,,biography ,,( ,a ,,slave  ,be+ ,!     
,exp]i5ces ,( ,rev4 ,*>les ,?ompson1 ,a 
,prea*] ,( ,! ,unit$ ,bre?r5 ,*ur*1     
,,:ile ,a ,,slave ,,9 ,,! ,,s\?4        
,toge!r ,) ,/>tl+ ,occurr5ces ,incid5tal
 ,to ,slave ,life4    #ahge4            
,,preface4  ,9 publi%+ ?is book ,i hope 
to d good n only to my own race1 b to   
all :o may read x4 ,i am n a book-mak]1 
& make no pret5sions to lit]>y          
atta9m5ts2 & ,i h made no ef=ts to      
create = myself a place 9 ! lit]>y1     
book-mak+ ranks4 ,i claim = my book     
tru?fulness & hone/y ( purpose1 & ^u t  
basis x mu/ succe$ or fail4 ,!          
,biography ( a ,slave is call$ = by a v 
l>ge numb] ( my imm$iate acqua9tances1  
&1 ,i am assur$1 w meet ) su* reception 
z to ju/ify ! exp5se ,i h incurr$ 9 hav+
 x pr9t$ & b\nd4 ,to ! memb]s ( ! ,unit$
 ,bre?r5 ,*ur*1 :ite z well z color$1 ,i
 look = help 9 ! sale & circulation ( my
 "w1 yet ,i am satisfi$ ,i w receive    
comm5dable patronage f memb]s ( all     
,*ri/ian *ur*es ev]y:]e4  ,! book is    

writt5 9 ! n>rative /yle1 z be+ mu*     
bett] suit$ to ! ta/es & capacities ( my
 color$ read]s1 & ,i h us$ simple & pla9
 ,engli% language1 disc>d+ ! idiomatic &
 prov9cial language ( ! s\!rn slaves &  
ignorant :ites1 expect+ !reby to help   
educate ! blacks 9 ! use ( prop]        
language4  ,i am indebt$ to ,william ,h4
 ,rhodes1 ,esq41 attorney at law1 (     
,newman1 ,d\glas ,c\nty1 ,ill9ois1 = 8  
valuable assi/ance 9 ! prep>ation ( my  
manuscript = ! pr9t]4 ,he has re-writt5 
! :ole ( x = me1 & has o!rwise assi/$ me
 9 ! matt] ( plac+ ! book be=e ! public4
  ,,*>les ,,?ompson4  ,newman1 ,ill9ois1
 ,aug41 #ahgd4     ,,cont5ts4  ,,*apt]  
,i4  ,*>les ,?ompson1 born 9 ,atala     
,c\nty1 ,mississippi--,division (       
,kirkwood's slaves among 8 six          
,*ildr5--,! writ] & 8 two si/]s fall to 
,mrs4 ,wilson--,! p>t+ betwe5 "m &      
*ild--,depriv$ ( a fond "m =ev]--,old   
,uncle ,jack--,wilson buys ,uncle ,b5 f 
,/ruck]--,uncle ,b5 runs away & is hunt$
 ) blood-h\nds--,two hundr$ doll>s      

rew>d4  ,,*apt] ,,ii4  ,n s5t to hell by
 ,wilson--,mrs4 ,wilson protects me1 to 
:om ,i belong--,s5t to s*ool ) !        
*ildr5--,! s*ool-*ildr5 tea* me to read 
& write--,:at came ( x--,m\nt t mule or 
,i'll %oot y--,i m\nt$ ! mule--,a />t = 
! railroad to "w--,i dism\nt & take to !
 woods--,i owe allegiance to ,god & my  
c\ntry only4  ,,*apt] ,,iii4  ,caught1  
tri$1 & tak5 back home to ,james        
,wilson--,my mi/ress saves me f be+     
:ipp$--,i g to ! railroad & "w "o mon?  
precisely--,g back home--,wilson        
surpris$--,left ! railroad at #c o'clock
 ,a4,m4--,did n want to di/urb          
,leadbitt]'s re/--,s5t to ,memphis ) a  
load ( cotton--,afraid ( ! slave-p5s &  
slave-auction--,/>t = home--,n          
sold--,pray1 s+1 & %\t--,get home &     
ord]$ to hire myself out4  ,,*apt] ,,iv4
  ,/>t out on my travels to hunt a new  
ma/]--,f9d ,mr4 ,dansley--,hire to      
him--,?irty doll>s p] mon? = my ma/] &  
five doll>s = myself--,wilson           
a/oni%$--,appo9t$ sup]9t5d5t (          

,dansley's f>m--,rules &                
regulations--,peace & tranquillity--,my 
moral labors successful--,pray] & social
 meet+s--,meet+s 9 ! woods--,qu>rel &   
fight l v bro!rs--,"t comes to be mov$  
to ano!r field ( labor4  ,,*apt] ,v4    
,james ,wilson comes along--,wants me to
 g ) him to ,saulsbury1 ,t5nessee1 to   
help build a h\se = a                   
groc]y-/ore--,takes me along )          
him--,wilson tak5 sick--,i take c>e (   
him--,he gels well--,i make ano!r       
attempt to escape f slav]y--,:at came ( 
x4  ,,*apt] ,,vi4  ,0 hir$ to ,mr4      
,?ompson1 & adopt$ 8 "n--,op5$ regul>   
meet+s1 & prea*$ on ! plantation & o!r  
places--,took unto myself a wife--,0    
pur*as$ by ,?ompson1 duly in/all$ on !  
plantation1 & inve/$ ) au?ority--,v>i\s 
means & plans resort$ to by ! ov]se] to 
degrade me 9 ! eyes ( ,mr4              
,?ompson--,driv51 ?r\gh p]secution1 to  
run away--,return back to my ma/]4      
,,biography ,,( ,a ,,slave4         99  
99       99       99       99           

,,*apt] ,i4  ,*>les ,?ompson1 born 9    
,atala ,c\nty1 ,mississippi--,division (
 ,kirkwood's ,slaves ,among 8 ,six      
,*ildr5--,! ,writ] & 8 ,two ,si/]s ,fall
 to ,mrs4 ,wilson--,! ,p>t+ ,betwe5 ,"m 
& ,*ild--,depriv$ ( a ,fond ,"m         
,=ev]--,old ,uncle ,jack--,wilson ,buys 
,uncle ,b5 f ,/ruck]--,uncle ,b5 ,runs  
,away & is ,hunt$ ) ,blood-,h\nds--,two 
,hundr$ ,doll>s ,rew>d4   ,i 0 a slave1 
& 0 born 9 ,atala ,c\nty1 ,mississippi1 
ne> ! t[n ( ,rock=d1 on ! ?ird day (    
,m>*1 #ahcc4 ,my fa!r & "m bo? be+      
slaves1 ( c\rse my p$igree is n         
traceable1 by me1 f>!r back ?an my      
p>5ts4 ,our family belong$ to a man nam$
 ,kirkwood1 :o 0 a l>ge slave-own]4     
,kirkwood di$ :5 ,i 0 ab\t n9e ye>s old1
 aft] :i*1 ^u ! settlem5t ( ! affairs ( 
8 e/ate1 ! slaves belong+ to ! e/ate 7  
divid$ equally1 z to value1 among ! six 
heirs4 ,!re 7 ab\t sev5ty-five slaves to
 be divid$ into six lots2 & great 0 !   
tribulation among ! poor blacks :5 !y   
le>n$ t !y 7 to be sep>at$4  ,:5 !      

division 0 complet$ two ( my si/]s &    
myself 7 ca/ into "o lot1 my "m into    
ano!r1 & my fa!r into ano!r1 & ! re/ ( !
 family 9 ! o!r lots4 ,"y & slave z ,i  
01 ,i felt ! pang ( sep>ation f my lov$ 
& rev]$ "m2 *ild t ,i 0 ,i m\rn$ = "m1  
ev5 be=e our f9al sep>ation1 z "o dead  
to me =ev]4 ,s e>ly to be depriv$ ( a   
fond "m1 by ! law1 gave me my fir/ view 
( ! curse ( slav]y4 ,until ?is "t ,i did
 n "k :at tr\ble 01 b f !n until ! tocs9
 ( fre$om 0 s\nd$ ?r\gh ! glori\s       
,emancipation ,proclamation by !        
immortal ,abraham ,l9coln1 ,i pass$     
?r\gh h>d%ip aft] h>d%ip1 9 quick       
succession1 & _m1 _m times ,i h almo/   
se5 & ta/$ dea?4  ,i bade f>ewell to my 
"m1 =ev]1 on ?is e>?4 ,oh6 ! pangs ( t  
mom5t4 ,ev5 aft] ?irty ye>s h elaps$ !  
sc5e comes vividly to my memory z ,i    
write4 ,a gloomy1 d>k cl\d seem$ to pass
 be=e my vision1 & ! v air seem$ to /ill
 ) awfulness4 ,i felt b]eav$1 =lorn1    
=sak51 lo/4 ,put y\rself 9 my place2    
feel :at ,i h felt1 & !n say1 ,god is j2

 he w protect ! helpless & "r ! wrong$1 
& y w h "s idea ( my feel+s & ! hope t  
su/a9$ me ?r\gh long & we>y ye>s (      
s]vitude4 ,my "m1 my poor "m6 :at mu/ %e
 h suff]$4 ,nev] w ,i =get h] la/ words2
 nev] w ,i =get ! e>ne/ pray]s ( t "m   
begg+ = h] *ild1 & refus+ to be com=t$4 
,%e _h fall5 to ! lot ( ,mrs4 ,&]son1 & 
%e plead$ ) burn+ te>s /ream+ d[n h]    
*eeks1 ,he is my only son1 my baby *ild1
 my y\nge/ & ! only son ,i h2 please let
 me h him to g ) me6  ,&]son spoke      
r\ghly to h] & told h] to hold h] peace2
 b ) h] arms ar\nd me %e clung to me &  
cri$ ! l\d]1 ,let me h my *ild2 if y w  
let me h my baby y may h all ! re/6     
,mo!rs c realize ?is situation only1 :o 
h p>t$ ) *ildr5 :om !y nev] expect$ to  
see aga94 ,imag9e p>t+ ) y\r de>e/ *ild1
 nev] to see x aga92 to be ?r[n into    
life-s]vitude 9 "o "p ( ! c\ntry & y\r  
de> *ild 9 ! same condition six hundr$  
miles away4 ,al?\gh my "m 0 black1 %e _h
 a s\l2 %e _h a he>t to feel j z y h1 & 
,i1 h] *ild1 0 be+ ru?lessly torn f h]  

by inexorable law4 ,:at w\ld y h done if
 y _h be5 9 h] place8 ,%e pray$ to ,god 
= help4  ,my k9d old fa!r consol$ &     
enc\rag$ my "m all he c\ld1 & said to   
h]1 ,d n be disc\rag$1 = ,jesus is y\r  
fri5d2 if y lack = k1 he w in=m y1 & if 
y meet ) tr\bles & trials on y\r way1   
ca/ all y\r c>es on ,jesus1 & don't =get
 to pray4 ,! old man spoke ^! words :ile
 pray+1 %\t+1 cry+1 & say+ f>ewell to my
 "m4 ,he _h1 9 a mann]1 rais$ ne>ly all 
! color$ p on ! plantation2 s he _h a   
fa!rly feel+ = all ( !m4 ,! old man     
look$ d[n on me1 & said1 ,my *ild1 y are
 n[ )\t a fa!r & w soon be )\t a "m2 b  
be a good boy1 & ,god w be fa!r & "m to 
y4 ,if y w put y\r tru/ 9 him & pray to 
him1 he w take y home to heav5 :5 y die1
 :]e y c meet y\r "m !re1 :]e p>t+ w be 
no m4 ,f>ewell4 ,i 0 !n tak5 f my "m1 & 
h n se5 or he>d ( h] s9ce--ab\t         
tw5ty-n9e ye>s ago4 ,old ,uncle ,jack1 z
 my fa!r 0 call$ by ! plantation p1     
spoke words ( com=t to all ( u be=e we 7
 p>t$4  ,! lot ( human *attels1 ( :i* ,i

 0 "o1 0 tak5 to _! new home on         
,wilson's plantation1 9 ! same c\nty z !
 ,kirkwood plantation4 ,wilson told my  
si/]s & myself t our "m & ourselves 7   
ab\t six hundr$ miles ap>t4  ,aft] ,i _h
 be5 9 my new home ab\t two ye>s1       
,wilson b\ght my uncle ,b5 f a man nam$ 
,/ruck]1 :o liv$ 9 ! same neighborhood1 
b he did n buy uncle ,b5's wife4 ,two   
ye>s lat] ,wilson mov$ to ano!r         
plantation he own$ 9 ,pontotoc ,c\nty1  
,mississippi1 ab\t "o hundr$ miles      
di/ant f 8 ,atala ,c\nty plantation4 ,b5
 n be+ will+ to g s f> f 8 wife1 ran    
away f 8 ma/]4 ,wilson1 h[ev]1 left ^w t
 if any "o w\ld cat* & return ,b5 to    
him1 he w\ld pay two hundr$ doll>s4 ,?is
 0 a bait n to be resi/$4 ,! pr(essional
 slave-hunt]s1 ) _! blood-h\nds1 7 soon 
on ! track4 ,!y fail$ to get ! poor     
hunt$ man1 ?\gh4 ,b5 0 a religi\s1      
,god-fe>+ man1 & plac$ firm reliance on 
! help ( ! ,almighty1 9 8 s]i\s trials1 
& nev] fail$ to f9d help :5 mo/ ne$$4   
,he /ay$ "u cov] 9 ! woods1 9 su* lurk+ 

places z ! nature ( ! c\ntry provid$1 9 
! day "t1 & at night w\ld cauti\sly     
approa* 8 wife's cab91 :51 at an appo9t$
 signal1 %e w\ld let him 9 & give him   
su* food & c>e z 8 condition requir$4 ,!
 slaves ( ! ,s\? 7 unit$ 9 ! "o p>ticul>
 ( help+ ea* o!r 9 su* cases z ?is1 &   
w\ld adopt +5i\s telegrams & signals to 
communicate ) ea* o!r2 & x may well be  
believ$ t ! inv5tive g5ius ( ! blacks 01
 z a g5]al ?+1 equal to all em]g5cies1 &
 :5 driv5 to extremities !y 7 brave to a
 fault4 ,b5's wife1 9 ?is in/ance1 us$ !
 simple device ( hang+ a c]ta9 g>m5t 9 a
 p>ticul> spot1 easily to be se5 f ,b5's
 cov]t1 & :i* d5ot$ t ! coa/ 0 cle> & no
 dang] ne$ be appreh5d$4 ,! g>m5t & !   
place ( hang+ x _h to be *ang$ e day1   
yet ! signals ?us made 7 true to !      
purpose1 & sav$ uncle ,b5 f capture4    
,uncle ,b5 0 closely *as$ by ! h\nds &  
inhuman m5-hunt]s2 on "o occasion s     
closely t he plung$ into a /ream &      
foll[$ ! curr5t = m ?an a mile4 ,tak+ to
 ! wat] ?rew ! h\nds (f ! sc5t ( !      

track4 ,be=e rea*+ ! /ream1 uncle ,b5 0 
s closely pursu$ t "o ( ! m5 9 ! gang   
%ot at him1 ! bullet pass+ unpleasantly 
close to him4 ,8 wife he>d ! h\nds & !  
gun-%ot4 ,?is race = life & lib]ty 0    
only "o ( a cont9u$ s]ies1 & 0 repeat$ z
 (t5 z blood-h\nds c\ld f9d a track to  
foll[4 ,at night ,b5 0 v mu* fatigu$ &  
hungry1 & 8 only hope ( gett+ any?+ to  
eat 0 to rea* 8 wife's cab94 ,h[ to d   
?is )\t be+ obs]v$1 0 ! "q4 ,z well z he
 0 able1 ab\t midnight he left 8 retreat
 & approa*$ ! cab94 ,x 0 too d>k to see 
a signal if "o _h be5 plac$ = him 9 !   
usual mann]4 ,aft] wait+ = "s "t a      
bright light %ot ?r\gh ! cracks 9 ! cab9
 = an in/ant1 & 0 repeat$ at int]vals ( 
two or ?ree m9utes1 ?ree or f\r times4  
,?is 0 ! night-signal ( all "r agre$ ^u 
betwe5 uncle ,b5 & 8 wife1 & 0 made by  
plac+ ! usual grease light "u a vessel &
 rais+ ! vessel = a mom5t at int]vals4  
,b5 approa*$ ! cab9 & gave 8 signal by  
rapp+ on ! door ?ree times1 & aft] a    
%ort pause ?ree m raps4 ,?us !y _h to   

arrange to meet2 ! husb& to obta9 food  
to su/a9 life1 & ! wife to adm9i/] to   
him4 ,on ?is p>ticul> night _! meet+ 0  
unusually impressive4 ,%e _h he>d !     
dea?-h\nds1 ! s\nd ( ! gun-%ot1 & %e    
knew ! yelps ( ! h\nds & ! %ot 7 int5d$ 
= ,b51 h] husb&4 ,) no crime laid to    
him1 he 0 hunt$ d[n z a wild bea/4 ,made
 9 ,god's own image1 he is made a slave1
 a brute1 an outca/1 & an outlaw because
 8 sk9 is black4 ,?us !y met1 ,b5 & 8   
wife4 ,aft] ! usual precautions & mutual
 congratulations !y bo? kneel$ be=e !   
?rone ( ,god & ?ank$ him = _!           
pres]vation ?us f>1 & ?r[+ !mselves ^u 8
 goodness & b\nty1 ask$ help 9 _! ne$ & 
safety 9 ! future4 ,)\t ris+ f 8 knees1 
,b51 ev5 9 ! angui% ( 8 he>t1 consol$ 8 
wife1 rem>k+1 t ! d>ke/ h\r is always j 
be=e daylight4  ,! blacks ( ! ,s\? h _! 
own peculi> moral maxims1 applicable to 
all situations 9 life1 & ! slaves n kn[+
 h[ to read committ$ su* ,bible tru?s z 
7 read to !m f "t to "t4 ,x is true !y 7
 g5]ally sup]/iti\s 9 a great degree1 z 

all ignorant p]sons are2 yet _! native  
s5se ( "r l$ !m to adopt ! be/ & mo/    
religi\s pr9ciples1 dress$ 9 homely     
say+s1 _! circum/ances p]mitt$4  ,b5 d>e
 n /ay v long at a "t 9 8 wife's cab91 z
 a /rict wat* 0 con/antly kept1 t !     
runaway might be appreh5d$4 ,bidd+ 8    
wife f>ewell1 ,b5 ha/5$ back to "o ( a  
numb] ( 8 hid+-places1 !re to /ay ?r\gh 
! day1 unless r\t$ out by ! blood-h\nds4
 ,he 0 =tunate1 h[ev]1 9 ! help ( ,god1 
= 8 safety1 & ! ef=ts ( ! h\nds & !     
h\nds' foll[]s 7 futile4  ,f9ally1      
,wilson gave up *as+ ,b5 ) blood-h\nds1 
& resolv$ to try a bett] & m human      
me?od4 ,he b\ght ,b5's wife & left h] ) 
,/ruck]1 ) in/ructions to s5d h] & ,b5  
to 8 plantation if ,b5 0 will+ = !      
arrangem5t4 ,b5 soon got ^w ( h[ matt]s 
/ood ) ref]5ce to himself1 & conclud$ if
 he c\ld live ) 8 wife on ! same        
plantation t x 0 ! v be/ he c\ld d1 s he
 acc$$ to ! wi%es ( ,wilson1 & 0 s5t ) 8
 wife to ,wilson4  ,! happ9ess ( ?is    
c\ple 0 unb\nd$ :5 !y f\nd !y c\ld once 

