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CopyrightCopyright©1970byDoverPublications,Inc.Allrightsreserved.
BibliographicalNote
ThisDoveredition,firstpublishedin2000,isthesecondDoverunabridgedrepublicationoftheworkfirstpublishedin1853byDerbyandMiller,Auburn,NewYork.TheIntroduction
writtenbyPhilipS.Fonerforthe1970Dovereditionisincludedinthisedition,asare7illustrationsfromthe1854edition.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Northup,Solomon,b.1808.
Twelveyearsaslave/
SolomonNorthup;introductionbyPhilipS.Foner.p.cm.Originallypublished:Auburn,N.Y.:DerbyandMiller.Includesindex.
9780486130699
1.Northup,Solomon,b.1808.2.Slaves-UnitedStates—Biography.3.Afro-Americans-Biography.4.Plantationlife—Louisiana-History-19thcentury.5.
Slavery-Louisiana—History-19thcentury.I.Title.
E444N872000306.3’62’092-dc21
99-089488
ManufacturedintheUnitedStatesbyCourierCorporation41143508www.doverpublications.com
INTRODUCTIONTOTHEDOVEREDITIONCOMMENTINGonthe
literallyhundredsofslavenarrativespublishedduringtheantislaverycrusade,
EphraimPeabody,acontemporarywriter,notedthattheywere“calculatedtoexertaverywideinfluenceonpublicopinion”becausetheycontained“thevictim’saccountoftheworkingsofthisgreatinstitution.”Amongtheautobiographiesbyformerslaves,afewwereespeciallyeffectiveinpresentingaclearpictureofthenatureandoperationsofthat“peculiarinstitution.”Themostfamous
wereFrederickDouglass’Narrative,publishedin1845,WilliamW.Brown’sNarrative,publishedtwoyearslater,JosiahHenson’sautobiography,publishedin1849,andSolomonNorthup’sNarrative,publishedin1853.Northup’saccountisconsideredoneofthemostauthenticdescriptionsofslaveryfromtheviewpointoftheslavehimself.UlrichB.Phillips,
whodoubtedthevalueandauthenticityofmanyoftheslaveautobiographies,wroteofNorthup’sbook:“...thisonehasatonewhichengagesconfidence.Itspicturesofplantationlifeandlaborareofparticularinterest.”
KidnappingoffreeNegroesandtheirsaleintoslaverywasnotuncommon,especiallyasthepriceofslavesmountedinthe
decadesfollowingthelegalclosingoftheAfricanslavetrade.ButoneofthemostnotoriouskidnappingcaseswasthatofSolomonNorthup.HehadbeenaraftsmanandfarmeraroundLakeChamplaininNewYorkuntil1841when,onthegroundofhistalentwiththefiddle,twostrangersofferedhimemploymentinacircuswhichtheysaidwasthenatWashington.Goingthere
withthem,withoutevenbiddingfarewelltohiswifeandchildren,forwhathethoughtwouldbemerelytemporaryemploymentatgoodwages,Northupwasdrugged,shackled,robbedofhisfreepapers,andsoldtothefirmofPrice,BurchandCo.,awell-knownslavetradingestablishment.Eachtimeheprotestedthathewasafreeman,Northupwaswhippeduntilhelearnednot
tomentionthefacttoanyone.Confinedinaslavejail“withintheveryshadowofthecapitol,”Northupobserved:“Thevoicesofpatrioticrepresentativesboastingoffreedomandequality,andtherattlingofthepoorslaves’chainsalmostcommingled.”Theseslavepenswereconstructedbylargetraders,andtheNegroeswereconfinedinthemwhileawaitingsaleor
transportationtoamarket.NorthupwasshippedtotheNewOrleansmarket.Ashewasmarchedtotheshiphandcuffedinaslavecoffee,hereflectedthattheslavesweremoving“throughthecapitalofanation,whosetheoryofgovernment,wearetold,restsonthefoundationofman’sinalienablerighttolife,LIBERTY,andthepursuitofhappiness!Hail!Columbia,happyland,indeed
!”
AtNewOrleans,NorthupwassoldbythefirmofTheophilusFreemantoaplanterwholivedonaTexasroad,twelvemilesfromLamourie.SoldagaintoaplanterneartheRedRiverinLouisiana,hewasenslavedonaplantationforadozenyearsuntilaletter,whichafriendlywhitecarpenterhadwrittenforhim,broughtone
ofhisformerpatronswithanagent’scommissionfromtheGovernorofNewYork.Withtheassistanceofthelocalauthorities,Northup’srealidentitywasestablished,hislibertyprocured,andin1853hereturnedtohiswifeandchildrenatSaratoga.
InclosinghisNarrative,Northupcomments:“Idoubtnothundredshavebeenasunfortunateasmyself;that
hundredsoffreecitizenshavebeenkidnappedandsoldintoslavery,andareatthismomentwearingouttheirlivesonplantationsinTexasandLouisiana.”
Intheyearofhisrescue,DavidWilsontookdownNorthup’sstoryas“acorrectpictureofslavery.”Itwaspublishedthatyearwiththetitle,TwelveYearsaSlave:NarrativeofSolomon
Northup.Thetitlepageannouncedtheauthoras“acitizenofNewYork,kidnappedinWashingtonCityin1841,andrescuedin1853,fromacottonplantationneartheRedRiverinLouisiana,.”AnAppendixcontainedthetextofthelawpassedbytheNewYorklegislaturein1840toprotectthefreecitizensofthestatefrombeingkidnappedorreducedtoslavery,the
petitionofMrs.AnneNorthup,Northup’swife,totheGovernorofNewYork,whichledtoherhusband’srestitutiontofreedom,andlettersestablishingtheauthenticityofNorthup’sclaimthathewasafreeNegrowhohadbeenkidnappedandsoldintoslavery.
Northup’sNarrativewasdedicatedtoHarrietBeecher
StowewhoseAKeytoUncleTom’sCabin,publishedin1853asareplytotheattacksontheaccuracyofthefactsinUncleTom’sCabin,hadnotedthatNorthup“wascarriedtoaplantationintheRedRivercountry—thatsameregionwherethesceneofUncleTom’scaptivitywaslaid—andhisaccountofthisplantation,andthemodeoflifethere,andsomeincidentswhichhedescribed,forma
strikingparalleltothathistory.”Inhisdedication,NorthupcitedhisNarrativeas“affordinganotherkeytoUncleTom’sCabin.”Withinayearafterits
publication,Northup’sNarrativehadsold25,000copies.Itisthe1854edition,carryingthenotice“TwentiethThousand,”whichisreprintedinthisvolume.Theauthormadenochanges
fromthefirsteditionotherthanreprintingonthededicationpagethereferencetohiminAKeytoUncleTom’sCabin.Writtenimmediatelyafter
Northup’srescuefromslavery,theNarrativehadnoneoftheerrorsindetailpresentinaccountsputdownfromdistantmemory.Itisnotsurprising,then,thatNorthup’sslavenarrativehas
provedtobeanimportantsourceforscholarsstudyingtheinternalslavetrade,slaveauctionsandtheseparationofslavefamilies,thelifeoftheslaveontheSouthernplantations,theroleoftheslavedriver,andtheextentofslaveresistance.(LikeFrederickDouglass,SolomonNorthupwhippedhisoverseerandwasinvolvedintwonear-rebellions.)Northup’spictureofcottonplantationworkis
oneofthefewdetailedcontemporaryportraitsthatexist—thatis,fromtheviewpointoftheslave.Hisdescriptionofconditionsonacottonplantationinthemid-1840’sandearly1850’siscertainlyoneofthemostvaluablewehave.HisaccountofhowthewoodsandswampsofLouisianawere“continuallyfilledwithrunaways”whostoleprovisionsfromthe
surroundingfarmsisextremelyusefulinthestudyoftherelativelypermanentsettlementsofrunawayslaves(calledmaroons)whichweretobefoundinwoodsandswampsinmanypartsoftheSouth.
“Tenyears,”Northupwrote,“Iwascompelledtoaddresshim[themaster]withdowncasteyesanduncoveredhead—intheattitudeand
languageoftheslave,.”Thewhipwastheantidotetoanyinfringementofthisconduct.Indeed,asNorthup’snarrativemakesabundantlyclear,thewhipwasthesymbolofslavery,especiallyinthedeepSouth.Northup’sdescriptionofhisbrutalLouisianamaster“whosechiefdelightwasindancingwithhis‘niggers’orlashingthemabouttheyardwithhislongwhip,”andofthe
repeatedfloggingsoftheslavegirl,Patsey,madeatremendousimpactonthousandsofreaders.FewofthesereaderscoulddisagreewithNorthup’sinsightaboutslaveryasheexpressedittowardtheendofhisnarrative:
“Theremaybehumanemasters,astherecertainlyareinhumanones—theremaybeslaveswell-clothed,well-fed,
andhappy,astheresurelyarethosehalf-clad,half-starvedandmiserable;nevertheless,theinstitutionthattoleratessuchwrongandinhumanityasIhavewitnessed,isacruel,unjust,andbarbarousone.”
Thepresent-dayreaderwillfindintheNarrativeabsorbingdescriptionsoftheoperationsoftheslavesystemaswellasacomprehensive
portraitofthearbitraryandabsolutepowerofslavery.
PHILIPS.FONER
LincolnUniversity,PennsylvaniaNovember,1969
SOLOMONINHISPLANTATIONSUIT.
TWENTIETHTHOUSAND.
TWELVEYEARSASLAVE.
NARRATIVE
OF
SOLOMONNORTHUP,
ACITIZENOFNEW-YORK,
KIDNAPPEDIN
WASHINGTONCITYIN1841,
AND
RESCUEDIN1853,
FROMACOTTONPLANTATIONNEARTHE
REDRIVER
INLOUISIANA.
AUBURN:
DERBYANDMILLER.
BUFFALO:
DERBY,ORTONANDMULLIGAN.
LONDON:
SAMPSONLOW,SON&COMPANY,47LUDGATE
HILL.
1854.
“ITISASINGULARCOINCIDENCE,THATSOLOMONNORTHUPWASCARRIEDTOAPLANTATIONINTHEREDRIVERCOUNTRY—THATSANEREGIONWHERETHES0ENEOFUNCLETOM’SCAPTIVITYWASLAID—ANDHISACCOUNTOFTHISPLANTATION,ANDTHEMODEOFLIFETHERE,
ANDSOMEINCIDENTSWHICHHEDESCRIBES,FORMASTRIKINGPARALLELTOTHATHIBT08Y.”
KeytouncleTom’sCabin,p.174.
TOHARRIETBEECHER
STOWE.
WHOSENAME,
THROUGHOUTTHEWORLD,ISIDENTIFIED
WITHTHE
GREATREFORM:
THISNARRATIVE,AFFORDINGANOTHER
HeytoUncleTom’sCabin,
ISRESPECTFULLYDEDICATED
“Suchdupesarementocustom,andsoproneToreverencowhatisancient,andcanpleadAcourseoflongobservanceforitsuse,Thatevenservitude,theworstofIlls,Becausedelivereddownfromsiretoson,Iskeptandguardedasasacredthing.Butisitfit,orcanitbearthe
shockOfrationaldiscussion,thatamanCompoundedandmadeup,likeothermen,Ofelementstumultuous,inwhomlustAndfollyinasamplemeasuremeet,Asinthebosomoftheslaveherules,Shouldbeadespotabsolute,andboastHimselftheonlyfreemanof
hisland?”
COWPER
TableofContents
TitlePageCopyrightPageINTRODUCTIONTOTHEDOVEREDITIONTWENTIETHTHOUSAND.-TWELVEYEARSASLAVE.
DedicationEDITOR’SPREFACE.CHAPTERI.CHAPTERII.CHAPTERIII.CHAPTERIV.CHAPTERV.CHAPTERVI.CHAPTERVII.CHAPTERVIII.CHAPTERIX.CHAPTERX.CHAPTERXI.CHAPTERXII.
CHAPTERXIIICHAPTERXIV.CHAPTERXVCHAPTERXVI.CHAPTERXVII.CHAPTERXVIII.CHAPTERXIX.CHAPTERXX.CHAPTERXXI.CHAPTERXXII.ROARINGRIVER.-AREFRAINOFTHEREDRIVERPLANTATION.APPENDIX.
DOVERAFRICAN-AMERICANBOOKS
EDITOR’SPREFACE.
WHENtheeditorcommencedthepreparationofthefollowingnarrative,hedidnotsupposeitwouldreachthesizeofthisvolume.
Inorder,however,topresentallthefactswhichhavebeencommunicatedtohim,ithasseemednecessarytoextendittoitspresentlength.
Manyofthestatementscontainedinthefollowingpagesarecorroboratedbyabundantevidence—othersrestentirelyuponSolomon’sassertion.Thathehasadheredstrictlytothetruth,theeditor,atleast,whohashadan
opportunityofdetectinganycontradictionordiscrepancyinhisstatements,iswellsatisfied.Hehasinvariablyrepeatedthesamestorywithoutdeviatingintheslightestparticular,andhasalsocarefullyperusedthemanuscript,dictatinganalterationwhereverthemosttrivialinaccuracyhasappeared.
ItwasSolomon’sfortune,
duringhiscaptivity,tobeownedbyseveralmasters.Thetreatmenthereceivedwhileatthe“PineWoods”showsthatamongslaveholderstherearemenofhumanityaswellasofcruelty.Someofthemarespokenofwithemotionsofgratitude—othersinaspiritofbitterness.ItisbelievedthatthefollowingaccountofhisexperienceonBayouBoeufpresentsacorrect
pictureofSlavery,inallitslightsandshadows,asitnowexistsinthatlocality.Unbiased,asheconceives,byanyprepossessionsorprejudices,theonlyobjectoftheeditorhasbeentogiveafaithfulhistoryofSolomonNorthup’slife,ashereceiveditfromhislips.
Intheaccomplishmentofthatobject,hetrustshehassucceeded,notwithstanding
thenumerousfaultsofstyleandofexpressionitmaybefoundtocontain.
DAVIDWILSON.
WHITEHALL,N.Y.,May,1853.
CHAPTERI.INTRODUCTORY—ANCESTRY—THENORTHUPFAMILY—BIRTHANDPARENTAGE—MINTUSNORTHUP—MARRIAGEWITHANNEHAMPTON—GOODRESOLUTIONS
—CHAMPLAINOANAL—RAFTINGEXCURSIONTOCANADA—FARMING—THEVIOLIN—COOKING—REMOVALTOSARATOGA—PARKERANDPERRY—SLAVESANDSLAVERY—THECHILDREN—THEBEGINNINGOFSORROW.
HAVINGbeenbornafreeman,andformorethanthirtyyearsenjoyedtheblessingsoflibertyinafreeState—andhavingattheendofthattimebeenkidnappedandsoldintoSlavery,whereIremained,untilhappilyrescuedinthemonthofJanuary,1853,afterabondageoftwelveyears—ithasbeensuggestedthatanaccountofmylifeandfortuneswouldnotbe
uninterestingtothepublic.
Sincemyreturntoliberty,IhavenotfailedtoperceivetheincreasinginterestthroughouttheNorthernStates,inregardtothesubjectofSlavery.Worksoffiction,professingtoportrayitsfeaturesintheirmorepleasingaswellasmorerepugnantaspects,havebeencirculatedtoanextentunprecedented,and,asI
understand,havecreatedafruitfultopicofcommentanddiscussion.
IcanspeakofSlaveryonlysofarasitcameundermyownobservation—onlysofarasIhaveknownandexperienceditinmyownperson.Myobjectis,togiveacandidandtruthfulstatementoffacts:torepeatthestoryofmylife,withoutexaggeration,leavingitfor
otherstodetermine,whethereventhepagesoffictionpresentapictureofmorecruelwrongorasevererbondage.
AsfarbackasIhavebeenabletoascertain,myancestorsonthepaternalsidewereslavesinRhodeIsland.TheybelongedtoafamilybythenameofNorthup,oneofwhom,removingtotheStateofNew-York,settledat
Hoosic,inRensselaercounty.HebroughtwithhimMintusNorthup,myfather.Onthedeathofthisgentleman,whichmusthaveoccurredsomefiftyyearsago,myfatherbecamefree,havingbeenemancipatedbyadirectioninhiswill.HenryB.Northup,Esq.,ofSandyHill,adistinguishedcounseloratlaw,andthemantowhom,underProvidence,Iamindebtedformypresent
liberty,andmyreturntothesocietyofmywifeandchildren,isarelativeofthefamilyinwhichmyforefatherswerethusheldtoservice,andfromwhichtheytookthenameIbear.Tothisfactmaybeattributedtheperseveringinteresthehastakeninmybehalf.
Sometimeaftermyfather’sliberation,heremovedtothetownofMinerva,Essex
county,N.Y.,whereIwasborn,inthemonthofJuly,1808.HowlongheremainedinthelatterplaceIhavenotthemeansofdefinitelyascertaining.FromthenceheremovedtoGranville,Washingtoncounty,nearaplaceknownasSlyborough,where,forsomeyears,helaboredonthefarmofClarkNorthup,alsoarelativeofhisoldmaster;fromthenceheremovedtotheAldenfarm,at
MossStreet,ashortdistancenorthofthevillageofSandyHill;andfromthencetothefarmnowownedbyRusselPratt,situatedontheroadleadingfromFortEdwardtoArgyle,wherehecontinuedtoresideuntilhisdeath,whichtookplaceonthe22ddayofNovember,1829.Heleftawidowandtwochildren—myself,andJoseph,anelderbrother.Thelatterisstilllivinginthecountyof
Oswego,nearthecityofthatname;mymotherdiedduringtheperiodofmycaptivity.
Thoughbornaslave,andlaboringunderthedisadvantagestowhichmyunfortunateraceissubjected,myfatherwasamanrespectedforhisindustryandintegrity,asmanynowliving,whowellrememberhim,arereadytotestify.Hiswholelifewaspassedinthe
peacefulpursuitsofagriculture,neverseekingemploymentinthosemoremenialpositions,whichseemtobeespeciallyallottedtothechildrenofAfrica.Besidesgivingusaneducationsurpassingthatordinarilybestoweduponchildreninourcondition,heacquired,byhisdiligenceandeconomy,asufficientpropertyqualificationtoentitlehimtotherightofsuffrage.Hewas
accustomedtospeaktousofhisearlylife;andalthoughatalltimescherishingthewarmestemotionsofkindness,andevenofaffectiontowardsthefamily,inwhosehousehehadbeenabondsman,heneverthelesscomprehendedthesystemofSlavery,anddweltwithsorrowonthedegradationofhisrace.Heendeavoredtoimbueourmindswithsentimentsofmorality,andto
teachustoplaceourtrustandconfidenceinHimwhoregardsthehumblestaswellasthehighestofhiscreatures.Howoftensincethattimehastherecollectionofhispaternalcounselsoccurredtome,whilelyinginaslavehutinthedistantandsicklyregionsofLouisiana,smartingwiththeundeservedwoundswhichaninhumanmasterhadinflicted,andlongingonlyforthegrave
whichhadcoveredhim,toshieldmealsofromthelashoftheoppressor.Inthechurch-yardatSandyHill,anhumblestonemarksthespotwherehereposes,afterhavingworthilyperformedthedutiesappertainingtothelowlyspherewhereinGodhadappointedhimtowalk.
UptothisperiodIhadbeenprincipallyengagedwithmyfatherinthelaborsofthe
farm.Theleisurehoursallowedmeweregenerallyeitheremployedovermybooks,orplayingontheviolin—anamusementwhichwastherulingpassionofmyyouth.Ithasalsobeenthesourceofconsolationsince,affordingpleasuretothesimplebeingswithwhommylotwascast,andbeguilingmyownthoughts,formanyhours,fromthepainfulcontemplationofmyfate.
OnChristmasday,1829,IwasmarriedtoAnneHampton,acoloredgirlthenlivinginthevicinityofourresidence.TheceremonywasperformedatFortEdward,byTimothyEddy,Esq.,amagistrateofthattown,andstillaprominentcitizenoftheplace.ShehadresidedalongtimeatSandyHill,withMr.Baird,proprietoroftheEagleTavern,andalsointhefamilyofRev.AlexanderProudfit,
ofSalem.ThisgentlemanformanyyearshadpresidedoverthePresbyteriansocietyatthelatterplace,andwaswidelydistinguishedforhislearningandpiety.Annestillholdsingratefulremembrancetheexceedingkindnessandtheexcellentcounselsofthatgoodman.Sheisnotabletodeterminetheexactlineofherdescent,butthebloodofthreeracesminglesinherveins.Itisdifficulttotell
whetherthered,white,orblackpredominates.Theunionofthemall,however,inherorigin,hasgivenherasingularbutpleasingexpression,suchasisrarelytobeseen.Thoughsomewhatresembling,yetshecannotproperlybestyledaquadroon,aclasstowhich,Ihaveomittedtomention,mymotherbelonged.
Ihadjustnowpassedthe
periodofmyminority,havingreachedtheageoftwenty-oneyearsinthemonthofJulyprevious.Deprivedoftheadviceandassistanceofmyfather,withawifedependentuponmeforsupport,Iresolvedtoenteruponalifeofindustry;andnotwithstandingtheobstacleofcolor,andtheconsciousnessofmylowlystate,indulgedir.pleasantdreamsofagoodtime
coming,whenthepossessionofsomehumblehabitation,withafewsurroundingacres,shouldrewardmylabors,andbringmethemeansofhappinessandcomfort.
FromthetimeofmymarriagetothisdaytheloveIhavebornemywifehasbeensincereandunabated;andonlythosewhohavefelttheglowingtendernessafathercherishesforhisoffspring,
canappreciatemyaffectionforthebelovedchildrenwhichhavesincebeenborntous.ThismuchIdeemappropriateandnecessarytosay,inorderthatthosewhoreadthesepages,maycomprehendthepoignancyofthosesufferingsIhavebeendoomedtobear.
Immediatelyuponourmarriagewecommencedhouse-keeping,intheold
yellowbuildingthenstandingatthesouthernextremityofFortEdwardvillage,andwhichhassincebeentransformedintoamodernmansion,andlatelyoccupiedbyCaptainLathrop.ItisknownastheFortHouse.Inthisbuildingthecourtsweresometimeheldaftertheorganizationofthecounty.ItwasalsooccupiedbyBurgoynein1777,beingsituatedneartheoldForton
theleftbankoftheHudson.
DuringthewinterIwasemployedwithothersrepairingtheChamplainCanal,onthatsectionoverwhichWilliamVanNortwickwassuperintendent.DavidMcEachronhadtheimmediatechargeofthemeninwhosecompanyIlabored.Bythetimethecanalopenedinthespring,Iwasenabled,fromthesavingsofmy
wages,topurchaseapairofhorses,andotherthingsnecessarilyrequiredinthebusinessofnavigation.
Havinghiredseveralefficienthandstoassistme,IenteredintocontractsforthetransportationoflargeraftsoftimberfromLakeChamplaintoTroy.DyerBeckwithandaMr.Bartemy,ofWhitehall,accompaniedmeonseveraltrips.DuringtheseasonI
becameperfectlyfamiliarwiththeartandmysteriesofrafting—aknowledgewhichafterwardsenabledmetorenderprofitableservicetoaworthymaster,andtoastonishthesimple-wittedlumbermenonthebanksoftheBayouBœuf.
InoneofmyvoyagesdownLakeChamplain,IwasinducedtomakeavisittoCanada.Repairingto
Montreal,Ivisitedthecathedralandotherplacesofinterestinthatcity,fromwhenceIcontinuedmyexcursiontoKingstonandothertowns,obtainingaknowledgeoflocalities,whichwasalsoofservicetomeafterwards,aswillappeartowardsthecloseofthisnarrative.
Havingcompletedmycontractsonthecanal
satisfactorilytomyselfandtomyemployer,andnotwishingtoremainidle,nowthatthenavigationofthecanalwasagainsuspended,IenteredintoanothercontractwithMedadGunn,tocutalargequantityofwood.InthisbusinessIwasengagedduringthewinterof1831-32.
Withthereturnofspring,Anneandmyselfconceivedtheprojectoftakingafarmin
theneighborhood.Ihadbeenaccustomedfromearliestyouthtoagriculturallabors,anditwasanoccupationcongenialtomytastes.IaccordinglyenteredintoarrangementsforapartoftheoldAldenfarm,onwhichmyfatherformerlyresided.Withonecow,oneswine,ayokeoffineoxenIhadlatelypurchasedofLewisBrown,inHartford,andotherpersonalpropertyandeffects,we
proceededtoournewhomeinKingsbury.ThatyearIplantedtwenty-fiveacresofcorn,sowedlargefieldsofoats,andcommencedfarminguponaslargeascaleasmyutmostmeanswouldpermit.Annewasdiligentaboutthehouseaffairs,whileItoiledlaboriouslyinthefield.
Onthisplacewecontinuedtoresideuntil1834.InthewinterseasonIhadnumerous
callstoplayontheviolin.Wherevertheyoungpeopleassembledtodance,Iwasalmostinvariablythere.Throughoutthesurroundingvillagesmyfiddlewasnotorious.Anne,also,duringherlongresidenceattheEagleTavern,hadbecomesomewhatfamousasacook.Duringcourtweeks,andonpublicoccasions,shewasemployedathighwagesinthekitchenatSherrill’s
CoffeeHouse.
Wealwaysreturnedhomefromtheperformanceoftheseserviceswithmoneyinourpockets;sothat,withfiddling,cooking,andfarming,wesoonfoundourselvesinthepossessionofabundance,and,infact,leadingahappyandprosperouslife.Well,indeed,wouldithavebeenforushadweremainedonthefarmat
Kingsbury;butthetimecamewhenthenextstepwastobetakentowardsthecrueldestinythatawaitedme.
InMarch,1834,weremovedtoSaratogaSpringsWeoccupiedahousebelongingtoDanielO’Brien,onthenorthsideofWashingtonstreet.AtthattimeIsaacTaylorkeptalargeboardinghouse,knownasWashingtonHall,atthenorth
endofBroadway.Heemployedmetodriveahack,inwhichcapacityIworkedforhimtwoyears.AfterthistimeIwasgenerallyemployedthroughthevisitingseason,asalsowasAnne,intheUnitedStatesHotel,andotherpublichousesoftheplace.InwinterseasonsIrelieduponmyviolin,thoughduringtheconstructionoftheTroyandSaratogarailroad,Iperformedmanyharddays’
laboruponit.
Iwasinthehabit,atSaratoga,ofpurchasingarticlesnecessaryformyfamilyatthestoresofMr.CephasParkerandMr.WilliamPerry,gentlementowardswhom,formanyactsofkindness,Ientertainedfeelingsofstrongregard.Itwasforthisreasonthat,twelveyearsafterwards,Icausedtobedirectedtothem
theletter,whichishereinafterinserted,andwhichwasthemeans,inthehandsofMr.Northup,ofmyfortunatedeliverance.
WhilelivingattheUnitedStatesHotel,Ifrequentlymetwithslaves,whohadaccompaniedtheirmastersfromtheSouth.Theywerealwayswelldressedandwellprovidedfor,leadingapparentlyaneasylife,with
butfewofitsordinarytroublestoperplexthem.ManytimestheyenteredintoconversationwithmeonthesubjectofSlavery.AlmostuniformlyIfoundtheycherishedasecretdesireforliberty.Someofthemexpressedthemostardentanxietytoescape,andconsultedmeonthebestmethodofeffectingit.Thefearofpunishment,however,whichtheyknewwascertain
toattendtheirre-captureandreturn,inallcasesprovedsufficienttodeterthemfromtheexperiment.HavingallmylifebreathedthefreeairoftheNorth,andconsciousthatIpossessedthesamefeelingsandaffectionsthatfindaplaceinthewhiteman’sbreast;conscious,moreover,ofanintelligenceequaltothatofsomemen,atleast,withafairerskin,Iwastooignorant,perhapstoo
independent,toconceivehowanyonecouldbecontenttoliveintheabjectconditionofaslave.Icouldnotcomprehendthejusticeofthatlaw,orthatreligion,whichupholdsorrecognizestheprincipleofSlavery;andneveronce,Iamproudtosay,didIfailtocounselanyonewhocametome,towatchhisopportunity,andstrikeforfreedom.
IcontinuedtoresideatSaratogauntilthespringof1841.Theflatteringanticipationswhich,sevenyearsbefore,hadseducedusfromthequietfarm-house,ontheeastsideoftheHudson,hadnotbeenrealized.Thoughalwaysincomfortablecircumstances,wehadnotprospered.Thesocietyandassociationsatthatworld-renownedwateringplace,werenot
calculatedtopreservethesimplehabitsofindustryandeconomytowhichIhadbeenaccustomed,but,onthecontrary,tosubstituteothersintheirstead,tendingtoshiftlessnessandextravagance.
Atthistimeweweretheparentsofthreechildren—Elizabeth,Margaret,andAlonzo.Elizabeth,theeldest,wasinhertenthyear;
Margaretwastwoyearsyounger,andlittleAlonzohadjustpassedhisfifthbirth-day.Theyfilledourhousewithgladness.Theiryoungvoicesweremusicinourears.Manyanairycastledidtheirmotherandmyselfbuildforthelittleinnocents.WhennotatlaborIwasalwayswalkingwiththem,cladintheirbestattire,throughthestreetsandgrovesofSaratoga.Theirpresencewas
mydelight;andIclaspedthemtomybosomwithaswarmandtenderloveasiftheircloudedskinshadbeenaswhiteassnow.
Thusfarthehistoryofmylifepresentsnothingwhateverunusual—nothingbutthecommonhopes,andloves,andlaborsofanobscurecoloredman,makinghishumbleprogressintheworld.ButnowIhadreacheda
turningpointinmyexistence—reachedthethresholdofunutterablewrong,andsorrow,anddespair.NowhadIapproachedwithintheshadowofthecloud,intothethickdarknesswhereofIwassoontodisappear,thenceforwardtobehiddenfromtheeyesofallmykindred,andshutoutfromthesweetlightofliberty,formanyawearyyear.
CHAPTERII.THETWOSTRANGERS—THECIRCUSCOMPANYDEPARTUREFROMSARATOGA—VENTRILOQUISMANDLEGERDEMAIN—JOURNEYTONEW-YORK—CIRCUS—
ARRIVALINWASHINGTON—FUNERALOFHARRISON—THESUDDENSICKNESS—THETORMENTOFTHIRST—THERECEDINGLIGHT—IN-SENSIBILITY—CHAINSANDDARKNESS
ONEmorning,towardsthelatterpartofthemonthof
March,1841,havingatthattimenoparticularbusinesstoengagemyattention,IwaswalkingaboutthevillageofSaratogaSprings,thinkingtomyselfwhereImightobtainsomepresentemployment,untilthebusyseasonshouldarrive.Anne,aswasherusualcustom,hadgoneovertoSandyHill,adistanceofsometwentymiles,totakechargeoftheculinarydepartmentatSherrill’s
CoffeeHouse,duringthesessionofthecourt.Elizabeth,Ithink,hadaccompaniedher.MargaretandAlonzowerewiththeirauntatSaratoga.
OnthecornerofCongressstreetandBroadway,nearthetavern,then,andforaughtIknowtothecontrary,stillkeptbyMr.Moon,Iwasmetbytwogentlemenofrespectableappearance,both
ofwhomwereentirelyunknowntome.Ihavetheimpressionthattheywereintroducedtomebysomeoneofmyacquaintances,butwho,Ihaveinvainendeavoredtorecall,withtheremarkthatIwasanexpertplayerontheviolin.
Atanyrate,theyimmediatelyenteredintoconversationonthatsubject,makingnumerousinquiries
touchingmyproficiencyinthatrespect.Myresponsesbeingtoallappearancessatisfactory,theyproposedtoengagemyservicesforashortperiod,stating,atthesametime,Iwasjustsuchapersonastheirbusinessrequired.Theirnames,astheyafterwardsgavethemtome,wereMerrillBrownandAbramHamilton,thoughwhethertheseweretheirtrueappellations,Ihavestrong
reasonstodoubt.Theformerwasamanapparentlyfortyyearsofage,somewhatshortandthick-set,withacountenanceindicatingshrewdnessandintelligence.Heworeablackfrockcoatandblackhat,andsaidheresidedeitheratRochesteroratSyracuse.Thelatterwasayoungmanoffaircomplexionandlighteyes,and,Ishouldjudge,hadnotpassedtheageoftwenty-five.
Hewastallandslender,dressedinasnuff-coloredcoat,withglossyhat,andvestofelegantpattern.Hiswholeapparelwasintheextremeoffashion.Hisappearancewassomewhateffeminate,butprepossessing,andtherewasabouthimaneasyair,thatshowedhehadmingledwiththeworld.Theywereconnected,astheyinformedme,withacircuscompany,theninthecityof
Washington;thattheywereontheirwaythithertorejoinit,havingleftitforashorttimetomakeanexcursionnorthward,forthepurposeofseeingthecountry,andwerepayingtheirexpensesbyanoccasionalexhibition.Theyalsoremarkedthattheyhadfoundmuchdifficultyinprocuringmusicfortheirentertainments,andthatifIwouldaccompanythemasfarasNew-York,theywould
givemeonedollarforeachday’sservices,andthreedollarsinadditionforeverynightIplayedattheirperformances,besidessufficienttopaytheexpensesofmyreturnfromNew-YorktoSaratoga.
Iatonceacceptedthetemptingoffer,bothfortherewarditpromised,andfromadesiretovisitthemetropolis.Theywere
anxioustoleaveimmediately.Thinkingmyabsencewouldbebrief,IdidnotdeemitnecessarytowritetoAnnewhitherIhadgone;infactsupposingthatmyreturn,perhaps,wouldbeassoonashers.Sotakingachangeoflinenandmyviolin,Iwasreadytodepart.Thecarriagewasbroughtround—acoveredone,drawnbyapairofnoblebays,altogetherforminganelegant
establishment.Theirbaggage,consistingofthreelargetrunks,wasfastenedontherack,andmountingtothedriver’sseat,whiletheytooktheirplacesintherear,IdroveawayfromSaratogaontheroadtoAlbany,elatedwithmynewposition,andhappyasIhadeverbeen,onanydayinallmylife.
WepassedthroughBallston,andstrikingthe
ridgeroad,asitiscalled,ifmymemorycorrectlyservesme,followeditdirecttoAlbany.Wereachedthatcitybeforedark,andstoppedatahotelsouthwardfromtheMuseum.
ThisnightIhadanopportunityofwitnessingoneoftheirperformances—theonlyone,duringthewholeperiodIwaswiththem.Hamiltonwasstationedatthe
door;Iformedtheorchestra,whileBrownprovidedtheentertainment.Itconsistedinthrowingballs,dancingontherope,fryingpancakesinahat,causinginvisiblepigstosqueal,andotherlikefeatsofventriloquismandlegerdemain.Theaudiencewasextraordinarilysparse,andnotoftheselectestcharacteratthat,andHamilton’sreportoftheproceedspresentedbuta
“beggarlyaccountofemptyboxes.”
Earlynextmorningwerenewedourjourney.Theburdenoftheirconversationnowwastheexpressionofananxietytoreachthecircuswithoutdelay.Theyhurriedforward,withoutagainstoppingtoexhibit,andinduecourseoftime,wereachedNew-York,takinglodgingsatahouseonthe
westsideofthecity,inastreetrunningfromBroadwaytotheriver.Isupposedmyjourneywasatanend,andexpectedinadayortwoatleast,toreturntomyfriendsandfamilyatSaratoga.BrownandHamilton,however,begantoimportunemetocontinuewiththemtoWashington.Theyallegedthatimmediatelyontheirarrival,nowthatthesummerseasonwasapproaching,the
circuswouldsetoutforthenorth.TheypromisedmeasituationandhighwagesifIwouldaccompanythem.Largelydidtheyexpatiateontheadvantagesthatwouldresulttome,andsuchweretheflatteringrepresentationstheymade,thatIfinallyconcludedtoaccepttheoffer.
Thenextmorningtheysuggestedthat,inasmuchaswewereaboutenteringa
slaveState,itwouldbewell,beforeleavingNew-York,toprocurefreepapers.Theideastruckmeasaprudentone,thoughIthinkitwouldscarcelyhaveoccurredtome,hadtheynotproposedit.WeproceededatoncetowhatIunderstoodtobetheCustomHouse.TheymadeoathtocertainfactsshowingIwasafreeman.Apaperwasdrawnupandhandedus,withthedirectiontotakeittothe
clerk’soffice.Wedidso,andtheclerkhavingaddedsomethingtoit,forwhichhewaspaidsixshillings,wereturnedagaintotheCustomHouse.Somefurtherformalitiesweregonethroughwithbeforeitwascompleted,when,payingtheofficertwodollars,Iplacedthepapersinmypocket,andstartedwithmytwofriendstoourhotel.Ithoughtatthetime,Imustconfess,thatthepaperswere
scarcelyworththecostofobtainingthem—theapprehensionofdangertomypersonalsafetyneverhavingsuggesteditselftomeintheremotestmanner.Theclerk,towhomweweredirected,Iremember,madeamemoranduminalargebook,which,Ipresume,isintheofficeyet.AreferencetotheentriesduringthelatterpartofMarch,orfirstofApril,1841,Ihavenodoubtwill
satisfytheincredulous,atleastsofarasthisparticulartransactionisconcerned.
Withtheevidenceoffreedominmypossession,thenextdayafterourarrivalinNew-York,wecrossedtheferrytoJerseyCity,andtooktheroadtoPhiladelphia.Hereweremainedonenight,continuingourjourneytowardsBaltimoreearlyinthemorning.Induetime,we
arrivedinthelattercity,andstoppedatahotelneartherailroaddepot,eitherkeptbyaMr.Rathbone,orknownastheRathboneHouse.AllthewayfromNew-York,theiranxietytoreachthecircusseemedtogrowmoreandmoreintense.WeleftthecarriageatBaltimore,andenteringthecars,proceededtoWashington,atwhichplacewearrivedjustatnightfall,theevening
previoustothefuneralofGeneralHarrison,andstoppedatGadsby’sHotel,onPennsylvaniaAvenue.
Aftersuppertheycalledmetotheirapartments,andpaidmeforty-threedollars,asumgreaterthanmywagesamountedto,whichactofgenerositywasinconsequence,theysaid,oftheirnothavingexhibitedasoftenastheyhadgivenmeto
anticipate,duringourtripfromSaratoga.TheymoreoverinformedmethatithadbeentheintentionofthecircuscompanytoleaveWashingtonthenextmorning,butthatonaccountofthefuneral,theyhadconcludedtoremainanotherday.Theywerethen,astheyhadbeenfromthetimeofourfirstmeeting,extremelykind.Noopportunitywasomittedofaddressingmeinthe
languageofapprobation;while,ontheotherhand,Iwascertainlymuchprepossessedintheirfavor.Igavethemmyconfidencewithoutreserve,andwouldfreelyhavetrustedthemtoalmostanyextent.Theirconstantconversationandmannertowardsme—theirforesightinsuggestingtheideaoffreepapers,andahundredotherlittleacts,unnecessarytoberepeated—
allindicatedthattheywerefriendsindeed,sincerelysolicitousformywelfare.Iknownotbuttheywere.IknownotbuttheywereinnocentofthegreatwickednessofwhichInowbelievethemguilty.Whethertheywereaccessorytomymisfortunes—subtleandinhumanmonstersintheshapeofmen—designedlyluringmeawayfromhomeandfamily,andliberty,for
thesakeofgold—thosewhoreadthesepageswillhavethesamemeansofdeterminingasmyself.Iftheywereinnocent,mysuddendisappearancemusthavebeenunaccountableindeed;butrevolvinginmymindalltheattendingcircumstances,Ineveryetcouldindulge,towardsthem,socharitableasupposition.
Afterreceivingthemoney
fromthem,ofwhichtheyappearedtohaveanabundance,theyadvisedmenottogointothestreetsthatnight,inasmuchasIwasunacquaintedwiththecustomsofthecity.Promisingtoremembertheiradvice,Ileftthemtogether,andsoonafterwasshownbyacoloredservanttoasleepingroominthebackpartofthehotel,onthegroundfloor.Ilaiddownto
rest,thinkingofhomeandwife,andchildren,andthelongdistancethatstretchedbetweenus,untilIfellasleep.Butnogoodangelofpitycametomybedside,biddingmetofly—novoiceofmercyforewarnedmeinmydreamsofthetrialsthatwerejustathand.
ThenextdaytherewasagreatpageantinWashington.Theroarofcannonandthe
tollingofbellsfilledtheair,whilemanyhouseswereshroudedwithcrape,andthestreetswereblackwithpeople.Asthedayadvanced,theprocessionmadeitsappearance,comingslowlythroughtheAvenue,carriageaftercarriage,inlongsuccession,whilethousandsuponthousandsfollowedonfoot—allmovingtothesoundofmelancholymusic.Theywerebearingthedeadbody
ofHarrisontothegrave.
Fromearlyinthemorning,IwasconstantlyinthecompanyofHamiltonandBrown.TheyweretheonlypersonsIknewinWashington.Westoodtogetherasthefuneralpomppassedby.Irememberdistinctlyhowthewindowglasswouldbreakandrattletotheground,aftereachreportofthecannonthey
werefiringintheburialground.WewenttotheCapitol,andwalkedalongtimeaboutthegrounds.Intheafternoon,theystrolledtowardsthePresident’sHouse,allthetimekeepingmeneartothem,andpointingoutvariousplacesofinterest.Asyet,Ihadseennothingofthecircus.Infact,Ihadthoughtofitbutlittle,ifatall,amidsttheexcitementoftheday.
Myfriends,severaltimesduringtheafternoon,entereddrinkingsaloons,andcalledforliquor.Theywerebynomeansinthehabit,however,sofarasIknewthem,ofindulgingtoexcess.Ontheseoccasions,afterservingthemselves,theywouldpouroutaglassandhandittome.Ididnotbecomeintoxicated,asmaybeinferredfromwhatsubsequentlyoccurred.Towardsevening,andsoon
afterpartakingofoneofthesepotations,Ibegantoexperiencemostunpleasantsensations.Ifeltextremelyill.Myheadcommencedaching—adull,heavypain,inexpressiblydisagreeable.Atthesuppertable,Iwaswithoutappetite;thesightandflavoroffoodwasnauseous.AboutdarkthesameservantconductedmetotheroomIhadoccupiedthepreviousnight.Brownand
Hamiltonadvisedmetoretire,commiseratingmekindly,andexpressinghopesthatIwouldbebetterinthemorning.Divestingmyselfofcoatandbootsmerely,Ithrewmyselfuponthebed.Itwasimpossibletosleep.Thepaininmyheadcontinuedtoincrease,untilitbecamealmostunbearable.InashorttimeIbecamethirsty.Mylipswereparched.Icouldthinkofnothingbutwater—oflakes
andflowingrivers,ofbrookswhereIhadstoopedtodrink,andofthedrippingbucket,risingwithitscoolandoverflowingnectar,fromthebottomofthewell.Towardsmidnight,asnearasIcouldjudge,Iarose,unablelongertobearsuchintensityofthirst.Iwasastrangerinthehouse,andknewnothingofitsapartments.Therewasnooneup,asIcouldobserve.Gropingaboutatrandom,I
knewnotwhere,Ifoundthewayatlasttoakitcheninthebasement.Twoorthreecoloredservantsweremovingthroughit,oneofwhom,awoman,gavemetwoglassesofwater.Itaffordedmomentaryrelief,butbythetimeIhadreachedmyroomagain,thesameburningdesireofdrink,thesametormentingthirst,hadagainreturned.Itwasevenmoretorturingthanbefore,aswas
alsothewildpaininmyhead,ifsuchathingcouldbe.Iwasinsoredistress—inmostexcruciatingagony!Iseemedtostandonthebrinkofmadness!Thememoryofthatnightofhorriblesufferingwillfollowmetothegrave.
Inthecourseofanhourormoreaftermyreturnfromthekitchen,Iwasconsciousofsomeoneenteringmyroom.
Thereseemedtobeseveral—aminglingofvariousvoices,—buthowmany,orwhotheywere,Icannottell.WhetherBrownandHamiltonwereamongthem,isamerematterofconjecture.Ionlyremember,withanydegreeofdistinctness,thatIwastolditwasnecessarytogotoaphysicianandprocuremedicine,andthatpullingonmyboots,withoutcoatorhat,Ifollowedthemthrougha
longpassage-way,oralley,intotheopenstreet.ItranoutatrightanglesfromPennsylvaniaAvenue.Ontheoppositesidetherewasalightburninginawindow.Myimpressionistherewerethenthreepersonswithme,butitisaltogetherindefiniteandvague,andlikethememoryofapainfuldream.Goingtowardsthelight,whichIimaginedproceededfromaphysician’soffice,andwhich
seemedtorecedeasIadvanced,isthelastglimmeringrecollectionIcannowrecall.FromthatmomentIwasinsensible.HowlongIremainedinthatcondition—whetheronlythatnight,ormanydaysandnights—Idonotknow;butwhenconsciousnessreturned,Ifoundmyselfalone,inutterdarkness,andinchains.
Thepaininmyheadhad
subsidedinameasure,butIwasveryfaintandweak.Iwassittinguponalowbench,madeofroughboards,andwithoutcoatorhat.Iwashand-cuffed.Aroundmyanklesalsowereapairofheavyfetters.Oneendofachainwasfastenedtoalargeringinthefloor,theothertothefettersonmyankles.Itriedinvaintostanduponmyfeet.Wakingfromsuchapainfultrance,itwassome
timebeforeIcouldcollectmythoughts.WherewasI??Whatwasthemeaningofthesechains?WherewereBrownandHamilton?WhathadIdonetodeserveimprisonmentinsuchadungeon?Icouldnotcomprehend.Therewasablankofsomeindefiniteperiod,precedingmyawakeninginthatlonelyplace,theeventsofwhichtheutmoststretchofmemory
wasunabletorecall.Ilistenedintentlyforsomesignorsoundoflife,butnothingbroketheoppressivesilence,savetheclinkingofmychains,wheneverIchancedtomove.Ispokealoud,butthesoundofmyvoicestartledme.Ifeltofmypockets,sofarasthefetterswouldallow—farenough,indeed,toascertainthatIhadnotonlybeenrobbedofliberty,butthatmymoney
andfreepaperswerealsogone!Thendidtheideabegintobreakuponmymind,atfirstdimandconfused,thatIhadbeenkidnapped.ButthatIthoughtwasincredible.
Theremusthavebeensomemisapprehension—someunfortunatemistake.ItcouldnotbethatafreecitizenofNew-York,whohadwrongednoman,norviolatedanylaw,shouldbe
dealtwiththusinhumanly.ThemoreIcontemplatedmysituation,however,themoreIbecameconfirmedinmysuspicions.Itwasadesolatethought,indeed.Ifelttherewasnotrustormercyinunfeelingman;andcommendingmyselftotheGodoftheoppressed,bowedmyheaduponmyfetteredhands,andweptmostbitterly.
CHAPTERIII.PAINFULMEDITATIONS—JAMESILBURCH—WILLIAMS’SLAVEPENINWASHINGTON—THELACKEY,RADRUEN—ASSERTMYFREEDOM—THEANGEROFTHETRADER—THE
PADDLEANDCAT-O’-NINETAILS—THEWHIPFING—NEWACQUAINTANCES—RAY,WILLIAMS,ANDRANDALL—ARRIVALOFLITTLEEMILYANDHERMOTHERINTHEPEN—MATERNALSORROWS—THESTORYOFELIZA.
SOMEthreehourselapsed,
duringwhichtimeIremainedseatedonthelowbench,absorbedinpainfulmeditations.AtlengthIheardthecrowingofacock,andsoonadistantrumblingsound,asofcarriageshurryingthroughthestreets,cametomyears,andIknewthatitwasday.Norayoflight,however,penetratedmyprison.Finally,Iheardfootstepsimmediatelyoverhead,asofsomeone
walkingtoandfro.ItoccurredtomethenthatImustbeinanundergroundapartment,andthedamp,mouldyodorsoftheplaceconfirmedthesupposition.Thenoiseabovecontinuedforatleastanhour,when,atlast,Iheardfootstepsapproachingfromwithout.Akeyrattledinthelock—astrongdoorswungbackuponitshinges,admittingafloodoflight,andtwomenentered
andstoodbeforeme.Oneofthemwasalarge,powerfulman,fortyyearsofage,perhaps,withdark,chestnut-coloredhair,slightlyinterspersedwithgray.Hisfacewasfull,hiscomplexionflush,hisfeaturesgrosslycoarse,expressiveofnothingbutcrueltyandcunning.Hewasaboutfivefeettenincheshigh,offullhabit,and,withoutprejudice,Imustbeallowedtosay,wasaman
whosewholeappearancewassinisterandrepugnant.HisnamewasJamesH.Burch,asIlearnedafterwards—awell-knownslave-dealerinWashington;andthen,orlately,connectedinbusiness,asapartner,withTheophilusFreeman,ofNew-Orleans.Thepersonwhoaccompaniedhimwasasimplelackey,namedEbenezerRadburn,whoactedmerelyinthecapacityofturnkey.Bothof
thesemenstillliveinWashington,ordid,atthetimeofmyreturnthroughthatcityfromslaveryinJanuarylast.
ThelightadmittedthroughtheopendoorenabledmetoobservetheroominwhichIwasconfined.Itwasabouttwelvefeetsquare—thewallsofsolidmasonry.Thefloorwasofheavyplank.Therewasonesmallwindow,
crossedwithgreatironbars,withanoutsideshutter,securelyfastened.
Aniron-bounddoorledintoanadjoiningcell,orvault,whollydestituteofwindows,oranymeansofadmittinglight.ThefurnitureoftheroominwhichIwas,consistedofthewoodenbenchonwhichIsat,anold-fashioned,dirtyboxstove,andbesidesthese,ineither
cell,therewasneitherbed,norblanket,noranyotherthingwhatever.Thedoor,throughwhichBurchandRadburnentered,ledthroughasmallpassage,upaflightofstepsintoayard,surroundedbyabrickwalltenortwelvefeethigh,immediatelyinrearofabuildingofthesamewidthasitself.Theyardextendedrearwardfromthehouseaboutthirtyfeet.Inonepartofthewalltherewasa
stronglyironeddoor,openingintoanarrow,coveredpassage,leadingalongonesideofthehouseintothestreet.Thedoomofthecoloredman,uponwhomthedoorleadingoutofthatnarrowpassageclosed,wassealed.Thetopofthewallsupportedoneendofaroof,whichascendedinwards,formingakindofopenshed.Underneaththerooftherewasacrazyloftallround,
whereslaves,ifsodisposed,mightsleepatnight,orininclementweatherseekshelterfromthestorm.Itwaslikeafarmer’sbarnyardinmostrespects,saveitwassoconstructedthattheoutsideworldcouldneverseethehumancattlethatwereherdedthere.
Thebuildingtowhichtheyardwasattached,wastwostorieshigh,frontingonone
ofthepublicstreetsofWashington.Itsoutsidepresentedonlytheappearanceofaquietprivateresidence.Astrangerlookingatit,wouldneverhavedreamedofitsexecrableuses.Strangeasitmayseem,withinplainsightofthissamehouse,lookingdownfromitscommandingheightuponit,wastheCapitol.Thevoicesofpatrioticrepresentativesboastingoffreedomand
equality,andtherattlingofthepoorslave’schains.almostcommingled.AslavepenwithintheveryshadowoftheCapitol!
Suchisacorrectdescriptionasitwasin1841,ofWilliams’slavepeninWashington,inoneofthecellarsofwhichIfoundmyselfsounaccountablyconfined.
“Well,myboy,howdoyoufeelnow?”saidBurch,asheenteredthroughtheopendoor.IrepliedthatIwassick,andinquiredthecauseofmyimprisonment.HeansweredthatIwashisslave—thathehadboughtme,andthathewasabouttosendmetoNew-Orleans.Iasserted,aloudandboldly,thatIwasafreeman—aresidentofSaratoga,whereIhadawifeandchildren,whowerealso
free,andthatmynamewasNorthup.IcomplainedbitterlyofthestrangetreatmentIhadreceived,andthreatened,uponmyliberation,tohavesatisfactionforthewrong.HedeniedthatIwasfree,andwithanemphaticoath,declaredthatIcamefromGeorgia.AgainandagainIassertedIwasnoman’sslave,andinsisteduponhistakingoffmychainsatonce.Heendeavoredto
hushme,asifhefearedmyvoicewouldbeoverheard.ButIwouldnotbesilent,anddenouncedtheauthorsofmyimprisonment,whoevertheymightbe,asunmitigatedvillains.Findinghecouldnotquietme,heflewintoatoweringpassion.Withblasphemousoaths,hecalledmeablackliar,arunawayfromGeorgia,andeveryotherprofaneandvulgarepithetthatthemostindecent
fancycouldconceive.
DuringthistimeRadburnwasstandingsilentlyby.Hisbusinesswas,tooverseethishuman,orratherinhumanstable,receivingslaves,feedingandwhippingthem,attherateoftwoshillingsaheadperday.Turningtohim,Burchorderedthepaddleandcat-o’-ninetailstobebroughtin.Hedisappeared,andinafewmomentsreturnedwith
theseinstrumentsoftorture.Thepaddle,asitistermedinslave-beatingparlance,oratleasttheonewithwhichIfirstbecameacquainted,andofwhichInowspeak,wasapieceofhard-woodboard,eighteenortwentyincheslong,mouldedtotheshapeofanold-fashionedpuddingstick,orordinaryoar.Theflattenedportion,whichwasaboutthesizeincircumferenceoftwoopen
hands,wasboredwithasmallaugerinnumerousplaces.Thecatwasalargeropeofmanystrands—thestrandsunraveled,andaknottiedattheextremityofeach.
Assoonastheseformidablewhipsappeared,Iwasseizedbybothofthem,androughlydivestedofmyclothing.Myfeet,ashasbeenstated,werefastenedtothefloor.Drawingmeoverthe
bench,facedownwards,Radburnplacedhisheavyfootuponthefetters,betweenmywrists,holdingthempainfullytothefloor.Withthepaddle,Burchcommencedbeatingme.Blowafterblowwasinflicteduponmynakedbody.Whenhisunrelentingarmgrewtired,hestoppedandaskedifIstillinsistedIwasafreeman.Ididinsistuponit,andthentheblowswererenewed,
fasterandmoreenergetically,ifpossible,thanbefore.Whenagaintired,hewouldrepeatthesamequestion,andreceivingthesameanswer,continuehiscruellabor.Allthistime,theincarnatedevilwasutteringmostfiendishoaths.Atlengththepaddlebroke,leavingtheuselesshandleinhishand.StillIwouldnotyield.AllhisbrutalblowscouldnotforcefrommylipsthefoulliethatIwas
aslave.Castingmadlyonthefloorthehandleofthebrokenpaddle,heseizedtherope.Thiswasfarmorepainfulthantheother.Istruggledwithallmypower,butitwasinvain.Iprayedformercy,butmyprayerwasonlyansweredwithimprecationsandwithstripes.IthoughtImustdiebeneaththelashesoftheaccursedbrute.Evennowthefleshcrawlsuponmybones,asIrecallthescene.I
wasallonfire.MysufferingsIcancomparetonothingelsethantheburningagoniesofhell!
AtlastIbecamesilenttohisrepeatedquestions.Iwouldmakenoreply.Infact,Iwasbecomingalmostunabletospeak.Stillhepliedthelashwithoutstintuponmypoorbody,untilitseemedthatthelaceratedfleshwasstrippedfrommybonesat
everystroke.Amanwithaparticleofmercyinhissoulwouldnothavebeatenevenadogsocruelly.AtlengthRadburnsaidthatitwasuselesstowhipmeanymore—thatIwouldbesoreenough.Thereupon,Burchdesisted,saying,withanadmonitoryshakeofhisfistinmyface,andhissingthewordsthroughhisfirm-setteeth,thatifeverIdaredtoutteragainthatIwasentitled
tomyfreedom,thatIhadbeenkidnapped,oranythingwhateverofthekind,thecastigationIhadjustreceivedwasnothingincomparisonwithwhatwouldfollow.Hesworethathewouldeitherconquerorkillme.Withtheseconsolatorywords,thefettersweretakenfrommywrists,myfeetstillremainingfastenedtothering;theshutterofthelittlebarredwindow,whichhadbeen
opened,wasagainclosed,andgoingout,lockingthegreatdoorbehindthem,Iwasleftindarknessasbefore.
Inanhour,perhapstwo,myheartleapedtomythroat,asthekeyrattledinthedooragain.I,whohadbeensolonely,andwhohadlongedsoardentlytoseesomeone,Icarednotwho,nowshudderedatthethoughtofman’sapproach.Ahuman
facewasfearfultome,especiallyawhiteone.Radburnentered,bringingwithhim,onatinplate,apieceofshriveledfriedpork,asliceofbreadandacupofwater.HeaskedmehowIfelt,andremarkedthatIhadreceivedaprettysevereflogging.Heremonstratedwithmeagainsttheproprietyofassertingmyfreedom.Inratherapatronizingandconfidentialmanner,hegave
ittomeashisadvice,thatthelessIsaidonthatsubjectthebetteritwouldbeforme.Themanevidentlyendeavoredtoappearkind—whethertouchedatthesightofmysadcondition,orwiththeviewofsilencing,onmypart,anyfurtherexpressionofmyrights,itisnotnecessarynowtoconjecture.Heunlockedthefettersfrommyankles,openedtheshuttersofthelittlewindow,anddeparted,
leavingmeagainalone.
