ard from some of you since you left Boyton, if
it was only a line; nevertheless I love you all very dearly,
and shall, although I may never see you again, nor do I ever
expect to. Miss Anna is going to Petersburgh next winter, but
she says that she does not intend take me; what reason she
has for leaving me I cannot tell. I have often wished that I
lived where I knew I never could see you, for then I would
not have my hopes raised, and to be disappointed in this
manner; however, it is said that a bad beginning makes a good
ending, but I hardly expect to see that happy day at this
place. Give my love to all the family, both white and black.
I was very much obliged to you for the presents you sent me
last summer, though it is quite late in the day to be
thanking for them. Tell Aunt Bella that I was very much
obliged to her for her present; I have been so particular
with it that I have only worn it once.

"There have been six weddings since October; the most
respectable one was about a fortnight ago; I was asked to be
the first attendant, but, as usual with all my expectations,
I was disappointed, for on the wedding-day I felt more like
being locked up in a three-cornered box than attending a
wedding. About a week before Christmas I was bridesmaid for
Ann Nash; when the night came I was in quite a trouble; I did
not know whether my frock was clean or dirty; I only had a
week's notice, and the body and sleeves to make, and only one
hour every night to work on it, so you can see with these
troubles to overcome my chance was rather slim. I must now
close, although I could fill ten pages with my griefs and
misfortunes; no tongue could express them as I feel; don't
forget me though; and answer my letters soon. I will write
you again, and would write more now, but Miss Anna says it is
time I had finished. Tell Miss Elizabeth that I wish she
would make haste and get married, for mistress says that I
belong to her when she gets married.

"I wish you would send me a pretty frock this summer; if you
will send it to Mrs. Robertson's Miss Bet will send it to me.

"Farewell, darling mother.

"Your affectionate daughter,
"ELIZABETH HOBBS."

[Footnote A: March, 1868.]

CHAPTER III

HOW I GAINED MY FREEDOM

The years passed and brought many changes to me, but on th