m live toge!r z ,god int5d$ !y %\ld1 & !
 poor wife 9 h] great gratitude cri$1   
,god is on our side6 ,b5 repli$ t he _h 
told h] on "o occasion t ,god 0 on _!   
side1 & t ! d>ke/ h\r 0 j be=e day4  ,! 
usual expression us$ by ! blacks :5 a   
runaway return$ to 8 ma/] 0 t he _h come
 out ( ! woods2 t is1 he _h left 8 hid+ 
place 9 ! woods & return$ to !          
plantation to "w4  ,:5 ,i he>d t uncle  
,b5 _h come out ( ! woods1 & 0 com+ to  
live on our plantation1 my joy knew no  
b\nds4 ,on ! day :5 he 0 expect$ to     
arrive ,i got p]mission to g out on !   
road "s di/ance & meet !m4 ,e>ly 9 !    
morn+ ,i caught a horse & />t$4 ,e wagon
 ,i met fill$ me ) hope & fe> bl5d$2    
hope t ! wagon conta9$ my uncle & aunt1 
& fe> t x did n4 ,i rode on1 on1 on1 all
 t day1 until my he>t 0 sick ) hope     
def]r$4 ,i _h receiv$ ord]s be=e />t+ t 
if ,i did n meet !m t day to return     
home4 ,b ,i 0 s f> f home1 & ) /ra9+ my 
eyes to cat* a glimpse ( my uncle1 add$ 
to my ke5 disappo9tm5t 9 n see+ !m1 made

 me feel tir$1 sick1 & worn out4 ,s ,i  
/opp$ at a fri5dly cab9 t night1 aft]   
tell+ ! inmates :o ,i 0 & :at my err& 04
 ,e>ly ! next morn+ ,i 0 out1 & !       
anxiety to see my uncle 0 s great ,i    
?\ght ,i w\ld ride out ! road a %ort    
di/ance 9 ! hope ( meet+ him1 not)/&+ my
 ord]s to return home4 ,aft] travel+    
ab\t an h\r ,i met ! wagon conta9+ uncle
 ,b5 & 8 wife4 ,! joy ( t mom5t to me is
 inexpressible4 ,hav+ be5 depriv$ ( "m &
 fa!r he 0 ! only relative my si/]s &   
myself c\ld ev] h any hopes ( see+ aga94
 ,my he>t rejoic$ exce$+ly4 ,i 01 z x 71
 a new boy entirely1 s ov]come 0 ,i4 ,we
 all arriv$ home t same day1 & x 0 a mu*
 m pleasant trip ?an ,i _h tak5 ! day   
be=e4 ,on t day x 0 all anxiety1 mix$ ) 
hope & fe>2 to-day x 0 all joy &        
?anksgiv+1 aga9 prov+ uncle ,b5's say+ t
 ! d>ke/ h\r is always j be=e day4 ,my  
si/]s 7 simply wild ) joy :5 we arriv$4 
,!y ran out ! road to meet1 u cry+1 ,!re
 comes uncle ,b52 we h "o m fri5d6 ,we 7
 all com=t$ & rejoic$ to a v great      

ext5t1 & we felt inde$ t we _h "o m     
fri5d ) u4 ,we 7 z happy z slaves c\ld  
be1 & sp5t all ! "t we c\ld             
toge!r--uncle ,b51 8 wife1 my si/]s1 &  
myself4  ,b ,wilson h>bor$ a grudge t[>d
 uncle ,b5 because he _h to buy 8 wife 9
 ord] to get him1 & _h said t if he ev] 
got ,b5 aft] he ran away he w\ld :ip him
 to dea?4 ,he treat$ ,b5 v well = ! "t  
be+1 b ab\t a ye> aft] he _h got him    
home he began to put 8 plans into       
op]ation = sev]ely puni%+ him4 ,he 0    
afraid ( ,b5's pray]s4 ,al?\gh ,wilson  
w\ld n h hesitat$ a mom5t to h put any  
plan into execution he may h conceiv$1  
"u ord9>y circum/ances1 yet pray+ ,b51  
:ile def5d+ himself by appeals to       
,almighty ,god 0 /rong] ?an ) c>nal     
weapons 9 8 h&s4 ,wilson proce$$        
cauti\sly & laid sn>es = ,b54 ,uncle ,b5
 0 "o ( ! be/ h&s on ! plantation1 &    
religi\sly p]=m$ ! labor allot$ him     
truly & p]si/5tly4 ,he obey$ 8 ov]se] & 
,wilson 9 all ?+s p]ta9+ to 8 manual    
occupation1 & obey$ ,god to ! v be/ ( 8 

ability 9 ?is z 9 ev]y?+ else4 ,b       
,wilson want$ to puni% ,b51 & 0 det]m9$ 
to d s4 ,he knew t ,b5 0 a fai?ful slave
 to labor1 & 0 reliable1 yet he wi%$ to 
break ,b5's _s--8 manhood1 ! ,god "p (  
him4 ,wilson did n seem to "k t he 0 n  
fight+ ,b5 9 8 s*eme ( rev5ge b t he 0  
fight+ ,god 9 ,b51 & t al?\gh he puni%$ 
,b5 to ! dea? he w\ld be conqu]$        
himself1 & m sev]ely puni%$ ?an he c\ld 
ev] hope to puni% ,b54 ,b ,wilson 0 mad1
 infatuat$1 & satanically det]m9$4      
,precauti\s prep>ations 7 made by       
,wilson to insure success 9 8 rev5geful 
s*eme1 & aft] hav+ obta9$ ! aid ( sev]al
 neighbors :o 7 :at might be call$      
pr(essional slave-:ipp]s1 he deem$ 8    
und]tak+ to puni% & conqu] ,b5 fully    
ripe = execution4 ,b5 be+ a field h& 0  
busily employ$ pick+ cotton1 ) a        
pray]ful he>t1 & a wat*ful eye on       
,wilson4 ,f ,wilson's actions ,b5 0 sure
 some?+ 0 go+ to occur :i* w\ld ne>ly   
conc]n him1 & hav+ be5 hunt$ l a bea/ he
 _h become suspici\s & on 8 gu>d all !  

"t4 ,hav+ a feel+ ( pres5tim5t1 he 0    
uneasy1 &1 z 0 usual ) him1 he kneel$   
d[n & ask$ ,god to protect him f !      
ma*9ations ( 8 enemies1 & give him he>t1
 c\rage1 & /r5g? to ov]come ! evil      
int5d$ him4 ,:ile pray+ he 0 />tl$ by ! 
snort ( a horse1 & on look+ ar\nd to    
asc]ta9 ! cause ( ! noise he discov]$   
himself almo/ surr\nd$ by arm$ m5 on    
horseback4 ,no "t to ?9k n[2 ! "t =     
action _h arriv$4 ,b5 knew at once !    
flight 0 = life4 ,bett]1 h[ev]1 0 dea?  
?an to be ?us hunt$ & h>ass$4 ,b\nd+    
?r\gh ! field he ga9$ a fri5dly cov]t1 &
 seem+ly by m]e *ance he elud$ 8 pursu]s
 & ! h\nds4 ,b5 ?ank$ ,god = 8          
deliv]ance4 ,wilson ) 8 he>tless b& 7   
aga9 baffl$1 & ) man-hunt+ &            
disappo9tm5ts 9 8 man-*ase he became    
furi\s4 ,b5 /ay$ 9 ! woods ab\t f\r     
weeks1 & dur+ all ?is "t my si/]s1 ,b5's
 wife1 & myself 7 kept 9 close          
conf9em5t1 to keep u f communicat+ ) ,b5
 or r5d]+ him any assi/ance4 ,?us all ( 
u _h to suff]4 ,b we 7 only slaves4     

,wilson f9ally took ,b5's wife to a man 
9 ,ox=d1 ab\t tw5ty-five miles di/ant1 &
 came back circulat+ ! ^w among ! blacks
 t he _h sold h]4 ,wilson _h made       
arrangem5ts at ,ox=d ) "s pr(essional   
slave-hunt]s to cat* ,b5 if he ev] came 
to see 8 wife1 = :i* purpose %e _h be5  
tak5 !re4  ,aft] a "t ,b5 0 in=m$ t he &
 8 wife _h be5 sold by ,wilson to a man 
9 ,ox=d1 & ( c\rse believ+ su* to be !  
fact1 he w5t !re to see h]1 & make      
arrangem5ts = ! future4 ,8 wife 0 told  
by ! man ) :om ,wilson _h left h] t he  
_h b\ght bo? h] & ,b51 & wi%$ h] to get 
,b5 to come out ( ! woods4 ,labor+ "u   
?is delusion1 ,b5 0 mon?4 ,! cab9 0     
surr\nd$ by arm$ m51 :5 ,b5 0 ov]p[]$1  
*a9$1 & put 9 jail = safe keep+ until   
,wilson %\ld come aft] him4 ,liv+ 9 !   
woods s long & ! h>% treatm5t he 0 n[   
receiv+ wore ,b5 d[n consid]ably2 yet1  
believ+ t ! d>ke/ h\r is j be=e day1 he 
reli$ on ,god's help 9 8 mis]y4  ,wilson
 came = ,b5 9 due "t1 & aft] *a9+ him   
securely ar\nd ! neck he fa/5$ "o end ( 

! *a9 to ! re> ( 8 buggy & lit]ally1 a  
"p ( ! "t1 dragg$ him to ,holly ,spr+s1 
ab\t ?irty miles f ,ox=d1 :]e he sold   
him to a man :o _h ! reputation ( be+ ! 
h>de/ ma/] 9 ! c\ntry4 ,wilson aft]w>ds 
took ,b5's wife home4 ,?us !y 7         
sep>at$1--,b5 & 8 wife1--nev] to meet   
aga9 on ?is e>?4  ,wilson told me :5 he 
got home t he _h s5t ,b5 to hell1 & t he
 w\ld s5d me !re too4 ,infatuat$ man2 he
 suppos$ he _h done ) ,b5 = ! v wor/2 he
 ?\ght he _h z mu* p[] ov] ! s\ls ( 8   
slaves z he _h "u ! laws ov] _! bodies4 
,he f\nd1 h[ev]1 9 "t1 t ,god 0 ) u1 & 9
 8 good "t he deliv]$ u f our bondage & 
puni%$ our p]secutors z !y des]v$4      
,,*apt] ,,ii4  ,n s5t to hell by        
,wilson--,mrs4 ,wilson protects me1 to  
:om ,i belong--,s5t to s*ool ) !        
*ildr5--,! s*ool-*ildr5 tea* me to read 
& write--,:at came ( x--,m\nt t mule or 
,i'll %oot y--,i m\nt$ ! mule--,a />t = 
! railroad to "w--,i dism\nt & take to !
 woods--,i owe allegiance to ,god & my  
c\ntry only4   ,! monoton\s t$ium (     

r\t9e slave-labor 0 v (t5 brok5 by "s   
sc5e ( cruelty to "o or ano!r ( ! poor  
blacks1 ei!r by ! ma/] or 8 ov]se]2 &   
woe unto ! luckless "o if ! ma/] %\ld   
happ5 to be 9 a good mood to break      
bones4 ,al?\gh slaves 7 wor? money 9 !  
,s\? at t "t1 yet ! ungov]nable passions
 ( "s if n mo/ ma/]s f\nd free v5t 9    
cruelty to _! own prop]ty--t is1 _!     
slaves4 ,?is 0 ! case ) ,wilson1 & no   
opportunity 0 miss$ by him to make a    
poor black feel ! effects ( 8 bruti%    
nature & passions4 ,8 wife1 on ! o!r h&1
 made e ef=t to protect ! blacks on !   
plantation z mu* z possible4 ,:5 ,wilson
 ?reat5$ to s5d me to hell1 z he _h tri$
 to s5d uncle ,b51 ,mrs4 ,wilson came   
=w>d 9 my behalf & sav$ me f h] husb&'s 
unw>rant$ wra? by tell+ him t %e wi%$   
,*>les to accompany h] *ildr5 to s*ool &
 take su* c>e ( !m z might be requir$4  
,x 0 cu/om>y 9 ! ,s\? = families :o own$
 slaves to s5d "o or m ( !m ) _! *ildr5 
:5 !y att5d$ s*ool z wait]s1 or p]sonal 
s]vants1 & z ,i belong$ to ,mrs4        

,wilson1 be+ an inh]it$ *attel1 ,wilson 
acc$$ to h] dem&1 & ,i 0 s5t along ) !  
*ildr5 :5 !y w5t to s*ool4 ,i 0 n all[$ 
to sit ) ! :ite *ildr5 9 s*ool1 b ,i    
loaf$ ar\nd h&y1 ready = a call f ei!r (
 my "y mi/resses4  ,! laws1 ! enlight5$ 
laws ( ! s\!rn /ates1 prohibit$1 "u     
heavy p5alties1 ! education ( a slave1  
or ev5 a negro1 al?\gh free2 yet "s ( u1
 "u v disadvantage\s circum/ances1 le>n$
 to read & write4  ,x has always be5 a  
k9d ( habit ) me to be do+ some?+ all ! 
"t1 & :5 n actually employ$ 9 "s active 
"w ,i w\ld make use ( my "t = "s good   
purpose2 & :ile loaf+ ar\nd t s*ool-h\se
 x occurr$ to me z be+ /range t ! :ite  
*ildr5 %\ld be compell$ to sit & /udy   
h\r aft] h\r1 :ile u little d>kies loaf$
 ar\nd & did no?+4 ,:y c\ldn't we light5
 our "y ma/]s & mi/resses ( t labor z   
well z o!r k9ds ( labor8 ,i det]m9$ t my
 "y mi/resses %\ld n be made slaves ( by
 ! s*ool-ma/]1 b t ,i w\ld d t "w = !m1 
z !y 7 g5]ally s k9d to me4 ,s ,i       
propos$ ! matt] to !m1 & !y 7 trem5d\sly

 pleas$2 at lea/ !y laugh$ & *att$ a    
great deal ab\t me gett+ _! lessons =   
!m1 :i* s elat$ me t ,i c\ld n avoid    
turn+ h&spr+s & som]saults all ! way    
home t ev5+1 my joy be+ s great at !    
idea ( do+ my mi/resses ! favor ( tak+  
su* great labor (f _! h&s z gett+ _!    
lessons4 ,i did n d\bt my ability to    
p]=m ! "w1 = ,i 0 /\t1 he>ty1 & l>ge =  
my age1 & c\ld almo/ make a full h& 9 ! 
field4 ,su* 0 my idea at t "t ( gett+   
lessons4 ,h[ev]1 ! next day my "y       
mi/resses told me ! s*ool-ma/] w\ld n   
all[ me to /udy _! lessons = !m1 b t ,i 
might take a book & sit outside ( !     
s*ool-h\se & /udy !re1 b t ,i mu/ be    
sure & n let any "o see me4 ,:y n8 ,:y  
%\ld ,i n /udy lessons 9 ! s*ool-h\se = 
my "y mi/resses8 ,because x is aga9/ !  
law = slaves to le>n to read & write4   
,well1 t is curi\s4 ,a p]son1 because he
 is a slave1 mu/ n /udy lessons2 mu/ n  
le>n to read & write because x is aga9/ 
! law4 ,:at law8  ,my mi/ress us$ (t5 to
 read to ! *ildr5 f a book :i* told ab\t

 ,jesus1 & ,m>y1 & ,laz>us1 & ,pet]1 &  
,paul2 & h[ ,jesus 0 our ,savior1 & %$ 8
 preci\s blood = ! r$emption ( all :o   
believ$ him & w\ld obey 8 comm&s2 & h[  
,jesus said1 ,suff] little *ildr5 to    
come unto me1 = ( su* is ! k+dom (      
heav54 ,did ! law prohibit me f /udy+   
lessons out ( a book ab\t ,jesus1 &     
le>n+ to read ab\t ,jesus z my mi/ress  
did8 ,:5 my mi/ress s5t my "y mi/resses 
to ,jesus w\ldn't %e s5d me along ) !m j
 ! same z %e s5t me to s*ool ) !m8 ,i   
reckon s4 ,su* 0 my reason+2 & ,i       
det]m9$ to assi/ my "y mi/resses 9 gett+
 _! lessons1 law or no law1 let !       
consequ5ces be :at !y may4  ,i receiv$ !
 book & w5t out f ! s*ool-h\se a %ort   
di/ance1 & secur$ myself f obs]vation 9 
a %ady place4 ,i op5$ ! book--a         
spell+-book x 04 ,hallo6 "h's a dog & a 
cat1 & "h's a %eep too1 & "r "h 9 !     
corn] is a yoke--a regul> ox-yoke4      
,well1 n[1 ?is is nice4 ,s ,i got my    
fir/ idea ( :at a book conta9$ by !     
pictures 9 a spell+-book4 ,! pr9t 9 !   