BythistimeIhadbecomestiffandsore;mybodywascoveredwithblisters,anditwaswithgreatpainanddifficultythatIcouldmove.FromthewindowIcouldobservenothingbuttheroofrestingontheadjacentwall.AtnightIlaiddownuponthedamp,hardfloor,withoutanypilloworcoveringwhatever.Punctually,twiceaday,
Radburncamein,withhispork,andbread,andwater.Ihadbutlittleappetite,thoughIwastormentedwithcontinualthirst.Mywoundswouldnotpermitmetoremainbutafewminutesinanyoneposition;so,sitting,orstanding,ormovingslowlyround,Ipassedthedaysandnights.Iwasheartsickanddiscouraged.Thoughtsofmyfamily,ofmywifeandchildren,continually
occupiedmymind.WhensleepoverpoweredmeIdreamedofthem—dreamedIwasagaininSaratoga—thatIcouldseetheirfaces,andheartheirvoicescallingme.Awakeningfromthepleasantphantasmsofsleeptothebitterrealitiesaroundme,Icouldbutgroanandweep.Stillmyspiritwasnotbroken.Iindulgedtheanticipationofescape,andthatspeedily.Itwas
impossible,Ireasoned,thatmencouldbesounjustastodetainmeasaslave,whenthetruthofmycasewasknown.Burch,ascertainingIwasnorunawayfromGeorgia,wouldcertainlyletmego.ThoughsuspicionsofBrownandHamiltonwerenotunfrequent,Icouldnotreconcilemyselftotheideathattheywereinstrumentaltomyimprisonment.Surelytheywouldseekmeout—
theywoulddelivermefromthraldom.Alas!Ihadnotthenlearnedthemeasureof“man’sinhumanitytoman,”nortowhatlimitlessextentofwickednesshewillgofortheloveofgain.
Inthecourseofseveraldaystheouterdoorwasthrownopen,allowingmethelibertyoftheyard.ThereIfoundthreeslaves—oneofthemaladoftenyears,the
othersyoungmenofabouttwentyandtwenty-five.Iwasnotlonginforminganacquaintance,andlearningtheirnamesandtheparticularsoftheirhistory.
TheeldestwasacoloredmannamedClemensRay.HehadlivedinWashington;haddrivenahack,andworkedinaliverystablethereforalongtime.Hewasveryintelligent,andfullycomprehendedhis
situation.Thethoughtofgoingsouthoverwhelmedhimwithgrief.Burchhadpurchasedhimafewdaysbefore,andhadplacedhimthereuntilsuchtimeashewasreadytosendhimtotheNew-Orleansmarket.FromhimIlearnedforthefirsttimethatIwasinWilliam’sSlavePen,aplaceIhadneverheardofpreviously.Hedescribedtometheusesforwhichitwasdesigned.I
repeatedtohimtheparticularsofmyunhappystory,buthecouldonlygivemetheconsolationofhissympathy.Healsoadvisedmetobesilenthenceforthonthesubjectofmyfreedom,for,knowingthecharacterofBurch,heassuredmethatitwouldonlybeattendedwithrenewedwhipping.ThenexteldestwasnamedJohnWilliams.HewasraisedinVirginia,notfarfrom
Washington.Burchhadtakenhiminpaymentofadebt,andheconstantlyentertainedthehopethathismasterwouldredeemhim—ahopethatwassubsequentlyrealized.Theladwasasprightlychild,thatansweredtothenameofRandall.Mostofthetimehewasplayingabouttheyard,butoccasionallywouldcry,callingforhismother,andwonderingwhenshewouldcome.Hismother’sabsence
seemedtobethegreatandonlygriefinhislittleheart.Hewastooyoungtorealizehiscondition,andwhenthememoryofhismotherwasnotinhismind,heamuseduswithhispleasantpranks.
Atnight,Ray,Williams,andtheboy,sleptintheloftoftheshed,whileIwaslockedinthecell.Finallywewereeachprovidedwithblankets,suchasareused
uponhorses—theonlybeddingIwasallowedtohavefortwelveyearsafterwards.RayandWilliamsaskedmemanyquestionsaboutNew-York—howcoloredpeopleweretreatedthere;howtheycouldhavehomesandfamiliesoftheirown,withnonetodisturbandoppressthem;andRay,especially,sighedcontinuallyforfreedom.Suchconversations,however,were
notinthehearingofBurch,orthekeeperRadburn.Aspirationssuchasthesewouldhavebroughtdownthelashuponourbacks.
Itisnecessaryinthisnarrative,inordertopresentafullandtruthfulstatementofalltheprincipaleventsinthehistoryofmylife,andtoportraytheinstitutionofSlaveryasIhaveseenandknownit,tospeakofwell-
knownplaces,andofmanypersonswhoareyetliving.Iam,andalwayswas,anentirestrangerinWashingtonanditsvicinity—asidefromBurchandRadburn,knowingnomanthere,exceptasIhaveheardofthemthroughmyenslavedcompanions.WhatIamabouttosay,iffalse,canbeeasilycontradicted.
IremainedinWilliams’
slavepenabouttwoweeks.Thenightprevioustomydepartureawomanwasbroughtin,weepingbitterly,andleadingbythehandalittlechild.TheywereRandall’smotherandhalf-sister.Onmeetingthemhewasoverjoyed,clingingtoherdress,kissingthechild,andexhibitingeverydemonstrationofdelight.Themotheralsoclaspedhiminherarms,embracedhim
tenderly,andgazedathimfondlythroughhertears,callinghimbymanyanendearingname.
Emily,thechild,wassevenoreightyearsold,oflightcomplexion,andwithafaceofadmirablebeauty.Herhairfellincurlsaroundherneck,whilethestyleandrichnessofherdress,andtheneatnessofherwholeappearanceindicatedshehadbeen
broughtupinthemidstofwealth.Shewasasweetchildindeed.Thewomanalsowasarrayedinsilk,withringsuponherfingers,andgoldenornamentssuspendedfromherears.Herairandmanners,thecorrectnessandproprietyofherlanguage—allshowed,evidently,thatshehadsometimestoodabovethecommonlevelofaslaves.Sheseemedtobeamazedatfindingherselfinsuchaplace
asthat.Itwasplainlyasuddenandunexpectedturnoffortunethathadbroughtherthere.Fillingtheairwithhercomplainings,shewashustled,withthechildrenandmyself,intothecell.Languagecanconveybutaninadequateimpressionofthelamentationstowhichshegaveincessantutterance.Throwingherselfuponthefloor,andencirclingthechildreninherarms,she
pouredforthsuchtouchingwordsasonlymaternalloveandkindnesscansuggest.Theynestledcloselytoher,asifthereonlywasthereanysafetyorprotection.Atlasttheyslept,theirheadsrestinguponherlap.Whiletheyslumbered,shesmoothedthehairbackfromtheirlittleforeheads,andtalkedtothemallnightlong.Shecalledthemherdarlings—hersweetbabes—poorinnocentthings,
thatknewnotthemiserytheyweredestinedtoendure.Soontheywouldhavenomothertocomfortthem—theywouldbetakenfromher.Whatwouldbecomeofthem?Oh!shecouldnotliveawayfromherlittleEmmyandherdearboy.Theyhadalwaysbeengoodchildren,andhadsuchlovingways.Itwouldbreakherheart,Godknew,shesaid,iftheyweretakenfromher;andyetsheknewtheymeantto
sellthem,and,maybe,theywouldbeseparated,andcouldneverseeeachotheranymore.Itwasenoughtomeltaheartofstonetolistentothepitifulexpressionsofthatdesolateanddistractedmother.HernamewasEliza;andthiswasthestoryofherlife,assheafterwardsrelatedit:
ShewastheslaveofElishaBerry,arichman,livingin
theneighborhoodofWashington.Shewasborn,Ithinkshesaid,onhisplantation.Yearsbefore,hehadfallenintodissipatedhabits,andquarreledwithhiswife.Infact,soonafterthebirthofRandall,theyseparated.Leavinghiswifeanddaughterinthehousetheyhadalwaysoccupied,heerectedanewonenearby,ontheestate.IntothishousehebroughtEliza;and,on
conditionofherlivingwithhim,sheandherchildrenweretobeemancipated.Sheresidedwithhimtherenineyears,withservantstoattenduponher,andprovidedwitheverycomfortandluxuryoflife.Emilywashischild!Finally,heryoungmistress,whohadalwaysremainedwithhermotheratthehomestead,marriedaMr.JacobBrooks.Atlength,forsomecause,(asIgathered
fromherrelation,)beyondBerry’scontrol,adivisionofhispropertywasmade.SheandherchildrenfelltotheshareofMr.Brooks.DuringthenineyearsshehadlivedwithBerry,inconsequenceofthepositionshewascompelledtooccupy,sheandEmilyhadbecometheobjectofMrs.Berryandherdaughter’shatredanddislike.Berryhimselfsherepresentedasamanofnaturallyakind
heart,whoalwayspromisedherthatsheshouldhaveherfreedom,andwho,shehadnodoubt,wouldgrantittoherthen,ifitwereonlyinhispower.Assoonastheythuscameintothepossessionandcontrolofthedaughter,itbecameverymanifesttheywouldnotlivelongtogether.ThesightofElizaseemedtobeodioustoMrs.Brooks;neithercouldshebeartolookuponthechild,half-sister,
andbeautifulasshewasI
Thedayshewasledintothepen,Brookshadbroughtherfromtheestateintothecity,underpretencethatthetimehadcomewhenherfreepapersweretobeexecuted,infulfillmentofhermaster’spromise.Elatedattheprospectofimmediateliberty,shedeckedherselfandlittleEmmyintheirbestapparel,andaccompaniedhimwitha
joyfulheart.Ontheirarrivalinthecity,insteadofbeingbaptizedintothefamilyoffreemen,shewasdeliveredtothetraderBurch.Thepaperthatwasexecutedwasabillofsale.Thehopeofyearswasblastedinamoment.Fromthehightofmostexultinghappinesstotheutmostdepthsofwretchedness,shehadthatdaydescended.Nowonderthatshewept,andfilledthe
penwithwailingsandexpressionsofheart-rendingwoe.
Elizaisnowdead.FaruptheRedRiver,whereitpoursitswaterssluggishlythroughtheunhealthylowlandsofLouisiana,sherestsinthegraveatlast—theonlyrestingplaceofthepoorslave!Howallherfearswererealized—howshemourneddayandnight,andneverwouldbe
comforted—how,asshepredicted,herheartdidindeedbreak,withtheburdenofmaternalsorrow,willbeseenasthenarrativeproceeds.
CHAPTERIV.ELIZA’SSORROWS—PREPARATIONTOEMBARK—DRIVENTHROUGHTHESTREETSOFWASHINGTON—HAIL,COLUMBIA—THETOMBOF
WASHINGTON—CLEMRAY—THEBREAKFASTONTHESTEAMER—THEHAPPYBIRDS—AQUIACREEK—FREDERICKSBURGH—ARRIVALINRICHMOND—GOODINANDHISSLAVEPEN—ROBERT,OFCINCINNATI—DAVIDANDHISWIFE—MARYANDLETHE—CLEM’S
RETURN—HISSUBSEQUENTESCAPETOCANADA—THEBRIGORLEANS—JAMESH.BURCH.
ATintervalsduringthefirstnightofEliza’sincarcerationinthepen,shecomplainedbitterlyofJacobBrooks,heryoungmistress’husband.Shedeclaredthathadshebeenawareofthe
deceptionheintendedtopracticeuponher,heneverwouldhavebroughthertherealive.TheyhadchosentheopportunityofgettingherawaywhenMasterBerrywasabsentfromtheplantation.Hehadalwaysbeenkindtoher.Shewishedthatshecouldseehim;butsheknewthatevenhewasunablenowtorescueher.Thenwouldshecommenceweepingagain—kissingthesleepingchildren
—talkingfirsttoone,thentotheother,astheylayintheirunconsciousslumbers,withtheirheadsuponherlap.Soworethelongnightaway;andwhenthemorningdawned,andnighthadcomeagain,stillshekeptmourningon,andwouldnotbeconsoled.
Aboutmidnightfollowing,thecelldooropened,andBurchandRadburnentered,
withlanternsintheirhands.Burch,withanoath,orderedustorollupourblanketswithoutdelay,andgetreadytogoonboardtheboat.Hesworewewouldbeleftunlesswehurriedfast.Hearousedthechildrenfromtheirslumberswitharoughshake,andsaidtheywered—dsleepy,itappeared.Goingoutintotheyard,hecalledClemRay,orderinghimtoleavetheloftandcomeintothe
cell,andbringhisblanketwithhim.WhenClemappeared,heplacedussidebyside,andfastenedustogetherwithhand-cuffs—mylefthandtohisright.JohnWilliamshadbeentakenoutadayortwobefore,hismasterhavingredeemedhim,greatlytohisdelight.ClemandIwereorderedtomarch,Elizaandthechildrenfollowing.Wewereconductedintotheyard,from
thenceintothecoveredpassage,andupaflightofstepsthroughasidedoorintotheupperroom,whereIhadheardthewalkingtoandfro.Itsfurniturewasastove,afewoldchairs,andalongtable,coveredwithpapers.Itwasawhite-washedroom,withoutanycarpetonthefloor,andseemedasortofoffice.Byoneofthewindows,Iremember,hungarustysword,whichattracted
myattention.Burch’strunkwasthere.Inobediencetohisorders,Itookholdofoneofitshandleswithmyunfetteredhand,whilehetakingholdoftheother,weproceededoutofthefrontdoorintothestreetinthesameorderaswehadleftthecell.
Itwasadarknight.Allwasquiet.Icouldseelights,orthereflectionofthem,over
towardsPennsylvaniaAvenue,buttherewasnoone,notevenastraggler,tobeseen.Iwasalmostresolvedtoattempttobreakaway.HadInotbeenhand-cuffedtheattemptwouldcertainlyhavebeenmade,whateverconsequencemighthavefollowed.Radburnwasintherear,carryingalargestick,andhurryingupthechildrenasfastasthelittleonescouldwalk.Sowe
passed,hand-cuffedandinsilence,throughthestreetsofWashington—throughtheCapitalofanation,whosetheoryofgovernment,wearetold,restsonthefoundationofman’sinalienablerighttolife,LIBERTY,andthepursuitofhappiness!Hail!Columbia,happyland,indeed!
Reachingthesteamboat,wewerequicklyhustledinto
thehold,amongbarrelsandboxesoffreight.Acoloredservantbroughtalight,thebellrung,andsoonthevesselstarteddownthePotomac,carryingusweknewnotwhere.ThebelltolledaswepassedthetombofWashington!Burch,nodoubt,withuncoveredhead,bowedreverentlybeforethesacredashesofthemanwhodevotedhisillustriouslifetothelibertyofhiscountry.
NoneofussleptthatnightbutRandallandlittleEmmy.ForthefirsttimeClemRaywaswhollyovercome.Tohimtheideaofgoingsouthwasterribleintheextreme.Hewasleavingthefriendsandassociationsofhisyouth—everythingthatwasdearandprecioustohisheart—inallprobabilitynevertoreturn.HeandElizamingledtheirtearstogether,bemoaningtheircruelfate.Formyown
part,difficultasitwas,Iendeavoredtokeepupmyspirits.Iresolvedinmymindahundredplansofescape,andfullydeterminedtomaketheattemptthefirstdesperatechancethatoffered.Ihadbythistimebecomesatisfied,however,thatmytruepolicywastosaynothingfurtheronthesubjectofmyhavingbeenbornafreeman.Itwouldbutexposemetomal-treatment,anddiminishthechancesof
liberation.
Aftersunriseinthemorningwewerecalledupondecktobreakfast.Burchtookourhand-cuffsoff,andwesatdowntotable.HeaskedElizaifshewouldtakeadram.Shedeclined,thankinghimpolitely.Duringthemealwewereallsilent—notawordpassedbetweenus.Amulattowomanwhoservedattableseemedtotake
aninterestinourbehalf—toldustocheerup,andnottobesocastdown.Breakfastover,thehand-cuffswererestored,andBurchorderedusoutonthesterndeck.Wesatdowntogetheronsomeboxes,stillsayingnothinginBurch’spresence.Occasionallyapassengerwouldwalkouttowherewewere,lookatusforawhile,thensilentlyreturn
Itwasaverypleasant
morning.Thefieldsalongtheriverwerecoveredwithverdure,farinadvanceofwhatIhadbeenaccustomedtoseeatthatseasonoftheyear.Thesunshoneoutwarmly;thebirdsweresinginginthetrees.Thehappybirds—Ienviedthem.Iwishedforwingslikethem,thatImightcleavetheairtowheremybirdlingswaitedvainlyfortheirfather’scoming,inthecoolerregion
oftheNorth.
IntheforenoonthesteamerreachedAquiaCreek.Therethepassengerstookstages—Burchandhisfiveslavesoccupyingoneexclusively.Helaughedwiththechildren,andatonestoppingplacewentsofarastopurchasethemapieceofgingerbread.Hetoldmetoholdupmyheadandlooksmart.ThatImight,perhaps,getagood
masterifIbehavedmyself.Imadehimnoreply.Hisfacewashatefultome,andIcouldnotbeartolookuponit.Isatinthecorner,cherishinginmyheartthehope,notyetextinct,ofsomedaymeetingthetyrantonthesoilofmynativeState.
AtFredericksburghweweretransferredfromthestagecoachtoacar,andbeforedarkarrivedin
Richmond,thechiefcityofVirginia.Atthiscityweweretakenfromthecars,anddriventhroughthestreettoaslavepen,betweentherailroaddepotandtheriver,keptbyaMr.Goodin.ThispenissimilartoWilliams’inWashington,exceptitissomewhatlarger;andbesides,thereweretwosmallhousesstandingatoppositecornerswithintheyard.Thesehousesareusuallyfoundwithinslave
yards,beingusedasroomsfortheexaminationofhumanchattelsbypurchasersbeforeconcludingabargain.Unsoundnessinaslave,aswellasinahorse,detractsmateriallyfromhisvalue.Ifnowarrantyisgiven,acloseexaminationisamatterofparticularimportancetothenegrojockey.
WeweremetatthedoorofGoodin’syardbythat
gentlemanhimself—ashort,fatman,witharound,plumpface,blackhairandwhiskers,andacomplexionalmostasdarkassomeofhisownnegroes.Hehadahard,sternlook,andwasperhapsaboutfiftyyearsofage.Burchandhemetwithgreatcordiality.Theywereevidentlyoldfriends.Shakingeachotherwarmlybythehand,Burchremarkedhehadbroughtsomecompany,inquiredat
whattimethebrigwouldleave,andwasansweredthatitwouldprobablyleavethenextdayatsuchanhour.Goodinthenturnedtome,tookholdofmyarm,turnedmepartlyround,lookedatmesharplywiththeairofonewhoconsideredhimselfagoodjudgeofproperty,andasifestimatinginhisownmindabouthowmuchIwasworth.
“Well,boy,wheredidyoucomefrom!”
Forgettingmyself,foramoment,Ianswered,“FromNew-York.”
“New-York!H—1!whathaveyoubeendoingupthere?”washisastonishedinterrogatory.
ObservingBurchatthismomentlookingatmewithanangryexpressionthat
conveyedameaningitwasnotdifficulttounderstand,Iimmediatelysaid,“O,Ihaveonlybeenupthatwayapiece,”inamannerintendedtoimplythatalthoughImighthavebeenasfarasNew-York,yetIwisheditdistinctlyunderstoodthatIdidnotbelongtothatfreeState,nortoanyother.
GoodinthenturnedtoClem,andthentoElizaand
thechildren,examiningthemseverally,andaskingvariousquestions.HewaspleasedwithEmily,aswaseveryonewhosawthechild’ssweetcountenance.ShewasnotastidyaswhenIfirstbeheldher;herhairwasnowsomewhatdisheveled;butthroughitsunkemptandsoftprofusiontherestillbeamedalittlefaceofmostsurpassingloveliness.“Altogetherwewereafairlot—adevilish
goodlot,”hesaid,enforcingthatopinionwithmorethanoneemphaticadjectivenotfoundintheChristianvocabulary.Thereuponwepassedintotheyard.Quiteanumberofslaves,asmanyasthirtyIshouldsay,weremovingabout,orsittingonbenchesundertheshed.Theywereallcleanlydressed—themenwithhats,thewomenwithhandkerchiefstiedabouttheirheads.
BurchandGoodin,afterseparatingfromus,walkedupthestepsatthebackpartofthemainbuilding,andsatdownuponthedoorsill.Theyenteredintoconversation,butthesubjectofitIcouldnothear.PresentlyBurchcamedownintotheyard,unfetteredme,andledmeintooneofthesmallhouses.
“YoutoldthatmanyoucamefromNew-York,”said
he.
Ireplied,“ItoldhimIhadbeenupasfarasNew-York,tobesure,butdidnottellhimIbelongedthere,northatIwasafreeman.Imeantnoharmatall,MasterBurch.IwouldnothavesaidithadIthought.”
Helookedatmeamomentasifhewasreadytodevourme,thenturningroundwentout.Inafewminuteshe
returned.“IfeverIhearyousayawordaboutNew-York,oraboutyourfreedom,Iwillbethedeathofyou—Iwillkillyou;youmayrelyonthat,”heejaculatedfiercely.
IdoubtnotheunderstoodthenbetterthanIdid,thedangerandthepenaltyofsellingafreemanintoslavery.Hefeltthenecessityofclosingmymouthagainstthecrimeheknewhewas
committing.Ofcourse,mylifewouldnothaveweighedafeather,inanyemergencyrequiringsuchasacrifice.Undoubtedly,hemeantpreciselywhathesaid.
Undertheshedononesideoftheyard,therewasconstructedaroughtable,whileoverheadweresleepinglofts—thesameasinthepenatWashington.Afterpartakingatthistableofour
supperofporkandbread,Iwashand-cuffedtoalargeyellowman,quitestoutandfleshy,withacountenanceexpressiveoftheutmostmelancholy.Hewasamanofintelligenceandinformation.Chainedtogether,itwasnotlongbeforewebecameacquaintedwitheachother’shistory.HisnamewasRobert.Likemyself,hehadbeenbornfree,andhadawifeandtwochildrenin
Cincinnati.Hesaidhehadcomesouthwithtwomen,whohadhiredhiminthecityofhisresidence.Withoutfreepapers,hehadbeenseizedatFredericksburgh,placedinconfinement,andbeatenuntilhehadlearned,asIhad,thenecessityandthepolicyofsilence.HehadbeeninGoodin’spenaboutthreeweeks.TothismanIbecamemuchattached.Wecouldsympathizewith,and
understandeachother.Itwaswithtearsandaheavyheart,,notmanydayssubsequently,thatIsawhimdie,andlookedforthelasttimeuponhislifelessformI
Robertandmyself,withClem,Elizaandherchildren,sleptthatnightuponourblankets,inoneofthesmallhousesintheyard.Therewerefourothers,allfromthesameplantation,whohad
beensold,andwerenowontheirwaysouth,whoalsooccupieditwithus.Davidandhiswife,Caroline,bothmulattoes,wereexceedinglyaffected.Theydreadedthethoughtofbeingputintothecaneandcottonfields;buttheirgreatestsourceofanxietywastheapprehensionofbeingseparated.Mary,atall,lithegirl,ofamostjettyblack,waslistlessandapparentlyindifferent.Like
manyoftheclass,shescarcelyknewtherewassuchawordasfreedom.Broughtupintheignoranceofabrute,shepossessedbutlittlemorethanabrute’sintelligence.Shewasoneofthose,andthereareverymany,whofearnothingbuttheirmaster’slash,andknownofurtherdutythantoobeyhisvoice.TheotherwasLethe.Shewasofanentirelydifferentcharacter.Shehadlong,
straighthair,andboremoretheappearanceofanIndianthananegrowoman.Shehadsharpandspitefuleyes,andcontinuallygaveutterancetothelanguageofhatredandrevenge.Herhusbandhadbeensold.Sheknewnotwhereshewas.Anexchangeofmasters,shewassure,couldnotbefortheworse.Shecarednotwhithertheymightcarryher.Pointingtothescarsuponherface,the
desperatecreaturewishedthatshemightseethedaywhenshecouldwipethemoffinsomeman’sbloodI
Whilewewerethuslearningthehistoryofeachother’swretchedness,Elizawasseatedinacornerbyherself,singinghymnsandprayingforherchildren.Weariedfromthelossofsomuchsleep,Icouldnolongerbearupagainsttheadvances
ofthat“sweetrestorer,”andlayingdownbythesideofRobert,onthefloor,soonforgotmytroubles,andsleptuntilthedawnofday.
Inthemorning,havingswepttheyard,andwashedourselves,underGoodin’ssuperintendence,wewereorderedtorollupourblankets,andmakereadyforthecontinuanceofourjourney.ClemRaywas
informedthathewouldgonofurther,Burch,forsomecause,havingconcludedtocarryhimbacktoWashington.Hewasmuchrejoiced.Shakinghands,wepartedintheslavepenatRichmond,andIhavenotseenhimsince.But,muchtomysurprise,sincemyreturn,Ilearnedthathehadescapedfrombondage,andonhiswaytothefreesoilofCanada,lodgedonenightat
thehouseofmybrother-in-lawinSaratoga,informingmyfamilyoftheplaceandtheconditioninwhichheleftme.
Intheafternoonweweredrawnup,twoabreast,Robertandmyselfinadvance,andinthisorder,drivenbyBurchandGoodinfromtheyard,throughthestreetsofRichmondtothebrigOrleans.Shewasavesselof
respectablesize,fullrigged,andfreightedprincipallywithtobacco.Wewereallonboardbyfiveo’clock.Burchbroughtuseachatincupandaspoon.Therewerefortyofusinthebrig,beingall,exceptClem,thatwereinthepen.
Withasmallpocketknifethathadnotbeentaken.fromme,Ibegancuttingtheinitialsofmynameuponthe
tincup.Theothersimmediatelyflockedroundme,requestingmetomarktheirsinasimilarmanner.Intime,Igratifiedthemall,ofwhichtheydidnotappeartobeforgetful.
Wewereallstowedawayintheholdatnight,andthehatchbarreddown.Welaidonboxes,orwhere-evertherewasroomenoughtostretchourblanketsonthefloor.
BurchaccompaniedusnofartherthanRichmond,returningfromthatpointtothecapitalwithClem.Notuntilthelapseofalmosttwelveyears,towit,inJanuarylast,intheWashingtonpoliceoffice,didIsetmyeyesuponhisfaceagain.
JamesH.Burchwasaslave-trader—buyingmen,womenandchildrenatlow
prices,andsellingthematanadvance.Hewasaspeculatorinhumanflesh—adisreputablecalling—andsoconsideredattheSouth.Forthepresenthedisappearsfromthescenesrecordedinthisnarrative,buthewillappearagainbeforeitsclose,notinthecharacterofaman-whippingtyrant,butasanarrested,cringingcriminalinacourtoflaw,thatfailedtodohimjustice.
CHAPTERV.ARRIVALATNORFOLK—FREDERICKANDMARIA—ARTHUR,THEFREEMAN—APPOINTEDSTEWARD—JIM,CUFFEE,ANDJENNY—THESTORM—BAHAMABANKS—THE
CALM—THECONSPIRACY—THELONGBOAT—THESMALL-POX—DEATHOFROBERT—MANNING,THESAILOR—THEMEETINGINTHEFORECASTLE—THELETTER—ARRIVALATNEW-ORLEANS—ARTHUR’SRESCUE—THEOPHILUSFREEMAN,THE
CONSIGNEE—PLATT—FIRSTNIGHTINTHENEW-0BLEANSSLAVEPEN.
AFTERwewereallonboard,thebrigOrleansproceededdownJamesRiver.PassingintoChesapeakeBay,wearrivednextdayoppositethecityofNorfolk.Whilelyingatanchor,alighterapproachedusfromthetown,
bringingfourmoreslaves.Frederick,aboyofeighteen,hadbeenbornaslave,asalsohadHenry,whowassomeyearsolder.Theyhadbothbeenhouseservantsinthecity.Mariawasarathergenteellookingcoloredgirl,withafaultlessform,butignorantandextremelyvain.TheideaofgoingtoNew-Orleanswaspleasingtoher.Sheentertainedanextravagantlyhighopinionof
herownattractions.Assumingahaughtymien,shedeclaredtohercompanions,thatimmediatelyonourarrivalinNew-Orleans,shehadnodoubt,somewealthysinglegentlemanofgoodtastewouldpurchaseheratonce!
Butthemostprominentofthefour,wasamannamedArthur.Asthelighterapproached,hestruggled
stoutlywithhiskeepers.Itwaswithmainforcethathewasdraggedaboardthebrig.Heprotested,inaloudvoice,againstthetreatmenthewasreceiving,anddemandedtobereleased.Hisfacewasswollen,andcoveredwithwoundsandbruises,and,indeed,onesideofitwasacompleterawsore.Hewasforced,withallhaste,downthehatchwayintothehold.Icaughtanoutlineofhisstory
ashewasbornestrugglingalong,ofwhichheafterwardsgavemeamorefullrelation,anditwasasfollows:HehadlongresidedinthecityofNorfolk,andwasafreeman.Hehadafamilylivingthere,andwasamasonbytrade.Havingbeenunusuallydetained,hewasreturninglateonenighttohishouseinthesuburbsofthecity,whenhewasattackedbyagangofpersonsinanunfrequented
street.Hefoughtuntilhisstrengthfailedhim.Overpoweredatlast,hewasgaggedandboundwithropes,andbeaten,untilhebecameinsensible.ForseveraldaystheysecretedhimintheslavepenatNorfolk—averycommonestablishment,itappears,inthecitiesoftheSouth.Thenightbefore,hehadbeentakenoutandputonboardthelighter,which,pushingoutfromshore,had
awaitedourarrival.Forsometimehecontinuedhisprotestations,andwasaltogetherirreconcilable.Atlength,however,hebecamesilent.Hesankintoagloomyandthoughtfulmood,andappearedtobecounselingwithhimself.Therewasintheman’sdeterminedface,somethingthatsuggestedthethoughtofdesperation.
AfterleavingNorfolkthe
hand-cuffsweretakenoff,andduringthedaywewereallowedtoremainondeck.ThecaptainselectedRobertashiswaiter,andIwasappointedtosuperintendthecookingdepartment,andthedistributionoffoodandwater.Ihadthreeassistants,Jim,CuffeeandJenny.Jenny’sbusinesswastopreparethecoffee,whichconsistedofcornmealscorchedinakettle,boiled
andsweetenedwithmolasses.JimandCoffeebakedthehoe-cakeandboiledthebacon.
Standingbyatable,formedofawideboardrestingontheheadsofthebarrels,Icutandhandedtoeachasliceofmeatanda“dodger”ofthebread,andfromJenny’skettlealsodippedoutforeachacupofthecoffee.Theuseofplateswasdispensedwith,andtheir
sablefingerstooktheplaceofknivesandforks.JimandCuffeewereverydemureandattentivetobusiness,somewhatinflatedwiththeirsituationassecondcooks,andwithoutdoubtfeelingthattherewasagreatresponsibilityrestingonthem.Iwascalledsteward—anamegivenmebythecaptain.
Theslaveswerefedtwicea
day,attenandfiveo’clock—alwaysreceivingthesamekindandquantityoffare,andinthesamemannerasabovedescribed.Atnightweweredrivenintothehold,andsecurelyfasteneddown.
Scarcelywereweoutofsightoflandbeforewewereovertakenbyaviolentstorm.Thebrigrolledandplungeduntilwefearedshewouldgodown.Someweresea-sick,
othersontheirkneespraying,whilesomewerefastholdingtoeachother,paralyzedwithfear.Thesea-sicknessrenderedtheplaceofourconfinementloathsomeanddisgusting.Itwouldhavebeenahappythingformostofus—itwouldhavesavedtheagonyofmanyhundredlashes,andmiserabledeathsatlast—hadthecompassionateseasnatchedusthatdayfromtheclutches
ofremorselessmen.ThethoughtofRandallandlittleEmmysinkingdownamongthemonstersofthedeep,isamorepleasantcontemplationthantothinkofthemastheyarenow,perhaps,draggingoutlivesofunrequitedtoil.
WheninsightoftheBahamaBanks,ataplacecalledOldPointCompass,ortheHoleintheWall,wewerebecalmedthreedays.There
wasscarcelyabreathofair.Thewatersofthegulfpresentedasingularlywhiteappearance,likelimewater.
Intheorderofevents,Icomenowtotherelationofanoccurrence,whichInevercalltomindbutwithsensationsofregret.IthankGod,whohassincepermittedmetoescapefromthethralldomofslavery,thatthroughhismerciful
interpositionIwaspreventedfromimbruingmyhandsinthebloodofhiscreatures.Letnotthosewhohaveneverbeenplacedinlikecircumstances,judgemeharshly.Untiltheyhavebeenchainedandbeaten—untiltheyfindthemselvesinthesituationIwas,borneawayfromhomeandfamilytowardsalandofbondage—letthemrefrainfromsayingwhattheywouldnotdofor
liberty.HowfarIshouldhavebeenjustifiedinthesightofGodandman,itisunnecessarynowtospeculateupon.ItisenoughtosaythatIamabletocongratulatemyselfupontheharmlessterminationofanaffairwhichthreatened,foratime,tobeattendedwithseriousresults.
Towardsevening,onthefirstdayofthecalm,Arthurandmyselfwereinthebow
ofthevessel,seatedonthewindlass.Wewereconversingtogetheroftheprobabledestinythatawaitedus,andmourningtogetheroverourmisfortunes.Arthursaid,andIagreedwithhim,thatdeathwasfarlessterriblethanthelivingprospectthatwasbeforeus.Foralongtimewetalkedofourchildren,ourpastlives,andoftheprobabilitiesofescape.Obtainingpossessionofthe
brigwassuggestedbyoneofus.Wediscussedthepossibilityofourbeingable,insuchanevent,tomakeourwaytotheharborofNew-York.Iknewlittleofthecompass;buttheideaofriskingtheexperimentwaseagerlyentertained.Thechances,foiandagainstus,inanencounterwiththecrew,wascanvassed.Whocouldbereliedupon,andwhocouldnot,thepropertimeand
manneroftheattack,werealltalkedoverandoveragain.FromthemomenttheplotsuggesteditselfIbegantohope.Irevolveditconstantlyinmymind.Asdifficultyafterdifficultyarose,somereadyconceitwasathand,demonstratinghowitcouldbeovercome.Whileothersslept,ArthurandIwerematuringourplans.Atlength,withmuchcaution,Robertwasgraduallymade
acquaintedwithourintentions.Heapprovedofthematonce,andenteredintotheconspiracywithazealousspirit.Therewasnotanotherslavewedaredtotrust.Broughtupinfearandignoranceastheyare,itcanscarcelybeconceivedhowservilelytheywillcringebeforeawhiteman’slook.Itwasnotsafetodepositsoboldasecretwithanyofthem,andfinallywethree
resolvedtotakeuponourselvesalonethefearfulresponsibilityoftheattempt.
Atnight,ashasbeensaid,weweredrivenintothehold,andthehatchbarreddown.Howtoreachthedeckwasthefirstdifficultythatpresenteditself.Onthebowofthebrig,however,Ihadobservedthesmallboatlyingbottomupwards.Itoccurredtomethatbysecreting
ourselvesunderneathit,wewouldnotbemissedfromthecrowd,astheywerehurrieddownintotheholdatnight.Iwasselectedtomaketheexperiment,inordertosatisfyourselvesofitsfeasibility.Thenextevening,accordingly,aftersupper,watchingmyopportunity,Ihastilyconcealedmyselfbeneathit.Lyingcloseuponthedeck,Icouldseewhatwasgoingonaroundme,
whilewhollyunperceivedmyself.Inthemorning,astheycameup,Islippedfrommyhidingplacewithoutbeingobserved.Theresultwasentirelysatisfactory.
Thecaptainandmatesleptinthecabinoftheformer.FromRobert,whohadfrequentoccasion,inhiscapacityofwaiter,tomakeobservationsinthatquarter,weascertainedtheexact
positionoftheirrespectiveberths.Hefurtherinformedusthattherewerealwaystwopistolsandacutlasslyingonthetable.Thecrew’scooksleptinthecookgalleyondeck,asortofvehicleonwheels,thatcouldbemovedaboutasconveniencerequired,whilethesailors,numberingonlysix,eithersleptintheforecastle,orinhammocksswungamongtherigging.
Finallyourarrangementswereallcompleted.ArthurandIweretostealsilentlytothecaptain’scabin,seizethepistolsandcutlass,andasquicklyaspossibledespatchhimandthemate.Robert,withaclub,wastostandbythedoorleadingfromthedeckdownintothecabin,and,incaseofnecessity,beatbackthesailors,untilwecouldhurrytohisassistance.Weweretoproceedthenas
circumstancesmightrequire.Shouldtheattackbesosuddenandsuccessfulastopreventresistance,thehatchwastoremainbarreddown;otherwisetheslavesweretobecalledup,andinthecrowd,andhurry,andconfusionofthetime,weresolvedtoregainourlibertyorloseourlives.Iwasthentoassumetheunaccustomedplaceofpilot,and,steeringnorthward,wetrustedthat
someluckywindmightbearustothesoiloffreedom.
Themate’snamewasBiddee,thecaptain’sIcannotnowrecall,thoughIrarelyeverforgetanameoncehard.Thecaptainwasasmall,genteelman,erectandprompt,withaproudbearing,andlookedthepersonificationofcourage.Ifheisstillliving,andthesepagesshouldchancetomeet
hiseye,hewilllearnafactconnectedwiththevoyageofthebrig,fromRichmondtoNew-Orleans,in1841,notenteredonhislog-book.
Wewereallprepared,andimpatientlywaitinganopportunityofputtingourdesignsintoexecution,whentheywerefrustratedbyasadandunforeseenevent.Robertwastakenill.Itwassoonannouncedthathehadthe
small-pox.Hecontinuedtogrowworse,andfourdaysprevioustoourarrivalinNew-Orleanshedied.Oneofthesailorssewedhiminhisblanket,withalargestonefromtheballastathisfeet,andthenlayinghimonahatchway,andelevatingitwithtacklesabovetherailing,theinanimatebodyofpoorRobertwasconsignedtothewhitewatersofthegulf.
Wewereallpanic-strickenbytheappearanceofthesmall-pox.Thecaptainorderedlimetobescatteredthroughthehold,andotherprudentprecautionstobetaken.ThedeathofRobert,however,andthepresenceofthemalady,oppressedmesadly,andIgazedoutoverthegreatwasteofwaterswithaspiritthatwasindeeddisconsolate.
AneveningortwoafterRobert’sburial,Iwasleaningonthehatchwayneartheforecastle,fullofdespondingthoughts,whenasailorinakindvoiceaskedmewhyIwassodown-hearted.Thetoneandmannerofthemanassuredme,andIanswered,becauseIwasafreeman,andhadbeenkidnapped.Heremarkedthatitwasenoughtomakeanyonedown-hearted,andcontinuedto
interrogatemeuntilhelearnedtheparticularsofmywholehistory.Hewasevidentlymuchinterestedinmybehalf,and,inthebluntspeechofasailor,sworehewouldaidmeallhecould,ifit“splithistimbers.”Irequestedhimtofurnishmepen,inkandpaper,inorderthatImightwritetosomeofmyfriends.Hepromisedtoobtainthem—buthowIcouldusethemundiscoveredwasa
difficulty.IfIcouldonlygetintotheforecastlewhilehiswatchwasoff,andtheothersailorsasleep,thethingcouldbeaccomplished.Thesmallboatinstantlyoccurredtome.HethoughtwewerenotfarfromtheBalize,atthemouthoftheMississippi,anditwasnecessarythattheletterbewrittensoon,ortheopportunitywouldbelost.Accordingly,byarrangement,Imanagedthenextnightto
secretmyselfagainunderthelong-boat.Hiswatchwasoffattwelve.Isawhimpassintotheforecastle,andinaboutanhourfollowedhim.Hewasnoddingoveratable,halfasleep,onwhichasicklylightwasflickering,andonwhichalsowasapenandsheetofpaper.AsIenteredhearoused,beckonedmetoaseatbesidehim,andpointedtothepaper.IdirectedthelettertoHenryB.Northup,of
SandyHill—statingthatIhadbeenkidnapped,wasthenonboardthebrigOrleans,boundforNew-Orleans;thatitwasthenimpossibleformetoconjecturemyultimatedestination,andrequestinghewouldtakemeasurestorescueme.Theletterwassealedanddirected,andManning,havingreadit,promisedtodeposititintheNew-Orleanspost-office.Ihastenedbacktomyplace
underthelong-boat,andinthemorning,astheslavescameupandwerewalkinground,creptoutunnoticedandmingledwiththem.
Mygoodfriend,whosenamewasJohnManning,wasanEnglishmanbybirth,andanoble-hearted,generoussailoraseverwalkedadeck.HehadlivedinBoston—wasatall,well-builtman,abouttwenty-fouryearsold,witha
facesomewhatpock-marked,butfullofbenevolentexpression.
Nothingtovarythemonotonyofourdailylifeoccurred,untilwereachedNew-Orleans.Oncomingtothelevee,andbeforethevesselwasmadefast,IsawManningleaponshoreandhurryawayintothecity.Ashestartedoffhelookedbackoverhisshoulder
significantly,givingmetounderstandtheobjectofhiserrand.Presentlyhereturned,andpassingclosebyme,hunchedmewithhiselbow,withapeculiarwink,asmuchastosay,“itisallright.”
Theletter,asIhavesincelearned,reachedSandyHill.Mr.NorthupvisitedAlbanyandlaiditbeforeGovernorSeward,butinasmuchasitgavenodefiniteinformation
astomyprobablelocality,itwasnot,atthattime,deemedadvisabletoinstitutemeasuresformyliberation.Itwasconcludedtodelay,trustingthataknowledgeofwhereIwasmighteventuallybeobtained.
Ahappyandtouchingscenewaswitnessedimmediatelyuponourreachingthelevee.JustasManningleftthebrig,onhis
waytothepost-office,twomencameupandcalledaloudforArthur.Thelatter,asherecognizedthem,wasalmostcrazywithdelight.Hecouldhardlyberestrainedfromleapingoverthebrig’sside;andwhentheymetsoonafter,hegraspedthembythehand,andclungtothemalong,longtime.TheyweremenfromNorfolk,whohadcomeontoNew-Orleanstorescuehim.Hiskidnappers,
theyinformedhim,hadbeenarrested,andwerethenconfinedintheNorfolkprison.Theyconversedafewmomentswiththecaptain,andthendepartedwiththerejoicingArthur.
Butinallthecrowdthatthrongedthewharf,therewasnoonewhokneworcaredforme.Notone.Nofamiliarvoicegreetedmyears,norwasthereasinglefacethatI
hadeverseen.SoonArthurwouldrejoinhisfamily,andhavethesatisfactionofseeinghiswrongsavenged:myfamily,alas,shouldIeverseethemmore?Therewasafeelingofutterdesolationinmyheart,fillingitwithadespairingandregretfulsense,thatIhadnotgonedownwithRoberttothebottomofthesea.
Verysoontradersand
consigneescameonboard.One,atall,thin-facedman,withlightcomplexionandalittlebent,madehisappearance,withapaperinhishand.Burch’sgang,consistingofmyself,Elizaandherchildren,Harry,Lethe,andsomeothers,whohadjoinedusatRichmond,wereconsignedtohim.ThisgentlemanwasMr.TheophilusFreeman.Readingfromhispaper,hecalled,
“Platt.”Nooneanswered.Thenamewascalledagainandagain,butstilltherewasnoreply.ThenLethewascalled,thenEliza,thenHarry,untilthelistwasfinished,eachonesteppingforwardashisorhernamewascalled.
“Captain,where’sPlatt?”demandedTheophilusFreeman.
Thecaptainwasunabletoinformhim,noonebeingon
boardansweringtothatname.
“Whoshippedthatnigger?”heagaininquiredofthecaptain,pointingtome.
“Burch,”repliedthecaptain.
“YournameisPlatt—youanswermydescription.Whydon’tyoucomeforward?”hedemandedofme,inanangrytone.
Iinformedhimthatwas
notmyname;thatIhadneverbeencalledbyit,butthatIhadnoobjectiontoitasIknewof.
“Well,Iwilllearnyouyourname,”saidhe;“andsoyouwon’tforgetiteither,by——,”headded.
Mr.TheophilusFreeman,bytheway,wasnotawhitbehindhispartner,Burch,inthematterofblasphemy.OnthevesselIhadgonebythe
nameof“Steward,”andthiswasthefirsttimeIhadeverbeendesignatedasPlatt—thenameforwardedbyBurchtohisconsignee.FromthevesselIobservedthechain-gangatworkonthelevee.WepassednearthemasweweredriventoFreeman’sslavepen.ThispenisverysimilartoGoodin’sinRichmond,excepttheyardwasenclosedbyplank,standingupright,withends
sharpened,insteadofbrickwalls.
Includingus,therewerenowatleastfiftyinthispen.Depositingourblanketsinoneofthesmallbuildingsintheyard,andhavingbeencalledupandfed,wewereallowedtosaunterabouttheenclosureuntilnight,whenwewrappedourblanketsroundusandlaiddownundertheshed,orintheloft,orin
theopenyard,justaseachonepreferred.
ItwasbutashorttimeIclosedmyeyesthatnight.Thoughtwasbusyinmybrain.CoulditbepossiblethatIwasthousandsofmilesfromhome—thatIhadbeendriventhroughthestreetslikeadumbbeast—thatIhadbeenchainedandbeatenwithoutmercy—thatIwaseventhenherdedwithadrove
ofslaves,aslavemyself?aWeretheeventsofthelastfewweeksrealitiesindeed?—orwasIpassingonlythroughthedismalphasesofalong,protracteddream?Itwasnoillusion.Mycupofsorrowwasfulltooverflowing.ThenIliftedupmyhandstoGod,andinthestillwatchesofthenight,surroundedbythesleepingformsofmycompanions,beggedformercyonthe
poor,forsakencaptive.TotheAlmightyFatherofusall—thefreemanandtheslave—Ipouredforththesupplicationsofabrokenspirit,imploringstrengthfromonhightobearupagainsttheburdenofmytroubles,untilthemorninglightarousedtheslumberers,usheringinanotherdayofbondage.
CHAPTERVI.FREEMAN’SINDUSTRY—CLEANLINESSANDCLOTHES-EXERCISINGINTHESHOWROOM—THEDANCE—BOB,THEFIDDLER—ARRIVALOFCUSTOMERS—BLAVES
EXAMINED-THEOLDGENTLEMANOFNEW-OBLEANS—SALEOFDAVID,CAROLINEANDLETHE—PARTINGOFRANDALLANDELIZA—SMALLPOX—THEHOSPITAL—RECOVERYANDRETURNTOFREEMAN’SSLAVEPEN—THEPURCHASEROFELIZA,HARRYANDPLATT—ELIZA’S
AGONYONPARTINGFROMLITTLEEMILY.
THEveryamiable,pious-heartedMr.TheophilusFreeman,partnerorconsigneeofJamesH.Burch,andkeeperoftheslavepeninNew-Orleans,wasoutamonghisanimalsearlyinthemorning.Withanoccasionalkickoftheoldermenandwomen,andmanyasharp
crackofthewhipabouttheearsoftheyoungerslaves,itwasnotlongbeforetheywereallastir,andwideawake.Mr.TheophilusFreemanbustledaboutinaveryindustriousmanner,gettinghispropertyreadyforthesales-room,intending,nodoubt,todothatdayarousingbusiness.
Inthefirstplacewewererequiredtowashthoroughly,andthosewithbeards,to
shave.Wewerethenfurnishedwithanewsuiteach,cheap,butclean.Themenhadhat,coat,shirt,pantsandshoes;thewomenfrocksofcalico,andhandkerchiefstobindabouttheirheads.Wewerenowconductedintoalargeroominthefrontpartofthebuildingtowhichtheyardwasattached,inordertobeproperlytrained,beforetheadmissionofcustomers.Themenwerearrangedonone
sideoftheroom,thewomenontheother.Thetallestwasplacedattheheadoftherow,thenthenexttallest,andsoonintheorderoftheirrespectiveheights.Emilywasatthefootofthelineofwomen.Freemanchargedustorememberourplaces;exhortedustoappearsmartandlively,—sometimesthreatening,andagain,holdingoutvariousinducements.Duringtheday
heexercisedusintheartof“lookingsmart,”andofmovingtoourplaceswithexactprecision.
Afterbeingfed,intheafternoon,wewereagainparadedandmadetodance.Bob,acoloredboy,whohadsometimebelongedtoFreeman,playedontheviolin.Standingnearhim,Imadeboldtoinquireifhecouldplaythe“Virginia
Reel.”Heansweredhecouldnot,andaskedmeifIcouldplay.Replyingintheaffirmative,hehandedmetheviolin.Istruckupatune,andfinishedit.Freemanorderedmetocontinueplaying,andseemedwellpleased,tellingBobthatIfarexcelledhim—aremarkthatseemedtogrievemymusicalcompanionverymuch.
Nextdaymanycustomers
calledtoexamineFreeman’s“newlot.”Thelattergentlemanwasveryloquacious,dwellingatmuchlengthuponourseveralgoodpointsandqualities.Hewouldmakeusholdupourheads,walkbrisklybackandforth,whilecustomerswouldfeelofourhandsandarmsandbodies,turnusabout,askuswhatwecoulddo,makeusopenourmouthsandshowourteeth,preciselyasa
jockeyexaminesahorsewhichheisabouttobarterfororpurchase.Sometimesamanorwomanwastakenbacktothesmallhouseintheyard,stripped,andinspectedmoreminutely.Scarsuponaslave’sbackwereconsideredevidenceofarebelliousorunrulyspirit,andhurthissale.
Oneoldgentleman,whosaidhewantedacoachman,
appearedtotakeafancytome.FromhisconversationwithFreeman,Ilearnedhewasaresidentinthecity.Iverymuchdesiredthathewouldbuyme,becauseIconceiveditwouldnotbedifficulttomakemyescapefromNew-Orleansonsomenorthernvessel.Freemanaskedhimfifteenhundreddollarsforme.Theoldgentlemaninsisteditwastoomuch,astimeswerevery
hard.Freeman,however,declaredthatIwassoundandhealthy,ofagoodconstitution,andintelligent.Hemadeitapointtoenlargeuponmymusicalattainments.Theoldgentlemanarguedquiteadroitlythattherewasnothingextraordinaryaboutthenigger,andfinally,tomyregret,wentout,sayinghewouldcallagain.Duringtheday,however,anumberofsalesweremade.Davidand
CarolinewerepurchasedtogetherbyaNatchezplanter.Theyleftus,grinningbroadly,andinthemosthappystateofmind,causedbythefactoftheirnotbeingseparated.LethewassoldtoaplanterofBatonRouge,hereyesflashingwithangerasshewasledaway.
ThesamemanalsopurchasedRandall.Thelittlefellowwasmadetojump,and
runacrossthefloor,andperformmanyotherfeats,exhibitinghisactivityandcondition.Allthetimethetradewasgoingon,Elizawascryingaloud,andwringingherhands.Shebesoughtthemannottobuyhim,unlesshealsoboughtherselfandEmily.Shepromised,inthatcase,tobethemostfaithfulslavethateverlived.Themanansweredthathecouldnotaffordit,andthenElizaburst
intoaparoxysmofgrief,weepingplaintively.Freemanturnedroundtoher,savagely,withhiswhipinhisupliftedhand,orderinghertostophernoise,orhewouldflogher.Hewouldnothavesuchwork—suchsnivelling;andunlesssheceasedthatminute,hewouldtakehertotheyardandgiveherahundredlashes.Yes,hewouldtakethenonsenseoutofherprettyquick—ifhedidn’t,mighthe
bed—d.Elizashrunkbeforehim,andtriedtowipeawayheitears,butitwasallinvain.Shewantedtobewithherchildren,shesaid,thelittletimeshehadtolive.AllthefrownsandthreatsofFreeman,couldnotwhollysilencetheafflictedmother.Shekeptonbeggingandbeseechingthem,mostpiteously,nottoseparatethethree.Overandoveragainshetoldthemhowsheloved
herboy.Agreatmanytimessherepeatedherformerpromises—howveryfaithfulandobedientshewouldbe;howhardshewouldlabordayandnight,tothelastmomentofherlife,ifhewouldonlybuythemalltogether.Butitwasofnoavail;themancouldnotaffordit.Thebargainwasagreedupon,andRandallmustgoalone.ThenElizarantohim;embracedhimpassionately;kissedhim
againandagain;toldhimtorememberher—allthewhilehertearsfallingintheboy’sfacelikerain.
Freemandamnedher,callingherablubbering,bawlingwench,andorderedhertogotoherplace,andbehaveherself,andbesomebody.Hesworehewouldn’tstandsuchstuffbutalittlelonger.Hewouldsoongivehersomethingtocry
about,ifshewasnotmightycareful,andthatshemightdependupon.
TheplanterfromBatonRouge,withhisnewpurchases,wasreadytodepart.
“Don’tcry,mama.Iwillbeagoodboy.Don’tcry,”saidRandall,lookingback,astheypassedoutofthedoor.
Whathasbecomeofthe
lad,Godknows.Itwasamournfulsceneindeed.IwouldhavecriedmyselfifIhaddared.
Thatnight,nearlyallwhocameinonthebrigOrleans,weretakenill.Theycomplainedofviolentpainintheheadandback.LittleEmily—athingunusualwithher—criedconstantly.Inthemorningaphysicianwascalledin,butwasunableto
determinethenatureofourcomplaint.Whileexaminingme,andaskingquestionstouchingmysymptoms,Igaveitasmyopinionthatitwasanattackofsmall-pox—mentioningthefactofRobert’sdeathasthereasonofmybelief.Itmightbesoindeed,hethought,andhewouldsendfortheheadphysicianofthehospital.Shortly,theheadphysiciancame—asmall,light-haired
man,whomtheycalledDr.Carr.Hepronounceditsmall-pox,whereupontherewasmuchalarmthroughouttheyard.SoonafterDr.Carrleft,Eliza,Emmy,Harryandmyselfwereputintoahackanddriventothehospital—alargewhitemarblebuilding,standingontheoutskirtsofthecity.HarryandIwereplacedinaroominoneoftheupperstories.Ibecameverysick.ForthreedaysIwas
entirelyblind.Whilelyinginthisstateoneday,Bobcamein,sayingtoDr.CarrthatFreemanhadsenthimovertoinquirehowweweregettingon.Tellhim,saidthedoctor,thatPlattisverybad,butthatifhesurvivesuntilnineo’clock,hemayrecover.
Iexpectedtodie.Thoughtherewaslittleintheprospectbeforemeworthlivingfor,thenearapproachofdeath
appalledme.IthoughtIcouldhavebeenresignedtoyieldupmylifeinthebosomofmyfamily,buttoexpireinthemidstofstrangers,undersuchcircumstances,wasabitterreflection.
Therewereagreatnumberinthehospital,ofbothsexes,andofallages.Intherearofthebuildingcoffinsweremanufactured.Whenonedied,thebelltolled—asignal
totheundertakertocomeandbearawaythebodytothepotter’sfield.Manytimes,eachdayandnight,thetollingbellsentforthitsmelancholyvoice,announcinganotherdeath.Butmytimehadnotyetcome.Thecrisishavingpassed,Ibegantorevive,andattheendoftwoweeksandtwodays,returnedwithHarrytothepen,bearinguponmyfacetheeffectsofthemalady,
whichtothisdaycontinuestodisfigureit.ElizaandEmilywerealsobroughtbacknextdayinahack,andagainwereweparadedinthesales-room,fortheinspectionandexaminationofpurchasers.Istillindulgedthehopethattheoldgentlemaninsearchofacoachmanwouldcallagain,ashehadpromised,andpurchaseme.InthateventIfeltanabidingconfidencethatIwouldsoonregainmy
liberty.Customeraftercustomerentered,buttheoldgentlemannevermadehisappearance.
Atlength,oneday,whilewewereintheyard,Freemancameoutandorderedustoourplaces,inthegreatroom.Agentlemanwaswaitingforusasweentered,andinasmuchashewillbeoftenmentionedintheprogressofthisnarrative,adescriptionof
hispersonalappearance,andmyestimationofhischaracter,atfirstsight,maynotbeoutofplace.
Hewasamanabovetheordinaryheight,somewhatbentandstoopingforward.Hewasagood-lookingman,andappearedtohavereachedaboutthemiddleageoflife.Therewasnothingrepulsiveinhispresence;butontheotherhand,therewas
somethingcheerfulandattractiveinhisface,andinhistoneofvoice.Thefinerelementswereallkindlymingledinhisbreast,asanyonecouldsee.Hemovedaboutamongus,askingmanyquestions,astowhatwecoulddo,andwhatlaborwehadbeenaccustomedto;ifwethoughtwewouldliketolivewithhim,andwouldbegoodboysifhewouldbuyus,andotherinterrogatoriesof
likecharacter.
Aftersomefurtherinspection,andconversationtouchingprices,hefinallyofferedFreemanonethousanddollarsforme,ninehundredforHarry,andsevenhundredforEliza.Whetherthesmall-poxhaddepreciatedourvalue,orfromwhatcauseFreemanhadconcludedtofallfivehundreddollarsfromthepriceIwasbeforeheldat,
Icannotsay.Atanyrate,afteralittleshrewdreflection,heannouncedhisacceptanceoftheoffer.
AssoonasElizaheardit,shewasinanagonyagain.Bythistimeshehadbecomehaggardandhollow-eyedwithsicknessandwithsorrow.ItwouldbeareliefifIcouldconsistentlypassoverinsilencethescenethatnowensued.Itrecallsmemories
moremournfulandaffectingthananylanguagecanportray.Ihaveseenmotherskissingforthelasttimethefacesoftheirdeadoffspring;Ihaveseenthemlookingdownintothegrave,astheearthfellwithadullsoundupontheircoffins,hidingthemfromtheireyesforever;butneverhaveIseensuchanexhibitionofintense,unmeasured,andunboundedgrief,aswhenElizawas
partedfromherchild.Shebrokefromherplaceinthelineofwomen,andrushingdownwhereEmilywasstanding,caughtherinherarms.Thechild,sensibleofsomeimpendingdanger,instinctivelyfastenedherhandsaroundhermother’sneck,andnestledherlittleheaduponherbosom.Freemansternlyorderedhertobequiet,butshedidnotheedhim.Hecaughtherby
thearmandpulledherrudely,butsheonlyclungtheclosertothechild.Then,withavolleyofgreatoaths,hestruckhersuchaheartlessblow,thatshestaggeredbackward,andwasliketofall.Oh!howpiteouslythendidshebeseechandbegandpraythattheymightnotbeseparated.Whycouldtheynotbepurchasedtogether?Whynotletherhaveoneofherdearchildren?“Mercy,
mercy,master!”shecried,fallingonherknees.“Please,master,buyEmily.Icanneverworkanyifsheistakenfromme:Iwilldie.”
