help he wanted to get to
Perrysburgh. This he accomplished to my entire satisfaction.
He worked for me during the summer, and I was unwilling to
part with him, but his desire to go to school and mature
plans for the liberation of his wife, were so strong that he
left for Detroit, where he could enjoy the society of his
colored brethren. I have heard his story and must say that I
have not the least reason to suspect it being otherwise than
true, and furthermore, I firmly believe, and have for a long
time, that he has the foundation to make himself useful. I
shall always afford him all the facilities in my power to
assist him, until I hear of something in relation to him to
alter my mind.

Yours in the cause of truth,
J.W. SMITH

When I arrived at Perrysburgh, I went to work for Mr. Smith for
several months. This family I found to be one of the most
kind-hearted, and unprejudiced that I ever lived with. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith lived up to their profession.

I resolved to go to Detroit, that winter, and go to school, in January
1842. But when I arrived at Detroit I soon found that I was not able
to give myself a very thorough education. I was among strangers, who
were not disposed to show me any great favors. I had every thing to
pay for, and clothing to buy, so I graduated within three weeks! And
this was all the schooling that I have ever had in my life.

W.C. Monroe was my teacher; to him I went about two weeks only. My
occupation varied according to circumstances, as I was not settled in
mind about the condition of my bereaved family for several years, and
could not settle myself down at any permanent business. I saw
occasionally, fugitives from Kentucky, some of whom I knew, but none
of them were my relatives; none could give me the information which I
desired most.

CHAPTER XVII.

_Letter from W.H. Gatewood.--My reply.--My efforts as a public
lecturer.--Singular incident in Steubenville--Meeting with a friend of
Whitfield in Michigan.--Outrage on a canal packet.--Fruitless efforts
to find my wife._

The first direct information that I received concerning any of my
relations, after my last escape from slavery, was communicated in a
letter from Wm. H. Gatewood, my former owner, which I here insert word
for word, without any correction:

BEDFORD, TRIMBLE COUNTY, KY