book meant some?+1 ,i 0 sure1 & my m9d 0
 employ$ until recess 9 endeavors to    
make out :at ! pr9t & pictures 7 int5d$ 
=4 ,! s*ol>s came out at recess1 & my   
mi/resses gave me su* in/ructions z !y 7
 able1 :i* gave me a />t ahead t enabl$ 
me to memorize ! fir/ six lett]s ( !    
alphabet by ! "t s*ool dismiss$ = noon4 
,i began to be deeply int]e/$ 9 /udy+   
lessons1 & 0 soon1 aft] h>d /udy1       
complete ma/] ( ! alphabet4 ,i c\ld     
repeat x =w>ds & backw>ds1 & c\ld       
in/antly tell ! "n ( any lett] po9t$ out
 to me4 ,my mi/resses seem$ to take     
great pleasure 9 tea*+ me1 & ,i 0 v     
anxi\s to le>n4 ,i soon f\nd t ,i c\ld  
und]/& 9 a great measure ! in/ructions !
 tea*] gave to ! diff]5t s*ol>s1 by :i* 
,i pr(it$4 ,i sat 9 ! back "p ( ! h\se1 
beh9d ! s*ol>s1 ) my "y mi/ress' old    
book 9 my h&1 & held x s t nobody c\ld  
see x1 & /udi$ con/antly day aft] day1  
:i* soon advanc$ me beyond "s ( ! :ite  
*ildr5 old] ?an myself 9 le>n+4 ,i le>n$
 to spell & read2 & my appetite = k     

increas+1 my "y mi/ress set copies = me1
 & by ! "t ! s*ool-t]m 0 out ,i c\ld    
spell1 read1 & write4  ,slaves on l>ge  
plantations 9 ! ,s\? 7 work$ 9 gangs1 "u
 ! g5]al sup]vision ( ! ov]se] or       
slave-own]4 ,! gangs 7 plac$ "u !       
imm$iate sup]vision ( a tru/y &         
intellig5t slave1 ^: duty x 0 to see t  
ea* h& p]=m$ 8 or h] allott$ task1 to   
weigh cotton dur+ ! pick+ season1 & to  
direct ! slaves 9 _! labor1 & 7 call$   
field sup]9t5d5ts or bosses4 ,?is 0 my  
position on ! plantation a %ort "t aft] 
s*ool 0 out = ! t]m4  ,= ! fir/ few days
 aft] my t]m at s*ool z wait] = my "y   
mi/resses1 ,i 0 ord]$ into ! field to   
pick cotton1 b 0 %ortly plac$ ov] ! h&s 
z boss & cotton-weigh]4 ,ea* pick] _h a 
/9t or daily task to p]=m2 t is1 ea* (  
!m 0 requir$ to pick s _m p\nds (       
cotton1 & :5 9 default 7 unm]cifully    
:ipp$4 ,i _h ! cotton ( ea* h& to weigh1
 ?ree times ea* day1 & _h to keep !     
weights ( ea* h& sep>ate & correctly 9  
my m9d & report to ,wilson e night4 ,i  

d>e n let ,wilson or any ( ! slaves "k t
 ,i knew any?+ ab\t figures or c\ld read
 or write1 = a k ( ^? rudim5ts (        
education 0 consid]$ crim9al 9 a slave4 
,! slaves 7 ne>ly always jeal\s & envi\s
 ( a boss ( _! own color1 & left no     
pretext untri$ to br+ a boss into       
disrepute ) ! ma/] & consequ5t corporal 
puni%m5t4 ,& %\ld ,i make a mis/atem5t (
 ! weight ( any "o h&'s cotton1 t h&    
w\ld "k x4 ,!re=e at ! "t ,i am n[ writ+
 ( ,i _h ! weights ( ab\t ?ree hundr$   
baskets ( cotton to report to ,wilson e 
day4 ,?is 0 h>d m9d-"w = me1 b ,i ma/]$ 
! situation & escap$ sup]s$ure &        
puni%m5t4 ,i held ! position (          
field-sup]9t5d5t ab\t n9e ye>s1 & p]=m$ 
my duties fai?fully & hone/ly1 to !     
satisfaction ( my ma/] & ! h&s "u me    
g5]ally4  ,:y 0 ,i s fai?ful & dutiful  
to my slave ma/]8 ,simply because ,i 0  
do+ my duty to ,god & act+ 9 ob$i5ce to 
! comm&s ( ,*ri/2 = my book taught me to
 d good & %un evil--to obey ! reveal$ w 
( ,god no matt] :at position ,i might be

 plac$ 94 ,z a slave ,i lov$ to d ! w ( 
! ,ma/] 9 heav52 z a responsible human  
be+ ,i c\ld d no less4  ,i improv$ my k1
 :5ev] opportunity occurr$1 & x 0 b a   
%ort "t1 comp>atively1 until ,i f\nd out
 = myself1 by se>*+ ! ,scriptures       
cl&e/9ely1 ! great tru?s t ,jesus       
taught4 ,i read1 pond]$1 & began ! "w ( 
self-reg5]ation4 ,i read t ,god requir$ 
( me to d c]ta9 ?+s2 t unless ,i obey$ !
 comm&s ( ,jesus ,i c\ld expect no help 
f ,god4 ,i f\nd t ,i 0 comm&$ to d1 & n 
/& /ill & wait = o!rs to d = me4 ,! way 
seem$ to op5 be=e me pla9ly &           
unmi/akably1 & engrav$ ! comm& to d     
firmly 9 my he>t1 9 ! simple words1 ,d !
 w ( ,god4 ,i obey$ ! comm&s ( our      
,savior 9 all ! ess5tials ( rep5tance1  
baptism1 & 9 ev]y?+1 & began ! real "w (
 my life--( liv+ & be+ a s]vant ( ,god &
 a fai?ful foll[] ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,my   
field ( labor 0 my own he>t1 :i* ,i     
endeavor$ to r5d] pure 9 ! sight ( ,god4
 ,b a %ort "t elaps$ :5 my "w )9 myself 
began to be> fruit 9 my ef=ts to r$eem  

my fell[-slaves f s9 & make !m *ildr5 ( 
,god4 ,i labor$ ) !m 9 a _s ( bro!rly   
love1 & urg$ !m1 9 season & out (       
season1 to come to ,jesus4 ,my labors 7 
n 9 va91 = a great _m 7 br\ght to ! alt>
 ( pray] ?r\gh my ex]tions1 & 7 =giv54  
,wilson f\nd out t ,i c\ld read & write4
 ,dur+ ! "t ( cotton-pick+1 ! la/ season
 ,i 0 sup]9t5d5t1 a protract$ meet+ 0   
held 9 ! neighborhood1 & my ma/] &      
mi/ress att5d$ regul>ly4 ,! only "t ,i  
c\ld g 0 on ,sunday1 & ,i look$ =w>d to 
t day ) hope & pleasure4 ,on ,saturday  
ev5+ my ma/] /ay$ to *ur*1 & did n      
expect to return home until ,sunday     
ev5+4 ,my report ( weights 7 on my m9d1 
& ,i became some:at uneasy ab\t ! result
 if ,i %\ld attempt to rememb] !m until 
! foll[+ ,monday4 ,:at to d "u !        
circum/ances ,i did n "k2 yet ,i knew t 
:]e !re 0 a w !re 0 a way4 ,i 0 afraid  
to set ! weights d[n = fe> ( detection &
 puni%m5t4 ,i hesitat$ & tri$ to ?9k (  
"s safe way out ( ! dilemma4 ,i knew if 
,i let ! matt] re/ ov] ,sunday ,i w\ld n

 rememb] ! weights1 = ! reason t my m9d 
0 s employ$ & tak5 up ) ! religi\s      
revival t 0 !n go+ on 9 ! neighborhood1 
9 :i* ,i 0 v mu* int]e/$ on my own      
acc\nt & on acc\nt ( my fell[-slaves4 ,i
 pray$ to ,god to direct me "r4 ,!      
ov]se] us$ a slate on :i* to set d[n !  
weights ( cotton1 :i* 0 hang+ 9 8 cab94 
,i took ! slate d[n1 made ! entries (   
weights ) ! names ( ! pick]s1 & hung x  
up aga94 ,dur+ ! next day 7,sunday7 !   
ov]se] came home1 & f\nd ! slate ) !    
entries on x ,i _h made4 ,he 0 some:at  
surpris$4 ,:5 ,wilson came home he 0    
duly in=m$ ( ! fact4 ,i 0 call$1 & ord]$
 into ! pres5ce4 ,i knew x 0 unlawful = 
me to "k h[ to write1 & ,i dread$ !     
consequ5ces ( my ra% act1 yet ,i        
unhesitat+ly1 & ) a c\rage t surpris$   
me1 w5t to ! h\se4  ,:o wrote ^! names &
 weights on ?is slate1 ,*>les8 ask$ ,mr4
 ,wilson4  ,i did x1 sir1 ,i answ]$4    
,h[ & :5 did y le>n to write8  ,dur+ !  
"t ,i att5d$ my "y mi/resses to s*ool1  
sir4  ,wilson look$ at me long &        

angrily1 & rem>k$ t ,i _h kept t fact   
secret = a long "t1 & t z ,i _h le>n$ to
 read & write he c\ld n help x4 ,b y mu/
 rememb]1 ,*>les1 he cont9u$1 t ! law is
 t if any negro %all be f\nd writ+1 8   
=ef+] %all be cut (f at ! fir/ jo9t4    
,my "t _h n[ come = my fir/ puni%m5t1 ,i
 ?\ght4 ,a day or two aft] ,i he>d      
,wilson1 :ile 9 conv]sation ) ! ov]se]1 
say1 ,x w n d to let ,*>les /ay ) ! re/ 
( ! negroes1 or he w le>n !m all to read
 & write1 & !n we might z well set !m   
free4  ,:at 0 to be done ) me = my      
unp>donable crime8 ,all k9ds ( surmises 
& speculations ent]$ my m9d4 ,:at 0 to  
be my fate8 ,belong+ to ,mrs4           
,wilson--h] prop]ty--,i 0 plac$ 9 *>ge (
 h] son ,james1 :o employ$ me at team+1 
t is1 haul+ cotton1 lumb]1 etc4  ,9 ?is 
occupation ,i became pretty well        
acqua9t$ ) ! surr\nd+ c\ntry & ! p1 & 0 
v well satisfi$ ) matt]s g5]ally z !y !n
 /ood4 ,b ,i 0 soon to le>n t my "y ma/]
 0 only anxi\s to c>ry out ! plans ( 8  
fa!r1 & 0 det]m9$ to puni%1 or1 z !y    

pleas$ to t]m x1 break me1 m]ely because
 ,i 0 relat$ to ,b5--because ,i 0 able  
to read & write z well if n bett] ?an   
,james ,wilson himself4  ,i 0 told "o   
day by ,james t he _h hir$ me to a man 9
 ,pontotoc to "w 9 a liv]y-/able1 & t ,i
 mu/ come to 8 plantation )\t delay4 ,:5
 ,i arriv$ ,i 0 in=m$ t in/ead ( go+ to 
,pontotoc ,i %\ld g to ! railroad !n    
build+ ?r\gh ,mississippi1 & "w = ,mr4  
,leadbitt]4 ,i expo/ulat$ ) my ma/]1 &  
urg$ him1 ) all ! pleas & argum5ts at my
 comm&1 to all[ me to rema9 on !        
plantation or g to ,pontotoc1 b to no   
avail4 ,he :ipp$ out 8 six-%oot]1 rav+ &
 swe>+1 & bade me m\nt "o ( two mules   
in/ant] or he w\ld %oot me on ! spot4 ,i
 m\nt$ ! mule4  ,my reasons = n want+ to
 g to ! railroad to "w 7 good4 ,!re 0   
pl5ty to d on ! plantation1 & !re 0 no  
good cause = s5d+ me away4 ,i fe>$ r\gh 
usage at ! railroad1 & r\gh]            
associations4 ,i _h by ?is "t become !  
religi\s tea*] ( all ! well-dispos$     
slaves 9 ! neighborhood1 & ,i 0 s mu*   

int]e/$ 9 my labors t ,i doom$ my great 
,ma/]'s "w ( too mu* importance to be   
driv5 away f x )\t a /ruggle4 ,i 0 no   
c[>d1 & 0 always ready to /& out to !   
end aga9/ all opposition1 :5 my duty z a
 humble foll[] ( ,jesus 0 9 "q4 ,!re=e  
my reluctance to be driv5 f my place (  
usefulness4 ,h[ev]1 ,i got on ! mule &  
/>t$1 9 company ) a color$ man :o 0 go+ 
) me to br+ ! mules back4 ,aft] travel+ 
f\r or five miles1 & :5 at a conv5i5t   
place1 ,i dism\nt$ f ! mules & told my  
companion ,i 0 go+ no f>!r ) him1 & t if
 ,wilson want$ any "o to g to ! railroad
 to "w he might g himself2 & ,i took to 
! woods4  ,?is 0 ! fir/ "t ,i ev]       
attempt$ to escape & ga9 my fre$om4     
,:e!r ,i 0 "r or wrong ,i %all n say1   
only ,i ask y to put y\rself 9 my place 
z ,i 0 !n situat$1 & draw y\r own       
conclusions4 ,x is true ,i _h =m$ de> & 
ne> associations1 & ! old neighborhood  
_h be5 ! sc5e ( my trials & triumphs4   
,my ma/] _h be5 uni=mly k9d1 z mu* s at 
lea/ z 8 disposition w\ld all[1 yet ,i  

felt1 al?\gh my sk9 0 black1 ,i 0       
entitl$ to & des]v$ fre$om to wor%ip    
,god accord+ to ! dictates ( my own     
consci5ce1 & to tea* o!rs ! way to      
ev]la/+ life4 ,i felt t ,i 0 a man made 
aft] ,god's own image1 & t no "o _h any 
"r to a prop]ty 9 me z a m]e *attel1 all
 human laws to ! contr>y not)/&+4 ,i did
 n deem t ,i 0 a crim9al1 & t ,i 0      
escap+ f p5al s]vitude2 b t ,i 0 "o (   
,god's *ildr51 escap+ f a worse ?an     
,egyptian bondage4 ,i rightfully ow$    
allegiance to ,god & my c\ntry only4 ,s 
,i run away4     ,,*apt] ,,iii4         
,caught1 ,tri$1 & ,tak5 ,back ,home to  
,james ,wilson--,my ,mi/ress ,saves me f
 ,be+ ,:ipp$--,i g to ! ,railroad & ,"w 
"o ,mon? ,precisely--,g ,back           
,home--,wilson ,surpris$--,left !       
,railroad at #c o'clock ,a4,m4--,did n  
,want to ,di/urb ,leadbitt]'s re/--,s5t 
to ,memphis ) a ,load ( ,cotton--,afraid
 ( ! ,slave-p5s & ,slave-auction--,/>t =
 ,home--,n ,sold--,pray1 ,s+1 &         
,%\t--,get ,home & ,ord]$ to ,hire      

myself out4   ,! peculi> feel+s "o has  
:o is a runaway are indescribable4 ,i   
felt e bit an outca/1 & 0 fright5$ by ! 
lea/ noise or ! sight ( any p]son1 & !  
yelp ( a h\nd 0 t]ror to me4 ,i skulk$ &
 hid 9 ! woods all day until night1 :5  
,i conclud$ to g to t[n1 get some?+ to  
eat1 & make my arrangem5ts = ! future4  
,:5 ! hoy1 :o 0 s5t by ,wilson ) me1    
return$ & repeat$ to him my words1      
v5geance 0 sworn aga9/ me1 & ! h\nds 7  
turn$ loose = imm$iate *ase4 ,i w5t to !
 t[n ( ,pontotoc1 & :ile !re refre%+    
myself 9 a cab9 ,i he>d h\nds :9+4 ,t 0 
suffici5t to in=m me t ,i 0 trapp$4 ,:at
 to d ,i did n "k1 b w5t to ! door ) !  
int5tion ( mak+ my escape1 if possible1 
:5 ,i 0 met by ,james ,wilson & five o!r
 p]sons fully arm$4 ,resi/ance 0        
useless1 ! h\nds w\ld h caught me be=e  
,i c\ld h run a hundr$ y>ds1 ev5 if ,i  
c\ld h escap$ ! bullets4 ,i surr5d]$1 & 
0 securely ti$ by ,james ,wilson & 8    
gang & tak5 back to ! plantation4 ,dire 
?reats 7 made aga9/ me1 b my mi/ress1   

,james' "m1 sav$ me aga94 ,%e in=m$ h]  
son t ,*>les belong$ to h]2 t ,*>les' "m
 _h plac$ him1 "u ! c>e ( ,god1 9 h]    
cu/ody1 & t %e did n int5d to h him     
beat54  ,james insi/$ on break+ me1 z he
 t]m$ x1 & f9ally prevail$ on 8 "m1 )   
promises1 t if %e w\ld let him deal ) me
 he w\ld break me )\t :ipp+ me4 ,%e     
cons5t$4 ,james came to ! cab9 :]e ,i 0 
ti$ & *a9$1 & told me t he did n desire 
to :ip me1 b t if ,i did n g to !       
railroad to "w e slave on ! plantation  
w\ld become demoraliz$1 & !y w\ld all d 
z !y pleas$4 ,8 words & mann] 7 v k9d & 
conciliatory1 yet ,i took !m = :at !y 7 
wor?1 & did n believe him2 = he w\ld h  
:ipp$ me sev]ely if he _h d>$ d s4 ,8   
reason+ reg>d+ ! poor1 ignorant slaves  
on ! plantation1 h[ev]1 0 to ! po9t4 ,9 
_! ignorance !y w\ld suppose t if ,i    
c\ld d z ,i pleas$ & n be puni%$1 !y    
c\ld d ! same2 & !y w\ld1 9 all         
probability1 create an insurrection :i* 
w\ld result 9 _! own de/ruction4 ,= _!  
sakes ,i acc$$ to ,james' wi%es4 ,he    

told me t if ,i w\ld g to ! railroad &  
"w = ,leadbitt] "o mon?1 t ,i might aft]
 t "t hire myself out to :om ,i pleas$ &
 = z long a "t z ,i pleas$4  ,i 0 giv5 a
 lett] to ,leadbitt]1 & imm$iately />t$ 
on foot = ! railroad4 ,:5 ,i arriv$ !re 
,i h&$ ! lett] to ,mr4 ,leadbitt]1 :o   
ask$ me h[ long ,i _h come to /ay ) him4
 ,i told him "o mon?4 ,he broke ! lett] 
op51 & aft] read+ x in=m$ me t ,james   
,wilson /at$ 9 ! lett] t ,i 0 to /ay z  
long z he want$ me4 ,?is 0 a piece (    
intellig5ce t le>n$ me t ,james ,wilson 
w\ld lie1 & f t "t =w>d ,i _h no        
confid5ce 9 8 tru?fulness4 ,i did n "k  
:at 0 be/ to d1 b f9ally made up my m9d 
to fulfill & make good my promise1 &    
tru/ to ! future to compel ,james       
,wilson to p]=m 84 ,i ?\ght ?is ! "r    
c\rse4 ,i did n deem t ,i w\ld be       
ju/ifi$ 9 break+ my promise because     
,wilson 0 unreliable & broke 84 ,i      
conclud$ t if ,leadbitt] kept me long]  
?an "o mon? he w\ld h to be sm>t] ?an ,i
 gave him cr$it = be+4 ,i ask$          

,leadbitt] h[ _m days !re 7 9 t mon?4   
,i w5t to "w1 & kept acc\nt ( ! days4 ,i
 work$ c>efully4 ,! "t pass$ sl[ly &    
we>ily4 ,my associations 7 ( ! wor/ "*  
possible1 & my co-labor]s 7 ( t l[e/    
class ( s\!rn blacks ^: ignorance &     
wayw>dness r5d] !m mo/ ( ! "t m ?an     
brutal4 ,i made e ef=t to d good among  
!m1 & endeavor$ to prea* to !m on sev]al
 occasions1 b 0 int]rupt$ & det]r$ by ! 
:ites1 :o =bade my prea*+4 ,i talk$ to !
 blacks1 h[ev]1 :5ev] opportunity       
occurr$1 & ,i hope t my labors = ,jesus 
7 n 9 va94  ,! la/ day ( my mon? came & 
pass$4 ,x 0 ,friday4 ,on ,saturday      
morn+1 ab\t ?ree o'clock1 ,i />t$ =     
home1 & ) rapid walk+ ,i rea*$ my       
de/9ation ab\t two h\rs aft] sunrise4   
,:5 ,i rea*$ ! plantation ,i cut across 
lots1 & pass$ ?r\gh ! field :]e ,wilson 
0 at "w ) ! h&s4 ,i approa*$1 unobs]v$  
by him1 & spoke to him4 ,he look$ at me 
) a/oni%m5t1 & 9 surprise ask$1 ,:at are
 y do+ "h8  ,y told me to /ay "o mon?2  
,i done s1 ,i answ]$4  ,did ,mr4        

,leadbitt] "k :5 y left8  ,i d n "k1    
sir1 ,i repli$4 ,i left at ?ree o'clock 
?is morn+1 & did n ?9k x wor? :ile to   
di/urb ,mr4 ,leadbitt]'s re/4  ,?ree    
o'clock6 exclaim$ ,wilson4  ,yes1 sir1  
,i quietly answ]$4  ,y ran away1 did y8 
,no1 sir1 ,i did n run away4 ,i /ay$ z  
long z y requir$ me to /ay1 :51 9       
ob$i5ce to y\r express$ promises1 ,i    
came home4  ,james ,wilson made "s rem>k
 ,i c\ld n und]/&1 b f9ally said t z ,i 
_h come home he _h "s "w = me to d be=e 
,i c\ld hire myself out4 ,i felt some:at
 easy 9 my m9d1 & wait$ to be set to "w4
 ,b :5 he aft]w>ds told me he want$ me  
to take a load ( cotton to ,memphis1 my 
he>t misgave me1 ,i felt sure1 9 my m9d1
 t ,i 0 to be sold f ! slave-p5s at     
,memphis4 ,! gr& trial "t _h n[ come =  
me1 & ! tea*+s ( my "m & uncle ,b5 &    
uncle ,jack be=e & at our f9al sep>ation
 came to me 9 full =ce4 ,!y taught me1  
be=e ,i c\ld read = myself1 t 9 tr\ble  
,i %\ld rely implicitly on ! help ( my  
,savior1 & t ,i %\ld pray )\t ceas+4 ,to