Freemaninterferedagain,but,disregardinghim,shestillpleadmostearnestly,tellinghowRandallhadbeentakenfromher—howsheneverwouldseehimagain,andnowitwastoobad—oh,God!itwastoobad,too
cruel,totakeherawayfromEmily—herpride—heronlydarling,thatcouldnotlive,itwassoyoung,withoutitsmother!
Finally,aftermuchmoreofsupplication,thepurchaserofElizasteppedforward,evidentlyaffected,andsaidtoFreemanhewouldbuyEmily,andaskedhimwhatherpricewas.
“WhatisherPrice?Buy
her?”wastheresponsiveinterrogatoryofTheophilusFreeman.Andinstantlyansweringhisowninquiry,headded,“Iwon’tsellher.She’snotforsale.
Themanremarkedhewasnotinneedofonesoyoung—thatitwouldbeofnoprofittohim,butsincethemotherwassofondofher,ratherthanseethemseparated,hewouldpayareasonableprice.
ButtothishumaneproposalFreemanwasentirelydeaf.Hewouldnotsellherthenonanyaccountwhatever.Therewereheapsandpilesofmoneytobemadeofher,hesaid,whenshewasafewyearsolder.ThereweremenenoughinNew-Orleanswhowouldgivefivethousanddollarsforsuchanextra,handsome,fancypieceasEmilywouldbe,ratherthannotgether.No,no,hewould
notsellherthen.Shewasabeauty—apicture—adoll—oneoftheregularbloods—noneofyourthick-lipped,bullet-headed,cotton-pickingniggers—ifshewasmighthebed—d.
WhenElizaheardFreeman’sdeterminationnottopartwithEmily,shebecameabsolutelyfrantic.
“Iwillnotgowithouther.Theyshallnottakeherfrom
me,”shefairlyshrieked,hershriekscomminglingwiththeloudandangryvoiceofFreeman,commandinghertobesilent.
MeantimeHarryandmyselfhadbeentotheyardandreturnedwithourblankets,andwereatthefrontdoorreadytoleave.Ourpurchaserstoodnearus,gazingatElizawithanexpressionindicativeof
regretathavingboughtherattheexpenseofsomuchsorrow.Wewaitedsometime,when,finally,Freeman,outofpatience,toreEmilyfromhermotherbymainforce,thetwoclingingtoeachotherwithalltheirmight.
“Don’tleaveme,mama—don’tleaveme,”screamedthechild,asitsmotherwaspushedharshlyforward;
“Don’tleaveme—comeback,mama,”shestillcried,stretchingforthherlittlearmsimploringly.Butshecriedinvain.Outofthedoorandintothestreetwewerequicklyhurried.Stillwecouldhearhercallingtohermother,“Comeback—don’tleaveme—comeback,mama,”untilherinfantvoicegrewfaintandstillmorefaint,andgraduallydiedaway,asdistanceintervened,and
finallywaswhollylost.
ElizaneveraftersaworheardofEmilyorRandall.Daynornight,however,weretheyeverabsentfromhermemory.Inthecottonfield,inthecabin,alwaysandeverywhere,shewastalkingofthem—oftentothem,asiftheywereactuallypresent.Onlywhenabsorbedinthatillusion,orasleep,didsheeverhaveamoment’s
comfortafterwards.
Shewasnocommonslave,ashasbeensaid.Toalargeshareofnaturalintelligencewhichshepossessed,wasaddedageneralknowledgeandinformationonmostsubjects.Shehadenjoyedopportunitiessuchasareaffordedtoveryfewofheroppressedclass.Shehadbeenliftedupintotheregionsofahigherlife.Freedom—
freedomforherselfandforheroffspring,formanyyearshadbeenhercloudbyday,herpillaroffirebynight.Inherpilgrimagethroughthewildernessofbondage,witheyesfixeduponthathope-inspiringbeacon,shehadatlengthascendedto“thetopofPisgah,”andbeheld“thelandofpromise.”Inanunexpectedmomentshewasutterlyoverwhelmedwithdisappointmentanddespair.
Thegloriousvisionoflibertyfadedfromhersightastheyledherawayintocaptivity.Now“sheweepethsoreinthenight,andtearsareonhercheeks:allherfriendshavedealttreacherouslywithher:theyhavebecomeherenemies.”
SCENEINTHESLAVEPENATWASHINGTON.(seepage
44)
SEPARATIONOFELIZAANDHERLASTCHILD.
CHAPTERVII.THESTEAMBOATRODOLPH—DEPARTUREFROMNEW-ORLEANS-WILLIAMFORD—ARRIVALATALEXANDRIA,ONREDRIVER—RESOLUTtONS
—THEGREATPINEWOODS—WILDCATTLE—MARTIN’SSUMMERRESIDENCE—THETEXASROAD—ARRIVALATMASTERFORD’S-R0SE-MISTRESSFORD—SALLY,ANDHERCHILDREN—JOHN,THECOOK—WALTER,SAM,ANDANTONY—THEMILLSONINDIANCREEK—SABBATH
DAYS—SAM’SCONVERSION—THEPROFITOFKINDNESS—RAFTING—ADAMTAYDEM,THELITTLEWHITEMAN-CASCALLAANDHISTRIBE—THEINDIANBALL—JOHNM.TIBEATS—THESTORMAPPROACHING.
ONleavingtheNew-
Orleansslavepen,HarryandIfollowedournewmasterthroughthestreets,whileEliza,cryingandturningback,wasforcedalongbyFreemanandhisminions,untilwefoundourselvesonboardthesteamboatRodolph,thenlyingatthelevee.InthecourseofhalfanhourweweremovingbrisklyuptheMississippi,boundforsomepointonRedRiver.Therewerequiteanumberofslaves
onboardbesideourselves,justpurchasedintheNew-Orleansmarket.IrememberaMr.Kelsow,whowassaidtobeawellknownandextensiveplanter,hadinchargeagangofwomen.
Ourmaster’snamewasWilliamFord.Heresidedtheninthe“GreatPineWoods,”intheparishofAvoyelles,situatedontherightbankofRedRiver,in
theheartofLouisiana.HeisnowaBaptistpreacher.ThroughoutthewholeparishofAvoyelles,andespeciallyalongbothshoresofBayouBoeuf,whereheismoreintimatelyknown,heisaccountedbyhisfellow-citizensasaworthyministerofGod.Inmanynorthernminds,perhaps,theideaofamanholdinghisbrothermaninservitude,andthetrafficinhumanflesh,mayseem
altogetherincompatiblewiththeirconceptionsofamoralorreligiouslife.FromdescriptionsofsuchmenasBurchandFreeman,andothershereinaftermentioned,theyareledtodespiseandexecratethewholeclassofslaveholders,in,discriminately.ButIwassometimehisslave,andhadanopportunityoflearningwellhischaracteranddisposition,anditisbut
simplejusticetohimwhenIsay,inmyopinion,thereneverwasamorekind,noble,candid,ChristianmanthanWilliamFord.Theinfluencesandassociationsthathadalwayssurroundedhim,blindedhimtotheinherentwrongatthebottomofthesystemofSlavery.Heneverdoubtedthemoralrightofonemanholdinganotherinsubjection.Lookingthroughthesamemediumwithhis
fathersbeforehim,hesawthingsinthesamelight.Broughtupunderothercircumstancesandotherinfluences,hisnotionswouldundoubtedlyhavebeendifferent.Nevertheless,hewasamodelmaster,walkinguprightly,accordingtothelightofhisunderstanding,andfortunatewastheslavewhocametohispossession.Wereallmensuchashe,Slaverywouldbedeprivedof
morethanhalfitsbitterness.
WeweretwodaysandthreenightsonboardthesteamboatRodolph,duringwhichtimenothingofparticularinterestoccurred.IwasnowknownasPlatt,thenamegivenmebyBurch,andbywhichIwasdesignatedthroughthewholeperiodofmyservitude.Elizawassoldbythenameof“Dradey.”Shewassodistinguishedinthe
conveyancetoFord,nowonrecordintherecorder’sofficeinNew-Orleans.
OnourpassageIwasconstantlyreflectingonmysituation,andconsultingwithmyselfonthebestcoursetopursueinordertoeffectmyultimateescape.Sometimes,notonlythen,butafterwards,IwasalmostonthepointofdisclosingfullytoFordthefactsofmyhistory.Iam
inclinednowtotheopinionitwouldhaveresultedinmybenefit.Thiscoursewasoftenconsidered,butthroughfearofitsmiscarriage,neverputintoexecution,untileventuallymytransferandhispecuniaryembarrassmentsrendereditevidentlyunsafe.Afterwards,underothermasters,unlikeWilliamFord,Iknewwellenoughtheslightestknowledgeofmyrealcharacterwouldconsign
meatoncetotheremoterdepthsofSlavery.Iwastoocostlyachatteltobelost,andwaswellawarethatIwouldbetakenfartheron,intosomeby-place,overtheTexanborder,perhaps,andsold;thatIwouldbedisposedofasthethiefdisposesofhisstolenhorse,ifmyrighttofreedomwasevenwhispered.SoIresolvedtolockthesecretcloselyinmyheart—nevertoutteronewordorsyllableas
towhoorwhatIwas—trustinginProvidenceandmyownshrewdnessfordeliverance.
AtlengthweleftthesteamboatRodolphataplacecalledAlexandria,severalhundredmilesfromNew-Orleans.ItisasmalltownonthesouthernshoreofRedRiver.Havingremainedthereovernight,weenteredthemorningtrainofcars,and
weresoonatBayouLamourie,astillsmallerplace,distanteighteenmilesfromAlexandria.Atthattimeitwassheterminationoftherailroad.Ford’splantationwassituatedontheTexasroad,twelvemilesfromLamourie,intheGreatPineWoods.Thisdistance,itwasannouncedtous,mustbetraveledonfoot,therebeingpublicconveyancesnofarther.Accordinglyweall
setoutinthecompanyofFord.Itwasanexcessivelyhotday.Harry,Eliza,andmyselfwereyetweak,andthebottomsofourfeetwereverytenderfromtheeffectsofthesmall-pox.Weproceededslowly,Fordtellingustotakeourtimeandsitdownandrestwheneverwedesired—aprivilegethatwastakenadvantageofquitefrequently.AfterleavingLamourieandcrossingtwo
plantations,onebelongingtoMr.Carnell,theothertoaMr.Flint,wereachedthePineWoods,awildernessthatstretchestotheSabineRiver.
ThewholecountryaboutRedRiverislowandmarshy.ThePineWoods,astheyarecalled,iscomparativelyupland,withfrequentsmallintervals,however,runningthroughthem.Thisuplandiscoveredwithnumeroustrees
—thewhiteoak,thechincopin,resemblingchestnut,butprincipallytheyellowpine.Theyareofgreatsize,runningupsixtyfeet,andperfectlystraight.Thewoodswerefullofcattle,veryshyandwild,dashingawayinherds,withaloudsnuff,atourapproach.Someofthemweremarkedorbranded,therestappearedtobeintheirwildanduntamedstate.Theyaremuchsmaller
thannorthernbreeds,andthepeculiarityaboutthemthatmostattractedmyattentionwastheirhorns.Theystandoutfromthesidesoftheheadpreciselystraight,liketwoironspikes.
Atnoonwereachedaclearedpieceofgroundcontainingthreeorfouracres.Uponitwasasmall,unpainted,woodenhouse,acorncrib,or,aswewould
say,abarn,andalogkitchen,standingaboutarodfromthehouse.ItwasthesummerresidenceofMr.Martin.Richplanters,havinglargeestablishmentsonBayouBœuf,areaccustomedtospendthewarmerseasoninthesewoods.Heretheyfindclearwateranddelightfulshades.Infact,theseretreatsaretotheplantersofthatsectionofthecountrywhatNewportandSaratogaareto
thewealthierinhabitantsofnortherncities.
Weweresentaroundintothekitchen,andsuppliedwithsweetpotatoes,corn-bread,andbacon,whileMasterForddinedwithMartininthehouse.Therewereseveralslavesaboutthepremises.Martincameoutandtookalookatus,askingFordthepriceofeach,ifweweregreenhands,andsoforth,and
makinginquiriesinrelationtotheslavemarketgenerally.
Afteralongrestwesetforthagain,followingtheTexasroad,whichhadtheappearanceofbeingveryrarelytraveled.Forfivemileswepassedthroughcontinuouswoodswithoutobservingasinglehabitation.Atlength,justasthesunwassinkinginthewest,weenteredanotheropening,containingsome
twelveorfifteenacres.
InthisopeningstoodahousemuchlargerthanMrMartin’s.Itwastwostorieshigh,withapiazzainfront.Intherearofitwasalsoalogkitchen,poultryhouse,corncribs,andseveralnegrocabins.Nearthehousewasapeachorchard,andgardensoforangeandpomegranatetrees.Thespacewasentirelysurroundedbywoods,and
coveredwithacarpetofrich,rankverdure.Itwasaquiet,lonely,pleasantplace—literallyagreenspotinthewilderness.Itwastheresidenceofmymaster,WilliamFord.
Asweapproached,ayellowgirl—hernamewasRose—wasstandingonthepiazza.Goingtothedoor,shecalledhermistress,whopresentlycamerunningoutto
meetherlord.Shekissedhim,andlaughinglydemandedifhehadbought“thoseniggers.”Fordsaidhehad,andtoldustogoroundtoSally’scabinandrestourselves.Turningthecornerofthehouse,wediscoveredSallywashing-hertwobabychildrennearher,rollingonthegrass.Theyjumpedupandtoddledtowardsus,lookedatusamomentlikeabraceofrabbits,thenran
backtotheirmotherasifafraidofus.
Sallyconductedusintothecabin,toldustolaydownourbundlesandbeseated,forshewassurethatweweretired.JustthenJohn,thecook,aboysomesixteenyearsofage,andblackerthananycrow,camerunningin,lookedsteadilyinourfaces,thenturninground,withoutsayingasmuchas“howd’ye
do,”ranbacktothekitchen,laughingloudly,asifourcomingwasagreatjokeindeed.
Muchweariedwithourwalk,assoonasitwasdark,HarryandIwrappedourblanketsroundus,andlaiddownuponthecabinfloor.Mythoughts,asusual,wanderedbacktomywifeandchildren.Theconsciousnessofmyreal
situation;thehopelessnessofanyefforttoescapethroughthewideforestsofAvoyelles,pressedheavilyuponme,yetmyheartwasathomeinSaratoga.
IwasawakenedearlyinthemorningbythevoiceofMasterFord,callingRose.Shehastenedintothehousetodressthechildren,Sallytothefieldtomilkthecows,whileJohnwasbusyinthe
kitchenpreparingbreakfast.InthemeantimeHarryandIwerestrollingabouttheyard,lookingatournewquarters.Justafterbreakfastacoloredman,drivingthreeyokeofoxen,attachedtoawagonloadoflumber,droveintotheopening.HewasaslaveofFord’s,namedWalton,thehusbandofRose.Bytheway,RosewasanativeofWashington,andhadbeenbroughtfromthencefive
yearsbefore.ShehadneverseenEliza,butshehadheardofBerry,andtheyknewthesamestreets,andthesamepeople,eitherpersonally,orbyreputation.Theybecamefastfriendsimmediately,andtalkedagreatdealtogetherofoldtimes,andoffriendstheyhadleftbehind.
Fordwasatthattimeawealthyman.BesideshisseatinthePineWoods,heowned
alargelumberingestablishmentonIndianCreek,fourmilesdistant,andalso,inhiswife’sright,anextensiveplantationandmanyslavesonBayouBœuf.
WaltonhadcomewithhisloadoflumberfromthemillsonIndianCreek.Forddirectedustoreturnwithhim,sayinghewouldfollowusassoonaspossible.Beforeleaving,MistressFordcalled
meintothestore-room,andhandedme,asitistheretermed,atinbucketofmolassesforHarryandmyself.
Elizawasstillringingherhandsanddeploringthelossofherchildren.Fordtriedasmuchaspossibletoconsoleher—toldhersheneednotworkveryhard;thatshemightremainwithRose,andassistthemadaminthehouse
affairs.
RidingwithWaltoninthewagon,HarryandIbecamequitewellacquaintedwithhimlongbeforereachingIndianCreek.Hewasa“bornthrall”ofFord’s,andspokekindlyandaffectionatelyofhim,asachildwouldspeakofhisownfather.InanswertohisinquiriesfromwhenceIcame,ItoldhimfromWashington.Ofthatcity,he
hadheardmuchfromhiswife,Rose,andallthewaypliedmewithmanyextravagantandabsurdquestions.
OnreachingthemillsatIndianCreek,wefoundtwomoreofFord’sslaves,SamandAntony.Sam,also,wasaWashingtonian,havingbeenbroughtoutinthesamegangwithRose.HehadworkedonafarmnearGeorgetown.
Antonywasablacksmith,fromKentucky,whohadbeeninhispresentmaster’sserviceabouttenyears.SamknewBurch,andwheninformedthathewasthetraderwhohadsentmeonfromWashington,itwasremarkablehowwellweagreeduponthesubjectofhissuperlativerascality.HehadforwardedSam,also.
OnFord’sarrivalatthe
mill,wewereemployedinpilinglumber,andchoppinglogs,whichoccupationwecontinuedduringtheremainderofthesummer.
WeusuallyspentourSabbathsattheopening,onwhichdaysourmasterwouldgatherallhisslavesabouthim,andreadandexpoundtheScriptures.Hesoughttoinculcateinourmindsfeelingsofkindnesstowards
eachother,ofdependenceuponGod—settingforththerewardspromiseduntothosewholeadanuprightandprayerfullife.Seatedinthedoorwayofhishouse,surroundedbyhisman-servantsandhismaid-servants,wholookedearnestlyintothegoodman’sface,hespokeofthelovingkindnessoftheCreator,andofthelifethatistocome.Oftendidthevoiceofprayer
ascendfromhislipstoheaven,theonlysoundthatbrokethesolitudeoftheplace.
InthecourseofthesummerSambecamedeeplyconvicted,hisminddwellingintenselyonthesubjectofreligion.HismistressgavehimaBible,whichhecarriedwithhimtohiswork.Whateverleisuretimewasallowedhim,hespentin
perusingit,thoughitwasonlywithgreatdifficultythathecouldmasteranypartofit.Ioftenreadtohim,afavorwhichhewellrepaidmebymanyexpressionsofgratitude.Sam’spietywasfrequentlyobservedbywhitemenwhocametothemill,andtheremarkitmostgenerallyprovokedwas,thatamanlikeFord,whoallowedhisslavestohaveBibles,was“notfittoownanigger.”
He,however,lostnothingbyhiskindness.ItisafactIhavemorethanonceobserved,thatthosewhotreatedtheirslavesmostleniently,wererewardedbythegreatestamountoflabor.Iknowitfrommyownexperience.ItwasasourceofpleasuretosurpriseMasterFordwithagreaterday’sworkthanwasrequired,while,undersubsequentmasters,therewasno
promptertoextraeffortbuttheoverseer’slash.
ItwasthedesireofFord’sapprovingvoicethatsuggestedtomeanideathatresultedtohisprofit.ThelumberweweremanufacturingwascontractedtobedeliveredatLamourie.Ithadhithertobeentransportedbyland,andwasanimportantitemofexpense.IndianCreek,uponwhichthe
millsweresituated,wasanarrowbutdeepstreamemptyingintoBayouBœuf.Insomeplacesitwasnotmorethantwelvefeetwide,andmuchobstructedwithtrunksoftrees.BayouBœufwasconnectedwithBayouLamourie.Iascertainedthedistancefromthemillstothepointonthelatterbayou,whereourlumberwastobedelivered,wasbutafewmileslessbylandthanby
water.Providedthecreekcouldbemadenavigableforrafts,itoccurredtomethattheexpenseoftransportationwouldbemateriallydiminished.
AdamTaydem,alittlewhiteman,whohadbeenasoldierinFlorida,andhadstrolledintothatdistantregion,wasforemanandsuperintendentofthemills.Hescoutedtheidea;but
Ford,whenIlaiditbeforehim,receiveditfavorably,andpermittedmetotrytheexperiment.
Havingremovedtheobstructions,Imadeupanarrowraft,consistingoftwelvecribs.AtthisbusinessIthinkIwasquiteskillful,nothavingforgottenmyexperienceyearsbeforeontheChamplaincanal.Ilaboredhard,beingextremely
anxioustosucceed,bothfromadesiretopleasemymaster,andtoshowAdamTaydemthatmyschemewasnotsuchavisionaryoneasheincessantlypronouncedit.Onehandcouldmanagethreecribs.Itookchargeoftheforwardthree,andcommencedpolingdownthecreek.Induetimeweenteredthefirstbayou,andfinallyreachedourdestinationinashorterperiodoftimethanI
hadanticipated.
ThearrivaloftheraftatLamouriecreatedasensation,whileMr.Fordloadedmewithcommendations.OnallsidesIheardFord’sPlattpronouncedthe“smartestniggerinthePineWoods”—infactIwastheFultonofIndianCreek.Iwasnotinsensibletothepraisebestoweduponme,andenjoyed,especially,my
triumphoverTaydem,whosehalfmaliciousridiculehadstungmypride.FromthistimetheentirecontrolofbringingthelumbertoLamouriewasplacedinmyhandsuntilthecontractwasfulfilled.
IndianCreek,initswholelength,flowsthroughamagnificentforest.TheredwellsonitsshoreatribeofIndians,aremnantofthe
ChickasawsorChickopees,ifIrememberrightly.Theyliveinsimplehuts,tenortwelvefeetsquare,constructedofpinepolesandcoveredwithbark.Theysubsistprincipallyonthefleshofthedeer,thecoon,andopossum,allofwhichareplentyinthesewoods.Sometimestheyexchangevenisonforalittlecornandwhiskywiththeplantersonthebayous.Theirusualdressisbuckskin
breechesandcalicohuntingshirtsoffantasticcolors,buttonedfrombelttochin.Theywearbrassringsontheirwrists,andintheirearsandnoses.Thedressofthesquawsisverysimilar.Theyarefondofdogsandhorses—owningmanyofthelatter,ofasmall,toughbreed—andareskillfulriders.Theirbridles,girthsandsaddlesweremadeofrawskinsofanimals;theirstirrupsofacertainkindof
wood.Mountedastridetheirponies,menandwomen,Ihaveseenthemdashoutintothewoodsattheutmostoftheirspeed,followingnarrowwindingpaths,anddodgingtrees,inamannerthateclipsedthemostmiraculousfeatsofcivilizedequestrianism.Circlingawayinvariousdirections,theforestechoingandre-echoingwiththeirwhoops,theywouldpresentlyreturnatthe
samedashing,headlongspeedwithwhichtheystarted.TheirvillagewasonIndianCreek,knownasIndiaCastle,buttheirrangeextendedtotheSabineRiver.OccasionallyatribefromTexaswouldcomeoveronavisit,andthentherewasindeedacarnivalinthe“GreatPineWoods.”ChiefofthetribewasCascalla;secondinrank,JohnBaltese,hisson-in-law;withbothofwhom,as
withmanyothersofthetribe,Ibecameacquaintedduringmyfrequentvoyagesdownthecreekwithrafts.Samandmyselfwouldoftenvisitthemwhentheday’staskwasdone.Theywereobedienttothechief;thewordofCascallawastheirlaw.Theywerearudebutharmlesspeople,andenjoyedtheirwildmodeoflife.Theyhadlittlefancyfortheopencountry,theclearedlandson
theshoresofthebayous,butpreferredtohidethemselveswithintheshadowsoftheforest.TheyworshipedtheGreatSpirit,lovedwhisky,andwerehappy.
OnoneoccasionIwaspresentatadance,whenarovingherdfromTexashadencampedintheirvillage.Theentirecarcassofadeerwasroastingbeforealargefire,whichthrewitslighta
longdistanceamongthetreesunderwhichtheywereassembled.Whentheyhadformedinaring,menandsquawsalternately,asortofIndianfiddlesetupanindescribabletune.Itwasacontinuous,melancholykindofwavysound,withtheslightestpossiblevariation.Atthefirstnote,ifindeedtherewasmorethanonenoteinthewholetune,theycircledaround,trottingafter
eachother,andgivingutterancetoaguttural,sing-songnoise,equallyasnondescriptasthemusicofthefiddle.Attheendofthethirdcircuit,theywouldstopsuddenly,whoopasiftheirlungswouldcrack,thenbreakfromthering,formingincouples,manandsquaw,eachjumpingbackwardsasfaraspossiblefromtheother,thenforwards—whichgracefulfeathavingbeen
twiceorthriceaccomplished,theywouldforminaring,andgotrottingroundagain.Thebestdancerappearedtobeconsideredtheonewhocouldwhooptheloudest,jumpthefarthest,andutterthemostexcruciatingnoise.Atintervals,oneormorewouldleavethedancingcircle,andgoingtothefire,cutfromtheroastingcarcassasliceofvenison.
Inahole,shapedlikeamortar,cutinthetrunkofafallentree,theypoundedcornwithawoodenpestle,andofthemealmadecake.Alternatelytheydancedandate.ThuswerethevisitorsfromTexasentertainedbytheduskysonsanddaughtersoftheChicopees,andsuchisadescription,asIsawit,ofanIndianballinthePineWoodsofAvoyelles.
Intheautumn,Ileftthemills,andwasemployedattheopening.OnedaythemistresswasurgingFordtoprocurealoom,inorderthatSallymightcommenceweavingclothforthewintergarmentsoftheslaves.Hecouldnotimaginewhereonewastobefound,whenIsuggestedthattheeasiestwaytogetonewouldbetomakeit,informinghimatthesametime,thatIwasasortof
“Jackatalltrades,”andwouldattemptit,withhispermission.Itwasgrantedveryreadily,andIwasallowedtogotoaneighboringplanter’stoinspectonebeforecommencingtheundertaking.AtlengthitwasfinishedandpronouncedbySallytobeperfect.Shecouldeasilyweavehertaskoffourteenyards,milkthecows,andhaveleisuretimebesides
eachday.Itworkedsowell,Iwascontinuedintheemploymentofmakinglooms,whichweretakendowntotheplantationonthebayou.
AtthistimeoneJohnM.Tibeatsacarpenter,cametotheopeningtodosomeworkonmaster’shouse.Iwasdirectedtoquittheloomsandassisthim.FortwoweeksIwasinhiscompany,planing
andmatchingboardsforceiling,aplasteredroombeingararethingintheparishofAvoyelles,.
JohnM.TibeatswastheoppositeofFordinallrespects.Hewasasmall,crabbed,quick-tempered,spitefulman.HehadnofixedresidencethatIeverheardof,butpassedfromoneplantationtoanother,whereverhecouldfind
employment.Hewaswithoutstandinginthecommunity,notesteemedbywhitemen,norevenrespectedbyslaves.Hewasignorant,withal,andofarevengefuldisposition.HelefttheparishlongbeforeIdid,andIknownotwhetherheisatpresentaliveordead.Certainitis,itwasamostunluckydayformethatbroughtustogether.DuringmyresidencewithMasterFordIhadseenonlythe
brightsideofslavery.Hiswasnoheavyhandcrushingustotheearth.Hepointedupwards,andwithbenignandcheeringwordsaddressedusashisfellow-mortals,accountable,likehimself,totheMakerofusall.Ithinkofhimwithaffection,andhadmyfamilybeenwithme,couldhavebornehisgentleservitude,withoutmurmuring,allmydays.Butcloudsweregatheringinthe
horizon—forerunnersofapitilessstormthatwassoontobreakoverme.Iwasdoomedtoenduresuchbittertrialsasthepoorslaveonlyknows,andtoleadnomorethecomparativelyhappylifewhichIhadledinthe“GreatPineWoods.”
CHAPTERVIII.FORD’SEMBARRASSMENTS—THESALETOTIBEATS—THECHATTELMORTGAGE—MISTRESSFOED’SPLANTATIONONBAYOUBŒUF—
DESORIPTIONOFTHELATTER—FORD’SBROTHER-IN-LAW,PETERTANNER—MEETINQWITHELIZA—SHESTILLMOURNSFORHERCHILDREN—FORD’SOVERSEER,CHAPIN—TIBEAT’SABUSE—THEKEGOFNAILS—THEFIRSTFIGHTWITHTIBEATS—HISDISCOMFITUREANDOASTIGATION—
THEATTEMPTTOHANGME—CHAPIN’SINTERFERENCEANDSPEECH—UNHAPPYREFLECTIONS—ABRUPTDEPARTUREOFTIBEATS,COOKANDRAMSAY—LAWSONANDTHEBROWNMULE—MESSAGETOTHEPINEWOODS.
WILLIAMFORDunfortunatelybecameembarrassedinhispecuniaryaffairs.Aheavyjudgmentwasren-deredagainsthiminconsequenceofhishavingbecomesecurityforhisbrother,FranklinFord,residingonRedRiver,aboveAlexandria,andwhohadfailedtomeethisliabilities.HewasalsoindebtedtoJohnM.Tibeatstoaconsiderableamountinconsiderationof
hisservicesinbuildingthemillsonIndianCreek,andalsoaweaving-house,corn-millandothererectionsontheplantationatBayouBœuf,notyetcompleted.Itwasthereforenecessary,inordertomeetthesedemands,todisposeofeighteenslaves,myselfamongthenumber.Seventeenofthem,includingSamandHarry,werepurchasedbyPeterCompton,aplanteralsoresidingonRed
River.
IwassoldtoTibeats,inconsequence,undoubtedly,ofmyslightskillasacarpenter.Thiswasinthewinterof1842.ThedeedofmyselffromFreemantoFord,asIascertainedfromthepublicrecordsinNew-Orleansonmyreturn,wasdatedJune23d,1841.AtthetimeofmysaletoTibeats,thepriceagreedtobegivenforme
beingmorethanthedebt,Fordtookachattelmortgageoffourhundreddollars.Iamindebtedformylife,aswillhereafterbeseen,tothatmortgage.
Ibadefarewelltomygoodfriendsattheopening,anddepartedwithmynewmasterTibeats.WewentdowntotheplantationonBayouBœuf,distanttwenty-sevenmilesfromthePineWoods,to
completetheunfinishedcontract.BayouBœufisasluggish,windingstream—oneofthosestagnantbodiesofwatercommoninthatregion,settingbackfromRedRiver.ItstretchesfromapointnotfarfromAlexandria,inasouth-easterlydirection,andfollowingitstortuouscourse,ismorethanfiftymilesinlength.Largecottonandsugarplantationslineeachshore,extendingbackto
thebordersofinterminableswamps.Itisalivewithaligators,renderingitunsafeforswine,orunthinkingslavechildrentostrollalongitsbanks.Uponabendinthisbayou,ashortdistancefromCheneyville,wassituatedtheplantationofMadamFord—herbrother,PeterTanner,agreatlandholder,livingontheoppositeside.
OnmyarrivalatBayou
Bœuf,IhadthepleasureofmeetingEliza,whomIhadnotseenforseveralmonths.ShehadnotpleasedMrs.Ford,beingmoreoccupiedinbroodingoverhersorrowsthaninattendingtoherbusiness,andhad,inconsequence,beensentdowntoworkinthefieldontheplantation.Shehadgrownfeebleandemaciated,andwasstillmourningforherchildren.SheaskedmeifI
hadforgottenthem,andagreatmanytimesinquiredifIstillrememberedhowhandsomelittleEmilywas—howmuchRandall,lovedher—andwonderediftheywerelivingstill,andwherethedarlingscouldthenbe.Shehadsunkbeneaththeweightofanexcessivegrief.Herdroopingformandhollowcheekstooplainlyindicatedthatshehadwellnighreachedtheendofherweary
road.
Ford’soverseeronthisplantation,andwhohadtheexclusivechargeofit,wasaMr.Chapin,akindly-disposedman,andanativeofPennsylvania.Incommonwithothers,heheldTibeatsinlightestimation,whichfact,inconnectionwiththefourhundreddollarmortgage,wasfortunateforme.
Iwasnowcompelledto
laborveryhard.Fromearliestdawnuntillateatnight,Iwasnotallowedtobeamomentidle.Notwithstandingwhich,Tibeats,wasneversatisfied.Hewascontinuallycursingandcomplaining.Heneverspoketomeakindword.Iwashisfaithfulslave,andearnedhimlargewageseveryday,andyetIwenttomycabinnightly,loadedwithabuseandstingingepithets.
Wehadcompletedthecornmill,thekitchen,andsoforth,andwereatworkupontheweaving-house,whenIwasguiltyofanact,inthatStatepunishablewithdeath.ItwasmyfirstfightwithTibeats.Theweaving-housewewereerectingstoodintheorchardafewrodsfromtheresidenceofChapin,orthe“greathouse,”asitwascalled.Onenight,havingworkeduntilitwastoodarktosee,Iwas
orderedbyTibeatstoriseveryearlyinthemorning,procureakegofnailsfromChapin,andcommenceputtingontheclapboards.Iretiredtothecabinextremelytired,andhavingcookedasupperofbaconandcorncake,andconversedawhilewithEliza,whooccupiedthesamecabin,asalsodidLawsonandhiswifeMary,andaslavenamedBristol,laiddownupontheground
floor,littledreamingofthesufferingsthatawaitedmeonthemorrow.BeforedaylightIwasonthepiazzaofthe“greathouse,”awaitingtheappearanceofoverseerChapin.Tohavearousedhimfromhisslumbersandstatedmyerrand,wouldhavebeenanunpardonableboldness.Atlengthhecameout.Takingoffmyhat,IinformedhimMasterTibeatshaddirectedmetocalluponhimforakeg
ofnails.Goingintothestore-room,herolleditout,atthesametimesaying,ifTibeatspreferredadifferentsize,hewouldendeavortofurnishthem,butthatImightusethoseuntilfurtherdirected.Thenmountinghishorse,whichstoodsaddledandbridledatthedoor,herodeawayintothefield,whithertheslaveshadprecededhim,whileItookthekegonmyshoulder,andproceedingto
theweaving-house,brokeinthehead,andcommencednailingontheclapboards.
Asthedaybegantoopen,TibeatscameoutofthehousetowhoreIwas,hardatwork.Heseemedtobethatmorningevenmoremoroseanddisagreeablethanusual.Hewasmymaster,entitledbylawtomyfleshandblood,andtoexerciseovermesuchtyrannicalcontrolashismean
natureprompted;buttherewasnolawthatcouldpreventmylookinguponhimwithintensecontempt.Idespisedbothhisdispositionandhisintellect.Ihadjustcomeroundtothekegforafurthersupplyofnails,ashereachedtheweaving-house.
“IthoughtItoldyoutocommenceputtingonweather-boardsthismorning,”heremarked.
“Yes,master,andIamaboutit,”Ireplied.
“Where?”hedemanded.
“Ontheotherside,”wasmyanswer.
Hewalkedroundtotheotherside,examinedmyworkforawhile,mutteringtohimselfinafault-findingtone.
“Didn’tItellyoulastnighttogetakegofnailsof
Chapin?”hebrokeforthagain.
“Yes,master,andsoIdid;andoverseersaidhewouldgetanothersizeforyou,ifyouwantedthem,whenhecamebackfromthefield.”
Tibeatswalkedtothekeg,lookedamomentatthecontents,thenkickeditviolently.Comingtowardsmeinagreatpassion,heexclaimed,
“G—dd—nyou!Ithoughtyouknowedsomething.”
Imadeanswer:“Itriedtodoasyontoldme.master.Ididn’tmeananythingwrong.Overseersaid—”ButheinterruptedmewithsuchafloodofcursesthatIwasunabletofinishthesentence.Atlengthherantowardsthehouse,andgoingtothepiazza,tookdownoneofthe
overseer’swhips.Thewhiphadashortwoodenstock,braidedoverwithleather,andwasloadedatthebutt.Thelashwasthreefeetlong,orthereabouts,andmadeofraw-hidestrands.
AtfirstIwassomewhatfrightened,andmyimpulsewastorun.TherewasnooneaboutexceptRachel,thecook,andChapin’swife,andneitherofthemweretobe
seen.Therestwereinthefield.Iknewheintendedtowhipme,anditwasthefirsttimeanyonehadattempteditsincemyarrivalatAvoyelles.Ifelt,moreover,thatIhadbeenfaithful—thatIwasguiltyofnowrongwhatever,anddeservedcommendationratherthanpunishment.Myfearchangedtoanger,andbeforehereachedmeIhadmadeupmymindfullynottobewhipped,lettheresultbe
lifeordeath.
Windingthelasharoundhishand,andtakingholdofthesmallendofthestock,hewalkeduptome,andwithamalignantlook,orderedmetostrip.
“MasterTibeats,saidI,lookinghimboldlyintheface,”Iwillnot.“Iwasabouttosaysomethingfurtherinjustification,butwithconcentratedvengeance,he
spranguponme,seizingmebythethroatwithonehand,raisingthewhipwiththeother,intheactofstriking.Beforetheblowdescended,however,Ihadcaughthimbythecollarofthecoat,anddrawnhimcloselytome.Reachingdown,Iseizedhimbytheankle,andpushinghimbackwiththeotherhand,hefelloverontheground.Puttingonearmaroundhisleg,andholdingittomy
breast,sothathisheadandshouldersonlytouchedtheground,Iplacedmyfootuponhisneck.Hewascompletelyinmypower.Mybloodwasup.Itseemedtocoursethroughmyveinslikefire.InthefrenzyofmymadnessIsnatchedthewhipfromhishand.Hestruggledwithallhispower;sworethatIshouldnotlivetoseeanotherday;andthathewouldtearoutmyheart.But
hisstrugglesandhisthreatswerealikeinvain.IcannottellhowmanytimesIstruckhim.Blowafterblowfellfastandheavyuponhiswrigglingform.Atlengthhescreamed—criedmurder—andatlasttheblasphemoustyrantcalledonGodformercy.Buthewhohadnevershownmercydidnotreceiveit.Thestiffstockofthewhipwarpedroundhiscringingbodyuntilmyrightarmached.
UntilthistimeIhadbeentoobusytolookaboutme.Desistingforamoment,IsawMrs.Chapinlookingfromthewindow,andRachelstandinginthekitchendoor.Theirattitudesexpressedtheutmostexcitementandalarm.Hisscreamshadbeenheardinthefield.Chapinwascomingasfastashecouldride.Istruckhimablowortwomore,thenpushedhimfrommewithsuchawell-directedkickthat
hewentrollingoverontheground.
Risingtohisfeet,andbrushingthedirtfromhishair,hestoodlookingatme,palewithrage.Wegazedateachotherinsilence.NotawordwasuttereduntilChapingallopeduptous.
“Whatisthematter?”hecriedout.
“MasterTibeatswantsto
whipmeforusingthenailsyougaveme,”Ireplied.
“Whatisthematterwiththenails?”heinquired,turningtoTibeats.
Tibeatsansweredtotheeffectthattheyweretoolarge,payinglittleheed,however,toChapin’squestion,butstillkeepinghissnakisheyesfastenedmaliciouslyonme.
“Iamoverseerhere,”Chapinbegan.“ItoldPlatttotakethemandusethem,andiftheywerenotofthepropersizeIwouldgetothersonreturningfromthefield.Itisnothisfault.Besides,IshallfurnishsuchnailsasIplease.Ihopeyouwillunderstandthat,Mr.Tibeats.”
Tibeatsmadenoreply,but,grindinghisteethandshakinghisfist,sworehewouldhave
satisfaction,andthatitwasnothalfoveryet.Thereuponhewalkedaway,followedbytheoverseer,andenteredthehouse,thelattertalkingtohimallthewhileinasuppressedtone,andwithearnestgestures.
IremainedwhereIwas,doubtingwhetheritwasbettertoflyorabidetheresult,whateveritmightbe.PresentlyTibeatscameoutof
thehouse,and,saddlinghishorse,theonlypropertyhepossessedbesidesmyself,departedontheroadtoClienyville.
Whenhewasgone,Chapincameout,visiblyexcited,tellingmenottostir,nottoattempttoleavetheplantationonanyaccountwhatever.Hethenwenttothekitchen,andcallingRachelout,conversedwithhersome
time.Comingback,heagainchargedmewithgreatearnestnessnottorun,sayingmymasterwasarascal;thathehadleftonnogooderrand,andthattheremightbetroublebeforenight.Butatallevents,heinsisteduponit,Imustnotstir.
AsIstoodthere,feelingsofunutterableagonyoverwhelmedme.IwasconsciousthatIhadsubjected
myselftounimaginablepunishment.Thereactionthatfollowedmyextremeebullitionofangerproducedthemostpainfulsensationsofregret.Anunfriended,helplessslave—whatcouldIdo,whatcouldIsay,tojustify,intheremotestmanner,theheinousactIhadcommitted,ofresentingawhiteman’scontumelyandabuse.Itriedtopray—ItriedtobeseechmyHeavenly
Fathertosustainmeinmysoreextremity,butemotionchokedmyutterance,andIcouldonlybowmyheaduponmyhandsandweep.ForatleastanhourIremainedinthissituation,findingreliefonlyintears,when,lookingup,IbeheldTibeats,accompaniedbytwohorsemen,comingdownthebayou.Theyrodeintotheyard,jumpedfromtheirhorses,andapproachedme
withlargewhips,oneofthemalsocarryingacoilofrope.
“Crossyourhands,”commandedTibeats,withtheadditionofsuchashudderingexpressionofblasphemyasisnotdecoroustorepeat.
“Youneednotbindme,MasterTibeats,Iamreadytogowithyouanywhere,”saidI.
Oneofhiscompanions
thensteppedforward,swearingifImadetheleastresistancehewouldbreakmyhead—hewouldtearmelimbfromlimb—hewouldcutmyblackthroat—andgivingwidescopetoothersimilarexpressions.Perceivinganyimportunityaltogethervain,Icrossedmyhands,submittinghumblytowhateverdispositiontheymightpleasetomakeofme.ThereuponTibeatstiedmywrists,
drawingtheropearoundthemwithhisutmoststrength.Thenheboundmyanklesinthesamemanner.Inthemeantimetheothertwohadslippedacordwithinmyelbows,runningitacrossmyback,andtyingitfirmly.ItwasutterlyimpossibletomovehandorfootWitharemainingpieceofropeTibeatsmadeanawkwardnoose,andplaceditaboutmyneck.
“Now,then,”inquiredoneofTibeats’companions,“whereshallwehangthenigger?”
Oneproposedsuchalimb,extendingfromthebodyofapeachtree,nearthespotwherewewerestanding.Hiscomradeobjectedtoit,allegingitwouldbreak,andproposedanother.Finallytheyfixeduponthelatter.
Duringthisconversation,
andallthetimetheywerebindingme,Iutterednotaword.OverseerChapin,duringtheprogressofthescene,waswalkinghastilybackandforthonthepiazza.Rachelwascryingbythekitchendoor,andMrs.Chapinwasstilllookingfromthewindow.Hopediedwithinmyheart.Surelymytimehadcome.Ishouldneverbeholdthelightofanotherday—neverbehold
thefacesofmychildren—thesweetanticipationIhadcherishedwithsuchfondness.Ishouldthathourstrugglethroughthefearfulagoniesofdeath!Nonewouldmournforme—nonerevengeme.Soonmyformwouldbemoulderinginthatdistantsoil,or,perhaps,becasttotheslimyreptilesthatfilledthestagnantwatersofthebayou!Tearsfloweddownmycheeks,buttheyonly
affordedasubjectofinsultingcommentformyexecutioners.
Atlength,astheyweredraggingmetowardsthetree,Chapin,whohadmomentarilydisappearedfromthepiazza,cameoutofthehouseandwalkedtowardsus.Hehadapistolineachhand,andasnearasIcannowrecalltomind,spokeinafirm,determinedmanner,as
follows:
“Gentlemen,Ihaveafewwordstosay.Youhadbetterlistentothem.Whoevermovesthatslaveanotherfootfromwherehestandsisadeadman.Inthefirstplace,hedoesnotdeservethistreatment.Itisashametomurderhiminthismanner.IneverknewamorefaithfulboythanPlatt.You,Tibeats,areinthefaultyourself.You
areprettymuchofascoundrel,andIknowit,andyourichlydeservethefloggingyouhavereceived.Inthenextplace,Ihavebeenoverseeronthisplantationsevenyears,and,intheabsenceofWilliamFord,ammasterhere.Mydutyistoprotecthisinterests,andthatdutyIshallperform.Youarenotresponsible—youareaworthlessfellow.FordholdsamortgageonPlattoffour
hundreddollars.Ifyouhanghimheloseshisdebt.Untilthatiscanceledyouhavenorighttotakehislife.Youhavenorighttotakeitanyway.Thereisalawfortheslaveaswellasforthewhiteman.Youarenobetterthanamurderer.
“Asforyou,”addressingCookandRamsay,acoupleofoverseersfromneighboringplantations,“as
foryou—begone!Ifyouhaveanyregardforyourownsafety,Isay,begone.”
CookandRamsay,withoutafurtherword,mountedtheirhorsesandrodeaway.Tibeats,inafewminutes,evidentlyinfear,andoverawedbythedecidedtoneofChapin,sneakedofflikeacoward,ashewas,andmountinghishorse,followedhiscompanions.
IremainedstandingwhereIwas,stillbound,withtheropearoundmyneck.Assoonastheyweregone,ChapincalledRachel,orderinghertoruntothefield,andtellLawsontohurrytothehousewithoutdelay,andbringthebrownmulewithhim,ananimalmuchprizedforitsunusualfleetness.Presentlytheboyappeared.
“Lawson,”saidChapin,“youmustgotothePineWoods.TellyourmasterFordtocomehereatonce—thathemustnotdelayasinglemoment.TellhimtheyaretryingtomurderPlatt.Nowhurry,boy.BeatthePineWoodsbynoonifyoukillthemule.”
Chapinsteppedintothehouseandwroteapass.Whenhereturned,Lawson
wasatthedoor,mountedonhismule.Receivingthepass,hepliedthewhiprightsmartlytothebeast,dashedoutoftheyard,andturningupthebayouonahardgallop,inlesstimethanithastakenmetodescribethescene,wasoutofsight.
CHAPINRESCUESSOLOMONFROM
HANGING.
CHAPTERIX.THEHOTBUN—TETBOUND—THECORDSSINKINTOMYFLESH—CHAPIN’SUNEASINESS—SPECULATION—RACHEL,ANDHERCUPOFWATER—
SUFFERINGINCREASES—THEHAPPINESSOFSLAVERY—ARRIVALOFFORD—HECUTSTHECORDSWHICHBINDME,ANDTAKESTHEROPEFROMMYNECK—MISERY—THEGATHERINGOFTHESLAVESINELIZA’SCABIN—THEIRKINDNESS—RACHELREPEATSTHE
OCCURRENCESOFTHEDAY—LAWSONENTERTAINSHISCOMPANIONSWITHANACCOUNTOFHISRIDE—CHAPIN’SAPPREHENSIONSOFTIBEATS—HIREDTOPETERTANNER—PETEREXPOUNDSTHESCRIPTURES—DESCRIPTIONOFTHESTOCKS.
Asthesunapproachedthemeridianthatdayitbecameinsufferablywarm.Itshotraysscorchedtheground.Theearthalmostblisteredthefootthatstooduponit.Iwaswithoutcoatorhat,standingbareheaded,exposedtoitsburningblaze.Greatdropsofperspirationrolleddownmyface,drenchingthescantyapparelwherewithIwasclothed.Overthefence,averylittlewayoff,thepeach
treescasttheircool,deliciousshadowsonthegrass.Iwouldgladlyhavegivenalongyearofservicetohavebeenenabledtoexchangetheheatedoven,asitwere,whereinIstood,foraseatbeneaththeirbranches.ButIwasyetbound,theropestilldanglingfrommyneck,andstandinginthesametrackswhereTibeatsandhiscomradesleftme.Icouldnotmoveaninch,sofirmlyhadI
beenbound.Tohavebeenenabledtoleanagainsttheweavinghousewouldhavebeenaluxuryindeed.Butitwasfarbeyondmyreach,thoughdistantlessthantwentyfeet.Iwantedtoliedown,butknewIcouldnotriseagain.ThegroundwassoparchedandboilinghotIwasawareitwouldbutaddtothediscomfortofmysituation.IfIcouldhaveonlymovedmyposition,howeverslightly,it
wouldhavebeenreliefunspeakable.Butthehotraysofasouthernsun,beatingallthelongsummerdayonmybarehead,producednothalfthesufferingIexperiencedfrommyachinglimbs.Mywristsandankles,andthecordsofmylegsandarmsbegantoswell,buryingtheropethatboundthemintotheswollenflesh.
AlldayChapinwalked
backandforthuponthestoop,butnotonceapproachedme.Heappearedtobeinastateofgreatuneasiness,lookingfirsttowardsme,andthenuptheroad,asifexpectingsomearrivaleverymoment.Hedidnotgotothefield,aswashiscustom.ItwasevidentfromhismannerthathesupposedTibeatswouldreturnwithmoreandbetterarmedassistance,perhaps,torenew
thequarrel,anditwasequallyevidenthehadpreparedhismindtodefendmylifeatwhateverhazard.Whyhedidnotrelieveme—whyhesufferedmetoremaininagonythewholewearyday,Ineverknew.Itwasnotforwantofsympathy,Iamcertain.PerhapshewishedFordtoseetheropeaboutmyneck,andthebrutalmannerinwhichIhadbeenbound;perhapshisinterferencewith
another’spropertyinwhichhehadnolegalinterestmighthavebeenatrespass,whichwouldhavesubjectedhimtothepenaltyofthelaw.WhyTibeatswasalldayabsentwasanothermysteryInevercoulddivine.HeknewwellenoughthatChapinwouldnotharmhimunlesshepersistedinhisdesignagainstme.Lawsontoldmeafterwards,that,ashepassedtheplantationofJohnDavid
Cheney,hesawthethree,andthattheyturnedandlookedafterhimasheflewby.Ithinkhissuppositionwas,thatLawsonhadbeensentoutbyOverseerChapintoarousetheneighboringplanters,andtocallonthemtocometohisassistance.He,therefore,undoubtedly,actedontheprinciple,that“discretionisthebetterpartofvalor,”andkeptaway.
Butwhatevermotivemayhavegovernedthecowardlyandmalignanttyrant,itisofnoimportance.ThereIstillstoodinthenoon-tidesun,groaningwithpain.FromlongbeforedaylightIhadnoteatenamorsel.Iwasgrowingfaintfrompain,andthirst,andhunger.Onceonly,intheveryhottestportionoftheday,Rachel,halffearfulshewasactingcontrarytotheoverseer’swishes,ventured
tome,andheldacupofwatertomylips.Thehumblecreatureneverknew,norcouldshecomprehendifshehadheardthem,theblessingsIinvokeduponher,forthatbalmydraught.Shecouldonlysay,“Oh,Platt,howIdopityyou,”andthenhastenedbacktoherlaborsinthekitchen.
Neverdidthesunmovesoslowlythroughtheheavens—
neverdiditshowerdownsuchferventandfieryrays,asitdidthatday.Atleast,soitappearedtome.Whatmymeditationswere—theinnumerablethoughtsthatthrongedthroughmydistractedbrain—Iwillnotattempttogiveexpressionto.Sufficeittosay,duringthewholelongdayIcamenottotheconclusion,evenonce,thatthesouthernslave,fed,clothed,whippedand
protectedbyhismaster,ishappierthanthefreecoloredcitizenoftheNorth.TothatconclusionIhaveneversincearrived.Therearemany,however,evenintheNorthernStates,benevolentandwell-disposedmen,whowillpronouncemyopinionerroneous,andgravelyproceedtosubstantiatetheassertionwithanargument.Alastheyhaveneverdrunk,asIhave,fromthebittercup
ofslavery.Justatsunsetmyheartleapedwithunboundedjoy,asFordcameridingintotheyard,hishorsecoveredwithfoam.Chapinmethimatthedoor,andafterconversingashorttime,hewalkeddirectlytome.
“PoorPlatt,youareinabadstate,”wastheonlyexpressionthatescapedhislips.
“ThankGod!”saidI,
“thankGod,MasterFord,thatyouhavecomeatlast.”
Drawingaknifefromhispocket,heindignantlycutthecordfrommywrists,arms,andankles,andslippedthenoosefrommyneck.Iattemptedtowalk,butstaggeredlikeadrunkenman,andfellpartiallytotheground.
Fordreturnedimmediatelytothehouse,leavingme
aloneagain.Ashereachedthepiazza,Tibeatsandhistwofriendsrodeup.Alongdialoguefollowed.Icouldhearthesoundoftheirvoices,themildtonesofFordminglingwiththeangryaccentsofTibeats,butwasunabletodistinguishwhatwassaid.Finallythethreedepartedagain,apparentlynotwellpleased.
Iendeavoredtoraisethe
hammer,thinkingtoshowFordhowwillingIwastowork,byproceedingwithmylaborsontheweavinghouse,butitfellfrommynervelesshand.AtdarkIcrawledintothecabin,andlaiddown.Iwasingreatmisery—allsoreandswollen—theslightestmovementproducingexcruciatingsuffering.Soonthehandscameinfromthefield.Rachel,whenshewentafterLawson,hadtoldthem
whathadhappened.ElizaandMarybroiledmeapieceofbacon,butmyappetitewasgone.Thentheyscorchedsomecornmealandmadecoffee.ItwasallthatIcouldtake.Elizaconsoledmeandwasverykind.Itwasnotlongbeforethecabinwasfullofslaves.Theygatheredroundme,askingmanyquestionsaboutthedifficultywithTibeatsinthemorning—andtheparticularsofallthe
occurrencesoftheday.ThenRachelcamein,andinhersimplelanguage,repeateditoveragain—dwellingemphaticallyonthekickthatsentTibeatsrollingoverontheground—whereupontherewasageneraltitterthroughoutthecrowd.ThenshedescribedhowChapinwalkedoutwithhispistolsandrescuedme,andhowMasterFordcuttheropeswithhisknife,justasifhe
wasmad.
BythistimeLawsonhadreturned.HehadtoregalethemwithanaccountofhistriptothePineWoods—howthebrownmuleborehimfasterthana“streako’lightnin”—howheastonishedeverybodyasheflewalong—howMasterFordstartedrightaway—howhesaidPlattwasagoodnigger,andtheyshouldn’tkill
him,concludingwithprettystrongintimationsthattherewasnotanotherhumanbeinginthewideworld,whocouldhavecreatedsuchauniversalsensationontheroad,orperformedsuchamarvelousJohnGilpinfeat,ashehaddonethatdayonthebrownmule.
Thekindcreaturesloadedmewiththeexpressionoftheirsympathy—saying,
Tibeatswasahard,cruelman,andhoping“MassaFord”wouldgetmebackagain.Inthismannertheypassedthetime,discussing,chatting,talkingoverandoveragaintheexcitingaffair,untilsuddenlyChapinpresentedhimselfatthecabindoorandcalledme.
“Platt,”saidhe,“youwillsleeponthefloorinthegreathouseto-night;bringyour
blanketwithyou.”
IaroseasquicklyasIwasable,tookmyblanketinmyhand,andfollowedhim.OnthewayheinformedmethatheshouldnotwonderifTibeatswasbackagainbeforemorning—thatheintendedtokillme—andthathedidnotmeanheshoulddoitwithoutwitnesses.Hadhestabbedmetotheheartinthepresenceofahundredslaves,
notoneofthem,bythelawsofLouisiana,couldhavegivenevidenceagainsthim.Ilaiddownonthefloorinthegreathouse“—thefirstandthelasttimesuchasumptuousrestingplacewasgrantedmeduringmytwelveyearsofbondage—andtriedtosleep.Nearmidnightthedogbegantobark.Chapinarose,lookedfromthewindow,butcoulddiscovernothing.Atlengththedog
wasquiet.Ashereturnedtohisroom,hesaid,
“Ibelieve,Platt,thatscoundrelisskulkingaboutthepremisessomewhere.Ifthedogbarksagain,andIamsleeping,wakeme.”
Ipromisedtodoso.Afterthelapseofanhourormore,thedogre-commencedhisclamor,runningtowardsthegate,thenbackagain,allthewhilebarkingfuriously.
Chapinwasoutofbedwithoutwaitingtobecalled.Onthisoccasion,hesteppedforthuponthepiazza,andremainedstandingthereaconsiderablelengthoftime.Nothing,however,wastobeseen,andthedogreturnedtohiskennel.Wewerenotdisturbedagainduringthenight.TheexcessivepainthatIsuffered,andthedreadofsomeimpendingdanger,preventedanyrestwhatever.
WhetherornotTibeatsdidactuallyreturntotheplantationthatnight,seekinganopportunitytowreakhisvengeanceuponme,isasecretknownonlytohimself,perhaps.Ithoughtthen,however,andhavethestrongimpressionstill,thathewasthere.Atallevents,hehadthedispositionofanassassin—coweringbeforeabraveman’swords,butreadytostrikehishelplessor
unsuspectingvictimintheback,asIhadreasonafterwardstoknow.
Atdaylightinthemorning,Iarose,soreandweary,havingrestedlittle.Nevertheless,afterpartakingbreakfast,whichMaryandElizahadpreparedformeinthecabin,Iproceededtotheweaving-houseandcommencedthelaborsofanotherday.ItwasChapin’s
practice,asitisthepracticeofoverseersgenerally,immediatelyonarising,tobestridehishorse,alwayssaddledandbridledandreadyforhim—theparticularbusinessofsomeslave—andrideintothefield.Thismorning,onthecontrary,hecametotheweaving-house,askingifIhadseenanythingofTibeatsyet.Replyinginthenegative,heremarkedtherewassomethingnotright
aboutthefellow—therewasbadbloodinhim—thatImustkeepasharpwatchofhim,orhewoulddomewrongsomedaywhenIleastexpectedit.
Whilehewasyetspeaking,Tibeatsrodein,hitchedhishorse,andenteredthehouse.IhadlittlefearofhimwhileFordandChapinwereathand,buttheycouldnotbenearmealways.
