in obedience to your expressed promises, I came home." + +James Wilson made some remark I could not understand, but finally said +that as I had come home he had some work for me to do before I could +hire myself out. I felt somewhat easy in my mind, and waited to be set +to work. But when he afterwards told me he wanted me to take a load of +cotton to Memphis, my heart misgave me, I felt sure, in my mind, that I +was to be sold from the slave-pens at Memphis. The grand trial time had +now come for me, and the teachings of my mother and uncle Ben and uncle +Jack before and at our final separation came to me in full force. They +taught me, before I could read for myself, that in trouble I should rely +implicitly on the help of my Savior, and that I should pray without +ceasing. To God I immediately turned for guidance and help, and asked +that my every step might be directed by him, and that he should protect +me from my enemies and persecutors. + +I felt that I was being persecuted for Jesus' sake, for I was promised, +time and again, that if I would quit preaching and talking to the slaves +on religious subjects, I should be advanced and my life made easy and +comfortable. I refused the offers, because my Master's work was of more +importance than my ease. I was impressed, deeply, with the great +responsibilities resting upon me, and was determined to preach and teach +while I had strength and opportunity to do so. I may have been mistaken +with regard to the cause of my persecution by the Wilsons, but I think +not. I do not really believe that any one is persecuted for Christ's +sake in this day and age of the world, in a Christian country, except in +the South before the rebellion. I have heard men, and, I am almost +ashamed to say, preachers, proclaim that they were persecuted because of +their adherence to the cause of Christ, when they were not persecuted +at all on any account, except probably on account of some wrong act of +their own. Paul and the apostles were persecuted, and early Christians +were persecuted, but who ever heard of a citizen of the United States +being persecuted because he was a follower of Jesus! But slaves in the +South were persecuted and punished severely for preaching the gospel of +Christ, not on that very account probably, but because it would teach +the slaves obedience to a higher power than the inhuman laws of the +southern states as they then existed. Paul was persecuted for preaching +the redemption of mankind through the blood of the Savior, by pagans and +gentiles. I was persecuted for the same reasons by the slave-owners of +the South, and for endeavoring to lead the benighted blacks to Jesus. +There seems to be some likeness in the positions of Paul and myself. I +felt that was the case, at any rate. + +My mind was distressed with the fear that I was being sent to Memphis +only to be sold to the highest bidder. After addressing the throne of +God for help and deliverance I felt relieved, and determined that, come +what would, I would use my best talents and exertions for my heavenly +Master wherever I might be. Relieved, I set about making preparations +for my trip to Memphis, with a prayerful heart. Two of us were going in +company, each with a load of cotton. We started on Monday morning, and +traveled along without unusual trouble or delay for three days over +hilly and rough roads, when we camped for the night within a mile of +Holly Springs, in Mississippi, and about fifty-five miles from home. + +It will be remembered that uncle Ben was sold by Wilson to a man who +lived in and near Holly Springs. I was anxious to see uncle Ben, if +possible, and began making inquiries regarding his whereabouts. A +colored man came along the road, driving a team, of whom I inquired. +After a little time he said a preacher named Ben Harris lived in a house +close by, at the same time pointing to it. Upon further inquiries I +learned that Ben had taken another wife. This may seem rather criminal, +and may appear to be a clear case of bigamy against uncle Ben; but when +it is remembered that masters compelled their slaves to live together as +man and wife, without ceremony, for the purpose only of breeding +children, and that Ben had no say in the matter, he will be held +blameless. The laws of the southern states did not recognize the legal +relations of man and wife between slaves, therefore they could not +commit the crime of bigamy. If Ben was morally guilty, he was forced +into his guilt by law and general custom. I had not seen Ben for about +ten years, and was so overjoyed at the prospect of seeing him that I +could scarcely wait until night, for I was informed that he would not be +at his cabin until night. After attending to my affairs about town I +waited until sundown, when I went to the house indicated by my +informant. Not being certain that the person who lived in the cabin was +my uncle, I necessarily had to make inquiries. A colored woman met me at +the door, and answered such questions as I asked, from which I was +satisfied that Ben lived here. I informed the woman who I was and that +Ben was my uncle, and that I had called, in passing on my way to +Memphis, to see him. She cordially invited me to enter the cabin, and +told me that Ben was out feeding the horses and would shortly be in. I +had to wait but a little while when Ben came in. He supposed me to be +some passing stranger, and did not recognize me. After some desultory +conversation I told him who I was and how I came to be there. Our +meeting, after mutual recognition, was affectionate and cordial. We +talked over old times and related our experience since we parted at the +Wilson plantation. We kneeled at the family altar, and each poured out +his soul's thanksgiving to God for his goodness to us, having, before I +left, a season of soul-reviving prayer. + +Thus we knelt, uncle Ben, his wife, and I, poor slaves in the chains of +bondage, really and earnestly thanking God for the many blessings we +received. Strange, was it not? when men and women rolling in wealth and +all the luxuries and happiness that wealth could purchase, did not even +deign to notice the source from whence all their blessings flowed. They +had life and liberty, and were unrestrained in the pursuit of happiness, +yet not once did they thank the great Giver of all their good. Then what +had we, poor wretches, to thank God for? For everything we enjoyed,--for +life, for the blessed plan of salvation, for our senses of seeing, +hearing, and feeling, for our hearts with which to love him, for our +humanity, for the great gifts of sunshine, rain, regulated seasons, +the moon, the stars, the earth, the trees, the brooks, the +rivers,--everything truly enjoyable we thanked God for. We thanked him +for health and strength to do his work. Then we had a great deal to +thank Almighty God for, although slaves. How many of you ever think to +thank God for sunshine or for reason? Let me illustrate. A gentleman +was passing along the highway, when he was met by a poor maniac, who +accosted him, saying, "What do you thank God for?" The gentleman being +surprised by the abrupt question did not reply immediately, when the +maniac continued, "Then thank God for your reason; mine is gone; I'm +mad--a maniac." This was something the gentleman had never thought of +before, and it opened to his mind an entirely new source of +thankfulness. We are apt to forget that we are not slaves, not blind, +deaf, or dumb, and not insane; yet should we lose any one of our five +senses we would then know how to be thankful for and appreciate that +sense should we regain it. Then thank God for everything, your very +existence included. Suppose the sun would stop in his course and not +shine on the earth but for one day. What consternation and grief there +would be throughout the world! Then suppose that after twenty-four hours +the sun should burst upon us in all his refulgence and glorious +magnificence. What a shout of joy would greet his appearance, and glad +hearts would pour out thanks upon thanks to the great Giver for the +needful sunshine. Then let us be thankful for all the great blessings +bestowed upon us by our heavenly Father, and serve him with all our +hearts, in whatever position in life we may be placed. Uncle Ben and I +did _then_, and we do _yet_. + +After a prolonged conversation and a good and refreshing season of +prayer I took my departure for my camp, never expecting to meet my +relative again, and never have. + +We started next morning on our way to Memphis, and traveled into +Memphis, after three days, on a very fine road for the South, known as +the state-line road. We drove to the cotton-yard, unloaded, and received +the receipts for the cotton, and put up for the night at a wagon-yard. I +spent this night in prayer and supplication that God would save me from +the slave-pen and the auctioneer's block; and my prayers were responded +to in my protection. The next morning we started for home by what was +known as the pigeon-roost route, in order to save toll and other +expenses. + +The weight on my mind was removed, and I felt happy and thankful. I was +not sold from the shambles. I prayed, I sung, and I shouted by turns. We +arrived at home, and I waited patiently for my next order. + +My young master soon informed me, however, that I might hire myself out, +if I could find and one that would hire me. Good! God was on my side. +With a light heart and truly happy I set about my preparations to hire +myself out; and the very first thing I did was to go to my cabin and +thank God for his goodness, and ask for his protection and guidance. +Always praying? Yes, I was always at it. My heart was big with love to +God. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +Start out on my Travels to Hunt a New Master--Find Mr. Dansley--Hire to +Him--Thirty Dollars per Month for my Master and Five Dollars for +Myself--Wilson Astonished--Appointed Superintendent of Dansley's +Farm--Rules and Regulations--Peace and Tranquillity--My Moral Labors +Successful--Prayer and Social Meetings--Meetings in the Woods--Quarrel +and Fight like very Brothers--Time comes to be Moved to Another Field of +Labor. + + +It was customary in the slave states to allow slaves to hire themselves +for their masters to such as the slaves themselves desired to work for. +Sometimes this arrangement was made to save the master trouble. In my +case I was instructed to find a place to work at thirty dollars per +month and board, and then to return and report to Wilson, who would then +give the necessary permission in writing, which would stand as a +contract between him and my employer. + +My first object was to find a Christian man to hire to who would allow +me to pray and preach on all proper occasions, and who would rather +assist me than hinder me in my efforts to make Christians of the +blacks. I cared nothing for the manual labor I had to do, if I could +only be placed in a position to do my great Master's work. His work was +my life-labor. On this particular account I was very careful who I +applied to. In a day or two I applied to Mr. Dansley, whose plantation +was about eighteen miles from Wilson's, and who had been recommended to +me as being the kind of man I was hunting for. Mr. Dansley questioned me +closely, and examined me as to my reasons for wanting to hire out, and +why my master wished me to hire out when there was plenty of work on his +own place for me to do. I confessed frankly that I could read and write, +and knew something about figures, and was desirous to serve God and do +his work by preaching, and in every other way in my power; that my +master was afraid that I would demoralize his other slaves by learning +them to read and write and by preaching to them, and in order that I +might not do that he wanted me off the plantation; that he could not +sell me because I was the property of his wife, and that she would not +consent to have me sold out of the family. "If those are faults, as +considered by Mr. Wilson, I am very well satisfied that you will perform +your part of the contract notwithstanding; yet what Mr. Wilson is +pleased to consider faults in you I deem good points in your character +and disposition, therefore I will hire you, hoping that your duty to God +will include your duty to me under the contract of hire." I told him +that was my understanding of my duty to God; that it comprised, in my +condition of servitude, my duty to my slave-master. I informed Mr. +Dansley that my master, Wilson, wanted thirty dollars per month for my +services, and that I wanted five dollars per month for myself, making in +all thirty-five dollars per month. He was satisfied to pay that amount, +and gave me a letter to carry to Wilson stating that he would hire me at +thirty dollars per month, yet he agreed with me that he would pay me, +besides, five dollars per month. + +When Wilson gave me instructions to hire myself out at not less than +thirty dollars per month, he hoped I would fail, from the fact that +wages for field-hands were only twenty-five dollars per month; and when +I went back with Mr. Dansley's letter so soon, he was somewhat +surprised. He would have opened his eyes with wonder if he had known +that Dansley was to pay me five dollars per month extra. He gave me a +written permission to work for Mr. Dansley as long as Dansley should +want me. I immediately went to Dansley's, and stayed with him nine +months--nine months of contented time. + +I found my new master every way worthy of any confidence I might repose +in him. In moderate circumstances, he used prudence and diligence in his +business transactions and farm operations. He was one of those kind of +men some of which may be found in almost every community--an unassuming, +industrious, Christian gentleman. + +For his farm-force he hired men, both white and black; and when his work +pushed him he would require his cook and house-maid, the only slaves he +owned, to assist in the fields. At the time of my commencing to work for +him he had white men hired who were worse, if any thing, in their habits +of shiftless laziness than the lazy blacks. These whites, whom the +negroes usually termed "white trash," were, as a general thing, the most +vicious, brutal, thieving, shiftless, and lazy human beings imaginable. +They were ignorant in the greatest degree, and would not work so long as +they could obtain food to sustain life in any other way. They deemed it +an honor to be noticed civilly by a respectable negro, and would fawn +and truckle to the behests of any one who had the physical courage to +command them. Such people can be found in no place except the South. +They are a result of the system of slavery and slave-laws, and +slave-owners are responsible for their condition. Such were the kind of +men I had to work with. These men would quarrel and wrangle among +themselves, and would consume time and neglect their work. When the +house-servants were at work in the field, they would insult and misuse +them in every conceivable manner, and it was with great difficulty that +Mr. Dansley could get his work done properly and in season. Knowing I +had been a farm-superintendent on Wilson's plantation for a number of +years, Mr. Dansley immediately appointed me to the same position on his +farm, which accounts for his readiness and willingness to pay me high +wages. + +This was a new kind of position for me, and it required considerable +thought and management for me to get matters properly arranged in my +mind. "Bossing" white hands and working with them, so as to make their +labors profitable for my employer, was no easy task. The farm-work was +carried on somewhat similar to the way in which large farms are worked +in the northern states, and it required great prudence and watchful care +to avoid waste and save all the crops. I arranged my rules of conduct, +hours of labor, etc., for the hands, and submitted them to Mr. Dansley +for his approval. Mr. Dansley left the matter entirely with me; and, +after trial, I found my rules were not sufficiently stringent, and that +if I expected to successfully "carry on" that farm I would have to make +rules with penalties attached, the men I had to deal with caring little +or nothing for mild, persuasive laws. I therefore drew up the following +rules, and presented them to Mr. Dansley, and requested him to make them +stipulations in the contracts of hire with his men. He approved them, +and acceded to my request. + +1. Quarreling and using vulgar and profane language is strictly +forbidden on the farm, and any hand or hands violating this rule shall +be discharged or corrected, in the discretion of the superintendent. + +2. Obedience to the just orders of the superintendent is essential to +the profitable conduct of the farm; therefore, disobedience to the +orders of the superintendent shall be followed by the discharge of the +hand or hands so offending, or his or their correction, in the +discretion of the superintendent. + +3. Each and every hand hereby binds himself to obey the just orders of +the superintendent and the rules herein established, and upon the +discharge of any hand or hands, by the superintendent, one month's wages +shall be forfeited. + +These rules were signed by the hands, that is, they "made their mark;" +but I signed my name, being the only negro hand on the place and the +only one who could write. + +Peace and tranquillity reigned on that farm thereafter, and better crops +were not raised in the county. My whole study and aim was to do +right--to be just to my hands and do my duty to my employer. I relied on +God's help, and prayerfully asked his guidance in every and all +difficulties and emergencies, and my success is attributable to that +help which is always given when properly asked for. + +The men I had to deal with were more to be pitied than blamed. They were +entirely ignorant of any but the most crude principles of right, and +were taught from their childhood only such rude notions as prevailed +among the ignorant. When I talked to them of Jesus they seemed +astonished. They did not even know that punishment would meet them +hereafter for their sins committed in this life, and were puzzled and +perplexed with the plan of salvation until after I had repeatedly +explained it to them; in fact, I taught them the history of man, from +Adam down to the coming of our Savior, and taught them the religion of +Jesus. Better-behaved men or better hands were not to be found in the +neighborhood after they learned the way to Jesus, and many happy times +we did have on that farm at our prayer--meetings and social gatherings. +All of us would meet at some convenient place on the farm, every +Sabbath-day, and would spend the time profitably, in exhortation and +prayer. The master and mistress were always there, and worked with a +will in the cause of Christ, and I would exhort and preach to the best +of my ability. Sometimes Mr. Dansley would read a chapter from the Bible +and comment thereon, and sometimes his wife would read and comment. All +of us prayed, and some of the white hands became, in a short time, +earnest public prayers. They had found the fount of true happiness, and +would drink largely therefrom on all occasions. + +Our regular Sunday meetings soon became known in the neighborhood, and +the neighbors and their slaves would come and worship with us, until our +congregations became so large that Mr. Dansley allowed me to take the +hands and clear away a nice place in the woods, and make seats and a +stand, where we held our meetings regularly thereafter every Sunday, in +the forenoon, afternoon, and at night; besides, we held a social +prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening. These meetings were productive +of great good to the community and to individuals. In this way I +brought men and women to God even while in a condition of slavery, and +required to labor six days in the week in the grain and cotton fields. +If I, a slave, could accomplish this much, how much should the favored +preachers of the country accomplish? This is a hard question to answer, +however, and I shall not insist on its consideration, as every preacher +can not be a Lorenzo Dow, a John Smith, or a James Findley. + +Among the field-hands under me were two brothers, white men, who, when I +first took charge of the farm were maliciously wicked toward each other, +and were almost constantly quarreling just like brothers(!). Before +three months had elapsed, under my kind of treatment, they were praying, +acting Christians, and remained so as long as I knew them. + +From this time down to the present writing I have been a zealous worker +in the Lord's vineyard, and shall remain in the harness as long as God +wills. + +Regarding doctrinal points of theology I knew nothing, and my whole +stock of theological works could have been carried in a vest pocket, in +the shape of one or two tracts which fell in my way, and which I read, +studied, and preserved. I had a Bible, and that alone served me as the +guide in my ministry, and furnished me with all the arguments necessary +to the conversion of sinners and their redemption. + +Our congregation at Mr. Dansley's was not organized into a church, and I +did not attempt to receive members into the church of Christ. I doubted +my authority to do so, and any efforts on my part in that direction +would have been immediately stopped by the preachers and members of the +white churches. But this did not deter me from preaching and exhorting. +I believed firmly that God required of me the labor I performed, and I +was so much interested and taken up in my work that I did not stop to +consider what the consequences would be to myself. My only consideration +was, "Where can I find an opportunity to do good and save souls." I +asked no pay for my services as a preacher, and never received any; +hence I usually found congregations awaiting me at my appointments made +up of all classes, white and black, and from all churches organized in +the community. My discourses were sometimes off-hand and sometimes +studied. It is true my studied discourses were, in the main, original, +and taken wholly from the Bible, yet they were none the less effective, +because they were earnest and honest. My language was that of the +southern blacks and uneducated whites at the beginning of my labors as +an exhorter, but after hard study and training I improved myself greatly +in this respect, and gained the reputation of being as correct in my +pronunciation of English words as the majority of the white preachers. I +am not yet entirely free from dialectic pronunciation, and never expect +to be; but I find that this very defect, if so it may be called, adds +force to my sermons, and gives them a distinctness not otherwise +attainable. Therefore I make use of my very faults to do good. + +I had hoped to stay with Mr. Dansley as long as he could find it +profitable to hire me; and so far I had been of great use to him. I had +placed his whole farm in a good state of repair, and had matured and +saved his crops in such a manner that his profits were much larger than +they ever were before in any one season. I had the goodwill and +confidence of the hands, both white and black, who worked under me, and +was an instrument in the hands of God in spreading the religion of Jesus +Christ in the neighborhood; consequently I was happy and contented, with +plenty of all kinds of work to do. But I had accomplished my mission at +this place, and it pleased God to remove me to another field of labor, +where the harvest was ripe and ready for the reaper. I never +complained; on the contrary, I rejoiced that God was not done with me, +and had plenty for me to do. When I had thoroughly worked one field of +labor, I deemed my immediate services no longer required, and was glad +when removed where more work was to be done in God's moral vineyard. Of +course I formed intimate associations in every locality in which I was +placed, and was prone to leave them; but I was content to do the will of +God in every particular, whether that will was expressed through the +slave-laws and James Wilson or otherwise. + +I was a slave, and was compelled to labor for the profit of my owner, +which I performed diligently and faithfully; I was a child of God, and +owed him duty and obedience, which I performed earnestly and constantly. +From my slave-owners I expected and received no reward or remuneration; +from God I received no pay as I labored, but my great reward is yet to +come. I have been a depositor in God's bank, from which I expect to draw +largely at the final settlement. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +James Wilson Comes Along--Wants me to go with Him to Saulsbury, +Tennessee, to Help Build a House for a Grocery-Store--Takes me Along +with Him--Wilson Taken Sick--I Take Care of Him--He gets Well--I make +another Attempt to Escape from Slavery--What Came of it. + + +One day James Wilson came to Mr. Dansley's, and said he had come for me +to go with him to Saulsbury, Tennessee, where he was going to start a +grocery, and that he wished my assistance in erecting a building +therefor. He informed me, at the same time, that as soon as the building +was finished, I might return to Mr. Dansley and stay with him as long as +he wanted me. He had another colored man with him, and desired to go +right away. All I had to do was to obey, so without further ado I bade +farewell to the people of the plantation, and went with Wilson. The +parting made me feel sad, for a time. + +The word grocery, as applied in the South, has a far different meaning +than that intended in the North. A grocery in the South is a place +where whisky and other intoxicating beverages are sold, and, as a +general thing, at these places the planters and others congregate to +drink, carouse, gamble, quarrel, and fight. This was the kind of grocery +James Wilson was going to start in Saulsbury, and the thought of aiding +even under protest and unwillingly in the establishment of one of these +hells caused me much anxiety. I made every effort to get relieved from +this odious work, but without avail. + +We immediately began the erection of the grocery-building, on our +arrival at Saulsbury, and made good progress for a while. The boards we +used in the building had to be sawed by us two slaves with a whipsaw. We +dug a deep trench in the ground, and laid the log to be sawed into +boards lengthwise over the trench, and one of us would stand in the +trench under the log and the other on top of the log. In this way we +worked, day after day, until we had a sufficient number of boards to +accommodate our wants. + +The Almighty, it seemed to me, interfered with our work. James Wilson +was taken down very sick in the midst of our efforts to create this +additional devil's den, and was totally unable to leave his bed. I had +to take care of him, and the work on the grocery-house was necessarily +stopped. As soon as he was able to be moved I took him to the Sulphur +Springs, not many miles away, and nursed him carefully and attentively +until he was able to be about again. + +This sickness of Wilson I deemed a warning to him, and endeavored to +impress as much on his mind; but I was cursed and reviled for my pains. +I availed myself of every opportunity to dissuade him from his evil +purpose, but failed. He was determined to start a grocery, and start a +grocery he would and did. I cleared my skirts and conscience in the +business, however, as far as I could under the circumstances; yet a +"still small voice" seemed to whisper to me that I was doing very wicked +and sinful acts in helping to further the grocery iniquity. I was, in a +manner, forced to work, yet I was uneasy and troubled in my mind. Others +may think I was blameless; that I was a slave and not accountable for +acts my master commanded me to do. This seemed very specious reasoning, +but still I felt guilty, and sent fervent and prayerful petitions to the +throne of grace for forgiveness and fortitude to withstand temptation, +which enable me to do the will of my great Master regardless of the +consequences that might ensue to me from the effects of Wilson's wrath +or resentment. + +We finished the building in about two months from the time we first +went to Salisbury, and prepared to return home. + +It was here that I first saw a complete railroad and a locomotive with a +train of cars. My fellow-slave, on hearing the whistle of the locomotive +for the first time, was very much frightened, and jumped over the log he +was hewing, with the exclamation, "Good God! what is that?" and started +to run. I stopped him, and, explaining to him what the loud, shrill +shriek meant, quieted his fears. We both went to the depot and examined +the locomotive and cars with great curiosity and interest. + +James Wilson, being still weak with his late sickness, was compelled to +ride in the wagon he had brought from home, and I rode his saddle-horse. +On the way, Wilson informed me that I was to attend the grocery at +Salisbury, and that he expected me to make money out of the concern. My +very soul revolted at the bare idea of being a whisky-vender, and my +immediate determination was not to be one. My mind was made up to "take +to the woods" on the first favorable opportunity. I said nothing, +however, but kept my own counsel. + +We traveled slowly, by reason of the master's sickness; and when we +stopped for the night I found that the saddle I had been riding had hurt +the horse's back. Wilson was furious, and swore he would take as much +hide from my back when we got home as the saddle had taken from the +horse's back. + +The next day after leaving Salisbury we arrived at Mr. Dansley's. In +conversation, I heard Wilson tell Mr. Dansley that he intended to take +me home with him. + +I claimed the fulfillment of his promise from Wilson, and asked him if +he was not going to let me work for Mr. Dansley, according to agreement. +This so enraged Wilson that he pulled out his six-shooter, and +exclaimed: + +"Mount that horse, you ---- black rascal!" + +I did so. + +Fearful that the horse's back would become incurably sore if I rode him +with his back in the condition it was, I suggested that the horse had +better be led. Wilson therefore ordered me into the wagon to drive the +team, and required Havely, my fellow-slave, to walk,--intending we +should take turns. After awhile Havely exchanged places with me, and +while walking along in rear of the wagon it occurred to me that this +would be as favorable an opportunity as I would soon again get for +making my escape from Wilson and slavery. + +I "took to the woods" without attracting the attention of either Wilson +or Havely, and made good my escape, for the time at least. + +I made my way back to Mr. Dansley's and told him my reasons for +endeavoring to effect my escape from slavery, and that the immediate +cause of my present attempt was to keep myself clear of the accursed sin +of whisky-selling. My motives were applauded, but my judgment was +condemned. + +How could I ever expect to escape to a country where I could be a free +man? Even should I escape to the northern states the fugitive slave law, +which was then in full force, would remand me back to slavery, and it +was a long, tedious, and perilous journey to Canada. I was going to make +the attempt at any rate. + +It was agreed between us that Mr. Dansley should buy me of Wilson if he +could, and that I should stay and work for him at the rate of +thirty-five dollars per month until I had re-imbursed Mr. Dansley, when +I should have my freedom papers. It would have required about four years +for me to pay for myself at those rates, as Wilson "priced" me at +sixteen hundred dollars. + +The negotiations for my purchase by Mr. Dansley failed, and I was left +to my exertions to get to Canada the best way I could. I was secreted +during this time about Dansley's farm, and was aroused to a sense of my +condition one day by reading a hand-bill which was posted on a tree on +the road close to Mr. Dansley's house, of which the following is a copy: + + "ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD!" + + "Charles, a slave, has disappeared from the plantation of + the undersigned, in Pontotoc County. The above reward + will be given for his apprehension and return to me alive. + + "JAMES WILSON." + +This settled the matter. The reward was soon known over the whole +country, and every slave-hunter was on the chase to gain the reward. I +"laid close" and waited to escape from that part of the country, so that +I might not compromise Mr. Dansley. He was already under surveillance by +slave-owners, and was in danger of being driven from the country; in +fact, threats of lynching had been made against him. + +The last day I was there I lay hid in some cotton-pens, close to the +house, when two men came on the hunt of me. They had their blood-hounds +with them, and demanded permission of Dansley to search his house. The +permission was granted, when the men began the search. I could see and +hear all that was going on, and trembled for my safety. I put myself on +the mercy of the Almighty and resigned myself entirely into his hands. +The search was made all over the premises, including the cotton-pens in +which I was hid; but God was on my side, and I was saved from their +clutches. I earnestly thanked God for my deliverance on this occasion. + +As soon as dark came I emerged from my hiding-place, and, after being +supplied with what provisions I could conveniently carry, I bid good-by +to Christian Dansley and his family, and started on my perilous journey +to the free states and Canada. + +My progress was necessarily slow and wearisome, being compelled to +travel altogether at night. The first point I designed making on my +journey was Memphis, where I hoped to find means of escape to Illinois. + +I had plenty of time for meditation and prayer, and my thoughts were +naturally concentrated on my deplorable condition all the time. My past +life came up in review before me, and while sorrowfully wandering +through the woods I would compare myself to persecuted Christians in the +days of the apostles and the early evaneglists. The blessed Savior was +persecuted in his very infancy and had to be hid by his parents. They +had to flee for life; I was fleeing for liberty. What had I to complain +of? Jesus was with me and would protect me. God had delivered him from +the very tomb of death; why need I fear? With these reflections in my +mind I would feel revived and refreshed with the consolation that while +there was life in me there was hope for me. The words of the poet came +to my memory, wherein he says: + + "Neither will he upbraid you, + Though often your request; + He'll give you grace to conquer, + And take you home to rest." + +The consolation and help I received from my meditations sustained me +through all my trials and hardships, and I plodded my weary way along +with God in my heart and bright hopes for the future. I knew if I drew +nigh unto God he would draw nigh unto me; and that if I would let the +word of Christ dwell in me I would be rich in all wisdom. Yet I was +aware I should suffer persecution if I lived godly in Jesus Christ; +therefore I determined to continue in the things which I had learned. + +On Sunday night I arrived at Holly Springs. Uncle Ben lived there, and I +was anxious to see him and obtain through his assistance, if possible, +rest and food. I had proceeded only a little way toward his house when I +met a colored man and began conversation with him. I learned that the +reward Wilson had offered for me had arrived at Holly Springs before me, +and that persons were on the lookout for me. The colored man seemed to +have a suspicion that I was a runaway, and was disposed to aid me all in +his power. To keep out of the way of slave-hunters was my object, and I +knew that the contemplated visit to Uncle Ben was fraught with too much +danger to be further thought of. + +Fearful that the negro would betray me, yet feeling somewhat safe for +the present, I sat down to think and rest myself. I knew that if I was +caught Wilson would flay me, as he had threatened to do, for making his +saddle-horse's back sore, but that if I could once get through to +Memphis I would be enabled, through the assistance of friends, to make +my way North. Yet I wanted to see Uncle Ben again, and tried to hit upon +some plan to accomplish that object; but I failed, and started on the +road again. + +After traveling a short time I came to a house by the road-side. The +kitchen stood about twenty yards from the main building, and had a +window in the back part of it. I was very hungry, and debated in my mind +as to the manner in which I should proceed to obtain food. To ask for it +was too risky, and I was fearful that if I was seen by any of the +persons about the house I would be apprehended and put in the nearest +jail as a runaway. Looking in at the window I saw a colored woman; and +on a table a meal was prepared, which, it seemed, was being held in +readiness for the arrival of some one. I waited patiently, hoping the +colored woman would leave the kitchen for some purpose; but she sat +quietly waiting. + +After awhile the master and mistress arrived, it seems, from a visit. +Shortly the mistress of the house came in and ordered the supper. +Fortunately for me the supper was to be carried into the "big house," +and the cook, taking her hands full of things, left the kitchen and went +into the house. I immediately sprung through the window, promiscuously +emptied the meat and bread into my sack, and left the kitchen the same +way before the return of the cook, just in time to escape detection. + +I crouched in the shade of the cabin fearing to move, when I heard the +cook exclaim: + +"Good gracious! some one hab tuk and turned in an' tuk all de bread an' +meat." + +Her cries brought the household to the kitchen, and during the racket I +made my escape to the road and a more peaceful neighborhood. I walked +briskly for a couple of miles, when I stopped and satisfied my ravenous +hunger. + +This was my first theft of something to eat. Before this I had been +fortunate enough to obtain supplies of food from friendly slaves, but +for the twenty-four hours previous to my raid on the kitchen I had eaten +nothing. I make no excuse for this immoral act, and ask no one to say I +did right. I only did what perhaps any one else, under the same +circumstances, would have done. I was too weak from hunger and other +causes to withstand the temptation of obtaining the food as I did. As +soon as my appetite was satisfied, however, my sin rose up before me in +all its enormity; I felt distressed; and it came vividly in my mind, "In +that Christ hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that +are tempted." Oh, what had I done! I had lost God's help in this my hour +of trial. I prayed for forgiveness, and asked God to direct and protect +me. Yet I felt uneasy and depressed,--not that my faith in Jesus was any +the less, but that my sin would bring its own punishment. + + "There is many a pang to pursue me; + They may crush, but they shall not contemn-- + They may torture, but shall not subdue me,-- + 'Tis of God I think--not of them." + +About daylight I reached a forest in which I could conceal myself during +the day. I slept soundly, being undisturbed, until dark, when I +proceeded onward. While traveling _that night_ I was compelled to pass a +large plantation. I was afraid some white person would see me, +therefore I avoided every one,--not being able to distinguish, in the +dark, a white from a black person. However, about daylight I met a +colored boy, who procured some food for me and directed me to a +cotton-pen close by, where I could hide and sleep during the day. When +night came--it was Thursday night--I crawled out of the pen and started +for another night's walk. I made very good time that night, and walked +to within nine miles of Memphis. I was afraid to go on into Memphis in +the day-time, consequently I slept in the woods that day without +anything to eat, my supply of food being exhausted. + +I was very much exhausted, and suffered greatly from hunger. When night +came I started again. After proceeding on my way about two miles I came +to the village of Mt. Pleasant, where I thought to obtain something to +eat. I had passed nearly through the village without seeing any one; but +finally I saw a man who I mistook for a colored man. I accosted him, +when, to my chagrin and disappointment, he was a white man. I felt that +I had already betrayed myself; and through my fright and want of +steadiness I was again in bonds. + +The man asked me numerous and various questions, as to where I came +from, where I was going, who I belonged to, etc. + +I again sinned, and paid the penalty. I lied to the man. I told him I +belonged to a man by the name of Potts, and that I was going to his +plantation. + +Quite a number of persons soon gathered around me, and by repeated +questions entrapped me. Inquiries were made as to the health of Mr. +Potts' family, and of Mr. Potts in particular. I stated that the family +were well and that Mr. Potts was as well as usual. + +It turned out that several of the persons present knew the Potts family, +and that Mr. Potts had died two months previously. + +I was immediately arrested and placed in a secure place, tied and +chained to the floor. + +Thus sin brought me into trouble. Had I trusted to God and not been in +too great haste to get something to eat, he would have helped me. My +weakness made me forget that I should not lie to any one, seeing that I +had put off the old man with his deeds. In my great need of +strengthening food, Christ would have succored me had I not forgotten to +pray to him and ask his help, for "a man can receive nothing except it +be given him from heaven." + +In nearly all the villages of the South, and on most of the large +plantations, were slave-jails, where runaway and refractory slaves were +incarcerated. These jails were usually a double pen, the inside pen +being covered with a roof, and the top of the outside pen being covered +with sharp iron spikes. Between the pens one or more savage dogs were +usually kept. This was the kind of place I was now placed in. + +Hungry, worn out with my journey, and nearly naked, I soon fell asleep +from sheer exhaustion and slept soundly until morning. + +After I had eaten my breakfast I was taken out of jail at Mt. Pleasant +and started back to Holly Springs, well ironed and guarded, where I was +recognized as Wilson's slave. Wilson was notified of my apprehension. +After laying in the jail at Holly Springs about three weeks Wilson came +for me. I had made several attempts in that time to escape, but did not +succeed. + +I was ironed and compelled to walk, which, in my exhausted state, was +too much for me, and I was taken violently sick on the road, when Wilson +procured a conveyance and hauled me the balance of the way home. A +physician was immediately summoned, who ordered my shackles removed. + +After the irons were removed I regained my spirits, and entertained +hopes of being able to make another attempt to regain my liberty. I was +very sick for several days. + +About two o'clock on the last morning I stayed there I awoke and felt +fresh, and found that my strength had in a great measure returned. Upon +looking around the moonlit room I found that I was alone. To escape was +my very first intention. Getting out of bed I examined the window to the +cabin, when I found I could raise it easily. I gathered what clothes I +could find, as well as a blanket from the bed, and climbing through the +window made my escape unobserved. I did not stop to put on my clothes +until I had got two or three miles from the plantation. + +I stayed in the woods about three weeks, when I returned to my master +and asked his forgiveness, and promised that I would never run away +again. I was forgiven. + +During my three weeks' starving and hiding in the woods I had ample time +for reflection and thought. Prayerfully I considered my situation and +asked God's help to direct me. I came to the conclusion that I was +entirely wrong in my course. God, for his own good purpose, had placed +me in bondage, and in his good time he would relieve me either by death +or emancipation. My hardships, I felt, were by reason of my disobedience +to God's will. Although I was a slave God had given me my task in his +vineyard as a slave, and I should have fronted the wrath of my master, +Wilson, rather than that of God. I felt that I was doing wrong, and +after prayerful consideration I determined to do right, and go back to +the plantation and patiently await God's time to set me free. + +Wilson received me as kindly as his nature would permit, and treated me +as he did the other slaves and as if I had never been disobedient to him +and ran away. I felt better, and knew then that I was right in the sight +of my heavenly Father. My views underwent a change for the better while +I was an outcast in the woods, and after that I was better fitted to do +my allotted work for God. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +Was hired to Mr. Thompson, and adopted his name--Opened regular +meetings, and preached on the plantation and other places--Took unto +myself a wife--Was purchased by Thompson, duly installed on the +plantation, and invested with authority--Various means and plans +resorted to by the overseer to degrade me in the eyes of Mr. +Thompson--Driven, through persecution, to run away--Returned back to my +master. + + +A short time after I came in from the woods Wilson determined to hire me +to a man named Thompson, who lived about twenty miles away. I made no +objection, and was duly hired for the term of three years. + +I adopted the name "Thompson," from my new master, which I have since +retained. + +The slaves of the South are usually named like brutes, with only one +name for a designation, and it became customary among the slaves to +adopt the surname of their masters. I had never adopted the name of +Wilson, because I disliked the man; but as soon as I was hired to Mr. +Thompson I took his name, therefore I was henceforth known as Charles +Thompson. The adoption of a name by myself may appear strange to a +great many of my readers, yet when it comes to be considered that I was +a human chattel, with no rights or privileges of American citizenship, +and that I was without a name, except simply "Charles," no surprise will +be felt. + +I labored faithfully and honestly for Mr. Thompson during my term of +service, and endeavored in all things to do my duty. I made such efforts +as I could to bring the slaves on the plantation to Jesus, and +inaugurated regular and stated meetings. I preached and exhorted on the +plantation and at other places where I could gather the negroes to hear +me; and I felt that I was the means in God's hands of redeeming precious +souls. In these meetings I had helpers from among the most intelligent +of the slaves, and made such progress that at all our meetings we would +have a number of God-fearing whites to pray with us. + +During my term of hired service with Mr. Thompson I married a colored +girl and added the responsibilities of a husband to my various cares. + +The marriage of slaves was a mere formality among themselves, there +being nothing legal, according to the laws of the southern states, about +the ceremony or marriage contract. The slaves cohabited together in most +instances with the express or implied consent of their masters; and as +the masters did not regard the marriage of their slaves as anything, +wives and husbands were constantly in danger of being separated forever. + +But the slaves themselves instituted a ceremony which they considered +morally binding, as far as they were concerned; and the slave-owners +deemed it prudent to gratify their slaves by a recognition, in some +degree, of the marital relations that might exist among them. Therefore +a certain set of rules came into operation, by general consent, +governing the visits of the husband to the wife when owned by different +masters. When the wife of a slave lived not more than five miles from +his master he could visit her once a week; when she lived not more than +ten miles away, he could go to see her once in two weeks; and when she +lived twenty or more miles away he could go to see her only once in two +months. + +At the expiration of my term of service I was loth to leave my wife at +Thompson's, and go back to Wilson's, and strenuously objected, knowing +that I could get to see her only once in two months. + +Wilson having learned that I was not desirous of returning to him, wrote +to Mr. Thompson to send me home as soon as the last day of my service +expired; but Mr. Thompson was desirous of retaining me, and made +efforts to that effect. He sent me to Wilson to learn the price set for +me. I arrived in due time, when Wilson informed me that he would sell me +to Thompson, but that he would not take less than twelve hundred +dollars, cash. + +The proposition did not seem to please Thompson, but after a time he +concluded to buy me, and sent his son to Wilson with the purchase money. +The purchase at that particular time was lucky for me, as Wilson had +written Thompson a very abusive letter, and it was received by Mr. +Thompson on the evening of the day on which his son went to Wilson's to +buy me. The bargain was made, however, and I was duly transferred to my +new master, by delivery and a bill of sale. The personal matter between +Wilson and Thompson soon blew over, and I was duly installed on the +plantation as one of the chattel fixtures. + +I seemed to take a new lease of life from this time, and determined, if +possible, to profit by former experiences and shun every appearance of +ill-nature and evil intentions, and to gain the confidence of my new +master, that I might better do the work of my heavenly Master. All +nature seemed lovely to me, and I was happy in doing my duty and +obliging the will of God. + +I was invested with authority on the plantation by Mr. Thompson, and +was required to keep an eye on the overseer, and to report any +enormities that might be committed by him. + +Mr. Thompson was a wealthy planter and kept a general overseer, besides +the usual field bosses; yet there were other slaves on the plantation +who had the confidence of the master and were put at such service as +required intelligence and integrity. + +The position in which I was now placed was difficult and onerous; but I +did my duty to the very best of my ability, and satisfactorily to my +master. The overseer soon found out that I was _his_ overseer; and he +used every means, and various plans, to drive me to do something that +would degrade me in the eyes of Mr. Thompson. It was only by reason of +the greatest forbearance and the very closest attention to my