 ,god ,i imm$iately turn$ = guidance &  
help1 & ask$ t my e /ep might be direct$
 by him1 & t he %\ld protect me f my    
enemies & p]secutors4  ,i felt t ,i 0   
be+ p]secut$ = ,jesus' sake1 = ,i 0     
promis$1 "t & aga91 t if ,i w\ld quit   
prea*+ & talk+ to ! slaves on religi\s  
subjects1 ,i %\ld be advanc$ & my life  
made easy & com=table4 ,i refus$ ! (f]s1
 because my ,ma/]'s "w 0 ( m importance 
?an my ease4 ,i 0 impress$1 deeply1 ) ! 
great responsibilities re/+ ^u me1 & 0  
det]m9$ to prea* & tea* :ile ,i _h /r5g?
 & opportunity to d s4 ,i may h be5     
mi/ak5 ) reg>d to ! cause ( my          
p]secution by ! ,wilsons1 b ,i ?9k n4 ,i
 d n really believe t any "o is p]secut$
 = ,*ri/'s sake 9 ?is day & age ( ! _w1 
9 a ,*ri/ian c\ntry1 except 9 ! ,s\?    
be=e ! rebellion4 ,i h he>d m51 &1 ,i am
 almo/ a%am$ to say1 prea*]s1 proclaim t
 !y 7 p]secut$ because ( _! adh]5ce to !
 cause ( ,*ri/1 :5 !y 7 n p]secut$ at   
all on any acc\nt1 except probably on   
acc\nt ( "s wrong act ( _! own4 ,paul & 

! apo/les 7 p]secut$1 & e>ly ,*ri/ians 7
 p]secut$1 b :o ev] he>d ( a citiz5 ( ! 
,unit$ ,/ates be+ p]secut$ because he 0 
a foll[] ( ,jesus6 ,b slaves 9 ! ,s\? 7 
p]secut$ & puni%$ sev]ely = prea*+ !    
gospel ( ,*ri/1 n on t v acc\nt         
probably1 b because x w\ld tea* ! slaves
 ob$i5ce to a high] p[] ?an ! inhuman   
laws ( ! s\!rn /ates z !y !n exi/$4     
,paul 0 p]secut$ = prea*+ ! r$emption ( 
mank9d ?r\gh ! blood ( ! ,savior1 by    
pagans & g5tiles4 ,i 0 p]secut$ = ! same
 reasons by ! slave-own]s ( ! ,s\?1 & = 
endeavor+ to lead ! b5ight$ blacks to   
,jesus4 ,!re seems to be "s lik5ess 9 ! 
positions ( ,paul & myself4 ,i felt t 0 
! case1 at any rate4  ,my m9d 0 di/ress$
 ) ! fe> t ,i 0 be+ s5t to ,memphis only
 to be sold to ! highe/ bidd]4 ,aft]    
address+ ! ?rone ( ,god = help &        
deliv]ance ,i felt reliev$1 & det]m9$ t1
 come :at w\ld1 ,i w\ld use my be/      
tal5ts & ex]tions = my heav5ly ,ma/]    
:]ev] ,i might be4 ,reliev$1 ,i set ab\t
 mak+ prep>ations = my trip to ,memphis1

 ) a pray]ful he>t4 ,two ( u 7 go+ 9    
company1 ea* ) a load ( cotton4 ,we />t$
 on ,monday morn+1 & travel$ along )\t  
unusual tr\ble or delay = ?ree days ov] 
hilly & r\gh roads1 :5 we camp$ = !     
night )9 a mile ( ,holly ,spr+s1 9      
,mississippi1 & ab\t fifty-five miles f 
home4  ,x w be rememb]$ t uncle ,b5 0   
sold by ,wilson to a man :o liv$ 9 & ne>
 ,holly ,spr+s4 ,i 0 anxi\s to see uncle
 ,b51 if possible1 & began mak+         
inquiries reg>d+ 8 :]eab\ts4 ,a color$  
man came along ! road1 driv+ a team1 (  
:om ,i inquir$4 ,aft] a little "t he    
said a prea*] nam$ ,b5 ,h>ris liv$ 9 a  
h\se close by1 at ! same "t po9t+ to x4 
,^u fur!r inquiries ,i le>n$ t ,b5 _h   
tak5 ano!r wife4 ,?is may seem r        
crim9al1 & may appe> to be a cle> case (
 bigamy aga9/ uncle ,b52 b :5 x is      
rememb]$ t ma/]s compell$ _! slaves to  
live toge!r z man & wife1 )\t c]emony1 =
 ! purpose only ( bre$+ *ildr51 & t ,b5 
_h no say 9 ! matt]1 he w be held       
blameless4 ,! laws ( ! s\!rn /ates did n

 recognize ! legal relations ( man &    
wife betwe5 slaves1 !re=e !y c\ld n     
commit ! crime ( bigamy4 ,if ,b5 0      
morally guilty1 he 0 =c$ into 8 guilt by
 law & g5]al cu/om4 ,i _h n se5 ,b5 =   
ab\t t5 ye>s1 & 0 s ov]joy$ at !        
prospect ( see+ him t ,i c\ld sc>cely   
wait until night1 = ,i 0 in=m$ t he w\ld
 n be at 8 cab9 until night4 ,aft]      
att5d+ to my affairs ab\t t[n ,i wait$  
until sund[n1 :5 ,i w5t to ! h\se       
indicat$ by my in=mant4 ,n be+ c]ta9 t !
 p]son :o liv$ 9 ! cab9 0 my uncle1 ,i  
necess>ily _h to make inquiries4 ,a     
color$ woman met me at ! door1 & answ]$ 
su* que/ions z ,i ask$1 f :i* ,i 0      
satisfi$ t ,b5 liv$ "h4 ,i in=m$ ! woman
 :o ,i 0 & t ,b5 0 my uncle1 & t ,i _h  
call$1 9 pass+ on my way to ,memphis1 to
 see him4 ,%e cordially invit$ me to    
ent] ! cab91 & told me t ,b5 0 out fe$+ 
! horses & w\ld %ortly be 94 ,i _h to   
wait b a little :ile :5 ,b5 came 94 ,he 
suppos$ me to be "s pass+ /rang]1 & did 
n recognize me4 ,aft] "s desultory      

conv]sation ,i told him :o ,i 0 & h[ ,i 
came to be !re4 ,our meet+1 aft] mutual 
recognition1 0 affectionate & cordial4  
,we talk$ ov] old times & relat$ our    
exp]i5ce s9ce we p>t$ at ! ,wilson      
plantation4 ,we kneel$ at ! family alt>1
 & ea* p\r$ out 8 s\l's ?anksgiv+ to    
,god = 8 goodness to u1 hav+1 be=e ,i   
left1 a season ( s\l-reviv+ pray]4  ,?us
 we knelt1 uncle ,b51 8 wife1 & ,i1 poor
 slaves 9 ! *a9s ( bondage1 really &    
e>ne/ly ?ank+ ,god = ! _m bless+s we    
receiv$4 ,/range1 0 x n8 :5 m5 & wom5   
roll+ 9 weal? & all ! luxuries &        
happ9ess t weal? c\ld pur*ase1 did n ev5
 deign to notice ! s\rce f :5ce all _!  
bless+s fl[$4 ,!y _h life & lib]ty1 & 7 
unre/ra9$ 9 ! pursuit ( happ9ess1 yet n 
once did !y ?ank ! great ,giv] ( all _! 
good4 ,!n :at _h we1 poor wret*es1 to   
?ank ,god =8 ,= ev]y?+ we enjoy$1--=    
life1 = ! bless$ plan ( salvation1 = our
 s5ses ( see+1 he>+1 & feel+1 = our     
he>ts ) :i* to love him1 = our humanity1
 = ! great gifts ( sun%9e1 ra91 regulat$

 seasons1 ! moon1 ! />s1 ! e>?1 ! trees1
 ! brooks1 ! riv]s1--ev]y?+ truly       
enjoyable we ?ank$ ,god =4 ,we ?ank$ him
 = heal? & /r5g? to d 8 "w4 ,!n we _h a 
great deal to ?ank ,almighty ,god =1    
al?\gh slaves4 ,h[ _m ( y ev] ?9k to    
?ank ,god = sun%9e or = reason8 ,let me 
illu/rate4 ,a g5tleman 0 pass+ along !  
highway1 :5 he 0 met by a poor maniac1  
:o acco/$ him1 say+1 ,:at d y ?ank ,god 
=8 ,! g5tleman be+ surpris$ by ! abrupt 
"q did n reply imm$iately1 :5 ! maniac  
cont9u$1 ,!n ?ank ,god = y\r reason2 m9e
 is gone2 ,i'm mad--a maniac4 ,?is 0    
some?+ ! g5tleman _h nev] ?\ght ( be=e1 
& x op5$ to 8 m9d an entirely new s\rce 
( ?ankfulness4 ,we are apt to =get t we 
are n slaves1 n bl9d1 deaf1 or dumb1 & n
 insane2 yet %\ld we lose any "o ( our  
five s5ses we w\ld !n "k h[ to be       
?ankful = & appreciate t s5se %\ld we   
rega9 x4 ,!n ?ank ,god = ev]y?+1 y\r v  
exi/5ce includ$4 ,suppose ! sun w\ld /op
 9 8 c\rse & n %9e on ! e>? b = "o day4 
,:at con/]nation & grief !re w\ld be    

?r\gh\t ! _w6 ,!n suppose t aft]        
tw5ty-f\r h\rs ! sun %\ld bur/ ^u u 9   
all 8 refulg5ce & glori\s magnific5ce4  
,:at a %\t ( joy w\ld greet 8 appe>ance1
 & glad he>ts w\ld p\r out ?anks ^u     
?anks to ! great ,giv] = ! ne$ful       
sun%9e4 ,!n let u be ?ankful = all !    
great bless+s be/[$ ^u u by our heav5ly 
,fa!r1 & s]ve him ) all our he>ts1 9    
:atev] position 9 life we may be plac$4 
,uncle ,b5 & ,i did !n1 & we d yet4     
,aft] a prolong$ conv]sation & a good & 
refre%+ season ( pray] ,i took my       
dep>ture = my camp1 nev] expect+ to meet
 my relative aga91 & nev] h4  ,we />t$  
next morn+ on our way to ,memphis1 &    
travel$ into ,memphis1 aft] ?ree days1  
on a v f9e road = ! ,s\?1 kn[n z !      
/ate-l9e road4 ,we drove to !           
cotton-y>d1 unload$1 & receiv$ !        
receipts = ! cotton1 & put up = ! night 
at a wagon-y>d4 ,i sp5t ?is night 9     
pray] & supplication t ,god w\ld save me
 f ! slave-p5 & ! auctione]'s block2 &  
my pray]s 7 respond$ to 9 my protection4

 ,! next morn+ we />t$ = home by :at 0  
kn[n z ! pigeon-roo/ r\te1 9 ord] to    
save toll & o!r exp5ses4  ,! weight on  
my m9d 0 remov$1 & ,i felt happy &      
?ankful4 ,i 0 n sold f ! %ambles4 ,i    
pray$1 ,i sung1 & ,i %\t$ by turns4 ,we 
arriv$ at home1 & ,i wait$ pati5tly = my
 next ord]4  ,my "y ma/] soon in=m$ me1 
h[ev]1 t ,i might hire myself out1 if ,i
 c\ld f9d & "o t w\ld hire me4 ,good6   
,god 0 on my side4 ,) a light he>t &    
truly happy ,i set ab\t my prep>ations  
to hire myself out2 & ! v fir/ ?+ ,i did
 0 to g to my cab9 & ?ank ,god = 8      
goodness1 & ask = 8 protection &        
guidance4 ,always pray+8 ,yes1 ,i 0     
always at x4 ,my he>t 0 big ) love to   
,god4     ,,*apt] ,,iv4  ,/>t out on my 
,travels to ,hunt a ,new ,ma/]--,f9d    
,mr4 ,dansley--,hire to ,him--,?irty    
,doll>s p] ,mon? = my ,ma/] & ,five     
,doll>s = ,myself--,wilson              
,a/oni%$--,appo9t$ ,sup]9t5d5t (        
,dansley's ,f>m--,rules &               
,regulations--,peace &                  

,tranquillity--,my ,moral ,labors       
,successful--,pray] & ,social           
,meet+s--,meet+s 9 ! ,woods--,qu>rel &  
,fight l v ,bro!rs--,"t comes to be     
,mov$ to ,ano!r ,field ( ,labor4   ,x 0 
cu/om>y 9 ! slave /ates to all[ slaves  
to hire !mselves = _! ma/]s to su* z !  
slaves !mselves desir$ to "w =4         
,sometimes ?is arrangem5t 0 made to save
 ! ma/] tr\ble4 ,9 my case ,i 0 in/ruct$
 to f9d a place to "w at ?irty doll>s p]
 mon? & bo>d1 & !n to return & report to
 ,wilson1 :o w\ld !n give ! necess>y    
p]mission 9 writ+1 :i* w\ld /& z a      
contract betwe5 him & my employ]4  ,my  
fir/ object 0 to f9d a ,*ri/ian man to  
hire to :o w\ld all[ me to pray & prea* 
on all prop] occasions1 & :o w\ld r     
assi/ me ?an h9d] me 9 my ef=ts to make 
,*ri/ians ( ! blacks4 ,i c>$ no?+ = !   
manual labor ,i _h to d1 if ,i c\ld only
 be plac$ 9 a position to d my great    
,ma/]'s "w4 ,8 "w 0 my life-labor4 ,on  
?is p>ticul> acc\nt ,i 0 v c>eful :o ,i 
appli$ to4 ,9 a day or two ,i appli$ to 

,mr4 ,dansley1 ^: plantation 0 ab\t     
eighte5 miles f ,wilson's1 & :o _h be5  
recomm5d$ to me z be+ ! k9d ( man ,i 0  
hunt+ =4 ,mr4 ,dansley que/ion$ me      
closely1 & exam9$ me z to my reasons =  
want+ to hire out1 & :y my ma/] wi%$ me 
to hire out :5 !re 0 pl5ty ( "w on 8 own
 place = me to d4 ,i confess$ frankly t 
,i c\ld read & write1 & knew some?+ ab\t
 figures1 & 0 desir\s to s]ve ,god & d 8
 "w by prea*+1 & 9 e o!r way 9 my p[]2 t
 my ma/] 0 afraid t ,i w\ld demoralize 8
 o!r slaves by le>n+ !m to read & write 
& by prea*+ to !m1 & 9 ord] t ,i might n
 d t he want$ me (f ! plantation2 t he  
c\ld n sell me because ,i 0 ! prop]ty ( 
8 wife1 & t %e w\ld n cons5t to h me    
sold out ( ! family4 ,if ^? are faults1 
z consid]$ by ,mr4 ,wilson1 ,i am v well
 satisfi$ t y w p]=m y\r "p ( ! contract
 not)/&+2 yet :at ,mr4 ,wilson is pleas$
 to consid] faults 9 y ,i deem good     
po9ts 9 y\r "* & disposition1 !re=e ,i w
 hire y1 hop+ t y\r duty to ,god w      
include y\r duty to me "u ! contract (  

hire4 ,i told him t 0 my und]/&+ ( my   
duty to ,god2 t x compris$1 9 my        
condition ( s]vitude1 my duty to my     
slave-ma/]4 ,i in=m$ ,mr4 ,dansley t my 
ma/]1 ,wilson1 want$ ?irty doll>s p]    
mon? = my s]vices1 & t ,i want$ five    
doll>s p] mon? = myself1 mak+ 9 all     
?irty-five doll>s p] mon?4 ,he 0        
satisfi$ to pay t am\nt1 & gave me a    
lett] to c>ry to ,wilson /at+ t he w\ld 
hire me at ?irty doll>s p] mon?1 yet he 
agre$ ) me t he w\ld pay me1 besides1   
five doll>s p] mon?4  ,:5 ,wilson gave  
me in/ructions to hire myself out at n  
less ?an ?irty doll>s p] mon?1 he hop$  
,i w\ld fail1 f ! fact t wages =        
field-h&s 7 only tw5ty-five doll>s p]   
mon?2 & :5 ,i w5t back ) ,mr4 ,dansley's
 lett] s soon1 he 0 some:at surpris$4   
,he w\ld h op5$ 8 eyes ) wond] if he _h 
kn[n t ,dansley 0 to pay me five doll>s 
p] mon? extra4 ,he gave me a writt5     
p]mission to "w = ,mr4 ,dansley z long z
 ,dansley %\ld want me4 ,i imm$iately   
w5t to ,dansley's1 & /ay$ ) him n9e     

mon?s--n9e mon?s ( cont5t$ "t4  ,i f\nd 
my new ma/] e way wor?y ( any confid5ce 
,i might repose 9 him4 ,9 mod]ate       
circum/ances1 he us$ prud5ce & dilig5ce 
9 8 bus9ess transactions & f>m          
op]ations4 ,he 0 "o ( ^? k9d ( m5 "s (  
:i* may be f\nd 9 almo/ e community--an 
unassum+1 indu/ri\s1 ,*ri/ian g5tleman4 
,= 8 f>m-=ce he hir$ m51 bo? :ite &     
black2 & :5 8 "w pu%$ him he w\ld       
require 8 cook & h\se-maid1 ! only      
slaves he own$1 to assi/ 9 ! fields4 ,at
 ! "t ( my comm5c+ to "w = him he _h    
:ite m5 hir$ :o 7 worse1 if any ?+1 9 _!
 habits ( %iftless laz9ess ?an ! lazy   
blacks4 ,^! :ites1 :om ! negroes usually
 t]m$ :ite tra%1 71 z a g5]al ?+1 ! mo/ 
vici\s1 brutal1 ?iev+1 %iftless1 & lazy 
human be+s imag9able4 ,!y 7 ignorant 9 !
 greate/ degree1 & w\ld n "w s long z !y
 c\ld obta9 food to su/a9 life 9 any o!r
 way4 ,!y deem$ x an honor to be notic$ 
civilly by a respectable negro1 & w\ld  
fawn & truckle to ! behe/s ( any "o :o  
_h ! physical c\rage to comm& !m4 ,su* p

 c be f\nd 9 no place except ! ,s\?4 ,!y
 are a result ( ! sy/em ( slav]y &      
slave-laws1 & slave-own]s are           
responsible = _! condition4 ,su* 7 ! k9d
 ( m5 ,i _h to "w )4 ,^! m5 w\ld qu>rel 
& wrangle among !mselves1 & w\ld consume
 "t & neglect _! "w4 ,:5 ! h\se-s]vants 
7 at "w 9 ! field1 !y w\ld insult &     
misuse !m 9 e conceivable mann]1 & x 0 )
 great difficulty t ,mr4 ,dansley c\ld  
get 8 "w done prop]ly & 9 season4 ,kn[+ 
,i _h be5 a f>m-sup]9t5d5t on ,wilson's 
plantation = a numb] ( ye>s1 ,mr4       
,dansley imm$iately appo9t$ me to ! same
 position on 8 f>m1 :i* acc\nts = 8     
read9ess & will+ness to pay me high     
wages4  ,?is 0 a new k9d ( position =   
me1 & x requir$ consid]able ?\ght &     
managem5t = me to get matt]s prop]ly    
arrang$ 9 my m9d4 ,boss+ :ite h&s &     
work+ ) !m1 s z to make _! labors       
pr(itable = my employ]1 0 no easy task4 
,! f>m-"w 0 c>ri$ on some:at simil> to !
 way 9 :i* l>ge f>ms are work$ 9 !      
nor!rn /ates1 & x requir$ great prud5ce 