Oh!howheavilythe
weightofslaverypresseduponmethen.Imusttoildayafterday,endureabuseandtauntsandscoffs,sleeponthehardground,liveonthecoarsestfare,andnotonlythis,butlivetheslaveofablood-seekingwretch,ofwhomImuststandhenceforthincontinuedfearanddread.WhyhadInotdiedinmyyoungyears—beforeGodhadgivenmechildrentoloveandlivefor?
Whatunhappinessandsufferingandsorrowitwouldhaveprevented.Isighedforliberty;butthebondman’schainwasroundme,andcouldnotbeshakenoff.IcouldonlygazewistfullytowardstheNorth,andthinkofthethousandsofmilesthatstretchedbetweenmeandthesoiloffreedom,overwhichablackfreemanmaynotpass.Tibeats,inthecourseof
halfanhour,walkedovertotheweaving-house,lookedatmesharply,thenreturnedwithoutsayinganything.Mostoftheforenoonhesatonthepiazza,readinganewspaperandconversingwithFord.Afterdinner,thelatterleftforthePineWoods,anditwasindeedwithregretthatIbeheldhimdepartfromtheplantation.
Oncemoreduringtheday
Tibeatscametome,gavemesomeorder,andreturned.
Duringtheweektheweaving-housewascompleted—Tibeatsinthemeantimemakingnoallusionwhatevertothedifficulty—whenIwasinformedhehadhiredmetoPeterTanner,toworkunderanothercarpenterbythenameofMyers.Thisannouncementwasreceivedwithgratification,asany
placewasdesirablethatwouldrelievemeofhishatefulpresence.
PeterTanner,asthereaderhasalreadybeeninformed,livedontheoppositeshore,andwasthebrotherofMistressFord.HeisoneofthemostextensiveplantersonBayouBœuf,andownsalargenumberofslaves.
OverIwenttoTanner’s,joyfullyenough.Hehad
heardofmylatedifficulties—infact,IascertainedthefloggingofTibeatswassoonblazonedfarandwide.Thisaffair,togetherwithmyraftingexperiment,hadrenderedmesomewhatnotorious.MorethanonceIhearditsaidthatPlattFord,nowPlattTibeats—aslave’snamechangeswithhischangeofmaster—was“adevilofanigger.”ButIwasdestinedtomakeastill
furthernoise,aswillpresentlybeseen,throughoutthelittleworldofBayouBœuf.
PeterTannerendeavoredtoimpressuponmetheideathathewasquitesevere,thoughIcouldperceivetherewasaveinofgoodhumorintheoldfellow,afterall.
“You’rethenigger,”hesaidtomeonmyarrival—“You’retheniggerthat
floggedyourmaster,eh?You’retheniggerthatkicks,andholdscarpenterTibeatsbytheleg,andwallopshim,areye?I’dliketoseeyouholdmebytheleg—Ishould.You’rea‘portantcharacter—you’reagreatnigger—veryremarkablenigger,ain’tye?I’dlashyou—I’dtakethetantrumsoutofye.Jesttakeholdofmyleg,ifyouplease.Noneofyourprankshere,myboy,rememberthat.Nowgo
towork,youkickin’rascal,”concludedPeterTanner,unabletosuppressahalf-comicalgrinathisownwitandsarcasm.
Afterlisteningtothissalutation,IwastakenchargeofbyMyers,andlaboredunderhisdirectionforamonth,tohisandmyownsatisfaction.
LikeWilliamFord,hisbrother-in-law,Tannerwasin
thehabitofreadingtheBibletohisslavesontheSabbath,butinasomewhatdifferentspirit.HewasanimpressivecommentatorontheNew-Testament.ThefirstSundayaftermycomingtotheplantation,hecalledthemtogether,andbegantoreadthetwelfthchapterofLuke.Whenhecametothe47thverse,helookeddeliberatelyaroundhim,andcontinued—“Andthatservantwhich
knewhislord’swill,”—herehepaused,lookingaroundmoredeliberatelythanbefore,andagainproceeded—“whichknewhislord’swill,andpreparednothimself”—herewasanotherpause—“preparednothimself,neitherdidaccordingtohiswill,shallbebeatenwithmanystripes?“D’yehearthat?”
demandedPeter,
emphatically.“Stripes,”herepeated,slowlyanddistinctly,takingoffhisspectacles,preparatorytomakingafewremarks.
“Thatniggerthatdon’ttakecare—thatdon’tobeyhislord—that’shismaster—d‘yesee?—that’ereniggershallbebeatenwithmanystripes.Now,‘many’signifiesagreatmany—forty,ahundred,ahundredandfiftylashes.
That’sScripter!”andsoPetercontinuedtoelucidatethesubjectforagreatlengthoftime,muchtotheedificationofhissableaudience.
Attheconclusionoftheexercises,callingupthreeofhisslaves,Warner,WillandMajor,hecriedouttome—
“Here,Platt,youheldTibeatsbythelegs;nowI’llseeifyoucanholdtheserascalsinthesameway,tillI
getbackfrommeetin’.”
Thereuponheorderedthemtothestocks—acommonthingonplantationsintheRedRivercountry.Thestocksareformedoftwoplanks,theloweronemadefastattheendstotwoshortposts,drivenfirmlyintotheground.Atregulardistanceshalfcirclesarecutintheupperedge.Theotherplankisfastenedtooneoftheposts
byahinge,sothatitcanbeopenedorshutdown,inthesamemannerasthebladeofapocket-knifeisshutoropened.Intheloweredgeoftheupperplankcorrespondinghalfcirclesarealsocut,sothatwhentheyclose,arowofholesisformedlargeenoughtoadmitanegro’slegabovetheankle,butnotlargeenoughtoenablehimtodrawouthisfoot.Theotherendofthe
upperplank,oppositethehinge,isfastenedtoitspostbylockandkey.Theslaveismadetositupontheground,whentheuppermostplankiselevated,hislegs,justabovetheankles,placedinthesub-halfcircles,andshuttingitdownagain,andlockingit,heisheldsecureandfast.Veryoftentheneckinsteadoftheankleisenclosed.Inthismannertheyareheldduringtheoperationofwhipping.
Warner,WillandMajor,accordingtoTanner’saccountofthem,weremelon-stealing,Sabbath-breakingniggers,andnotapprovingofsuchwickedness,hefeltithisdutytoputtheminthestocks.Handingmethekey,himself,Myers,MistressTannerandthechildrenenteredthecarriageanddroveawaytochurchatCheneyville.Whentheyweregone,theboysbeggedmetoletthemout.I
feltsorrytoseethemsittingonthehotground,andrememberedmyownsufferingsinthesun.Upontheirpromisetoreturntothestocksatanymomenttheywererequiredtodoso,Iconsentedtoreleasethem.Gratefulforthelenityshownthem,andinorderinsomemeasuretorepayit,theycoulddonoless,ofcourse,thanpilotmetothemelon-patch.Shortlybefore
Tanner’sreturn,theywereinthestocksagain.Finallyhedroveup,andlookingattheboys,said,withachuckle,—
“Aha!yehavn’tbeenstrollingaboutmuchto-day,anyway.I’llteachyouwhat’swhat.I’lltireyeofeatingwater-melonsontheLord’sday,yeSabbath-breakingniggers.”
PeterTannerpridedhimselfuponhisstrict
religiousobservances:hewasadeaconinthechurch.
ButIhavenowreachedapointintheprogressofmynarrative,whenitbecomesnecessarytoturnawayfromtheselightdescriptions,tothemoregraveandweightymatterofthesecondbattlewithMasterTibeats,andtheflightthroughthegreatPacoudrieSwamp.
CHAPTERX.RETURNTOTIBEATS—IMPOSSIBILITYOFPLEASINGHIM—HEATTACKSMEWITHAHATCHET—THESTRUGGLEOVERTHEBROADAXE—THETEMPTATIONTO
MURDERHIM—ESCAPEACROSSTHEPLANTATION—OBSERVATIONSFROMTHEFENCE—TIBEATSAPPROACHES,FOLLOWEDBYTHEHOUNDS—THEYTAKEMYTRACK—THEIRLOUDYELIS—THEYALMOSTOVERTAKEME—IREACHTHEWATER—THEHOUNDSCONFUSED—
MOCCASINSNAKESALLIGATORS—NIGHTINTHE“GEREATPACOUDRIESWAMP”—THESOUNDSOFLIFE—NORTH-WESTCOURSE—EMERGEINTOTHEPINEWOODS—THESLAVEANDHISYOUNGMASTER—ARRIVALATFORD’S—FOODANDBEST.
ATtheendofamonth,myservicesbeingnolongerrequiredatTanner’sIwassentoverthebayouagaintomymaster,whomIfoundengagedinbuildingthecottonpress.Thiswassituatedatsomedistancefromthegreathouse,inaratherretiredplace.IcommencedworkingoncemoreincompanywithTibeats,beingentirelyalonewithhimmostpartofthe
time.IrememberedthewordsofChapin,hisprecautions,hisadvicetobeware,lestinsomeunsuspectingmomenthemightinjureme.Theywerealwaysinmymind,sothatIlivedinamostuneasystateofapprehensionandfear.Oneeyewasonmywork,theotheronmymaster.Ideterminedtogivehimnocauseofoffence,toworkstillmorediligently.ifpossible,thanIhaddone,tobear
whateverabusehemightheapuponme,savebodilyinjury,humblyandpatiently,hopingtherebytosofteninsomedegreehismannertowardsme,untiltheblessedtimemightcomewhenIshouldbedeliveredfromhisclutches.
Thethirdmorningaftermyreturn,ChapinlefttheplantationforCheneyville,tobeabsentuntilnight.Tibeats,
onthatmorning,wasattackedwithoneofthoseperiodicalfitsofspleenandill-humortowhichhewasfrequentlysubject,renderinghimstillmoredisagreeableandvenomousthanusual.
Itwasaboutnineo’clockintheforenoon,whenIwasbusilyemployedwiththejack-planeononeofthesweeps.Tibeatswasstandingbythework-bench,fittinga
handleintothechisel,withwhichhehadbeenengagedpreviouslyincuttingthethreadofthescrew.
“Youarenotplaningthatdownenough,”saidhe.
“Itisjustevenwiththeline,”Ireplied.
“You’read—dliar,”heexclaimedpassionately.
“Oh,well,master,”Isaid,mildly,“Iwillplaneitdown
moreifyousayso,”atthesametimeproceedingtodoasIsupposedhedesired.Beforeoneshavinghadbeenremoved,however,hecriedout,sayingIhadnowplanedittoodeep—itwastoosmall—Ihadspoiledthesweepentirely.Thenfollowedcursesandimprecations.Ihadendeavoredtodoexactlyashedirected,butnothingwouldsatisfytheunreasonableman.Insilence
andindreadIstoodbythesweep,holdingthejack-planeinmyhand,notknowingwhattodo,andnotdaringtobeidle.Hisangergrewmoreandmoreviolent,until,finally,withanoath,suchabitter,frightfuloathasonlyTibeatscouldutter,heseizedahatchetfromthework-benchanddartedtowardsme,swearinghewouldcutmyheadopen.
Itwasamomentoflifeordeath.Thesharp,brightbladeofthehatchetglitteredinthesun.Inanotherinstantitwouldbeburiedinmybrain,andyetinthatinstant—soquickwillaman’sthoughtscometohiminsuchafearfulstrait—Ireasonedwithmyself.IfIstoodstill,mydoomwascertain;ifIfled,tenchancestoonethehatchet,flyingfromhishandwithatoo-deadlyand
unerringaim,wouldstrikemeintheback.Therewasbutonecoursetotake.Springingtowardshimwithallmypower,andmeetinghimfullhalf-way,beforehecouldbringdowntheblow,withonehandIcaughthisupliftedarm,withtheotherseizedhimbythethroat.Westoodlookingeachotherintheeyes.InhisIcouldseemurder.IfeltasifIhadaserpentbytheneck,watching
theslightestrelaxationofmygripe,tocoilitselfroundmybody,crushingandstingingittodeath.Ithoughttoscreamaloud,trustingthatsomeearmightcatchthesound—butChapinwasaway;thehandswereinthefield;therewasnolivingsoulinsightorhearing.
Thegoodgenius,whichthusfarthroughlifehassavedmefromthehandsof
violence,atthatmomentsuggestedaluckythought.Withavigorousandsuddenkick,thatbroughthimononeknee,withagroan,Ireleasedmyholduponhisthroat,snatchedthehatchet,andcastitbeyondreach.
Franticwithrage,maddenedbeyondcontrol,heseizedawhiteoakstick,fivefeetlong,perhaps,andaslargeincircumferenceashis
handcouldgrasp,whichwaslyingontheground.Againherushedtowardsme,andagainImethim,seizedhimaboutthewaist,andbeingthestrongerofthetwo,borehimtotheearth.WhileinthatpositionIobtainedpossessionofthestick,andrising,castitfromme,also.
Helikewisearoseandranforthebroad-axe,onthework-bench.Fortunately,
therewasaheavyplanklyinguponitsbroadblade,insuchamannerthathecouldnotextricateit,beforeIhadsprunguponhisback.Pressinghimdowncloselyandheavilyontheplank,sothattheaxewasheldmorefirmlytoitsplace,Iendeavored,butinvain,tobreakhisgraspuponthehandle.Inthatpositionweremainedsomeminutes.
Therehavebeenhoursinmyunhappylife,manyofthem,whenthecontemplationofdeathastheendofearthlysorrow—ofthegraveasarestingplaceforthetiredandwornoutbody—hasbeenpleasanttodwellupon.Butsuchcontemplationsvanishinthehourofperil.Noman,inhisfullstrength,canstandundismayed,inthepresenceofthe“kingofterrors.”Life
isdeartoeverylivingthing;thewormthatcrawlsuponthegroundwillstruggleforit.Atthatmomentitwasdeartome,enslavedandtreatedasIwas.
Notabletounloosehishand,oncemoreIseizedhimbythethroat,andthistime,withavice-likegripethatsoonrelaxedhishold.Hebecamepliantandunstrung.Hisface,thathadbeenwhite
withpassion,wasnowblackfromsuffocation.Thosesmallserpenteyesthatspatsuchvenom,werenowfullofhorror—twogreatwhiteorbsstartingfromtheirsockets!
Therewas“alurkingdevil”inmyheartthatpromptedmetokillthehumanblood-houndonthespot—toretainthegripeonhisaccursedthroattillthebreathoflifewasgone!I
darednotmurderhim,andIdarednotlethimlive.IfIkilledhim,mylifemustpaytheforfeit—ifhelived,mylifeonlywouldsatisfyhisvengeance.Avoicewithinwhisperedmetofly.Tobeawandereramongtheswamps,afugitiveandavagabondonthefaceoftheearth,waspreferabletothelifethatIwasleading.
Myresolutionwassoon
formed,andswinginghimfromthework-benchtotheground,Ileapedafencenearby,andhurriedacrosstheplantation,passingtheslavesatworkinthecottonfield.AttheendofaquarterofamileIreachedthewood-pasture,anditwasashorttimeindeedthatIhadbeenrunningit.Climbingontoahighfence,Icouldseethecottonpress,thegreathouse,andthespacebetween.Itwasa
conspicuousposition,fromwhencethewholeplantationwasinview.IsawTibeatscrossthefieldtowardsthehouse,andenterit—thenhecameout,carryinghissaddle,andpresentlymountedhishorseandgallopedaway.
Iwasdesolate,butthankful.Thankfulthatmylifewasspared,—desolateanddiscouragedwiththeprospectbeforeme.What
wouldbecomeofme?Whowouldbefriendme?WhithershouldIfly?Oh,God!IThouwhogavestmelife,andimplantedinmybosomtheloveoflife—whofilleditwithemotionssuchasothermen,thycreatures,have,donotforsakeme.Havepityonthepoorslave—letmenotperish.Ifthoudostnotprotectme,Iamlost—lost!Suchsupplications,silentlyandunuttered,ascendedfrom
myinmosthearttoHeaven.Buttherewasnoansweringvoice—nosweet,lowtone,comingdownfromonhigh,whisperingtomysoul,“ItisI,benotafraid.”IwastheforsakenofGod,itseemed—thedespisedandhatedofmen!
Inaboutthree-fourthsofanhourseveraloftheslavesshoutedandmadesignsformetorun.Presently,looking
upthebayou,IsawTibeatsandtwoothersonhorse-back,comingatafastgait,followedbyatroopofdogs.Therewereasmanyaseightorten.DistantasIwas,Iknewthem.Theybelongedontheadjoiningplantation.ThedogsusedonBayouBœufforhuntingslavesareakindofblood-hound,butafarmoresavagebreedthanisfoundintheNorthernStates.Theywillattackanegro,at
theirmaster’sbidding,andclingtohimasthecommonbull-dogwillclingtoafourfootedanimal.Frequentlytheirloudbayisheardintheswamps,andthenthereisspeculationastowhatpointtherunawaywillbeoverhauled—thesameasaNew-Yorkhunterstopstolistentothehoundscoursingalongthehillsides,andsuggeststohiscompanionthatthefoxwillbetakenat
suchaplace.IneverknewaslaveescapingwithhislifefromBayouBœuf.Onereasonis,theyarenotallowedtolearntheartofswimming,andareincapableofcrossingthemostinconsiderablestream.Intheirflighttheycangoinnodirectionbutalittlewaywithoutcomingtoabayou,whentheinevitablealternativeispresented,ofbeingdrownedorovertaken
bythedogs.InyouthIhadpractisedintheclearstreamsthatflowthroughmynativedistrict,untilIhadbecomeanexpertswimmer,andfeltathomeinthewateryelement.
Istooduponthefenceuntilthedogshadreachedthecottonpress.Inaninstantmore,theirlong,savageyellsannouncedtheywereonmytrack.Leapingdownfrommyposition,Irantowardsthe
swamp.Feargavemestrength,andIexertedittotheutmost.EveryfewmomentsIcouldheartheyelpingsofthedogs.Theyweregaininguponme.Everyhowlwasnearerandnearer.EachmomentIexpectedtheywouldspringuponmyback—expectedtofeeltheirlongteethsinkingintomyflesh.Thereweresomanyofthem,Iknewtheywouldtearmetopieces,thattheywouldworry
me,atonce,todeath.Igaspedforbreath—gaspedforthahalf-uttered,chokingprayertotheAlmightytosaveme—togivemestrengthtoreachsomewide,deepbayouwhereIcouldthrowthemoffthetrack,orsinkintoitswaters.PresentlyIreachedathickpalmettobottom.AsIfledthroughthemtheymadealoudrustlingnoise,notloudenough,however,todrown
thevoicesofthedogs.
Continuingmycourseduesouth,asnearlyasIcanjudge,Icameatlengthtowaterjustovershoe.Thehoundsatthatmomentcouldnothavebeenfiverodsbehindme.Icouldhearthemcrashingandplungingthroughthepalmettoes,theirloud,eageryellsmakingthewholeswampclamorouswiththesound.Hopereviveda
littleasIreachedthewater.Ifitwereonlydeeper,theymightloosethescent,andthusdisconcerted,affordmetheopportunityofevadingthem.Luckily,itgrewdeeperthefartherIproceeded—nowovermyankles—nowhalf-waytomyknees—nowsinkingamomenttomywaist,andthenemergingpresentlyintomoreshallowplaces.ThedogshadnotgaineduponmesinceIstruck
thewater.Evidentlytheywereconfused.Nowtheirsavageintonationsgrewmoreandmoredistant,assuringmethatIwasleavingthem.FinallyIstoppedtolisten,butthelonghowlcameboomingontheairagain,tellingmeIwasnotyetsafe.Frombogtobog,whereIhadstepped,theycouldstillkeepuponthetrack,thoughimpededbythewater.Atlength,tomygreatjoy,Icametoawidebayou,
andplungingin,hadsoonstemmeditssluggishcurrenttotheotherside.There,certainly,thedogswouldbeconfounded—thecurrentcarryingdownthestreamalltracesofthatslight,mysteriousscent,whichenablesthequick-smellinghoundtofollowinthetrackofthefugitive.
AftercrossingthisbayouthewaterbecamesodeepI
couldnotrun.IwasnowinwhatIafterwardslearnedwasthe“GreatPacoudrieSwamp.”Itwasfilledwithimmensetrees—thesycamore,thegum,thecottonwoodandcypress,andextends,Iaminformed,totheshoreoftheCalcasieuriver.Forthirtyorfortymilesitiswithoutinhabitants,savewildbeasts—thebear,thewild-cat,thetiger,andgreatslimyreptiles,thatarecrawling
throughiteverywhere.LongbeforeIreachedthebayou,infact,fromthetimeIstruckthewateruntilIemergedfromtheswamponmyreturn,thesereptilessurroundedme.Isawhundredsofmoccasinsnakes.Everylogandbog—everytrunkofafallentree,overwhichIwascompelledtosteporclimb,wasalivewiththem.Theycrawledawayatmyapproach,butsometimes
inmyhaste,Ialmostplacedmyhandorfootuponthem.Theyarepoisonousserpents—theirbitemorefatalthantherattlesnake’s.Besides,Ihadlostoneshoe,thesolehavingcomeentirelyoff,leavingtheupperonlydanglingtomyankle.
Isawalsomanyalligators,greatandsmall,lyinginthewater,oronpiecesoffloodwood.ThenoiseImade
usuallystartledthem,whentheymovedoffandplungedintothedeepestplaces.Sometimes,however,Iwouldcomedirectlyuponamonsterbeforeobservingit.Insuchcases,Iwouldstartback,runashortwayround,andinthatmannershunthem.Straightforward,theywillrunashortdistancerapidly,butdonotpossessthepowerofturning.Inacrookedrace,thereisnodifficultyinevadingthem.
Abouttwoo’clockintheafternoon,Iheardthelastofthehounds.Probablytheydidnotcrossthebayou.Wetandweary,butrelievedfromthesenseofinstantperil,Icontinuedon,morecautiousandafraid,however,ofthesnakesandalligatorsthanIhadbeenintheearlierportionofmyflight.Now,beforesteppingintoamuddypool,Iwouldstrikethewaterwithastick.Ifthewatersmoved,I
wouldgoaroundit,ifnot,wouldventurethrough.
Atlengththesunwentdown,andgraduallynight’strailingmantleshroudedthegreatswampindarkness.StillIstaggeredon,fearingeveryinstantIshouldfeelthedreadfulstingofthemoccasin,orbecrushedwithinthejawsofsomedisturbedalligator.Thedreadofthemnowalmostequaled
thefearofthepursuinghounds.Themoonaroseafteratime,itsmildlightcreepingthroughtheoverspreadingbranches,loadedwithlong,pendentmoss.Ikepttravelingforwardsuntilaftermidnight,hopingallthewhilethatIwouldsoonemergeintosomelessdesolateanddangerousregion.Butthewatergrewdeeperandthewalkingmoredifficultthanever.Iperceiveditwouldbe
impossibletoproceedmuchfarther,andknewnot,moreover,whathandsImightfallinto,shouldIsucceedinreachingahumanhabitation.Notprovidedwithapass,anywhitemanwouldbeatlibertytoarrestme,andplacemeinprisonuntilsuchtimeasmymastershould“proveproperty,paycharges,andtakemeaway.”Iwasanestray,andifsounfortunateastomeetalaw-abiding
citizenofLouisiana,hewoulddeemithisdutytohisneighbor,perhaps,toputmeforthwithinthepound.Really,itwasdifficulttodeterminewhichIhadmostreasontofear—dogs,alligatorsormen!
Aftermidnight,however,Icametoahalt.Imaginationcannotpicturethedrearinessofthescene.Theswampwasresonantwiththequackingof
innumerableducks!Sincethefoundationoftheearth,inallprobability,ahumanfootstephadneverbeforesofarpenetratedtherecessesoftheswamp.Itwasnotsilentnow—silenttoadegreethatrendereditoppressive,—asitwaswhenthesunwasshiningintheheavens.Mymidnightintrusionhadawakenedthefeatheredtribes,whichseemedtothrongthemorassinhundredsofthousands,and
theirgarrulousthroatspouredforthsuchmultitudinoussounds—therewassuchaflutteringofwings—suchsullenplungesinthewaterallaroundme—thatIwasaffrightedandappalled.Allthefowlsoftheair,andallthecreepingthingsoftheearthappearedtohaveassembledtogetherinthatparticularplace,forthepurposeoffillingitwithclamorandconfusion.Notby
humandwellings—notincrowdedcitiesalone,arethesightsandsoundsoflife.Thewildestplacesoftheeartharefullofthem.Evenintheheartofthatdismalswamp,Godhadprovidedarefugeandadwellingplaceformillionsoflivingthings.
Themoonhadnowrisenabovethetrees,whenIresolveduponanewproject.ThusfarIhadendeavoredto
travelasnearlysouthaspossible.TurningaboutIproceededinanorth-westdirection,myobjectbeingtostrikethePineWoodsinthevicinityofMasterFord’s.Oncewithintheshadowofhisprotection,IfeltIwouldbecomparativelysafe.
Myclotheswereintatters,myhands,face,andbodycoveredwithscratches,receivedfromthesharpknots
offallentrees,andinclimbingoverpilesofbrushandfloodwood.Mybarefootwasfullofthorns.Iwasbesmearedwithmuckandmud,andthegreenslimethathadcollectedonthesurfaceofthedeadwater,inwhichIhadbeenimmersedtotheneckmanytimesduringthedayandnight.Hourafterhour,andtiresomeindeedhadtheybecome,Icontinuedtoplodalongonmynorth-west
course.Thewaterbegantogrowlessdeep,andthegroundmorefirmundermyfeet.AtlastIreachedthePacoudrie,thesamewidebayouIhadswamwhile“outwardbound.”Iswamitagain,andshortlyafterthoughtIheardacockcrow,butthesoundwasfaint,anditmighthavebeenamockeryoftheear.Thewaterrecededfrommyadvancingfootsteps—nowIhadleftthebogs
behindme—nowIwasondrylandthatgraduallyascendedtotheplain,andIknewIwassomewhereinthe“GreatPineWoods.”
Justatday-breakIcametoanopening—asortofsmallplantation—butoneIhadneverseenbefore.IntheedgeofthewoodsIcameupontwomen,aslaveandhisyoungmaster,engagedincatchingwildhogs.Thewhite
manIknewwoulddemandmypass,andnotabletogivehimone,wouldtakemeintopossession.Iwastooweariedtorunagain,andtoodesperatetobetaken,andthereforeadoptedarusethatprovedentirelysuccessful.Assumingafierceexpression,Iwalkeddirectlytowardshim,lookinghimsteadilyintheface.AsIapproached,hemovedbackwardswithanairofalarm.Itwasplainhewas
muchaffrighted—thathelookeduponmeassomeinfernalgoblin,justarisenfromthebowelsoftheswamp!
“WheredoesWilliamFordlive?”Idemanded,innogentletone.
“Helivessevenmilesfromhere,”wasthereply.
“Whichisthewaytohisplace?”Iagaindemanded,
tryingtolookmorefiercelythanever.
“Doyouseethosepinetreesyonder?”heasked,pointingtotwo,amiledistant,thatrosefarabovetheirfellows,likeacoupleoftallsentinels,overlookingthebroadexpanseofforest.
“Iseethem,”wastheanswer.
“Atthefeetofthosepine
trees,”hecontinued,“runstheTexasroad.Turntotheleft,anditwillleadyoutoWilliamFord’s.”
Withoutfurtherparley,Ihastenedforward,happyashewas,nodoubt,toplacethewidestpossibledistancebetweenus.StrikingtheTexasroad,Iturnedtothelefthand,asdirected,andsoonpassedagreatfire,whereapileoflogswere
burning.Iwenttoit,thinkingIwoulddrymyclothes;butthegraylightofthemorningwasfastbreakingaway,—somepassingwhitemanmightobserveme;besides,theheatoverpoweredmewiththedesireofsleep:so,lingeringnolonger,Icontinuedmytravels,andfinally,abouteighto’clock,reachedthehouseofMasterFord.
Theslaveswereallabsentfromthequarters,attheirwork.Steppingontothepiazza,Iknockedatthedoor,whichwassoonopenedbyMistressFord.Myappearancewassochanged—Iwasinsuchawobegoneandforlorncondition,shedidnotknowme.InquiringifMasterFordwasathome,thatgoodmanmadehisappearance,beforethequestioncouldbeanswered.Itoldhimofmy
flight,andalltheparticularsconnectedwithit.Helistenedattentively,andwhenIhadconcluded,spoketomekindlyandsympathetically,andtakingmetothekitchen,calledJohn,andorderedhimtopreparemefood.Ihadtastednothingsincedaylightthepreviousmorning.
WhenJohnhadsetthemealbeforeme,themadamcameoutwithabowlofmilk,
andmanylittledeliciousdainties,suchasrarelypleasethepalateofaslave.Iwashungry,andIwasweary,butneitherfoodnorrestaffordedhalfthepleasureasdidtheblessedvoicesspeakingkindnessandconsolation.ItwastheoilandthewinewhichtheGoodSamaritaninthe“GreatPineWoods”wasreadytopourintothewoundedspiritoftheslave,whocametohim,strippedof
hisraimentandhalf-dead.
Theyleftmeinthecabin,thatImightrest.Blessedbesleep!Itvisitethallalike,descendingasthedewsofheavenonthebondandfree.Soonitnestledtomybosom,drivingawaythetroublesthatoppressedit,andbearingmetothatshadowyregion,whereIsawagainthefaces,andlistenedtothevoicesofmychildren,who,alas,foraught
Iknewinmywakinghours,hadfallenintothearmsofthatothersleep,fromwhichtheyneverwouldarouse.
CHAPTERXI.THEMISTRESS’GARDEN—THECRIMSONANDGOLDENFRUIT—ORANGEANDPOMEGRANATETREES—RETURNTOBAYOUBŒUF—MASTERFORD’SREMARK’SON
THEWAY—THEMEETINGWITHTIBEATS—HISACCOUNTOFTHECHASE—FORDCENSURESHISBRUTALITY—ARRIVALATTHEPLANTATION—ASTONISHMENTOFTHESLAVESONSEEINGME—THEANTICIPATEDFLOGGING—
KENTUCKYJOHN—MR.ELDRET,THEPLANTER—ELDRET’SSAM—TRIPTOTHE“BIGCANEBRAKE”—THETRADITIONOF“SUTTON’SFIELD”—FORESTTREES—GNATSANDMOSQUITOS—THEARRIVALOFBLACKWOMENINTHEBIGCANE—LUMBERWOMEN—SUDDEN
APPEARANCEOFTIBEATS—HISPROVOKINGTREATMENT—VISITTOBAYOUBŒUF—THESLAVEPASS—SOUTHERNHOSPITALITY—THELASTOFELIZA—SALETOEDWINEPPS.
AFTERalongsleep,sometimeintheafternoonI
awoke,refreshed,butverysoreandstiff.Sallycameinandtalkedwithme,whileJohncookedmesomedinner.Sallywasingreattrouble,aswellasmyself,oneofherchildrenbeingill,andshefeareditcouldnotsurvive.Dinnerover,afterwalkingaboutthequartersforawhile,visitingSally’scabinandlookingatthesickchild,Istrolledintothemadam’sgarden.Thoughitwasa
seasonoftheyearwhenthevoicesofthebirdsaresilent,andthetreesarestrippedoftheirsummergloriesinmorefrigidclimes,yetthewholevarietyofroseswerethenbloomingthere,andthelong,luxuriantvinescreepingovertheframes.Thecrimsonandgoldenfruithunghalfhiddenamidsttheyoungerandolderblossomsofthepeach,theorange,theplum,andthepomegranate;for,inthat
regionofalmostperpetualwarmth,theleavesarefallingandthebudsburstingintobloomthewholeyearlong.
IindulgedthemostgratefulfeelingstowardsMasterandMistressFord,andwishinginsomemannertorepaytheirkindness,commencedtrimmingthevines,andafterwardsweedingoutthegrassfromamongtheorangeand
pomegranatetrees.Thelattergrowseightortenfeethigh,anditsfruit,thoughlarger,issimilarinappearancetothejelly-flower.Ithasthelusciousflavorofthestrawberry.Oranges,peaches,plums,andmostotherfruitsareindigenoustotherich,warmsoilofAvoyelles;buttheapple,themostcommonofthemallincolderlatitudes,israrelytobeseen.
MistressFordcameoutpresently,sayingitwaspraise-worthyinme,butIwasnotinaconditiontolabor,andmightrestmyselfatthequartersuntilmastershouldgodowntoBayouBœuf,whichwouldnotbethatday,anditmightnotbethenext.Isaidtoher—tobesure,Ifeltbad,andwasstiff,andthatmyfootpainedme,thestubsandthornshavingsotornit,butthoughtsuch
exercisewouldnothurtme,andthatitwasagreatpleasuretoworkforsogoodamistress.Thereuponshereturnedtothegreathouse,andforthreedaysIwasdiligentinthegarden,cleaningthewalks,weedingtheflowerbeds,andpullinguptherankgrassbeneaththejessaminevines,whichthegentleandgeneroushandofmyprotectresshadtaughttoclamberalongthewalls.
Thefourthmorning,havingbecomerecruitedandrefreshed,MasterFordorderedmetomakereadytoaccompanyhimtothebayou.Therewasbutonesaddlehorseattheopening,alltheotherswiththemuleshavingbeensentdowntotheplantation.IsaidIcouldwalk,andbiddingSallyandJohngood-bye,lefttheopening,trottingalongbythehorse’sside.
ThatlittleparadiseintheGreatPineWoodswastheoasisinthedesert,towardswhichmyheartturnedlovingly,duringmanyyearsofbondage.Iwentforthfromitnowwithregretandsorrow,notsooverwhelming,however,asifithadthenbeengivenmetoknowthatIshouldneverreturntoitagain.
MasterFordurgedmeto
takehisplaceoccasionallyonthehorse,torestme;butIsaidno,Iwasnottired,anditwasbetterformetowalkthanhim.Hesaidmanykindandcheeringthingstomeontheway,ridingslowly,inorderthatImightkeeppacewithhim.ThegoodnessofGodwasmanifest,hedeclared,inmymiraculousescapefromtheswamp.AsDanielcameforthunharmedfromthedenoflions,andas
Jonahhadbeenpreservedinthewhale’sbelly,evensohadIbeendeliveredfromevilbytheAlmighty.HeinterrogatedmeinregardtothevariousfearsandemotionsIhadexperiencedduringthedayandnight,andifIhadfelt,atanytime,adesiretopray.Ifeltforsakenofthewholeworld,Iansweredhim,andwasprayingmentallyallthewhile.Atsuchtimes,saidhe,theheartofmanturns
instinctivelytowardshisMaker.Inprosperity,andwhenthereisnothingtoinjureormakehimafraid,heremembersHimnot,andisreadytodefyHim;butplacehiminthemidstofdangers,cuthimofffromhumanaid,letthegraveopenbeforehim—thenitis,inthetimeofhistribulation,thatthescofferandunbelievingmanturnstoGodforhelp,feelingthereisnootherhope,orrefuge,or
safety,saveinhisprotectingarm.
Sodidthatbenignantmanspeaktomeofthislifeandofthelifehereafter;ofthegoodnessandpowerofGod,andofthevanityofearthlythings,aswejourneyedalongthesolitaryroadtowardsBayouBœuf.
Whenwithinsomefivemilesoftheplantation,wediscoveredahorsemanata
distance,gallopingtowardsus.AshecamenearIsawthatitwasTibeats!Helookedatmeamoment,butdidnotaddressme,andturningabout,rodealongsidebysidewithFord.Itrottedsilentlyattheirhorses’heels,listingtotheirconversation.FordinformedhimofmyarrivalinthePineWoodsthreedaysbefore,ofthesadplightIwasin,andofthedifficultiesanddangersIhadencountered.
“Well,”exclaimedTibeats,omittinghisusualoathsinthepresenceofFord,“Ineversawsuchrunningbefore.I’llbethimagainstahundreddollars,he’llbeatanyniggerinLouisiana.IofferedJohnDavidCheneytwenty-fivedollarstocatchhim,deadoralive,butheoutranhisdogsinafairrace.ThemCheneydogsain’tmuch,afterall.Dunwoodie’shoundswouldhavehadhimdownbeforehe
touchedthepalmettoes.Somehowthedogsgotoffthetrack,andwehadtogiveupthehunt.Werodethehorsesasfaraswecould,andthenkeptonfoottillthewaterwasthreefeetdeep.Theboyssaidhewasdrowned,sure.IallowIwantedashotathimmightily.Eversince,Ihavebeenridingupanddownthebayou,buthad’ntmuchhopeofcatchinghim—thoughthewasdead,sartin.Oh,he’sa
cusstorun—thatniggeris!”
InthiswayTibeatsranon,describinghissearchintheswamp,thewonderfulspeedwithwhichIhadfledbeforethehounds,andwhenhehadfinished,MasterFordrespondedbysaying,Ihadalwaysbeenawillingandfaithfulboywithhim;thathewassorrywehadsuchtrouble;that,accordingtoPlatt’sstory,hehadbeen
inhumanlytreated,andthathe,Tibeats,washimselfinfault.Usinghatchetsandbroad-axesuponslaveswasshameful,andshouldnotbeallowed,heremarked.“Thisisnowayofdealingwiththem,whenfirstbroughtintothecountry.Itwillhaveaperniciousinfluence,andsetthemallrunningaway.Theswampswillbefullofthem.Alittlekindnesswouldbefarmoreeffectualinrestraining
them,andrenderingthemobedient,thantheuseofsuchdeadlyweapons.Everyplanteronthebayoushouldfrownuponsuchinhumanity.Itisfortheinterestofalltodoso.Itisevidentenough,Mr.Tibeats,thatyouandPlattcannotlivetogether.Youdislikehim,andwouldnothesitatetokillhim,andknowingit,hewillrunfromyouagainthroughfearofhislife.Now,Tibeats,youmust
sellhim,orhirehimout,atleast.Unlessyoudoso,Ishalltakemeasurestogethimoutofyourpossession.”
InthisspiritFordaddressedhimtheremainderofthedistance.Iopenednotmymouth.Onreachingtheplantationtheyenteredthegreathouse,whileIrepairedtoEliza’scabin.Theslaveswereastonishedtofindmethere,onreturningfromthe
field,supposingIwasdrowned.Thatnight,again,theygatheredaboutthecabintolistentothestoryofmyadventure.TheytookitforgrantedIwouldbewhipped,andthatitwouldbesevere,thewell-knownpenaltyofrunningawaybeingfivehundredlashes.
“Poorfellow,”saidEliza,takingmebythehand,“itwouldhavebeenbetterfor
youifyouhaddrowned.Youhaveacruelmaster,andhewillkillyouyet,Iamafraid.”
Lawsonsuggestedthatitmightbe,overseerChapinwouldbeappointedtoinflictthepunishment,inwhichcaseitwouldnotbesevere,whereuponMary,Rachel,Bristol,andothershopeditwouldbeMasterFord,andthenitwouldbenowhippingatall.Theyallpitiedmeand
triedtoconsoleme,andweresadinviewofthecastigationthatawaitedme,exceptKentuckyJohn.Therewerenoboundstohislaughter;hefilledthecabinwithcachinnations,holdinghissidestopreventanexplosion,andthecauseofhisnoisymirthwastheideaofmyoutstrippingthehounds.Somehow,helookedatthesubjectinacomicallight.“Iknow’ddeywould‘ntcotch
him,whenheruncrossdeplantation.O,delor’,did‘ntPlattpickhisfeetrightup,tho’,hey?Whendemdogsgotwharhewas,hewas‘ntdar—haw,haw,haw!O,delor’a’mity!”—andthenKentuckyJohnrelapsedintoanotherofhisboisterousfits.
Earlythenextmorning,Tibeatslefttheplantation.Inthecourseoftheforenoon,whilesaunteringaboutthe
gin-house,atall,good-lookingmancametome,andinquiredifIwasTibeats’boy,thatyouthfulappellationbeingappliedindiscriminatelytoslaveseventhoughtheymayhavepassedthenumberofthreescoreyearsandten.Itookoffmyhat,andansweredthatIwas.
“Howwouldyouliketoworkforme?”heinquired.
“Oh,Iwouldliketo,verymuch,”saidI,inspiredwithasuddenhopeofgettingawayfromTibeats.
“YouworkedunderMyersatPeterTanner’s,didn’tyou?”
IrepliedIhad,addingsomecomplimentaryremarksthatMyershadmadeconcerningme.
“Well,boy,”saidhe,“I
havehiredyouofyourmastertoworkformeinthe”BigCaneBrake,“thirty-eightmilesfromhere,downonRedRiver.”
ThismanwasMr.Eldret,wholivedbelowFord’s,onthesamesideofthebayou.Iaccompaniedhimtohisplantation,andinthemorningstartedwithhisslaveSam,andawagon-loadofprovisions,drawnbyfour
mules,fortheBigCane,EldretandMyershavingprecededusonhorseback.ThisSamwasanativeofCharleston,wherehehadamother,brotherandsisters.He“allowed”—acommonwordamongbothblackandwhite—thatTibeatswasameanman,andhoped,asImostearnestlydidalso,thathismasterwouldbuyme.
Weproceededdownthe
southshoreofthebayou,crossingitatCarey’splantation;fromthencetoHuffPower,passingwhich,wecameupontheBayouRougeroad,whichrunstowardsRedRiver.AfterpassingthroughBayouRougeSwamp,andjustatsunset,turningfromthehighway,westruckoffintothe“BigCaneBrake.”Wefollowedanunbeatentrack,scarcelywideenoughtoadmitthewagon.
Thecane,suchasareusedforfishing-rods,wereasthickastheycouldstand.Apersoncouldnotbeseenthroughthemthedistanceofarod.Thepathsofwildbeastsrunthroughtheminvariousdirections—thebearandtheAmericantigeraboundinginthesebrakes,andwhereverthereisabasinofstagnantwater,itisfullofalligators.
Wekeptonourlonely
coursethroughthe“BigCane”severalmiles,whenweenteredaclearing,knownas“Sutton’sField.”Manyyearsbefore,amanbythenameofSuttonhadpenetratedthewildernessofcanetothissolitaryplace.Traditionhasit,thathefledthither,afugitive,notfromservice,butfromjustice.Herehelivedalone—recluseandhermitoftheswamp—withhisownhandsplantingtheseedand
gatheringintheharvest.OnedayabandofIndiansstoleuponhissolitude,andafterabloodybattle,overpoweredandmassacredhim.Formilesthecountryround,intheslaves’quarters,andonthepiazzasof“greathouses,”wherewhitechildrenlistentosuperstitioustales,thestorygoes,thatthatspot,intheheartofthe“BigCane,”isahauntedplace.Formorethanaquarterofacentury,human
voiceshadrarely,ifever,disturbedthesilenceoftheclearing.Rankandnoxiousweedshadoverspreadtheoncecultivatedfield—serpentssunnedthemselvesonthedoorwayofthecrumblingcabin.Itwasindeedadrearypictureofdesolation.
Passing“Sutton’sField,”wefollowedanew-cutroadtwomilesfarther,which
broughtustoitstermination.WehadnowreachedthewildlandsofMr.Eldret,wherehecontemplatedclearingupanextensiveplantation.Wewenttoworknextmorningwithourcane-knives,andclearedasufficientspacetoallowtheerectionoftwocabins—oneforMyersandEldret,theotherforSam,myself,andtheslavesthatweretojoinus.Wewerenowinthemidstoftreesof
enormousgrowth,whosewide-spreadingbranchesalmostshutoutthelightofthesun,whilethespacebetweenthetrunkswasanimperviousmassofcane,withhereandthereanoccasionalpalmetto.
Thebayandthesycamore,theoakandthecypress,reachagrowthunparalleled,inthosefertilelowlandsborderingtheRedRiver.
Fromeverytree,moreover,hanglong,largemassesofmoss,presentingtotheeyeunaccustomedtothem,astrikingandsingularappearance.Thismoss,inlargequantities,issentnorth,andthereusedformanufacturingpurposes.
Wecutdownoaks,splitthemintorails,andwiththeseerectedtemporarycabins.Wecoveredtheroofswiththe
broadpalmettoleaf,anexcellentsubstituteforshingles,aslongastheylast.
ThegreatestannoyanceImetwithhereweresmallflies,gnatsandmosquitoes.Theyswarmedtheair.Theypenetratedtheporchesoftheear,thenose,theeyes,themouth.Theysuckedthemselvesbeneaththeskin.Itwasimpossibletobrushorbeatthemoff.Itseemed,
indeed,asiftheywoulddevourus—carryusawaypiecemeal,intheirsmalltormentingmouths.
Alonelierspot,oronemoredisagreeable,thanthecentreofthe“BigCaneBrake,”itwouldbedifficulttoconceive;yettomeitwasaparadise,incomparisonwithanyotherplaceinthecompanyofMasterTibeats.Ilaboredhard,andoft-times
waswearyandfatigued,yetIcouldliedownatnightinpeace,andariseinthemorningwithoutfear.
Inthecourseofafortnight,fourblackgirlscamedownfromEldret’splantation—Charlotte,Fanny,CresiaandNelly.Theywerealllargeandstout.Axeswereputintotheirhands,andtheyweresentoutwithSamandmyselftocuttrees.Theywere
excellentchoppers,thelargestoakorsycamorestandingbutabriefseasonbeforetheirheavyandwell-directedblows.Atpilinglogs,theywereequaltoanyman.TherearelumberwomenaswellaslumbermenintheforestsoftheSouth.Infact,intheregionoftheBayouBœuftheyperformtheirshareofallthelaborrequiredontheplantation.Theyplough,drag,driveteam,
clearwildlands,workonthehighway,andsoforth.Someplanters,owninglargecottonandsugarplantations,havenoneotherthanthelaborofslavewomen.SuchanoneisJimBurns,wholivesonthenorthshoreofthebayou,oppositetheplantationofJohnFogaman.
Onourarrivalinthebrake,Eldretpromisedme,ifIworkedwell,Imightgoupto
visitmyfriendsatFord’sinfourweeks.OnSaturdaynightofthefifthweek,Iremindedhimofhispromise,whenhetoldmeIhaddonesowell,thatImightgo.Ihadsetmyheartuponit,andEldret’sannouncementthrilledmewithpleasure.IwastoreturnintimetocommencethelaborsofthedayonTuesdaymorning.
Whileindulgingthe
pleasantanticipationofsosoonmeetingmyoldfriendsagain,suddenlythehatefulformofTibeatsappearedamongus.HeinquiredhowMyersandPlattgotalongtogether,andwastold,verywell,andthatPlattwasgoinguptoFord’splantationinthemorningonavisit.
“Poh,poh!”sneeredTibeats;“itisn’tworthwhile—theniggerwillget
unsteady.Hecan’tgo.”
ButEldretinsistedIhadworkedfaithfully—thathehadgivenmehispromise,andthat,underthecircumstances,Ioughtnottobedisappointed.Theythen,itbeingaboutdark,enteredonecabinandItheother.Icouldnotgiveuptheideaofgoing;itwasasoredisappointment.BeforemorningIresolved,ifEldretmadenoobjection,to
leaveatallhazards.AtdaylightIwasathisdoor,withmyblanketrolledupintoabundle,andhangingonastickovermyshoulder,waitingforapass.Tibeatscameoutpresentlyinoneofhisdisagreeablemoods,washedhisface,andgoingtoastumpnearby,satdownuponit,apparentlybusilythinkingwithhimself.Afterstandingtherealongtime,impelledbyasuddenimpulse
ofimpatience,Istartedoff.
“Areyougoingwithoutapass?”hecriedouttome.
“Yes,master,IthoughtIwould,”Ianswered.
“Howdoyouthinkyou’llgetthere?”demandedhe.
“Don’tknow,”wasallthereplyImadehim.
“You’dbetakenandsenttojail,whereyououghttobe,
beforeyougothalf-waythere,”headded,passingintothecabinashesaidit.Hecameoutsoonwiththepassinhishand,andcallingmea“d—dniggerthatdeservedahundredlashes,”threwitontheground.Ipickeditup,andhurriedawayrightspeedily.
Aslavecaughtoffhismaster’splantationwithoutapass,maybeseizedandwhippedbyanywhiteman
whomhemeets.TheoneInowreceivedwasdated,andreadasfollows:
“PlatthaspermissiontogotoFord’splantation,onBayouBœuf,andreturnbyTuesdaymorning.
JOHNM.TIBEATS.”
Thisistheusualform.Ontheway,agreatmanydemandedit,readit,andpassedon.Thosehavingthe
airandappearanceofgentlemen,whosedressindicatedthepossessionofwealth,frequentlytooknonoticeofmewhatever;butashabbyfellow,anunmistakableloafer,neverfailedtohailme,andtoscrutinizeandexaminemeinthemostthoroughmanner.Catchingrunawaysissometimesamoney-makingbusiness.If,afteradvertising,noownerappears,theymay
besoldtothehighestbidder;andcertainfeesareallowedthefinderforhisservices,atallevents,evenifreclaimed.“Ameanwhite,”therefore,—anameappliedtothespeciesloafer—considersitagod-sendtomeetanunknownnegrowithoutapass.
TherearenoinnsalongthehighwaysinthatportionoftheStatewhereIsojourned.Iwaswhollydestituteof
money,neitherdidIcarryanyprovisions,onmyjourneyfromtheBigCanetoBayouBœuf;nevertheless,withhispassinhishand,aslaveneedneversufferfromhungerorfromthirst.Itisonlynecessarytopresentittothemasteroroverseerofaplantation,andstatehiswants,whenhewillbesentroundtothekitchenandprovidedwithfoodorshelter,asthecasemayrequire.The
travelerstopsatanyhouseandcallsforamealwithasmuchfreedomasifitwasapublictavern.Itisthegeneralcustomofthecountry.Whatevertheirfaultsmaybe,itiscertaintheinhabitantsalongRedRiver,andaroundthebayousintheinteriorofLouisianaarenotwantinginhospitality.
IarrivedatFord’splantationtowardstheclose
oftheafternoon,passingtheeveninginEliza’scabin,withLawson,Rachel,andothersofmyacquaintance.WhenweleftWashingtonEliza’sformwasroundandplump.Shestooderect,andinhersilksandjewels,presentedapictureofgracefulstrengthandelegance.Nowshewasbutathinshadowofherformerself.Herfacehadbecomeghastlyhaggard,andtheoncestraightandactive
formwasboweddown,asifbearingtheweightofahundredyears.Crouchingonhercabinfloor,andcladinthecoarsegarmentsofaslave,oldElishaBerrywouldnothaverecognizedthemotherofhischild.Ineversawherafterwards.Havingbecomeuselessinthecotton-field,shewasbarteredforatrifle,tosomemanresidinginthevicinityofPeterCompton’s.Griefhad
gnawedremorselesslyatherheart,untilherstrengthwasgone;andforthat,herlastmaster,itissaid,lashedandabusedhermostunmercifully.Buthecouldnotwhipbackthedepartedvigorofheryouth,norstraightenupthatbendedbodytoitsfullheight,suchasitwaswhenherchildrenwerearoundher,andthelightoffreedomwasshiningonherpath.
Ilearnedtheparticularsrelativetoherdeparturefromthisworld,fromsomeofCompton’sslaves,whohadcomeoverRedRivertothebayou,toassistyoungMadamTannerduringthe“busyseason.”Shebecameatlength,theysaid,utterlyhelpless,forseveralweekslyingonthegroundfloorinadilapidatedcabin,dependentuponthemercyofherfellow-thrallsforanoccasionaldrop
ofwater,andamorseloffood.Hermasterdidnot“knockheronthehead,”asissometimesdonetoputasufferinganimaloutofmisery,butleftherunprovidedfor,andunprotected,tolingerthroughalifeofpainandwretchednesstoitsnaturalclose.Whenthehandsreturnedfromthefieldonenighttheyfoundherdead!Duringtheday,theAngelof
theLord,whomovethinvisiblyoveralltheearth,gatheringinhisharvestofdepartingsouls,hadsilentlyenteredthecabinofthedyingwoman,andtakenherfromthence.Shewasfreeatlast!Nextday,rollingupmy
blanket,IstartedonmyreturntotheBigCane.Aftertravelingfivemiles,ataplacecalledHuffPower,theever-presentTibe-atametmein
theroad.HeinquiredwhyIwasgoingbacksosoon,andwheninformedIwasanxioustoreturnbythetimeIwasdirected,hesaidIneedgonofartherthanthenextplantation,ashehadthatdaysoldmetoEdwinEpps.Wewalkeddownintotheyard,wherewemetthelattergentleman,whoexaminedme,andaskedmetheusualquestionspropoundedbypurchasers.Havingbeenduly
deliveredover,Iwasorderedtothequarters,andatthesametimedirectedtomakeahoeandaxehandleformyself.
IwasnownolongerthepropertyofTibeats—hisdog,hisbrute,dreadinghiswrathandcrueltydayandnight;andwhoeverorwhatevermynewmastermightprovetobe,Icouldnot,certainly,regretthechange.Soitwas
goodnewswhenthesalewasannounced,andwithasighofreliefIsatdownforthefirsttimeinmynewabode.
Tibeatssoonafterdisappearedfromthatsectionofthecountry.Onceafterwards,andonlyonce,Icaughtaglimpseofhim.ItwasmanymilesfromBayouBœuf.Hewasseatedinthedoorwayofalowgroggery.Iwaspassing,inadroveof
slaves,throughSt.Mary’sparish.
CHAPTERXII.PERSONALAPPEARANCEOFEPPS—EPPS,DRUNKANDSOBER—AGLIMPSEOFHISHISTORY—COTTONGROWING—THEMODEOFPLOUGHINGANDPREPARINGGROUND—
OFPLANTING—OFHOEING,OFPICKING,OFTREATINGRAWHANDS—THEDIFFERENCEINCOTTONPICKERS—PATSEYAREMARKABLEONE—TASKEDACCORDINGTOABILITY—BEAUTYOFACOTTONFIELD—THESLAVE’SLABORS—FEARONAPPROACHINGTHE
GIN-HOUSE—WEIGHING—“CHORES”—CABINLIFE—THECORNMILL—THEUSESOFTHEGOURD—FEAROFOVERSLEEPING—FEARCONTINUALLY—MODEOFCULTIVATINGCORN—SWEETPOTATOES—FERTILITYOFTHESOIL—FATTENINGHOGS—PRESERVING
BACON—RAISINGCATTLE—SHOOTING-MATCHES—GARDENPRODUCTS—FLOWERSANDVERDURE.
EDWINEPPS,ofwhommuchwillbesaidduringtheremainderofthishistory,isalarge,portly,heavy-bodiedmanwithlighthair,highcheekbones,andaRomannoseofextraordinary
dimensions.Hehasblueeyes,afaircomplexion,andis,asIshouldsay,fullsixfeethigh.Hehasthesharp,inquisitiveexpressionofajockey.Hismannersarerepulsiveandcoarse,andhislanguagegivesspeedyandunequivocalevidencethathehasneverenjoyedtheadvantagesofaneducation.Hehasthefacultyofsayingmostprovokingthings,inthatrespectevenexcellingoldPeterTanner.At
thetimeIcameintohispossession,EdwinEppswasfondofthebottle,his“sprees”sometimesextendingoverthespaceoftwowholeweeks.Latterly,however,hehadreformedhishabits,andwhenIlefthim,wasasstrictaspecimenoftemperanceascouldbefoundonBayouBœuf.When“inhiscups,”MasterEppswasaroystering,blustering,noisyfellow,whosechiefdelight
wasindancingwithhis“niggers,”orlashingthemabouttheyardwithhislongwhip,justforthepleasureofhearingthemscreechandscream,asthegreatweltswereplantedontheirbacks.Whensober,hewassilent,reservedandcunning,notbeatingusindiscriminately,asinhisdrunkenmoments,butsendingtheendofhisrawhidetosometenderspotofalaggingslave,withasly
dexteritypeculiartohimself.
Hehadbeenadriverandoverseerinhisyoungeryears,butatthistimewasinpossessionofaplantationonBayouHuffPower,twoandahalfmilesfromHolmesville,eighteenfromMarksville,andtwelvefromCheneyville.ItbelongedtoJosephB.Roberts,hiswife’suncle,andwasleasedbyEpps.Hisprincipalbusinesswasraising
cotton,andinasmuchassomemayreadthisbookwhohaveneverseenacottonfield,adescriptionofthemannerofitsculturemaynotbeoutofplace.
Thegroundispreparedbythrowingupbedsorridges,withtheplough—back-furrowing,itiscalled.Oxenandmules,thelatteralmostexclusively,areusedinploughing.Thewomenas
frequentlyasthemenperformthislabor,feeding,currying,andtakingcareoftheirteams,andinallrespectsdoingthefieldandstablework,preciselyasdotheploughboysoftheNorth.
Thebeds,orridges,aresixfeetwide,thatis,fromwaterfurrowtowaterfurrow.Aploughdrawnbyonemuleisthenrunalongthetopoftheridgeorcenterofthebed,
makingthedrill,intowhichagirlusuallydropstheseed,whichshecarriesinabaghungroundherneck.Behindhercomesamuleandharrow,coveringuptheseed,sothattwomules,threeslaves,aploughandharrow,areemployedinplantingarowofcotton.ThisisdoneinthemonthsofMarchandApril.CornisplantedinFebruary.Whentherearenocoldrains,thecottonusuallymakesits
appearanceinaweek.Inthecourseofeightortendaysafterwardsthefirsthoeingiscommenced.Thisisperformedinpart,also,bytheaidoftheploughandmule.Theploughpassesasnearaspossibletothecottononbothsides,throwingthefurrowfromit.Slavesfollowwiththeirhoes,cuttingupthegrassandcotton,leavinghillstwofeetandahalfapart.Thisiscalledscrapingcotton.In
twoweeksmorecommencesthesecondhoeing.Thistimethefurrowisthrowntowardsthecotton.Onlyonestalk,thelargest,isnowleftstandingineachhill.Inanotherfortnightitishoedthethirdtime,throwingthefurrowtowardsthecottoninthesamemannerasbefore,andkillingallthegrassbetweentherows.AboutthefirstofJuly,whenitisafoothighorthereabouts,itishoedthe
fourthandlasttime.Nowthewholespacebetweentherowsisploughed,leavingadeepwaterfurrowinthecenter.Duringallthesehoeingstheoverseerordriverfollowstheslavesonhorsebackwithawhip,suchashasbeendescribed.Thefastesthoertakestheleadrow.Heisusuallyaboutarodinadvanceofhiscompanions.Ifoneofthempasseshim,heiswhipped.If
onefallsbehindorisamomentidle,heiswhipped.Infact,thelashisflyingfrommorninguntilnight,thewholedaylong.ThehoeingseasonthuscontinuesfromApriluntilJuly,afieldhavingnosoonerbeenfinishedonce,thanitiscommencedagain.
