perceptions of the responsibilities of
a more independent position. I longed to cast off the chains of
servitude, because they chafed my free spirit, and because I had a
notion that my position was founded in injustice; but it has only been
since a struggle of many years, and, indeed, since I settled upon
British soil, that I have realized fully the grandeur of my position as
a free man.

One fact, when I was a slave, often filled me with indignation. There
were many poor white lads of about my own age, belonging to families
scattered around, who were as poor in personal effects as we were; and
yet, though our companions, (when we chose to tolerate them,) they did
not have to be controlled by a master, to go and come at his command, to
be sold for his debts, or whenever he wanted extra pocket-money. The
preachers of a slave-trading gospel frequently told us, in their
sermons, that we should be "good boys," and not break into master's
hen-roost, nor steal his bacon; but they never told this to these poor
white people, although they knew very well that they encouraged the
slaves to steal, trafficked in stolen goods, and stole themselves.

Why this difference? I felt I was the equal of these poor whites, and
naturally I concluded that we were greatly wronged, and that all this
talk about obedience, duty, humility, and honesty was, in the phrase of
my companions, "all gammon."

But I was now on the high-road to liberty. I had broken the bonds that
held me so firmly; and now, instead of fears of recapture, that before
had haunted my imagination whenever I thought of running away, I felt as
light as a feather, and seemed to be helped onward by an irresistible
force.

Some time before this, I had been able, through the instrumentality of a
friend, to procure a pass, for which I paid five dollars,--all the money
I had saved in a long time; but as my brother determined to go with me,
and as we could not both use it safely, I destroyed it.

On the day I ceased working for master, after gaining the woods, we
lurked about and discussed our plans until after dark. Then we stole
back to the Quarter, made up our bundles, bade some of our friends
farewell, and at about nine o'clock of the night set out for Baltimore.
How shall I describe my first experience of free life? Nothing can be
greater than the contrast it affords to a plantation experience, under
the suspicious and vigilant eye of a mercenary overseer or a watchful
maste