& wat*ful c>e to avoid wa/e & save all !
 crops4 ,i arrang$ my rules ( conduct1  
h\rs ( labor1 etc41 = ! h&s1 & submitt$ 
!m to ,mr4 ,dansley = 8 approval4 ,mr4  
,dansley left ! matt] entirely ) me2 &1 
aft] trial1 ,i f\nd my rules 7 n        
suffici5tly /r+5t1 & t if ,i expect$ to 
successfully c>ry on t f>m ,i w\ld h to 
make rules ) p5alties atta*$1 ! m5 ,i _h
 to deal ) c>+ little or no?+ = mild1   
p]suasive laws4 ,i !re=e drew up !      
foll[+ rules1 & pres5t$ !m to ,mr4      
,dansley1 & reque/$ him to make !m      
/ipulations 9 ! contracts ( hire ) 8 m54
 ,he approv$ !m1 & acc$$ to my reque/4  
#a4 ,qu>rel+ & us+ vulg> & pr(ane       
language is /rictly =bidd5 on ! f>m1 &  
any h& or h&s violat+ ?is rule %all be  
dis*>g$ or correct$1 9 ! discretion ( ! 
sup]9t5d5t4  #b4 ,ob$i5ce to ! j ord]s (
 ! sup]9t5d5t is ess5tial to ! pr(itable
 conduct ( ! f>m2 !re=e1 disob$i5ce to !
 ord]s ( ! sup]9t5d5t %all be foll[$ by 
! dis*>ge ( ! h& or h&s s (f5d+1 or 8 or
 _! correction1 9 ! discretion ( !      

sup]9t5d5t4  #c4 ,ea* & e h& h]eby b9ds 
himself to obey ! j ord]s ( ! sup]9t5d5t
 & ! rules h]e9 e/abli%$1 & ^u ! dis*>ge
 ( any h& or h&s1 by ! sup]9t5d5t1 "o   
mon?'s wages %all be =feit$4  ,^! rules 
7 sign$ by ! h&s1 t is1 !y made _! m>k2 
b ,i sign$ my "n1 be+ ! only negro h& on
 ! place & ! only "o :o c\ld write4     
,peace & tranquillity reign$ on t f>m   
!reaft]1 & bett] crops 7 n rais$ 9 !    
c\nty4 ,my :ole /udy & aim 0 to d "r--to
 be j to my h&s & d my duty to my       
employ]4 ,i reli$ on ,god's help1 &     
pray]fully ask$ 8 guidance 9 e & all    
difficulties & em]g5cies1 & my success  
is attributable to t help :i* is always 
giv5 :5 prop]ly ask$ =4  ,! m5 ,i _h to 
deal ) 7 m to be piti$ ?an blam$4 ,!y 7 
entirely ignorant ( any b ! mo/ crude   
pr9ciples ( "r1 & 7 taught f _! *ildhood
 only su* rude notions z prevail$ among 
! ignorant4 ,:5 ,i talk$ to !m ( ,jesus 
!y seem$ a/oni%$4 ,!y did n ev5 "k t    
puni%m5t w\ld meet !m h]eaft] = _! s9s  
committ$ 9 ?is life1 & 7 puzzl$ &       

p]plex$ ) ! plan ( salvation until aft] 
,i _h repeat$ly expla9$ x to !m2 9 fact1
 ,i taught !m ! hi/ory ( man1 f ,adam   
d[n to ! com+ ( our ,savior1 & taught !m
 ! religion ( ,jesus4 ,bett]-behav$ m5  
or bett] h&s 7 n to be f\nd 9 !         
neighborhood aft] !y le>n$ ! way to     
,jesus1 & _m happy times we did h on t  
f>m at our pray]--meet+s & social       
ga!r+s4 ,all ( u w\ld meet at "s        
conv5i5t place on ! f>m1 e ,sabba?-day1 
& w\ld sp5d ! "t pr(itably1 9           
exhortation & pray]4 ,! ma/] & mi/ress 7
 always !re1 & work$ ) a w 9 ! cause (  
,*ri/1 & ,i w\ld exhort & prea* to ! be/
 ( my ability4 ,sometimes ,mr4 ,dansley 
w\ld read a *apt] f ! ,bible & comm5t   
!reon1 & sometimes 8 wife w\ld read &   
comm5t4 ,all ( u pray$1 & "s ( ! :ite   
h&s became1 9 a %ort "t1 e>ne/ public   
pray]s4 ,!y _h f\nd ! f\nt ( true       
happ9ess1 & w\ld dr9k l>gely !refrom on 
all occasions4  ,our regul> ,sunday     
meet+s soon became kn[n 9 !             
neighborhood1 & ! neighbors & _! slaves 

w\ld come & wor%ip ) u1 until our       
congregations became s l>ge t ,mr4      
,dansley all[$ me to take ! h&s & cle>  
away a nice place 9 ! woods1 & make     
seats & a /&1 :]e we held our meet+s    
regul>ly !reaft] e ,sunday1 9 ! =5oon1  
aft]noon1 & at night2 besides1 we held a
 social pray]-meet+ e ,w$nesday ev5+4   
,^! meet+s 7 productive ( great good to 
! community & to individuals4 ,9 ?is way
 ,i br\ght m5 & wom5 to ,god ev5 :ile 9 
a condition ( slav]y1 & requir$ to labor
 six days 9 ! week 9 ! gra9 & cotton    
fields4 ,if ,i1 a slave1 c\ld accompli% 
?is mu*1 h[ mu* %\ld ! favor$ prea*]s ( 
! c\ntry accompli%8 ,?is is a h>d "q to 
answ]1 h[ev]1 & ,i %all n insi/ on its  
consid]ation1 z e prea*] c n be a       
,lor5zo ,d[1 a ,john ,smi?1 or a ,james 
,f9dley4  ,among ! field-h&s "u me 7 two
 bro!rs1 :ite m51 :o1 :5 ,i fir/ took   
*>ge ( ! f>m 7 malici\sly wick$ t[>d ea*
 o!r1 & 7 almo/ con/antly qu>rel+ j l   
bro!rs7674 ,be=e ?ree mon?s _h elaps$1  
"u my k9d ( treatm5t1 !y 7 pray+1 act+  

,*ri/ians1 & rema9$ s z long z ,i knew  
!m4  ,f ?is "t d[n to ! pres5t writ+ ,i 
h be5 a zeal\s work] 9 ! ,"l's v9ey>d1 &
 %all rema9 9 ! h>ness z long z ,god    
wills4  ,reg>d+ doctr9al po9ts ( !ology 
,i knew no?+1 & my :ole /ock ( !ological
 works c\ld h be5 c>ri$ 9 a ve/ pocket1 
9 ! %ape ( "o or two tracts :i* fell 9  
my way1 & :i* ,i read1 /udi$1 & pres]v$4
 ,i _h a ,bible1 & t alone s]v$ me z !  
guide 9 my m9i/ry1 & furni%$ me ) all ! 
argum5ts necess>y to ! conv]sion ( s9n]s
 & _! r$emption4  ,our congregation at  
,mr4 ,dansley's 0 n organiz$ into a     
*ur*1 & ,i did n attempt to receive     
memb]s into ! *ur* ( ,*ri/4 ,i d\bt$ my 
au?ority to d s1 & any ef=ts on my "p 9 
t direction w\ld h be5 imm$iately /opp$ 
by ! prea*]s & memb]s ( ! :ite *ur*es4  
,b ?is did n det] me f prea*+ & exhort+4
 ,i believ$ firmly t ,god requir$ ( me !
 labor ,i p]=m$1 & ,i 0 s mu* int]e/$ & 
tak5 up 9 my "w t ,i did n /op to       
consid] :at ! consequ5ces w\ld be to    
myself4 ,my only consid]ation 01 ,:]e c 

,i f9d an opportunity to d good & save  
s\ls4 ,i ask$ no pay = my s]vices z a   
prea*]1 & nev] receiv$ any2 h5ce ,i     
usually f\nd congregations await+ me at 
my appo9tm5ts made up ( all classes1    
:ite & black1 & f all *ur*es organiz$ 9 
! community4 ,my disc\rses 7 sometimes  
(f-h& & sometimes /udi$4 ,x is true my  
/udi$ disc\rses 71 9 ! ma91 orig9al1 &  
tak5 :olly f ! ,bible1 yet !y 7 none !  
less effective1 because !y 7 e>ne/ &    
hone/4 ,my language 0 t ( ! s\!rn blacks
 & un$ucat$ :ites at ! beg9n+ ( my      
labors z an exhort]1 b aft] h>d /udy &  
tra9+ ,i improv$ myself greatly 9 ?is   
respect1 & ga9$ ! reputation ( be+ z    
correct 9 my pronunciation ( ,engli%    
words z ! majority ( ! :ite prea*]s4 ,i 
am n yet entirely free f dialectic      
pronunciation1 & nev] expect to be2 b ,i
 f9d t ?is v defect1 if s x may be      
call$1 adds =ce to my s]mons1 & gives !m
 a di/9ctness n o!rwise atta9able4      
,!re=e ,i make use ( my v faults to d   
good4  ,i _h hop$ to /ay ) ,mr4 ,dansley

 z long z he c\ld f9d x pr(itable to    
hire me2 & s f> ,i _h be5 ( great use to
 him4 ,i _h plac$ 8 :ole f>m 9 a good   
/ate ( repair1 & _h matur$ & sav$ 8     
crops 9 su* a mann] t 8 pr(its 7 mu*    
l>g] ?an !y ev] 7 be=e 9 any "o season4 
,i _h ! goodwill & confid5ce ( ! h&s1   
bo? :ite & black1 :o work$ "u me1 & 0 an
 in/rum5t 9 ! h&s ( ,god 9 spread+ !    
religion ( ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 !             
neighborhood2 consequ5tly ,i 0 happy &  
cont5t$1 ) pl5ty ( all k9ds ( "w to d4  
,b ,i _h accompli%$ my mission at ?is   
place1 & x pleas$ ,god to remove me to  
ano!r field ( labor1 :]e ! h>ve/ 0 ripe 
& ready = ! reap]4 ,i nev] compla9$2 on 
! contr>y1 ,i rejoic$ t ,god 0 n done ) 
me1 & _h pl5ty = me to d4 ,:5 ,i _h     
?or\ghly work$ "o field ( labor1 ,i     
deem$ my imm$iate s]vices no long]      
requir$1 & 0 glad :5 remov$ :]e m "w 0  
to be done 9 ,god's moral v9ey>d4 ,(    
c\rse ,i =m$ intimate associations 9 e  
locality 9 :i* ,i 0 plac$1 & 0 prone to 
leave !m2 b ,i 0 cont5t to d ! w ( ,god 

9 e p>ticul>1 :e!r t w 0 express$ ?r\gh 
! slave-laws & ,james ,wilson or        
o!rwise4  ,i 0 a slave1 & 0 compell$ to 
labor = ! pr(it ( my own]1 :i* ,i p]=m$ 
dilig5tly & fai?fully2 ,i 0 a *ild (    
,god1 & ow$ him duty & ob$i5ce1 :i* ,i  
p]=m$ e>ne/ly & con/antly4 ,f my        
slave-own]s ,i expect$ & receiv$ no     
rew>d or remun]ation2 f ,god ,i receiv$ 
no pay z ,i labor$1 b my great rew>d is 
yet to come4 ,i h be5 a depositor 9     
,god's bank1 f :i* ,i expect to draw    
l>gely at ! f9al settlem5t4     ,,*apt] 
,v4  ,james ,wilson ,comes              
,along--,wants me to g ) ,him to        
,saulsbury1 ,t5nessee1 to ,help ,build a
 ,h\se = a ,groc]y-,/ore--,takes me     
,along ) ,him--,wilson ,tak5 ,sick--,i  
,take ,c>e ( ,him--,he gets ,well--,i   
make ano!r ,attempt to ,escape f        
,slav]y--,:at ,came ( x4   ,"o day      
,james ,wilson came to ,mr4 ,dansley's1 
& said he _h come = me to g ) him to    
,saulsbury1 ,t5nessee1 :]e he 0 go+ to  
/>t a groc]y1 & t he wi%$ my assi/ance 9

 erect+ a build+ !re=4 ,he in=m$ me1 at 
! same "t1 t z soon z ! build+ 0 f9i%$1 
,i might return to ,mr4 ,dansley & /ay )
 him z long z he want$ me4 ,he _h ano!r 
color$ man ) him1 & desir$ to g "r away4
 ,all ,i _h to d 0 to obey1 s )\t fur!r 
ado ,i bade f>ewell to ! p ( !          
plantation1 & w5t ) ,wilson4 ,! p>t+    
made me feel sad1 = a "t4  ,! ^w groc]y1
 z appli$ 9 ! ,s\?1 has a f> diff]5t    
mean+ ?an t int5d$ 9 ! ,nor?4 ,a groc]y 
9 ! ,s\? is a place :]e :isky & o!r     
intoxicat+ bev]ages are sold1 &1 z a    
g5]al ?+1 at ^! places ! plant]s & o!rs 
congregate to dr9k1 c>\se1 gamble1      
qu>rel1 & fight4 ,?is 0 ! k9d ( groc]y  
,james ,wilson 0 go+ to />t 9           
,saulsbury1 & ! ?\ght ( aid+ ev5 "u     
prote/ & unwill+ly 9 ! e/abli%m5t ( "o (
 ^! hells caus$ me mu* anxiety4 ,i made 
e ef=t to get reliev$ f ?is odi\s "w1 b 
)\t avail4  ,we imm$iately began !      
erection ( ! groc]y-build+1 on our      
arrival at ,saulsbury1 & made good      
progress = a :ile4 ,! bo>ds we us$ 9 !  

build+ _h to be saw$ by u two slaves ) a
 :ipsaw4 ,we dug a deep tr5* 9 ! gr\nd1 
& laid ! log to be saw$ into bo>ds      
l5g?wise ov] ! tr5*1 & "o ( u w\ld /& 9 
! tr5* "u ! log & ! o!r on top ( ! log4 
,9 ?is way we work$1 day aft] day1 until
 we _h a suffici5t numb] ( bo>ds to     
accommodate our wants4  ,! ,almighty1 x 
seem$ to me1 int]f]$ ) our "w4 ,james   
,wilson 0 tak5 d[n v sick 9 ! mid/ ( our
 ef=ts to create ?is additional devil's 
d51 & 0 totally unable to leave 8 b$4 ,i
 _h to take c>e ( him1 & ! "w on !      
groc]y-h\se 0 necess>ily /opp$4 ,z soon 
z he 0 able to be mov$ ,i took him to ! 
,sulphur ,spr+s1 n _m miles away1 &     
nurs$ him c>efully & att5tively until he
 0 able to be ab\t aga94  ,?is sickness 
( ,wilson ,i deem$ a w>n+ to him1 &     
endeavor$ to impress z mu* on 8 m9d2 b  
,i 0 curs$ & revil$ = my pa9s4 ,i avail$
 myself ( e opportunity to dissuade him 
f 8 evil purpose1 b fail$4 ,he 0 det]m9$
 to />t a groc]y1 & />t a groc]y he w\ld
 & did4 ,i cle>$ my skirts & consci5ce 9

 ! bus9ess1 h[ev]1 z f> z ,i c\ld "u !  
circum/ances2 yet a /ill small voice    
seem$ to :isp] to me t ,i 0 do+ v wick$ 
& s9ful acts 9 help+ to fur!r ! groc]y  
iniquity4 ,i 01 9 a mann]1 =c$ to "w1   
yet ,i 0 uneasy & tr\bl$ 9 my m9d4 ,o!rs
 may ?9k ,i 0 blameless2 t ,i 0 a slave 
& n acc\ntable = acts my ma/] comm&$ me 
to d4 ,?is seem$ v speci\s reason+1 b   
/ill ,i felt guilty1 & s5t f]v5t &      
pray]ful petitions to ! ?rone ( grace = 
=giv5ess & =titude to )/& temptation1   
:i* enable me to d ! w ( my great ,ma/] 
reg>dless ( ! consequ5ces t might ensue 
to me f ! effects ( ,wilson's wra? or   
res5tm5t4  ,we f9i%$ ! build+ 9 ab\t two
 mon?s f ! "t we fir/ w5t to ,salisbury1
 & prep>$ to return home4  ,x 0 "h t ,i 
fir/ saw a complete railroad & a        
locomotive ) a tra9 ( c>s4 ,my          
fell[-slave1 on he>+ ! :i/le ( !        
locomotive = ! fir/ "t1 0 v mu*         
fright5$1 & jump$ ov] ! log he 0 hew+1 )
 ! exclamation1 ,good ,god6 :at is t8 & 
/>t$ to run4 ,i /opp$ him1 &1 expla9+ to

 him :at ! l\d1 %rill %riek meant1      
quiet$ 8 fe>s4 ,we bo? w5t to ! depot & 
exam9$ ! locomotive & c>s ) great       
curiosity & int]e/4  ,james ,wilson1 be+
 /ill weak ) 8 late sickness1 0 compell$
 to ride 9 ! wagon he _h br\ght f home1 
& ,i rode 8 saddle-horse4 ,on ! way1    
,wilson in=m$ me t ,i 0 to att5d !      
groc]y at ,salisbury1 & t he expect$ me 
to make money out ( ! conc]n4 ,my v s\l 
revolt$ at ! b>e idea ( be+ a           
:isky-v5d]1 & my imm$iate det]m9ation 0 
n to be "o4 ,my m9d 0 made up to take to
 ! woods on ! fir/ favorable            
opportunity4 ,i said no?+1 h[ev]1 b kept
 my own c\nsel4  ,we travel$ sl[ly1 by  
reason ( ! ma/]'s sickness2 & :5 we     
/opp$ = ! night ,i f\nd t ! saddle ,i _h
 be5 rid+ _h hurt ! horse's back4       
,wilson 0 furi\s1 & swore he w\ld take z
 mu* hide f my back :5 we got home z !  
saddle _h tak5 f ! horse's back4  ,!    
next day aft] leav+ ,salisbury we arriv$
 at ,mr4 ,dansley's4 ,9 conv]sation1 ,i 
he>d ,wilson tell ,mr4 ,dansley t he    

int5d$ to take me home ) him4  ,i claim$
 ! fulfillm5t ( 8 promise f ,wilson1 &  
ask$ him if he 0 n go+ to let me "w =   
,mr4 ,dansley1 accord+ to agreem5t4 ,?is
 s enrag$ ,wilson t he pull$ out 8      
six-%oot]1 & exclaim$3  ,m\nt t horse1 y
 ---- black rascal6  ,i did s4  ,fe>ful 
t ! horse's back w\ld become incurably  
sore if ,i rode him ) 8 back 9 !        
condition x 01 ,i sugge/$ t ! horse _h  
bett] be l$4 ,wilson !re=e ord]$ me into
 ! wagon to drive ! team1 & requir$     
,havely1 my fell[-slave1 to             
walk1--int5d+ we %\ld take turns4 ,aft] 
a:ile ,havely ex*ang$ places ) me1 &    
:ile walk+ along 9 re> ( ! wagon x      
occurr$ to me t ?is w\ld be z favorable 
an opportunity z ,i w\ld soon aga9 get =
 mak+ my escape f ,wilson & slav]y4  ,i 
took to ! woods )\t attract+ ! att5tion 
( ei!r ,wilson or ,havely1 & made good  
my escape1 = ! "t at lea/4  ,i made my  
way back to ,mr4 ,dansley's & told him  
my reasons = endeavor+ to effect my     
escape f slav]y1 & t ! imm$iate cause ( 

my pres5t attempt 0 to keep myself cle> 
( ! accurs$ s9 ( :isky-sell+4 ,my       
motives 7 applaud$1 b my judgm5t 0      
condemn$4  ,h[ c\ld ,i ev] expect to    
escape to a c\ntry :]e ,i c\ld be a free
 man8 ,ev5 %\ld ,i escape to ! nor!rn   
/ates ! fugitive slave law1 :i* 0 !n 9  
full =ce1 w\ld rem& me back to slav]y1 &
 x 0 a long1 t$i\s1 & p]il\s j\rney to  
,canada4 ,i 0 go+ to make ! attempt at  
any rate4  ,x 0 agre$ betwe5 u t ,mr4   
,dansley %\ld buy me ( ,wilson if he    
c\ld1 & t ,i %\ld /ay & "w = him at !   
rate ( ?irty-five doll>s p] mon? until  
,i _h re-imburs$ ,mr4 ,dansley1 :5 ,i   
%\ld h my fre$om pap]s4 ,x w\ld h       
requir$ ab\t f\r ye>s = me to pay =     
myself at ^? rates1 z ,wilson pric$ me  
at sixte5 hundr$ doll>s4  ,!            
negotiations = my pur*ase by ,mr4       
,dansley fail$1 & ,i 0 left to my       
ex]tions to get to ,canada ! be/ way ,i 
c\ld4 ,i 0 secret$ dur+ ?is "t ab\t     
,dansley's f>m1 & 0 ar\s$ to a s5se ( my
 condition "o day by read+ a h&-bill :i*