InthelatterpartofAugustbeginsthecottonpickingseason.Atthistimeeach
slaveispresentedwithasack.Astrapisfastenedtoit,whichgoesovertheneck,holdingthemouthofthesackbreasthigh,whilethebottomreachesnearlytotheground.Eachoneisalsopresentedwithalargebasketthatwillholdabouttwobarrels.Thisistoputthecottoninwhenthesackisfilled.Thebasketsarecarriedtothefieldandplacedatthebeginningoftherows.
Whenanewhand,oneunaccustomedtothebusiness,issentforthefirsttimeintothefield,heiswhippedupsmartly,andmadeforthatdaytopickasfastashecanpossibly.Atnightitisweighed,sothathiscapabilityincottonpickingisknown.Hemustbringinthesameweighteachnightfollowing.Ifitfallsshort,itisconsideredevidencethathehasbeenlaggard,anda
greaterorlessnumberoflashesisthepenalty.
Anordinaryday’sworkistwohundredpounds.Aslavewhoisaccustomedtopicking,ispunished,ifheorshebringsinalessquantitythanthat.Thereisagreatdifferenceamongthemasregardsthiskindoflabor.Someofthemseemtohaveanaturalknack,orquickness,whichenablesthemtopick
withgreatcelerity,andwithbothhands,whileothers,withwhateverpracticeorindustry,areutterlyunabletocomeuptotheordinarystandard.Suchhandsaretakenfromthecottonfieldandemployedinotherbusiness.Patsey,ofwhomIshallhavemoretosay,wasknownasthemostremarkablecottonpickeronBayouBœuf.Shepickedwithbothhandsandwithsuchsurprisingrapidity,thatfive
hundredpoundsadaywasnotunusualforher.
Eachoneistasked,therefore,accordingtohispickingabilities,none,however,tocomeshortoftwohundredweight.I,beingunskillfulalwaysinthatbusiness,wouldhavesatisfiedmymasterbybringinginthelatterquantity,whileontheotherhand,Patseywouldsurelyhave
beenbeatenifshefailedtoproducetwiceasmuch.
Thecottongrowsfromfivetosevenfeethigh,eachstalkhavingagreatmanybranches,shootingoutinalldirections,andlappingeachotherabovethewaterfurrow.
Therearefewsightsmorepleasanttotheeye,thanawidecottonfieldwhenitisinthebloom.Itpresentsanappearanceofpurity,likean
immaculateexpanseoflight,new-fallensnow.
Sometimestheslavepicksdownonesideofarow,andbackupontheother,butmoreusually,thereisoneoneitherside,gatheringallthathasblossomed,leavingtheunopenedbollsforasucceedingpicking.Whenthesackisfilled,itisemptiedintothebasketandtroddendown.Itisnecessarytobe
extremelycarefulthefirsttimegoingthroughthefield,inordernottobreakthebranchesoffthestalks.Thecottonwillnotbloomuponabrokenbranch.Eppsneverfailedtoinflicttheseverestchastisementontheunluckyservantwho,eithercarelesslyorunavoidably,wasguiltyintheleastdegreeinthisrespect.
Thehandsarerequiredto
beinthecottonfieldassoonasitislightinthemorning,and,withtheexceptionoftenorfifteenminutes,whichisgiventhematnoontoswallowtheirallowanceofcoldbacon,theyarenotpermittedtobeamomentidleuntilitistoodarktosee,andwhenthemoonisfull,theyoftentimeslabortillthemiddleofthenight.Theydonotdaretostopevenatdinnertime,norreturntothe
quarters,howeverlateitbe,untiltheordertohaltisgivenbythedriver.
Theday’sworkoverinthefield,thebasketsare“toted,”orinotherwords,carriedtothegin-house,wherethecottonisweighed.Nomatterhowfatiguedandwearyhemaybe—nomatterhowmuchhelongsforsleepandrest—aslaveneverapproachesthegin-house
withhisbasketofcottonbutwithfear.Ifitfallsshortinweight—ifhehasnotperformedthefulltaskappointedhim,heknowsthathemustsuffer.Andifhehasexceededitbytenortwentypounds,inallprobabilityhismasterwillmeasurethenextday’staskaccordingly.So,whetherhehastoolittleortoomuch,hisapproachtothegin-houseisalwayswithfearandtrembling.Most
frequentlytheyhavetoolittle,andthereforeitistheyarenotanxioustoleavethefield.Afterweighing,followthewhippings;andthenthebasketsarecarriedtothecottonhouse,andtheircontentsstoredawaylikehay,allhandsbeingsentintotrampitdown.Ifthecottonisnotdry,insteadoftakingittothegin-houseatonce,itislaiduponplatforms,twofeethigh,andsomethreetimesas
wide,coveredwithboardsorplank,withnarrowwalksrunningbetweenthem.
Thisdone,thelaborofthedayisnotyetended,byanymeans.Eachonemustthenattendtohisrespectivechores.Onefeedsthemules,anothertheswine—anothercutsthewood,andsoforth;besides,thepackingisalldonebycandlelight.Finally,atalatehour,theyreachthe
quarters,sleepyandovercomewiththelongday’stoil.Thenafiremustbekindledinthecabin,thecorngroundinthesmallhand-mill,andsupper,anddinnerforthenextdayinthefield,prepared.Allthatisallowedthemiscornandbacon,whichisgivenoutatthecorncribandsmoke-houseeverySundaymorning.Eachonereceives,ashisweeklyallowance,threeandahalf
poundsofbacon,andcornenoughtomakeapeckofmeal.Thatisall—notea,coffee,sugar,andwiththeexceptionofaveryscantysprinklingnowandthen,nosalt.Icansay,fromatenyears’residencewithMasterEpps,thatnoslaveofhisiseverlikelytosufferfromthegout,superinducedbyexcessivehighliving.MasterEpps’hogswerefedonshelledcorn—itwasthrown
outtohis“niggers”intheear.Theformer,hethought,wouldfattenfasterbyshelling,andsoakingitinthewater—thelatter,perhaps,iftreatedinthesamemanner,mightgrowtoofattolabor.MasterEppswasashrewdcalculator,andknewhowtomanagehisownanimals,drunkorsober.
Thecornmillstandsintheyardbeneathashelter.Itis
likeacommoncoffeemill,thehopperholdingaboutsixquarts.TherewasoneprivilegewhichMasterEppsgrantedfreelytoeveryslavehehad.Theymightgrindtheircornnightly,insuchsmallquantitiesastheirdailywantsrequired,ortheymightgrindthewholeweek’sallowanceatonetime,onSundays,justastheypreferred.AverygenerousmanwasMasterEpps!
Ikeptmycorninasmallwoodenbox,themealinagourd;and,bytheway,thegourdisoneofthemostconvenientandnecessaryutensilsonaplantation.Besidessupplyingtheplaceofallkindsofcrockeryinaslavecabin,itisusedforcarryingwatertothefields.Another,also,containsthedinner.Itdispenseswiththenecessityofpails,dippers,basins,andsuchtinand
woodensuperfluitiesaltogether.
Whenthecornisground,andfireismade,thebaconistakendownfromthenailonwhichithangs,aslicecutoffandthrownuponthecoalstobroil.Themajorityofslaveshavenoknife,muchlessafork.Theycuttheirbaconwiththeaxeatthewoodpile.Thecornmealismixedwithalittlewater,placedinthe
fire,andbaked.Whenitis“donebrown,”theashesarescrapedoff,andbeingplaceduponachip,whichanswersforatable,thetenantoftheslavehutisreadytositdownuponthegroundtosupper.Bythistimeitisusuallymidnight.Thesamefearofpunishmentwithwhichtheyapproachthegin-house,possessesthemagainonlyingdowntogetasnatchofrest.Itisthefearofoversleeping
inthemorning.Suchanoffencewouldcertainlybeattendedwithnotlessthantwentylashes.Withaprayerthathemaybeonhisfeetandwideawakeatthefirstsoundofthehorn,hesinkstohisslumbersnightly.
Thesoftestcouchesintheworldarenottobefoundinthelogmansionoftheslave.TheonewhereonIreclinedyearafteryear,wasaplank
twelveincheswideandtenfeetlong.Mypillowwasastickofwood.Thebeddingwasacoarseblanket,andnotaragorshredbeside.Mossmightbeused,wereitnotthatitdirectlybreedsaswarmoffleas.
Thecabinisconstructedoflogs,withoutfloororwindow.Thelatterisaltogetherunnecessary,thecrevicesbetweenthelogs
admittingsufficientlight.Instormyweathertheraindrivesthroughthem,renderingitcomfortlessandextremelydisagreeable.Therudedoorhangsongreatwoodenhinges.Inoneendisconstructedanawkwardfire-place.
Anhourbeforedaylightthehornisblown.Thentheslavesarouse,preparetheirbreakfast,fillagourdwith
water,inanotherdeposittheirdinnerofcoldbaconandcorncake,andhurrytothefieldagain.Itisanoffenceinvariablyfollowedbyaflogging,tobefoundatthequartersafterdaybreak.Thenthefearsandlaborsofanotherdaybegin;anduntilitsclosethereisnosuchthingasrest.Hefearshewillbecaughtlaggingthroughtheday;hefearstoapproachthegin-housewithhisbasket-
loadofcottonatnight;hefears,whenheliesdown,thathewilloversleephimselfinthemorning.Suchisatrue,faithful,unexaggeratedpictureanddescriptionoftheslave’sdailylife,duringthetimeofcotton-picking,ontheshoresofBayouBœuf.
InthemonthofJanuary,generally,thefourthandlastpickingiscompleted.Thencommencestheharvestingof
corn.Thisisconsideredasecondarycrop,andreceivesfarlessattentionthanthecotton.Itisplanted,asalreadymentioned,inFebruary.Cornisgrowninthatregionforthepurposeoffatteninghogsandfeedingslaves;verylittle,ifany,beingsenttomarket.Itisthewhitevariety,theearofgreatsize,andthestalkgrowingtotheheightofeight,andoftentimestenfeet.InAugustthe
leavesarestrippedoff,driedinthesun,boundinsmallbundles,andstoredawayasprovenderforthemulesandoxen.Afterthistheslavesgothroughthefield,turningdowntheear,forthepurposeofkeepingtherainsfrompenetratingtothegrain.Itisleftinthisconditionuntilaftercotton-pickingisover,whetherearlierorlater.Thentheearsareseparatedfromthestalks,anddepositedin
thecorncribwiththehuskson;otherwise,strippedofthehusks,theweevilwoulddestroyit.Thestalksareleftstandinginthefield.
TheCarolina,orsweetpotato,isalsogrowninthatregiontosomeextent.Theyarenotfed,however,tohogsorcattle,andareconsideredbutofsmallimportance.Theyarepreservedbyplacingthemuponthesurfaceofthe
ground,withaslightcoveringofearthorcornstalks.ThereisnotacellaronBayouBœuf.Thegroundissolowitwouldfillwithwater.Potatoesareworthfromtwotothree“bits,”orshillingsabarrel;corn,exceptwhenthereisanunusualscarcity,canbepurchasedatthesamerate.
Assoonasthecottonandcorncropsaresecured,the
stalksarepulledup,thrownintopilesandburned.Theploughsarestartedatthesametime,throwingupthebedsagain,preparatorytoanotherplanting.Thesoil,intheparishesofRapidesandAvoyelles,andthroughoutthewholecountry,sofarasmyobservationextended,isofexceedingrichnessandfertility.Itisakindofmarl,ofabrownorreddishcolor.Itdoesnotrequirethose
invigoratingcompostsnecessarytomorebarrenlands,andonthesamefieldthesamecropisgrownformanysuccessiveyears.
Ploughing,planting,pickingcotton,gatheringthecorn,andpullingandburningstalks,occupiesthewholeofthefourseasonsoftheyear.Drawingandcuttingwood,pressingcotton,fatteningandkillinghogs,arebut
incidentallabors.
InthemonthofSeptemberorOctober,thohogsarerunoutoftheswampsbydogs,andconfinedinpens.Onacoldmorning,generallyaboutNewYear’sday,theyareslaughtered.Eachcarcassiscutintosixparts,andpiledoneabovetheotherinsalt,uponlargetablesinthesmoke-house.Inthisconditionitremainsa
fortnight,whenitishungup,andafirebuilt,andcontinuedmorethanhalfthetimeduringtheremainderoftheyear.Thisthoroughsmokingisnecessarytopreventthebaconfrombecominginfestedwithworms.Insowarmaclimateitisdifficulttopreserveit,andverymanytimesmyselfandmycompanionshavereceivedourweeklyallowanceofthreepoundsandahalf,when
itwasfullofthesedisgustingvermin.
Althoughtheswampsareoverrunwithcattle,theyarenevermadethesourceofprofit,toanyconsiderableextent.Theplantercutshismarkupontheear,orbrandshisinitialsupontheside,andturnsthemintotheswamps,toroamunrestrictedwithintheiralmostlimitlessconfines.Theyarethe
Spanishbreed,smallandspike-horned.IhaveknownofdrovesbeingtakenfromBayouBœuf,butitisofveryrareoccurrence.Thevalueofthebestcowsisaboutfivedollarseach.Twoquartsatonemilking,wouldbeconsideredanunusuallargequantity.Theyfurnishlittletallow,andthatofasoft,inferiorquality.Notwithstandingthegreatnumberofcowsthatthrong
theswamps,theplantersareindebtedtotheNorthfortheircheeseandbutter,whichispurchasedintheNew-Orleansmarket.Saltedbeefisnotanarticleoffoodeitherinthegreathouse,orinthecabin.
MasterEppswasaccustomedtoattendshootingmatchesforthepurposeofobtainingwhatfreshbeefherequired.These
sportsoccurredweeklyattheneighboringvillageofHolmesville.Fatbeevesaredriventhitherandshotat,astipulatedpricebeingdemandedfortheprivilege.Theluckymarksmandividesthefleshamonghisfellows,andinthismannertheattendingplantersaresupplied.
Thegreatnumberoftameanduntamedcattlewhich
swarmthewoodsandswampsofBayouBœuf,mostprobablysuggestedthatappellationtotheFrench,inasmuchastheterm,translated,signifiesthecreekorriverofthewildox.
Gardenproducts,suchascabbages,turnipsandthelike,arecultivatedfortheuseofthemasterandhisfamily.Theyhavegreensandvegetablesatalltimesand
seasonsoftheyear.“Thegrasswitherethandtheflowerfadeth”beforethedesolatingwindsofautumninthechillnorthernlatitudes,butperpetualverdureoverspreadsthehotlowlands,andflowersbloomintheheartofwinter,intheregionofBayouBœuf.
Therearenomeadowsappropriatedtothecultivationofthegrasses.Theleavesof
thecornsupplyasufficiencyoffoodforthelaboringcattle,whiletherestprovideforthemselvesalltheyearintheever-growingpasture.
Therearemanyotherpeculiaritiesofclimate,habit,custom,andofthemanneroflivingandlaboringattheSouth,buttheforegoing,itissupposed,willgivethereaderaninsightandgeneralideaoflifeonacottonplantationin
Louisiana.Themodeofcultivatingcane,andtheprocessofsugarmanufacturing,willbementionedinanotherplace.
CHAPTERXIIITHECURIOUSAXE-HEIVE—SYMPTOMSOFAPPROACHINGILLNESS—CONTINUESTODECLINE—THEWHIPINEFFECTUAL—CONFINEDTOTHECABIN—VISITBYDR.
WINES—PARTIALRECOVERY—FAILUREATCOTTONPICKING—WHATMAYBEHEARDONEPPS’PLANTATION—LASHESGRADUATED—EPPSINAWHIPPINGMOOD—EPPSINADANCINGMOODDESCRIPTIONOFTHEDANCE—LOSSOFRESTNOEXCUSE—EPPS’CHARACTERISTICS—
JIMBURNSREMOVALFROMHUFFPOWERTOBAYOUBŒUF—DESCRIPTIONOFUNCLEABRAM;OFWILEY;OFAUNTPHEBE;OFBOB,HENRY,ANDEDWARD;OFPATSEY;WITHAGENEALOGICALACCOUNTOFEACH—SOMETHINGOFTHEIRPASTHISTORY,ANDPECULIAR
CHARACTERISTICS—JEALOUSYANDLUST—PATSY,THEVICTIM.
ONmyarrivalatMasterEpps’,inobediencetohisorder,thefirstbusinessuponwhichIenteredwasthemakingofanaxe-helve.Thehandlesinusetherearesimplyaround,straightstick.Imadeacrookedone,shapedlikethosetowhichIhadbeen
accustomedattheNorth.Whenfinished,andpresentedtoEpps,helookedatitwithastonishment,unabletodetermineexactlywhatitwas.Hehadneverbeforeseensuchahandle,andwhenIexplaineditsconveniences,hewasforciblystruckwiththenoveltyoftheidea.Hekeptitinthehousealongtime,andwhenhisfriendscalled,waswonttoexhibititasacuriosity.
Itwasnowtheseasonofhoeing.Iwasfirstsentintothecorn-field,andafterwardssettoscrapingcotton.InthisemploymentIremaineduntilhoeingtimewasnearlypassed,whenIbegantoexperiencethesymptomsofapproachingillness.Iwasattackedwithchills,whichweresucceededbyaburningfever.Ibecameweakandemaciated,andfrequentlysodizzythatitcausedmetoreel
andstaggerlikeadrunk-onman.Nevertheless,Iwascompelledtokeepupmyrow.WheninhealthIfoundlittledifficultyinkeepingpacewithmyfellow-laborers,butnowitseemedtobeanutterimpossibility.OftenIfellbehind,whenthedriver’slashwassuretogreetmyback,infusingintomysickanddroopingbodyalittletemporaryenergy.Icontinuedtodeclineuntilat
lengththewhipbecameentirelyineffectual.Thesharpeststingoftherawhidecouldnotarouseme.Finally,inSeptember,whenthebusyseasonofcottonpickingwasathand,Iwasunabletoleavemycabin.UptothistimeIhadreceivednomedicine,noranyattentionfrommymasterormistress.Theoldcookvisitedmeoccasionally,preparingmecorn-coffee,andsometimesboilingabit
ofbacon,whenIhadgrowntoofeebletoaccomplishitmyself.
WhenitwassaidthatIwoulddie,MasterEpps,unwillingtobeartheloss,whichthedeathofananimalworthathousanddollarswouldbringuponhim,concludedtoincurtheexpenseofsendingtoHolmesvilleforDr.Wines.HeannouncedtoEppsthatit
wastheeffectoftheclimate,andtherewasaprobabilityofhislosingme.Hedirectedmetoeatnomeat,andtopartakeofnomorefoodthanwasabsolutelynecessarytosustainlife.Severalweekselapsed,duringwhichtime,underthescantydiettowhichIwassubjected,Ihadpartiallyrecovered.Onemorning,longbeforeIwasinaproperconditiontolabor,Eppsappearedatthecabin
door,and,presentingmeasack,orderedmetothecottonfield.AtthistimeIhadhadnoexperiencewhateverincottonpicking.Itwasanawkwardbusinessindeed.Whileothersusedbothhands,snatchingthecottonanddepositingitinthemouthofthesack,withaprecisionanddexteritythatwasincomprehensibletome,Ihadtoseizethebollwithonehand,anddeliberatelydraw
outthewhite,gushingblossomwiththeother.
Depositingthecottoninthesack,moreover,wasadifficultythatdemandedtheexerciseofbothhandsandeyes.Iwascompelledtopickitfromthegroundwhereitwouldfall,nearlyasoftenasfromthestalkwhereithadgrown.Imadehavocalsowiththebranches,loadedwiththeyetunbrokenbolls,
thelong,cumbersomesackswingingfromsidetosideinamannernotallowableinthecottonfield.AfteramostlaboriousdayIarrivedatthegin-housewithmyload.Whenthescaledetermineditsweighttobeonlyninety-fivepounds,nothalfthequantityrequiredofthepoorestpicker,Eppsthreatenedtheseverestflogging,butinconsiderationofmybeinga“rawhand,”concludedtopardonmeon
thatoccasionThefollowingday,andmanydayssucceeding,Ireturnedatnightwithnobettersuccess—Iwasevidentlynotdesignedforthatkindoflabor.Ihadnotthegift—thedexterousfingersandquickmotionofPatsey,whocouldflyalongonesideofarowofcotton,strippingitofitsundefiledandfleecywhitenessmiraculouslyfast.Practiceandwhippingwere
alikeunavailing,andEpps,satisfiedofitatlast,sworeIwasadisgrace—thatIwasnotfittoassociatewithacotton-picking“nigger”—thatIcouldnotpickenoughinadaytopaythetroubleofweighingit,andthatIshouldgointothecottonfieldnomore.Iwasnowemployedincuttingandhaulingwood,drawingcottonfromthefieldtothegin-house,andperformedwhateverother
servicewasrequired.SufficetosayIwasneverpermittedtobeidle.
Itwasrarelythatadaypassedbywithoutoneormorewhippings.Thisoccurredatthetimethecottonwasweighed.Thedelinquent,whoseweighthadfallenshort,wastakenout,stripped,madetolieupontheground,facedownwards,whenhereceiveda
punishmentproportionedtohisoffence.Itistheliteral,unvarnishedtruth,thatthecrackofthelash,andtheshriekingoftheslaves,canbeheardfromdarktillbedtime,onEpps’plantation,anydayalmostduringtheentireperiodofthecotton-pickingseason.
Thenumberoflashesisgraduatedaccordingtothenatureofthecase.Twenty-
fivearedeemedamerebrush,inflicted,forinstance,whenadryleaforpieceofbollisfoundinthecotton,orwhenabranchisbrokeninthefield;fiftyistheordinarypenaltyfollowingalldelinquenciesofthenexthighergrade;onehundrediscalledsevere:itisthepunishmentinflictedfortheseriousoffenceofstandingidleinthefield;fromonehundredandfiftytotwohundredisbestowed
uponhimwhoquarrelswithhiscabin-mates,andfivehundred,welllaidon,besidesthemanglingofthedogs,perhaps,iscertaintoconsignthepoor,unpitiedrunawaytoweeksofpainandagony.
DuringthetwoyearsEppsremainedontheplantationatBayouHuffPower,hewasinthehabit,asoftenasonceinafortnightatleast,ofcominghomeintoxicatedfrom
Holmesville.Theshooting-matchesalmostinvariablyconcludedwithadebauch.Atsuchtimeshewasboisterousandhalf-crazy.Oftenhewouldbreakthedishes,chairs,andwhateverfurniturehecouldlayhishandson.Whensatisfiedwithhisamusementinthehouse,hewouldseizethewhipandwalkforthintotheyard.Thenitbehoovedtheslavestobewatchfulandexceedingwary.
Thefirstonewhocamewithinreachfeltthesmartofhislash.Sometimesforhourshewouldkeepthemrunninginalldirections,dodgingaroundthecornersofthecabins.Occasionallyhewouldcomeupononeunawares,andifhesucceededininflictingafair,roundblow,itwasafeatthatmuchdelightedhim.Theyoungerchildren,andtheaged,whohadbecome
inactive,sufferedthen.Inthemidstoftheconfusionhewouldslilytakehisstandbehindacabin,waitingwithraisedwhip,todashitintothefirstblackfacethatpeepedcautiouslyaroundthecorner.
Atothertimeshewouldcomehomeinalessbrutalhumor.Thentheremustbeamerry-making.Thenallmustmovetothemeasureofatune.ThenMasterEppsmust
needsregalehismelodiousearswiththemusicofafiddle.Thendidhebecomebuoyant,elastic,gaily“trippingthelightfantastictoe”aroundthepiazzaandallthroughthehouse.
Tibeats,atthetimeofmysale,hadinformedhimIcouldplayontheviolin.HehadreceivedhisinformationfromFord.ThroughtheimportunitiesofMistress
Epps,herhusbandhadbeeninducedtopurchasemeoneduringavisittoNew-Orleans.FrequentlyIwascalledintothehousetoplaybeforethefamily,mistressbeingpassionatelyfondofmusic.
Allofuswouldbeassembledinthelargeroomofthegreathouse,wheneverEppscamehomeinoneofhisdancingmoods.Nomatterhowwornoutandtiredwe
were,theremustbeageneraldance.Whenproperlystationedonthefloor,Iwouldstrikeupatune.
“Dance,youd—dniggers,dance,”Eppswouldshout.
Thentheremustbenohaltingordelay,nosloworlanguidmovements;allmustbebrisk,andlively,andalert.“Upanddown,heelandtoe,andawaywego,”wastheorderofthehour.Epps’
portlyformmingledwiththoseofhisduskyslaves,movingrapidlythroughallthemazesofthedance.
Usuallyhiswhipwasinhishand,readytofallabouttheearsofthepresumptuousthrall,whodaredtorestamoment,orevenstoptocatchhisbreath.Whenhewashimselfexhausted,therewouldbeabriefcessation,butitwouldbeverybrief.
Withaslash,andcrack,andflourishofthewhip,hewouldshoutagain,“Dance,niggers,dance,”andawaytheywouldgooncemore,pell-mell,whileI,spurredbyanoccasionalsharptouchofthelash,satinacorner,extractingfrommyviolinamarvelousquick-steppingtune.Themistressoftenupbraidedhim,declaringshewouldreturntoherfather’shouseatCheneyville;
nevertheless,thereweretimesshecouldnotrestrainaburstoflaughter,onwitnessinghisuproariouspranks.Frequently,wewerethusdetaineduntilalmostmorning.Bentwithexcessivetoil—actuallysufferingforalittlerefreshingrest,andfeelingratherasifwecouldcastourselvesupontheearthandweep,manyanightinthehouseofEdwinEppshavehisunhappyslavesbeenmadeto
danceandlaugh.
Notwithstandingthesedeprivationsinordertogratifythewhimofanunreasonablemaster,wehadtobeinthefieldassoonasitwaslight,andduringthedayperformtheordinaryandaccustomedtask.Suchdeprivationscouldnotbeurgedatthescalesinextenuationofanylackofweight,orinthecornfieldfor
nothoeingwiththeusualrapidity.Thewhippingswerejustassevereasifwehadgoneforthinthemorning,strengthenedandinvigoratedbyanight’srepose.Indeed,aftersuchfranticrevels,hewasalwaysmoresourandsavagethanbefore,punishingforslightercauses,andusingthewhipwithincreasedandmorevindictiveenergy.
TenyearsItoiledforthat
manwithoutreward.Tenyearsofmyincessantlaborhascontributedtoincreasethebulkofhispossessions.TenyearsIwascompelledtoaddresshimwithdown-casteyesanduncoveredhead—intheattitudeandlanguageofaslave.Iamindebtedtohimfornothing,saveundeservedabuseandstripes.
Beyondthereachofhisinhumanthong,andstanding
onthesoilofthefreeStatewhereIwasborn,thanksbetoHeaven,Icanraisemyheadoncemoreamongmen.IcanspeakofthewrongsIhavesuffered,andofthosewhoinflictedthem,withupraisedeyes.ButIhavenodesiretospeakofhimoranyotheroneotherwisethantruthfully.YettospeaktruthfullyofEdwinEppswouldbetosay—heisamaninwhoseheartthequalityof
kindnessorofjusticeisnotfound.Arough,rudeenergy,unitedwithanuncultivatedmindandanavariciousspirit,arehisprominentcharacteristics.Heisknownasa“niggerbreaker,”distinguishedforhisfacultyofsubduingthespiritoftheslave,andpridinghimselfuponhisreputationinthisrespect,asajockeyboastsofhisskillinmanagingarefractoryhorse.Helooked
uponacoloredman,notasahumanbeing,responsibletohisCreatorforthesmalltalententrustedtohim,butasa“chattelpersonal,”asmereliveproperty,nobetter,exceptinvalue,thanhismuleordog.Whentheevidence,clearandindisputable,waslaidbeforehimthatIwasafreeman,andasmuchentitledtomylibertyashe—when,onthedayIleft,hewasinformedthatIhada
wifeandchildren,asdeartomeashisownbabestohim,heonlyravedandswore,denouncingthelawthattoremefromhim,anddeclaringhewouldfindoutthemanwhohadforwardedtheletterthatdisclosedtheplaceofmycaptivity,iftherewasanyvirtueorpowerinmoney,andwouldtakehislife.Hethoughtofnothingbuthisloss,andcursedmeforhavingbeenbornfree.He
couldhavestoodunmovedandseenthetonguesofhispoorslavestornoutbytheroots—hecouldhaveseenthemburnedtoashesoveraslowfire,orgnawedtodeathbydogs,ifitonlybroughthimprofit.Suchahard,cruel,unjustmanisEdwinEpps.
TherewasbutonegreatersavageonBayouBœufthanhe.JimBurns’plantationwascultivated,asalready
mentioned,exclusivelybywomen.Thatbarbariankepttheirbackssosoreandraw,thattheycouldnotperformthecustomarylabordemandeddailyoftheslave.Heboastedofhiscruelty,andthroughallthecountryroundwasaccountedamorethorough-going,energeticmanthanevenEpps.Abrutehimself,JimBurnshadnotaparticleofmercyforhissubjectbrutes,andlikeafool,
whippedandscourgedawaytheverystrengthuponwhichdependedhisamountofgain.
EppsremainedonHuffPowertwoyears,when,havingaccumulatedaconsiderablesumofmoney,heexpendeditinthepurchaseoftheplantationontheeastbankofBayouBœuf,wherehestillcontinuestoreside.Hetookpossessionofitin1845,aftertheholidays
werepassed.Hecarriedthitherwithhimnineslaves,allofwhom,exceptmyself,andSusan,whohassincedied,remainthereyet.Hemadenoadditiontothisforce,andforeightyearsthefollowingweremycompanionsinhisquarters,viz:Abram,Wiley,Phebe,Bob,Henry,Edward,andPatsey.Allthese,exceptEdward,bornsince,werepurchasedoutofadroveby
EppsduringthetimehewasoverseerforArchyB.Williams,whoseplantationissituatedontheshoreofRedRiver,notfarfromAlexandria.
Abramwastall,standingafullheadaboveanycommonman.Heissixtyyearsofage,andwasborninTennessee.Twentyyearsago,hewaspurchasedbyatrader,carriedintoSouthCarolina,andsold
toJamesBuford,ofWilliamsburghcounty,inthatState.Inhisyouthhewasrenownedforhisgreatstrength,butageandunremittingtoilhavesomewhatshatteredhispowerfulframeandenfeebledhismentalfaculties.
Wileyisforty-eight.HewasbornontheestateofWilliamTassle,andformanyyearstookchargeofthat
gentleman’sferryovertheBigBlackRiver,inSouthCarolina.
PhebewasaslaveofBuford,Tassle’sneighbor,andhavingmarriedWiley,heboughtthelatter,atherinstigation.Bufordwasakindmaster,sheriffofthecounty,andinthosedaysamanofwealth.
BobandHenryarePhebe’schildren,byaformer
husband,theirfatherhavingbeenabandonedtogiveplacetoWiley.ThatseductiveyouthhadinsinuatedhimselfintoPhebe’saffections,andthereforethefaithlessspousehadgentlykickedherfirsthusbandoutofhercabindoor.EdwardhadbeenborntothemonBayouHuffPower.
Patseyistwenty-three—alsofromBuford’s
plantation.Sheisinnowiseconnectedwiththeothers,butgloriesinthefactthatsheistheoffspringofa“Guineanigger,”broughtovertoCubainaslaveship,andinthecourseoftradetransferredtoBuford,whowashermother’sowner.
This,asIlearnedfromthem,isagenealogicalaccountofmymaster’sslaves.Foryearstheyhad
beentogether.Oftentheyrecalledthememoriesofotherdays,andsighedtoretracetheirstepstotheoldhomeinCarolina.TroublescameupontheirmasterBuford,whichbroughtfargreatertroublesuponthem.Hebecameinvolvedindebt,andunabletobearupagainsthisfailingfortunes,wascompelledtosellthese,andothersofhisslaves.Inachaingangtheyhadbeendriven
frombeyondtheMississippitotheplantationofArchyB.Williams.EdwinEpps,who,foralongwhilehadbeenhisdriverandoverseer,wasaboutestablishinghimselfinbusinessonhisownaccount,atthetimeoftheirarrival,andacceptedtheminpaymentofhiswages.
OldAbramwasakind-heartedbeing—asortofpatriarchamongus,fondof
entertaininghisyoungerbrethrenwithgraveandseriousdiscourse.Hewasdeeplyversedinsuchphilosophyasistaughtinthecabinoftheslave;butthegreatabsorbinghobbyofUncleAbramwasGeneralJackson,whomhisyoungmasterinTennesseehadfollowedtothewars.Helovedtowanderback,inimagination,totheplacewherehewasborn,andto
recountthescenesofhisyouthduringthosestirringtimeswhenthenationwasinarms.Hehadbeenathletic,andmorekeenandpowerfulthanthegeneralityofhisrace,butnowhiseyehadbecomedim,andhisnaturalforceabated.Veryoften,indeed,whilediscussingthebestmethodofbakingthehoe-cake,orexpatiatingatlargeuponthegloryofJackson,hewouldforget
wherehelefthishat,orhishoe,orhisbasket;andthenwouldtheoldmanbelaughedat,ifEppswasabsent,andwhippedifhewaspresent.Sowasheperplexedcontinually,andsighedtothinkthathewasgrowingagedandgoingtodecay.PhilosophyandJacksonandforgetfulnesshadplayedthemischiefwithhim,anditwasevidentthatallofthemcombinedwerefastbringingdownthegrayhairs
ofUncleAbramtothegrave.
AuntPhebehadbeenanexcellentfieldhand,butlatterlywasputintothekitchen,wheresheremained,exceptoccasionally,inatimeofuncommonhurry.Shewasaslyoldcreature,andwhennotinthepresenceofhermistressorhermaster,wasgarrulousintheextreme.
Wiley,onthecontrary,wassilent.Heperformedhistask
withoutmurmurorcomplaint,seldomindulgingintheluxuryofspeech,excepttoutterawishthathewasawayfromEpps,andbackoncemoreinSouthCarolina.
BobandHenryhadreachedtheagesoftwentyandtwenty-three,andweredistinguishedfornothingextraordinaryorunusual,whileEdward,aladof
thirteen,notyetabletomaintainhisrowinthecornorthecottonfield,waskeptinthegreathouse,towaitonthelittleEppses.
Patseywasslimandstraight.Shestooderectasthehumanformiscapableofstanding.Therewasanairofloftinessinhermovement,thatneitherlabor,norweariness,norpunishmentcoulddestroy.Truly,Patsey
wasasplendidanimal,andwereitnotthatbondagehadenshroudedherintellectinutterandeverlastingdarkness,wouldhavebeenchiefamongtenthousandofherpeople.Shecouldleapthehighestfences,andafleethounditwasindeed,thatcouldoutstripherinarace.Nohorsecouldflingherfromhisback.Shewasaskillfulteamster.Sheturnedastrueafurrowasthebest,andat
splittingrailstherewerenonewhocouldexcelher.Whentheordertohaltwasheardatnight,shewouldhavehermulesatthecrib,unharnessed,fedandcurried,beforeuncleAbramhadfoundhishat.Not,however,foralloranyofthese,wasshechieflyfamous.Suchlightning-likemotionwasinherfingersasnootherfingerseverpossessed,andthereforeitwas,thatincottonpicking
time,Patseywasqueenofthefield.
Shehadagenialandpleasanttemper,andwasfaithfulandobedient.Naturally,shewasajoyouscreature,alaughing,light-heartedgirl,rejoicinginthemeresenseofexistence.YetPatseyweptoftener,andsufferedmore,thananyofhercompanions.Shehadbeenliterallyexcoriated.Her
backborethescarsofathousandstripes;notbecauseshewasbackwardinherwork,norbecauseshewasofanunmindfulandrebelliousspirit,butbecauseithadfallentoherlottobetheslaveofalicentiousmasterandajealousmistress.Sheshrankbeforethelustfuleyeoftheone,andwasindangerevenofherlifeatthehandsoftheother,andbetweenthetwo,shewasindeedaccursed.
Inthegreathouse,fordaystogether,therewerehighandangrywords,poutingsandestrangement,whereofshewastheinnocentcause.Nothingdelightedthemistresssomuchastoseehersuffer,andmorethanonce,whenEppshadrefusedtosellher,hasshetemptedmewithbribestoputhersecretlytodeath,andburyherbodyinsomelonelyplaceinthemarginoftheswamp.Gladly
wouldPatseyhaveappeasedthisunforgivingspirit,ifithadbeeninherpower,butnotlikeJoseph,daredsheescapefromMasterEpps,leavinghergarmentinhishand.Patseywalkedunderacloud.Ifsheutteredawordinoppositiontohermaster’swill,thelashwasresortedtoatonce,tobringhertosubjection;ifshewasnotwatchfulwhenabouthercabin,orwhenwalkinginthe
yard,abilletofwood,orabrokenbottleperhaps,hurledfromhermistress’hand,wouldsmiteherunexpectedlyintheface.Theenslavedvictimoflustandhate,Patseyhadnocomfortofherlife.
Theseweremycompanionsandfellow-slaves,withwhomIwasaccustomedtobedriventothefield,andwithwhomithasbeenmylottodwellfor
tenyearsinthelogcabinsofEdwinEpps.They,ifliving,areyettoilingonthebanksofBayouBœuf,neverdestinedtobreathe,asInowdo,theblessedairofliberty,nortoshakeofftheheavyshacklesthatenthrallthem,untiltheyshallliedownforeverinthedust.
CHAPTERXIV.DESTRUCTIONOFTHECOTTONCROPIN1846—DEMANDFORLABORERSINST.MARY’SPARISH—SENTTHITHERINADROVE—THEORDEROFTHEMARCH—THE
GRANDCOTEAU—HIREDTOJUDGETURNERONBAYOUSALLE—APPOINTEDDRIVERINHISSUGARHOUSE—SUNDAYSERVICESSLAVEFURNITURE,HOWOBTAINED—THEPARTYATYARNEY’SINCENTREVILLE—GOODFORTUNE—THECAPTAINOFTHESTEAMER—HIS
REFUSALTOSECRETEME—RETURNTOBAYOUBŒUF—SIGHTOFTIBEATS—PATSEY’SSORROWS—TUMULTANDCONTENTION—HUNTINGTHECOONANDOPOSSUM—THECUNNINGOFTHELATTER—THELEANCONDITIONOFTHESLAVE—DESCRIPTIONOFTHEFISHTRAP—
THEMURDEROFTHEMANFROMNATCHEZ—EPPSCHALLENGEDBYMARSHALL—THEINFLUENCEOFSLAVERY—THELOVEOFFREEDOM.
THEfirstyearofEpps’residenceonthebayou,1845,thecaterpillarsalmosttotallydestroyedthecottoncropthroughoutthatregion.There
waslittletobedone,sothattheslaveswerenecessarilyidlehalfthetime.However,therecamearumortoBayouBœufthatwageswerehigh,andlaborersingreatdemandonthesugarplantationsinSt.Mary’sparish.ThisparishissituatedonthecoastoftheGulfofMexico,aboutonehundredandfortymilesfromAvoyelles.TheRioTeche,aconsiderablestream,flowsthroughSt.Mary’stothe
gulf.
Itwasdeterminedbytheplanters,onthereceiptofthisintelligence,tomakeupadroveofslavestobesentdowntoTuckapawinSt.Mary’s,forthepurposeofhiringthemoutinthecanefields.Accordingly,inthemonthofSeptember,therewereonehundredandforty-sevencollectedatHolmesville,Abram,Boband
myselfamongthenumber.Oftheseaboutone-halfwerewomen.Epps,AlonsonPierce,HenryToler,andAddisonRoberts,werethewhitemen,selectedtoaccompany,andtakechargeofthedrove.Theyhadatwo-horsecarriageandtwosaddlehorsesfortheiruse.Alargewagon,drawnbyfourhorses,anddrivenbyJohn,aboybelongingtoMr.Roberts,carriedtheblanketsand
provisions.
About2o’clockintheafternoon,havingbeenfed,preparationsweremadetodepart.Thedutyassignedmewas,totakechargeoftheblanketsandprovisions,andseethatnonewerelostbytheway.Thecarriageproceededinadvance,thewagonfollowing;behindthistheslaveswerearranged,whilethetwohorsemenbroughtup
therear,andinthisordertheprocessionmovedoutofHolmesville.
ThatnightwereachedaMr.McCrow’splantation,adistanceoftenorfifteenmiles,whenwewereorderedtohalt.Largefireswerebuilt,andeachonespreadinghisblanketontheground,laiddownuponit.Thewhitemenlodgedinthegreathouse.Anhourbeforedaywewere
arousedbythedriverscomingamongus,crackingtheirwhipsandorderingustoarise.Thentheblanketswererolledup,andbeingseverallydeliveredtomeanddepositedinthewagon,theprocessionsetforthagain.
Thefollowingnightitrainedviolently.Wewerealldrenched,ourclothessaturatedwithmudandwater.Reachinganopenshed,
formerlyagin-house,wefoundbeneathitsuchshelterasitafforded.Therewasnotroomforallofustolaydown.Thereweremained,huddledtogether,throughthenight,continuingourmarch,asusual,inthemorning.Duringthejourneywewerefedtwiceaday,boilingourbaconandbakingourcorn-cakeatthefiresinthesamemannerasinourhuts.WepassedthroughLafayetteville,
Mountsville,New-Town,toCentreville,whereBobandUncleAbramwerehired.Ournumberdecreasedasweadvanced—nearlyeverysugarplantationrequiringtheservicesofoneormore.
OnourroutewepassedtheGrandCoteauorprairie,avastspaceoflevel,monotonouscountry,withoutatree,exceptanoccasionalonewhichhadbeen
transplantednearsomedilapidateddwelling.Itwasoncethicklypopulated,andundercultivation,butforsomecausehadbeenabandoned.Thebusinessofthescatteredinhabitantsthatnowdwelluponitisprincipallyraisingcattle.Immenseherdswerefeedingnponitaswepassed.InthecentreoftheGrandCoteauonefeelsasifhewereontheocean,outofsightofland.As
farastheeyecansee,inalldirections,itisbutaruinedanddesertedwaste.
IwashiredtoJudgeTurner,adistinguishedmanandextensiveplanter,whoselargeestateissituatedonBayouSalle,withinafewmilesofthegulf.BayouSalleisasmallstreamflowingintothebayofAtchafalaya.ForsomedaysIwasemployedatTurner’sin
repairinghissugarhouse,whenacaneknifewasputintomyhand,andwiththirtyorfortyothers,Iwassentintothefield.IfoundnosuchdifficultyinlearningtheartofcuttingcanethatIhadinpickingcotton.Itcametomenaturallyandintuitively,andinashorttimeIwasabletokeepupwiththefastestknife.Beforethecuttingwasover,however,JudgeTannertransferredmefromthefield
tothesugarhouse,toactthereinthecapacityofdriver.Fromthetimeofthecommencementofsugarmakingtotheclose,thegrindingandboilingdoesnotceasedayornight.Thewhipwasgivenmewithdirectionstouseituponanyonewhowascaughtstandingidle.IfIfailedtoobeythemtotheletter,therewasanotheroneformyownback.Inadditiontothismydutywastocallon
andoffthedifferentgangsatthepropertime.Ihadnoregularperiodsofrest,andcouldneversnatchbutafewmomentsofsleepatatime.
ItisthecustominLouisiana,asIpresumeitisinotherslaveStates,toallowtheslavetoretainwhatevercompensationhemayobtainforservicesperformedonSundays.Inthisway,only,aretheyabletoprovide
themselveswithanyluxuryorconveniencewhatever.Whenaslave,purchased,orkidnappedintheNorth,istransportedtoacabinonBayouBœuf,heisfurnishedwithneitherknife,norforknordish,norkettle,noranyotherthingintheshapeofcrockery,orfurnitureofanynatureordescription.Heisfurnishedwithablanketbeforehereachesthere,andwrappingthataroundhim,he
caneitherstandup,orliedownupontheground,oronaboard,ifhismasterhasnouseforit.Heisatlibertytofindagourdinwhichtokeephismeal,orhecaneathiscornfromthecob,justashepleases.Toaskthemasterforaknife,orskillet,oranysmallconvenienceofthekind,wouldbeansweredwithakick,orlaughedatasajoke.Whatevernecessaryarticleofthisnatureisfound
inacabinhasbeenpurchasedwithSundaymoney.Howeverinjurioustothemorals,itiscertainlyablessingtothephysicalconditionoftheslave,tobepermittedtobreaktheSabbath.Otherwisetherewouldbenowaytoprovidehimselfwithanyutensils,whichseemtobeindispensabletohimwhoiscompelledtobehisowncook.
Oncaneplantationsinsugartime,thereisnodistinctionastothedaysoftheweek.ItiswellunderstoodthatallhandsmustlaborontheSabbath,anditisequallywellunderstoodthatthoseespeciallywhoarehired,asIwastoJudgeTurner,andothersinsucceedingyears,shallreceiveremunerationforit.Itisusual,also,inthemosthurryingtimeofcotton-
picking,torequirethesameextraservice.Fromthissource,slavesgenerallyareaffordedanopportunityofearningsufficienttopurchaseaknife,akettle,tobaccoandsoforth.Thefemales,discardingthelatterluxury,areapttoexpendtheirlittlerevenueinthepurchaseofgaudyribbons,wherewithaltodecktheirhairinthemerryseasonoftheholidays.
IremainedinSt.Mary’suntilthefirstofJanuary,duringwhichtimemySundaymoneyamountedtotendollars.Imetwithothergoodfortune,forwhichIwasindebtedtomyviolin,myconstantcompanion,thesourceofprofit,andsootherofmysorrowsduringyearsofservitude.TherewasagrandpartyofwhitesassembledatMr.Yarney’s,inCentreville,ahamletinthevicinityof
Turner’splantation.Iwasemployedtoplayforthem,andsowellpleasedwerethemerry-makerswithmyperformance,thatacontributionwastakenformybenefit,whichamountedtoseventeendollars.
Withthissuminpossession,Iwaslookeduponbymyfellowsasamillionaire.Itaffordedmegreatpleasuretolookatit—
tocountitoverandoveragain,dayafterday.Visionsofcabinfurniture,ofwaterpails,ofpocketknives,newshoesandcoatsandhats,floatedthroughmyfancy,andupthroughallrosethetriumphantcontemplation,thatIwasthewealthiest“nigger”onBayouBœuf.
VesselsrunuptheRioTechetoCentreville.Whilethere,Iwasboldenoughone
daytopresentmyselfbeforethecaptainofasteamer,andbegpermissiontohidemyselfamongthefreight.Iwasemboldenedtoriskthehazardofsuchastep,fromoverhearingaconversation,inthecourseofwhichIascertainedhewasanativeoftheNorth.Ididnotrelatetohimtheparticularsofmyhistory,butonlyexpressedanardentdesiretoescapefromslaverytoafreeState.He
pitiedme,butsaiditwouldbeimpossibletoavoidthevigilantcustomhouseofficersinNew-Orleans,andthatdetectionwouldsubjecthimtopunishment,andhisvesseltoconfiscation.Myearnestentreatiesevidentlyexcitedhissympathies,anddoubtlesshewouldhaveyieldedtothem,couldhehavedonesowithanykindofsafety.Iwascompelledtosmotherthesuddenflamethatlightedup
mybosomwithsweethopesofliberation,andturnmystepsoncemoretowardstheincreasingdarknessofdespair.
ImmediatelyafterthiseventthedroveassembledatCentreville,andseveraloftheownershavingarrivedandcollectedthemoniesdueforourservices,weweredrivenbacktoBayouBœuf.Itwasonourreturn,whilepassing
throughasmallvillage,thatIcaughtsightofTibeats,seatedinthedoorofadirtygrocery,lookingsomewhatseedyandoutofrepair.Passionandpoorwhisky,Idoubtnot,haveerethislaidhimontheshelf.
Duringourabsence,IlearnedfromAuntPhebeandPatsey,thatthelatterhadbeengettingdeeperanddeeperintotrouble.Thepoor
girlwastrulyanobjectofpity.“OldHogjaw,”thenamebywhichEppswascalled,whentheslaveswerebythemselves,hadbeatenhermoreseverelyandfrequentlythanever.AssurelyashecamefromHolmesville,elatedwithliquor—anditwasofteninthosedays—hewouldwhipher,merelytogratifythemistress;wouldpunishhertoanextentalmostbeyondendurance,foran
offenceofwhichhehimselfwasthesoleandirresistiblecause.Inhissobermomentshecouldnotalwaysbeprevailedupontoindulgehiswife’sinsatiablethirstforvengeance.
ToberidofPatsey—toplaceherbeyondsightorreach,bysale,ordeath,orinanyothermanner,oflateyears,seemedtobetherulingthoughtandpassionofmy
mistress.Patseyhadbeenafavoritewhenachild,eveninthegreathouse.Shehadbeenpettedandadmiredforheruncommonsprightlinessandpleasantdisposition.Shehadbeenfedmanyatime,soUncleAbramsaid,evenonbiscuitandmilk,whenthemadam,inheryoungerdays,waswonttocallhertothepiazza,andfondleherasshewouldaplayfulkitten.Butasadchangehadcomeoverthe
spiritofthewoman.Now,onlyblackandangryfiendsministeredinthetempleofherheart,untilshecouldlookonPatseybutwithconcentratedvenom.
MistressEppswasnotnaturallysuchanevilwoman,afterall.Shewaspossessedofthedevil,jealousy,itistrue,butasidefromthat,therewasmuchinhercharactertoadmire.Herfather,Mr.
Roberts,residedinCheneyville,aninfluentialandhonorableman,andasmuchrespectedthroughouttheparishasanyothercitizen.ShehadbeenwelleducatedatsomeinstitutionthissidetheMississippi;wasbeautiful,accomplished,andusuallygood-humored.ShewaskindtoallofusbutPatsey—frequently,intheabsenceofherhusband,sendingouttoussomelittle
daintyfromherowntable.Inothersituations—inadifferentsocietyfromthatwhichexistsontheshoresofBayouBœuf,shewouldhavebeenpronouncedanelegantandfascinatingwoman.AnillwinditwasthatblewherintothearmsofEpps.
Herespectedandlovedhiswifeasmuchasacoarsenaturelikehisiscapableofloving,butsupremesel
fishnessalwaysovermasteredconjugalaffection.
“Helovedaswellasbasernaturescan,Butameanheartandsoulwereinthatman.”
Hewasreadytogratifyanywhim—tograntanyrequestshemade,provideditdidnotcosttoomuch.Patseywas
equaltoanytwoofhisslavesinthecottonfield.Hecouldnotreplaceherwiththesamemoneyshewouldbring.Theideaofdisposingofher,therefore,couldnotbeentertained.Themistressdidnotregardheratallinthatlight.Theprideofthehaughtywomanwasaroused;thebloodofthefierysouthernboiledatthesightofPatsey,andnothinglessthantramplingoutthelifeofthe
helplessbondwomanwouldsatisfyher.
Sometimesthecurrentofherwrathturneduponhimwhomshehadjustcausetohate.Butthestormofangrywordswouldpassoveratlength,andtherewouldbeaseasonofcalmagain.AtsuchtimesPatseytrembledwithfear,andcriedasifherheartwouldbreak,forsheknewfrompainfulexperience,that
ifmistressshouldworkherselftothered-hotpitchofrage,EppswouldquietheratlastwithapromisethatPatseyshouldbeflogged—apromisehewassuretokeep.Thusdidpride,andjealousy,andvengeancewarwithavariceandbrute-passioninthemansionofmymaster,fillingitwithdailytumultandcontention.Thus,upontheheadofPatsey—thesimple-mindedslave,inwhoseheart
Godhadimplantedtheseedsofvirtue—theforceofallthesedomestictempestsspentitselfatlast.
DuringthesummersucceedingmyreturnfromSt.Mary’sparish,Iconceivedaplanofprovidingmyselfwithfood,which,thoughsimple,succeededbeyondexpectation.Ithasbeenfollowedbymanyothersinmycondition,upanddown
thebayou,andofsuchbenefithasitbecomethatIamalmostpersuadedtolookuponmyselfasabenefactor.Thatsummerthewormsgotintothebacon.Nothingbutravenoushungercouldinduceustoswallowit.Theweeklyallowanceofmealscarcelysufficedtosatisfyus.Itwascustomarywithus,asitiswithallinthatregion,wheretheallowanceisexhaustedbeforeSaturdaynight,orisin
suchastateastorenderitnauseousanddisgusting,tohuntintheswampsforcoonandopossum.This,however,mustbedoneatnight,aftertheday’sworkisaccomplished.Thereareplanterswhoseslaves,formonthsatatime,havenoothermeatthansuchasisobtainedinthismanner.Noobjectionsaremadetohunting,inasmuchasitdispenseswithdraftsupon
thesmoke-house,andbecauseeverymaraudingcoonthatiskilledissomuchsavedfromthestandingcorn.Theyarehuntedwithdogsandclubs,slavesnotbeingallowedtheuseoffire-arms.
Thefleshofthecoonispalatable,butverilythereisnothinginallbutcherdomsodeliciousasaroasted‘possum.Theyarearound,ratherlong-bodied,little
animal,ofawhitishcolor,withnoselikeapig,andcaudalextremitylikearat.Theyburrowamongtherootsandinthehollowsofthegumtree,andareclumsyandslowofmotion.Theyaredeceitfulandcunningcreatures.Onreceivingtheslightesttapofastick,theywillrolloveronthegroundandfeigndeath.Ifthehunterleaveshim,inpursuitofanother,withoutfirsttakingparticularpainsto
breakhisneck,thechancesare,onhisreturn,heisnottobefound.Thelittleanimalhasoutwittedtheenemy—has“played’possum”—andisoff.Butafteralongandhardday’swork,thewearyslavefeelslittlelikegoingtotheswampforhissupper,andhalfthetimeprefersthrowinghimselfonthecabinfloorwithoutit.Itisfortheinterestofthemasterthattheservantshouldnotsufferinhealth
fromstarvation,anditisalsoforhisinterestthatheshouldnotbecomegrossfromover-feeding.Intheestimationoftheowner,aslaveisthemostserviceablewheninratheraleanandlankcondition,suchaconditionastherace-horseisin,whenfittedforthecourse,andinthatconditiontheyaregenerallytobefoundonthesugarandcottonplantationsalongRedRiver.
Mycabinwaswithinafewrodsofthebayoubank,andnecessitybeingindeedthemotherofinvention,Iresolveduponamodeofobtainingtherequisiteamountoffood,withoutthetroubleofresortingnightlytothewoods.Thiswastoconstructafishtrap.Having,inmymind,conceivedthemannerinwhichitcouldbedone,thenextSundayIsetaboutputtingitintopractical
execution.Itmaybeimpossibleformetoconveytothereaderafullandcorrectideaofitsconstruction,butthefollowingwillserveasageneraldescription:
Aframebetweentwoandthreefeetsquareismade,andofagreaterorlessheight,accordingtothedepthofwater.Boardsorslatsarenailedonthreesidesofthisframe,notsoclosely,
however,astopreventthewatercirculatingfreelythroughit.Adoorisfittedintothefourthside,insuchmannerthatitwillslideeasilyupanddowninthegroovescutinthetwoposts.Amovablebottomisthensofittedthatitcanberaisedtothetopoftheframewithoutdifficulty.Inthecentreofthemovablebottomanaugerholeisbored,andintothisoneendofahandleorround
stickisfastenedontheundersidesolooselythatitwillturn.Thehandleascendsfromthecentreofthemovablebottomtothetopoftheframe,orasmuchhigherasisdesirable.Upanddownthishandle,inagreatmanyplaces,aregimletholes,throughwhichsmallsticksareinserted,extendingtooppositesidesoftheframe.Somanyofthesesmallsticksarerunningoutfromthe
handleinalldirections,thatafishofanyconsiderabledimensionscannotpassthroughwithouthittingoneofthem.Theframeisthenplacedinthewaterandmadestationary.
Thetrapis“set”byslidingordrawingupthedoor,andkeptinthatpositionbyanotherstick,oneendofwhichrestsinanotchontheinnerside,theotherendina
notchmadeinthehandle,runningupfromthecentreofthemovablebottom.Thetrapisbaitedbyrollingahandfulofwetmealandcottontogetheruntilitbecomeshard,anddepositingitinthebackpartoftheframe.Afishswimmingthroughtheupraiseddoortowardsthebait,necessarilystrikesoneofthesmallsticksturningthehandle,whichdisplacingthesticksupportingthedoor,the
latterfalls,securingthefishwithintheframe.Takingholdofthetopofthehandle,themovablebottomisthendrawnuptothesurfaceofthewater,andthefishtakenout.Theremayhavebeenothersuchtrapsinusebeforeminewasconstructed,butiftherewereIhadneverhappenedtoseeone.BayouBœufaboundsinfishoflargesizeandexcellentquality,andafterthistimeIwasvery
rarelyinwantofoneformyself,orformycomrades.Thusaminewasopened—anewresourcewasdeveloped,hithertounthoughtofbytheenslavedchildrenofAfrica,whotoilandhungeralongtheshoresofthatsluggish,butprolificstream.
AboutthetimeofwhichIamnowwriting,aneventoccurredinourimmediateneighborhood,whichmadea
deepimpressionuponme,andwhichshowsthestateofsocietyexistingthere,andthemannerinwhichaffrontsareoftentimesavenged.Directlyoppositeourquarters,ontheothersideofthebayou,wassituatedtheplantationofMr.Marshall.Hebelongedtoafamilyamongthemostwealthyandaristocraticinthecountry.AgentlemanfromthevicinityofNatchezhadbeennegotiatingwithhimfor
thepurchaseoftheestate.Onedayamessengercameingreathastetoourplantation,sayingthatabloodyandfearfulbattlewasgoingonatMarshall’s—thatbloodhadbeenspilled—andunlessthecombatantswereforthwithseparated,theresultwouldbedisastrous.