duties +that I escaped his machinations; and by attending to everything with the +most scrupulous care he could find no fault with me, that had truth for +its foundation. But the constant and pertinacious maliciousness of the +overseer, and my own weakness, eventually brought me to grief. + +As a rule, when a bad and wicked man undertakes any species of +devilishness he generally prevails, for a time, and is apparently +successful in his schemes; and should he meet with failure at the onset +his want of success only maddens him to greater exertions and more +persistent efforts. Being urged by the devil, and the devil being a hard +driver, he either rushes to his own destruction or destroys the +happiness or lives of others. Thus I was placed in the crucible for +further refinement and regeneration. My humanity gave way for some time; +but God was with me, and in the end I prevailed. The overseer's name was +Hines, and he belonged to that class of southern whites who are noted +for their ignorance and brutality. He could read and write a +little,--just enough to make out a negro's pass or a receipt for money +paid on account of his employer. In this respect I was far in advance of +him, of which my master was aware, and which was one of the causes of +Hines' excessive hatred of me, and of his great desire to "put me down +and make me know my place," as he termed it. He was very irreligious, +and entirely wanting in every attribute of a Christian. He was also what +in the South is termed a "bully"--that is, he was free to use his +pistols on the slightest occasion, when among his equals, but when in +the presence of his superiors he was a cringing sycophant and coward. He +was a real coward, at best, in all places. He did not want me on the +plantation; and he was determined that he would so harrass me that I +would become as reckless and devilish as himself, and thereby compel my +master to send me to a slave-market to be sold. + +Hines concocted various tales and reported them to Mr. Thompson, +relating to my alleged insubordination, laziness, refusal to work, etc., +but all to no effect. Finally he told my master that I was so +disobedient that the rest of the slaves were affected by my conduct, and +that I would ruin all the slaves on the plantation unless severe means +were used to conquer me. + +My master informed Hines, after hearing his story, that Jack, a +fellow-servant of mine in my younger days, had killed Prince, another +fellow-servant, on Wilson's plantation, several years before; that I +might be imbued with the same spirit; and that if he undertook to +chastise me he might meet with the same fate of Prince. + +This murder occurred after I had been sold by Wilson to Thompson, but +being permitted to return to Wilson's plantation once a year to visit +and preach to my old flock, I learned the facts regarding the matter. + +Jack belonged to a neighbor of Wilson's by the name of Scott, and having +done something displeasing to Scott he wished to tie him up and whip +him. Jack refused to be whipped by Scott or any one else, when Prince +was called upon by his master (Scott) to help him secure Jack. Prince +was reluctant, but was commanded two or three times to take hold of +Jack and hold him. Jack told him not to approach him at the peril of his +life; but not heeding Jack's warning he made the effort to tie Jack, +when he was stabbed to the heart with a knife in Jack's hand, and +expired almost instantly. Jack made his escape for a short time, but was +captured and immediately hanged without a trial or an opportunity to +make any defense. Jack was captured in a corn-crib on Wilson's +plantation, which made Thompson suppose the murder had been committed +there. + +This recital, which was made in substance to Hines by my master, cowed +the overseer considerably, and a house-servant who was present during +the conversation afterwards told me that Hines' face turned white as a +sheet, and he trembled like a leaf. + +My master knew his overseer was a coward, and that if he could work upon +his fears by supposing me to be too high-spirited to stand a whipping, +he would probably save me from Hines' malice, and keep the overseer to +his work. Good overseers were hard to get in the South. An intelligent +Christian man would not have such a position under any circumstances, +and the very best of the "poor white trash" who _would_, were unreliable +and brutish; therefore Mr. Thompson had to do the very best he could +under the circumstances. He did not believe Hines; yet he had to humor +him, in a measure. + +After a few days Hines reported to Mr. Thompson that he had heard me say +that I would never be whipped by him or any other overseer on the +plantation, as long as I had life to resist, which was a most malicious +falsehood. What I did tell Hines was, that I would so conduct myself and +so perform my work that he nor any other overseer on the plantation +should never have cause to chastise me. + +The falsehood inflamed my master, and in his wrath he told Hines to whip +me for the first offense I might commit, or kill me in the attempt. + +Armed with this instruction, Hines was in high glee; yet he dare not +attempt anything without first laying well his plans and making sure of +sufficient force to carry them out. The next morning he charged me to +pick six hundred pounds of cotton and deliver it at the weighing-house +at night, under penalty, for a failure, of one hundred lashes on my bare +back with a rawhide. + +This would not have been an extraordinary task in good cotton; but where +we had to work that day the cotton was poor, and in that field the crop +was not more than half a one. However, I worked hard against fate all +day, and prayed to Almighty God to help me in my hour of need, and keep +me steadfast. I knew I was to be punished not for any fault or misdoing, +but simply to gratify a brute in human shape, and my inferior in +intellect, morality, and physical strength. The burden was hard to bear, +yet I prayed for strength to bear it. When called from the field to the +weighing-house I was kept waiting until all the other slaves had their +cotton weighed. When mine was weighed I was told by Hines that I had +only picked four hundred pounds. I verily believed this to be untrue, +and felt convinced that I had picked at least five hundred pounds, for I +was one of the best, if not the best, cotton-pickers in the country; and +I had labored faithfully and rapidly all day, and did not lose a +minute's time, unnecessarily. + +Hines turned to me and said, Go to your quarters; I will settle with you +in the morning. + +Now began new trials. My duty and my Christianity instructed me to face +the undeserved and unjust punishment manfully. The devil and my human +nature told me to run away. I became weak. The fear of the disgrace of a +whipping was too much for me, and I succumbed to the evil one. + +I made such arrangements as I could, and concealed myself on the +plantation, before daylight the next morning, so that I could take an +early start in the night and travel behind my pursuers instead of before +them. My wife knew of my hiding-place, and when night came she sought me +and reported what had been done for my capture. + +Hines seemed, she said, to be more cheerful than usual in the morning +when he found I was gone, and hastened to report the good news, as he +thought, to Mr. Thompson. After some conversation between them it was +determined by my master to obtain the services of a professional +slave-hunter, and follow me with hounds. The slave-hunter was sent for +and came with his pack of dogs that same day about noon. The hunt was +immediately begun, and the country was then being scoured in all +directions for my tracks. + +This information put me on my guard, and gave me time to consider what +direction I had better take in my flight. I had provide myself a +preparation called "smut" among the negroes, which, when spread thinly +on the soles of the shoes or feet, destroyed that peculiar scent by +which blood-hounds are enabled to follow the trail of a man or a beast. +After bidding my wife farewell I smeared my shoes with "smut" and +started in the direction of the hills, beyond which was a large swamp, +the refuge of many a poor runaway. + +On my way I had to pass through innumerable thickets of underbrush and +briers, and by reason thereof I tore my already much-worn clothes almost +into shreds, and lacerated my flesh severely, especially on my arms and +legs. I arrived in the swamp, however, without being followed by the +dogs, and while proceeding slowly and dejectedly along, my steps were +suddenly stopped by a fierce and loud growl. I was frightened, to be +sure, yet I knew scarcely what to do. The growl proceeded from a bear, I +felt fully assured, for bears roamed through the hills and swamps of +Mississippi. But with presence of mind I retreated slowly from the +presence of Mr. and Mrs. Bruin, and not being followed by the bears my +fears on that score were removed. + +About this time it began to rain; and the night was one of those black, +foreboding nights that novelists love so well to depict in their +descriptions of storms. The lightning flashed with a vividness that +lighted up the dismal swamps with a weird and horrible brightness; the +thunder rolled peal upon peal, making to me a pandemonium, real and +feeling; the pitiless rain pelted me unmercifully and constantly, with +that persistence that made it almost unendurable to me. I sat down at +the root of a large tree, not to shelter myself from the rain but to +protect myself from the attack of any wild animal that should approach +me. There I sat the rest of the long night, unfriended, alone, +forsaken,--a hunted outcast. + + "Man's inhumanity to man + Makes countless thousands mourn." + +The condition in which I was now placed rendered me indeed a pitiable +object. I waited and longed for morning to come; but the long, slow +minutes passed lazily along without regard to my sufferings or wishes. +After a long time, to me, I heard a rooster crow, and the welcome sound +brought me to my feet in an instant. I started in the direction of the +sound, and approached warily. Having walked a short distance I reached +the edge of the swamps, or rather a dry spot or oasis in the swamp, and +by the faint glimmer of day, which was just breaking, I could see the +outlines of a house. The cock continued to crow, which seemed to invite +me to approach, and which I construed into a good omen,--at least I +really felt good at the sight of the house, even though it might contain +those who would chain me and take me back to my master. I noticed that a +public road ran along close to the house; and after going on the road, +in approaching the house I was discovered by a dog, belonging to the +house, who set up a furious barking. Fearing to stay and make my wants +known I again sought "cover" in the swamp. I stayed in the swamp that +day and ate such berries, roots, and nuts as I could find. I had plenty +of time for prayer and meditation. I was alone with God, and prayed to +him for help in my distress, and for direction. I became convinced that +I had done wrong in running away, and deemed that I had sinned against +God. I had been a runaway and an outcast before, and had came to right +conclusions; yet I had turned from the path of duty, and was even now +being punished for my sin. I determined to return to my master and take +the consequences of my acts in running away. I asked God to have mercy +on me and pardon my sins, and protect me from the wrath of my master and +the maliciousness of Hines. Having fully made up my mind to return to +Thompson and make such efforts as I could to allay the punishment I +expected to receive, I set about perfecting my plans to get there +without being apprehended by the slave-hunters, who were then, I have no +doubt, hunting for me. My master had offered a reward for my return to +his plantation; and should any one arrest me and take me home, although +I might be returning on my own accord, they would receive the reward and +I would have to make up the amount to my master in extra labor and +extra punishment. To avoid this was now my object. + +At night I left the swamp and went to the road, intending to travel home +that night--thinking I was not more than ten or twelve miles away from +there. I was uncertain which way to go; but I finally started off on the +road, hoping that I was going in the direction of Thompson's. The rain +was pattering down; but I traveled briskly all that night, and about +day-break I came to a plantation. I entered one of the slave-cabins and +told the inmates I was lost, hungry, and tired, and asked them for +something to eat. One of the colored men spoke to a woman who appeared +to be his wife, and told her to get me something to eat, and that he +would go and get some pine to put on the fire. His actions, and the +manner in which he spoke, aroused my suspicions, and being fearful that +he intended to betray me, I left the cabin directly after he did, and +sought an asylum in the woods, where I stayed during that day. Thus "the +wicked flee when no one pursueth." + +At night I found the same road I had traveled the day before, and +started again to try and get to Thompson's. I knew that I was wrong, and +that I was traveling away from instead of toward Thompson's; therefore I +concluded to make inquiries at the first opportunity. After traveling +three or four miles I came to a cabin in which there was a light +shining through the cracks between the logs. Approaching the cabin, I +intended to enter; but being enabled to see the inmates through the +cracks I discovered three white men sitting around the fire, so I turned +to leave. As I was passing the corner of the cabin a colored woman came +to the door for some purpose, and saw me. She jumped back into the +cabin, at the same time exclaiming, "Here's a runaway nigger!" + +I immediately ran for the road; but a dog--not a blood-hound--followed +me, and while getting over the fence between the cabin and the road he +caught me by the breeches leg. I shook him off and ran for the woods. + +The white men were slave-hunters, and were after me particularly, as I +learned afterwards. They followed me closely by the sound of the +crackling of brush, and put the dogs they had with them on my track. +These dogs, fortunately for me, were in the cabin at the time I +approached it. As soon as I heard the first yelp of a blood-hound I +"smutted" my shoe-soles, and soon threw them off the scent. The white +men followed me about three or four miles. Finally, finding I would not +get away from them by running, I stopped, and making my way into a dense +thicket of briers I sat down. The white men stopped a short distance +from me and listened, I suppose, for the sound of brush cracking. After +waiting a short time one of them started off in the direction they had +come, leaving the others still waiting,--using this ruse in order to +throw me off my guard, so as to enable the remaining ones to ascertain +where I was by the noise I would make in walking. I was too close to +them; and from the noise I heard from where they were standing I knew +they had a dog with them, and that they were only waiting for me to move +to begin the chase again. I sat perfectly quiet, and waited patiently +for the remaining whites and the dog to leave. After a time the men +began to move about through the brush, coming still closer to me. I +heard them talking, when one of them said, "We ought to catch the nigger +if we have to run him all night." "No" said the other, "we should let +him alone to-night, and start him up in the morning, when we can have +daylight for the chase, and not run him to-night, for we might run him +off and never catch him." + +After a short parley they concluded to get some more dogs and be on the +ground before daylight, so as to make sure of me. As soon as they had +gone out of my hearing I emerged from the brier thicket. I found my +limbs had become sore and benumbed from the exposure and hardships I +had undergone, and I was intensely hungry. I worried along, however, to +get out of that neighborhood as soon as possible. The sky was now clear, +the air frosty, and my rags were but a scant protection to me. After +walking awhile I found my soreness began to leave me, when I began to +accelerate my pace. I had to walk as fast as I could, and exercise my +limbs all I could, in order to keep warm. After walking some time I came +to a plantation. Upon reconnoitering, I found an old house, and +approaching it with the intention of seeking a little rest in it during +the remainder of the night and the next day, I saw a light in it. I went +in, however, and found it to be the workshop of the plantation, and five +colored men were there putting handles in their axes. I asked them for +something to eat, and was about to tell them the truth regarding myself, +when one of the negroes hurried me out of the cabin, saying he would get +me something to eat. After we got out he told me I was very imprudent, +for if I had told the negroes who I was and that I was a runaway, they +would have taken me themselves. He got me some meat and bread, and after +I had told him who I was and that I wanted to find my way back to +Thompson's, he put me on the right road and gave me such directions as I +required. + +I found that I was about fifty miles from Thompson's plantation, and +that it would require two nights' hard walking to get there. I felt very +much discouraged, and grieved considerably to myself. However, having +satisfied the cravings of my appetite, I plucked up courage and started +on my long return walk with renewed energy. + +After traveling about five miles I came to a little town. I was afraid +to go through it on account of the liability of being apprehended; and I +did not like to go around it for fear of getting lost again. I +determined to risk going through the place, and, by avoiding every one, +escape detection. There was quite an excitement here by reason of an +epidemic sickness among the children, and about every other house had a +light in it. I passed through the town with fear; but I escaped arrest +and felt like rejoicing over my good fortune, not once thinking of any +dangers or hardships that might lay before me. + +After I got through the town I came to a considerable stream, with a +bridge across it, the name of which I am unable to give; but on the +opposite end of the bridge from the town there is a road-way, or levee, +thrown up across the "bottom" for about two miles. At the time I +crossed, the stream was very much swelled from the recent rains, and the +water extended all over the bottom on each side of the road-grade, and +to within two or three feet of the top of it. This grade I had to cross; +and I was greatly afraid that I would meet some one. I started across, +and when about half way over the grade, or levee, I heard hounds baying +ahead of me; and the sounds seemed to be approaching me, I became very +much frightened, and turned and fled back to the bridge, when, just as I +was stepping on it, I heard men's voices, and stopped, when I found they +were coming across the bridge toward me. I concluded I would rather face +the blood-hounds than the white men, so I made my way back over the +grade as hurriedly as I could. I reached the end of the grade without +meeting the hounds and turned off into the woods. After walking a short +distance I heard the hounds again, and the sound of their yelps was +nearing me rapidly. I turned my course immediately, and ran as fast as I +was able for three or four hundred yards, when I saw distinctly, in the +starlight, a man running nearly toward me. My heart leaped into my +throat, as it were, and I made ready for battle. But the man proved to +be a poor runaway like myself, and the one whom the hounds were after. I +had got into a field, and the runaway passed through the same field +without noticing me. I kept on in an opposite direction from the one +which he had taken, and crossed the fence on the other side of the field +just in time to hear one of the slave-hunters say, "There he is now; I +heard him getting over the fence." I threw myself on the ground and +awaited results. The dogs were "hot" on the other slave's track, and +were running at a great rate, which induced the slave-hunters to think +their companion was mistaken. So, to my great relief and pleasure, they +started on after the hounds. I was nearly exhausted by my exertions +during the night, and as it was now nearly morning I lay on the ground +for a time to rest and recuperate my worn-out energies a little. + +In a short time I got up, and after looking around I saw the outlines of +plantation houses in the distance. On going to them I found a +resting-place in a fodder-loft, in the horse-lot of the plantation. I +ensconced myself in the fodder, when I again heard the infernal yelps of +the blood-hounds, and the more infernal yelps of the white pursuers +urging the hounds after the poor runaway. The hounds soon after caught +the poor wretch, whose cries for mercy were heart-rending and piteous. +My situation was perilous; yet I had hopes that the other slave being +run down and caught would save me, from the fact that the hunters were +not aware of the presence of another runaway in the immediate +neighborhood. + +The day wore slowly away, and being very weak from hunger and fatigue I +was unable to gain that rest my wasted body required. I slept two or +three hours, however, and had ample time for reflection. The bridge +where I had been so completely hemmed in the night before was impressed +deeply upon my memory; and the agony of mind while on the bridge was +still troubling me. I relied on a loving heavenly Father in my troubles +and trials, and brought to my mind the condition of the children of +Israel when about to be overwhelmed by the hosts of Pharaoh on the shore +of the Red Sea. God delivered them, and I believed he would deliver me. +My faith was strong. + +Night came at last, when I cautiously emerged from my hiding-place and +continued my journey toward home. I ran and walked about twenty-five +miles, and did not find any familiar objects to lead me to suppose I was +in the neighborhood of my master's plantation, when I began to look +about for a place of concealment in which to spend another weary and +lonesome day. Walking slowly along, after a short time my attention was +attracted by sounds as if some one was pounding a hard substance. On +stopping and listening, I soon heard some person calling hogs. The +voice seemed familiar. Upon further investigation I began to recognize +objects, and soon ascertained that I was "at home." Now that I had got +back "home," new troubles arose in my mind. I would be punished +severely, without doubt. + +Instead of going to "the quarters" I went directly to my master's +plantation, in the hope that I could enlist my mistress in my behalf, +and thus have the way made smooth for me. My master was not at home, +fortunately, and my mistress heard my story and prayers for forgiveness. +She promised to intercede with my master for me, but that I must promise +not to run away again, which I did. She bade me to go and hide myself in +the stable loft, and not to leave there until she sent for me. Soon +after, my master came home. In conversation with him my mistress +broached the subject as to my whereabouts. He told her that he believed +I had got to the free states and was lost to him; however, that if any +of the slaves on the plantation knew where I was they should get me word +that if I would come back I should not be punished, and that I should be +forgiven. In that case my mistress said she would insure my return +speedily. + +Matters were soon arranged, and I was re-instated in my former position +on the plantation. But severe trials were soon to overtake me, and what +I had already gone through was but an atom in comparison with what I +afterwards suffered from the hands of my master, and by reason of my +condition of slavery. + +Thus ended my earlier experiences as a slave, from my earliest +recollection down to the time of my return to Thompson's plantation. + +I propose to continue this biography, and include the whole in book +form. This pamphlet is printed for the purpose of enabling me to raise +money to continue my work and paying for printing the whole in a book +substantially and neatly bound. + +To the friends of the colored race I appeal for help in this matter, +hoping that sufficient interest is taken to insure the accumulation of +sufficient funds for my purpose. + +The remainder will contain my full experience as a minister of the +gospel, and incidents relating to my efforts and the efforts of my +co-workers in building up the church of Christ among the former slaves +of the South, and such suggestions as I may deem proper to aid to raise +the standard of intelligence among negroes. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Biography of a Slave, by Charles Thompson + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE *** + +This file should be named slave10.txt or slave10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, slave11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, slave10a.txt + +Produced by Dave Morgan and PG Proofreaders + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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Charles Thompson. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin: 10%; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; } + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + .side { float:right; + font-size: 75%; + width: 25%; + padding-left:10px; + border-left: dashed thin; + margin-left: 10px; + text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; + font-weight: bold; + font-style: italic;} + CENTER { padding: 10px; } + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Biography of a Slave, by Charles Thompson + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Biography of a Slave + Being the Experiences of Rev. Charles Thompson + +Author: Charles Thompson + +Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9941] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on November 2, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE *** + + + + +Produced by Dave Morgan and PG Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + +<center> + <h1>BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE</h1> + +<h2> + Being The Experiences Of Rev. Charles Thompson, +</h2> +<h3> + A Preacher Of The United Brethren Church, +</h3> + + <h2>WHILE A SLAVE IN THE SOUTH.</h2> + +<h4> + Together With Startling Occurrences Incidental To Slave Life. +</h4> + + <h2>1875</h2> +</center> +<a name="2HPRE1"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + PREFACE. +</h2> +<p> + In publishing this book I hope to do good not only to my own race, but + to all who may read it. I am not a book-maker, and make no pretensions + to literary attainments; and I have made no efforts to create for myself + a place in the literary, book-making ranks. I claim for my book + truthfulness and honesty of purpose, and upon that basis it must succeed + or fail. The Biography of a Slave is called for by a very large number + of my immediate acquaintances, and, I am assured, will meet with such + reception as to justify the expense I have incurred in having it printed + and bound. To the members of the United Brethren Church, white as well + as colored, I look for help in the sale and circulation of my work, yet + I am satisfied I will receive commendable patronage from members of all + Christian churches everywhere. +</p> +<p> + The book is written in the narrative style, as being much better suited + to the tastes and capacities of my colored readers, and I have used + simple and plain English language, discarding the idiomatic and + provincial language of the southern slaves and ignorant whites, + expecting thereby to help educate the blacks in the use of proper + language. +</p> +<p> + I am indebted to William H. Rhodes, Esq., attorney at law, of Newman, + Douglas County, Illinois, for his valuable assistance in the preparation + of my manuscript for the printer. He has re-written the whole of it for + me, and has otherwise assisted me in the matter of placing the book + before the public. +</p> +<center> + CHARLES THOMPSON. +</center> +<p> + Newman, Illinois, Aug., 1874. +</p> + + +<br /><br /> + +<hr> +<br /><br /> + + + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> +<h1>Contents</h1> + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HPRE1"> +PREFACE. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_TOC"> +CONTENTS. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH3"> +CHAPTER I. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH4"> +CHAPTER II. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH5"> +CHAPTER III. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH6"> +CHAPTER IV. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH7"> +CHAPTER V. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH8"> +CHAPTER VI. +</a></p> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + + +<a name="2H_TOC"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CONTENTS +</h2> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH3"> +CHAPTER I</a></h3> + +<p>Charles Thompson, born in Atala County, Mississippi—Division of +Kirkwood's slaves among his six Children—The writer and his two sisters +fall to Mrs. Wilson—The parting between mother and child—Deprived of a +fond mother forever—Old Uncle Jack—Wilson buys Uncle Ben from +Strucker—Uncle Ben runs away and is hunted with blood-hounds—Two +hundred dollars reward.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH4"> +CHAPTER II</a></h3> + +<p>Not sent to hell by Wilson—Mrs. Wilson protects me, to whom I +belong—Sent to school with the children—The school-children teach me +to read and write—What came of it—Mount that mule or I'll shoot +you—I mounted the mule—A start for the railroad to work—I dismount +and take to the woods—I owe allegiance to God and my country only.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH5"> +CHAPTER III</a></h3> + +<p>Caught, tried, and taken back home to James Wilson—My mistress saves me +from being whipped—I go to the railroad and work one month +precisely—Go back home—Wilson surprised—Left the railroad at +3 o'clock A.M.—Did not want to disturb Leadbitter's rest—Sent to Memphis +with a load of cotton—Afraid of the slave-pens and slave-auction—Start +for home—Not sold—Pray, sing, and shout—Get home and ordered to hire +myself out.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH6"> +CHAPTER IV</a></h3> + +<p>Start out on my travels to hunt a new master—Find Mr. Dansley—Hire to +him—Thirty dollars per month for my master and five dollars for +myself—Wilson astonished—Appointed superintendent of Dansley's +farm—Rules and regulations—Peace and tranquillity—My moral labors +successful—Prayer and social meetings—Meetings in the woods—Quarrel +and fight like very brothers—Time comes to be moved to another field of +labor.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH7"> +CHAPTER V</a></h3> + +<p>James Wilson comes along—Wants me to go with him to Saulsbury, +Tennessee, to help build a house for a grocery-store—Takes me along +with him—Wilson taken sick—I take care of him—He gels well—I make +another attempt to escape from slavery—What came of it.</p> + +<h3><a href="#2HCH8"> +CHAPTER VI</a></h3> + +<p>Was hired to Mr. Thompson, and adopted his name—Opened regular +meetings, and preached on the plantation and other places—Took unto +myself a wife—Was purchased by Thompson, duly installed on the +plantation, and invested with authority—Various means and plans +resorted to by the overseer to degrade me in the eyes of Mr. +Thompson—Driven, through persecution, to run away—Return back to my +master.</p> + +<a name="2H_4_2"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE. +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="2HCH3"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER I. +</h2> +<p> + Charles Thompson, born in Atala County, Mississippi—Division of + Kirkwood's Slaves Among his Six Children—The Writer and his Two Sisters + Fall to Mrs. Wilson—The Parting Between Mother and Child—Deprived of a + Fond Mother Forever—Old Uncle Jack—Wilson Buys Uncle Ben from + Strucker—Uncle Ben Runs Away and is Hunted with Blood-Hounds—Two + Hundred Dollars Reward. +</p> +<p> + I was a slave, and was born in Atala County, Mississippi, near the town + of Rockford, on the third day of March, 1833. My father and mother both + being slaves, of course my pedigree is not traceable, by me, farther + back than my parents. Our family belonged to a man named Kirkwood, who + was a large slave-owner. Kirkwood died when I was about nine years old, + after which, upon the settlement of the affairs of his estate, the + slaves belonging to the estate were divided equally, as to value, among + the six heirs. There were about seventy-five slaves to be divided into + six lots; and great was the tribulation among the poor blacks when they + learned that they were to be separated. +</p> +<p> + When the division was completed two of my sisters and myself were cast + into one lot, my mother into another, and my father into another, and + the rest of the family in the other lots. Young and slave as I was, I + felt the pang of separation from my loved and revered mother; child that + I was I mourned for mother, even before our final separation, as one + dead to me forever. So early to be deprived of a fond mother, by the + "law," gave me my first view of the curse of slavery. Until this time I + did not know what trouble was, but from then until the tocsin of freedom + was sounded through the glorious Emancipation Proclamation by the + immortal Abraham Lincoln, I passed through hardship after hardship, in + quick succession, and many, many times I have almost seen and tasted + death. +</p> +<p> + I bade farewell to my mother, forever, on this earth. Oh! the pangs of + that moment. Even after thirty years have elapsed the scene comes + vividly to my memory as I write. A gloomy, dark cloud seemed to pass + before my vision, and the very air seemed to still with awfulness. I + felt bereaved, forlorn, forsaken, lost. Put yourself in my place; feel + what I have felt, and then say, God is just; he will protect the + helpless and right the wronged, and you will have some idea of my + feelings and the hope that sustained me through long and weary years of + servitude. My mother, my poor mother! what must she have suffered. Never + will I forget her last words; never will I forget the earnest prayers of + that mother begging for her child, and refusing to be comforted. She had + fallen to the lot of Mrs. Anderson, and she pleaded with burning tears + streaming down her cheeks, "He is my only son, my baby child, my + youngest and the only son I have; please let me have him to go with me!" +</p> +<p> + Anderson spoke roughly to her and told her to hold her peace; but with + her arms around me she clung to me and cried the louder, "Let me have my + child; if you will let me have my baby you may have all the rest!" +</p> +<p> + Mothers can realize this situation only, who have parted with children + whom they never expected to see again. Imagine parting with your dearest + child, never to see it again; to be thrown into life-servitude in one + part of the country and your dear child in the same condition six + hundred miles away. Although my mother was black, she had a soul; she + had a heart to feel just as you have, and I, her child, was being + ruthlessly torn from her by inexorable "law." What would you have done + if you had been in her place? <i>She</i> prayed to God for help. +</p> +<p> + My kind old father consoled and encouraged my mother all he could, and + said to her, "Do not be discouraged, for Jesus is your friend; if you + lack for knowledge, he will inform you, and if you meet with troubles + and trials on your way, cast all your cares on Jesus, and don't forget + to pray." The old man spoke these words while praying, shouting, crying, + and saying farewell to my mother. He had, in a manner, raised nearly all + the colored people on the plantation; so he had a fatherly feeling for + all of them. The old man looked down on me, and said, "My child, you are + now without a father and will soon be without a mother; but be a good + boy, and God will be father and mother to you. If you will put your + trust in him and pray to him, he will take you home to heaven when you + die, where you can meet your mother there, where parting will be no + more. Farewell." I was then taken from my mother, and have not seen or + heard of her since—about twenty-nine years ago. Old Uncle Jack, as my + father was called by the plantation people, spoke words of comfort to + all of us before we were parted. +</p> +<p> + The lot of human chattels, of which I was one, was taken to their new + home on Wilson's plantation, in the same county as the Kirkwood + plantation. Wilson told my sisters and myself that our mother and + ourselves were about six hundred miles apart. +</p> +<p> + After I had been in my new home about two years, Wilson bought my uncle + Ben from a man named Strucker, who lived in the same neighborhood, but + he did not buy uncle Ben's wife. Two years later Wilson moved to another + plantation he owned in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, about one hundred + miles distant from his Atala County plantation. Ben not being willing to + go so far from his wife, ran away from his master. Wilson, however, left + word that if any one would catch and return Ben to him, he would pay two + hundred dollars. This was a bait not to be resisted. The professional + slave-hunters, with their blood-hounds, were soon on the track. They + failed to get the poor hunted man, though. Ben was a religious, + God-fearing man, and placed firm reliance on the help of the Almighty, + in his serious trials, and never failed to find help when most needed. + He stayed under cover in the woods, in such lurking places as the nature + of the country provided, in the day time, and at night would cautiously + approach his wife's cabin, when, at an appointed signal, she would let + him in and give him such food and care as his condition required. The + slaves of the South were united in the one particular of helping each + other in such cases as this, and would adopt ingenious telegrams and + signals to communicate with each other; and it may well be believed that + the inventive genius of the blacks was, as a general thing, equal to all + emergencies, and when driven to extremities they were brave to a fault. + Ben's wife, in this instance, used the simple device of hanging a + certain garment in a particular spot, easily to be seen from Ben's + covert, and which denoted that the coast was clear and no danger need be + apprehended. The garment and the place of hanging it had to be changed + every day, yet the signals thus made were true to the purpose, and saved + uncle Ben from capture. Uncle Ben was closely chased by the hounds and + inhuman men-hunters; on one occasion so closely that he plunged into a + stream and followed the current for more than a mile. Taking to the + water threw the hounds off the scent of the track. Before reaching the + stream, uncle Ben was so closely pursued that one of the men in the gang + shot at him, the bullet passing unpleasantly close to him. His wife + heard the hounds and the gun-shot. This race for life and liberty was + only one of a continued series, and was repeated as often as + blood-hounds could find a track to follow. At night Ben was very much + fatigued and hungry, and his only hope of getting anything to eat was to + reach his wife's cabin. How to do this without being observed, was the + question. As well as he was able, about midnight he left his retreat and + approached the cabin. It was too dark to see a signal if one had been + placed for him in the usual manner. After waiting for some time a bright + light shot through the cracks in the cabin for an instant, and was + repeated at intervals of two or three minutes, three or four times. This + was the night-signal of "all right" agreed upon between uncle Ben and + his wife, and was made by placing the usual grease light under a vessel + and raising the vessel for a moment at intervals. Ben approached the + cabin and gave <i>his</i> signal by rapping on the door three times, and + after a short pause three more raps. Thus they had to arrange to meet; + the husband to obtain food to sustain life, and the wife to administer + to him. On this particular night their meeting was unusually impressive. + She had heard the death-hounds, the sound of the gun-shot, and she knew + the yelps of the hounds and the shot were intended for Ben, her + husband. With no crime laid to him, he was hunted down as a wild beast. + Made in God's own image, he is made a slave, a brute, an outcast, and an + outlaw because his skin is black. Thus they met, Ben and his wife. After + the usual precautions and mutual congratulations they both kneeled + before the throne of God and thanked him for their preservation thus + far, and throwing themselves upon his goodness and bounty, asked help in + their need and safety in the future. Without rising from his knees, Ben, + even in the anguish of his heart, consoled his wife, remarking, "that + the darkest hour is always just before daylight." +</p> +<p> + The blacks of the South have their own peculiar moral maxims, applicable + to all situations in life, and the slaves not knowing how to read + committed such Bible truths as were read to them from time to time. It + is true they were generally superstitious in a great degree, as all + ignorant persons are; yet their native sense of right led them to adopt + the best and most religious principles, dressed in homely "sayings," + their circumstances permitted. +</p> +<p> + Ben dare not stay very long at a time in his wife's cabin, as a strict + watch was constantly kept, that the runaway might be apprehended. + Bidding his wife farewell, Ben hastened back to one of a number of his + hiding-places, there to stay through the day, unless routed out by the + blood-hounds. He was fortunate, however, in the help of God, for his + safety, and the efforts of the hounds and the hounds' followers were + futile. +</p> +<p> + Finally, Wilson gave up chasing Ben with blood-hounds, and resolved to + try a better and more human method. He bought Ben's wife and left her + with Strucker, with instructions to send her and Ben to his plantation + if Ben was willing for the arrangement. Ben soon got word of how matters + stood with reference to himself, and concluded if he could live with his + wife on the same plantation that it was the very best he could do, so he + acceded to the wishes of Wilson, and was sent with his wife to Wilson. +</p> +<p> + The happiness of this couple was unbounded when they found they could + once more live together as God intended they should, and the poor wife + in her great gratitude cried, "God is on our side!" Ben replied that he + had told her on one occasion that God was on their side, and that "the + darkest hour was just before day." +</p> +<p> + The usual expression used by the blacks when a runaway returned to his + master was that he "had come out of the woods;" that is, he had left his + hiding place in the woods and returned to the plantation to work. +</p> +<p> + When I heard that uncle Ben had come out of the woods, and was coming to + live on our plantation, my joy knew no bounds. On the day when he was + expected to arrive I got permission to go out on the road some distance + and meet them. Early in the morning I caught a horse and started. Every + wagon I met filled me with hope and fear blended; hope that the wagon + contained my uncle and aunt, and fear that it did not. I rode on, on, + on, all that day, until my heart was sick with hope deferred. I had + received orders before starting that if I did not meet them that day to + return home. But I was so far from home, and with straining my eyes to + catch a glimpse of my uncle, added to my keen disappointment in not + seeing them, made me feel tired, sick, and worn out. So I stopped at a + friendly cabin that night, after telling the inmates who I was and what + my errand was. Early the next morning I was out, and the anxiety to see + my uncle was so great I thought I would ride out the road a short + distance in the hope of meeting him, notwithstanding my orders to return + home. After traveling about an hour I met the wagon containing uncle + Ben and his wife. The joy of that moment to me is inexpressible. Having + been deprived of mother and father he was the only relative my sisters + and myself could ever have any hopes of seeing again. My heart rejoiced + exceedingly. I was, as it were, a new boy entirely, so overcome was I. + We all arrived home that same day, and it was a much more pleasant trip + than I had taken the day before. On that day it was all anxiety, mixed + with hope and fear; to-day it was all joy and thanksgiving, again + proving uncle Ben's saying that "the darkest hour is always just before + day." My sisters were simply wild with joy when we arrived. They ran out + the road to meet, us crying, "There comes uncle Ben; we have one more + friend!" We were all comforted and rejoiced to a very great extent, and + we felt indeed that we had "one more friend" with us. We were as happy + as slaves could be, and spent all the time we could together—uncle Ben, + his wife, my sisters, and myself. +</p> +<p> + But Wilson harbored a grudge toward uncle Ben because he had to buy his + wife in order to get him, and had said that if he ever got Ben after he + ran away he would whip him to death. He treated Ben very well for the + time being, but about a year after he had got him home he began to put + his plans into operation for severely punishing him. He was afraid of + Ben's prayers. Although Wilson would not have hesitated a moment to have + put any plan into execution he may have conceived, under ordinary + circumstances, yet praying Ben, while defending himself by appeals to + Almighty God was stronger than with carnal weapons in his hands. Wilson + proceeded cautiously and laid snares for Ben. Uncle Ben was one of the + best hands on the plantation, and religiously performed the labor + alloted him truly and persistently. He obeyed his overseer and Wilson in + all things pertaining to his manual occupation, and obeyed God to the + very best of his ability in this as in everything else. But Wilson + wanted to punish Ben, and was determined to do so. He knew that Ben was + a faithful slave to labor, and was reliable, yet he wished to break + Ben's spirit—his manhood, the God part of him. Wilson did not seem to + know that he was not fighting Ben in his scheme of revenge but that he + was fighting God in Ben, and that although he punished Ben to the death + he would be conquered himself, and more severely punished than he could + ever hope to punish Ben. But Wilson was mad, infatuated, and + satanically determined. Precautious preparations were made by Wilson to + insure success in his revengeful scheme, and after having obtained the + aid of several neighbors who were what might be called professional + slave-whippers, he deemed his undertaking to punish and conquer Ben + fully ripe for execution. Ben being a field hand was busily employed + picking cotton, with a prayerful heart, and a watchful eye on Wilson. + From Wilson's actions Ben was sure something was going to occur which + would nearly concern him, and having been hunted like a beast he had + become suspicious and on his guard all the time. Having a feeling of + presentiment, he was uneasy, and, as was usual with him, he kneeled down + and asked God to protect him from the machinations of his enemies, and + give him heart, courage, and strength to overcome the evil intended him. + While praying he was startled by the snort of a horse, and on looking + around to ascertain the cause of the noise he discovered himself almost + surrounded by armed men on horseback. No time to think now; the time for + action had arrived. Ben knew at once the flight was for life. Better, + however, was death than to be thus hunted and harassed. Bounding through + the field he gained a friendly covert, and seemingly by mere chance he + eluded his pursuers and the hounds. Ben thanked God for his deliverance. + Wilson with his heartless band were again baffled, and with man-hunting + and disappointments in his man-chase he became furious. Ben stayed in + the woods about four weeks, and during all this time my sisters, Ben's + wife, and myself were kept in close confinement, to keep us from + communicating with Ben or rendering him any assistance. Thus all of us + had to suffer. But we were only slaves. +</p> +<p> + Wilson finally took Ben's wife to a man in Oxford, about twenty-five + miles distant, and came back circulating the word among the blacks that + he had sold her. Wilson had made arrangements at Oxford with some + professional slave-hunters to catch Ben if he ever came to see his wife, + for which purpose she had been taken there. +</p> +<p> + After a time Ben was informed that he and his wife had been sold by + Wilson to a man in Oxford, and of course believing such to be the fact, + he went there to see her, and make arrangements for the future. His wife + was told by the man with whom Wilson had left her that he had bought + both her and Ben, and wished her to get Ben to "come out of the woods." + Laboring under this delusion, Ben was month. The cabin was surrounded + by armed men, when Ben was overpowered, chained, and put in jail for + safe keeping until Wilson should come after him. Living in the woods so + long and the harsh treatment he was now receiving wore Ben down + considerably; yet, believing that "the darkest hour is just before day," + he relied on God's help in his misery. +</p> +<p> + Wilson came for Ben in due time, and after chaining him securely around + the neck he fastened one end of the chain to the rear of his buggy and + literally, a part of the time, dragged him to Holly Springs, about + thirty miles from Oxford, where he sold him to a man who had the + reputation of being the hardest master in the country. Wilson afterwards + took Ben's wife home. Thus they were separated,—Ben and his + wife,—never to meet again on this earth. +</p> +<p> + Wilson told me when he got home that he had sent Ben to hell, and that + he would send me there too. Infatuated man; he supposed he had done with + Ben for the very worst; he thought he had as much power over the souls + of his slaves as he had under "the laws" over their bodies. He found, + however, in time, that God was with us, and in his good time he + delivered us