 0 po/$ on a tree on ! road close to    
,mr4 ,dansley's h\se1 ( :i* ! foll[+ is 
a copy3    ,,"o ,,hundr$ ,,doll>s       
,,rew>d6    ,*>les1 a slave1 has        
disappe>$ f ! plantation (   !          
und]sign$1 9 ,pontotoc ,c\nty4 ,! above 
rew>d   w be giv5 = 8 appreh5sion &     
return to me alive4    ,,james ,,wilson4
  ,?is settl$ ! matt]4 ,! rew>d 0 soon  
kn[n ov] ! :ole c\ntry1 & e slave-hunt] 
0 on ! *ase to ga9 ! rew>d4 ,i laid     
close & wait$ to escape f t "p ( !      
c\ntry1 s t ,i might n compromise ,mr4  
,dansley4 ,he 0 already "u surveillance 
by slave-own]s1 & 0 9 dang] ( be+ driv5 
f ! c\ntry2 9 fact1 ?reats ( lyn*+ _h   
be5 made aga9/ him4  ,! la/ day ,i 0 !re
 ,i lay hid 9 "s cotton-p5s1 close to ! 
h\se1 :5 two m5 came on ! hunt ( me4 ,!y
 _h _! blood-h\nds ) !m1 & dem&$        
p]mission ( ,dansley to se>* 8 h\se4 ,! 
p]mission 0 grant$1 :5 ! m5 began !     
se>*4 ,i c\ld see & he> all t 0 go+ on1 
& trembl$ = my safety4 ,i put myself on 
! m]cy ( ! ,almighty & resign$ myself   

entirely into 8 h&s4 ,! se>* 0 made all 
ov] ! premises1 includ+ ! cotton-p5s 9  
:i* ,i 0 hid2 b ,god 0 on my side1 & ,i 
0 sav$ f _! clut*es4 ,i e>ne/ly ?ank$   
,god = my deliv]ance on ?is occasion4   
,z soon z d>k came ,i em]g$ f my        
hid+-place1 &1 aft] be+ suppli$ ) :at   
provisions ,i c\ld conv5i5tly c>ry1 ,i  
bid good-by to ,*ri/ian ,dansley & 8    
family1 & />t$ on my p]il\s j\rney to ! 
free /ates & ,canada4  ,my progress 0   
necess>ily sl[ & we>isome1 be+ compell$ 
to travel altoge!r at night4 ,! fir/    
po9t ,i design$ mak+ on my j\rney 0     
,memphis1 :]e ,i hop$ to f9d means (    
escape to ,ill9ois4  ,i _h pl5ty ( "t = 
m$itation & pray]1 & my ?\ghts 7        
naturally conc5trat$ on my deplorable   
condition all ! "t4 ,my pa/ life came up
 9 review be=e me1 & :ile sorr[fully    
w&]+ ?r\gh ! woods ,i w\ld comp>e myself
 to p]secut$ ,*ri/ians 9 ! days ( !     
apo/les & ! e>ly evanegli/s4 ,! bless$  
,savior 0 p]secut$ 9 8 v infancy & _h to
 be hid by 8 p>5ts4 ,!y _h to flee =    

life2 ,i 0 flee+ = lib]ty4 ,:at _h ,i to
 compla9 (8 ,jesus 0 ) me & w\ld protect
 me4 ,god _h deliv]$ him f ! v tomb (   
dea?2 :y ne$ ,i fe>8 ,) ^! reflections 9
 my m9d ,i w\ld feel reviv$ & refre%$ ) 
! consolation t :ile !re 0 life 9 me !re
 0 hope = me4 ,! words ( ! poet came to 
my memory1 :]e9 he says3    ,nei!r w he 
upbraid y1     ,?\gh (t5 y\r reque/2    
,he'll give y grace to conqu]1     ,&   
take y home to re/4  ,! consolation &   
help ,i receiv$ f my m$itations su/a9$  
me ?r\gh all my trials & h>d%ips1 & ,i  
plodd$ my we>y way along ) ,god 9 my    
he>t & bright hopes = ! future4 ,i knew 
if ,i drew nigh unto ,god he w\ld draw  
nigh unto me2 & t if ,i w\ld let ! ^w ( 
,*ri/ dwell 9 me ,i w\ld be ri* 9 all   
wisdom4 ,yet ,i 0 aw>e ,i %\ld suff]    
p]secution if ,i liv$ godly 9 ,jesus    
,*ri/2 !re=e ,i det]m9$ to cont9ue 9 !  
?+s :i* ,i _h le>n$4  ,on ,sunday night 
,i arriv$ at ,holly ,spr+s4 ,uncle ,b5  
liv$ !re1 & ,i 0 anxi\s to see him &    
obta9 ?r\gh 8 assi/ance1 if possible1   

re/ & food4 ,i _h proce$$ only a little 
way t[>d 8 h\se :5 ,i met a color$ man &
 began conv]sation ) him4 ,i le>n$ t !  
rew>d ,wilson _h (f]$ = me _h arriv$ at 
,holly ,spr+s be=e me1 & t p]sons 7 on !
 look\t = me4 ,! color$ man seem$ to h a
 suspicion t ,i 0 a runaway1 & 0 dispos$
 to aid me all 9 8 p[]4 ,to keep out ( !
 way ( slave-hunt]s 0 my object1 & ,i   
knew t ! contemplat$ visit to ,uncle ,b5
 0 fraught ) too mu* dang] to be fur!r  
?\ght (4  ,fe>ful t ! negro w\ld betray 
me1 yet feel+ some:at safe = ! pres5t1  
,i sat d[n to ?9k & re/ myself4 ,i knew 
t if ,i 0 caught ,wilson w\ld flay me1 z
 he _h ?reat5$ to d1 = mak+ 8           
saddle-horse's back sore1 b t if ,i c\ld
 once get ?r\gh to ,memphis ,i w\ld be  
enabl$1 ?r\gh ! assi/ance ( fri5ds1 to  
make my way ,nor?4 ,yet ,i want$ to see 
,uncle ,b5 aga91 & tri$ to hit ^u "s    
plan to accompli% t object2 b ,i fail$1 
& />t$ on ! road aga94  ,aft] travel+ a 
%ort "t ,i came to a h\se by !          
road-side4 ,! kit*5 /ood ab\t tw5ty y>ds

 f ! ma9 build+1 & _h a w9d[ 9 ! back "p
 ( x4 ,i 0 v hungry1 & debat$ 9 my m9d z
 to ! mann] 9 :i* ,i %\ld proce$ to     
obta9 food4 ,to ask = x 0 too risky1 &  
,i 0 fe>ful t if ,i 0 se5 by any ( !    
p]sons ab\t ! h\se ,i w\ld be appreh5d$ 
& put 9 ! ne>e/ jail z a runaway4 ,look+
 9 at ! w9d[ ,i saw a color$ woman2 & on
 a table a meal 0 prep>$1 :i*1 x seem$1 
0 be+ held 9 read9ess = ! arrival ( "s  
"o4 ,i wait$ pati5tly1 hop+ ! color$    
woman w\ld leave ! kit*5 = "s purpose2 b
 %e sat quietly wait+4  ,aft] a:ile !   
ma/] & mi/ress arriv$1 x seems1 f a     
visit4 ,%ortly ! mi/ress ( ! h\se came 9
 & ord]$ ! supp]4 ,=tunately = me !     
supp] 0 to be c>ri$ into ! big h\se1 & !
 cook1 tak+ h] h&s full ( ?+s1 left !   
kit*5 & w5t into ! h\se4 ,i imm$iately  
sprung ?r\gh ! w9d[1 promiscu\sly empti$
 ! meat & bread into my sack1 & left !  
kit*5 ! same way be=e ! return ( ! cook1
 j 9 "t to escape detection4  ,i cr\*$ 9
 ! %ade ( ! cab9 fe>+ to move1 :5 ,i    
he>d ! cook exclaim3  ,good graci\s6 "s 

"o hab tuk & turn$ 9 an' tuk all de     
bread an' meat4  ,h] cries br\ght !     
h\sehold to ! kit*51 & dur+ ! racket ,i 
made my escape to ! road & a m peaceful 
neighborhood4 ,i walk$ briskly = a c\ple
 ( miles1 :5 ,i /opp$ & satisfi$ my     
rav5\s hung]4  ,?is 0 my fir/ !ft (     
some?+ to eat4 ,be=e ?is ,i _h be5      
=tunate en\gh to obta9 supplies ( food f
 fri5dly slaves1 b = ! tw5ty-f\r h\rs   
previ\s to my raid on ! kit*5 ,i _h eat5
 no?+4 ,i make no excuse = ?is immoral  
act1 & ask no "o to say ,i did "r4 ,i   
only did :at p]haps any "o else1 "u !   
same circum/ances1 w\ld h done4 ,i 0 too
 weak f hung] & o!r causes to )/& !     
temptation ( obta9+ ! food z ,i did4 ,z 
soon z my appetite 0 satisfi$1 h[ev]1 my
 s9 rose up be=e me 9 all its enormity2 
,i felt di/ress$2 & x came vividly 9 my 
m9d1 ,9 t ,*ri/ ha? suff]$1 be+ tempt$1 
he is able to succor !m t are tempt$4   
,oh1 :at _h ,i done6 ,i _h lo/ ,god's   
help 9 ?is my h\r ( trial4 ,i pray$ =   
=giv5ess1 & ask$ ,god to direct &       

protect me4 ,yet ,i felt uneasy &       
depress$1--n t my fai? 9 ,jesus 0 any ! 
less1 b t my s9 w\ld br+ its own        
puni%m5t4    ,!re is _m a pang to pursue
 me2     ,!y may cru%1 b !y %all n      
contemn--   ,!y may torture1 b %all n   
subdue me1--     ',tis ( ,god ,i ?9k--n 
( !m4  ,ab\t daylight ,i rea*$ a =e/ 9  
:i* ,i c\ld conceal myself dur+ ! day4  
,i slept s\ndly1 be+ undi/urb$1 until   
d>k1 :5 ,i proce$$ onw>d4 ,:ile travel+ 
t night ,i 0 compell$ to pass a l>ge    
plantation4 ,i 0 afraid "s :ite p]son   
w\ld see me1 !re=e ,i avoid$ e "o1--n   
be+ able to di/+ui%1 9 ! d>k1 a :ite f a
 black p]son4 ,h[ev]1 ab\t daylight ,i  
met a color$ boy1 :o procur$ "s food =  
me & direct$ me to a cotton-p5 close by1
 :]e ,i c\ld hide & sleep dur+ ! day4   
,:5 night came--x 0 ,?ursday night--,i  
crawl$ out ( ! p5 & />t$ = ano!r night's
 walk4 ,i made v good "t t night1 &     
walk$ to )9 n9e miles ( ,memphis4 ,i 0  
afraid to g on into ,memphis 9 ! day-"t1
 consequ5tly ,i slept 9 ! woods t day   

)\t any?+ to eat1 my supply ( food be+  
exhau/$4  ,i 0 v mu* exhau/$1 & suff]$  
greatly f hung]4 ,:5 night came ,i />t$ 
aga94 ,aft] proce$+ on my way ab\t two  
miles ,i came to ! village ( ,mt4       
,pleasant1 :]e ,i ?\ght to obta9 some?+ 
to eat4 ,i _h pass$ ne>ly ?r\gh !       
village )\t see+ any "o2 b f9ally ,i saw
 a man :o ,i mi/ook = a color$ man4 ,i  
acco/$ him1 :51 to my *agr9 &           
disappo9tm5t1 he 0 a :ite man4 ,i felt t
 ,i _h already betray$ myself2 & ?r\gh  
my fright & want ( /ead9ess ,i 0 aga9 9 
bonds4  ,! man ask$ me num]\s & v>i\s   
que/ions1 z to :]e ,i came f1 :]e ,i 0  
go+1 :o ,i belong$ to1 etc4  ,i aga9    
s9n$1 & paid ! p5alty4 ,i li$ to ! man4 
,i told him ,i belong$ to a man by ! "n 
( ,potts1 & t ,i 0 go+ to 8 plantation4 
,q a numb] ( p]sons soon ga!r$ ar\nd me1
 & by repeat$ que/ions entrapp$ me4     
,inquiries 7 made z to ! heal? ( ,mr4   
,potts' family1 & ( ,mr4 ,potts 9       
p>ticul>4 ,i /at$ t ! family 7 well & t 
,mr4 ,potts 0 z well z usual4  ,x turn$ 

out t sev]al ( ! p]sons pres5t knew !   
,potts family1 & t ,mr4 ,potts _h di$   
two mon?s previ\sly4  ,i 0 imm$iately   
arre/$ & plac$ 9 a secure place1 ti$ &  
*a9$ to ! floor4  ,?us s9 br\ght me into
 tr\ble4 ,_h ,i tru/$ to ,god & n be5 9 
too great ha/e to get some?+ to eat1 he 
w\ld h help$ me4 ,my weakness made me   
=get t ,i %\ld n lie to any "o1 see+ t  
,i _h put (f ! old man ) 8 de$s4 ,9 my  
great ne$ ( /r5g!n+ food1 ,*ri/ w\ld h  
succor$ me _h ,i n =gott5 to pray to him
 & ask 8 help1 = a man c receive no?+   
except x be giv5 him f heav54  ,9 ne>ly 
all ! villages ( ! ,s\?1 & on mo/ ( !   
l>ge plantations1 7 slave-jails1 :]e    
runaway & refractory slaves 7 inc>c]at$4
 ,^! jails 7 usually a d\ble p51 !      
inside p5 be+ cov]$ ) a ro(1 & ! top ( !
 outside p5 be+ cov]$ ) %>p iron spikes4
 ,betwe5 ! p5s "o or m savage dogs 7    
usually kept4 ,?is 0 ! k9d ( place ,i 0 
n[ plac$ 94  ,hungry1 worn out ) my     
j\rney1 & ne>ly nak$1 ,i soon fell      
asleep f %e] exhau/ion & slept s\ndly   

until morn+4  ,aft] ,i _h eat5 my       
breakfa/ ,i 0 tak5 out ( jail at ,mt4   
,pleasant & />t$ back to ,holly ,spr+s1 
well iron$ & gu>d$1 :]e ,i 0 recogniz$ z
 ,wilson's slave4 ,wilson 0 notifi$ ( my
 appreh5sion4 ,aft] lay+ 9 ! jail at    
,holly ,spr+s ab\t ?ree weeks ,wilson   
came = me4 ,i _h made sev]al attempts 9 
t "t to escape1 b did n succe$4  ,i 0   
iron$ & compell$ to walk1 :i*1 9 my     
exhau/$ /ate1 0 too mu* = me1 & ,i 0    
tak5 viol5tly sick on ! road1 :5 ,wilson
 procur$ a conveyance & haul$ me !      
balance ( ! way home4 ,a physician 0    
imm$iately summon$1 :o ord]$ my %ackles 
remov$4  ,aft] ! irons 7 remov$ ,i      
rega9$ my spirits1 & ent]ta9$ hopes (   
be+ able to make ano!r attempt to rega9 
my lib]ty4 ,i 0 v sick = sev]al days4   
,ab\t two o'clock on ! la/ morn+ ,i /ay$
 !re ,i awoke & felt fre%1 & f\nd t my  
/r5g? _h 9 a great measure return$4 ,^u 
look+ ar\nd ! moonlit room ,i f\nd t ,i 
0 alone4 ,to escape 0 my v fir/         
int5tion4 ,gett+ out ( b$ ,i exam9$ !   

w9d[ to ! cab91 :5 ,i f\nd ,i c\ld raise
 x easily4 ,i ga!r$ :at clo!s ,i c\ld   
f9d1 z well z a blanket f ! b$1 & climb+
 ?r\gh ! w9d[ made my escape unobs]v$4  
,i did n /op to put on my clo!s until ,i
 _h got two or ?ree miles f !           
plantation4  ,i /ay$ 9 ! woods ab\t ?ree
 weeks1 :5 ,i return$ to my ma/] & ask$ 
8 =giv5ess1 & promis$ t ,i w\ld nev] run
 away aga94 ,i 0 =giv54  ,dur+ my ?ree  
weeks' />v+ & hid+ 9 ! woods ,i _h ample
 "t = reflection & ?\ght4 ,pray]fully ,i
 consid]$ my situation & ask$ ,god's    
help to direct me4 ,i came to !         
conclusion t ,i 0 entirely wrong 9 my   
c\rse4 ,god1 = 8 own good purpose1 _h   
plac$ me 9 bondage1 & 9 8 good "t he    
w\ld relieve me ei!r by dea? or         
emancipation4 ,my h>d%ips1 ,i felt1 7 by
 reason ( my disob$i5ce to ,god's w4    
,al?\gh ,i 0 a slave ,god _h giv5 me my 
task 9 8 v9ey>d z a slave1 & ,i %\ld h  
front$ ! wra? ( my ma/]1 ,wilson1 r ?an 
t ( ,god4 ,i felt t ,i 0 do+ wrong1 &   
aft] pray]ful consid]ation ,i det]m9$ to

 d "r1 & g back to ! plantation &       
pati5tly await ,god's "t to set me free4
  ,wilson receiv$ me z k9dly z 8 nature 
w\ld p]mit1 & treat$ me z he did ! o!r  
slaves & z if ,i _h nev] be5 disob$i5t  
to him & ran away4 ,i felt bett]1 & knew
 !n t ,i 0 "r 9 ! sight ( my heav5ly    
,fa!r4 ,my views und]w5t a *ange = !    
bett] :ile ,i 0 an outca/ 9 ! woods1 &  
aft] t ,i 0 bett] fitt$ to d my allott$ 
"w = ,god4     ,,*apt] ,,vi4  ,0 hir$ to
 ,mr4 ,?ompson1 & adopt$ 8 "n--,op5$    
regul> meet+s1 & prea*$ on ! plantation 
& o!r places--,took unto myself a       
wife--,0 pur*as$ by ,?ompson1 duly      
in/all$ on ! plantation1 & inve/$ )     
au?ority--,v>i\s means & plans resort$  
to by ! ov]se] to degrade me 9 ! eyes ( 
,mr4 ,?ompson--,driv51 ?r\gh p]secution1
 to run away--,return$ back to my ma/]4 
,a %ort "t aft] ,i came 9 f ! woods     
,wilson det]m9$ to hire me to a man nam$
 ,?ompson1 :o liv$ ab\t tw5ty miles     
away4 ,i made no objection1 & 0 duly    
hir$ = ! t]m ( ?ree ye>s4  ,i adopt$ !  