OnrepairingtoMarshall’shouse,ascenepresenteditselfthatbeggarsdescription.On
thefloorofoneoftheroomslaytheghastlycorpseofthemanfromNatchez,whileMarshall,enragedandcoveredwithwoundsandblood,wasstalkingbackandforth,“breathingoutthreateningsandslaughter.”Adifficultyhadariseninthecourseoftheirnegotiation,highwordsensued,whendrawingtheirweapons,thedeadlystrifebeganthatendedsounfortunately.Marshall
wasneverplacedinconfinement.AsortoftrialorinvestigationwashadatMarksville,whenhewasacquitted,andreturnedtohisplantation,rathermorerespected,asIthought,thanever,fromthefactthatthebloodofafellowbeingwasonhissoul.
Eppsinterestedhimselfinhisbehalf,accompanyinghimtoMarksville,andonall
occasionsloudlyjustifyinghim,buthisservicesinthisrespectdidnotafterwardsdeterakinsmanofthissameMarshallfromseekinghislifealso.Abrawloccurredbetweenthemoveragambling-table,whichterminatedinadeadlyfeud.Ridinguponhorsebackinfrontofthehouseoneday,armedwithpistolsandbowieknife,Marshallchallengedhimtocomeforthandmakea
finalsettlementofthequarrel,orhewouldbrandhimasacoward,andshoothimlikeadogthefirstopportunity.Notthroughcowardice,norfromanyconscientiousscruples,inmyopinion,butthroughtheinfluenceofhiswife,hewasrestrainedfromacceptingthechallengeofhisenemy.Areconciliation,however,waseffectedafterward,sincewhichtimetheyhavebeenontermsoftheclosestintimacy.
Suchoccurrences,whichwouldbringuponthepartiesconcernedinthemmeritedandcondignpunishmentintheNorthernStates,arefrequentonthebayou,andpasswithoutnotice,andalmostwithoutcomment.Everymancarrieshisbowieknife,andwhentwofallout,theysettoworkhackingandthrustingateachother,morelikesavagesthancivilizedandenlightenedbeings.
TheexistenceofSlaveryinitsmostcruelformamongthemhasatendencytobrutalizethehumaneandfinerfeelingsoftheirnature.Dailywitnessesofhumansuffering—listeningtotheagonizingscreechesoftheslave—beholdinghimwrithingbeneaththemercilesslash—bittenandtornbydogs—dyingwithoutattention,andburiedwithoutshroudorcoffin—itcannot
otherwisebeexpected,thanthattheyshouldbecomebrutifiedandrecklessofhumanlife.Itistruetherearemanykind-heartedandgoodmenintheparishofAvoyelles—suchmenasWilliamFord—whocanlookwithpityuponthesufferingsofaslave,justasthereare,overalltheworld,sensitiveandsympatheticspirits,whocannotlookwithindifferenceuponthesufferingsofany
creaturewhichtheAlmightyhasendowedwithlife.Itisnotthefaultoftheslaveholderthatheiscruel,somuchasitisthefaultofthesystemunderwhichhelives.Hecannotwithstandtheinfluenceofhabitandassociationsthatsurroundhim.Taughtfromearliestchildhood,byallthatheseesandhears,thattherodisfortheslave’sback,hewillnotbeapttochangehisopinions
inmatureryears.
Theremaybehumanemasters,astherecertainlyareinhumanones—theremaybeslaveswell-clothed,well-fed,andhappy,astheresurelyarethosehalf-clad,half-starvedandmiserable;nevertheless,theinstitutionthattoleratessuchwrongandinhumanityasIhavewitnessed,isacruel,unjust,andbarbarousone.Menmaywritefictions
portrayinglowlylifeasitis,orasitisnot—mayexpatiatewithowlishgravityupontheblissofignorance—discourseflippantlyfromarmchairsofthepleasuresofslavelife;butletthemtoilwithhiminthefield—sleepwithhiminthecabin—feedwithhimonhusks;letthembeholdhimscourged,hunted,trampledon,andtheywillcomebackwithanotherstoryintheirmouths.Letthemknowthe
heartofthepoorslave—learnhissecretthoughts—thoughtshedarenotutterinthehearingofthewhiteman;letthemsitbyhiminthesilentwatchesofthenight—conversewithhimintrustfulconfidence,of“life,liberty,andthepursuitofhappiness,”andtheywillfindthatninety-nineoutofeveryhundredareintelligentenoughtounderstandtheirsituation,andtocherishintheirbosoms
theloveoffreedom,aspassionatelyasthemselves.
CHAPTERXVLABORSONSUGARPLANTATIONS—THEMODEorPLANTINGCANE—OFHOEINGCANE—CANERICKS—CUTTINGCANE—DESCRIPTIONOFTHECANEKNIFE—
WINROWINGPREPARINGFORSUCCEEDINGCROPS—DESCRIPTIONOF—WINROWING—PREPARINGFORSUCCEEDINGCROPS—DESCRIPTIONOFHAWKINS’SUGARMILLONBAYOUBŒUF—THECHRISTMASHOLIDAYS—THECARNIVALSEASONOFTHECHILDRENOF
BONDAGE—THECHRISTMASSUPPER—RED,THEFAVORITECOLOR—THEVIOLIN,ANDTHECONSOLATIONITAFFORDED—THECHRISTMASDANCE—LIVELY,THECOQUETTE—BAMROBERTS,ANDHISRIVALS—SLAVESONGS—SOUTHERNLIEEASITIS—THREE
DAYSINTHEYEAR—THESYSTEMOFMARRIAGE—UNCLEABRAN’SCONTEMPTOFMATRIMONY.
Inconsequenceofmyinabilityincotton-picking,Eppswasinthehabitofhiringmeoutonsugarplantationsduringtheseasonofcane-cuttingandsugar-making.Hereceivedformy
servicesadollaraday,withthemoneysupplyingmyplaceonhiscottonplantation.Cuttingcanewasanemploymentthatsuitedme,andforthreesuccessiveyearsIheldtheleadrowatHawkins’,leadingagangoffromfiftytoanhundredhands.
Inapreviouschapterthemodeofcultivatingcottonisdescribed.Thismaybethe
properplacetospeakofthemannerofcultivatingcane.
Thegroundispreparedinbeds,thesameasitispreparedforthereceptionofthecottonseed,exceptitisplougheddeeper.Drillsaremadeinthesamemanner.PlantingcommencesinJanuary,andcontinuesuntilApril.Itisnecessarytoplantasugarfieldonlyonceinthreeyears.Threecropsare
takenbeforetheseedorplantisexhausted.
Threegangsareemployedintheoperation.Onedrawsthecanefromtherick,orstack,cuttingthetopandflagsfromthestalk,leavingonlythatpartwhichissoundandhealthy.Eachjointofthecanehasaneye,liketheeyeofapotato,whichsendsforthasproutwhenburiedinthesoil.Anotherganglaysthe
caneinthedrill,placingtwostalkssidebysideinsuchmannerthatjointswilloccuronceinfourorsixinches.Thethirdgangfollowswithhoes,drawingearthuponthestalks,andcoveringthemtothedepthofthreeinches.
Infourweeks,atthefarthest,thesproutsappearabovetheground,andfromthistimeforwardgrowwithgreatrapidity.Asugarfieldis
hoedthreetimes,thesameascotton,savethatagreaterquantityofearthisdrawntotheroots.BythefirstofAugusthoeingisusuallyover.AboutthemiddleofSeptember,whateverisrequiredforseediscutandstackedinricks,astheyaretermed.InOctoberitisreadyforthemillorsugar-house,andthenthegeneralcuttingbegins.Thebladeofacane-knifeisfifteenincheslong,
threeincheswideinthemiddle,andtaperingtowardsthepointandhandle.Thebladeisthin,andinordertobeatallserviceablemustbekeptverysharp.Everythirdhandtakestheleadoftwoothers,oneofwhomisoneachsideofhim.Theleadhand,inthefirstplace,withablowofhisknifeshearstheflagsfromthestalk.Henextcutsoffthetopdownasfarasitisgreen.Hemustbecareful
toseverallthegreenfromtheripepart,inasmuchasthejuiceoftheformersoursthemolasses,andrendersitunsalable.Thenheseversthestalkattheroot,andlaysitdirectlybehindhim.Hisrightandlefthandcompanionslaytheirstalks,whencutinthesamemanner,uponhis.Toeverythreehandsthereisacart,whichfollows,andthestalksarethrownintoitbytheyoungerslaves,whenitis
drawntothesugar-houseandground.
Iftheplanterapprehendsafrost,thecaneiswin-rowed.Winrowingisthecuttingthestalksatanearlyperiodandthrowingthemlengthwiseinthewaterfurrowinsuchamannerthatthetopswillcoverthebuttsofthestalks.Theywillremaininthisconditionthreeweeksoramonthwithoutsouring,and
securefromfrost.Whenthepropertimearrives,theyaretakenup,trimmedandcartedtothesugar-house.
InthemonthofJanuarytheslavesenterthefieldagaintoprepareforanothercrop.Thegroundisnowstrewnwiththetops,andflagscutfromthepastyear’scane.Onadrydayfireissettothiscombustiblerefuse,whichsweepsoverthefield,leaving
itbareandclean,andreadyforthehoes.Theearthisloosenedabouttherootsoftheoldstubble,andinprocessoftimeanothercropspringsupfromthelastyear’sseed.Itisthesametheyearfollowing;butthethirdyeartheseedhasexhausteditsstrength,andthefieldmustbeploughedandplantedagain.Thesecondyearthecaneissweeterandyieldsmorethanthefirst,andthe
thirdyearmorethanthesecond.
DuringthethreeseasonsIlaboredonHawkins’plantation,Iwasemployedaconsiderableportionofthetimeinthesugar-house.Heiscelebratedastheproducerofthefinestvarietyofwhitesugar.Thefollowingisageneraldescriptionofhissugar-houseandtheprocessofmanufacture:
Themillisanimmensebrickbuilding,standingontheshoreofthebayou.Runningoutfromthebuildingisanopenshed,atleastanhundredfeetinlengthandfortyorfiftyfeetinwidth.Theboilerinwhichthesteamisgeneratedissituatedoutsidethemainbuilding;themachineryandenginerestonabrickpier,fifteenfeetabovethefloor,withinthebodyofthe
building.Themachineryturnstwogreatironrollers,betweentwoandthreefeetindiameterandsixoreightfeetinlength.Theyareelevatedabovethebrickpier,androllintowardseachother.Anendlesscarrier,madeofchainandwood,likeleathernbeltsusedinsmallmills,extendsfromtheironrollersoutofthemainbuildingandthroughtheentirelengthoftheopenshed.Thecartsin
whichthecaneisbroughtfromthefieldasfastasitiscut,areunloadedatthesidesoftheshed.Allalongtheendlesscarrierarerangedslavechildren,whosebusinessitistoplacethecaneuponit,whenitisconveyedthroughtheshedintothemainbuilding,whereitfallsbetweentherollers,iscrushed,anddropsuponanothercarrierthatconveysitoutofthemainbuildinginan
oppositedirection,depositingitinthetopofachimneyuponafirebeneath,whichconsumesit.Itisnecessarytoburnitinthismanner,becauseotherwiseitwouldsoonfillthebuilding,andmoreespeciallybecauseitwouldsoonsourandengenderdisease.Thejuiceofthecanefallsintoaconductorunderneaththeironrollers,andiscarriedintoareservoir.Pipesconveyit
fromthenceintofivefilterers,holdingseveralhogsheadseach.Thesefilterersarefilledwithbone-black,asubstanceresemblingpulverizedcharcoal.Itismadeofbonescalcinatedinclosevessels,andisusedforthepurposeofdecolorizing,byfiltration,thecanejuicebeforeboiling.Throughthesefivefilterersitpassesinsuccession,andthenrunsintoalargereservoirunderneaththegroundfloor,
fromwhenceitiscarriedup,bymeansofasteampump,intoaclarifiermadeofsheetiron,whereitisheatedbysteamuntilitboils.Fromthefirstclarifieritiscarriedinpipestoasecondandathird,andthenceintocloseironpans,throughwhichtubespass,filledwithsteam.Whileinaboilingstateitflowsthroughthreepansinsuccession,andisthencarriedinotherpipesdownto
thecoolersonthegroundfloor.Coolersarewoodenboxeswithsievebottomsmadeofthefinestwire.Assoonasthesyruppassesintothecoolers,andismetbytheair,itgrains,andthemolassesatonceescapesthroughthesievesintoacisternbelow.Itisthenwhiteorloafsugarofthefinestkind—clear,clean,andaswhiteassnow.Whencool,itistakenout,packedinhogsheads,andisreadyfor
market.Themolassesisthencarriedfromthecisternintotheupperstoryagain,andbyanotherprocessconvertedintobrownsugar.
Therearelargermills,andthoseconstructeddifferentlyfromtheonethusimperfectlydescribed,butnone,perhaps,morecelebratedthanthisanywhereonBayouBœuf.Lambert,ofNew-Orleans,isapartnerofHawkins.Heisa
manofvastwealth,holding,asIhavebeentold,aninterestinoverfortydifferentsugarplantationsinLouisiana.
Theonlyrespitefromconstantlabortheslavehasthroughthewholeyear,isduringtheChristmasholidays.Eppsallowedus
three—othersallowfour,fiveandsixdays,accordingtothemeasureoftheirgenerosity.Itistheonlytimetowhichtheylookforwardwithanyinterestorpleasure.Theyaregladwhennightcomes,notonlybecauseitbringsthemafewhoursrepose,butbecauseitbringsthemonedaynearerChristmas.Itishailedwithequaldelightbytheoldandtheyoung;evenUncleAbramceasestoglorify
AndrewJackson,andPatseyforgetshermanysorrows,amidthegeneralhilarityoftheholidays.Itisthetimeoffeasting,andfrolicking,andfiddling—thecarnivalseasonwiththechildrenofbondage.Theyaretheonlydayswhentheyareallowedalittlerestrictedliberty,andheartilyindeeddotheyenjoyit.
Itisthecustomforoneplantertogivea“Christmas
supper,”invitingtheslavesfromneighboringplantationstojoinhisownontheoccasion;forinstance,oneyearitisgivenbyEpps,thenextbyMarshall,thenextbyHawkins,andsoon.Usuallyfromthreetofivehundredareassembled,comingtogetheronfoot,incarts,onhorseback,onmules,ridingdoubleandtriple,sometimesaboyandgirl,atothersagirlandtwoboys,andatothers
againaboy,agirlandanoldwoman.UncleAbramastrideamule,withAuntPhebeandPatseybehindhim,trottingtowardsaChristmassupper,wouldbenouncommonsightonBayouBœuf.
Then,too,“ofalldaysi’theyear,”theyarraythemselvesintheirbestattire.Thecottoncoathasbeenwashedclean,thestumpofatallowcandlehasbeen
appliedtotheshoes,andifsofortunateastopossessarimlessoracrownlesshat,itisplacedjauntilyonthehead.Theyarewelcomedwithequalcordiality,however,iftheycomebare-headedandbarefootedtothefeast.Asageneralthing,thewomenwearhandkerchiefstiedabouttheirheads,butifchancehasthrownintheirwayafieryredribbon,oracast-offbonnetoftheirmistress’
grandmother,itissuretobewornonsuchoccasions.Red—thedeepbloodred—isdecidedlythefavoritecoloramongtheenslaveddamselsofmyacquaintance.Ifaredribbondoesnotencircletheneck,youwillbecertaintofindallthehairoftheirwoollyheadstiedupwithredstringsofonesortoranother.
Thetableisspreadintheopenair,andloadedwith
varietiesofmeatandpilesofvegetables.Baconandcornmealatsuchtimesaredispensedwith.Sometimesthecookingisperformedinthekitchenontheplantation,atothersintheshadeofwidebranchingtrees.Inthelattercase,aditchisdugintheground,andwoodlaidinandburneduntilitisfilledwithglowingcoals,overwhichchickens,ducks,turkeys,pigs,andnotunfrequentlythe
entirebodyofawildox,areroasted.Theyarefurnishedalsowithflour,ofwhichbiscuitsaremade,andoftenwithpeachandotherpreserves,withtarts,andeverymanneranddescriptionofpies,exceptthemince,thatbeinganarticleofpastryasyetunknownamongthem.Onlytheslavewhohaslivedalltheyearsonhisscantyallowanceofmealandbacon,canappreciatesuchsuppers.
Whitepeopleingreatnumbersassembletowitnessthegastronomicalenjoyments.
Theyseatthemselvesattherustictable—themalesononeside,thefemalesontheother.Thetwobetweenwhomtheremayhavebeenanexchangeoftenderness,invariablymanagetositopposite;fortheomnipresentCupiddisdainsnottohurlhis
arrowsintothesimpleheartsofslaves.Unalloyedandexultinghappinesslightsupthedarkfacesofthemall.Theivoryteeth,contrastingwiththeirblackcomplexions,exhibittwolong,whitestreaksthewholeextentofthetable.Allroundthebountifulboardamultitudeofeyesrollinecstacy.Gigglingandlaughterandtheclatteringofcutleryandcrockerysucceed.Cuf.fee’s
elbowhuncheshisneighbor’sside,impelledbyaninvoluntaryimpulseofdelight;NellyshakesherfingeratSamboandlaughs,sheknowsnotwhy,andsothefunandmerrimentflowson.
Whentheviandshavedisappeared,andthehungrymawsofthechildrenoftoilaresatisfied,then,nextintheorderofamusement,isthe
Christmasdance.Mybusinessonthesegaladaysalwayswastoplayontheviolin.TheAfricanraceisamusic-lovingone,proverbially;andmanytherewereamongmyfellow-bondsmenwhoseorgansoftunewerestrikinglydeveloped,andwhocouldthumbthebanjowithdexterity;butattheexpenseofappearingegotistical,Imust,nevertheless,declare,
thatIwasconsideredtheOleBullofBayouBœuf.Mymasteroftenreceivedletters,sometimesfromadistanceoftenmiles,requestinghimtosendmetoplayataballorfestivalofthewhites.Hereceivedhiscompensation,andusuallyIalsoreturnedwithmanypicayunesjinglinginmypockets—theextracontributionsofthosetowhosedelightIhadadministered.InthismannerI
becamemoreacquaintedthanIotherwisewould,upanddownthebayou.TheyoungmenandmaidensofHolmesvillealwaysknewtherewastobeajollificationsomewhere,wheneverPlattEppswasseenpassingthroughthetownwithhisfiddleinhishand.“Whereareyougoingnow,Platt?”and“Whatiscomingofftonight,Platt?”wouldbeinterrogatoriesissuingfrom
everydoorandwindow,andmanyatimewhentherewasnospecialhurry,yieldingtopressingimportunitics,Plattwoulddrawhisbow,andsittingastridehismule,perhaps,discoursemusicallytoacrowdofdelightedchildren,gatheredaroundhiminthestreet.
Alas!haditnotbeenformybelovedviolin,IscarcelycanconceivehowIcould
haveenduredthelongyearsofbondage.Itintroducedmetogreathouses—relievedmeofmanydays’laborinthefield—suppliedmewithconveniencesformycabin—withpipesandtobacco,andextrapairsofshoes,andoftentimesledmeawayfromthepresenceofahardmaster,towitnessscenesofjollityandmirth.Itwasmycompanion—thefriendofmybosom—triumphingloudly
whenIwasjoyful,andutteringitssoft,melodiousconsolationswhenIwassad.Often,atmidnight,whensleephadfledaffrightedfromthecabin,andmysoulwasdisturbedandtroubledwiththecontemplationofmyfate,itwouldsingmeasongofpeace.OnholySabbathdays,whenanhourortwoofleisurewasallowed,itwouldaccompanymetosomequietplaceonthebayoubank,and,
liftingupitsvoice,discoursekindlyandpleasantlyindeed.Itheraldedmynameroundthecountry—mademefriends,who,otherwisewouldnothavenoticedme—gavemeanhonoredseatattheyearlyfeasts,andsecuredtheloudestandheartiestwelcomeofthemallattheChristmasdance.TheChristmasdance!Oh,yepleasure-seekingsonsanddaughtersofidleness,who
movewithmeasuredstep,listlessandsnail-like,throughtheslow-windingcotillon,ifyewishtolookuponthecelerity,ifnotthe“poetryofmotion”—upongenuinehappiness,rampantandunrestrained—godowntoLouisiana,andseetheslavesdancinginthestarlightofaChristmasnight.
OnthatparticularChristmasIhavenowinmy
mind,adescriptionwhereofwillserveasadescriptionofthedaygenerally,MissLivelyandMr.Sam,thefirstbelongingtoStewart,thelattertoRoberts,startedtheball.ItwaswellknownthatSamcherishedanardentpassionforLively,asalsodidoneofMarshall’sandanotherofCarey’sboys;forLivelywaslivelyindeed,andaheart-breakingcoquettewithal.Itwasavictoryfor
SamRoberts,when,risingfromtherepast,shegavehimherhandforthefirst“figure”inpreferencetoeitherofhisrivals.Theyweresomewhatcrest-fallen,and,shakingtheirheadsangrily,ratherintimatedtheywouldliketopitchintoMr.Samandhurthimbadly.ButnotanemotionofwrathruffledtheplacidbosomofSamuel,ashislegsflewlikedrum-sticksdowntheoutsideandupthe
middle,bythesideofhisbewitchingpartner.Thewholecompanycheeredthemvociferously,and,excitedwiththeapplause,theycontinued“tearingdown”afteralltheothershadbecomeexhaustedandhaltedamomenttorecoverbreath.ButSam’ssuperhumanexertionsovercamehimfinally,leavingLivelyalone,yetwhirlinglikeatop.ThereupononeofSam’s
rivals,PeteMarshall,dashedin,and,withmightandmain,leapedandshuffledandthrewhimselfintoeveryconceivableshape,asifdeterminedtoshowMissLivelyandalltheworldthatSamRobertswasofnoaccount.
Pete’saffection,however,wasgreaterthanhisdiscretion.Suchviolentexercisetookthebreathout
ofhimdirectly,andhedroppedlikeanemptybag.ThenwasthetimeforHarryCareytotryhishand;butLivelyalsosoonout-windedhim,amidsthurrahsandshouts,fullysustainingherwell-earnedreputationofbeingthe“fastestgal”onthebayou.
One“set”off,anothertakesitsplace,heorsheremaininglongestonthe
floorreceivingthemostuproariouscommendation,andsothedancingcontinuesuntilbroaddaylight.Itdoesnotceasewiththesoundofthefiddle,butinthatcasetheysetupamusicpeculiartothemselves.Thisiscalled“patting”accompaniedwithoneofthoseunmeaningsongs,composedratherforitsadaptationtoacertaintuneormeasure,thanforthepurposeofexpressinganydistinct
idea.Thepattingisperformedbystrikingthehandsontheknees,thenstrikingthehandstogether,thenstrikingtherightshoulderwithonehand,theleftwiththeother—allthewhilekeepingtimewiththefeet,andsinging,perhaps,thissong:
“Harper’screekandroarin’ribber,
Thar,mydear,we’llliveforebber;Denwe’llgotodeInginnation,AllIwantindiscreation,Isprettylittlewifeandbigplantation.
Chorus.Updatoakanddowndatribber,Twooverseersandonelittlenigger”
Or,ifthesewordsarenotadaptedtothetunecalledfor,itmaybethat“OldHogEye”is—arathersolemnandstartlingspecimenofversification,not,however,tobeappreciatedunlessheardattheSouth.Itrunnethasfollows:
“Who’sbeenheresinceI’vebeengone?Pretty
littlegalwidajoseyon.
HogEye!OldHogEye,
AndHoseytoo!
NeverseedolikesinceIwasborn,Herecomealittlegalwidajoseyon.
HogEye!OldHogEye!
AndHoseytoo!”
Or,maybethefollowing,perhaps,equallynonsensical,butfullofmelody,nevertheless,asitflowsfromthenegro’smouth:
“EboDickandJurdan’sJo,Themtwoniggersstolemyyo’.
Chorus.HopJimalong,WalkJimalong,
TalkJimalong,”&c.
OldblackDan,asblackastar,Hedamgladhewasnotdar.
HopJimalong,”&c.
DuringtheremainingholidayssucceedingChristmas,theyareprovidedwithpasses,andpermittedtogowheretheypleasewithinalimiteddistance,ortheymay
remainandlaborontheplantation,inwhichcasetheyarepaidforit.Itisveryrarely,however,thatthelatteralternativeisaccepted.Theymaybeseenatthesetimeshurryinginalldirections,ashappylookingmortalsascanbefoundonthefaceoftheearth.Theyaredifferentbeingsfromwhattheyareinthefield;thetemporaryrelaxation,thebriefdeliverancefromfear,and
fromthelash,producinganentiremetamorphosisintheirappearanceanddemeanor.Invisiting,riding,renewingoldfriendships,or,perchance,revivingsomeoldattachment,orpursuingwhateverpleasuremaysuggestitself,thetimeisoccupied.Suchis“southernlifeasitis,”threedaysintheyear,asIfoundit—theotherthreehundredandsixty-twobeingdaysofweariness,and
fear,andsuffering,andunremittinglabor.
Marriageisfrequentlycontractedduringtheholidays,ifsuchaninstitutionmaybesaidtoexistamongthem.Theonlyceremonyrequiredbeforeenteringintothat“holyestate,”istoobtaintheconsentoftherespectiveowners.Itisusuallyencouragedbythemastersoffemaleslaves.Eitherparty
canhaveasmanyhusbandsorwivesastheownerwillpermit,andeitherisatlibertytodiscardtheotheratpleasure.Thelawinrelationtodivorce,ortobigamy,andsoforth,isnotapplicabletoproperty,ofcourse.Ifthewifedoesnotbelongonthesameplantationwiththehusband,thelatterispermittedtovisitheronSaturdaynights,ifthedistanceisnottoofar.Uncle
Abram’swifelivedsevenmilesfromEpps’,onBayouHuffPower.Hehadpermissiontovisitheronceafortnight,buthewasgrowingold,ashasbeensaid,andtruthtosay,hadlatterlywellnighforgottenher.UncleAbramhadnotimetosparefromhismeditationsonGeneralJackson—connubialdalliancebeingwellenoughfortheyoungandthoughtless,butunbecoming
agraveandsolemnphilosopherlikehimself.
CHAPTERXVI.OVERSEERS—HOWTHEYAREARMEDANDACCOMPANIED—THEHOMICIDE—HISEXECUTIONATMARKSVILLE—SLAVE-DRIVERS—APPOINTEDDRIVERONREMOVING
TOBAYOUBŒUF—PRACTICEMAKESPERFECT—EPPS’ATTEMPTTOOUTPLATT’STHROAT—THEESCAPEFROMHIM—PROTECTEDBYTHEMISTRESS—FORBIDEREADINGANDWRITING—OBTAINASHEETOFPAPERAFTERNINEYEARS’EFFORT—THELETTER—ARMSBY,
THEMEANWHITE—PARTIALLYCONFIDEINHIM—HISTREACHERY—EPPS’SUSPICIONS—HOWTHEYWEREQUIETED—BURNINGTHELETTER—ARMSBYLEAVESTHEBAYOU—DISAPPOINTMENTANDDESPAIR.
WITHtheexceptionofmy
triptoSt.Mary’sparish,andmyabsenceduringthecane-cuttingseasons,IwasconstantlyemployedontheplantationofMasterEpps.Hewasconsideredbutasmallplanter,nothavingasufficientnumberofhandstorequiretheservicesofanoverseer,actinginthelattercapacityhimself.Notabletoincreasehisforce,itwashiscustomtohireduringthehurryofcotton-picking.
Onlargerestates,employingfiftyorahundred,orperhapstwohundredhands,anoverseerisdeemedindispensable.Thesegentlemenrideintothefieldonhorseback,withoutanexception,tomyknowledge,armedwithpistols,bowieknife,whip,andaccompaniedbyseveraldogs.Theyfollow,equippedinthisfashion,inrearoftheslaves,keepingasharplookoutuponthemall.
Therequisitequalificationsinanoverseerareutterheartlessness,brutalityandcruelty.Itishisbusinesstoproducelargecrops,andifthatisaccomplished,nomatterwhatamountofsufferingitmayhavecost.Thepresenceofthedogsarenecessarytooverhaulafugitivewhomaytaketohisheels,asissometimesthecase,whenfaintorsick,heisunabletomaintinhisrow,
andunable,also,toendurethewhip.Thepistolsarereservedforanydangerousemergency,therehavingbeeninstanceswhensuchweaponswerenecessary.Goadedintouncontrollablemadness,eventheslavewillsometimesturnuponhisoppressor.ThegallowswerestandingatMarksvillelastJanuary,uponwhichonewasexecutedayearagoforkillinghisoverseer.Itoccurrednot
manymilesfromEpps’plantationonRedRiver.Theslavewasgivenhistaskatsplittingrails.Inthecourseofthedaytheoverseersenthimonanerrand,whichoccupiedsomuchtimethatitwasnotpossibleforhimtoperformthetask.Thenextdayhewascalledtoanaccount,butthelossoftimeoccasionedbytheerrandwasnoexcuse,andhewasorderedtokneelandbarehisbackforthereceptionof
thelash.Theywereinthewoodsalone—beyondthereachofsightorhearing.Theboysubmitteduntilmaddenedatsuchinjustice,andinsanewithpain,hesprangtohisfeet,andseizinganaxe,literallychoppedtheoverseerinpieces.Hemadenoattemptwhateveratconcealment,buthasteningtohismaster,relatedthewholeaffair,anddeclaredhimselfreadytoexpiatethewrongby
thesacrificeofhislife.Hewasledtothescaffold,andwhiletheropewasaroundhisneck,maintainedanundismayedandfearlessbearing,andwithhislastwordsjustifiedtheact.
Besidestheoverseer,therearedriversunderhimthenumberbeinginproportiontothenumberofhandsinthefield.Thedriversareblack,who,inadditiontothe
performanceoftheirequalshareofwork,arecompelledtodothewhippingoftheirseveralgangs.Whipshangaroundtheirnecks,andiftheyfailtousethemthoroughly,arewhippedthemselves.Theyhaveafewprivileges,however;forexample,incane-cuttingthehandsarenotallowedtositdownlongenoughtoeattheirdinners.Cartsfilledwithcorncake,cookedatthekitchen,
aredrivenintothefieldatnoon.Thecakeisdistributedbythedrivers,andmustbeeatenwiththeleastpossibledelay.
Whentheslaveceasestoperspire,asheoftendoeswhentaxedbeyondhisstrength,hefallstothegroundandbecomesentirelyhelpless.Itisthenthedutyofthedrivertodraghimintotheshadeofthestandingcotton
orcane,orofaneighboringtree,wherehedashesbucketsofwateruponhim,andusesothermeansofbringingoutperspirationagain,whenheisorderedtohisplace,andcompelledtocontinuehislabor.
AtHuffPower,whenIfirstcametoEpps’,Tom,oneofRoberts’negroes,wasdriver.Hewasaburlyfellow,andsevereintheextreme.After
Epps’removaltoBayouBœuf,thatdistinguishedhonorwasconferreduponmyself.UptothetimeofmydepartureIhadtowearawhipaboutmyneckinthefield.IfEppswaspresent,Idarednotshowanylenity,nothavingtheChristianfortitudeofacertainwell-knownUncleTomsufficientlytobravehiswrath,byrefusingtoperformtheoffice.Inthatway,only,I
escapedtheimmediatemartyrdomhesuffered,and,withal,savedmycompanionsmuchsuffering,asitprovedintheend.Epps,Isoonfound,whetheractuallyinthefieldornot,hadhiseyesprettygenerallyuponus.Fromthepiazza,frombehindsomeadjacenttree,orotherconcealedpointofobservation,hewasperpetuallyonthewatch.Ifoneofushadbeenbackward
oridlethroughtheday,wewereapttobetoldallaboutitonreturningtothequarters,andasitwasamatterofprinciplewithhimtoreproveeveryoffenceofthatkindthatcamewithinhisknowledge,theoffendernotonlywascertainofreceivingacastigationforhistardiness,butIlikewisewaspunishedforpermittingit.
If,ontheotherhand,he
hadseenmeusethelashfreely,themanwassatisfied.“Practicemakesperfect,”truly;andduringmyeightyears’experienceasadriver,Ilearnedtohandlethewhipwithmarvelousdexterityandprecision,throwingthelashwithinahair’sbreadthoftheback,theear,thenose,without,however,touchingeitherofthem.IfEppswasobservedatadistanceorwehadreasontoan-prehendhe
wassneakingsomewhereinthevicinity,Iwouldcommenceplyingthelashvigorously,when,accordingtoarrangement,theywouldsquirmandscreechasifinagony,althoughnotoneofthemhadinfactbeenevengrazed.Patseywouldtakeoccasion,ifhemadehisappearancepresently,tomumbleinhishearingsomecomplaintsthatPlattwaslashingthemthewholetime,
andUncleAbram,withanappearanceofhonestypeculiartohimself,woulddeclareroundlyIhadjustwhippedthemworsethanGeneralJacksonwhippedtheenemyatNew-Orleans.IfEppswasnotdrunk,andinoneofhisbeastlyhumors,thiswas,ingeneral,satisfactory.Ifhewas,someoneormoreofusmustsuffer,asamatterofcourse.Sometimeshisviolence
assumedadangerousform,placingthelivesofhishumanstockinjeopardy.Ononeoccasionthedrunkenmadmanthoughttoamusehimselfbycuttingmythroat.
HehadbeenabsentatHolmesville,inattendanceatashooting-match,andnoneofuswereawareofhisreturn.WhilehoeingbythesideofPatsey,sheexclaimed,inalowvoice,suddenly,
“Platt,d’yeseeoldHog-Jawbeckoningmetocometohim?”
Glancingsideways,Idiscoveredhimintheedgeofthefield,motioningandgrimacing,aswashishabitwhenhalf-intoxicated.Awareofhislewdintentions,Patseybegantocry.Iwhisperedhernottolookup,andtocontinueatherwork,asifshehadnotobservedhim.
Suspectingthetruthofthematter,however,hesoonstaggereduptomeinagreatrage.
“WhatdidyousaytoPats?”hedemanded,withanoath.Imadehimsomeevasiveanswer,whichonlyhadtheeffectofincreasinghisviolence.
“Howlonghaveyouownedthisplantation,say,youd——dnigger?”he
inquired,withamalicioussneer,atthesametimetakingholdofmyshirtcollarwithonehand,andthrustingtheotherintohispocket.“NowI’llcutyourblackthroat;that’swhatI’lldo,”drawinghisknifefromhispocketashesaidit.Butwithonehandhewasunabletoopenit,untilfinallyseizingthebladeinhisteeth,Isawhewasabouttosucceed,andfeltthenecessityofescapingfromhim,forin
hispresentrecklessstate,itwasevidenthewasnotjoking,byanymeans.Myshirtwasopeninfront,andasIturnedroundquicklyandsprangfromhim,whilehestillretainedhisgripe,itwasstrippedentirelyfrommyback.Therewasnodifficultynowineludinghim.Hewouldchasemeuntiloutofbreath,thenstopuntilitwasrecovered,swear,andrenewthechaseagain.Nowhe
wouldcommandmetocometohim,nowendeavortocoaxme,butIwascarefultokeepatarespectfuldistance.Inthismannerwemadethecircuitofthefieldseveraltimes,hemakingdesperateplunges,andIalwaysdodgingthem,moreamusedthanfrightened,wellknowingthatwhenhissobersensesreturned,hewouldlaughathisowndrunkenfolly.AtlengthIobservedthemistress
standingbytheyardfence,watchingourhalt-serious,half-comicalmanoeuvres.Shootingpasthim,Irandirectlytoher.Epps,ondiscoveringher,didnotfollow.Heremainedaboutthefieldanhourormore,duringwhichtimeIstoodbythemistress,havingrelatedtheparticularsofwhathadtakenplace.Now,shewasarousedagain,denouncingherhusbandandPatseyabout
equally.Finally,Eppscametowardsthehouse,bythistimenearlysober,walkingdemurely,withhishandsbo-hindhisback,andattemptingtolookasinnocentasachild.
Asheapproached,nevertheless,MistressEppsbegantoberatehimroundly,heapinguponhimmanyratherdisrespectfulepithets,anddemandingforwhatreasonhehadattemptedto
cutmythroat.Eppsmadewondrousstrangeofitall,andtomysurprise,sworebyallthesaintsinthecalendarhehadnotspokentomethatday.
“Platt,youlyingnigger,haveI?”washisbrazenappealtome.
Itisnotsafetocontradictamaster,evenbytheassertionofatruth.SoIwassilent,andwhenheenteredthehouseI
returnedtothefield,andtheaffairwasneverafteralludedto.
Shortlyafterthistimeacircumstanceoccurredthatcamenighdivulgingthesecretofmyrealnameandhistory,whichIhadsolongandcarefullyconcealed,anduponwhichIwasconvinceddependedmyfinalescape.Soonafterhepurchasedme,EppsaskedmeifIcould
writeandread,andonbeinginformedthatIhadreceivedsomeinstructioninthosebranchesofeducation,heassuredme,withemphasis,ifheevercaughtmewithabook,orwithpenandink,hewouldgivemeahundredlashes.Hesaidhewantedmetounderstandthathebought“niggers”toworkandnottoeducate.Heneverinquiredawordofmypastlife,orfromwhenceIcame.Themistress,
however,cross-examinedmefrequentlyaboutWashington,whichshesupposedwasmynativecity,andmorethanonceremarkedthatIdidnottalknoractliketheother“niggers,”andshewassureIhadseenmoreoftheworldthanIadmitted.
Mygreatobjectalwayswastoinventmeansofgettingalettersecretlyintothepost-office,directedto
someofmyfriendsorfamilyattheNorth.Thedifficultyofsuchanachievementcannotbecomprehendedbyoneunacquaintedwiththesevererestrictionsimposeduponme.Inthefirstplace,Iwasdeprivedofpen,ink,andpaper.Inthesecondplace,aslavecannotleavehisplantationwithoutapass,norwillapost-mastermailaletterforonewithoutwritteninstructionsfromhisowner.I
wasinslaverynineyears,andalwayswatchfulandonthealert,beforeImetwiththegoodfortuneofobtainingasheetofpaper.WhileEppswasinNew-Orleans,onewinter,disposingofhiscotton,themistresssentmetoHolmesville,withanorderforseveralarticles,andamongtherestaquantityoffoolscap.Iappropriatedasheetconcealingitinthecabin,undertheboardon
whichIslept.
AftervariousexperimentsIsucceededinmakingink,byboilingwhitemaplebark,andwithafeatherpluckedfromthewingofaduck,manufacturedapen.Whenallwereasleepinthecabin,bythelightofthecoals,lyinguponmyplankcouch,Imanagedtocompleteasomewhatlengthyepistle.Itwasdirectedtoanold
acquaintanceatSandyHill,statingmycondition,andurginghimtotakemeasurestorestoremetoliberty.ThisletterIkeptalongtime,contrivingmeasuresbywhichitcouldbesafelydepositedinthepost-office.Atlength,alowfellow,bythenameofArmsby,hithertoastranger,cameintotheneighborhood,seekingasituationasoverseer.HeappliedtoEpps,andwasabouttheplantation
forseveraldays.HenextwentovertoShaw’s,nearby,andremainedwithhimseveralweeks.Shawwasgenerallysurroundedbysuchworthlesscharacters,beinghimselfnotedasagamblerandunprincipledman.HehadmadeawifeofhisslaveCharlotte,andabroodofyoungmulattoesweregrowingupinhishouse.Armsbybecamesomuchreducedatlast,thathewas
compelledtolaborwiththeslaves.AwhitemanworkinginthefieldisarareandunusualspectacleonBayouBœuf.Iimprovedeveryopportunityofcultivatinghisacquaintanceprivately,desiringtoobtainhisconfidencesofarastobewillingtointrustthelettertohiskeeping.HevisitedMarksvillerepeatedly,heinformedme,atownsometwentymilesdistant,and
there,Iproposedtomyself,thelettershouldbemailed.
Carefullydeliberatingonthemostpropermannerofapproachinghimonthesubject,IconcludedfinallytoaskhimsimplyifhewoulddepositaletterformeintheMarksvillepost-officethenexttimehevisitedthatplace,withoutdisclosingtohimthattheletterwaswritten,oranyofthe
particularsitcontained;forIhadfearsthathemightbetrayme,andknewthatsomeinducementmustbeheldouttohimofapecuniarynature,beforeitwouldbesafetoconfideinhim.Aslateasoneo’clockonenightIstolenoiselesslyfrommycabin,and,crossingthefieldtoShaw’s,foundhimsleepingonthepiazza.Ihadbutafewpicayunes—theproceedsofmyfiddlingperformances,
butallIhadintheworldIpromisedhimifhewoulddomethefavorrequired.Ibeggedhimnottoexposemeifhecouldnotgranttherequest.Heassuredme,uponhishonor,hewoulddeposititintheMarksvillepost-office,andthathewouldkeepitaninviolablesecretforever.Thoughtheletterwasinmypocketatthetime,Idarednotthendeliverittohim,butstatingIwouldhaveitwritten
inadayortwo,badehimgoodnight,andreturnedtomycabin.ItwasimpossibleformetoexpelthesuspicionsIentertained,andallnightIlayawake,revolvinginmymindthesafestcoursetopursue.Iwaswillingtoriskagreatdealtoaccomplishmypurpose,butshouldtheletterbyanymeansfallintothehandsofEpps,itwouldbeadeath-blowtomyaspirations.Iwas“perplexedinthe
extreme.”
Mysuspicionswerewell-founded,asthesequeldemonstrated.Thenextdaybutone,whilescrapingcottoninthefield,EppsseatedhimselfonthelinefencebetweenShaw’splantationandhisown,insuchapositionastooverlookthesceneofourlabors.PresentlyArmsbymadehisappearance,and,mountingthefence,took
aseatbesidehim.Theyremainedtwoorthreehours,allofwhichtimeIwasinanagonyofapprehension.
Thatnight,whilebroilingmybacon,Eppsenteredthecabinwithhisrawhideinhishand.
“Well,boy,”saidhe,“IunderstandI’vegotalarnednigger,thatwritesletters,andtriestogetwhitefellowstomail’em.Wonderifyou
knowwhoheis?”
Myworstfearswererealized,andalthoughitmaynotbeconsideredentirelycreditable,evenunderthecircumstances,yetaresorttoduplicityanddownrightfalsehoodwastheonlyrefugethatpresenteditself.
“Don’tknownothingaboutit,MasterEpps,”Iansweredhim,assuminganairofignoranceandsurprise;
“Don’tknownothingatallaboutit,sir.”
“Wan’tyouovertoShaw’snightbeforelast?”heinquired.
“No,master,”wasthereply.
“Hav’ntyouaskedthatfellow,Armsby,tomailaletterforyouatMarksville?”
“Why,Lord,master,Ineverspokethreewordsto
himinallmylife.Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”
“Well,”hecontinued,“Armsbytoldmeto-daythedevilwasamongmyniggers;thatIhadonethatneededclosewatchingorhewouldrunaway;andwhenIaxedhimwhy,hesaidyoucomeovertoShaw’s,andwakedhimupinthenight,andwantedhimtocarryalettertoMarksville.Whathaveyou
gottosaytothat,ha?”
“AllI’vegottosay,master,”Ireplied,“is,thereisnotruthinit.HowcouldIwritealetterwithoutanyinkorpaper?ThereisnobodyIwanttowriteto,‘causeIhaintgotnofriendslivingasIknowof.ThatArmsbyisalying,drunkenfellow,theysay,andnobodybelieveshimanyway.YouknowIalwaystellthetruth,andthatInever
goofftheplantationwithoutapass.Now,master,IcanseewhatthatArmsbyisafter,plainenough.Did’nthewantyoutohirehimforanoverseer?”
“Yes,hewantedmetohirehim,”answeredEpps.
“That’sit,”saidI,“hewantstomakeyoubelievewe’reallgoingtorunaway,andthenhethinksyou’llhireanoverseertowatchus.He
justmadethatstoryoutofwholecloth,’causehewantstogetasituation.It’sallalie,master,youmaydependon’t.”
Eppsmusedawhile,evidentlyimpressedwiththeplausibilityofmytheory,andexclaimed,
“I’md—d,Platt,ifIdon’tbelieveyoutellthetruth.Hemusttakemeforasoft,tothinkhecancomeitoverme
withthemkindofyarns,musn’the?Maybehethinkshecanfoolme;maybehethinksIdon’tknownothing—can’ttakecareofmyownniggers,eh!SoftsoapoldEpps,eh!Ha,ha,ha!D—nArmsby!Setthedogsonhim,Platt,”andwithmanyothercommentsdescriptiveofArmsby’sgeneralcharacter,andhiscapabilityoftakingcareofhisownbusiness,andattendingtohisown
“niggers,”MasterEppsleftthecabin.AssoonashewasgoneIthrewtheletterinthefire,and,withadespondinganddespairingheart,beheldtheepistlewhichhadcostmesomuchanxietyandthought,andwhichIfondlyhopedwouldhavebeenmyforerunnertothelandoffreedom,writheandshrivelonitsbedofcoals,anddissolveintosmokeandashes.Armsby,the
treacherouswretch,wasdrivenfromShaw’splantationnotlongsubsequently,muchtomyrelief,forIfearedhemightrenewhisconversation,andperhapsinduceEppstocredithim.
Iknewnotnowwhithertolookfordeliverance.Hopessprangupinmyheartonlytobecrushedandblighted.Thesummerofmylifewas
passingaway;IfeltIwasgrowingprematurelyold;thatafewyearsmore,andtoil,andgrief,andthepoisonousmiasmasoftheswampswouldaccomplishtheirworkuponme—wouldconsignmetothegrave’sembrace,tomoulderandbeforgotten.Repelled,betrayed,cutofffromthehopeofsuccor,Icouldonlyprostratemyselfupontheearthandgroaninunutterableanguish.The
hopeofrescuewastheonlylightthatcastarayofcomfortonmyheart.Thatwasnowflickering,faintandlow;anotherbreathofdisappointmentwouldextinguishitaltogether,leavingmetogropeinmidnightdarknesstotheendoflife.
CHAPTERXVII.WILEYDISREGARDSTHECOUNSELSOFAUNTPHEBEANDUNCLEABRAM,ANDISCAUGHTBYTHEPATROLLERS—THEORGANIZATIONANDDUTIESOFTHE
LATTER—WILEYRUNSAWAY—SPECULATIONSINREGARDTOHIM—HISUNEXPECTEDRETURN—HISCAPTUREONREDRIVER,ANDCONFINEMENTINALEXANDRIAJAIL—DISCOVEREDBYJOSEPHB.ROBKETS—SUBDUINGDOGSINANTICIPATIONOFESCAPE—THE
FUGITIVESINTHEGREATPINEWOODS—CAPTUREDBYADAMTAYDEMANDTHEINDIANS—AUGUSTUSKILLEDBYDOGS—NELLY,ELDRET’SSLAVEWOMAN—THESTORYOFCELESTE—THECONCERTEDMOVEMENT—LEWCHEENEY,THETRAITOR—THEIDEAOFINSURRECTION.
THEyear1850,downtowhichtimeIhavenowarrived,omittingmanyoccurrencesuninterestingtothereader,wasanunluckyyearformycompanionWiley,thehusbandofPhebe,whosetaciturnandretiringnaturehasthusfarkepthiminthebackground.NotwithstandingWileyseldomopenedhismouth,
andrevolvedinhisobscureandunpretendingorbitwithoutagrumble,neverthelessthewarmelementsofsocialitywerestronginthebosomofthatsilent“nigger.”Intheexuberanceofhisself-reliance,disregardingthephilosophyofUncleAbram,andsettingthecounselsofAuntPhebeutterlyatnaught,hehadthefool-hardinesstoessayanocturnalvisittoa
neighboringcabinwithoutapass.
Soattractivewasthesocietyinwhichhefoundhimself,thatWileytooklittlenoteofthepassinghours,andthelightbegantobreakintheeastbeforehewasaware.Speedinghomewardasfastashecouldrun,hehopedtoreachthequartersbeforethehornwouldsound;but,unhappily,hewasspiedon
thewaybyacompanyofpatrollers.
Howitisinotherdarkplacesofslavery,Idonotknow,butonBayouBœufthereisanorganizationofpatrollers,astheyarestyled,whosebusinessitistoseizeandwhipanyslavetheymayfindwanderingfromtheplantation.Theyrideonhorseback,headedbyacaptain,armed,and
accompaniedbydogs.Theyhavetheright,eitherbylaw,orbygeneralconsent,toinflictdiscretionarychastisementuponablackmancaughtbeyondtheboundariesofhismaster’sestatewithoutapass,andeventoshoothim,ifheattemptstoescape.Eachcompanyhasacertaindistancetorideupanddownthebayou.Theyarecompensatedbytheplanters,
whocontributeinproportiontothenumberofslavestheyown.Theclatteroftheirhorses’hoofsdashingbycanbeheardatallhoursofthenight,andfrequentlytheymaybeseendrivingaslavebeforethem,orleadinghimbyaropefastenedaroundhisneck,tohisowner’splantation.
Wileyfledbeforeoneofthesecompanies,thinkinghe
couldreachhiscabinbeforetheycouldovertakehim;butoneoftheirdogs,agreatravenoushound,gripedhimbytheleg,andheldhimfast.Thepatrollerswhippedhimseverely,andbroughthim,aprisoner,toEpps.Fromhimhereceivedanotherflagellationstillmoresevere,sothatthecutsofthelashandthebitesofthedogrenderedhimsore,stiffandmiserable,insomuchhewasscarcely
abletomove.ItwasimpossibleinsuchastatetokeepuphisrowandconsequentlytherewasnotanhourinthedaybutWileyfeltthestingofhismaster’srawhideonhisrawandbleedingback.Hissufferingsbecameintolerable,andfinallyheresolvedtorunaway.WithoutdisclosinghisintentionstorunawayeventohiswifePhebe,heproceededtomakearrangementsfor
carryinghisplanintoexecution.Havingcookedhiswholeweek’sallowance,hecautiouslyleftthecabinonaSundaynight,aftertheinmatesofthequarterswereasleep.Whenthehornsoundedinthemorning,Wileydidnotmakehisappearance.Searchwasmadeforhiminthecabins,inthecorn-crib,inthecotton-house,andineverynookandcornerofthepremises.Eachofus
wasexamined,touchinganyknowledgewemighthavethatcouldthrowlightuponhissuddendisappearanceorpresentwhereabouts.Eppsravedandstormed,andmountinghishorse,gallopedtoneighboringplantations,makinginquiriesinalldirections.Thesearchwasfruitless.Nothingwhateverwaselicited,goingtoshowwhathadbecomeofthemissingman.Thedogswere
ledtotheswamp,butwereunabletostrikehistrail.Theywouldcircleawaythroughtheforest,theirnosestotheground,butinvariablyreturnedinashorttimetothespotfromwhencetheystarted.
Wileyhadescaped,andsosecretlyandcautiouslyastoeludeandbaffleallpursuit.Daysandevenweekspassedaway,andnothingcouldbe
heardofhim.Eppsdidnothingbutcurseandswear.Itwastheonlytopicofconversationamonguswhenalone.Weindulgedinagreatdealofspeculationinregardtohim,onesuggestinghemighthavebeendrownedinsomebayou,inasmuchashewasapoorswimmer;another,thatperhapshemighthavebeendevouredbyalligators,orstungbythevenomousmoccasin,whosebiteis
certainandsuddendeath.Thewarmandheartysympathiesofusall,however,werewithpoorWiley,whereverhemightbe.ManyanearnestprayerascendedfromthelipsofUncleAbram,beseechingsafetyforthewanderer.
Inaboutthreeweeks,whenallhopeofeverseeinghimagainwasdismissed,tooursurprise,heonedayappearedamongus.Onleavingthe
plantation,heinformedus,itwashisintentiontomakehiswaybacktoSouthCarolina—totheoldquartersofMasterBuford.Duringthedayheremainedsecreted,sometimesinthebranchesofatree,andatnightpressedforwardthroughtheswamps.Finally,onemorning,justatdawn,hereachedtheshoreofRedRiver.Whilestandingonthebank,consideringhowhecouldcrossit,awhiteman
accostedhim,anddemandedapass.Withoutone,andevidentlyarunaway,hewastakentoAlexandria,theshiretownoftheparishofRapides,andconfinedinprison.IthappenedseveraldaysafterthatJosephB.Roberts,uncleofMistressEpps,wasinAlexandria,andgoingintothejail,recognizedhim.Wileyhadworkedonhisplantation,whenEppsresidedatHuffPower.Payingthejail
fee,andwritinghimapass,underneathwhichwasanotetoEpps,requestinghimnottowhiphimonhisreturn,WileywassentbacktoBayouBœuf.Itwasthehopethathunguponthisrequest,andwhichRobertsassuredhimwouldberespectedbyhismaster,thatsustainedhimasheapproachedthehouse.Therequest,however,asmaybereadilysupposed,wasentirelydisregarded.After
beingkeptinsuspensethreedays,Wileywasstripped,andcompelledtoendureoneofthoseinhumanfloggingstowhichthepoorslaveissooftensubjected.ItwasthefirstandlastattemptofWileytorunaway.Thelongscarsuponhisback,whichhewillcarrywithhimtothegrave,perpetuallyremindhimofthedangersofsuchastep.
Therewasnotaday
throughoutthetenyearsIbelongedtoEppsthatIdidnotconsultwithmyselfupontheprospectofescape.Ilaidmanyplans,whichatthetimeIconsideredexcellentones,butoneaftertheothertheywereallabandoned.Nomanwhohasneverbeenplacedinsuchasituation,cancomprehendthethousandobstaclesthrowninthewayoftheflyingslave.Everywhiteman’shandisraised
againsthim—thepatrollersarewatchingforhim—thehoundsarereadytofollowonhistrack,andthenatureofthecountryissuchasrendersitimpossibletopassthroughitwithanysafety.Ithought,however,thatthetimemightcome,perhaps,whenIshouldberunningthroughtheswampsagain.Iconcluded,inthatcase,tobepreparedforEpps’dogs,shouldtheypursueme.Hepossessed
several,oneofwhichwasanotoriousslave-hunter,andthemostfierceandsavageofhisbreed.Whileouthuntingthecoonortheopossum,Ineverallowedanopportunitytoescape,whenalone,ofwhippingthemseverely.InthismannerIsucceededatlengthinsubduingthemcompletely.Theyfearedme,obeyingmyvoiceatoncewhenothershadnocontroloverthemwhatever.Hadthey
followedandovertakenme,Idoubtnottheywouldhaveshrankfromattackingme.
Notwithstandingthecertaintyofbeingcaptured,thewoodsandswampsare,nevertheless,continuallyfilledwithrunaways.Manyofthem,whensick,orsowornoutastobeunabletoperformtheirtasks,escapeintotheswamps,willingtosufferthepunishment
inflictedforsuchoffences,inordertoobtainadayortwoofrest.
WhileIbelongedtoFord,Iwasunwittinglythemeansofdisclosingthehiding-placeofsixoreight,whohadtakenuptheirresidenceinthe“GreatPineWoods.”AdamTaydemfrequentlysentmefromthemillsovertotheopeningafterprovisions.Thewholedistancewasthenathickpine
forest.Aboutteno’clockofabeautifulmoonlightnight,whilewalkingalongtheTexasroad,returningtothemills,carryingadressedpiginabagswungovermyshoulder,Iheardfootstepsbehindme,andturninground,beheldtwoblackmeninthedressofslavesapproachingatarapidpace.Whenwithinashortdistance,oneofthemraisedaclub,asifintendingtostrikeme;the
othersnatchedatthebag.Imanagedtododgethemboth,andseizingapineknot,hurleditwithsuchforceagainsttheheadofoneofthemthathewasprostratedapparentlysenselesstotheground.Justthentwomoremadetheirappearancefromonesideoftheroad.Beforetheycouldgrappleme,however,Isucceededinpassingthem,andtakingtomyheels,fled,much
affrighted,towardsthemills.WhenAdamwasinformedoftheadventure,hehastenedstraightwaytotheIndianvillage,andarousingCascallaandseveralofhistribe,startedinpursuitofthehighwaymen.Iaccompaniedthemtothesceneofattack,whenwediscoveredapuddleofbloodintheroad,wherethemanwhomIhadsmittenwiththepineknothadfallen.Aftersearchingcarefully
throughthewoodsalongtime,oneofCascalla’smendiscoveredasmokecurlingupthroughthebranchesofseveralprostratepines,whosetopshadfallentogether.Therendezvouswascautiouslysurrounded,andallofthemtakenprisoners.TheyhadescapedfromaplantationinthevicinityofLamourie,andhadbeensecretedtherethreeweeks.Theyhadnoevildesignuponme,exceptto
frightenmeoutofmypig.HavingobservedmepassingtowardsFord’sjustatnight-fall,andsuspectingthenatureofmyerrand,theyhadfollowedme,seenmebutcheranddresstheporker,andstartonmyreturn.Theyhadbeenpinchedforfood,andweredriventothisextremitybynecessity.Adamconveyedthemtotheparishjail,andwasliberallyrewarded.
Notunfrequentlytherunawayloseshislifeintheattempttoescape.Epps’premiseswereboundedononesidebyCarey’s,averyextensivesugarplantation.Hecultivatesannuallyatleastfifteenhundredacresofcane,manufacturingtwenty-twoortwenty-threehundredhogsheadsofsugar;anhogsheadandahalfbeingtheusualyieldofanacre.Besidesthishealsocultivates
fiveorsixhundredacresofcornandcotton.Heownedlastyearonehundredandfiftythreefieldhands,besidesnearlyasmanychildren,andyearlyhiresadroveduringthebusyseasonfromthissidetheMississippi.