from our bondage and punished our persecutors as they + deserved. +</p> +<a name="2HCH4"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER II. +</h2> +<p> + Not sent to hell by Wilson—Mrs. Wilson protects me, to whom I + belong—Sent to school with the children—The school-children teach me + to read and write—What came of it—Mount that mule or I'll shoot you—I + mounted the mule—A start for the railroad to work—I dismount and take + to the woods—I owe allegiance to God and my country only. +</p> +<p> + The monotonous tedium of routine slave-labor was very often broken by + some scene of cruelty to one or another of the poor blacks, either by + the master or his overseer; and woe unto the luckless one if the master + should happen to be in a good mood to break bones. Although slaves were + worth money in the South at that time, yet the ungovernable passions of + some if not most masters found free vent in cruelty to their own + property—that is, their slaves. This was the case with Wilson, and no + opportunity was missed by him to make a poor black feel the effects of + his brutish nature and passions. His wife, on the other hand, made every + effort to protect the blacks on the plantation as much as possible. When + Wilson threatened to send me to hell, as he had tried to send uncle + Ben, Mrs. Wilson came forward in my behalf and saved me from her + husband's unwarranted wrath by telling him that she wished "Charles to + accompany her children to school and take such care of them as might be + required." It was customary in the South for families who owned slaves + to send one or more of them with their children when they attended + school as waiters, or personal servants, and as I belonged to Mrs. + Wilson, being an inherited chattel, Wilson acceded to her demand, and I + was sent along with the children when they went to school. I was not + allowed to sit with the white children in school, but I "loafed around + handy," ready for a call from either of my young mistresses. +</p> +<p> + The "laws," the enlightened laws of the southern states, prohibited, + under heavy penalties, the education of a slave, or even a negro, + although free; yet some of us, under very disadvantageous circumstances, + learned to read and write. +</p> +<p> + It has always been a kind of habit with me to "be doing something" all + the time, and when not actually employed in some active work I would + make use of my time for some good purpose; and while "loafing around" + that school-house it occurred to me as being strange that the white + children should be compelled to sit and study hour after hour, while us + little darkies "loafed around" and did nothing. Why couldn't we lighten + our young masters and mistresses of that labor as well as other kinds of + labor? I determined that my young mistresses should not be made slaves + of by the school-master, but that I would do that work for them, as they + were generally so kind to me. So I proposed the matter to them, and they + were tremendously pleased; at least they laughed and chatted a great + deal about me getting their lessons for them, which so elated me that I + could not avoid turning handsprings and somersaults all the way home + that evening, my joy being so great at the idea of doing my mistresses + the favor of taking such great labor off their hands as getting their + lessons. I did not doubt my ability to perform the work, for I was + stout, hearty, and large for my age, and could almost make a full hand + in the field. Such was my idea at that time of getting lessons. However, + the next day my young mistresses told me the school-master would not + allow me to study their lessons for them, but that I might take a book + and sit outside of the school-house and study there, but that I must be + sure and not let any one see me. Why not? Why should <i>I</i> not study + lessons in the school-house for my young mistresses? Because it is + against the "law" for slaves to learn to read and write. Well, that is + curious. A person, because he is a slave, must not study lessons; must + not learn to read and write because it is against the "law." What law? +</p> +<p> + My mistress used often to read to the children from a book which told + about Jesus, and Mary, and Lazarus, and Peter, and Paul; and how Jesus + was our Savior, and shed his precious blood for the redemption of all + who believed him and would obey his commands; and how Jesus said, + "Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of + heaven." Did the "law" prohibit me from studying lessons out of a book + about Jesus, and learning to read about Jesus as my mistress did? When + my mistress sent my young mistresses to Jesus wouldn't she send me along + with them just the same as she sent me to school with them? I reckon so. + Such was my reasoning; and I determined to assist my young mistresses in + getting their lessons, law or no law, let the consequences be what they + may. +</p> +<p> + I received the book and went out from the school-house a short distance, + and secured myself from observation in a shady place. I opened the + book—a spelling-book it was. Hallo! here's a dog and a cat, and here's + a sheep too, and right here in the corner is a yoke—a regular ox-yoke. + Well, now, this <i>is</i> nice. So I got my first idea of what a book + contained by the pictures in a spelling-book. The print in the book + meant something, I was sure, and my mind was employed until recess in + endeavors to make out what the print and pictures were intended for. The + scholars came out at recess, and my mistresses gave me such instructions + as they were able, which gave me a start ahead that enabled me to + memorize the first six letters of the alphabet by the time school + dismissed for noon. +</p> +<p> + I began to be deeply interested in "studying lessons," and was soon, + after hard study, complete master of the alphabet. I could repeat it + forwards and backwards, and could instantly tell the name of any letter + pointed out to me. My mistresses seemed to take great pleasure in + teaching me, and I was very anxious to learn. I soon found that I could + understand in a great measure the instructions the teacher gave to the + different scholars, by which I profited. I sat in the back part of the + house, behind the scholars, with my young mistress' old book in my hand, + and held it so that nobody could see it, and studied constantly day + after day, which soon advanced me beyond some of the white children + older than myself in learning. I learned to spell and read; and my + appetite for knowledge increasing, my young mistress set copies for me, + and by the time the school-term was out I could spell, read, and write. +</p> +<p> + Slaves on large plantations in the South were worked in gangs, under the + general supervision of the overseer or slave-owner. The gangs were + placed under the immediate supervision of a trusty and intelligent + slave, whose duty it was to see that each hand performed his or her + allotted task, to weigh cotton during the picking season, and to direct + the slaves in their labor, and were called field superintendents or + bosses. This was my position on the plantation a short time after school + was out for the term. +</p> +<p> + For the first few days after my term at school as waiter for my young + mistresses, I was ordered into the field to pick cotton, but was shortly + placed over the hands as "boss" and cotton-weigher. Each picker had a + "stint" or daily task to perform; that is, each of them was required to + pick so many pounds of cotton, and when in default were unmercifully + whipped. I had the cotton of each hand to weigh, three times each day, + and had to keep the weights of each hand separate and correctly in my + mind and report to Wilson every night. I dare not let Wilson or any of + the slaves know that I knew anything about figures or could read or + write, for a knowledge of those rudiments of education was considered + criminal in a slave. The slaves were nearly always jealous and envious + of a "boss" of their own color, and left no pretext untried to bring a + "boss" into disrepute with the master and consequent corporal + punishment. And should I make a misstatement of the weight of any one + hand's cotton, that hand would know it. Therefore at the time I am now + writing of I had the weights of about three hundred baskets of cotton to + report to Wilson every day. This was hard mind-work for me, but I + mastered the situation and escaped supersedure and punishment. I held + the position of field-superintendent about nine years, and performed my + duties faithfully and honestly, to the satisfaction of my master and the + hands under me generally. +</p> +<p> + Why was I so faithful and dutiful to my slave master? Simply because I + was doing my duty to God and acting in obedience to the commands of + Christ; for my book taught me to do good and shun evil—to obey the + revealed will of God no matter what position I might be placed in. As a + slave I loved to do the will of the Master in heaven; as a responsible + human being I could do no less. +</p> +<p> + I improved my knowledge, whenever opportunity occurred, and it was but a + short time, comparatively, until I found out for myself, by searching + the Scriptures clandestinely, the great truths that Jesus taught. I + read, pondered, and began the work of self-regeneration. I read that God + required of me to do certain things; that unless I obeyed the commands + of Jesus I could expect no help from God. I found that I was commanded + to "do," and not stand still and wait for others to "do" for me. The way + seemed to open before me plainly and unmistakably, and engraved the + command to "do" firmly in my heart, in the simple words, "Do the will of + God." I obeyed the commands of our Savior in all the essentials of + repentance, baptism, and in everything, and began the real work of my + life—of living and being a servant of God and a faithful follower of + Jesus Christ. My field of labor was my own heart, which I endeavored to + render pure in the sight of God. But a short time elapsed when my work + within myself began to bear fruit in my efforts to redeem my + fellow-slaves from sin and make them children of God. I labored with + them in a spirit of brotherly love, and urged them, in season and out + of season, to come to Jesus. My labors were not in vain, for a great + many were brought to the altar of prayer through my exertions, and were + forgiven. +</p> +<p> + Wilson found out that I could read and write. During the time of + cotton-picking, the last season I was superintendent, a protracted + meeting was held in the neighborhood, and my master and mistress + attended regularly. The only time I could go was on Sunday, and I looked + forward to that day with hope and pleasure. On Saturday evening my + master stayed to church, and did not expect to return home until Sunday + evening. My report of weights were on my mind, and I became somewhat + uneasy about the result if I should attempt to remember them until the + following Monday. What to do under the circumstances I did not know; yet + I knew that "where there was a will there was a way." I was afraid to + set the weights down for fear of detection and punishment. I hesitated + and tried to think of some safe way out of the dilemma. I knew if I let + the matter rest over Sunday I would not remember the weights, for the + reason that my mind was so employed and taken up with the religious + revival that was then going on in the neighborhood, in which I was very + much interested on my own account and on account of my fellow-slaves. I + prayed to God to direct me right. The overseer used a slate on which to + set down the weights of cotton, which was hanging in his cabin. I took + the slate down, made the entries of weights with the names of the + pickers, and hung it up again. During the next day (Sunday) the overseer + came home, and found the slate with the entries on it I had made. He was + somewhat surprised. When Wilson came home he was duly informed of the + fact. I was called, and ordered into <i>the presence</i>. I knew it was + unlawful for me to know how to write, and I dreaded the consequences of + my rash act, yet I unhesitatingly, and with a courage that surprised me, + went to the house. +</p> +<p> + "Who wrote these names and weights on this slate, Charles?" asked Mr. + Wilson. +</p> +<p> + "I did it, sir," I answered. +</p> +<p> + "How and when did you learn to write?" +</p> +<p> + "During the time I attended my young mistresses to school, sir." +</p> +<p> + Wilson looked at me long and angrily, and remarked that I had kept that + fact secret for a long time, and that as I had learned to read and write + he could not help it. "But you must remember, Charles," he continued, + "that the law is that if any negro shall be found writing, his + forefinger shall be cut off at the first joint." +</p> +<p> + My time had now come for my first punishment, I thought. A day or two + after I heard Wilson, while in conversation with the overseer, say, "It + will not do to let Charles stay with the rest of the negroes, or he will + learn them all to read and write, and then we might as well set them + free." +</p> +<p> + What was to be done with me for my unpardonable crime? All kinds of + surmises and speculations entered my mind. What was to be my fate? + Belonging to Mrs. Wilson—her property—I was placed in charge of her + son James, who employed me at teaming, that is, hauling cotton, lumber, + etc. +</p> +<p> + In this occupation I became pretty well acquainted with the surrounding + country and the people, and was very well satisfied with matters + generally as they then stood. But I was soon to learn that my young + master was only anxious to carry out the plans of his father, and was + determined to punish, or, as they pleased to term it, "break me," merely + because I was related to Ben—because I was able to read and write as + well if not better than James Wilson himself. +</p> +<p> + I was told one day by James that he had hired me to a man in Pontotoc to + work in a livery-stable, and that I must come to his plantation without + delay. When I arrived I was informed that instead of going to Pontotoc I + should go to the railroad then building through Mississippi, and work + for Mr. Leadbitter. I expostulated with my master, and urged him, with + all the pleas and arguments at my command, to allow me to remain on the + plantation or go to Pontotoc, but to no avail. He whipped out his + six-shooter, raving and swearing, and bade me mount one of two mules + instanter or he would shoot me on the spot. I mounted the mule. +</p> +<p> + My reasons for not wanting to go to the railroad to work were good. + There was plenty to do on the plantation, and there was no good cause + for sending me away. I feared rough usage at the railroad, and rougher + associations. I had by this time become the religious teacher of all the + well-disposed slaves in the neighborhood, and I was so much interested + in my labors that I doomed my great Master's work of too much importance + to be driven away from it without a struggle. I was no coward, and was + always ready to stand out to the end against all opposition, when my + duty as a humble follower of Jesus was in question. Therefore my + reluctance to be driven from my place of usefulness. However, I got on + the mule and started, in company with a colored man who was going with + me to bring the mules back. After traveling four or five miles, and when + at a convenient place, I dismounted from the mules and told my companion + I was going no farther with him, and that if Wilson wanted any one to go + to the railroad to work he might go himself; and I "took to the woods." +</p> +<p> + This was the first time I ever attempted to escape and gain my freedom. + Whether I was right or wrong I shall not say, only I ask you to put + yourself in my place as I was then situated, and draw your own + conclusions. It is true I had formed dear and near associations, and the + old neighborhood had been the scene of my trials and triumphs. My master + had been uniformly kind, as much so at least as his disposition would + allow, yet I felt, although my skin was black, I was entitled to and + deserved freedom to worship God according to the dictates of my own + conscience, and to teach others the way to everlasting life. I felt that + I was a man made after God's own image, and that no one had any right to + a property in me as a mere chattel, all human laws to the contrary + notwithstanding. I did not deem that I was a criminal, and that I was + escaping from penal servitude; but that I was one of God's children, + escaping from a worse than Egyptian bondage. I rightfully owed + allegiance to God and my country only. So I run away. +</p> +<a name="2HCH5"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER III. +</h2> +<p> + Caught, Tried, and Taken Back Home to James Wilson—My Mistress Saves me + from Being Whipped—I go to the Railroad and Work one Month + Precisely—Go Back Home—Wilson Surprised—Left the Railroad at 3 + o'clock A.M.—Did not Want to Disturb Leadbitter's rest—Sent to Memphis + with a Load of Cotton—Afraid of the Slave-pens and Slave-auction—Start + for Home—Not Sold—Pray, Sing, and Shout—Get Home and Ordered to Hire + myself out. +</p> +<p> + The peculiar feelings one has who is a "runaway" are indescribable. I + felt every bit an outcast, and was frightened by the least noise or the + sight of any person, and the yelp of a hound was terror to me. I skulked + and hid in the woods all day until night, when I concluded to go to + town, get something to eat, and make my arrangements for the future. +</p> +<p> + When the "hoy," who was sent by Wilson with me, returned and repeated to + him my words, vengeance was sworn against me, and the hounds were turned + loose for immediate chase. I went to the town of Pontotoc, and while + there refreshing myself in a cabin I heard hounds whining. That was + sufficient to inform me that I was trapped. What to do I did not know, + but went to the door with the intention of making my escape, if + possible, when I was met by James Wilson and five other persons fully + armed. Resistance was useless, the hounds would have caught me before I + could have run a hundred yards, even if I could have escaped the + bullets. I surrendered, and was securely tied by James Wilson and his + gang and taken back to the plantation. Dire threats were made against + me, but my mistress, James' mother, saved me again. She informed her son + that "Charles belonged to her; that Charles' mother had placed him, + under the care of God, in her custody, and that she did not intend to + have him beaten." +</p> +<p> + James insisted on "breaking" me, as he termed it, and finally prevailed + on his mother, with promises, that if she would let him deal with me he + would "break" me without whipping me. She consented. James came to the + cabin where I was tied and chained, and told me that he did not desire + to whip me, but that if I did not go to the railroad to work every slave + on the plantation would become demoralized, and they would all do as + they pleased. His words and manner were very kind and conciliatory, yet + I took them for what they were worth, and did not believe him; for he + would have whipped me severely if he had dared do so. His reasoning + regarding the poor, ignorant slaves on the plantation, however, was to + the point. In their ignorance they would suppose that if I could do as I + pleased and not be punished, they could do the same; and they would, in + all probability, create an insurrection which would result in their own + destruction. For their sakes I acceded to James' wishes. He told me that + if I would go to the railroad and work for Leadbitter one month, that I + might after that time hire myself out to whom I pleased and for as long + a time as I pleased. +</p> +<p> + I was given a letter to Leadbitter, and immediately started on foot for + the railroad. When I arrived there I handed the letter to Mr. + Leadbitter, who asked me how long I had come to stay with him. I told + him one month. He broke the letter open, and after reading it informed + me that James Wilson stated in the letter that I was to stay as long as + he wanted me. This was a piece of intelligence that learned me that + James Wilson would lie, and from that time forward I had no confidence + in his truthfulness. I did not know what was best to do, but finally + made up my mind to fulfill and make good my promise, and trust to the + future to compel James Wilson to perform his. I thought this the right + course. I did not deem that I would be justified in breaking my promise + because Wilson was unreliable and broke his. I concluded that if + Leadbitter kept me longer than one month he would have to be smarter + than I gave him credit for being. I asked Leadbitter how many days there + were in that month. +</p> +<p> + I went to work, and kept account of the days. I worked carefully. The + time passed slowly and wearily. My associations were of the worst + character possible, and my co-laborers were of that lowest class of + southern blacks whose ignorance and waywardness render them most of the + time more than brutal. I made every effort to do good among them, and + endeavored to preach to them on several occasions, but was interrupted + and deterred by the whites, who forbade my preaching. I talked to the + blacks, however, whenever opportunity occurred, and I hope that my + labors for Jesus were not in vain. +</p> +<p> + The last day of my month came and passed. It was Friday. On Saturday + morning, about three o'clock, I started for home, and with rapid walking + I reached my destination about two hours after sunrise. When I reached + the plantation I "cut across lots," and passed through the field where + Wilson was at work with the hands. I approached, unobserved by him, and + spoke to him. He looked at me with astonishment, and in surprise asked, + "What are you doing here?" +</p> +<p> + "You told me to stay one month; I done so," I answered. +</p> +<p> + "Did Mr. Leadbitter know when you left?" +</p> +<p> + "I do not know, sir," I replied. "I left at three o'clock this morning, + and did not think it worth while to disturb Mr. Leadbitter's rest." +</p> +<p> + "Three o'clock!" exclaimed Wilson. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," I quietly answered. +</p> +<p> + "You ran away, did you?" +</p> +<p> + "No, sir, I did not run away. I stayed as long as you required me to + stay, when, in obedience to your expressed promises, I came home." +</p> +<p> + James Wilson made some remark I could not understand, but finally said + that as I had come home he had some work for me to do before I could + hire myself out. I felt somewhat easy in my mind, and waited to be set + to work. But when he afterwards told me he wanted me to take a load of + cotton to Memphis, my heart misgave me, I felt sure, in my mind, that I + was to be sold from the slave-pens at Memphis. The grand trial time had + now come for me, and the teachings of my mother and uncle Ben and uncle + Jack before and at our final separation came to me in full force. They + taught me, before I could read for myself, that in trouble I should rely + implicitly on the help of my Savior, and that I should pray without + ceasing. To God I immediately turned for guidance and help, and asked + that my every step might be directed by him, and that he should protect + me from my enemies and persecutors. +</p> +<p> + I felt that I was being persecuted for Jesus' sake, for I was promised, + time and again, that if I would quit preaching and talking to the slaves + on religious subjects, I should be advanced and my life made easy and + comfortable. I refused the offers, because my Master's work was of more + importance than my ease. I was impressed, deeply, with the great + responsibilities resting upon me, and was determined to preach and teach + while I had strength and opportunity to do so. I may have been mistaken + with regard to the cause of my persecution by the Wilsons, but I think + not. I do not really believe that any one is persecuted for Christ's + sake in this day and age of the world, in a Christian country, except in + the South before the rebellion. I have heard men, and, I am almost + ashamed to say, preachers, proclaim that they were persecuted because of + their adherence to the cause of Christ, when they were not persecuted + at all on any account, except probably on account of some wrong act of + their own. Paul and the apostles were persecuted, and early Christians + were persecuted, but who ever heard of a citizen of the United States + being persecuted because he was a follower of Jesus! But slaves in the + South were persecuted and punished severely for preaching the gospel of + Christ, not on that very account probably, but because it would teach + the slaves obedience to a higher power than the inhuman laws of the + southern states as they then existed. Paul was persecuted for preaching + the redemption of mankind through the blood of the Savior, by pagans and + gentiles. I was persecuted for the same reasons by the slave-owners of + the South, and for endeavoring to lead the benighted blacks to Jesus. + There seems to be some likeness in the positions of Paul and myself. I + felt that was the case, at any rate. +</p> +<p> + My mind was distressed with the fear that I was being sent to Memphis + only to be sold to the highest bidder. After addressing the throne of + God for help and deliverance I felt relieved, and determined that, come + what would, I would use my best talents and exertions for my heavenly + Master wherever I might be. Relieved, I set about making preparations + for my trip to Memphis, with a prayerful heart. Two of us were going in + company, each with a load of cotton. We started on Monday morning, and + traveled along without unusual trouble or delay for three days over + hilly and rough roads, when we camped for the night within a mile of + Holly Springs, in Mississippi, and about fifty-five miles from home. +</p> +<p> + It will be remembered that uncle Ben was sold by Wilson to a man who + lived in and near Holly Springs. I was anxious to see uncle Ben, if + possible, and began making inquiries regarding his whereabouts. A + colored man came along the road, driving a team, of whom I inquired. + After a little time he said a preacher named Ben Harris lived in a house + close by, at the same time pointing to it. Upon further inquiries I + learned that Ben had taken another wife. This may seem rather criminal, + and may appear to be a clear case of bigamy against uncle Ben; but when + it is remembered that masters compelled their slaves to live together as + man and wife, without ceremony, for the purpose only of breeding + children, and that Ben had no say in the matter, he will be held + blameless. The laws of the southern states did not recognize the legal + relations of man and wife between slaves, therefore they could not + commit the crime of bigamy. If Ben was morally guilty, he was forced + into his guilt by law and general custom. I had not seen Ben for about + ten years, and was so overjoyed at the prospect of seeing him that I + could scarcely wait until night, for I was informed that he would not be + at his cabin until night. After attending to my affairs about town I + waited until sundown, when I went to the house indicated by my + informant. Not being certain that the person who lived in the cabin was + my uncle, I necessarily had to make inquiries. A colored woman met me at + the door, and answered such questions as I asked, from which I was + satisfied that Ben lived here. I informed the woman who I was and that + Ben was my uncle, and that I had called, in passing on my way to + Memphis, to see him. She cordially invited me to enter the cabin, and + told me that Ben was out feeding the horses and would shortly be in. I + had to wait but a little while when Ben came in. He supposed me to be + some passing stranger, and did not recognize me. After some desultory + conversation I told him who I was and how I came to be there. Our + meeting, after mutual recognition, was affectionate and cordial. We + talked over old times and related our experience since we parted at the + Wilson plantation. We kneeled at the family altar, and each poured out + his soul's thanksgiving to God for his goodness to us, having, before I + left, a season of soul-reviving prayer. +</p> +<p> + Thus we knelt, uncle Ben, his wife, and I, poor slaves in the chains of + bondage, really and earnestly thanking God for the many blessings we + received. Strange, was it not? when men and women rolling in wealth and + all the luxuries and happiness that wealth could purchase, did not even + deign to notice the source from whence all their blessings flowed. They + had life and liberty, and were unrestrained in the pursuit of happiness, + yet not once did they thank the great Giver of all their good. Then what + had we, poor wretches, to thank God for? For everything we enjoyed,—for + life, for the blessed plan of salvation, for our senses of seeing, + hearing, and feeling, for our hearts with which to love him, for our + humanity, for the great gifts of sunshine, rain, regulated seasons, + the moon, the stars, the earth, the trees, the brooks, the + rivers,—everything truly enjoyable we thanked God for. We thanked him + for health and strength to do his work. Then we had a great deal to + thank Almighty God for, although slaves. How many of you ever think to + thank God for sunshine or for reason? Let me illustrate. A gentleman + was passing along the highway, when he was met by a poor maniac, who + accosted him, saying, "What do you thank God for?" The gentleman being + surprised by the abrupt question did not reply immediately, when the + maniac continued, "Then thank God for your reason; mine is gone; I'm + mad—a maniac." This was something the gentleman had never thought of + before, and it opened to his mind an entirely new source of + thankfulness. We are apt to forget that we are not slaves, not blind, + deaf, or dumb, and not insane; yet should we lose any one of our five + senses we would then know how to be thankful for and appreciate that + sense should we regain it. Then thank God for everything, your very + existence included. Suppose the sun would stop in his course and not + shine on the earth but for one day. What consternation and grief there + would be throughout the world! Then suppose that after twenty-four hours + the sun should burst upon us in all his refulgence and glorious + magnificence. What a shout of joy would greet his appearance, and glad + hearts would pour out thanks upon thanks to the great Giver for the + needful sunshine. Then let us be thankful for all the great blessings + bestowed upon us by our heavenly Father, and serve him with all our + hearts, in whatever position in life we may be placed. Uncle Ben and I + did <i>then</i>, and we do <i>yet</i>. +</p> +<p> + After a prolonged conversation and a good and refreshing season of + prayer I took my departure for my camp, never expecting to meet my + relative again, and never have. +</p> +<p> + We started next morning on our way to Memphis, and traveled into + Memphis, after three days, on a very fine road for the South, known as + the state-line road. We drove to the cotton-yard, unloaded, and received + the receipts for the cotton, and put up for the night at a wagon-yard. I + spent this night in prayer and supplication that God would save me from + the slave-pen and the auctioneer's block; and my prayers were responded + to in my protection. The next morning we started for home by what was + known as the pigeon-roost route, in order to save toll and other + expenses. +</p> +<p> + The weight on my mind was removed, and I felt happy and thankful. I was + not sold from the shambles. I prayed, I sung, and I shouted by turns. We + arrived at home, and I waited patiently for my next order. +</p> +<p> + My young master soon informed me, however, that I might hire myself out, + if I could find and one that would hire me. Good! God was on my side. + With a light heart and truly happy I set about my preparations to hire + myself out; and the very first thing I did was to go to my cabin and + thank God for his goodness, and ask for his protection and guidance. + Always praying? Yes, I was always at it. My heart was big with love to + God. +</p> +<a name="2HCH6"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER IV. +</h2> +<p> + Start out on my Travels to Hunt a New Master—Find Mr. Dansley—Hire to + Him—Thirty Dollars per Month for my Master and Five Dollars for + Myself—Wilson Astonished—Appointed Superintendent of Dansley's + Farm—Rules and Regulations—Peace and Tranquillity—My Moral Labors + Successful—Prayer and Social Meetings—Meetings in the Woods—Quarrel + and Fight like very Brothers—Time comes to be Moved to Another Field of + Labor. +</p> +<p> + It was customary in the slave states to allow slaves to hire themselves + for their masters to such as the slaves themselves desired to work for. + Sometimes this arrangement was made to save the master trouble. In my + case I was instructed to find a place to work at thirty dollars per + month and board, and then to return and report to Wilson, who would then + give the necessary permission in writing, which would stand as a + contract between him and my employer. +</p> +<p> + My first object was to find a Christian man to hire to who would allow + me to pray and preach on all proper occasions, and who would rather + assist me than hinder me in my efforts to make Christians of the + blacks. I cared nothing for the manual labor I had to do, if I could + only be placed in a position to do my great Master's work. His work was + my life-labor. On this particular account I was very careful who I + applied to. In a day or two I applied to Mr. Dansley, whose plantation + was about eighteen miles from Wilson's, and who had been recommended to + me as being the kind of man I was hunting for. Mr. Dansley questioned me + closely, and examined me as to my reasons for wanting to hire out, and + why my master wished me to hire out when there was plenty of work on his + own place for me to do. I confessed frankly that I could read and write, + and knew something about figures, and was desirous to serve God and do + his work by preaching, and in every other way in my power; that my + master was afraid that I would demoralize his other slaves by learning + them to read and write and by preaching to them, and in order that I + might not do that he wanted me off the plantation; that he could not + sell me because I was the property of his wife, and that she would not + consent to have me sold out of the family. "If those are faults, as + considered by Mr. Wilson, I am very well satisfied that you will perform + your part of the contract notwithstanding; yet what Mr. Wilson is + pleased to consider faults in you I deem good points in your character + and disposition, therefore I will hire you, hoping that your duty to God + will include your duty to me under the contract of hire." I told him + that was my understanding of my duty to God; that it comprised, in my + condition of servitude, my duty to my slave-master. I informed Mr. + Dansley that my master, Wilson, wanted thirty dollars per month for my + services, and that I wanted five dollars per month for myself, making in + all thirty-five dollars per month. He was satisfied to pay that amount, + and gave me a letter to carry to Wilson stating that he would hire me at + thirty dollars per month, yet he agreed with me that he would pay me, + besides, five dollars per month. +</p> +<p> + When Wilson gave me instructions to hire myself out at not less than + thirty dollars per month, he hoped I would fail, from the fact that + wages for field-hands were only twenty-five dollars per month; and when + I went back with Mr. Dansley's letter so soon, he was somewhat + surprised. He would have opened his eyes with wonder if he had known + that Dansley was to pay me five dollars per month extra. He gave me a + written permission to work for Mr. Dansley as long as Dansley should + want me. I immediately went to Dansley's, and stayed with him nine + months—nine months of contented time. +</p> +<p> + I found my new master every way worthy of any confidence I might repose + in him. In moderate circumstances, he used prudence and diligence in his + business transactions and farm operations. He was one of those kind of + men some of which may be found in almost every community—an unassuming, + industrious, Christian gentleman. +</p> +<p> + For his farm-force he hired men, both white and black; and when his work + pushed him he would require his cook and house-maid, the only slaves he + owned, to assist in the fields. At the time of my commencing to work for + him he had white men hired who were worse, if any thing, in their habits + of shiftless laziness than the lazy blacks. These whites, whom the + negroes usually termed "white trash," were, as a general thing, the most + vicious, brutal, thieving, shiftless, and lazy human beings imaginable. + They were ignorant in the greatest degree, and would not work so long as + they could obtain food to sustain life in any other way. They deemed it + an honor to be noticed civilly by a respectable negro, and would fawn + and truckle to the behests of any one who had the physical courage to + command them. Such people can be found in no place except the South. + They are a result of the system of slavery and slave-laws, and + slave-owners are responsible for their condition. Such were the kind of + men I had to work with. These men would quarrel and wrangle among + themselves, and would consume time and neglect their work. When the + house-servants were at work in the field, they would insult and misuse + them in every conceivable manner, and it was with great difficulty that + Mr. Dansley could get his work done properly and in season. Knowing I + had been a farm-superintendent on Wilson's plantation for a number of + years, Mr. Dansley immediately appointed me to the same position on his + farm, which accounts for his readiness and willingness to pay me high + wages. +</p> +<p> + This was a new kind of position for me, and it required considerable + thought and management for me to get matters properly arranged in my + mind. "Bossing" white hands and working with them, so as to make their + labors profitable for my employer, was no easy task. The farm-work was + carried on somewhat similar to the way in which large farms are worked + in the northern states, and it required great prudence and watchful care + to avoid waste and save all the crops. I arranged my rules of conduct, + hours of labor, etc., for the hands, and submitted them to Mr. Dansley + for his approval. Mr. Dansley left the matter entirely with me; and, + after trial, I found my rules were not sufficiently stringent, and that + if I expected to successfully "carry on" that farm I would have to make + rules with penalties attached, the men I had to deal with caring little + or nothing for mild, persuasive laws. I therefore drew up the following + rules, and presented them to Mr. Dansley, and requested him to make them + stipulations in the contracts of hire with his men. He approved them, + and acceded to my request. +</p> +<p> + 1. Quarreling and using vulgar and profane language is strictly + forbidden on the farm, and any hand or hands violating this rule shall + be discharged or corrected, in the discretion of the superintendent. +</p> +<p> + 2. Obedience to the just orders of the superintendent is essential to + the profitable conduct of the farm; therefore, disobedience to the + orders of the superintendent shall be followed by the discharge of the + hand or hands so offending, or his or their correction, in the + discretion of the superintendent. +</p> +<p> + 3. Each and every hand hereby binds himself to obey the just orders of + the superintendent and the rules herein established, and upon the + discharge of any hand or hands, by the superintendent, one month's wages + shall be forfeited. +</p> +<p> + These rules were signed by the hands, that is, they "made their mark;" + but I signed my name, being the only negro hand on the place and the + only one who could write. +</p> +<p> + Peace and tranquillity reigned on that farm thereafter, and better crops + were not raised in the county. My whole study and aim was to do + right—to be just to my hands and do my duty to my employer. I relied on + God's help, and prayerfully asked his guidance in every and all + difficulties and emergencies, and my success is attributable to that + help which is always given when properly asked for. +</p> +<p> + The men I had to deal with were more to be pitied than blamed. They were + entirely ignorant of any but the most crude principles of right, and + were taught from their childhood only such rude notions as prevailed + among the ignorant. When I talked to them of Jesus they seemed + astonished. They did not even know that punishment would meet them + hereafter for their sins committed in this life, and were puzzled and + perplexed with the plan of salvation until after I had repeatedly + explained it to them; in fact, I taught them the history of man, from + Adam down to the coming of our Savior, and taught them the religion of + Jesus. Better-behaved men or better hands were not to be found in the + neighborhood after they learned the way to Jesus, and many happy times + we did have on that farm at our prayer—meetings and social gatherings. + All of us would meet at some convenient place on the farm, every + Sabbath-day, and would spend the time profitably, in exhortation and + prayer. The master and mistress were always there, and worked with a + will in the cause of Christ, and I would exhort and preach to the best + of my ability. Sometimes Mr. Dansley would read a chapter from the Bible + and comment thereon, and sometimes his wife would read and comment. All + of us prayed, and some of the white hands became, in a short time, + earnest public prayers. They had found the fount of true happiness, and + would drink largely therefrom on all occasions. +</p> +<p> + Our regular Sunday meetings soon became known in the neighborhood, and + the neighbors and their slaves would come and worship with us, until our + congregations became so large that Mr. Dansley allowed me to take the + hands and clear away a nice place in the woods, and make seats and a + stand, where we held our meetings regularly thereafter every Sunday, in + the forenoon, afternoon, and at night; besides, we held a social + prayer-meeting every Wednesday evening. These meetings were productive + of great good to the community and to individuals. In this way I + brought men and women to God even while in a condition of slavery, and + required to labor six days in the week in the grain and cotton fields. + If I, a slave, could accomplish this much, how much should the favored + preachers of the country accomplish? This is a hard question to answer, + however, and I shall not insist on its consideration, as every preacher + can not be a Lorenzo Dow, a John Smith, or a James Findley. +</p> +<p> + Among the field-hands under me were two brothers, white men, who, when I + first took charge of the farm were maliciously wicked toward each other, + and were almost constantly quarreling just like brothers(!). Before + three months had elapsed, under my kind of treatment, they were praying, + acting Christians, and remained so as long as I knew them. +</p> +<p> + From this time down to the present writing I have been a zealous worker + in the Lord's vineyard, and shall remain in the harness as long as God + wills. +</p> +<p> + Regarding doctrinal points of theology I knew nothing, and my whole + stock of theological works could have been carried in a vest pocket, in + the shape of one or two tracts which fell in my way, and which I read, + studied, and preserved. I had a Bible, and that alone served me as the + guide in my ministry, and furnished me with all the arguments necessary + to the conversion of sinners and their redemption. +</p> +<p> + Our congregation at Mr. Dansley's was not organized into a church, and I + did not attempt to receive members into the church of Christ. I doubted + my authority to do so, and any efforts on my part in that direction + would have been immediately stopped by the preachers and members of the + white churches. But this did not deter me from preaching and exhorting. + I believed firmly that God required of me the labor I performed, and I + was so much interested and taken up in my work that I did not stop to + consider what the consequences would be to myself. My only consideration + was, "Where can I find an opportunity to do good and save souls." I + asked no pay for my services as a preacher, and never received any; + hence I usually found congregations awaiting me at my appointments made + up of all classes, white and black, and from all churches organized in + the community. My discourses were sometimes off-hand and sometimes + studied. It is true my studied discourses were, in the main, original, + and taken wholly from the Bible, yet they were none the less effective, + because they were earnest and honest. My language was that of the + southern blacks and uneducated whites at the beginning of my labors as + an exhorter, but after hard study and training I improved myself greatly + in this respect, and gained the reputation of being as correct in my + pronunciation of English words as the majority of the white preachers. I + am not yet entirely free from dialectic pronunciation, and never expect + to be; but I find that this very defect, if so it may be called, adds + force to my sermons, and gives them a distinctness not otherwise + attainable. Therefore I make use of my very faults to do good. +</p> +<p> + I had hoped to stay with Mr. Dansley as long as he could find it + profitable to hire me; and so far I had been of great use to him. I had + placed his whole farm in a good state of repair, and had matured and + saved his crops in such a manner that his profits were much larger than + they ever were before in any one season. I had the goodwill and + confidence of the hands, both white and black, who worked under me, and + was an instrument in the hands of God in spreading the religion of Jesus + Christ in the neighborhood; consequently I was happy and contented, with + plenty of all kinds of work to do. But I had accomplished my mission at + this place, and it pleased God to remove me to another field of labor, + where the harvest was ripe and ready for the reaper. I never + complained; on the contrary, I rejoiced that God was not done with me, + and had plenty for me to do. When I had thoroughly worked one field of + labor, I deemed my immediate services no longer required, and was glad + when removed where more work was to be done in God's moral vineyard. Of + course I formed intimate associations in every locality in which I was + placed, and was prone to leave them; but I was content to do the will of + God in every particular, whether that will was expressed through the + slave-laws and James Wilson or otherwise. +</p> +<p> + I was a slave, and was compelled to labor for the profit of my owner, + which I performed diligently and faithfully; I was a child of God, and + owed him duty and obedience, which I performed earnestly and constantly. + From my slave-owners I expected and received no reward or remuneration; + from God I received no pay as I labored, but my great reward is yet to + come. I have been a depositor in God's bank, from which I expect to draw + largely at the final settlement. +</p> +<a name="2HCH7"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER V. +</h2> +<p> + James Wilson Comes Along—Wants me to go with Him to Saulsbury, + Tennessee, to Help Build a House for a Grocery-Store—Takes me Along + with Him—Wilson Taken Sick—I Take Care of Him—He gets Well—I make + another Attempt to Escape from Slavery—What Came of it. +</p> +<p> + One day James Wilson came to Mr. Dansley's, and said he had come for me + to go with him to Saulsbury, Tennessee, where he was going to start a + grocery, and that he wished my assistance in erecting a building + therefor. He informed me, at the same time, that as soon as the building + was finished, I might return to Mr. Dansley and stay with him as long as + he wanted me. He had another colored man with him, and desired to go + right away. All I had to do was to obey, so without further ado I bade + farewell to the people of the plantation, and went with Wilson. The + parting made me feel sad, for a time. +</p> +<p> + The word grocery, as applied in the South, has a far different meaning + than that intended in the North. A grocery in the South is a place + where whisky and other intoxicating beverages are sold, and, as a + general thing, at these places the planters and others congregate to + drink, carouse, gamble, quarrel, and fight. This was the kind of grocery + James Wilson was going to start in Saulsbury, and the thought of aiding + even under protest and unwillingly in the establishment of one of these + hells caused me much anxiety. I made every effort to get relieved from + this odious work, but without avail. +</p> +<p> + We immediately began the erection of the grocery-building, on our + arrival at Saulsbury, and made good progress for a while. The boards we + used in the building had to be sawed by us two slaves with a whipsaw. We + dug a deep trench in the ground, and laid the log to be sawed into + boards lengthwise over the trench, and one of us would stand in the + trench under the log and the other on top of the log. In this way we + worked, day after day, until we had a sufficient number of boards to + accommodate our wants. +</p> +<p> + The Almighty, it seemed to me, interfered with our work. James Wilson + was taken down very sick in the midst of our efforts to create this + additional devil's den, and was totally unable to leave his bed. I had + to take care of him, and the work on the grocery-house was necessarily + stopped. As soon as he was able to be moved I took him to the Sulphur + Springs, not many miles away, and nursed him carefully and attentively + until he was able to be about again. +</p> +<p> + This sickness of Wilson I deemed a warning to him, and endeavored to + impress as much on his mind; but I was cursed and reviled for my pains. + I availed myself of every opportunity to dissuade him from his evil + purpose, but failed. He was determined to start a grocery, and start a + grocery he would and did. I cleared my skirts and conscience in the + business, however, as far as I could under the circumstances; yet a + "still small voice" seemed to whisper to me that I was doing very wicked + and sinful acts in helping to further the grocery iniquity. I was, in a + manner, forced to work, yet I was uneasy and troubled in my mind. Others + may think I was blameless; that I was a slave and not accountable for + acts my master commanded me to do. This seemed very specious reasoning, + but still I felt guilty, and sent fervent and prayerful petitions to the + throne of grace for forgiveness and fortitude to withstand temptation, + which enable me to do the will of my great Master regardless of the + consequences that might ensue to me from the effects of Wilson's wrath + or resentment. +</p> +<p> + We finished the building in about two months from the time we first + went to Salisbury, and prepared to return home. +</p> +<p> + It was here that I first saw a complete railroad and a locomotive with a + train of cars. My fellow-slave, on hearing the whistle of the locomotive + for the first time, was very much frightened, and jumped over the log he + was hewing, with the exclamation, "Good God! what is that?" and started + to run. I stopped him, and, explaining to him what the loud, shrill + shriek meant, quieted his fears. We both went to the depot and examined + the locomotive and cars with great curiosity and interest. +</p> +<p> + James Wilson, being still weak with his late sickness, was compelled to + ride in the wagon he had brought from home, and I rode his saddle-horse. + On the way, Wilson informed me that I was to attend the grocery at + Salisbury, and that he expected me to make money out of the concern. My + very soul revolted at the bare idea of being a whisky-vender, and my + immediate determination was not to be one. My mind was made up to "take + to the woods" on the first favorable opportunity. I said nothing, + however, but kept my own counsel. +</p> +<p> + We traveled slowly, by reason of the master's sickness; and when we + stopped for the night I found that the saddle I had been riding had hurt + the horse's back. Wilson was furious, and swore he would take as much + hide from my back when we got home as the saddle had taken from the + horse's back. +</p> +<p> + The next day after leaving Salisbury we arrived at Mr. Dansley's. In + conversation, I heard Wilson tell Mr. Dansley that he intended to take + me home with him. +</p> +<p> + I claimed the fulfillment of his promise from Wilson, and asked him if + he was not going to let me work for Mr. Dansley, according to agreement. + This so enraged Wilson that he pulled out his six-shooter, and + exclaimed: +</p> +<p> + "Mount that horse, you —— black rascal!" +</p> +<p> + I did so. +</p> +<p> + Fearful that the horse's back would become incurably sore if I rode him + with his back in the condition it was, I suggested that the horse had + better be led. Wilson therefore ordered me into the wagon to drive the + team, and required Havely, my fellow-slave, to walk,—intending we + should take turns. After awhile Havely exchanged places with me, and + while walking along in rear of the wagon it occurred to me that this + would be as favorable an opportunity as I would soon again get for + making my escape from Wilson and slavery. +</p> +<p> + I "took to the woods" without attracting the attention of either Wilson + or Havely, and made good my escape, for the time at least. +</p> +<p> + I made my way back to Mr. Dansley's and told him my reasons for + endeavoring to effect my escape from slavery, and that the immediate + cause of my present attempt was to keep myself clear of the accursed sin + of whisky-selling. My motives were applauded, but my judgment was + condemned. +</p> +<p> + How could I ever expect to escape to a country where I could be a free + man? Even should I escape to the northern states the fugitive slave law, + which was then in full force, would remand me back to slavery, and it + was a long, tedious, and perilous journey to Canada. I was going to make + the attempt at any rate. +</p> +<p> + It was agreed between us that Mr. Dansley should buy me of Wilson if he + could, and that I should stay and work for him at the rate of + thirty-five dollars per month until I had re-imbursed Mr. Dansley, when + I should have my freedom papers. It would have required about four years + for me to pay for myself at those rates, as Wilson "priced" me at + sixteen hundred dollars. +</p> +<p> + The negotiations for my purchase by Mr. Dansley failed, and I was left + to my exertions to get to Canada the best way I could. I was secreted + during this time about Dansley's farm, and was aroused to a sense of my + condition one day by reading a hand-bill which was posted on a tree on + the road close to Mr. Dansley's house, of which the following is a copy: +</p> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + "ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD!"<br /> + <br /> + "Charles, a slave, has disappeared from the plantation of<br /> + the undersigned, in Pontotoc County. The above reward<br /> + will be given for his apprehension and return to me alive.<br /> + <br /> + "JAMES WILSON."<br /> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + + + +<p> + This settled the matter. The reward was soon known over the whole + country, and every slave-hunter was on the chase to gain the reward. I + "laid close" and waited to escape from that part of the country, so that + I might not compromise Mr. Dansley. He was already under surveillance by + slave-owners, and was in danger of being driven from the country; in + fact, threats of lynching had been made against him. +</p> +<p> + The last day I was there I lay hid in some cotton-pens, close to the + house, when two men came on the hunt of me. They had their blood-hounds + with them, and demanded permission of Dansley to search his house. The + permission was granted, when the men began the search. I could see and + hear all that was going on, and trembled for my safety. I put myself on + the mercy of the Almighty and resigned myself entirely into his hands. + The search was made all over the premises, including the cotton-pens in + which I was hid; but God was on my side, and I was saved from their + clutches. I earnestly thanked God for my deliverance on this occasion. +</p> +<p> + As soon as dark came I emerged from my hiding-place, and, after being + supplied with what provisions I could conveniently carry, I bid good-by + to Christian Dansley and his family, and started on my perilous journey + to the free states and Canada. +</p> +<p> + My progress was necessarily slow and wearisome, being compelled to + travel altogether at night. The first point I designed making on my + journey was Memphis, where I hoped to find means of escape to Illinois. +</p> +<p> + I had plenty of time for meditation and prayer, and my thoughts were + naturally concentrated on my deplorable condition all the time. My past + life came up in review before me, and while sorrowfully wandering + through the woods I would compare myself to persecuted Christians in the + days of the apostles and the early evaneglists. The blessed Savior was + persecuted in his very infancy and had to be hid by his parents. They + had to flee for life; I was fleeing for liberty. What had I to complain + of? Jesus was with me and would protect me. God had delivered him from + the very tomb of death; why need I fear? With these reflections in my + mind I would feel revived and refreshed with the consolation that while + there was life in me there was hope for me. The words of the poet came + to my memory, wherein he says: +</p> +<br /> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + +"Neither will he upbraid you,<br /> + Though often your request;<br /> + He'll give you grace to conquer,<br /> + And take you home to rest."<br /> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br /> + + +<p> + The consolation and help I received from my meditations sustained me + through all my trials and hardships, and I plodded my weary way along + with God in my heart and bright hopes for the future. I knew if I drew + nigh unto God he would draw nigh unto me; and that if I would let the + word of Christ dwell in me I would be rich in all wisdom. Yet I was + aware I should suffer persecution if I lived godly in Jesus Christ; + therefore I determined to continue in the things which I had learned. +</p> +<p> + On Sunday night I arrived at Holly Springs. Uncle Ben lived there, and I + was anxious to see him and obtain through his assistance, if possible, + rest and food. I had proceeded only a little way toward his house when I + met a colored man and began conversation with him. I learned that the + reward Wilson had offered for me had arrived at Holly Springs before me, + and that persons were on the lookout for me. The colored man seemed to + have a suspicion that I was a runaway, and was disposed to aid me all in + his power. To keep out of the way of slave-hunters was my object, and I + knew that the contemplated visit to Uncle Ben was fraught with too much + danger to be further thought of. +</p> +<p> + Fearful that the negro would betray me, yet feeling somewhat safe for + the present, I sat down to think and rest myself. I knew that if I was + caught Wilson would flay me, as he had threatened to do, for making his + saddle-horse's back sore, but that if I could once get through to + Memphis I would be enabled, through the assistance of friends, to make + my way North. Yet I wanted to see Uncle Ben again, and tried to hit upon + some plan to accomplish that object; but I failed, and started on the + road again. +</p> +<p> + After traveling a short time I came to a house by the road-side. The + kitchen stood about twenty yards from the main building, and had a + window in the back part of it. I was very hungry, and debated in my mind + as to the manner in which I should proceed to obtain food. To ask for it + was too risky, and I was fearful that if I was seen by any of the + persons about the house I would be apprehended and put in the nearest + jail as a runaway. Looking in at the window I saw a colored woman; and + on a table a meal was prepared, which, it seemed, was being held in + readiness for the arrival of some one. I waited patiently, hoping the + colored woman would leave the kitchen for some purpose; but she sat + quietly waiting. +</p> +<p> + After awhile the master and mistress arrived, it seems, from a visit. + Shortly the mistress of the house came in and ordered the supper. + Fortunately for me the supper was to be carried into the "big house," + and the cook, taking her hands full of things, left the kitchen and went + into the house. I immediately sprung through the window, promiscuously + emptied the meat and bread into my sack, and left the kitchen the same + way before the return of the cook, just in time to escape detection. +</p> +<p> + I crouched in the shade of the cabin fearing to move, when I heard the + cook exclaim: +</p> +<p> + "Good gracious! some one hab tuk and turned in an' tuk all de bread an' + meat." +</p> +<p> + Her cries brought the household to the kitchen, and during the racket I + made my escape to the road and a more peaceful neighborhood. I walked + briskly for a couple of miles, when I stopped and satisfied my ravenous + hunger. +</p> +<p> + This was my first theft of something to eat. Before this I had been + fortunate enough to obtain supplies of food from friendly slaves, but + for the twenty-four hours previous to my raid on the kitchen I had eaten + nothing. I make no excuse for this immoral act, and ask no one to say I + did right. I only did what perhaps any one else, under the same + circumstances, would have done. I was too weak from hunger and other + causes to withstand the temptation of obtaining the food as I did. As + soon as my appetite was satisfied, however, my sin rose up before me in + all its enormity; I felt distressed; and it came vividly in my mind, "In + that Christ hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that + are tempted." Oh, what had I done! I had lost God's help in this my hour + of trial. I prayed for forgiveness, and asked God to direct and protect + me. Yet I felt uneasy and depressed,—not that my faith in Jesus was any + the less, but that my sin would bring its own punishment. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<br /> + "There is many a pang to pursue me;<br /> + They may crush, but they shall not contemn—<br /> + They may torture, but shall not subdue me,—<br /> + 'Tis of God I think—not of them."<br /> +<br /> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<p> + About daylight I reached a forest in which I could conceal myself during + the day. I slept soundly, being undisturbed, until dark, when I + proceeded onward. While traveling <i>that night</i> I was compelled to pass a + large plantation. I was afraid some white person would see me, + therefore I avoided every one,—not being able to distinguish, in the + dark, a white from a black person. However, about daylight I met a + colored boy, who procured some food for me and directed me to a + cotton-pen close by, where I could hide and sleep during the day. When + night came—it was Thursday night—I crawled out of the pen and started + for another night's walk. I made very good time that night, and walked + to within nine miles of Memphis. I was afraid to go on into Memphis in + the day-time, consequently I slept in the woods that day without + anything to eat, my supply of food being exhausted. +</p> +<p> + I was very much exhausted, and suffered greatly from hunger. When night + came I started again. After proceeding on my way about two miles I came + to the village of Mt. Pleasant, where I thought to obtain something to + eat. I had passed nearly through the village without seeing any one; but + finally I saw a man who I mistook for a colored man. I accosted him, + when, to my chagrin and disappointment, he was a white man. I felt that + I had already betrayed myself; and through my fright and want of + steadiness I was again in bonds. +</p> +<p> + The man asked me numerous and various questions, as to where I came + from, where I was going, who I belonged to, etc. +</p> +<p> + I again sinned, and paid the penalty. I lied to the man. I told him I + belonged to a man by the name of Potts, and that I was going to his + plantation. +</p> +<p> + Quite a number of persons soon gathered around me, and by repeated + questions entrapped me. Inquiries were made as to the health of Mr. + Potts' family, and of Mr. Potts in particular. I stated that the family + were well and that Mr. Potts was as well as usual. +</p> +<p> + It turned out that several of the persons present knew the Potts family, + and that Mr. Potts had died two months previously. +</p> +<p> + I was immediately arrested and placed in a secure place, tied and + chained to the floor. +</p> +<p> + Thus sin brought me into trouble. Had I trusted to God and not been in + too great haste to get something to eat, he would have helped me. My + weakness made me forget that I should not lie to any one, seeing that I + had put off the old man with his deeds. In my great need of + strengthening food, Christ would have succored me had I not forgotten to + pray to him and ask his help, for "a man can receive nothing except it + be given him from heaven." +</p> +<p> + In nearly all the villages of the South, and on most of the large + plantations, were slave-jails, where runaway and refractory slaves were + incarcerated. These jails were usually a double pen, the inside pen + being covered with a roof, and the top of the outside pen being covered + with sharp iron spikes. Between the pens one or more savage dogs were + usually kept. This was the kind of place I was now placed in. +</p> +<p> + Hungry, worn out with my journey, and nearly naked, I soon fell asleep + from sheer exhaustion and slept soundly until morning. +</p> +<p> + After I had eaten my breakfast I was taken out of jail at Mt. Pleasant + and started back to Holly Springs, well ironed and guarded, where I was + recognized as Wilson's slave. Wilson was notified of my apprehension. + After laying in the jail at Holly Springs about three weeks Wilson came + for me. I had made several attempts in that time to escape, but did not + succeed. +</p> +<p> + I was ironed and compelled to walk, which, in my exhausted state, was + too much for me, and I was taken violently sick on the road, when Wilson + procured a conveyance and hauled me the balance of the way home. A + physician was immediately summoned, who ordered my shackles removed. +</p> +<p> + After the irons were removed I regained my spirits, and entertained + hopes of being able to make another attempt to regain my liberty. I was + very sick for several days. +</p> +<p> + About two o'clock on the last morning I stayed there I awoke and felt + fresh, and found that my strength had in a great measure returned. Upon + looking around the moonlit room I found that I was alone. To escape was + my very first intention. Getting out of bed I examined the window to the + cabin, when I found I could raise it easily. I gathered what clothes I + could find, as well as a blanket from the bed, and climbing through the + window made my escape unobserved. I did not stop to put on my clothes + until I had got two or three miles from the plantation. +</p> +<p> + I stayed in the woods about three weeks, when I returned to my master + and asked his forgiveness, and promised that I would never run away + again. I was forgiven. +</p> +<p> + During my three weeks' starving and hiding in the woods I had ample time + for reflection and thought. Prayerfully I considered my situation and + asked God's help to direct me. I came to the conclusion that I was + entirely wrong in my course. God, for his own good purpose, had placed + me in bondage, and in his good time he would relieve me either by death + or emancipation. My hardships, I felt, were by reason of my disobedience + to God's will. Although I was a slave God had given me my task in his + vineyard as a slave, and I should have fronted the wrath of my master, + Wilson, rather than that of God. I felt that I was doing wrong, and + after prayerful consideration I determined to do right, and go back to + the plantation and patiently await God's time to set me free. +</p> +<p> + Wilson received me as kindly as his nature would permit, and treated me + as he did the other slaves and as if I had never been disobedient to him + and ran away. I felt better, and knew then that I was right in the sight + of my heavenly Father. My views underwent a change for the better while + I was an outcast in the woods, and after that I was better fitted to do + my allotted work for God. +</p> +<a name="2HCH8"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER VI. +</h2> +<p> + Was hired to Mr. Thompson, and adopted his name—Opened regular + meetings, and preached on the plantation and other places—Took unto + myself a wife—Was purchased by Thompson, duly installed on the + plantation, and invested with authority—Various means and plans + resorted to by the overseer to degrade me in the eyes of Mr. + Thompson—Driven, through persecution, to run away—Returned back to my + master. +</p> +<p> + A short time after I came in from the woods Wilson determined to hire me + to a man named Thompson, who lived about twenty miles away. I made no + objection, and was duly hired for the term of three years. +</p> +<p> + I adopted the name "Thompson," from my new master, which I have since + retained. +</p> +<p> + The slaves of the South are usually named like brutes, with only one + name for a designation, and it became customary among the slaves to + adopt the surname of their masters. I had never adopted the name of + Wilson, because I disliked the man; but as soon as I was hired to Mr. + Thompson I took his name, therefore I was henceforth known as Charles + Thompson. The adoption of a name by myself may appear strange to a + great many of my readers, yet when it comes to be considered that I was + a human chattel, with no rights or privileges of American citizenship, + and that I was without a name, except simply "Charles," no surprise will + be felt. +</p> +<p> + I labored faithfully and honestly for Mr. Thompson during my term of + service, and endeavored in all things to do my duty. I made such efforts + as I could to bring the slaves on the plantation to Jesus, and + inaugurated regular and stated meetings. I preached and exhorted on the + plantation and at other places where I could gather the negroes to hear + me; and I felt that I was the means in God's hands of redeeming precious + souls. In these meetings I had helpers from among the most intelligent + of the slaves, and made such progress that at all our meetings we would + have a number of God-fearing whites to pray with us. +</p> +<p> + During my term of hired service with Mr. Thompson I married a colored + girl and added the responsibilities of a husband to my various cares. +</p> +<p> + The marriage of slaves was a mere formality among themselves, there + being nothing legal, according to the laws of the southern states, about + the ceremony or marriage contract. The slaves cohabited together in most + instances with the express or implied consent of their masters; and as + the masters did not regard the marriage of their slaves as anything, + wives and husbands were constantly in danger of being separated forever. +</p> +<p> + But the slaves themselves instituted a ceremony which they considered + morally binding, as far as they were concerned; and the slave-owners + deemed it prudent to gratify their slaves by a recognition, in some + degree, of the marital relations that might exist among them. Therefore + a certain set of rules came into operation, by general consent, + governing the visits of the husband to the wife when owned by different + masters. When the wife of a slave lived not more than five miles from + his master he could visit her once a week; when she lived not more than + ten miles away, he could go to see her once in two weeks; and when she + lived twenty or more miles away he could go to see her only once in two + months. +</p> +<p> + At the expiration of my term of service I was loth to leave my wife at + Thompson's, and go back to Wilson's, and strenuously objected, knowing + that I could get to see her only once in two months. +</p> +<p> + Wilson having learned that I was not desirous of returning to him, wrote + to Mr. Thompson to send me home as soon as the last day of my service + expired; but Mr. Thompson was desirous of retaining me, and made + efforts to that effect. He sent me to Wilson to learn the price set for + me. I arrived in due time, when Wilson informed me that he would sell me + to Thompson, but that he would not take less than twelve hundred + dollars, cash. +</p> +<p> + The proposition did not seem to please Thompson, but after a time he + concluded to buy me, and sent his son to Wilson with the purchase money. + The purchase at that particular time was lucky for me, as Wilson had + written Thompson a very abusive letter, and it was received by Mr. + Thompson on the evening of the day on which his son went to Wilson's to + buy me. The bargain was made, however, and I was duly transferred to my + new master, by delivery and a bill of sale. The personal matter between + Wilson and Thompson soon blew over, and I was duly installed on the + plantation as one of the chattel fixtures. +</p> +<p> + I seemed to take a new lease of life from this time, and determined, if + possible, to profit by former experiences and shun every appearance of + ill-nature and evil intentions, and to gain the confidence of my new + master, that I might better do the work of my heavenly Master. All + nature seemed lovely to me, and I was happy in doing my duty and + obliging the will of God. +</p> +<p> + I was invested with authority on the plantation by Mr. Thompson, and + was required to keep an eye on the overseer, and to report any + enormities that might be committed by him. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Thompson was a wealthy planter and kept a general overseer, besides + the usual field bosses; yet there were other slaves on the plantation + who had the confidence of the master and were put at such service as + required intelligence and integrity. +</p> +<p> + The position in which I was now placed was difficult and onerous; but I + did my duty to the very best of my ability, and satisfactorily to my + master. The overseer soon found out that I was <i>his</i> overseer; and he + used every means, and various plans, to drive me to do something that + would degrade me in the eyes of Mr. Thompson. It was only by reason of + the greatest forbearance and the very closest attention to my duties + that I escaped his machinations; and by attending to everything with the + most scrupulous care he could find no fault with me, that had truth for + its foundation. But the constant and pertinacious maliciousness of the + overseer, and my own weakness, eventually brought me to grief. +</p> +<p> + As a rule, when a bad and wicked man undertakes any species of + devilishness he generally prevails, for a time, and is apparently + successful in his schemes; and should he meet with failure at the onset + his want of success only maddens him to greater exertions and more + persistent efforts. Being urged by the devil, and the devil being a hard + driver, he either rushes to his own destruction or destroys the + happiness or lives of others. Thus I was placed in the crucible for + further refinement and regeneration. My humanity gave way for some time; + but God was with me, and in the end I prevailed. The overseer's name was + Hines, and he belonged to that class of southern whites who are noted + for their ignorance and brutality. He could read and write a + little,—just enough to make out a negro's pass or a receipt for money + paid on account of his employer. In this respect I was far in advance of + him, of which my master was aware, and which was one of the causes of + Hines' excessive hatred of me, and of his great desire to "put me down + and make me know my place," as he termed it. He was very irreligious, + and entirely wanting in every attribute of a Christian. He was also what + in the South is termed a "bully"—that is, he was free to use his + pistols on the slightest occasion, when among his equals, but when in + the presence of his superiors he was a cringing sycophant and coward. He + was a real coward, at best, in all places. He did not want me on the + plantation; and he was determined that he would so harrass me that I + would become as reckless and devilish as himself, and thereby compel my + master to send me to a slave-market to be sold. +</p> +<p> + Hines concocted various tales and reported them to Mr. Thompson, + relating to my alleged insubordination, laziness, refusal to work, etc., + but all to no effect. Finally he told my master that I was so + disobedient that the rest of the slaves were affected by my conduct, and + that I would ruin all the slaves on the plantation unless severe means + were used to conquer me. +</p> +<p> + My master informed Hines, after hearing his story, that Jack, a + fellow-servant of mine in my younger days, had killed Prince, another + fellow-servant, on Wilson's plantation, several years before; that I + might be imbued with the same spirit; and that if he undertook to + chastise me he might meet with the same fate of Prince. +</p> +<p> + This murder occurred after I had been sold by Wilson to Thompson, but + being permitted to return to Wilson's plantation once a year to visit + and preach to my old flock, I learned the facts regarding the matter. +</p> +<p> + Jack belonged to a neighbor of Wilson's by the name of Scott, and having + done something displeasing to Scott he wished to tie him up and whip + him. Jack refused to be whipped by Scott or any one else, when Prince + was called upon by his master (Scott) to help him secure Jack. Prince + was reluctant, but was commanded two or three times to take hold of + Jack and hold him. Jack told him not to approach him at the peril of his + life; but not heeding Jack's warning he made the effort to tie Jack, + when he was stabbed to the heart with a knife in Jack's hand, and + expired almost instantly. Jack made his escape for a short time, but was + captured and immediately hanged without a trial or an opportunity to + make any defense. Jack was captured in a corn-crib on Wilson's + plantation, which made Thompson suppose the murder had been committed + there. +</p> +<p> + This recital, which was made in substance to Hines by my master, cowed + the overseer considerably, and a house-servant who was present during + the conversation afterwards told me that Hines' face turned white as a + sheet, and he trembled like a leaf. +</p> +<p> + My master knew his overseer was a coward, and that if he could work upon + his fears by supposing me to be too high-spirited to stand a whipping, + he would probably save me from Hines' malice, and keep the overseer to + his work. Good overseers were hard to get in the South. An intelligent + Christian man would not have such a position under any circumstances, + and the very best of the "poor white trash" who <i>would</i>, were unreliable + and brutish; therefore Mr. Thompson had to do the very best he could + under the circumstances. He did not believe Hines; yet he had to humor + him, in a measure. +</p> +<p> + After a few days Hines reported to Mr. Thompson that he had heard me say + that I would never be whipped by him or any other overseer on the + plantation, as long as I had life to resist, which was a most malicious + falsehood. What I did tell Hines was, that I would so conduct myself and + so perform my work that he nor any other overseer on the plantation + should never have cause to chastise me. +</p> +<p> + The falsehood inflamed my master, and in his wrath he told Hines to whip + me for the first offense I might commit, or kill me in the attempt. +</p> +<p> + Armed with this instruction, Hines was in high glee; yet he dare not + attempt anything without first laying well his plans and making sure of + sufficient force to carry them out. The next morning he charged me to + pick six hundred pounds of cotton and deliver it at the weighing-house + at night, under penalty, for a failure, of one hundred lashes on my bare + back with a rawhide. +</p> +<p> + This would not have been an extraordinary task in good cotton; but where + we had to work that day the cotton was poor, and in that field the crop + was not more than half a one. However, I worked hard against fate all + day, and prayed to Almighty God to help me in my hour of need, and keep + me steadfast. I knew I was to be punished not for any fault or misdoing, + but simply to gratify a brute in human shape, and my inferior in + intellect, morality, and physical strength. The burden was hard to bear, + yet I prayed for strength to bear it. When called from the field to the + weighing-house I was kept waiting until all the other slaves had their + cotton weighed. When mine was weighed I was told by Hines that I had + only picked four hundred pounds. I verily believed this to be untrue, + and felt convinced that I had picked at least five hundred pounds, for I + was one of the best, if not the best, cotton-pickers in the country; and + I had labored faithfully and rapidly all day, and did not lose a + minute's time, unnecessarily. +</p> +<p> + Hines turned to me and said, Go to your quarters; I will settle with you + in the morning. +</p> +<p> + Now began new trials. My duty and my Christianity instructed me to face + the undeserved and unjust punishment manfully. The devil and my human + nature told me to run away. I became weak. The fear of the disgrace of a + whipping was too much for me, and I succumbed to the evil one. +</p> +<p> + I made such arrangements as I could, and concealed myself on the + plantation, before daylight the next morning, so that I could take an + early start in the night and travel behind my pursuers instead of before + them. My wife knew of my hiding-place, and when night came she sought me + and reported what had been done for my capture. +</p> +<p> + Hines seemed, she said, to be more cheerful than usual in the morning + when he found I was gone, and hastened to report the good news, as he + thought, to Mr. Thompson. After some conversation between them it was + determined by my master to obtain the services of a professional + slave-hunter, and follow me with hounds. The slave-hunter was sent for + and came with his pack of dogs that same day about noon. The hunt was + immediately begun, and the country was then being scoured in all + directions for my tracks. +</p> +<p> + This information put me on my guard, and gave me time to consider what + direction I had better take in my flight. I had provide myself a + preparation called "smut" among the negroes, which, when spread thinly + on the soles of the shoes or feet, destroyed that peculiar scent by + which blood-hounds are enabled to follow the trail of a man or a beast. + After bidding my wife farewell I smeared my shoes with "smut" and + started in the direction of the hills, beyond which was a large swamp, + the refuge of many a poor runaway. +</p> +<p> + On my way I had to pass through innumerable thickets of underbrush and + briers, and by reason thereof I tore my already much-worn clothes almost + into shreds, and lacerated my flesh severely, especially on my arms and + legs. I arrived in the swamp, however, without being followed by the + dogs, and while proceeding slowly and dejectedly along, my steps were + suddenly stopped by a fierce and loud growl. I was frightened, to be + sure, yet I knew scarcely what to do. The growl proceeded from a bear, I + felt fully assured, for bears roamed through the hills and swamps of + Mississippi. But with presence of mind I retreated slowly from the + presence of Mr. and Mrs. Bruin, and not being followed by the bears my + fears on that score were removed. +</p> +<p> + About this time it began to rain; and the night was one of those black, + foreboding nights that novelists love so well to depict in their + descriptions of storms. The lightning flashed with a vividness that + lighted up the dismal swamps with a weird and horrible brightness; the + thunder rolled peal upon peal, making to me a pandemonium, real and + feeling; the pitiless rain pelted me unmercifully and constantly, with + that persistence that made it almost unendurable to me. I sat down at + the root of a large tree, not to shelter myself from the rain but to + protect myself from the attack of any wild animal that should approach + me. There I sat the rest of the long night, unfriended, alone, + forsaken,—a hunted outcast. +</p> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<br /> + "Man's inhumanity to man<br /> + Makes countless thousands mourn."<br /> +<br /> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<p> + The condition in which I was now placed rendered me indeed a pitiable + object. I waited and longed for morning to come; but the long, slow + minutes passed lazily along without regard to my sufferings or wishes. + After a long time, to me, I heard a rooster crow, and the welcome sound + brought me to my feet in an instant. I started in the direction of the + sound, and approached warily. Having walked a short distance I reached + the edge of the swamps, or rather a dry spot or oasis in the swamp, and + by the faint glimmer of day, which was just breaking, I could see the + outlines of a house. The cock continued to crow, which seemed to invite + me to approach, and which I construed into a good omen,—at least I + really felt good at the sight of the house, even though it might contain + those who would chain me and take me back to my master. I noticed that a + public road ran along close to the house; and after going on the road, + in approaching the house I was discovered by a dog, belonging to the + house, who set up a furious barking. Fearing to stay and make my wants + known I again sought "cover" in the swamp. I stayed in the swamp that + day and ate such berries, roots, and nuts as I could find. I had plenty + of time for prayer and meditation. I was alone with God, and prayed to + him for help in my distress, and for direction. I became convinced that + I had done wrong in running away, and deemed that I had sinned against + God. I had been a runaway and an outcast before, and had came to right + conclusions; yet I had turned from the path of duty, and was even now + being punished for my sin. I determined to return to my master and take + the consequences of my acts in running away. I asked God to have mercy + on me and pardon my sins, and protect me from the wrath of my master and + the maliciousness of Hines. Having fully made up my mind to return to + Thompson and make such efforts as I could to allay the punishment I + expected to receive, I set about perfecting my plans to get there + without being apprehended by the slave-hunters, who were then, I have no + doubt, hunting for me. My master had offered a reward for my return to + his plantation; and should any one arrest me and take me home, although + I might be returning on my own accord, they would receive the reward and + I would have to make up the amount to my master in extra labor and + extra punishment. To avoid this was now my object. +</p> +<p> + At night I left the swamp and went to the road, intending to travel home + that night—thinking I was not more than ten or twelve miles away from + there. I was uncertain which way to go; but I finally started off on the + road, hoping that I was going in the direction of Thompson's. The rain + was pattering down; but I traveled briskly all that night, and about + day-break I came to a plantation. I entered one of the slave-cabins and + told the inmates I was lost, hungry, and tired, and asked them for + something to eat. One of the colored men spoke to a woman who appeared + to be his wife, and told her to get me something to eat, and that he + would go and get some pine to put on the fire. His actions, and the + manner in which he spoke, aroused my suspicions, and being fearful that + he intended to betray me, I left the cabin directly after he did, and + sought an asylum in the woods, where I stayed during that day. Thus "the + wicked flee when no one pursueth." +</p> +<p> + At night I found the same road I had traveled the day before, and + started again to try and get to Thompson's. I knew that I was wrong, and + that I was traveling away from instead of toward Thompson's; therefore I + concluded to make inquiries at the first opportunity. After traveling + three or four miles I came to a cabin in which there was a light + shining through the cracks between the logs. Approaching the cabin, I + intended to enter; but being enabled to see the inmates through the + cracks I discovered three white men sitting around the fire, so I turned + to leave. As I was passing the corner of the cabin a colored woman came + to the door for some purpose, and saw me. She jumped back into the + cabin, at the same time exclaiming, "Here's a runaway nigger!" +</p> +<p> + I immediately ran for the road; but a dog—not a blood-hound—followed + me, and while getting over the fence between the cabin and the road he + caught me by the breeches leg. I shook him off and ran for the woods. +</p> +<p> + The white men were slave-hunters, and were after me particularly, as I + learned afterwards. They followed me closely by the sound of the + crackling of brush, and put the dogs they had with them on my track. + These dogs, fortunately for me, were in the cabin at the time I + approached it. As soon as I heard the first yelp of a blood-hound I + "smutted" my shoe-soles, and soon threw them off the scent. The white + men followed me about three or four miles. Finally, finding I would not + get away from them by running, I stopped, and making my way into a dense + thicket of briers I sat down. The white men stopped a short distance + from me and listened, I suppose, for the sound of brush cracking. After + waiting a short time one of them started off in the direction they had + come, leaving the others still waiting,—using this ruse in order to + throw me off my guard, so as to enable the remaining ones to ascertain + where I was by the noise I would make in walking. I was too close to + them; and from the noise I heard from where they were standing I knew + they had a dog with them, and that they were only waiting for me to move + to begin the chase again. I sat perfectly quiet, and waited patiently + for the remaining whites and the dog to leave. After a time the men + began to move about through the brush, coming still closer to me. I + heard them talking, when one of them said, "We ought to catch the nigger + if we have to run him all night." "No" said the other, "we should let + him alone to-night, and start him up in the morning, when we can have + daylight for the chase, and not run him to-night, for we might run him + off and never catch him." +</p> +<p> + After a short parley they concluded to get some more dogs and be on the + ground before daylight, so as to make sure of me. As soon as they had + gone out of my hearing I emerged from the brier thicket. I found my + limbs had become sore and benumbed from the exposure and hardships I + had undergone, and I was intensely hungry. I worried along, however, to + get out of that neighborhood as soon as possible. The sky was now clear, + the air frosty, and my rags were but a scant protection to me. After + walking awhile I found my soreness began to leave me, when I began to + accelerate my pace. I had to walk as fast as I could, and exercise my + limbs all I could, in order to keep warm. After walking some time I came + to a plantation. Upon reconnoitering, I found an old house, and + approaching it with the intention of seeking a little rest in it during + the remainder of the night and the next day, I saw a light in it. I went + in, however, and found it to be the workshop of the plantation, and five + colored men were there putting handles in their axes. I asked them for + something to eat, and was about to tell them the truth regarding myself, + when one of the negroes hurried me out of the cabin, saying he would get + me something to eat. After we got out he told me I was very imprudent, + for if I had told the negroes who I was and that I was a runaway, they + would have taken me themselves. He got me some meat and bread, and after + I had told him who I was and that I wanted to find my way back to + Thompson's, he put me on the right road and gave me such directions as I + required. +</p> +<p> + I found that I was about fifty miles from Thompson's plantation, and + that it would require two nights' hard walking to get there. I felt very + much discouraged, and grieved considerably to myself. However, having + satisfied the cravings of my appetite, I plucked up courage and started + on my long return walk with renewed energy. +</p> +<p> + After traveling about five miles I came to a little town. I was afraid + to go through it on account of the liability of being apprehended; and I + did not like to go around it for fear of getting lost again. I + determined to risk going through the place, and, by avoiding every one, + escape detection. There was quite an excitement here by reason of an + epidemic sickness among the children, and about every other house had a + light in it. I passed through the town with fear; but I escaped arrest + and felt like rejoicing over my good fortune, not once thinking of any + dangers or hardships that might lay before me. +</p> +<p> + After I got through the town I came to a considerable stream, with a + bridge across it, the name of which I am unable to give; but on the + opposite end of the bridge from the town there is a road-way, or levee, + thrown up across the "bottom" for about two miles. At the time I + crossed, the stream was very much swelled from the recent rains, and the + water extended all over the bottom on each side of the road-grade, and + to within two or three feet of the top of it. This grade I had to cross; + and I was greatly afraid that I would meet some one. I started across, + and when about half way over the grade, or levee, I heard hounds baying + ahead of me; and the sounds seemed to be approaching me, I became very + much frightened, and turned and fled back to the bridge, when, just as I + was stepping on it, I heard men's voices, and stopped, when I found they + were coming across the bridge toward me. I concluded I would rather face + the blood-hounds than the white men, so I made my way back over the + grade as hurriedly as I could. I reached the end of the grade without + meeting the hounds and turned off into the woods. After walking a short + distance I heard the hounds again, and the sound of their yelps was + nearing me rapidly. I turned my course immediately, and ran as fast as I + was able for three or four hundred yards, when I saw distinctly, in the + starlight, a man running nearly toward me. My heart leaped into my + throat, as it were, and I made ready for battle. But the man proved to + be a poor runaway like myself, and the one whom the hounds were after. I + had got into a field, and the runaway passed through the same field + without noticing me. I kept on in an opposite direction from the one + which he had taken, and crossed the fence on the other side of the field + just in time to hear one of the slave-hunters say, "There he is now; I + heard him getting over the fence." I threw myself on the ground and + awaited results. The dogs were "hot" on the other slave's track, and + were running at a great rate, which induced the slave-hunters to think + their companion was mistaken. So, to my great relief and pleasure, they + started on after the hounds. I was nearly exhausted by my exertions + during the night, and as it was now nearly morning I lay on the ground + for a time to rest and recuperate my worn-out energies a little. +</p> +<p> + In a short time I got up, and after looking around I saw the outlines of + plantation houses in the distance. On going to them I found a + resting-place in a fodder-loft, in the horse-lot of the plantation. I + ensconced myself in the fodder, when I again heard the infernal yelps of + the blood-hounds, and the more infernal yelps of the white pursuers + urging the hounds after the poor runaway. The hounds soon after caught + the poor wretch, whose cries for mercy were heart-rending and piteous. + My situation was perilous; yet I had hopes that the other slave being + run down and caught would save me, from the fact that the hunters were + not aware of the presence of another runaway in the immediate + neighborhood. +</p> +<p> + The day wore slowly away, and being very weak from hunger and fatigue I + was unable to gain that rest my wasted body required. I slept two or + three hours, however, and had ample time for reflection. The bridge + where I had been so completely hemmed in the night before was impressed + deeply upon my memory; and the agony of mind while on the bridge was + still troubling me. I relied on a loving heavenly Father in my troubles + and trials, and brought to my mind the condition of the children of + Israel when about to be overwhelmed by the hosts of Pharaoh on the shore + of the Red Sea. God delivered them, and I believed he would deliver me. + My faith was strong. +</p> +<p> + Night came at last, when I cautiously emerged from my hiding-place and + continued my journey toward home. I ran and walked about twenty-five + miles, and did not find any familiar objects to lead me to suppose I was + in the neighborhood of my master's plantation, when I began to look + about for a place of concealment in which to spend another weary and + lonesome day. Walking slowly along, after a short time my attention was + attracted by sounds as if some one was pounding a hard substance. On + stopping and listening, I soon heard some person calling hogs. The + voice seemed familiar. Upon further investigation I began to recognize + objects, and soon ascertained that I was "at home." Now that I had got + back "home," new troubles arose in my mind. I would be punished + severely, without doubt. +</p> +<p> + Instead of going to "the quarters" I went directly to my master's + plantation, in the hope that I could enlist my mistress in my behalf, + and thus have the way made smooth for me. My master was not at home, + fortunately, and my mistress heard my story and prayers for forgiveness. + She promised to intercede with my master for me, but that I must promise + not to run away again, which I did. She bade me to go and hide myself in + the stable loft, and not to leave there until she sent for me. Soon + after, my master came home. In conversation with him my mistress + broached the subject as to my whereabouts. He told her that he believed + I had got to the free states and was lost to him; however, that if any + of the slaves on the plantation knew where I was they should get me word + that if I would come back I should not be punished, and that I should be + forgiven. In that case my mistress said she would insure my return + speedily. +</p> +<p> + Matters were soon arranged, and I was re-instated in my former position + on the plantation. But severe trials were soon to overtake me, and what + I had already gone through was but an atom in comparison with what I + afterwards suffered from the hands of my master, and by reason of my + condition of slavery. +</p> +<p> + Thus ended my earlier experiences as a slave, from my earliest + recollection down to the time of my return to Thompson's plantation. +</p> +<p> + I propose to continue this biography, and include the whole in book + form. This pamphlet is printed for the purpose of enabling me to raise + money to continue my work and paying for printing the whole in a book + substantially and neatly bound. +</p> +<p> + To the friends of the colored race I appeal for help in this matter, + hoping that sufficient interest is taken to insure the accumulation of + sufficient funds for my purpose. +</p> +<p> + The remainder will contain my full experience as a minister of the + gospel, and incidents relating to my efforts and the efforts of my + co-workers in building up the church of Christ among the former slaves + of the South, and such suggestions as I may deem proper to aid to raise + the standard of intelligence among negroes. + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Biography of a Slave, by Charles Thompson + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE *** + +This file should be named slave10h.htm or slave10h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, slave11h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, slave10ah.htm + +Produced by Dave Morgan and PG Proofreaders + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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