"n ,?ompson1 f my new ma/]1 :i* ,i h    
s9ce reta9$4  ,! slaves ( ! ,s\? are    
usually nam$ l brutes1 ) only "o "n = a 
designation1 & x became cu/om>y among ! 
slaves to adopt ! surname ( _! ma/]s4 ,i
 _h nev] adopt$ ! "n ( ,wilson1 because 
,i dislik$ ! man2 b z soon z ,i 0 hir$  
to ,mr4 ,?ompson ,i took 8 "n1 !re=e ,i 
0 h5ce=? kn[n z ,*>les ,?ompson4 ,!     
adoption ( a "n by myself may appe>     
/range to a great _m ( my read]s1 yet :5
 x comes to be consid]$ t ,i 0 a human  
*attel1 ) no rights or privileges (     
,am]ican citiz5%ip1 & t ,i 0 )\t a "n1  
except simply ,*>les1 no surprise w be  
felt4  ,i labor$ fai?fully & hone/ly =  
,mr4 ,?ompson dur+ my t]m ( s]vice1 &   
endeavor$ 9 all ?+s to d my duty4 ,i    
made su* ef=ts z ,i c\ld to br+ ! slaves
 on ! plantation to ,jesus1 & inaugurat$
 regul> & /at$ meet+s4 ,i prea*$ &      
exhort$ on ! plantation & at o!r places 
:]e ,i c\ld ga!r ! negroes to he> me2 & 
,i felt t ,i 0 ! means 9 ,god's h&s (   
r$eem+ preci\s s\ls4 ,9 ^! meet+s ,i _h 

help]s f among ! mo/ intellig5t ( !     
slaves1 & made su* progress t at all our
 meet+s we w\ld h a numb] ( ,god-fe>+   
:ites to pray ) u4  ,dur+ my t]m ( hir$ 
s]vice ) ,mr4 ,?ompson ,i m>ri$ a color$
 girl & add$ ! responsibilities ( a     
husb& to my v>i\s c>es4  ,! m>riage (   
slaves 0 a m]e =mality among !mselves1  
!re be+ no?+ legal1 accord+ to ! laws ( 
! s\!rn /ates1 ab\t ! c]emony or m>riage
 contract4 ,! slaves cohabit$ toge!r 9  
mo/ in/ances ) ! express or impli$      
cons5t ( _! ma/]s2 & z ! ma/]s did n    
reg>d ! m>riage ( _! slaves z any?+1    
wives & husb&s 7 con/antly 9 dang] ( be+
 sep>at$ =ev]4  ,b ! slaves !mselves    
in/itut$ a c]emony :i* !y consid]$      
morally b9d+1 z f> z !y 7 conc]n$2 & !  
slave-own]s deem$ x prud5t to gratify _!
 slaves by a recognition1 9 "s degree1 (
 ! m>ital relations t might exi/ among  
!m4 ,!re=e a c]ta9 set ( rules came into
 op]ation1 by g5]al cons5t1 gov]n+ !    
visits ( ! husb& to ! wife :5 own$ by   
diff]5t ma/]s4 ,:5 ! wife ( a slave liv$

 n m ?an five miles f 8 ma/] he c\ld    
visit h] once a week2 :5 %e liv$ n m ?an
 t5 miles away1 he c\ld g to see h] once
 9 two weeks2 & :5 %e liv$ tw5ty or m   
miles away he c\ld g to see h] only once
 9 two mon?s4  ,at ! expiration ( my t]m
 ( s]vice ,i 0 lo? to leave my wife at  
,?ompson's1 & g back to ,wilson's1 &    
/r5u\sly object$1 kn[+ t ,i c\ld get to 
see h] only once 9 two mon?s4  ,wilson  
hav+ le>n$ t ,i 0 n desir\s ( return+ to
 him1 wrote to ,mr4 ,?ompson to s5d me  
home z soon z ! la/ day ( my s]vice     
expir$2 b ,mr4 ,?ompson 0 desir\s (     
reta9+ me1 & made ef=ts to t effect4 ,he
 s5t me to ,wilson to le>n ! price set =
 me4 ,i arriv$ 9 due "t1 :5 ,wilson     
in=m$ me t he w\ld sell me to ,?ompson1 
b t he w\ld n take less ?an twelve      
hundr$ doll>s1 ca%4  ,! proposition did 
n seem to please ,?ompson1 b aft] a "t  
he conclud$ to buy me1 & s5t 8 son to   
,wilson ) ! pur*ase money4 ,! pur*ase at
 t p>ticul> "t 0 lucky = me1 z ,wilson  
_h writt5 ,?ompson a v abusive lett]1 & 

x 0 receiv$ by ,mr4 ,?ompson on ! ev5+ (
 ! day on :i* 8 son w5t to ,wilson's to 
buy me4 ,! b>ga9 0 made1 h[ev]1 & ,i 0  
duly transf]r$ to my new ma/]1 by       
deliv]y & a bill ( sale4 ,! p]sonal     
matt] betwe5 ,wilson & ,?ompson soon    
blew ov]1 & ,i 0 duly in/all$ on !      
plantation z "o ( ! *attel fixtures4  ,i
 seem$ to take a new lease ( life f ?is 
"t1 & det]m9$1 if possible1 to pr(it by 
=m] exp]i5ces & %un e appe>ance (       
ill-nature & evil int5tions1 & to ga9 ! 
confid5ce ( my new ma/]1 t ,i might     
bett] d ! "w ( my heav5ly ,ma/]4 ,all   
nature seem$ lovely to me1 & ,i 0 happy 
9 do+ my duty & oblig+ ! w ( ,god4  ,i 0
 inve/$ ) au?ority on ! plantation by   
,mr4 ,?ompson1 & 0 requir$ to keep an   
eye on ! ov]se]1 & to report any        
enormities t might be committ$ by him4  
,mr4 ,?ompson 0 a weal?y plant] & kept a
 g5]al ov]se]1 besides ! usual field    
bosses2 yet !re 7 o!r slaves on !       
plantation :o _h ! confid5ce ( ! ma/] & 
7 put at su* s]vice z requir$           

intellig5ce & integrity4  ,! position 9 
:i* ,i 0 n[ plac$ 0 difficult & on]\s2 b
 ,i did my duty to ! v be/ ( my ability1
 & satisfactorily to my ma/]4 ,! ov]se] 
soon f\nd out t ,i 0 8 ov]se]2 & he us$ 
e means1 & v>i\s plans1 to drive me to d
 some?+ t w\ld degrade me 9 ! eyes (    
,mr4 ,?ompson4 ,x 0 only by reason ( !  
greate/ =be>ance & ! v close/ att5tion  
to my duties t ,i escap$ 8 ma*9ations2 &
 by att5d+ to ev]y?+ ) ! mo/ scrupul\s  
c>e he c\ld f9d no fault ) me1 t _h tru?
 = its f\ndation4 ,b ! con/ant &        
p]t9aci\s malici\sness ( ! ov]se]1 & my 
own weakness1 ev5tually br\ght me to    
grief4  ,z a rule1 :5 a bad & wick$ man 
und]takes any species ( devili%ness he  
g5]ally prevails1 = a "t1 & is app>5tly 
successful 9 8 s*emes2 & %\ld he meet ) 
failure at ! onset 8 want ( success only
 madd5s him to great] ex]tions & m      
p]si/5t ef=ts4 ,be+ urg$ by ! devil1 & !
 devil be+ a h>d driv]1 he ei!r ru%es to
 8 own de/ruction or de/roys ! happ9ess 
or lives ( o!rs4 ,?us ,i 0 plac$ 9 !    

crucible = fur!r ref9em5t & reg5]ation4 
,my humanity gave way = "s "t2 b ,god 0 
) me1 & 9 ! end ,i prevail$4 ,! ov]se]'s
 "n 0 ,h9es1 & he belong$ to t class (  
s\!rn :ites :o are not$ = _! ignorance &
 brutality4 ,he c\ld read & write a     
little1--j en\gh to make out a negro's  
pass or a receipt = money paid on acc\nt
 ( 8 employ]4 ,9 ?is respect ,i 0 f> 9  
advance ( him1 ( :i* my ma/] 0 aw>e1 &  
:i* 0 "o ( ! causes ( ,h9es' excessive  
hatr$ ( me1 & ( 8 great desire to put me
 d[n & make me "k my place1 z he t]m$ x4
 ,he 0 v irreligi\s1 & entirely want+ 9 
e attribute ( a ,*ri/ian4 ,he 0 also :at
 9 ! ,s\? is t]m$ a bully--t is1 he 0   
free to use 8 pi/ols on ! slighte/      
occasion1 :5 among 8 equals1 b :5 9 !   
pres5ce ( 8 sup]iors he 0 a cr++        
sycophant & c[>d4 ,he 0 a real c[>d1 at 
be/1 9 all places4 ,he did n want me on 
! plantation2 & he 0 det]m9$ t he w\ld s
 h>rass me t ,i w\ld become z reckless &
 devili% z himself1 & !reby compel my   
ma/] to s5d me to a slave-m>ket to be   

sold4  ,h9es concoct$ v>i\s tales &     
report$ !m to ,mr4 ,?ompson1 relat+ to  
my alleg$ insubord9ation1 laz9ess1      
refusal to "w1 etc41 b all to no effect4
 ,f9ally he told my ma/] t ,i 0 s       
disob$i5t t ! re/ ( ! slaves 7 affect$  
by my conduct1 & t ,i w\ld ru9 all !    
slaves on ! plantation unless sev]e     
means 7 us$ to conqu] me4  ,my ma/]     
in=m$ ,h9es1 aft] he>+ 8 /ory1 t ,jack1 
a fell[-s]vant ( m9e 9 my y\ng] days1 _h
 kill$ ,pr9ce1 ano!r fell[-s]vant1 on   
,wilson's plantation1 sev]al ye>s be=e2 
t ,i might be imbu$ ) ! same _s2 & t if 
he und]took to *a/ise me he might meet )
 ! same fate ( ,pr9ce4  ,?is murd]      
occurr$ aft] ,i _h be5 sold by ,wilson  
to ,?ompson1 b be+ p]mitt$ to return to 
,wilson's plantation once a ye> to visit
 & prea* to my old flock1 ,i le>n$ !    
facts reg>d+ ! matt]4  ,jack belong$ to 
a neighbor ( ,wilson's by ! "n ( ,scott1
 & hav+ done some?+ displeas+ to ,scott 
he wi%$ to tie him up & :ip him4 ,jack  
refus$ to be :ipp$ by ,scott or any "o  

else1 :5 ,pr9ce 0 call$ ^u by 8 ma/]    
7,scott7 to help him secure ,jack4      
,pr9ce 0 reluctant1 b 0 comm&$ two or   
?ree times to take hold ( ,jack & hold  
him4 ,jack told him n to approa* him at 
! p]il ( 8 life2 b n he$+ ,jack's w>n+  
he made ! ef=t to tie ,jack1 :5 he 0    
/abb$ to ! he>t ) a knife 9 ,jack's h&1 
& expir$ almo/ in/antly4 ,jack made 8   
escape = a %ort "t1 b 0 captur$ &       
imm$iately hang$ )\t a trial or an      
opportunity to make any def5se4 ,jack 0 
captur$ 9 a corn-crib on ,wilson's      
plantation1 :i* made ,?ompson suppose ! 
murd] _h be5 committ$ !re4  ,?is        
recital1 :i* 0 made 9 sub/ance to ,h9es 
by my ma/]1 c[$ ! ov]se] consid]ably1 & 
a h\se-s]vant :o 0 pres5t dur+ !        
conv]sation aft]w>ds told me t ,h9es'   
face turn$ :ite z a %eet1 & he trembl$ l
 a leaf4  ,my ma/] knew 8 ov]se] 0 a    
c[>d1 & t if he c\ld "w ^u 8 fe>s by    
suppos+ me to be too high-spirit$ to /& 
a :ipp+1 he w\ld probably save me f     
,h9es' malice1 & keep ! ov]se] to 8 "w4 

,good ov]se]s 7 h>d to get 9 ! ,s\?4 ,an
 intellig5t ,*ri/ian man w\ld n h su* a 
position "u any circum/ances1 & ! v be/ 
( ! poor :ite tra% :o w\ld1 7 unreliable
 & bruti%2 !re=e ,mr4 ,?ompson _h to d !
 v be/ he c\ld "u ! circum/ances4 ,he   
did n believe ,h9es2 yet he _h to humor 
him1 9 a measure4  ,aft] a few days     
,h9es report$ to ,mr4 ,?ompson t he _h  
he>d me say t ,i w\ld nev] be :ipp$ by  
him or any o!r ov]se] on ! plantation1 z
 long z ,i _h life to resi/1 :i* 0 a mo/
 malici\s falsehood4 ,:at ,i did tell   
,h9es 01 t ,i w\ld s conduct myself & s 
p]=m my "w t he nor any o!r ov]se] on ! 
plantation %\ld nev] h cause to *a/ise  
me4  ,! falsehood inflam$ my ma/]1 & 9 8
 wra? he told ,h9es to :ip me = ! fir/  
(f5se ,i might commit1 or kill me 9 !   
attempt4  ,arm$ ) ?is in/ruction1 ,h9es 
0 9 high glee2 yet he d>e n attempt     
any?+ )\t fir/ lay+ well 8 plans & mak+ 
sure ( suffici5t =ce to c>ry !m out4 ,! 
next morn+ he *>g$ me to pick six hundr$
 p\nds ( cotton & deliv] x at !         

weigh+-h\se at night1 "u p5alty1 = a    
failure1 ( "o hundr$ la%es on my b>e    
back ) a ra:ide4  ,?is w\ld n h be5 an  
extraord9>y task 9 good cotton2 b :]e we
 _h to "w t day ! cotton 0 poor1 & 9 t  
field ! crop 0 n m ?an half a "o4       
,h[ev]1 ,i work$ h>d aga9/ fate all day1
 & pray$ to ,almighty ,god to help me 9 
my h\r ( ne$1 & keep me /eadfa/4 ,i knew
 ,i 0 to be puni%$ n = any fault or     
misdo+1 b simply to gratify a brute 9   
human %ape1 & my inf]ior 9 intellect1   
morality1 & physical /r5g?4 ,! burd5 0  
h>d to be>1 yet ,i pray$ = /r5g? to be> 
x4 ,:5 call$ f ! field to ! weigh+-h\se 
,i 0 kept wait+ until all ! o!r slaves  
_h _! cotton weigh$4 ,:5 m9e 0 weigh$ ,i
 0 told by ,h9es t ,i _h only pick$ f\r 
hundr$ p\nds4 ,i v]ily believ$ ?is to be
 untrue1 & felt conv9c$ t ,i _h pick$ at
 lea/ five hundr$ p\nds1 = ,i 0 "o ( !  
be/1 if n ! be/1 cotton-pick]s 9 !      
c\ntry2 & ,i _h labor$ fai?fully &      
rapidly all day1 & did n lose a m9ute's 
"t1 unnecess>ily4  ,h9es turn$ to me &  

said1 ,g to y\r qu>t]s2 ,i w settle ) y 
9 ! morn+4  ,n[ began new trials4 ,my   
duty & my ,*ri/ianity in/ruct$ me to    
face ! undes]v$ & unju/ puni%m5t        
manfully4 ,! devil & my human nature    
told me to run away4 ,i became weak4 ,! 
fe> ( ! disgrace ( a :ipp+ 0 too mu* =  
me1 & ,i succumb$ to ! evil "o4  ,i made
 su* arrangem5ts z ,i c\ld1 & conceal$  
myself on ! plantation1 be=e daylight ! 
next morn+1 s t ,i c\ld take an e>ly />t
 9 ! night & travel beh9d my pursu]s    
in/ead ( be=e !m4 ,my wife knew ( my    
hid+-place1 & :5 night came %e s\ght me 
& report$ :at _h be5 done = my capture4 
,h9es seem$1 %e said1 to be m *e]ful ?an
 usual 9 ! morn+ :5 he f\nd ,i 0 gone1 &
 ha/5$ to report ! good news1 z he      
?\ght1 to ,mr4 ,?ompson4 ,aft] "s       
conv]sation betwe5 !m x 0 det]m9$ by my 
ma/] to obta9 ! s]vices ( a pr(essional 
slave-hunt]1 & foll[ me ) h\nds4 ,!     
slave-hunt] 0 s5t = & came ) 8 pack (   
dogs t same day ab\t noon4 ,! hunt 0    
imm$iately begun1 & ! c\ntry 0 !n be+   

sc\r$ 9 all directions = my tracks4     
,?is in=mation put me on my gu>d1 & gave
 me "t to consid] :at direction ,i _h   
bett] take 9 my flight4 ,i _h provide   
myself a prep>ation call$ smut among !  
negroes1 :i*1 :5 spread ?9ly on ! soles 
( ! %oes or feet1 de/roy$ t peculi> sc5t
 by :i* blood-h\nds are enabl$ to foll[ 
! trail ( a man or a bea/4 ,aft] bidd+  
my wife f>ewell ,i sme>$ my %oes ) smut 
& />t$ 9 ! direction ( ! hills1 beyond  
:i* 0 a l>ge swamp1 ! refuge ( _m a poor
 runaway4  ,on my way ,i _h to pass     
?r\gh innum]able ?ickets ( und]bru% &   
bri]s1 & by reason !re( ,i tore my      
already mu*-worn clo!s almo/ into %r$s1 
& lac]at$ my fle% sev]ely1 especially on
 my arms & legs4 ,i arriv$ 9 ! swamp1   
h[ev]1 )\t be+ foll[$ by ! dogs1 & :ile 
proce$+ sl[ly & deject$ly along1 my /eps
 7 sudd5ly /opp$ by a fi]ce & l\d gr[l4 
,i 0 fright5$1 to be sure1 yet ,i knew  
sc>cely :at to d4 ,! gr[l proce$$ f a   
be>1 ,i felt fully assur$1 = be>s roam$ 
?r\gh ! hills & swamps ( ,mississippi4  