Oneofhisnegrodrivers,apleasant,intelligentboy,wasnamedAugustus.Duringtheholidays,andoccasionallywhileatworkinadjoining
fields,Ihadanopportunityofmakinghisacquaintance,whicheventuallyripenedintoawarmandmutualattachment.Summerbeforelasthewassounfortunateastoincurthedispleasureoftheoverseer,acoarse,heartlessbrute,whowhippedhimmostcruelly.Augustusranaway.ReachingacanerickonHawkins’plantation,hesecretedhimselfinthetopofit.AllCarey’sdogswereput
uponhistrack—somefifteenofthem—andsoonscentedhisfootstepstothehidingplace.Theysurroundedtherick,bayingandscratching,butcouldnotreachhim.Presently,guidedbytheclamorofthehounds,thepursuersrodeup,whentheoverseer,mountingontotherick,drewhimforth.Asherolleddowntothegroundthewholepackplungeduponhim,andbeforetheycouldbe
beatenoff,hadgnawedandmutilatedhisbodyinthemostshockingmanner,theirteethhavingpenetratedtotheboneinanhundredplaces.Hewastakenup,tieduponamule,andcarriedhome.ButthiswasAugustus’lasttrouble.Helingereduntilthenextday,whendeathsoughttheunhappyboy,andkindlyrelievedhimfromhisagony.
Itwasnotunusualforslave
womenaswellasslavementoendeavortoescape.Nelly,Eldret’sgirl,withwhomIlumberedforatimeinthe“BigCaneBrake,”layconcealedinEpps’corncribthreedays.Atnight,whenhisfamilywereasleep,shewouldstealintothequartersforfood,andreturntothecribagain.Weconcludeditwouldnolongerbesafeforustoallowhertoremain,andaccordinglysheretracedher
stepstoherowncabin.
Butthemostremarkableinstanceofasuccessfulevasionofdogsandhunterswasthefollowing:AmongCarey’sgirlswasonebythenameofCeleste.Shewasnineteenortwenty,andfarwhiterthanherowner,oranyofhisoffspring.ItrequiredacloseinspectiontodistinguishinherfeaturestheslightesttraceofAfricanblood.A
strangerwouldneverhavedreamedthatshewasthedescendantofslaves.Iwassittinginmycabinlateatnight,playingalowaironmyviolin,whenthedooropenedcarefully,andCelestestoodbeforeme.Shewaspaleandhaggard.Hadanapparitionarisenfromtheearth,Icouldnothavebeenmorestartled.
“Whoareyou?”Idemanded,aftergazingather
amoment.
“I’mhungry;givemesomebacon,”washerreply.
Myfirstimpressionwasthatshewassomederangedyoungmistress,who,escapingfromhome,waswandering,sheknewnotwhither,andhadbeenattractedtomycabinbythesoundoftheviolin.Thecoarsecottonslavedressshewore,however,soon
dispelledsuchasupposition.
“Whatisyourname?”Iagaininterrogated.
“MynameisCeleste,”sheanswered.“IbelongtoCarey,andhavebeentwodaysamongthepalmettoes.Iamsickandcan’twork,andwouldratherdieintheswampthanbewhippedtodeathbytheoverseer.Carey’sdogswon’tfollowme.Theyhavetriedtoset
themon.There’sasecretbetweenthemandCeleste,andtheywontmindthedevilishordersoftheoverseer.Givemesomemeat—I’mstarving.”
Idividedmyscantyallowancewithher,andwhilepartakingofit,sherelatedhowshehadmanagedtoescape,anddescribedtheplaceofherconcealment.Intheedgeoftheswamp,not
halfamilefromEpps’house,wasalargespace,thousandsofacresinextent,thicklycoveredwithpalmetto.Talltrees,whoselongarmsinterlockedeachother,formedacanopyabovethem,sodenseastoexcludethebeamsofthesun.Itwasliketwilightalways,eveninthemiddleofthebrightestday.Inthecentreofthisgreatspace,whichnothingbutserpentsveryoftenexplore—
asombreandsolitaryspot—Celestehaderectedarudehutofdeadbranchesthathadfallentotheground,andcovereditwiththeleavesofthepalmetto.Thiswastheabodeshehadselected.ShehadnofearofCarey’sdogs,anymorethanIhadofEpps’.Itisafact,whichIhaveneverbeenabletoexplain,thattherearethosewhosetracksthehoundswillabsolutelyrefusetofollow.
Celestewasoneofthem.
Forseveralnightsshecametomycabinforfood.Ononeoccasionourdogsbarkedassheapproached,whicharousedEpps,andinducedhimtoreconnoitrethepremises.Hedidnotdiscoverher,butafterthatitwasnotdeemedprudentforhertocometotheyard.WhenallwassilentIcarriedprovisionstoacertainspot
agreedupon,whereshewouldfindthem.
InthismannerCelestepassedthegreaterpartofthesummer.Sheregainedherhealth,andbecamestrongandhearty.Atallseasonsoftheyearthehowlingsofwildanimalscanbeheardatnightalongthebordersoftheswamps.Severaltimestheyhadmadeheramidnightcall,awakeningherfromslumber
withagrowl.Terrifiedbysuchunpleasantsalutations,shefinallyconcludedtoabandonherlonelydwelling;and,accordingly,returningtohermaster,wasscourged,herneckmeanwhilebeingfastenedinthestocks,andsentintothefieldagain.
TheyearbeforemyarrivalinthecountrytherewasaconcertedmovementamonganumberofslavesonBayou
Bœuf,thatterminatedtragicallyindeed.Itwas,Ipresume,amatterofnewspapernotorietyatthetime,butalltheknowledgeIhaveofit,hasbeenderivedfromtherelationofthoselivingatthatperiodintheimmediatevicinityoftheexcitement.Ithasbecomeasubjectofgeneralandunfailinginterestineveryslave-hutonthebayou,andwilldoubtlessgodownto
succeedinggenerationsastheirchieftradition.LewCheney,withwhomIbecameacquainted—ashrewd,cunningnegro,moreintelligentthanthegeneralityofhisrace,butunscrupulousandfulloftreachery—conceivedtheprojectoforganizingacompanysufficientlystrongtofighttheirwayagainstallopposition,totheneighboringterritoryofMexico.
Aremotespot,farwithinthedepthsoftheswampbackofHawkins’plantation,wasselectedastherallyingpoint.Lewflittedfromoneplantationtoanother,inthedeadofnight,preachingacrusadetoMexico,and,likePetertheHermit,creatingafurorofexcitementwhereverheappeared.Atlengthalargenumberofrunawayswereassembled;stolenmules,andcorngatheredfromthefields,
andbaconfilchedfromsmoke-houses,hadbeenconveyedintothewoods.Theexpeditionwasaboutreadytoproceed,whentheirhidingplacewasdiscovered.LewCheney,becomingconvincedoftheultimatefailureofhisproject,inordertocurryfavorwithhismaster,andavoidtheconsequenceswhichheforesawwouldfollow,deliberatelydeterminedtosacrificeallhis
companions.Departingsecretlyfromtheencampment,heproclaimedamongtheplantersthenumbercollectedintheswamp,and,insteadofstatingtrulytheobjecttheyhadinview,assertedtheirintentionwastoemergefromtheirseclusionthefirstfavorableopportunity,andmurdereverywhitepersonalongthebayou.
Suchanannouncement,exaggeratedasitpassedfrommouthtomouth,filledthewholecountrywithterror.Thefugitivesweresurroundedandtakenprisoners,carriedinchainstoAlexandria,andhungbythepopulace.Notonlythose,butmanywhoweresuspected,thoughentirelyinnocent,weretakenfromthefieldandfromthecabin,andwithouttheshadowofprocessor
formoftrial,hurriedtothescaffold.TheplantersonBayouBœuffinallyrebelledagainstsuchrecklessdestructionofproperty,butitwasnotuntilaregimentofsoldiershadarrivedfromsomefortontheTexanfrontier,demolishedthegallows,andopenedthedoorsoftheAlexandriaprison,thattheindiscriminateslaughterwasstayed.LewCheneyescaped,andwas
evenrewardedforhistreachery.Heisstillliving,buthisnameisdespisedandexecratedbyallhisracethroughouttheparishesofRapidesandAvoyelles.
Suchanideaasinsurrection,however,isnotnewamongtheenslavedpopulationofBayouBœuf.MorethanonceIhavejoinedinseriousconsultation,whenthesubjecthasbeen
discussed,andtherehavebeentimeswhenawordfrommewouldhaveplacedhundredsofmyfellow-bondsmeninanattitudeofdefiance.Withoutarmsorammunition,orevenwiththem,Isawsuchastepwouldresultincertaindefeat,disasteranddeath,andalwaysraisedmyvoiceagainstit.
DuringtheMexicanwarI
wellremembertheextravaganthopesthatwereexcited.Thenewsofvictoryfilledthegreathousewithrejoicing,butproducedonlysorrowanddisappointmentinthecabin.Inmyopinion—andIhavehadopportunitytoknowsomethingofthefeelingofwhichIspeak—therearenotfiftyslavesontheshoresofBayouBœuf,butwouldhailwithunmeasureddelightthe
approachofaninvadingarmy.
Theyaredeceivedwhoflatterthemselvesthattheignorantanddebasedslavehasnoconceptionofthemagnitudeofhiswrongs.Theyaredeceivedwhoimaginethathearisesfromhisknees,withbacklaceratedandbleeding,cherishingonlyaspiritofmeeknessandforgiveness.Adaymaycome
—itwillcome,ifhisprayerisheard—aterribledayofvengeance,whenthemasterinhisturnwillcryinvainformercy.
CHAPTERXVIII.O‘NIEL,THETANNER—CONVERSATIONWITHAUNTPHEBEOVERHEARD—EPPSINTHETANNINGBUSINESS—STABBINGOFUNCLEABRAM—THEUGLYWOUND—
EPPSISJEALOUS—PATSEYISMISSING—HERRETURNFROMSHAW’S—HARRIET,SHAW’SBLACKWIFE—EPPSENRAGED—PATSEYDENIESHISCHARGES—SHEISTIEDDOWNNAKEDTOFOURSTAKES—THEINHUMANFLOGGING—FLAYINGOFPATSEY—THEBEAUTYOFTHEDAY—THEBUCKETOF
SALTWATER—THEDRESSSTIFFWITHBLOOD—PATSEYGROWSMELANCHOLY—HERIDEAOFGODANDETERNITY—OFHEAVENANDFREEDOM—THEEFFECTOFSLAVE-WHIPPING—EPPS’OLDESTSON—“THECHILDISFATHERTOTHEMAN.”
WILEYsufferedseverelyatthehandsofMasterEpps,ashasbeenrelatedintheprecedingchapter,butinthisrespecthefarednoworsethanhisunfortunatecompanions.“Sparetherod,”wasanideascoutedbyourmaster.Hewasconstitutionallysubjecttoperiodsofill-humor,andatsuchtimes,howeverlittleprovocationtheremightbe,acertainamountofpunishment
wasinflected.ThecircumstancesattendingthelastfloggingbutonethatIreceived,willshowhowtrivialacausewassufficientwithhimforresortingtothewhip.
AMr.O‘Niel,residinginthevicinityoftheBigPineWoods,calleduponEppsforthepurposeofpurchasingme.Hewasatannerandcurrierbyoccupation,transactingan
extensivebusiness,andintendedtoplacemeatserviceinsomedepartmentofhisestablishment,providedheboughtme.AuntPhebe,whilepreparingthedinner-tableinthegreathouse,overheardtheirconversation.Onreturningtotheyardatnight,theoldwomanrantomeetme,designing,ofcourse,tooverwhelmmewiththenews.Sheenteredintoaminuterepetitionofall
shehadheard,andAuntPhebewasonewhoseearsneverfailedtodrinkineverywordofconversationutteredinherhearing.Sheenlargeduponthefactthat“MassaEppswasg’winetosellmetoatanneroberindePineWoods,”solongandloudlyastoattracttheattentionofthemistress,who,standingunobservedonthepiazzaatthetime,waslisteningtoourconversation.
“Well,AuntPhebe,”saidI,“I’mgladofit.I’mtiredofscrapingcotton,andwouldratherbeatanner.Ihopehe’llbuyme.”
O’Nieldidnoteffectapurchase,however,thepartiesdifferingastoprice,andthemorningfollowinghisarrival,departedhomewards.Hehadbeengonebutashorttime,whenEppsmadehisappearancein
thefield.Nownothingwillmoreviolentlyenrageamaster,especiallyEpps,thantheintimationofoneofhisservantsthathewouldliketoleavehim.MistressEppshadrepeatedtohimmyexpressionstoAuntPhebetheeveningprevious,asIlearnedfromthelatterafterwards,themistresshavingmentionedtoherthatshehadoverheardus.Onenteringthefield,Epps
walkeddirectlytome.
“So,Platt,you’retiredofscrapingcotton,areyou?Youwouldliketochangeyourmaster,eh?You’refondofmovinground—traveler—ain’tye?Ah,yes—liketotravelforyourhealth,maybe?Feelabovecotton-scraping,I‘spose.Soyou’regoingintothetanningbusiness?Goodbusiness—devilishfinebusiness.
Enterprisingnigger!B’lieveI’llgointothatbusinessmyself.Downonyourknees,andstripthatragoffyourback!I’lltrymyhandattanning.”
Ibeggedearnestly,andendeavoredtosoftenhimwithexcuses,butinvain.Therewasnootheralternative;sokneelingdown,Ipresentedmybarebackfortheapplicationofthe
lash.
“Howdoyouliketanning?”heexclaimed,astherawhidedescendeduponmyflesh.“Howdoyouliketanning?”herepeatedateveryblow.Inthismannerhegavemetwentyorthirtylashes,incessantlygivingutterancetotheword“tanning,”inoneformofexpressionoranother.Whensufficiently“tanned,”he
allowedmetoarise;andwithahalf-maliciouslaughassuredme,ifIstillfanciedthebusiness,hewouldgivemefurtherinstructioninitwheneverIdesired.Thistime,heremarked,hehadonlygivenmeashortlessonin“tanning”—thenexttimehewould“currymedown.”
UncleAbram,also,wasfrequentlytreatedwithgreatbrutality,althoughhewasone
ofthekindestandmostfaithfulcreaturesintheworld.Hewasmycabin-mateforyears.Therewasabenevolentexpressionintheoldman’sface,pleasanttobehold.Heregardeduswithakindofparentalfeeling,alwayscounselinguswithremarkablegravityanddeliberation.
ReturningfromMarshall’splantationoneafternoon,
whitherIhadbeensentonsomeerrandofthemistress,Ifoundhimlyingonthecabinfloor,hisclothessaturatedwithblood.HeinformedmethathehadbeenstabbedIWhilespreadingcottononthescaffold,EppscamehomeintoxicatedfromHolmesville.Hefoundfaultwitheverything,givingmanyorderssodirectlycontrarythatitwasimpossibletoexecuteanyofthem.UncleAbram,whose
facultiesweregrowingdull,becameconfused,andcommittedsomeblunderofnoparticularconsequence.Eppswassoenragedthereat,that,withdrunkenrecklessness,heflewupontheoldman,andstabbedhimintheback.Itwasalong,uglywound,butdidnothappentopenetratefarenoughtoresultfatally.Itwassewedupbythemistress,whocensuredherhusband
withextremeseverity,notonlydenouncinghisinhumanity,butdeclaringthatsheexpectednothingelsethanthathewouldbringthefamilytopoverty—thathewouldkillalltheslavesontheplantationinsomeofhisdrunkenfits.
ItwasnouncommonthingwithhimtoprostrateAuntPhebewithachairorstickofwood;butthemostcruel
whippingthateverIwasdoomedtowitness—oneIcanneverrecallwithanyotheremotionthanthatofhorror—wasinflictedontheunfortunatePatsey.
IthasbeenseenthatthejealousyandhatredofMistressEppsmadethedailylifeofheryoungandagileslavecompletelymiserable.IamhappyinthebeliefthatonnumerousoccasionsIwasthe
meansofavertingpunishmentfromtheinoffensivegirl.InEpps’absencethemistressoftenorderedmetowhipherwithouttheremotestprovocation.Iwouldrefuse,sayingthatIfearedmymaster’sdispleasure,andseveraltimesventuredtoremonstratewithheragainstthetreatmentPatseyreceived.Iendeavoredtoimpressherwiththetruththatthelatterwasnotresponsibleforthe
actsofwhichshecomplained,butthatshebeingaslave,andsubjectentirelytohermaster’swill,healonewasanswerable.
Atlength“thegreen-eyedmonster”creptintothesoulofEppsalso,andthenitwasthathejoinedwithhiswrathfulwifeinaninfernaljubileeoverthegirl’smiseries.
OnaSabbathdayinhoeing
time,notlongago,wewereonthebayoubank,washingourclothes,aswasourusualcustom.PresentlyPatseywasmissingEppscalledaloud,buttherewasnoanswer.Noonehadobservedherleavingtheyard,anditwasawonderwithuswhithershehadgone.InthecourseofacoupleofhoursshewasseenapproachingfromthedirectionofShaw’s.Thisman,ashasbeenintimated,
wasanotoriousprofligate,andwithalnotonthemostfriendlytermswithEpps.Harriet,hisblackwife,knowingPatsey’stroubles,waskindtoher,inconsequenceofwhichthelatterwasinthehabitofgoingovertoseehereveryopportunity.Hervisitswerepromptedbyfriendshipmerely,butthesuspiciongraduallyenteredthebrainofEpps,thatanotherandabaser
passionledherthither—thatitwasnotHarrietshedesiredtomeet,butrathertheunblushinglibertine,hisneighbor.Patseyfoundhermasterinafearfulrageonherreturn.Hisviolencesoalarmedherthatatfirstsheattemptedtoevadedirectanswerstohisquestions,whichonlyservedtoincreasehissuspicions.Shefinally,however,drewherselfupproudly,andinaspiritof
indignationboldlydeniedhischarges.
“Missusdon’tgivemesoaptowashwith,asshedoestherest,”saidPatsey,“andyouknowwhy.IwentovertoHarriet’stogetapiece,”andsayingthis,shedrewitforthfromapocketinherdressandexhibitedittohim.“That’swhatIwenttoShaw’sfor,MassaEpps,”continuedshe;“theLord
knowsthatwasall.”
“Youlie,youblackwench!”shoutedEpps.
“Idon’tlie,massa.Ifyoukillme,I’llsticktothat.”
“Oh!I’llfetchyoudown.I’lllearnyoutogotoShaw’s.I’lltakethestarchoutofye,”hemutteredfiercelythroughhisshutteeth.
Thenturningtome,heorderedfourstakestobe
drivenintotheground,pointingwiththetoeofhisboottotheplaceswherehewantedthem.Whenthestakesweredrivendown,heorderedhertobestrippedofeveryarticleofdress.Ropeswerethenbrought,andthenakedgirlwaslaiduponherface,herwristsandfeeteachtiedfirmlytoastake.Steppingtothepiazza,hetookdownaheavywhip,andplacingitinmyhands,
commandedmetolashher.Unpleasantasitwas,Iwascompelledtoobeyhim.Nowherethatday,onthefaceofthewholeearth,Iventuretosay,wastheresuchademoniacexhibitionwitnessedasthenensued.
MistressEppsstoodonthepiazzaamongherchildren,gazingonthescenewithanairofheartlesssatisfaction.Theslaveswerehuddled
togetheratalittledistance,theircountenancesindicatingthesorrowoftheirhearts.PoorPatseyprayedpiteouslyformercy,butherprayerswerevain.Eppsgroundhisteeth,andstampedupontheground,screamingatme,likeamadfiend,tostrikeharder.“Strikeharder,oryourturn
willcomenext,youscoundrel,”heyelled.
“Oh,mercy,massa!—oh!
havemercy,do.Oh,God!pityme,”Patseyexclaimedcontinually,strugglingfruitlessly,andthefleshquiveringateverystroke.
WhenIhadstruckherasmanyasthirtytimes,Istopped,andturnedroundtowardEpps,hopinghewassatisfied;butwithbitteroathsandthreats,heorderedmetocontinue.Iinflictedtenorfifteenblowsmore.Bythis
timeherbackwascoveredwithlongwelts,intersectingeachotherlikenetwork.Eppswasyetfuriousandsavageasever,demandingifshewouldliketogotoShaw’sagain,andswearinghewouldflogheruntilshewishedshewasinh—l.Throwingdownthewhip,IdeclaredIcouldpunishhernomore.Heorderedmetogoon,threateningmewithasevererfloggingthanshehad
received,incaseofrefusal.Myheartrevoltedattheinhumanscene,andriskingtheconsequences,Iabsolutelyrefusedtoraisethewhip.Hethenseizedithimself,andapplieditwithten-foldgreaterforcethanIhad.ThepainfulcriesandshrieksofthetorturedPatsey,minglingwiththeloudandangrycursesofEpps,loadedtheair.Shewasterriblylacerated—Imaysay,without
exaggeration,literallyflayed.Thelashwaswetwithblood,whichfloweddownhersidesanddroppedupontheground.Atlengthsheceasedstruggling.Herheadsanklistlesslyontheground.Herscreamsandsupplicationsgraduallydecreasedanddiedawayintoalowmoan.Shenolongerwrithedandshrankbeneaththelashwhenitbitoutsmallpiecesofherflesh.Ithoughtthatshewasdying!
ItwastheSabbathoftheLord.Thefieldssmiledinthewarmsunlight—thebirdschirpedmerrilyamidstthefoliageofthetrees—peaceandhappinessseemedtoreigneverywhere,saveinthebosomsofEppsandhispantingvictimandthesilentwitnessesaroundhim.Thetempestuousemotionsthatwereragingtherewerelittleinharmonywiththecalmandquietbeautyoftheday.I
couldlookonEppsonlywithunutterableloathingandabhorrence,andthoughtwithinmyself—“Thoudevil,soonerorlater,somewhereinthecourseofeternaljustice,thoushaltanswerforthissin!”
Finally,heceasedwhippingfrommereexhaustion,andorderedPhebetobringabucketofsaltandwater.Afterwashing
herthoroughlywiththis,Iwastoldtotakehertohercabin.Untyingtheropes,Iraisedherinmyarms.Shewasunabletostand,andasherheadrestedonmyshoulder,sherepeatedmanytimes,inafaintvoicescarcelyperceptible,“Oh,Platt—oh,Platt!”butnothingfurther.Herdresswasreplaced,butitclungtoherback,andwassoonstiffwithblood.Welaidheronsome
boardsinthehut,wheresheremainedalongtime,witheyesclosedandgroaninginagony.AtnightPhebeappliedmeltedtallowtoherwounds,andsofaraswewereable,allendeavoredtoassistandconsoleher.Dayafterdayshelayinhercabinuponherface,thesorespreventingherrestinginanyotherposition.
Ablessedthingitwould
havebeenforher—daysandweeksandmonthsofmiseryitwouldhavesavedher—hadsheneverliftedupherheadinlifeagain.Indeed,fromthattimeforwardshewasnotwhatshehadbeen.Theburdenofadeepmelancholyweighedheavilyonherspirits.Shenolongermovedwiththatbuoyantandelasticstep—therewasnotthatmirthfulsparkleinhereyesthatformerlydistinguished
her.Theboundingvigor—thesprightly,laughter-lovingspiritofheryouth,weregone.Shefellintoamournfulanddespondingmood,andoftentimeswouldstartupinhersleep,andwithraisedhands,pleadformercy.Shebecamemoresilentthanshewas,toilingalldayinourmidst,notutteringaword.Acare-worn,pitifulexpressionsettledonherface,anditwasherhumornowtoweep,
ratherthanrejoice.Ifevertherewasabrokenheart—onecrushedandblightedbytherudegraspofsufferingandmisfortune—itwasPatsey’s.
Shehadbeenrearednobetterthanhermaster’sbeast—lookeduponmerelyasavaluableandhandsomeanimal—andconsequentlypossessedbutalimitedamountofknowledge.And
yetafaintlightcastitsraysoverherintellect,sothatitwasnotwhollydark.ShehadadimperceptionofGodandofeternity,andastillmoredimperceptionofaSaviourwhohaddiedevenforsuchasher.Sheentertainedbutconfusednotionsofafuturelife—notcomprehendingthedistinctionbetweenthecorporealandspiritualexistence.Happiness,inhermind,wasexemptionfrom
stripes—fromlabor—fromthecrueltyofmastersandoverseers.Herideaofthejoyofheavenwassimplyrest,andisfullyexpressedintheselinesofamelancholybard:
“Iasknoparadiseonhigh,Withcaresonearthoppressed,
TheonlyheavenforwhichIsigh,Isrest,
eternalrest.”
Itisamistakenopinionthatprevailsinsomequarters,thattheslavedoesnotunderstandtheterm—doesnotcomprehendtheideaoffreedom.EvenonBayouBœuf,whereIconceiveslaveryexistsinitsmostabjectandcruelform—whereitexhibitsfeaturesaltogetherunknowninmorenorthern
States—themostignorantofthemgenerallyknowfullwellitsmeaning.Theyunderstandtheprivilegesandexemptionsthatbelongtoit—thatitwouldbestowuponthemthefruitsoftheirownlabors,andthatitwouldsecuretothemtheenjoymentofdomestichappiness.Theydonotfailtoobservethedifferencebetweentheirownconditionandthemeanestwhiteman’s,andtorealizetheinjusticeof
thelawswhichplaceitinhispowernotonlytoappropriatetheprofitsoftheirindustry,buttosubjectthemtounmeritedandunprovokedpunishment,withoutremedy,ortherighttoresist,ortoremonstrate.
Patsey’slife,especiallyafterherwhipping,wasonelongdreamofliberty.Faraway,toherfancyanimmeasurabledistance,she
knewtherewasalandoffreedom.AthousandtimesshehadheardthatsomewhereinthedistantNorththerewerenoslaves—nomasters.Inherimaginationitwasanenchantedregion,theParadiseoftheearth.Todwellwheretheblackmanmayworkforhimself—liveinhisowncabin—tillhisownsoil,wasablissfuldreamofPatsey’s—adream,alas!thefulfillmentofwhichshecan
neverrealize.
Theeffectoftheseexhibitionsofbrutalityonthehouseholdoftheslave-holder,isapparent.Epps’oldestsonisanintelligentladoftenortwelveyearsofage.Itispitiable,sometimes,toseehimchastising,forinstance,thevenerableUncleAbram.Hewillcalltheoldmantoaccount,andifinhischildishjudgmentitis
necessary,sentencehimtoacertainnumberoflashes,whichheproceedstoinflictwithmuchgravityanddeliberation.Mountedonhispony,heoftenridesintothefieldwithhiswhip,playingtheoverseer,greatlytohisfather’sdelight.Withoutdiscrimination,atsuchtimes,heappliestherawhide,urgingtheslavesforwardwithshouts,andoccasionalexpressionsofprofanity,
whiletheoldmanlaughs,andcommendshimasathorough-goingboy.
“Thechildisfathertotheman,”andwithsuchtraining,whatevermaybehisnaturaldisposition,itcannotwellbeotherwisethanthat,onarrivingatmaturity,thesufferingsandmiseriesoftheslavewillbelookeduponwithentireindifference.Theinfluenceoftheiniquitous
systemnecessarilyfostersanunfeelingandcruelspirit,eveninthebosomsofthosewho,amongtheirequals,areregardedashumaneandgenerous.
YoungMasterEppspossessedsomenoblequalities,yetnoprocessofreasoningcouldleadhimtocomprehend,thatintheeyeoftheAlmightythereisnodistinctionofcolor.He
lookedupontheblackmansimplyasananimal,differinginnorespectfromanyotheranimal,saveinthegiftofspeechandthepossessionofsomewhathigherinstincts,and,therefore,themorevaluable.Toworklikehisfather’smules—tobewhippedandkickedandscourgedthroughlife—toaddressthewhitemanwithhatinhand,andeyesbentservilelyontheearth,inhis
mind,wasthenaturalandproperdestinyoftheslave.Broughtupwithsuchideas—inthenotionthatwestandwithoutthepaleofhumanity—nowondertheoppressorsofmypeopleareapitilessandunrelentingrace.
THESTAKINGOUTANDFLOGGINGOFTHEGIRL
PATSEY.
CHAPTERXIX.AVERY,OFBAYOUROUGE—PECULIARITYOFDWELLINGS—EPPSBUILDSANEWHOUSE-BASS,THECARPENTER—HISNOBLEQUALITIES—HISPERSONAL
APPEARANCEANDECCENTRICITIES—BASSANDEPPSDISCUSSTHEQUESTIONOFSLAVERY—EPPS’OPINIONOFBASS—IMAKEMYSELFKNOWNTOHIM—OURCONVERSATION—HISSURPRISE—THEMIDNIGHTMEETINGONTHEBAYOUBANK—BASS’ASSURANCES
—DECLARESWARAGAINSTSLAVERY—WHYIDIDNOTDISCLOSEMYHISTORY—BASSWRITESLETTERS—COPYOFHISLETTERTOMESSRS.PARKERANDPERRY—THEFEVEROFSUSPENSE—DISAPPOINTMENTS—BASSENDEAVORSTOCHEERME—MYFAITHINHIM.
INthemonthofJune,1852,inpursuanceofapreviouscontract,Mr.Avery,acarpenterofBayouRouge,commencedtheerectionofahouseforMasterEpps.IthaspreviouslybeenstatedthattherearenocellarsonBayouBœuf;ontheotherhand,suchisthelowandswampynatureoftheground,thegreathousesareusuallybuiltupon
spiles.Anotherpeculiarityis,theroomsarenotplastered,buttheceilingandsidesarecoveredwithmatchedcypressboards,paintedsuchcolorasmostpleasestheowner’staste.Generallytheplankandboardsaresawedbyslaveswithwhip-saws,therebeingnowaterpoweruponwhichmillsmightbebuiltwithinmanymiles.Whentheplantererectsforhimselfadwelling,therefore,thereisplentyof
extraworkforhisslaves.HavinghadsomeexperienceunderTibeatsasacarpenter,Iwastakenfromthefieldaltogether,onthearrivalofAveryandhishands.
AmongthemwasonetowhomIoweanimmeasurabledebtofgratitude.Onlyforhim,inallprobability,Ishouldhaveendedmydaysinslavery.Hewasmydeliverer—amanwhosetrueheart
overflowedwithnobleandgenerousemotions.TothelastmomentofmyexistenceIshallrememberhimwithfeelingsofthankfulness.HisnamewasBass,andatthattimeheresidedinMarksville.Itwillbedifficulttoconveyacorrectimpressionofhisappearanceorcharacter.Hewasalargeman,betweenfortyandfiftyyearsold,oflightcomplexionandlighthair.Hewasverycooland
self-possessed,fondofargument,butalwaysspeakingwithextremedeliberation.Hewasthatkindofpersonwhosepeculiarityofmannerwassuchthatnothingheutteredevergaveoffence.Whatwouldbeintolerable,comingfromthelipsofanother,couldbesaidbyhimwithimpunity.TherewasnotamanonRedRiver,perhaps,thatagreedwithhimonthesubjectofpoliticsor
religion,andnotaman,Iventuretosay,whodiscussedeitherofthosesubjectshalfasmuch.Itseemedtobetakenforgrantedthathewouldespousetheunpopularsideofeverylocalquestion,anditalwayscreatedamusementratherthandispleasureamonghisauditors,tolistentotheingeniousandoriginalmannerinwhichhemaintainedthecontroversy.Hewasabachelor—an“old
bachelor,”accordingtothetrueacceptationoftheterm—havingnokindredliving,asheknewof,intheworld.Neitherhadheanypermanentabidingplace—wanderingfromoneStatetoanother,ashisfancydictated.HehadlivedinMarksvillethreeorfouryears,andintheprosecutionofhisbusinessasacarpenter;andinconsequence,likewise,ofhispeculiarities,wasquite
extensivelyknownthroughouttheparishofAvoyelles.Hewasliberaltoafault;andhismanyactsofkindnessandtransparentgoodnessofheartrenderedhimpopularinthecommunity,thesentimentofwhichheunceasinglycombated.
HewasanativeofCanada,fromwhencehehadwanderedinearlylife,and
aftervisitingalltheprincipallocalitiesinthenorthernandwesternStates,inthecourseofhisperegrinations,arrivedintheunhealthyregionoftheRedRiver.HislastremovalwasfromIllinois.Whitherhehasnowgone,Iregrettobeobligedtosay,isunknowntome.HegathereduphiseffectsanddepartedquietlyfromMarksvillethedaybeforeIdid,thesuspicionsofhisinstrumentalityin
procuringmyliberationrenderingsuchastepnecessary.Forthecommissionofajustandrighteousacthewouldundoubtedlyhavesuffereddeath,hadheremainedwithinreachoftheslave-whippingtribeonBayouBœuf.
Oneday,whileworkingonthenewhouse,BassandEppsbecameengagedinacontroversy,towhich,aswill
bereadilysupposed,Ilistenedwithabsorbinginterest.TheywerediscussingthesubjectofSlavery.
“ItellyouwhatitisEpps,”saidBass,“it’sallwrong—allwrong,sir—there’snojusticenorrighteousnessinit.Iwouldn’townaslaveifIwasrichasCrœsus,whichIamnot,asisperfectlywellunderstood,moreparticularly
amongmycreditors.There’sanotherhumbug—thecreditsystem—humbug,sir;nocredit—nodebt.Creditleadsamanintotemptation.Cashdownistheonlythingthatwilldeliverhimfromevil.ButthisquestionofSlavery;whatrighthaveyoutoyourniggerswhenyoucomedowntothepoint?”
“Whatright!”saidEpps,laughing;“why,Ibought
‘em,andpaidfor’em.”
Ofcourseyoudid;thelawsaysyouhavetherighttoholdanigger,butbeggingthelaw’spardon,itlies.Yes,Epps,whenthelawsaysthatit’saliar,andthetruthisnotinit.Iseverythingrightbecausethelawallowsit?Supposethey’dpassalawtakingawayyourlibertyandmakingyouaslave?”
“Oh,thatain’ta
supposablecase,”saidEpps,stilllaughing;“hopeyoudon’tcomparemetoanigger,Bass.”
“Well,”Bassansweredgravely,“no,notexactly.ButIhaveseenniggersbeforenowasgoodasIam,andIhavenoacquaintancewithanywhitemaninthesepartsthatIconsiderawhitbetterthanmyself.Now,inthesightofGod,whatisthe
difference,Epps,betweenawhitemanandablackone?”
“Allthedifferenceintheworld,”repliedEpps.“Youmightaswellaskwhatthedifferenceisbetweenawhitemanandababoon.Now,I’veseenoneofthemcrittersinOrleansthatknowedjustasmuchasanyniggerI’vegot.You’dcallthemfellercitizens,Is’pose?”—andEppsindulgedinaloudlaugh
athisownwit.
“Lookhere,Epps,”continuedhiscompanion;“youcan’tlaughmedowninthatway.Somemenarewitty,andsomeain’tsowittyastheythinktheyare.Nowletmeaskyouaquestion.AreallmencreatedfreeandequalastheDeclarationofIndependenceholdstheyare?”
“Yes,”respondedEpps,
“butallmen,niggers,andmonkeysain’t;”andhereuponhebrokeforthintoamoreboisterouslaughthanbefore.
“Therearemonkeysamongwhitepeopleaswellasblack,whenyoucometothat,”coollyremarkedBass.“Iknowsomewhitementhatuseargumentsnosensiblemonkeywould.Butletthatpass.Theseniggersare
humanbeings.Iftheydon’tknowasmuchastheirmasters,whosefaultisit?Theyarenotallowedtoknowanything.Youhavebooksandpapers,andcangowhereyouplease,andgatherintelligenceinathousandways.Butyourslaveshavenoprivileges.You’dwhiponeofthemifcaughtreadingabook.Theyareheldinbondage,generationaftergeneration,deprivedof
mentalimprovement,andwhocanexpectthemtopossessmuchknowledge?Iftheyarenotbroughtdowntoalevelwiththebrutecreation,youslaveholderswillneverbeblamedforit.Iftheyarebaboons,orstandnohigherinthescaleofintelligencethansuchanimals,youandmenlikeyouwillhavetoanswerforit.There’sasin,afearfulsin,restingonthisnation,that
willnotgounpunishedforever.Therewillbeareckoningyet—yes,Epps,there’sadaycomingthatwillburnasanoven.Itmaybesooneroritmaybelater,butit’sacomingassureastheLordisjust.”
“IfyoulivedupamongtheYankeesinNew-England,”saidEpps,“Iexpectyou’dbeoneofthemcursedfanaticsthatknowmorethanthe
constitution,andgoaboutpeddlingclocksandcoaxingniggerstorunaway.”
“IfIwasinNew-England,”returnedBass,“IwouldbejustwhatIamhere.IwouldsaythatSlaverywasaniniquity,andoughttobeabolished.Iwouldsaytherewasnoreasonnorjusticeinthelaw,ortheconstitutionthatallowsonemantoholdanothermaninbondage.It
wouldbehardforyoutoloseyourproperty,tobesure,butitwouldn’tbehalfashardasitwouldbetoloseyourliberty.Youhavenomorerighttoyourfreedom,inexactjustice,thanUncleAbramyonder.Talkaboutblackskin,andblackblood;why,howmanyslavesarethereonthisbayouaswhiteaseitherofus?Andwhatdifferenceisthereinthecolorofthesoul?Pshaw!thewhole
systemisasabsurdasitiscruel.Youmayownniggersandbehanged,butIwouldn’townoneforthebestplantationinLouisiana.”
“Youliketohearyourselftalk,Bass,betterthananymanIknowof.Youwouldarguethatblackwaswhite,orwhiteblack,ifanybodywouldcontradictyou.Nothingsuitsyouinthisworld,andIdon’tbelieve
youwillbesatisfiedwiththenext,ifyoushouldhaveyourchoiceinthem.”
Conversationssubstantiallyliketheforegoingwerenotunusualbetweenthetwoafterthis;Eppsdrawinghimoutmoreforthepurposeofcreatingalaughathisexpense,thanwithaviewoffairlydiscussingthemeritsofthequestion.HelookeduponBass,asamanreadytosay
anythingmerelyforthepleasureofhearinghisownvoice;assomewhatself-conceited,perhaps,contendingagainsthisfaithandjudgment,inorder,simply,toexhibithisdexterityinargumentation.
HeremainedatEpps’throughthesummer,visitingMarksvillegenerallyonceafortnight.ThemoreIsawofhim,themoreIbecame
convincedhewasamaninwhomIcouldconfide.Nevertheless,mypreviousill-fortunehadtaughtmetobeextremelycautious.Itwasnotmyplacetospeaktoawhitemanexceptwhenspokento,butIomittednoopportunityofthrowingmyselfinhisway,andendeavoredconstantlyineverypossiblemannertoattracthisattention.IntheearlypartofAugustheandmyselfwereat
workaloneinthehouse,theothercarpentershavingleft,andEppsbeingabsentinthefield.Nowwasthetime,ifever,tobroachthesubject,andIresolvedtodoit,andsubmittowhateverconsequencesmightensue.Wewerebusilyatworkintheafternoon,whenIstoppedsuddenlyandsaid—
“MasterBass,Iwanttoaskyouwhatpartofthecountry
youcamefrom?”
“Why,Platt,whatputthatintoyourheal?”heanswered.“Youwouldn’tknowifIshouldtellyou.”Afteramomentortwoheadded—“IwasborninCanada;nowguesswherethatis.”
“Oh,IknowwhereCanadais,”saidI,“Ihavebeentheremyself.”
“Yes,Iexpectyouarewellacquaintedallthroughthatcountry,”heremarked,laughingincredulously.
“AssureasIlive,MasterBass,”Ireplied,“Ihavebeenthere.IhavebeeninMontrealandKingston,andQueenston,andagreatmanyplacesinCanada,andIhavebeeninYorkState,too—inBuffalo,andRochester,andAlbany,andcantellyouthenamesof
thevillagesontheEriecanalandtheChamplaincanal.”
Bassturnedroundandgazedatmealongtimewithoututteringasyllable.
“Howcameyouhere?”heinquired,atlength,“MasterBass,”Ianswered,“ifjusticehadbeendone,Ineverwouldhavebeenhere.”
“Well,how’sthis?”saidhe.“Whoareyou?Youhave
beeninCanadasureenough;Iknowalltheplacesyoumention.Howdidyouhappentogethere?Come,tellmeallaboutit.”
“Ihavenofriendshere,”wasmyreply,“thatIcanputconfidencein.Iamafraidtotellyou,thoughIdon’tbelieveyouwouldtellMasterEppsifIshould.”
HeassuredmeearnestlyhewouldkeepeverywordI
mightspeaktohimaprofoundsecret,andhiscuriositywasevidentlystronglyexcited.Itwasalongstory,Iinformedhim,andwouldtakesometimetorelateit.MasterEppswouldbebacksoon,butifhewouldseemethatnightafterallwereasleep,Iwouldrepeatittohim.Heconsentedreadilytothearrangement,anddirectedmetocomeintothebuildingwherewewerethen
atwork,andIwouldfindhimthere.Aboutmidnight,whenallwasstillandquiet,Icreptcautiouslyfrommycabin,andsilentlyenteringtheunfinishedbuilding,foundhimawaitingme.
AfterfurtherassurancesonhispartthatIshouldnotbebetrayed,Ibeganarelationofthehistoryofmylifeandmisfortunes.Hewasdeeplyinterested,askingnumerous
questionsinreferencetolocalitiesandevents.HavingendedmystoryIbesoughthimtowritetosomeofmyfriendsattheNorth,acquaintingthemwithmysituation,andbeggingthemtoforwardfreepapers,ortakesuchstepsastheymightconsiderpropertosecuremyrelease.Hepromisedtodoso,butdweltuponthedangerofsuchanactincaseofdetection,andnowimpressed
uponmethegreatnecessityofstrictsilenceandsecresy.Beforewepartedourplanofoperationwasarranged.
Weagreedtomeetthenextnightataspecifiedplaceamongthehighweedsonthebankofthebayou,somedistancefrommaster’sdwelling.Therehewastowritedownonpaperthenamesandaddressofseveralpersons,oldfriendsinthe
North,towhomhewoulddirectlettersduringhisnextvisittoMarksville.Itwasnotdeemedprudenttomeetinthenewhouse,inasmuchasthelightitwouldbenecessarytousemightpossiblybediscovered.InthecourseofthedayImanagedtoobtainafewmatchesandapieceofcandle,unperceived,fromthekitchen,duringatemporaryabsenceofAuntPhebe.Basshadpenciland
paperinhistoolchest.
Attheappointedhourwemetonthebayoubank,andcreepingamongthehighweeds,Ilightedthecandle,whilehedrewforthpencilandpaperandpreparedforbusiness.IgavehimthenamesofWilliamPerry,CephasParkerandJudgeMarvin,allofSaratogaSprings,Saratogacounty,New-York.Ihadbeen
employedbythelatterintheUnitedStatesHotel,andhadtransactedbusinesswiththeformertoaconsiderableextent,andtrustedthatatleastoneofthemwouldbestilllivingatthatplace.Hecarefullywrotethenames,andthenremarked,thoughtfully-
“ItissomanyyearssinceyouleftSaratoga,alithesemenmaybedead,ormay
haveremoved.YousayyouobtainedpapersatthecustomhouseinNew-York.Probablythereisarecordofthemthere,andIthinkitwouldbewelltowriteandascertain.”
Iagreedwithhim,andagainrepeatedthecircumstancesrelatedheretofore,connectedwithmyvisittothecustomhousewithBrownandHamilton.Welingeredonthebankof
thebayouanhourormore,conversinguponthesubjectwhichnowengrossedourthoughts.Icouldnolongerdoubthisfidelity,andfreelyspoketohimofthemanysorrowsIhadborneinsilence,andsolong.Ispokeofmywifeandchildren,mentioningtheirnamesandages,anddwellingupontheunspeakablehappinessitwouldbetoclaspthemtomyheartoncemorebeforeIdied.
Icaughthimbythehand,andwithtearsandpassionateentreatiesimploredhimtobefriendme—torestoremetomykindredandtoliberty—promisingIwouldwearyHeaventheremainderofmylifewithprayersthatitwouldblessandprosperhim.Intheenjoymentoffreedom—surroundedbytheassociationsofyouth,andrestoredtothebosomofmyfamily—thatpromiseisnot
yetforgotten,norshalliteverbesolongasIhavestrengthtoraisemyimploringeyesonhigh.
“Oh,blessingsonhiskindlyvoiceandonhissilverhair,Andblessingsonhiswholelifelong,untilhemeetmethere.”
Heoverwhelmedmewithassurancesoffriendshipandfaithfulness,sayinghehadneverbeforetakensodeepaninterestinthefateofanyone.Hespokeofhimselfinasomewhatmournfultone,asalonelyman,awandererabouttheworld—thathewasgrowingold,andmustsoonreachtheendofhisearthlyjourney,andliedowntohisfinalrestwithoutkithorkintomournforhim,orto
rememberhim—thathislifewasoflittlevaluetohimself,andhenceforthshouldbedevotedtotheaccomplishmentofmyliberty,andtoanunceasingwarfareagainsttheaccursedshameofSlavery.
Afterthistimeweseldomspoketo,orrecognizedeachother.Hewas,moreover,lessfreeinhisconversationwithEppsonthesubjectof
Slavery.Theremotestsuspicionthattherewasanyunusualintimacy—anysecretunderstandingbetweenus—neveronceenteredthemindofEpps,oranyotherperson,whiteorblack,ontheplantation.
Iamoftenasked,withanairofincredulity,howIsucceededsomanyyearsinkeepingfrommydailyandconstantcompanionsthe
knowledgeofmytruenameandhistory.TheterriblelessonBurchtaughtme,impressedindeliblyuponmymindthedangeranduselessnessofassertingIwasafreeman.Therewasnopossibilityofanyslavebeingabletoassistme,while,ontheotherhand,therewasapossibilityofhisexposingme.Whenitisrecollectedthewholecurrentofmythoughts,fortwelveyears,turnedtothe
contemplationofescape,itwillnotbewonderedat,thatIwasalwayscautiousandonmyguard.Itwouldhavebeenanactoffollytohaveproclaimedmyrighttofreedom;itwouldonlyhavesubjectedmetosevererscrutiny—probablyhaveconsignedmetosomemoredistantandinaccessibleregionthanevenBayouBœuf.EdwinEppswasapersonutterlyregardlessofa
blackman’srightsorwrongs—utterlydestituteofanynaturalsenseofjustice,asIwellknew.Itwasimportant,therefore,notonlyasregardedmyhopeofdeliverance,butalsoasregardedthefewpersonalpriviligesIwaspermittedtoenjoy,tokeepfromhimthehistoryofmylife.
TheSaturdaynightsubsequenttoourinterviewat
thewater’sedge,BasswenthometoMarksville.Thenextday,beingSunday,heemployedhimselfinhisownroomwritingletters.OnehedirectedtotheCollectorofCustomsatNew-York,anothertoJudgeMarvin,andanothertoMessrs.ParkerandPerryjointly.Thelatterwastheonewhichledtomyrecovery.Hesubscribedmytruename,butinthepostscriptintimatedIwasnot
thewriter.Theletteritselfshowsthatheconsideredhimselfengagedinadangerousundertaking—nolessthanrunning“theriskofhislife,ifdetected.”Ididnotseetheletterbeforeitwasmailed,buthavesinceobtainedacopy,whichishereinserted:
“BayouBœuf,August15,1852.
“Mr.WILLIAMPERRYorMr.CEPHASPARKER:
“Gentlemen—IthavingbeenalongtimesinceIhaveseenorheardfromyou,andnotknowingthatyouareliving,itiswithuncertaintythatIwritetoyou,butthenecessityofthecasemustbemyexcuse.
“Havingbeenbornfree,justacrosstheriverfromyou,Iamcertainyoumustknow
me,andIamherenowaslave.Iwishyoutoobtainfreepapersforme,andforwardthemtomeatMarksville,Louisiana,ParishofAvoyelles,andoblige
“Yours,SOLOMONNORTHUP.
“ThewayIcametobeaslave,IwastakensickinWashingtonCity,andwasinsensibleforsometime.WhenIrecoveredmyreason,
Iwasrobbedofmyfree-papers,andinironsonmywaytothisState,andhaveneverbeenabletogetanyonetowriteformeuntilnow;andhethatiswritingformerunstheriskofhislifeifdetected.”
Theallusiontomyselfintheworkrecentlyissued,entitled“AKeytoUncleTom’sCabin,”containsthefirstpartofthisletter,
omittingthepostscript.Neitherarethefullnamesofthegentlementowhomitisdirectedcorrectlystated,therebeingaslightdiscrepancy,probablyatypographicalerror.TothepostscriptmorethantothebodyofthecommunicationamIindebtedformyliberation,aswillpresentlybeseen.
WhenBassreturnedfromMarksvilleheinformedmeof
whathehaddone.Wecontinuedourmidnightconsultations,neverspeakingtoeachotherthroughtheday,exceptingasitwasnecessaryaboutthework.Asnearlyashewasabletoascertain,itwouldrequiretwoweeksforthelettertoreachSaratogainduecourseofmail,andthesamelengthoftimeforananswertoreturn.Withinsixweeks,atthefarthest,weconcluded,ananswerwould
arrive,ifitarrivedatall.Agreatmanysuggestionswerenowmade,andagreatdealofconversationtookplacebetweenus,astothemostsafeandpropercoursetopursueonreceiptofthefreepapers.Theywouldstandbetweenhimandharm,incasewewereovertakenandarrestedleavingthecountryaltogether.Itwouldbenoinfiringementoflaw,howevermuchitmight
provokeindividualhostility,toassistafreemantoregainhisfreedom.
AttheendoffourweekshewasagainatMarksville,butnoanswerhadarrived.Iwassorelydisappointed,butstillreconciledmyselfwiththereflectionthatsufficientlengthoftimehadnotyetelapsed—thattheremighthavebeendelays—andthatIcouldnotreasonablyexpect
onesosoon.Six,seven,eight,andtenweekspassedby,however,andnothingcame.IwasinafeverofsuspensewheneverBassvisitedMarksville,andcouldscarcelyclosemyeyesuntilhisreturn.Finallymymaster’shousewasfinished,andthetimecamewhenBassmustleaveme.ThenightbeforehisdepartureIwaswhollygivenuptodespair.Ihadclungtohimasa
drowningmanclingstothefloatingspar,knowingifitslipsfromhisgrasphemustforeversinkbeneaththewaves.Theall-glorioushope,uponwhichIhadlaidsucheagerhold,wascrumblingtoashesinmyhands.Ifeltasifsinkingdown,down,amidstthebitterwatersofSlavery,fromtheunfathomabledepthsofwhichIshouldneverriseagain.
Thegenerousheartofmyfriendandbenefactorwastouchedwithpityatthesightofmydistress.Heendeavoredtocheermeup,promisingtoreturnthedaybeforeChristmas,andifnointelligencewasreceivedinthemeantime,somefurtherstepwouldbeundertakentoeffectourdesign.Heexhortedmetokeepupmyspirits—torelyuponhiscontinuedeffortsinmy
behalf,assuringme,inmostearnestandimpressivelanguage,thatmyliberationshould,fromthenceforth,bethechiefobjectofhisthoughts.
Inhisabsencethetimepassedslowlyindeed.IlookedforwardtoChristmaswithintenseanxietyandimpatience.Ihadaboutgivenuptheexpectationofreceivinganyanswertothe
letters.Theymighthavemiscarried,ormighthavebeenmisdirected.PerhapsthoseatSaratoga,towhomtheyhadbeenaddressed,werealldead;perhaps,engagedintheirpursuits,theydidnotconsiderthefateofanobscure,unhappyblackmanofsufficientimportancetobenoticed.MywholereliancewasinBass.ThefaithIhadinhimwascontinuallyre-assuringme,andenabledme
tostandupagainstthetideofdisappointmentthathadoverwhelmedme.
SowhollywasIabsorbedinreflectinguponmysituationandprospects,thatthehandswithwhomIlaboredinthefieldoftenobservedit.PatseywouldaskmeifIwassick,andUncleAbram,andBob,andWileyfrequentlyexpressedacuriositytoknowwhatI
couldbethinkingaboutsosteadily.ButIevadedtheirinquirieswithsomelightremark,andkeptmythoughtslockedcloselyinmybreast.
CHAPTERXX.BASSFAITHFULTOHISWORD—HISARRIVALONCHRISTMASEVE—THEDIFFICULTYOFOBTAININGANINTERVIEW—THEMEETINGINTHECABIN—NON-ARRIVAL
OFTHELETTER—BASSANNOUNCESHISINTENTIONTOPROCEEDNORTH—CHRISTMAS—CONVERSATIONBETWEENEPPSANDBASS—YOUNGMISTRESSM‘COY,THEBEAUTYOFBAYOUBŒUF—THE“NEPLUBULTRA”OFDINNERS—MUSICANDDANCING—PRESENCEOFTHE
MISTRESS—HEREXCEEDINGBEAUTY—THELASTSLAVEDANCE—WILLIAMPIERCE—OVERSLEEPMYSELF—THELASTWHIPPING—DESPONDENCY—THECOLDMORNING—EPPS’THREATS—THEPASSINGCARRIAGE—STRANGERSAPPROACHINGTHROUGHTHECOTTON-FIELD—
LASTHOURONBAYOUBŒUF.
FAITHFULtohisword,thedaybeforeChristmas,justatnight-fall,Basscameridingintotheyard.
“Howareyou,”saidEpps,shakinghimbythehand,“gladtoseeyou.”
Hewouldnothavebeenverygladhadheknownthe
objectofhiserrand.
“Quitewell,quitewell,”answeredBass.“Hadsomebusinessoutonthebayou,andconcludedtocallandseeyou,andstayovernight.”
Eppsorderedoneoftheslavestotakechargeofhishorse,andwithmuchtalkandlaughtertheypassedintothehousetogether;not,however,untilBasshadlookedatmesignificantly,asmuchasto
say,“Keepdark,weunderstandeachother.”Itwasteno’clockatnightbeforethelaborsofthedaywereperformed,whenIenteredthecabin.AtthattimeUncleAbramandBoboccupieditwithme.IlaiddownuponmyboardandfeignedIwasasleep.Whenmycompanionshadfallenintoaprofoundslumber,Imovedstealthilyoutofthedoor,andwatched,and
listenedattentivelyforsomesignorsoundfromBass.ThereIstooduntillongaftermidnight,butnothingcouldbeseenorheard.AsIsuspected,hedarednotleavethehouse,throughfearofexcitingthesuspicionofsomeofthefamily.Ijudged,correctly,hewouldriseearlierthanwashiscustom,andtaketheopportunityofseeingmebeforeEppswasup.AccordinglyIaroused
UncleAbramanhoursoonerthanusual,andsenthimintothehousetobuildafire,which,atthatseasonof-theyear,isapartofUncleAbram’sduties.
IalsogaveBobaviolentshake,andaskedhimifheintendedtosleeptillnoon,sayingmasterwouldbeupbeforethemuleswerefed.Heknewrightwelltheconsequencethatwould
followsuchanevent,and,jumpingtohisfeet,wasatthehorse-pastureinatwinkling.
Presently,whenbothweregone,Bassslippedintothecabin.
“Noletteryet,Platt,”saidhe.Theannouncementfelluponmyheartlikelead.
“Oh,dowriteagain,MasterBass,”Icried;“Iwillgiveyouthenamesofagreat
manyIknow.Surelytheyarenotalldead.Surelysomeonewillpityme.”
“Nouse,”Bassreplied,“nouse.Ihavemadeupmymindtothat.IfeartheMarksvillepost-masterwillmistrustsomething,Ihaveinquiredsooftenathisoffice.Toouncertain—toodangerous.”
“Thenitisallover,”Iexclaimed.“Oh,myGod,howcanIendmydayshere!”
“You’renotgoingtoendthemhere,”hesaid,“unlessyoudieverysoon.I’vethoughtthismatterallover,andhavecometoadetermination.Therearemorewaysthanonetomanagethisbusiness,andabetterandsurerwaythanwritingletters.IhaveajobortwoonhandwhichcanbecompletedbyMarchorApril.BythattimeIshallhaveaconsiderablesumofmoney,
andthen,Platt,IamgoingtoSaratogamyself.”
Icouldscarcelycreditmyownsensesasthewordsfellfromhislips.Butheassuredme,inamannerthatleftnodoubtofthesincerityofhisintention,thatifhislifewasspareduntilspring,heshouldcertainlyundertakethejourney.
“Ihavelivedinthisregionlongenough,”hecontinued;
“Imayaswellbeinoneplaceasanother.ForalongtimeIhavebeenthinkingofgoingbackoncemoretotheplacewhereIwasborn.I’mtiredofSlaveryaswellasyou.IfIcansucceedingettingyouawayfromhere,itwillbeagoodactthatIshallliketothinkofallmylife.AndIshallsucceed,Platt;I’mboundtodoit.NowletmetellyouwhatIwant.Eppswillbeupsoon,anditwon’t
dotobecaughthere.ThinkofagreatmanymenatSaratogaandSandyHill,andinthatneighborhood,whoonceknewyou.Ishallmakeexcusetocomeheroagaininthecourseofthewinter,whenIwillwritedowntheirnames.IwillthenknowwhotocallonwhenIgonorth.Thinkofallyoucan.CheerupIDon’tbediscouraged.I’mwithyou,lifeordeath.Good-bye.Godblessyou,”
andsayingthisheleftthecabinquickly,andenteredthegreathouse.
ItwasChristmasmorning—thehappiestdayinthewholeyearfortheslave.Thatmorningheneednothurrytothefield,withhisgourdandcotton-bag.Happinesssparkledintheeyesandoverspreadthecountenancesofall.Thetimeoffeastinganddancinghadcome.The
caneandcottonfieldsweredeserted.Thatdaythecleandresswastobedonned—theredribbondisplayed;thereweretobere-unions,andjoyandlaughter,andhurryingtoandfro.ItwastobeadayoflibertyamongthechildrenofSlavery.Whereforetheywerehappy,andrejoiced.
AfterbreakfastEppsandBasssaunteredabouttheyard,conversinguponthe
priceofcotton,andvariousothertopics.