,b ) pres5ce ( m9d ,i retreat$ sl[ly f !
 pres5ce ( ,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,bru91 & n be+  
foll[$ by ! be>s my fe>s on t score 7   
remov$4  ,ab\t ?is "t x began to ra92 & 
! night 0 "o ( ^? black1 =ebod+ nights t
 noveli/s love s well to depict 9 _!    
descriptions ( /orms4 ,! lightn+ fla%$ )
 a vividness t light$ up ! dismal swamps
 ) a weird & horrible brightness2 !     
?und] roll$ peal ^u peal1 mak+ to me a  
p&emonium1 real & feel+2 ! pitiless ra9 
pelt$ me unm]cifully & con/antly1 ) t   
p]si/5ce t made x almo/ un5durable to   
me4 ,i sat d[n at ! root ( a l>ge tree1 
n to %elt] myself f ! ra9 b to protect  
myself f ! attack ( any wild animal t   
%\ld approa* me4 ,!re ,i sat ! re/ ( !  
long night1 unfri5d$1 alone1 =sak51--a  
hunt$ outca/4    ,man's inhumanity to   
man   ,makes c\ntless ?\s&s m\rn4  ,!   
condition 9 :i* ,i 0 n[ plac$ r5d]$ me  
inde$ a pitiable object4 ,i wait$ &     
long$ = morn+ to come2 b ! long1 sl[    
m9utes pass$ lazily along )\t reg>d to  
my suff]+s or wi%es4 ,aft] a long "t1 to

 me1 ,i he>d a roo/] cr[1 & ! welcome   
s\nd br\ght me to my feet 9 an in/ant4  
,i />t$ 9 ! direction ( ! s\nd1 &       
approa*$ w>ily4 ,hav+ walk$ a %ort      
di/ance ,i rea*$ ! edge ( ! swamps1 or r
 a dry spot or oasis 9 ! swamp1 & by !  
fa9t glimm] ( day1 :i* 0 j break+1 ,i   
c\ld see ! outl9es ( a h\se4 ,! cock    
cont9u$ to cr[1 :i* seem$ to invite me  
to approa*1 & :i* ,i con/ru$ into a good
 om51--at lea/ ,i really felt good at ! 
sight ( ! h\se1 ev5 ?\gh x might conta9 
^? :o w\ld *a9 me & take me back to my  
ma/]4 ,i notic$ t a public road ran     
along close to ! h\se2 & aft] go+ on !  
road1 9 approa*+ ! h\se ,i 0 discov]$ by
 a dog1 belong+ to ! h\se1 :o set up a  
furi\s b>k+4 ,fe>+ to /ay & make my     
wants kn[n ,i aga9 s\ght cov] 9 ! swamp4
 ,i /ay$ 9 ! swamp t day & ate su*      
b]ries1 roots1 & nuts z ,i c\ld f9d4 ,i 
_h pl5ty ( "t = pray] & m$itation4 ,i 0 
alone ) ,god1 & pray$ to him = help 9 my
 di/ress1 & = direction4 ,i became      
conv9c$ t ,i _h done wrong 9 runn+ away1

 & deem$ t ,i _h s9n$ aga9/ ,god4 ,i _h 
be5 a runaway & an outca/ be=e1 & _h    
came to "r conclusions2 yet ,i _h turn$ 
f ! pa? ( duty1 & 0 ev5 n[ be+ puni%$ = 
my s94 ,i det]m9$ to return to my ma/] &
 take ! consequ5ces ( my acts 9 runn+   
away4 ,i ask$ ,god to h m]cy on me &    
p>don my s9s1 & protect me f ! wra? ( my
 ma/] & ! malici\sness ( ,h9es4 ,hav+   
fully made up my m9d to return to       
,?ompson & make su* ef=ts z ,i c\ld to  
allay ! puni%m5t ,i expect$ to receive1 
,i set ab\t p]fect+ my plans to get !re 
)\t be+ appreh5d$ by ! slave-hunt]s1 :o 
7 !n1 ,i h no d\bt1 hunt+ = me4 ,my ma/]
 _h (f]$ a rew>d = my return to 8       
plantation2 & %\ld any "o arre/ me &    
take me home1 al?\gh ,i might be return+
 on my own accord1 !y w\ld receive !    
rew>d & ,i w\ld h to make up ! am\nt to 
my ma/] 9 extra labor & extra puni%m5t4 
,to avoid ?is 0 n[ my object4  ,at night
 ,i left ! swamp & w5t to ! road1 int5d+
 to travel home t night--?9k+ ,i 0 n m  
?an t5 or twelve miles away f !re4 ,i 0 

unc]ta9 :i* way to g2 b ,i f9ally />t$  
(f on ! road1 hop+ t ,i 0 go+ 9 !       
direction ( ,?ompson's4 ,! ra9 0 patt]+ 
d[n2 b ,i travel$ briskly all t night1 &
 ab\t day-break ,i came to a plantation4
 ,i ent]$ "o ( ! slave-cab9s & told !   
inmates ,i 0 lo/1 hungry1 & tir$1 & ask$
 !m = some?+ to eat4 ,"o ( ! color$ m5  
spoke to a woman :o appe>$ to be 8 wife1
 & told h] to get me some?+ to eat1 & t 
he w\ld g & get "s p9e to put on ! fire4
 ,8 actions1 & ! mann] 9 :i* he spoke1  
ar\s$ my suspicions1 & be+ fe>ful t he  
int5d$ to betray me1 ,i left ! cab9     
directly aft] he did1 & s\ght an asylum 
9 ! woods1 :]e ,i /ay$ dur+ t day4 ,?us 
! wick$ flee :5 no "o pursue?4  ,at     
night ,i f\nd ! same road ,i _h travel$ 
! day be=e1 & />t$ aga9 to try & get to 
,?ompson's4 ,i knew t ,i 0 wrong1 & t ,i
 0 travel+ away f in/ead ( t[>d         
,?ompson's2 !re=e ,i conclud$ to make   
inquiries at ! fir/ opportunity4 ,aft]  
travel+ ?ree or f\r miles ,i came to a  
cab9 9 :i* !re 0 a light %9+ ?r\gh !    

cracks betwe5 ! logs4 ,approa*+ ! cab91 
,i int5d$ to ent]2 b be+ enabl$ to see !
 inmates ?r\gh ! cracks ,i discov]$ ?ree
 :ite m5 sitt+ ar\nd ! fire1 s ,i turn$ 
to leave4 ,z ,i 0 pass+ ! corn] ( ! cab9
 a color$ woman came to ! door = "s     
purpose1 & saw me4 ,%e jump$ back into !
 cab91 at ! same "t exclaim+1 ,"h's a   
runaway nigg]6  ,i imm$iately ran = !   
road2 b a dog--n a blood-h\nd--foll[$   
me1 & :ile gett+ ov] ! f5ce betwe5 !    
cab9 & ! road he caught me by ! bree*es 
leg4 ,i %ook him (f & ran = ! woods4  ,!
 :ite m5 7 slave-hunt]s1 & 7 aft] me    
p>ticul>ly1 z ,i le>n$ aft]w>ds4 ,!y    
foll[$ me closely by ! s\nd ( ! crackl+ 
( bru%1 & put ! dogs !y _h ) !m on my   
track4 ,^! dogs1 =tunately = me1 7 9 !  
cab9 at ! "t ,i approa*$ x4 ,z soon z ,i
 he>d ! fir/ yelp ( a blood-h\nd ,i     
smutt$ my %oe-soles1 & soon ?rew !m (f !
 sc5t4 ,! :ite m5 foll[$ me ab\t ?ree or
 f\r miles4 ,f9ally1 f9d+ ,i w\ld n get 
away f !m by runn+1 ,i /opp$1 & mak+ my 
way into a d5se ?icket ( bri]s ,i sat   

d[n4 ,! :ite m5 /opp$ a %ort di/ance f  
me & li/5$1 ,i suppose1 = ! s\nd ( bru% 
crack+4 ,aft] wait+ a %ort "t "o ( !m   
/>t$ (f 9 ! direction !y _h come1 leav+ 
! o!rs /ill wait+1--us+ ?is ruse 9 ord] 
to ?r[ me (f my gu>d1 s z to enable !   
rema9+ ones to asc]ta9 :]e ,i 0 by !    
noise ,i w\ld make 9 walk+4 ,i 0 too    
close to !m2 & f ! noise ,i he>d f :]e  
!y 7 /&+ ,i knew !y _h a dog ) !m1 & t  
!y 7 only wait+ = me to move to beg9 !  
*ase aga94 ,i sat p]fectly quiet1 &     
wait$ pati5tly = ! rema9+ :ites & ! dog 
to leave4 ,aft] a "t ! m5 began to move 
ab\t ?r\gh ! bru%1 com+ /ill clos] to   
me4 ,i he>d !m talk+1 :5 "o ( !m said1  
,we ought to cat* ! nigg] if we h to run
 him all night4 ,no said ! o!r1 we %\ld 
let him alone to-night1 & />t him up 9 !
 morn+1 :5 we c h daylight = ! *ase1 & n
 run him to-night1 = we might run him (f
 & nev] cat* him4  ,aft] a %ort p>ley !y
 conclud$ to get "s m dogs & be on !    
gr\nd be=e daylight1 s z to make sure ( 
me4 ,z soon z !y _h gone out ( my he>+  

,i em]g$ f ! bri] ?icket4 ,i f\nd my    
limbs _h become sore & b5umb$ f !       
exposure & h>d%ips ,i _h und]gone1 & ,i 
0 int5sely hungry4 ,i worri$ along1     
h[ev]1 to get out ( t neighborhood z    
soon z possible4 ,! sky 0 n[ cle>1 ! air
 fro/y1 & my rags 7 b a scant protection
 to me4 ,aft] walk+ a:ile ,i f\nd my    
sor5ess began to leave me1 :5 ,i began  
to accel]ate my pace4 ,i _h to walk z   
fa/ z ,i c\ld1 & ex]cise my limbs all ,i
 c\ld1 9 ord] to keep w>m4 ,aft] walk+  
"s "t ,i came to a plantation4 ,^u      
reconnoit]+1 ,i f\nd an old h\se1 &     
approa*+ x ) ! int5tion ( seek+ a little
 re/ 9 x dur+ ! rema9d] ( ! night & !   
next day1 ,i saw a light 9 x4 ,i w5t 91 
h[ev]1 & f\nd x to be ! work%op ( !     
plantation1 & five color$ m5 7 !re putt+
 h&les 9 _! axes4 ,i ask$ !m = some?+ to
 eat1 & 0 ab\t to tell !m ! tru? reg>d+ 
myself1 :5 "o ( ! negroes hurri$ me out 
( ! cab91 say+ he w\ld get me some?+ to 
eat4 ,aft] we got out he told me ,i 0 v 
imprud5t1 = if ,i _h told ! negroes :o  

,i 0 & t ,i 0 a runaway1 !y w\ld h tak5 
me !mselves4 ,he got me "s meat & bread1
 & aft] ,i _h told him :o ,i 0 & t ,i   
want$ to f9d my way back to ,?ompson's1 
he put me on ! "r road & gave me su*    
directions z ,i requir$4  ,i f\nd t ,i 0
 ab\t fifty miles f ,?ompson's          
plantation1 & t x w\ld require two      
nights' h>d walk+ to get !re4 ,i felt v 
mu* disc\rag$1 & griev$ consid]ably to  
myself4 ,h[ev]1 hav+ satisfi$ ! crav+s (
 my appetite1 ,i pluck$ up c\rage & />t$
 on my long return walk ) r5ew$ en]gy4  
,aft] travel+ ab\t five miles ,i came to
 a little t[n4 ,i 0 afraid to g ?r\gh x 
on acc\nt ( ! liability ( be+ appreh5d$2
 & ,i did n l to g ar\nd x = fe> ( gett+
 lo/ aga94 ,i det]m9$ to risk go+ ?r\gh 
! place1 &1 by avoid+ e "o1 escape      
detection4 ,!re 0 q an excitem5t "h by  
reason ( an epidemic sickness among !   
*ildr51 & ab\t e o!r h\se _h a light 9  
x4 ,i pass$ ?r\gh ! t[n ) fe>2 b ,i     
escap$ arre/ & felt l rejoic+ ov] my    
good =tune1 n once ?9k+ ( any dang]s or 

h>d%ips t might lay be=e me4  ,aft] ,i  
got ?r\gh ! t[n ,i came to a consid]able
 /ream1 ) a bridge across x1 ! "n ( :i* 
,i am unable to give2 b on ! opposite   
end ( ! bridge f ! t[n !re is a         
road-way1 or levee1 ?r[n up across !    
bottom = ab\t two miles4 ,at ! "t ,i    
cross$1 ! /ream 0 v mu* swell$ f ! rec5t
 ra9s1 & ! wat] ext5d$ all ov] ! bottom 
on ea* side ( ! road-grade1 & to )9 two 
or ?ree feet ( ! top ( x4 ,?is grade ,i 
_h to cross2 & ,i 0 greatly afraid t ,i 
w\ld meet "s "o4 ,i />t$ across1 & :5   
ab\t half way ov] ! grade1 or levee1 ,i 
he>d h\nds bay+ ahead ( me2 & ! s\nds   
seem$ to be approa*+ me1 ,i became v mu*
 fright5$1 & turn$ & fl$ back to !      
bridge1 :51 j z ,i 0 /epp+ on x1 ,i he>d
 m5's voices1 & /opp$1 :5 ,i f\nd !y 7  
com+ across ! bridge t[>d me4 ,i        
conclud$ ,i w\ld r face ! blood-h\nds   
?an ! :ite m51 s ,i made my way back ov]
 ! grade z hurri$ly z ,i c\ld4 ,i rea*$ 
! end ( ! grade )\t meet+ ! h\nds &     
turn$ (f into ! woods4 ,aft] walk+ a    

%ort di/ance ,i he>d ! h\nds aga91 & !  
s\nd ( _! yelps 0 ne>+ me rapidly4 ,i   
turn$ my c\rse imm$iately1 & ran z fa/ z
 ,i 0 able = ?ree or f\r hundr$ y>ds1 :5
 ,i saw di/9ctly1 9 ! />light1 a man    
runn+ ne>ly t[>d me4 ,my he>t leap$ into
 my ?roat1 z x 71 & ,i made ready =     
battle4 ,b ! man prov$ to be a poor     
runaway l myself1 & ! "o :om ! h\nds 7  
aft]4 ,i _h got into a field1 & !       
runaway pass$ ?r\gh ! same field )\t    
notic+ me4 ,i kept on 9 an opposite     
direction f ! "o :i* he _h tak51 &      
cross$ ! f5ce on ! o!r side ( ! field j 
9 "t to he> "o ( ! slave-hunt]s say1    
,!re he is n[2 ,i he>d him gett+ ov] !  
f5ce4 ,i ?rew myself on ! gr\nd & await$
 results4 ,! dogs 7 hot on ! o!r slave's
 track1 & 7 runn+ at a great rate1 :i*  
induc$ ! slave-hunt]s to ?9k _!         
companion 0 mi/ak54 ,s1 to my great     
relief & pleasure1 !y />t$ on aft] !    
h\nds4 ,i 0 ne>ly exhau/$ by my ex]tions
 dur+ ! night1 & z x 0 n[ ne>ly morn+ ,i
 lay on ! gr\nd = a "t to re/ &         

recup]ate my worn-out en]gies a little4 
,9 a %ort "t ,i got up1 & aft] look+    
ar\nd ,i saw ! outl9es ( plantation     
h\ses 9 ! di/ance4 ,on go+ to !m ,i f\nd
 a re/+-place 9 a fodd]-l(t1 9 !        
horse-lot ( ! plantation4 ,i ensconc$   
myself 9 ! fodd]1 :5 ,i aga9 he>d !     
inf]nal yelps ( ! blood-h\nds1 & ! m    
inf]nal yelps ( ! :ite pursu]s urg+ !   
h\nds aft] ! poor runaway4 ,! h\nds soon
 aft] caught ! poor wret*1 ^: cries =   
m]cy 7 he>t-r5d+ & pite\s4 ,my situation
 0 p]il\s2 yet ,i _h hopes t ! o!r slave
 be+ run d[n & caught w\ld save me1 f ! 
fact t ! hunt]s 7 n aw>e ( ! pres5ce (  
ano!r runaway 9 ! imm$iate neighborhood4
  ,! day wore sl[ly away1 & be+ v weak f
 hung] & fatigue ,i 0 unable to ga9 t   
re/ my wa/$ body requir$4 ,i slept two  
or ?ree h\rs1 h[ev]1 & _h ample "t =    
reflection4 ,! bridge :]e ,i _h be5 s   
completely hemm$ 9 ! night be=e 0       
impress$ deeply ^u my memory2 & ! agony 
( m9d :ile on ! bridge 0 /ill tr\bl+ me4
 ,i reli$ on a lov+ heav5ly ,fa!r 9 my  

tr\bles & trials1 & br\ght to my m9d !  
condition ( ! *ildr5 ( ,israel :5 ab\t  
to be ov]:elm$ by ! ho/s ( ,ph>aoh on ! 
%ore ( ! ,r$ ,sea4 ,god deliv]$ !m1 & ,i
 believ$ he w\ld deliv] me4 ,my fai? 0  
/rong4  ,night came at la/1 :5 ,i       
cauti\sly em]g$ f my hid+-place &       
cont9u$ my j\rney t[>d home4 ,i ran &   
walk$ ab\t tw5ty-five miles1 & did n f9d
 any famili> objects to lead me to      
suppose ,i 0 9 ! neighborhood ( my      
ma/]'s plantation1 :5 ,i began to look  
ab\t = a place ( concealm5t 9 :i* to    
sp5d ano!r we>y & lonesome day4 ,walk+  
sl[ly along1 aft] a %ort "t my att5tion 
0 attract$ by s\nds z if "s "o 0 p\nd+ a
 h>d sub/ance4 ,on /opp+ & li/5+1 ,i    
soon he>d "s p]son call+ hogs4 ,! voice 
seem$ famili>4 ,^u fur!r inve/igation ,i
 began to recognize objects1 & soon     
asc]ta9$ t ,i 0 at home4 ,n[ t ,i _h got
 back home1 new tr\bles arose 9 my m9d4 
,i w\ld be puni%$ sev]ely1 )\t d\bt4    
,in/ead ( go+ to ! qu>t]s ,i w5t        
directly to my ma/]'s plantation1 9 !   

hope t ,i c\ld enli/ my mi/ress 9 my    
behalf1 & ?us h ! way made smoo? = me4  
,my ma/] 0 n at home1 =tunately1 & my   
mi/ress he>d my /ory & pray]s =         
=giv5ess4 ,%e promis$ to int]c$e ) my   
ma/] = me1 b t ,i mu/ promise n to run  
away aga91 :i* ,i did4 ,%e bade me to g 
& hide myself 9 ! /able l(t1 & n to     
leave !re until %e s5t = me4 ,soon aft]1
 my ma/] came home4 ,9 conv]sation ) him
 my mi/ress broa*$ ! subject z to my    
:]eab\ts4 ,he told h] t he believ$ ,i _h
 got to ! free /ates & 0 lo/ to him2    
h[ev]1 t if any ( ! slaves on !         
plantation knew :]e ,i 0 !y %\ld get me 
^w t if ,i w\ld come back ,i %\ld n be  
puni%$1 & t ,i %\ld be =giv54 ,9 t case 
my mi/ress said %e w\ld insure my return
 spe$ily4  ,matt]s 7 soon arrang$1 & ,i 
0 re-in/at$ 9 my =m] position on !      
plantation4 ,b sev]e trials 7 soon to   
ov]take me1 & :at ,i _h already gone    
?r\gh 0 b an atom 9 comp>ison ) :at ,i  
aft]w>ds suff]$ f ! h&s ( my ma/]1 & by 
reason ( my condition ( slav]y4  ,?us   

end$ my e>li] exp]i5ces z a slave1 f my 
e>lie/ recollection d[n to ! "t ( my    
return to ,?ompson's plantation4  ,i    
propose to cont9ue ?is biography1 &     
include ! :ole 9 book =m4 ,?is pamphlet 
is pr9t$ = ! purpose ( enabl+ me to     
raise money to cont9ue my "w & pay+ =   
pr9t+ ! :ole 9 a book sub/antially &    
neatly b\nd4  ,to ! fri5ds ( ! color$   
race ,i appeal = help 9 ?is matt]1 hop+ 
t suffici5t int]e/ is tak5 to insure !  
accumulation ( suffici5t funds = my     
purpose4  ,! rema9d] w conta9 my full   
exp]i5ce z a m9i/] ( ! gospel1 &        
incid5ts relat+ to my ef=ts & ! ef=ts ( 
my co-work]s 9 build+ up ! *ur* ( ,*ri/ 
among ! =m] slaves ( ! ,s\?1 & su*      
sugge/ions z ,i may deem prop] to aid to
 raise ! /&>d ( intellig5ce among       
negroes4