“WheredoyourniggersholdChristmas!”Bassinquired.
“PlattisgoingtoTannersto-day.Hisfiddleisingreatdemand.TheywanthimatMarshall’sMonday,andMissMaryMcCoy,ontheoldNorwoodplantation,writesmeanotethatshewantshimtoplayforherniggers
Tuesday.”
“Heisratherasmartboy,ain’the?”saidBass.“Comehere,Platt,”headded,lookingatmeasIwalkeduptothem,asifhehadneverthoughtbeforetotakeanyspecialnoticeofme.
“Yes,”repliedEpps,takingholdofmyarmandfeelingit,“thereisn’tabadjointinhim.Thereain’taboyonthebayouworthmorethanheis
—perfectlysound,andnobadtricks.D—nhim,heisn’tlikeotherniggers;doesn’tlooklike‘em—don’tactlike’em.Iwasofferedseventeenhundreddollarsforhimlastweek.”
“Anddidn’ttakeit?”Bassinquired,withanairofsurprise.
“Takeit—no;devilishclearofit.Why,he’sareg’largenius;canmakeaplough
beam,wagontongue—anything,aswellasyoucan.Marshallwantedtoputuponeofhisniggersaginhimandraffleforthem,butItoldhimIwouldseethedevilhavehimfirst.”
“Idon’tseeanythingremarkableabouthim,”Bassobserved.
“Why,justfeelofhim,now,”Eppsrejoined.“Youdon’tseeaboyveryoftenput
togetheranycloserthanheis.He’sathin-skin’dcuss,andwon’tbearasmuchwhippingassome;buthe’sgotthemuscleinhim,andnomistake.
Bassfeltofme,turnedmeround,andmadeathoroughexamination,Eppsallthewhiledwellingonmygoodpoints.Buthisvisitorseemedtotakebutlittleinterestfinallyinthesubject,and
consequentlyitwasdropped.Basssoondeparted,givingmeanotherslylookofrecognitionandsignificance,ashetrottedoutoftheyard.
WhenhewasgoneIobtainedapass,andstartedforTanner’s—notPeterTanner’s,ofwhommentionhaspreviouslybeenmade,butarelativeofhis.Iplayedduringthedayandmostofthenight,spendingthenext
day,Sunday,inmycabin.MondayIcrossedthebayoutoDouglasMarshall’s,allEpps’slavesaccompanyingme,andonTuesdaywenttotheoldNorwoodplace,whichisthethirdplantationaboveMarshall’s,onthesamesideofthewater.
ThisestateisnowownedbyMissMaryMcCoy,alovelygirl,sometwentyyearsofage.Sheisthebeautyand
thegloryofBayouBœuf.Sheownsaboutahundredworkinghands,besidesagreatmanyhouseservants,yardboys,andyoungchildren.Herbrother-in-law,whoresidesontheadjoiningestate,ishergeneralagent.Sheisbelovedbyallherslaves,andgoodreasonindeedhavetheytobethankfulthattheyhavefallenintosuchgentlehands.Nowhereonthebayouare
theresuchfeasts,suchmerrymaking,asatyoungMadamMcCoy’s.Thither,morethantoanyotherplace,dotheoldandtheyoungformilesaroundlovetorepairinthetimeoftheChristmasholidays;fornowhereelsecantheyfindsuchdeliciousrepasts;nowhereelsecantheyhearavoicespeakingtothemsopleasantly.Nooneissowellbeloved—noonefillssolargeaspaceinthehearts
ofathousandslaves,asyoungMadamMcCoy,theorphanmistressoftheoldNorwoodestate.
Onmyarrivalatherplace,Ifoundtwoorthreehundredhadassembled.Thetablewaspreparedinalongbuilding,whichshehaderectedexpresslyforherslavestodancein.Itwascoveredwitheveryvarietyoffoodthecountryafforded,andwas
pronouncedbygeneralacclamationtobetherarestofdinners.Roastturkey,pig,chicken,duck,andallkindsofmeat,baked,boiled,andbroiled,formedalinethewholelengthoftheextendedtable,whilethevacantspaceswerefilledwithtarts,jellies,andfrostedcake,andpastryofmanykinds.Theyoungmistresswalkedaroundthetable,smilingandsayingakindwordtoeachone,and
seemedtoenjoythesceneexceedingly.
Whenthedinnerwasoverthetableswereremovedtomakeroomforthedancers.Itunedmyviolinandstruckupalivelyair;whilesomejoinedinanimblereel,otherspattedandsangtheirsimplebutmelodioussongs,fillingthegreatroomwithmusicmingledwiththesoundofhumanvoicesandtheclatter
ofmanyfeet.
Intheeveningthemistressreturned,andstoodinthedooralongtime,lookingatus.Shewasmagnificentlyarrayed.Herdarkhairandeyescontrastedstronglywithherclearanddelicatecomplexion.Herformwasslenderbutcommanding,andhermovementwasacombinationofunaffecteddignityandgrace.Asshe
stoodthere,cladinherrichapparel,herfaceanimatedwithpleasure,IthoughtIhadneverlookeduponahumanbeinghalfsobeautiful.Idwellwithdelightuponthedescriptionofthisfairandgentlelady,notonlybecausesheinspiredmewithemotionsofgratitudeandadmiration,butbecauseIwouldhavethereaderunderstandthatallslave-ownersonBayouBœufare
notlikeEpps,01Tibeats,orJimBurns.Occasionallycanbefound,rarelyitmaybe,indeed,agoodmanlikeWilliamFord,oranangelofkindnesslikeyoungMistressMcCoy.
TuesdayconcludedthethreeholidaysEppsyearlyallowedus.Onmywayhome,Wednesdaymorning,whilepassingtheplantationofWilliamPierce,that
gentlemanhailedme,sayinghehadreceivedalinefromEpps,broughtdownbyWilliamVarnell,permittinghimtodetainmeforthepurposeofplayingforhisslavesthatnight.ItwasthelasttimeIwasdestinedtowitnessaslavedanceontheshoresofBayouBœuf.ThepartyatPierce’scontinuedtheirjollificationuntilbroaddaylight,whenIreturnedtomymaster’shouse,somewhat
weariedwiththelossofrest,butrejoicinginthepossessionofnumerousbitsandpicayunes,whichthewhites,whowerepleasedwithmymusicalperformances,hadcontributed.
OnSaturdaymorning,forthefirsttimeinyears,Ioversleptmyself.Iwasfrightenedoncomingoutofthecabintofindtheslaves
werealreadyinthefield.Theyhadprecededmesomefifteenminutes.Leavingmydinnerandwater-gourd,IhurriedafterthemasfastasIcouldmove.Itwasnotyetsunrise,butEppswasonthepiazzaasIleftthehut,andcriedouttomethatitwasaprettytimeofdaytobegettingup.Byextraexertionmyrowwasupwhenhecameoutafterbreakfast.This,however,wasnoexcuse
fortheoffenceofoversleeping.Biddingmestripandliedown,hegavemetenorfifteenlashes,attheconclusionofwhichheinquiredifIthought,afterthat,Icouldgetupsometimeinthemorning.IexpressedmyselfquitepositivelythatIcould,and,withbackstingingwithpain,wentaboutmywork.
Thefollowingday,
Sunday,mythoughtswereuponBass,andtheprobabilitiesandhopeswhichhunguponhisactionanddetermination.Iconsideredtheuncertaintyoflife;thatifitshouldbethewillofGodthatheshoulddie,myprospectofdeliverance,andallexpectationofhappinessinthisworld,wouldbewhollyendedanddestroyed.Mysoreback,perhaps,didnothaveatendencytorender
meunusuallycheerful.Ifeltdown-heartedandunhappyalldaylong,andwhenIlaiddownuponthehardboardatnight,myheartwasoppressedwithsuchaloadofgrief,itseemedthatitmustbreak.
Mondaymorning,thethirdofJanuary,1853,wewereinthefieldbetimes.Itwasaraw,coldmorning,suchasisunusualinthatregion.Iwas
inadvance,UncleAbramnexttome,behindhimBob,PatseyandWiley,withourcotton-bagsaboutournecks.Eppshappened(ararething,indeed,)tocomeoutthatmorningwithouthiswhip.Heswore,inamannerthatwouldshameapirate,thatweweredoingnothing.Bobventuredtosaythathisfingersweresonumbwithcoldhecouldn’tpickfast.Eppscursedhimselffornot
havingbroughthisrawhide,anddeclaredthatwhenhecameoutagainhewouldwarmuswell;yes,hewouldmakeusallhotterthanthatfieryrealminwhichIamsometimescompelledtobelievehewillhimselfeventuallyreside.
Withtheseferventexpressions,heleftus.Whenoutofhearing,wecommencedtalkingtoeach
other,sayinghowharditwastobecompelledtokeepupourtaskswithnumbfingers;howunreasonablemasterwas,andspeakingofhimgenerallyinnoflatteringterms.Ourconversationwasinterruptedbyacarriagepassingrapidlytowardsthehouse.Lookingup,wesawtwomenapproachingusthroughthecotton-field.
HavingnowbroughtdownthisnarrativetothelasthourIwastospendonBayouBœuf—havinggottenthroughmylastcottonpicking,andabouttobidMasterEppsfarewell—ImustbegthereadertogobackwithmetothemonthofAugust;tofollowBass’letteronitslongjourneytoSaratoga;tolearntheeffectitproduced—andthat,whileIwasrepininganddespairingintheslavehutofEdwin
Epps,throughthefriendshipofBassandthegoodnessofProvidence,allthingswereworkingtogetherformydeliverance.
CHAPTERXXI.THELETTERREACHESBABATOGA—ISFORWARDEDTOANNE—ISLAIDBEFOREHENRYB.NORTHUP—THESTATUTEOFMAY14,1840—ITSPROVISIONS—ANNE’S
MEMORIALTOTHEGOVERNOR—THEAFFIDAVITSACCOMPANYINGIT—SENATORSOULE’SLETTER—DEPARTUREOFTHEAGENTAPPOINTEDBYTHEGOVERNOR—ARRIVALATMARKSVILLE—THEHON.JOHNP.WADDILL—THECONVERSATIONONNEW-YORKPOLITICS—
ITSUGGESTSAFORTUNATEIDEA—THEMEETINGWITHBASS—THESECRETOUT—LEGALPROCEEDINGSINSTlTUTED—DEPARTUREOFNORTHUPANDTHESHERIFFFROMMARKSVILLEFORBAYOUBŒUF—ARRANGEMENTONTHEWAY—REACH
EPPS’PLANTATION—DISCOVERHISSLAVESINTHECOTTONFIELD—THEMEETING—THEFAREWELL.
IAMindebtedtoMr.HenryB.Northupandothersformanyoftheparticularscontainedinthischapter.
TheletterwrittenbyBass,directedtoParkerandPerry,andwhichwasdepositedin
thepost-officeinMarksvilleonthe15thdayofAugust,1852,arrivedatSaratogaintheearlypartofSeptember.Sometimeprevioustothis,AnnehadremovedtoGlensFalls,Warrencounty,whereshehadchargeofthekitcheninCarpenter’sHotel.Shekepthouse,however,lodgingwithourchildren,andwasonlyabsentfromthemduringsuchtimeasthedischargeofherdutiesinthehotel
required.
Messrs.ParkerandPerry,onreceiptoftheletter,forwardeditimmediatelytoAnne.Onreadingitthechildrenwereallexcitement,andwithoutdelayhastenedtotheneighboringvillageofSandyHill,toconsultHenryB.Northup,andobtainhisadviceandassistanceinthematter.
Uponexamination,that
gentlemanfoundamongthestatutesoftheStateanactprovidingfortherecoveryoffreecitizensfromslavery.ItwaspassedMay14,1840,andisentitled“AnactmoreeffectuallytoprotectthefreecitizensofthisStatefrombeingkidnappedorreducedtoslavery.”ItprovidesthatitshallbethedutyoftheGovernor,uponthereceiptofsatisfactoryinformationthatanyfreecitizenorinhabitant
ofthisState,iswrongfullyheldinanotherStateorTerritoryoftheUnitedStates,upontheallegationorpretencethatsuchpersonisaslave,orbycolorofanyusageorruleoflawisdeemedortakentobeaslave,totakesuchmeasurestoprocuretherestorationofsuchpersontoliberty,asheshalldeemnecessary.Andtothatend,heisauthorizedtoappointandemployanagent,
anddirectedtofurnishhimwithsuchcredentialsandinstructionsaswillbelikelytoaccomplishtheobjectofhisappointment.Itrequirestheagentsoappointedtoproceedtocollecttheproperprooftoestablishtherightofsuchpersontohisfreedom;toperformsuchjourneys,takesuchmeasures,institutesuchlegalproceedings,&c.,asmaybenecessarytoreturnsuchpersontothisState,and
chargesallexpensesincurredincarryingtheactintoeffect,uponmoneysnototherwiseappropriatedinthetreasury.1
ItwasnecessarytoestablishtwofactstothesatisfactionoftheGovernor:First,thatIwasafreecitizenofNew-York;andsecondly,thatIwaswrongfullyheldinbondage.Astothefirstpoint,therewasnodifficulty,alltheolderinhabitantsinthe
vicinitybeingreadytotestifytoit.ThesecondpointrestedentirelyuponthelettertoParkerandPerry,writteninanunknownhand,andupontheletterpennedonboardthebrigOrleans,which,unfortunately,hadbeenmislaidorlost.
Amemorialwasprepared,directedtohisexcellency,GovernorHunt,settingforthhermarriage,mydepartureto
Washingtoncity;thereceiptoftheletters;thatIwasafreecitizen,andsuchotherfactsasweredeemedimportant,andwassignedandverifiedbyAnne.AccompanyingthismemorialwereseveralaffidavitsofprominentcitizensofSandyHillandFortEdward,corroboratingfullythestatementsitcontained,andalsoarequestofseveralwellknowngentlementothe
Governor,thatHenryB.Northupbeappointedagentunderthelegislativeact.
Onreadingthememorialandaffidavits,hisexcellencytookalivelyinterestinthematter,andonthe23ddayofNovember,1852,underthesealoftheState,“constituted,appointedandemployedHenryB.Northup,Esq.,anagent,withfullpowertoeffect”myrestoration,andto
takesuchmeasuresaswouldbemostlikelytoaccomplishit,andinstructinghimtoproceedtoLouisianawithallconvenientdispatch.2
ThepressingnatureofMr.Northup’sprofessionalandpoliticalengagementsdelayedhisdepartureuntilDecember.OnthefourteenthdayofthatmonthheleftSandyHill,andproceededtoWashington.TheHon.Pierre
Soule,SenatorinCongressfromLouisiana,Hon.Mr.Conrad,SecretaryofWar,andJudgeNelson,oftheSupremeCourtoftheUnitedStates,uponhearingastatementofthefacts,andexamininghiscommission,andcertifiedcopiesofthememorialandaffidavits,furnishedhimwithopenletterstogentlemeninLouisiana,stronglyurgingtheirassistancein
accomplishingtheobjectofhisappointment.
SenatorSouleespeciallyinterestedhimselfinthematter,insisting,inforciblelanguage,thatitwasthedutyandinterestofeveryplanterinhisStatetoaidinrestoringmetofreedom,andtrustedthesentimentsofhonorandjusticeinthebosomofeverycitizenofthecommonwealthwouldenlisthimatoncein
mybehalf.Havingobtainedthesevaluableletters,Mr.NorthupreturnedtoBaltimore,andproceededfromthencetoPittsburgh.Itwashisoriginalintention,underadviceoffriendsatWashington,togodirectlytoNewOrleans,andconsulttheauthoritiesofthatcity.Providentially,however,onarrivingatthemouthofRedRiver,hechangedhismind.Hadhecontinuedon,he
wouldnothavemetwithBass,inwhichcasethesearchformewouldprobablyhavebeenfruitless.
Takingpassageonthefirststeamerthatarrived,hepursuedhisjourneyupRedRiver,asluggish,windingstream,flowingthroughavastregionofprimitiveforestsandimpenetrableswamps,almostwhollydestituteofinhabitants.
Aboutnineo’clockintheforenoon,January1st,1853,heleftthesteamboatatMarksville,andproceededdirectlytoMarksvilleCourtHouse,asmallvillagefourmilesintheinterior.
FromthefactthatthelettertoMessrs.ParkerandPerrywaspost-markedatMarksville,itwassupposedbyhimthatIwasinthatplaceoritsimmediatevicinity.On
reachingthistown,heatoncelaidhisbusinessbeforetheHon.JohnP.Waddill,alegalgentlemanofdistinction,andamanoffinegeniusandmostnobleimpulses.Afterreadingthelettersanddocumentspresentedhim,andlisteningtoarepresentationofthecircumstancesunderwhichIhadbeencarriedawayintocaptivity,Mr.Waddillatonceprofferedhisservices,andenteredintotheaffairwith
greatzealandearnestness.He,incommonwithothersoflikeelevatedcharacter,lookeduponthekidnapperwithabhorrence.Thetitleofhisfellowparishionersandclientstothepropertywhichconstitutedthelargerproportionoftheirwealth,notonlydependeduponthegoodfaithinwhichslavesalesweretransacted,buthewasamaninwhosehonorableheartemotionsofindignationwere
arousedbysuchaninstanceofinjustice.
Marksville,althoughoccupyingaprominentposition,andstandingoutinimpressiveitalicsonthemapofLouisiana,is,infact,butasmallandinsignificanthamlet.Asidefromthetavern,keptbyajollyandgenerousboniface,thecourthouse,inhabitedbylawlesscowsandswineinthe
seasonsofvacation,andahighgallows,withitsdisseveredropedanglingintheair,thereislittletoattracttheattentionofthestranger.
SolomonNorthupwasanameMr.Waddillhadneverheard,buthewasconfidentthatiftherewasaslavebearingthatappellationinMarksvilleorvicinity,hisblackboyTomwouldknowhim.Tomwasaccordingly
called,butinallhisextensivecircleofacquaintancestherewasnosuchpersonage.
ThelettertoParkerandPerrywasdatedatBayouBœuf.Atthisplace,therefore,theconclusionwas,Imustbesought.Buthereadifficultysuggesteditself,ofaverygravecharacterindeed.BayouBœuf,atitsnearestpoint,wastwenty-threemilesdistant,andwasthename
appliedtothesectionofcountryextendingbetweenfiftyandahundredmiles,onbothsidesofthatstream.Thousandsandthousandsofslavesresideduponitsshores,theremarkablerichnessandfertilityofthesoilhavingattractedthitheragreatnumberofplanters.Theinformationintheletterwassovagueandindefiniteastorenderitdifficulttoconcludeuponanyspecificcourseof
proceeding.Itwasfinallydetermined,however,astheonlyplanthatpresentedanyprospectofsuccess,thatNorthupandthebrotherofWaddill,astudentintheofficeofthelatter,shouldrepairtotheBayou,andtravelinguponesideanddowntheotheritswholelength,inquireateachplantationforme.Mr.Waddilltenderedtheuseofhiscarriage,anditwas
definitelyarrangedthattheyshouldstartupontheexcursionearlyMondaymorning.
Itwillbeseenatoncethatthiscourse,inallprobability,wouldhaveresultedunsuccessfully.Itwouldhavebeenimpossibleforthemtohavegoneintothefieldsandexamineallthegangsatwork.TheywerenotawarethatIwasknownonlyas
Platt;andhadtheyinquiredofEppshimself,hewouldhavestatedtrulythatheknewnothingofSolomonNorthup.
Thearrangementbeingadopted,however,therewasnothingfurthertobedoneuntilSundayhadelapsed.TheconversationbetweenMessrs.NorthupandWaddill,inthecourseoftheafternoon,turneduponNew-Yorkpolitics.
“IcanscarcelycomprehendthenicedistinctionsandshadesofpoliticalpartiesinyourState,”observedMr.Waddill.“Ireadofsoft-shellsandhard-shells,hunkersandbarnburners,woolly-headsandsilver-grays,andamunabletounderstandtheprecisedifferencebetweenthem.Pray,whatisit?”
Mr.Northup,re-fillinghis
pipe,enteredintoquiteanelaboratenarrativeoftheoriginofthevarioussectionsofparties,andconcludedbysayingtherewasanotherpartyinNew-York,knownasfree-soilersorabolitionists.“Youhaveseennoneofthoseinthispartofthecountry,Ipresume?”Mr.Northupremarked.
“Never,butone,”answeredWaddill,laughingly.“We
haveonehereinMarksville,aneccentriccreature,whopreachesabolitionismasvehementlyasanyfanaticattheNorth.Heisagenerous,inoffensiveman,butalwaysmaintainingthewrongsideofanargument.Itaffordsusadealofamusement.Heisanexcellentmechanic,andalmostindispensableinthiscommunity.Heisacarpenter.HisnameisBass.”
Somefurthergood-naturedconversationwashadattheexpenseofBass’peculiarities,whenWaddillallatoncefellintoareflectivemood,andaskedforthemysteriousletteragain.
“Letmesee—1-e-tm-es-e-e!”herepeated,thoughtfullytohimself,runninghiseyesovertheletteroncemore.“‘Bayou
Bœuf,August15.’August15—post-markedhere.‘Hethatiswritingforme—’WheredidBassworklastsummer?”heinquired,turningsuddenlytohisbrother.Hisbrotherwasunabletoinformhim,butrising,lefttheoffice,andsoonreturnedwiththeintelligencethat“BassworkedlastsummersomewhereonBayouBœuf.”
“Heistheman,”‘bringing
downhishandemphaticallyonthetable,’“whocantellusallaboutSolomonNorthup,”exclaimedWaddill.
Basswasimmediatelysearchedfor,butcouldnotbefound.Aftersomeinquiry,itwasascertainedhewasatthelandingonRedRiver.Procuringaconveyance,youngWaddillandNorthupwerenotlongintraversingthefewmilestothelatter
place.Ontheirarrival,Basswasfound,justonthepointofleaving,tobeabsentafortnightormore.Afteranintroduction,Northupbeggedtheprivilegeofspeakingtohimprivatelyamoment.Theywalkedtogethertowardstheriver,whenthefollowingconversationensued:
“Mr.Bass,”saidNorthup,“allowmetoaskyouifyou
wereonBayouBœuflastAugust?”
“Yes,sir,IwasthereinAugust,”wasthereply.
“DidyouwritealetterforacoloredmanatthatplacetosomegentlemaninSaratogaSprings?”
“Excuseme,sir,ifIsaythatisnoneofyourbusiness,”answeredBass,stoppingandlookinghis
interrogatorsearchinglyintheface.
“PerhapsIamratherhasty,Mr.Bass;Ibegyourpardon;butIhavecomefromtheStateofNew-Yorktoaccomplishthepurposethewriterofaletterdatedthe15thofAugust,post-markedatMarksville,hadinview.Circumstanceshaveledmetothinkthatyouareperhapsthemanwhowroteit.Iamin
searchofSolomonNorthup.Ifyouknowhim,Ibegyoutoinformmefranklywhereheis,andIassureyouthesourceofanyinformationyoumaygivemeshallnotbedivulged,ifyoudesireitnottobe.”
AlongtimeBasslookedhisnewacquaintancesteadilyintheeyes,withoutopeninghislips.Heseemedtobedoubtinginhisownmindiftherewasnotanattemptto
practicesomedeceptionuponhim.Finallyhesaid,deliberately—
“Ihavedonenothingtobeashamedof.Iamthemanwhowrotetheletter.IfyouhavecometorescueSolomonNorthup,Iamgladtoseeyou.”
“Whendidyoulastseehim,andwhereishe?”Northupinquired.
“IlastsawhimChristmas,aweekagoto-day.HeistheslaveofEdwinEpps,aplanteronBayouBœuf,nearHolmesville.HeisnotknownasSolomonNorthup;heiscalledPlatt.”
Thesecretwasout—themysterywasunraveled.Throughthethick,blackcloud,amidwhosedarkanddismalshadowsIhadwalkedtwelveyears,brokethestar
thatwastolightmebacktoliberty.Allmistrustandhesitationweresoonthrownaside,andthetwomenconversedlongandfreelyuponthesubjectuppermostintheirthoughts.Bassexpressedtheinteresthehadtakeninmybehalf—hisintentionofgoingnorthintheSpring,anddeclaringthathehadresolvedtoaccomplishmyemancipation,ifitwereinhispower.Hedescribedthe
commencementandprogressofhisacquaintancewithme,andlistenedwitheagercuriositytotheaccountgivenhimofmyfamily,andthehistoryofmyearlylife.Beforeseparating,hedrewamapofthebayouonastripofpaperwithapieceofredchalk,showingthelocalityofEpps’plantation,andtheroadleadingmostdirectlytoit.
Northupandhisyoung
companionreturnedtoMarksville,whereitwasdeterminedtocommencelegalproceedingstotestthequestionofmyrighttofreedom.Iwasmadeplaintiff,Mr.Northupactingasmyguardian,andEdwinEppsdefendant.Theprocesstobeissuedwasinthenatureofreplevin,directedtothesheriffoftheparish,commandinghimtotakemeintocustody,anddetainme
untilthedecisionofthecourt.Bythetimethepapersweredulydrawnup,itwastwelveo’clockatnight—toolatetoobtainthenecessarysignatureoftheJudge,whoresidedsomedistanceoutoftown.FurtherbusinesswasthereforesuspendeduntilMondaymorning.
Everything,apparently,wasmovingalongswimmingly,untilSunday
afternoon,whenWaddillcalledatNorthup’sroomtoexpresshisapprehensionofdifficultiestheyhadnotexpectedtoencounter.Basshadbecomealarmed,andhadplacedhisaffairsinthehandsofapersonatthelanding,communicatingtohimhisintentionofleavingtheState.Thispersonhadbetrayedtheconfidencereposedinhimtoacertainextent,andarumorbegantofloataboutthetown,
thatthestrangeratthehotel,whohadbeenobservedinthecompanyoflawyerWaddill,wasafteroneofoldEpps’slaves,overonthebayou.EppswasknownatMarksville,havingfrequentoccasiontovisitthatplaceduringthesessionofthecourts,andthefearentertainedbyMr.Northup’sadviserwas,thatintelligencewouldbeconveyedtohiminthenight,givinghiman
opportunityofsecretingmebeforethearrivalofthesheriff.
Thisapprehensionhadtheeffectofexpeditingmattersconsiderably.Thesheriff,wholivedinonedirectionfromthevillage,wasrequestedtoholdhimselfinreadinessimmediatelyaftermidnight,whiletheJudgewasinformedhewouldbecalleduponatthesametime.
Itisbutjusticetosay,thattheauthoritiesatMarksvillecheerfullyrenderedalltheassistanceintheirpower.
Assoonaftermidnightasbailcouldbeperfected,andtheJudge’ssignatureobtained,acarriage,containingMr.Northupandthesheriff,drivenbythelandlord’sson,rolledrapidlyoutofthevillageofMarksville,ontheroad
towardsBayouBoeuf.
ItwassupposedthatEppswouldcontesttheissueinvolvingmyrighttoliberty,anditthereforesuggesteditselftoMr.Northup,thatthetestimonyofthesheriff,describingmyfirstmeetingwiththeformer,mightperhapsbecomematerialonthetrial.Itwasaccordinglyarrangedduringtheride,that,beforeIhadanopportunityof
speakingtoMr.Northup,thesheriffshouldpropoundtomecertainquestionsagreedupon,suchasthenumberandnamesofmychildren,thenameofmywifebeforemarriage,ofplacesIknewattheNorth,andsoforth.Ifmyanswerscorrespondedwiththestatementsgivenhim,theevidencemustnecessarilybeconsideredconclusive.
Atlength,shortlyafter
Eppshadleftthefield,withtheconsolingassurancethathewouldsoonreturnandwarmus,aswasstatedintheconclusionoftheprecedingchapter,theycameinsightoftheplantation,anddiscoveredusatwork.Alightingfromthecarriage,anddirectingthedrivertoproceedtothegreathouse,withinstructionsnottomentiontoanyonetheobjectoftheirerranduntiltheymetagain,Northupandthesheriff
turnedfromthehighway,andcametowardsusacrossthecottonfield.Weobservedthem,onlookingupatthecarriage—oneseveralrodsinadvanceoftheother.Itwasasingularandunusualthingtoseewhitemenapproachingusinthatmanner,andespeciallyatthatearlyhourinthemorning,andUncleAbramandPatseymadesomeremarks,expressiveoftheirastonishment.Walkingupto
Bob,thesheriffinquired:
“Where’stheboytheycallPlatt?”
“Tharheis,massa,”answeredBob,pointingtome,andtwitchingoffhishat.
Iwonderedtomyselfwhatbusinesshecouldpossiblyhavewithme,andturninground,gazedathimuntilhehadapproachedwithinastep.Duringmylongresidenceon
thebayou,Ihadbecomefamiliarwiththefaceofeveryplanterwithinmanymiles;butthismanwasanutterstranger—certainlyIhadneverseenhimbefore.
“YournameisPlatt,isit?”heasked.
“Yes,master,”Iresponded.
PointingtowardsNorthup,standingafewrodsdistant,hedemanded—“Doyou
knowthatman?”
Ilookedinthedirectionindicated,andasmyeyesrestedonhiscountenance,aworldofimagesthrongedmybrain;amultitudeofwell-knownfaces—Anne’s,andthedearchildren’s,andmyolddeadfather’s;allthescenesandassociationsofchildhoodandyouth;allthefriendsofotherandhappierdays,appearedand
disappeared,flittingandfloatinglikedissolvingshadowsbeforethevisionofmyimagination,untilatlasttheperfectmemoryofthemanrecurredtome,andthrowingupmyhandstowardsHeaven,Iexclaimed,inavoicelouderthanIcouldutterinalessexcitingmoment—
“HenryB.Northup!ThankGod—thankGod!”
InaninstantIcomprehendedthenatureofhisbusiness,andfeltthatthehourofmydeliverancewasathand.Istartedtowardshim,butthesheriffsteppedbeforeme.
“Stopamoment,”saidhe;“haveyouanyothernamethanPlatt?”
“SolomonNorthupismyname,master,”Ireplied.
“Haveyouafamily?”heinquired.
“Ihadawifeandthreechildren.”
“Whatwereyourchildren’snames?”
“Elizabeth,MargaretandAlonzo.”
“Andyourwife’snamebeforehermarriage?”
“AnneHampton.”
“Whomarriedyou?”
“TimothyEddy,ofFortEdward.”
“Wheredoesthatgentlemanlive?”againpointingtoNorthup,whoremainedstandinginthesameplacewhereIhadfirstrecognizedhim.
“HelivesinSandyHill,Washingtoncounty,NewYork,”wasthereply.
Hewasproceedingtoaskfurtherquestions,butIpushedpasthim,unablelongertorestrainmyself.Iseizedmyoldacquaintancebybothhands.Icouldnotspeak.Icouldnotrefrainfromtears.
“Sol,”hesaidatlength,“I’mgladtoseeyou.”
Iessayedtomakesomeanswer,butemotionchokedallutterance,andIwassilent.
Theslaves,utterlyconfounded,stoodgazinguponthescene,theiropenmouthsandrollingeyesindicatingtheutmostwonderandastonishment.FortenyearsIhaddweltamongthem,inthefieldandinthecabin,bornethesamehardships,partakenthesamefare,mingledmygriefswiththeirs,participatedinthesamescantyjoys;nevertheless,notuntilthis
hour,thelastIwastoremainamongthem,hadtheremotestsuspicionofmytruename,ortheslightestknowledgeofmyrealhistory,beenentertainedbyanyoneofthem.
Notawordwasspokenforseveralminutes,duringwhichtimeIclungfasttoNorthup,lookingupintohisface,fearfulIshouldawakeandfinditalladream.
“Throwdownthatsack,”
Northupadded,finally,“yourcotton-pickingdaysareover.Comewithustothemanyoulivewith.”
Iobeyedhim,andwalkingbetweenhimandthesheriff,wemovedtowardsthegreathouse.ItwasnotuntilwehadproceededsomedistancethatIhadrecoveredmyvoicesufficientlytoaskifmyfamilywereallliving.Heinformedmehehadseen
Anne,MargaretandElizabethbutashorttimepreviously;thatAlonzowasstillliving,andallwerewell.Mymother,however,Icouldneverseeagain.AsIbegantorecoverinsomemeasurefromthesuddenandgreatexcitementwhichsooverwhelmedme,Igrewfaintandweak,insomuchitwaswithdifficultyIcouldwalk.Thesherifftookholdofmyarmandassistedme,orIthinkI
shouldhavefallen.Asweenteredtheyard,Eppsstoodbythegate,conversingwiththedriver.Thatyoungman,faithfultohisinstructions,wasentirelyunabletogivehimtheleastinformationinanswertohisrepeatedinquiriesofwhatwasgoingon.BythetimewereachedhimhewasalmostasmuchamazedandpuzzledasBoborUncleAbram.
Shakinghandswiththesheriff,andreceivinganintroductiontoMr.Northup,heinvitedthemintothehouse,orderingme,atthesametime,tobringinsomewood.ItwassometimebeforeIsucceededincuttinganarmful,having,somehow,unaccountablylostthepowerofwieldingtheaxewithanymannerofprecision.WhenIenteredwithitatlast,thetablewasstrewnwithpapers,
fromoneofwhichNorthupwasreading.Iwasprobablylongerthannecessityrequired,inplacingthesticksuponthefire,beingparticularastotheexactpositionofeachindividualoneofthem.Iheardthewords,“thesaidSolomonNorthup,”and“thedeponentfurthersays,”and“freecitizenofNew-York,”repeatedfrequently,andfromtheseexpressionsunderstoodthatthesecretIhadsolong
retainedfromMasterandMistressEpps,wasfinallydeveloping.Ilingeredaslongasprudencepermitted,andwasaboutleavingtheroom,whenEppsinquired,
“Platt,doyouknowthisgentleman?”
“Yes,master,”Ireplied,“IhaveknownhimaslongasIcanremember.”
“Wheredoeshelive?”
“HelivesinNew-York.”
“Didyoueverlivethere?”
“Yes,master—bornandbredthere”
“Youwasfree,then.Nowyoud——dnigger,”heexclaimed,“whydidyounottellmethatwhen1boughtyou?”
“MasterEpps,”Ianswered,inasomewhatdifferenttonethantheoneinwhichIhad
beenaccustomedtoaddresshim—“MasterEpps,youdidnottakethetroubletoaskme;besides,Itoldoneofmyowners—themanthatkidnappedme—thatIwasfree,andwaswhippedalmosttodeathforit.”
“Itseemstherehasbeenaletterwrittenforyoubysomebody.Now,whoisit?”hedemanded,authoritatively.Imadenoreply.
“Isay,whowrotethatletter?”hedemandedagain.
“PerhapsIwroteitmyself,”Isaid.
“Youhaven’tbeentoMarksvillepost-officeandhackbeforelight,Iknow.”
Heinsisteduponmyinforminghim,andIinsistedIwouldnot.Hemademanyvehementthreatsagainsttheman,whoeverhemightbe,
andintimatedthebloodyandsavagevengeancehewouldwreakuponhim,whenhefoundhimout.Hiswholemannerandlanguageexhibitedafeelingofangertowardstheunknownpersonwhohadwrittenforme,andoffretfulnessattheideaoflosingsomuchproperty.AddressingMr.Northup,hesworeifhehadonlyhadanhour’snoticeofhiscoming,hewouldhavesavedhimthe
troubleoftakingmebacktoNew-York;thathewouldhaverunmeintotheswamp,orsomeotherplaceoutoftheway,whereallthesheriffsonearthcouldn’thavefoundme.
Iwalkedoutintotheyard,andwasenteringthekitchendoor,whensomethingstruckmeintheback.AuntPhebe,emergingfromthebackdoorofthegreathousewithapanofpotatoes,hadthrownone
ofthemwithunnecessaryviolence,therebygivingmetounderstandthatshewishedtospeaktomeamomentconfidentially.Runninguptome,shewhisperedinmyearwithgreatearnestness,
“Lora’mity,Platt!whatd’yethink?Demtwomencomeafterye.Heard‘emtellmassayoufree—gotwifeandtreechildrenbacktharwharyoucomefrom,Goin’wid
‘em?Foolifyedon’t—wishIcouldgo,”andAuntPheberanoninthismanneratarapidrate.
PresentlyMistressEppsmadeherappearanceinthekitchen.Shesaidmanythingstome,andwonderedwhyIhadnottoldherwhoIwas.Sheexpressedherregret,complimentingmebysayingshehadratherloseanyotherservantontheplantation.Had
Patseythatdaystoodinmyplace,themeasure
SCENEINTHECOTTON
FIELD,SOLOMONDELIVEREDUP.
ARRIVALHOME,ANDFIRSTMEETINGWITHHISWIFEANDCHILDREN.
(seepage320)
ofmymistress’joywouldhaveoverflowed.Nowtherewasnooneleftwhocouldmendachairorapieceoffurniture—noonewhowasofanyuseaboutthehouse—noonewhocouldplayforherontheviolin—andMistress
Eppswasactuallyaffectedtotears.
EppshadcalledtoBobtobringuphissaddlehorse.Theotherslaves,also,overcomingtheirfearofthepenalty,hadlefttheirworkandcometotheyard.Theywerestandingbehindthecabins,outofsightofEpps.Theybeckonedmetocometothem,andwithalltheeagernessofcuriosity,
excitedtothehighestpitch,conversedwithandquestionedme.IfIcouldrepeattheexactwordstheyuttered,withthesameemphasis—ifIcouldpainttheirseveralattitudes,andtheexpressionoftheircountenances—itwouldbeindeedaninterestingpicture.Intheirestimation,Ihadsuddenlyarisentoanimmeasurableheight—hadbecomeabeingofimmense
importance.
Thelegalpapershavingbeenserved,andarrangementsmadewithEppstomeetthemthenextdayatMarksville,Northupandthesheriffenteredthecarriagetoreturntothelatterplace.AsIwasaboutmountingtothedriver’sseat,thesheriffsaidIoughttobidMr.andMrs.Eppsgoodbye.Iranbacktothepiazzawheretheywere
standing,andtakingoffmyhat,said,
“Good-bye,missis.”
“Good-bye,Platt,”saidMrs.Epps,kindly.
“Good-bye,master.”
“Ah!youd—dnigger,”mutteredEpps,inasurly,malicioustoneofvoice,“youneedn’tfeelsocussedtickled—youain’tgoneyet—I’llseeaboutthisbusinessat
Marksvilleto-morrow.”
Iwasonlya“nigger”andknewmyplace,butfeltasstronglyasifIhadbeenawhiteman,thatitwouldhavebeenaninwardcomfort,hadIdaredtohavegivenhimapartingkick.Onmywaybacktothecarriage,Patseyranfrombehindacabinandthrewherarmsaboutmyneck.
“Oh?Platt,”shecried,
tearsstreamingdownherface,“you’regoin’tobefree—you’regoin’wayoffyonder,wherewe’llnebberseeyeanymore.You’vesavedmeagoodmanywhippings,Platt;I’mgladyou’regoin’tobefree—butoh!deLord,deLord!what’llbecomeofme?
Idisengagedmyselffromher,andenteredthecarriage.Thedrivercrackedhiswhip
andawaywerolled.IlookedbackandsawPatsey,withdroopinghead,halfrecliningontheground;Mrs.Eppswasonthepiazza;UncleAbram,andBob,andWiley,andAuntPhebestoodbythegate,gazingafterme.Iwavedmyhand,butthecarriageturnedabendofthebayou,hidingthemfrommyeyesforever.
WestoppedamomentatCarey’ssugarhouse,wherea
greatnumberofslaveswereatwork,suchanestablishmentbeingacuriositytoaNorthernman.Eppsdashedbyusonhorsebackatfullspeed—ontheway,aswelearnednextday,tothe“PineWoods,”toseeWilliamFord,whohadbroughtmeintothecountry.
Tuesday,thefourthofJanuary,Eppsandhiscounsel,theHon.H.Taylor,
Northup,Waddill,theJudgeandsheriffofAvoyelles,andmyself,metinaroominthevillageofMarksville.Mr.Northupstatedthefactsinregardtome,andpresentedhiscommission,andtheaffidavitsaccompanyingit.Thesheriffdescribedthesceneinthecottonfield.Iwasalsointerrogatedatgreatlength.Finally,Mr.Taylorassuredhisclientthathewassatisfied,andthatlitigation
wouldnotonlybeexpensive,bututterlyuseless.Inaccordancewithhisadvice,apaperwasdrawnupandsignedbytheproperparties,whereinEppsacknowledgedhewassatisfiedofmyrighttofreedom,andformallysurrenderedmetotheauthoritiesofNew-York.Itwasalsostipulatedthatitbeenteredofrecordintherecorder’sofficeof
Avoyelles.3
Mr.Northupandmyselfimmediatelyhastenedtothelanding,andtakingpassageonthefirststeamerthatarrived,weresoonfloatingdownRedRiver,upwhich,withsuchdespondingthoughts,Ihadbeenbornetwelveyearsbefore.
CHAPTERXXII.ARRIVALINNEW-ORLEANS—GLIMPSEOFFREEMAN—GENOIS,THERECORD-ER—HISDESCRIPTIONOFSOLOMON—REACHCHARLESTON—INTERRUPTEDBY
CUSTOMHOUSEOFFICERS—PASSTHROUGHRICHMOND—ARRIVALINWASHINGTON—BURCHARRESTED—SHEKELSANDTHORN—THEIRTESTIMONY—BURCHACQUITTED—ARRESTCFSOLOMON—BURCHWITHDRAWSTHECOMPLAINT—THEHIGHERTRIBUNAL—DEPARTUREFROM
WASHINGTON—ARRIVALATSANDYHILL—OLDFRIENDSANDFAMILIARSCENES—PROCEEDTOGLENSFALLS—MEETINGWITHANNE,MARGARETANDELIZABETH—SOLOMONNORTHUPSTAUNTON—INCIDENTS-CONCLUSION.
AsthesteamerglidedonitswaytowardsNew-Orleans,perhapsIwasnothappy—perhapstherewasnodifficultyinrestrainingmyselffromdancingroundthedeck—perhapsIdidnotfeelgratefultcthemanwhohadcomesomanyhundredmilesforme—perhapsIdidnotlighthispipe,andwaitandwatchhisword,andrunathisslightestbidding.IfIdidn’t—well,nomatter.
WetarriedatNew-Orleanstwodays.DuringthattimeIpointedoutthelocalityofFreeman’sslavepen,andtheroominwhichFordpurchasedme.WehappenedtomeetTheophilusinthestreet,butIdidnotthinkitworthwhiletorenewacquaintancewithhim.Fromrespectablecitizensweascertainedhehadbecomealow,miserablerowdy—abroken-down,disreputable
man.
Wealsovisitedtherecorder,Mr.Genois,towhomSenatorSoule’sletterwasdirected,andfoundhimamanwelldeservingthewideandhonorablereputationthathebears.Heverygenerouslyfurnisheduswithasortoflegalpass,overhissignatureandsealofoffice,andasitcontainstherecorder’sdescriptionofmypersonal
appearance,itmaynotbeamisstoinsertithere.Thefollowingisacopy:
“StateofLouisiana—CityofNew-Orleans:
Recorder’sOffice,SecondDistrict.
“Toalltowhomthesepresentsshallcome:—
“Thisistocertifythat
HenryB.Northup,Esquire,ofthecountyofWashington,New-York,hasproducedbeforemedueevidenceofthefreedomofSolomon,amulattoman,agedaboutforty-twoyears,fivefeet,seveninchesandsixlines,woollyhair,andchestnuteyes,whoisanativebornoftheStateofNew-York.ThatthesaidNorthup,being
aboutbringingthesaidSolomontohisnativeplace,throughthesouthernroutes,thecivilauthoritiesarerequestedtolettheaforesaidcoloredmanSolomonpassunmolested,hedemeaningwellandproperly.
“GivenundermyhandandthesealofthecityofNew-
Orleansthis7thJanuary,1853.
[L.s.]
“TH.GENOIS,Recorder.”
Onthe8thwecametoLakePontchartrain,byrailroad,and,induetime,
followingtheusualroute,reachedCharleston.Aftergoingonboardthesteamboat,andpayingourpassageatthiscity,Mr.Northupwascalleduponbyacustom-houseofficertoexplainwhyhehadnotregisteredhisservant.Herepliedthathehadnoservant—that,astheagentofNew-York,hewasaccompanyingafreecitizenofthatStatefromslaverytofreedom,anddidnotdesirenorintendtomake
anyregistrywhatever.Iconceivedfromhisconversationandmanner,thoughImayperhapsbeentirelymistaken,thatnogreatpainswouldbetakentoavoidwhateverdifficultytheCharlestonofficialsmightdeempropertocreate.Atlength,however,wewerepermittedtoproceed,and,passingthroughRichmond,whereIcaughtaglimpseofGoodin’spen,arrivedin
WashingtonJanuary17th,1853.
WeascertainedthatbothBurchandRadburnwerestillresidinginthatcity.ImmediatelyacomplaintwasenteredwithapolicemagistrateofWashington,againstJamesH.Burch,forkidnappingandsellingmeintoslavery.HewasarresteduponawarrantissuedbyJusticeGoddard,andreturned
beforeJusticeMansel,andheldtobailinthesumofthreethousanddollars.Whenfirstarrested,Burchwasmuchexcited,exhibitingtheutmostfearandalarm,andbeforereachingthejustice’sofficeonLouisianaAvenue,andbeforeknowingtheprecisenatureofthecomplaint,beggedthepolicetopermithimtoconsultBenjaminO.Shekels,aslavetraderofseventeenyears’
standing,andhisformerpartner.Thelatterbecamehisbail.
Atteno’clock,the18thofJanuary,bothpartiesappearedbeforethemagistrate.SenatorChase,ofOhio,Hon.OrvilleClark,ofSandyHill,andMr.Northupactedascounselfortheprosecution,andJosephH.Bradleyforthedefence.
Gen.OrvilleClarkwas
calledandswornasawitness,andtestifiedthathehadknownmefromchildhood,andthatIwasafreeman,aswasmyfatherbeforeme.Mr.Northupthentestifiedtothesame,andprovedthefactsconnectedwithhismissiontoAvoyelles.
EbenezerRadburnwasthenswornfortheprosecution,andtestifiedhewasforty-eightyearsold;that
hewasaresidentofWashington,andhadknownBurchfourteenyears;thatin1841hewaskeeperofWilliams’slavepen;thatherememberedthefactofmyconfinementinthepenthatyear.Atthispointitwasadmittedbythedefendant’scounsel,thatIhadbeenplacedinthepenbyBurchinthespringof1841,andhereupontheprosecutionrested.
BenjaminO.Shekelswasthenofferedasawitnessbytheprisoner.Benjaminisalarge,coarse-featuredman,andthereadermayperhapsgetasomewhatcorrectconceptionofhimbyreadingtheexactlanguageheusedinanswertothefirstquestionofdefendant’slawyer.Hewasaskedtheplaceofhisnativity,andhisreply,utteredinasortofrowdyishway,wasintheseverywords—
“IwasborninOntariocounty,New-York,andweighedfourteenpounds!”Benjaminwasaprodigious
baby!HefurthertestifiedthathekepttheSteamboatHotelinWashingtonin1841,andsawmethereinthespringofthatyear.Hewasproceedingtostatewhathehadheardtwomensay,whenSenatorChaseraisedalegalobjection,towit,thatthe
sayingsofthirdpersons,beinghearsay,wasimproperevidence.TheobjectionwasoverruledbytheJustice,andShekelscontinued,statingthattwomencametohishotelandrepresentedtheyhadacoloredmanforsale;thattheyhadaninterviewwithBurch;thattheystatedtheycamefromGeorgia,buthedidnotrememberthecounty;thattheygaveafullhistoryoftheboy,sayinghe
wasabricklayer,andplayedontheviolin;thatBurchremarkedhewouldpurchaseiftheycouldagree;thattheywentoutandbroughttheboyin,andthatIwasthesameperson.Hefurthertestified,withasmuchunconcernasifitwasthetruth,thatIreppresentedIwasbornandbredinGeorgia;thatoneoftheyoungmenwithmewasmymaster;thatIexhibitedagreatdealofregretatparting
withhim,andhebelieved“gotintotears!”—nevertheless,thatIinsistedmymasterhadarighttosellme;thatheoughttosellme;andtheremarkablereasonIgavewas,accordingtoShekels,becausehe,mymaster,“hadbeengamblingandonaspree!”
Hecontinued,inthesewords,copiedfromtheminutestakenonthe
examination:“Burchinterrogatedtheboyintheusualmanner,toldhimifhepurchasedhimheshouldsendhimsouth.Theboysaidhehadnoobjection,thatinfacthewouldliketogosouth.Burchpaid$650forhim,tomyknowledge.Idon’tknowwhatnamewasgivenhim,butthinkitwasnotSolomon.Didnotknowthenameofeitherofthetwomen.Theywereinmytaverntwoor
threehours,duringwhichtimetheboyplayedontheviolin.Thebillofsalewassignedinmybar-room.Itwasaprintedblank,filledupbyBurch.Before1838Burchwasmypartner.Ourbusinesswasbuyingandsellingslaves.AfterthattimehewasapartnerofTheophilusFreeman,ofNew-Orleans.Burchboughthere—Freemansoldthere!”
Shekels,beforetestifying,hadheardmyrelationofthecircumstancesconnectedwiththevisittoWashingtonwithBrownandHamilton,andtherefore,itwas,undoubtedly,hespokeof“twomen,”andofmyplayingontheviolin.Suchwashisfabrication,utterlyuntrue,andyettherewasfoundinWashingtonamanwhoendeavoredtocorroboratehim.
BenjaminA.ThorntestifiedhewasatShekels’in1841,andsawacoloredboyplayingonafiddle.“Shekelssaidhewasforsale.Heardhismastertellhimheshouldsellhim.Theboyacknowledgedtomehewasaslave.Iwasnotpresentwhenthemoneywaspaid.Willnotswearpositivelythisistheboy.Themastercamenearsheddingtears:Ithinktheboydid!Ihavebeenengaged
inthebusinessoftakingslavessouth,offandon,fortwentyyears.WhenIcan’tdothatIdosomethingelse.”
Iwasthenofferedasawitness,but,objectionbeingmade,thecourtdecidedmyevidenceinadmissible.ItwasrejectedsolelyonthegroundthatIwasacoloredman—thefactofmybeingafreecitizenofNew-Yorknotbeingdisputed.
Shekelshavingtestifiedtherewasabillofsaleexecuted,Burchwascalleduponbytheprosecutiontoproduceit,inasmuchassuchapaperwouldcorroboratethetestimonyofThornandShekels.Theprisoner’scounselsawthenecessityofexhibitingit,orgivingsomereasonableexplanationforitsnon-production.Toeffectthelatter,Burchhimselfwasofferedasawitnessinhis
ownbehalf.Itwascontendedbycounselforthepeople,thatsuchtestimonyshouldnotbeallowed—thatitwasincontraventionofeveryruleofevidence,andifpermittedwoulddefeattheendsofjustice.Histestimony,however,wasreceivedbythecourtIHemadeoaththatsuchabillofsalehadbeendrawnupandsigned,buthehadlostit,anddidnotknowwhathadbecomeofit!
ThereuponthemagistratewasrequestedtodispatchapoliceofficertoBurch’sresidence,withdirectionstobringhisbooks,containinghisbillsofsalesfortheyear1811.Therequestwasgranted,andbeforeanymeasurecouldbetakentopreventit,theofficerhadobtainedpossessionofthebooks,andbroughtthemintocourt.Thesalesfortheyear1841werefound,andcarefullyexamined,butno
saleofmyself,byanyname,wasdiscovered!
Uponthistestimonythecourtheldthefacttobeestablished,thatBurchcameinnocentlyandhonestlybyme,andaccordinglyhewasdischarged.
AnattemptwasthenmadebyBurchandhissatellites,tofastenuponmethechargethatIhadconspiredwiththetwowhitementodefraudhim
—withwhatsuccess,appearsinanextracttakenfromanarticleintheNew-YorkTimes,publishedadayortwosubsequenttothetrial:“Thecounselforthedefendanthaddrawnup,beforethedefendantwasdischarged,anaffidavit,signedbyBurch,andhadawarrantoutagainstthecoloredmanforaconspiracywiththetwowhitemenbeforereferredto,todefraud
Burchoutofsixhundredandtwenty-fivedollars.Thewarrantwasserved,andthecoloredmanarrestedandbroughtbeforeofficerGoddard.Burchandhiswitnessesappearedincourt,andH.B.Northupappearedascounselforthecoloredman,statinghewasreadytoproceedascounselonthepartofthedefendant,andaskingnodelaywhatever.Burch,afterconsultingprivatelya
shorttimewithShekels,statedtothemagistratethathewishedhimtodismissthecomplaint,ashewouldnotproceedfartherwithit.Defendant’scounselstatedtothemagistratethatifthecomplaintwaswithdrawn,itmustbewithouttherequestorconsentofthedefendant.Burchthenaskedthemagistratetolethimhavethecomplaintandthewarrant,andhetookthem.The
counselforthedefendantobjectedtohisreceivingthem,andinsistedtheyshouldremainaspartoftherecordsofthecourt,andthatthecourtshouldendorsetheproceedingswhichhadbeenhadundertheprocess.Burchdeliveredthemupandthecourtrenderedajudg-mentofdiscontinuancebytherequestoftheprosecutor,andfileditinhisoffice.”
Theremaybethosewhowillaffecttobelievethestatementoftheslave-trader—those,inwhosemindshisallegationswillweighheavierthanmine.Iamapoorcoloredman—oneofadown-troddenanddegradedrace,whosehumblevoicemaynotbeheededbytheoppressor—butknowingthetruth,andwithafullsenseofmyaccountability,Idosolemnlydeclarebeforemen,and
beforeGod,thatanychargeorassertion,thatIconspireddirectlyorindirectlywithanypersonorpersonstosellmyself;thatanyotheraccountofmyvisittoWashington,mycaptureandimprisonmentinWilliams’slavepen,thaniscontainedinthesepages,isutterlyandabsolutelyfalse.IneverplayedontheviolininWashington.IneverwasintheSteamboatHotel,and
neversawThornorShekels,tomyknowledge,inmylife,untillastJanuary.Thestoryofthetrioofslave-tradersisafabricationasabsurdasitisbaseandunfounded.Wereittrue,IshouldnothaveturnedasideonmywaybacktolibertyforthepurposeofprosecutingBurch.Ishouldhaveavoidedratherthansoughthim.Ishouldhaveknownthatsuchastepwouldhaveresultedinrenderingme
infamous.Underthecircumstances—longingasIdidtobeholdmyfamily,andelatedwiththeprospectofreturninghome—itisanoutrageuponprobabilitytosupposeIwouldhaverunthehazard,notonlyofexposure,butofacriminalprosecutionandconviction,byvoluntarilyplacingmyselfinthepositionIdid,ifthestatementsofBurchandhisconfederatescontainaparticleoftruth.I
tookpainstoseekhimout,toconfronthiminacourtoflaw,charginghimwiththecrimeofkidnapping;andtheonlymotivethatimpelledmetothisstep,wasaburningsenseofthewronghehadinflicteduponme,andadesiretobringhimtojustice.Hewasacquitted,inthemanner,andbysuchmeansashavebeendescribed.Ahumantribunalhaspermittedhimtoescape;butthereis
anotherandahighertribunal,wherefalsetestimonywillnotprevail,andwhereIamwilling,sofaratleastasthesestatementsareconcerned,tobejudgedatlast.
WeleftWashingtononthe20thofJanuary,andproceedingbythewayofPhiladelphia,New-York,andAlbany,reachedSandyHillinthenightofthe21st.My
heartoverflowedwithhappinessasIlookedarounduponoldfamiliarscenes,andfoundmyselfinthemidstoffriendsofotherdays.ThefollowingmorningIstarted,incompanywithseveralacquaintances,forGlensFalls,theresidenceofAnneandourchildren.
AsIenteredtheircomfortablecottage,Margaretwasthefirstthat
metme.Shedidnotrecognizeme.WhenIlefther,shewasbutsevenyearsold,alittleprattlinggirl,playingwithhertoys.Nowshewasgrowntowomanhood—wasmarried,withabright-eyedboystandingbyherside.Notforgetfulofhisenslaved,unfortunategrand-father,shehadnamedthechildSolomonNorthupStaunton.WhentoldwhoIwas,shewasovercome
withemotion,andunabletospeak.PresentlyElizabethenteredtheroom,andAnnecamerunningfromthehotel,havingbeeninformedofmyarrival.Theyembracedme,andwithtearsflowingdowntheircheeks,hunguponmyneck.ButIdrawaveiloverascenewhichcanbetterbeimaginedthandescribed.
Whentheviolenceofouremotionshadsubsidedtoa
sacredjoy—whenthehouseholdgatheredroundthefire,thatsentoutitswarmandcracklingcomfortthroughtheroom,weconversedofthethousandeventsthathadoccurred—thehopesandfears,thejoysandsorrows,thetrialsandtroubleswehadeachexperiencedduringthelongseparation.AlonzowasabsentinthewesternpartoftheState.Theboyhadwritten
tohismotherashorttimeprevious,oftheprospectofhisobtainingsufficientmoneytopurchasemyfreedom.Fromhisearliestyears,thathadbeenthechiefobjectofhisthoughtsandhisambition.TheyknewIwasinbondage.Theletterwrittenonboardthebrig,andClemRayhimself,hadgiventhemthatinformation.ButwhereIwas,untilthearrivalofBass’letter,wasamatterof
conjecture.ElizabethandMargaretoncereturnedfromschool—soAnneinformedme—weepingbitterly.Oninquiringthecauseofthechildren’ssorrow,itwasfoundthat,whilestudyinggeography,theirattentionhadbeenattractedtothepictureofslavesworkinginthecotton-field,andanoverseerfollowingthemwithhiswhip.Itremindedthemofthesufferingstheirfathermight
be,and,asithappened,actuallywas,enduringintheSouth.Numerousincidents,suchasthese,wererelated—incidentsshowingtheystillheldmeinconstantremembrance,butnot,perhaps,ofsufficientinteresttothereader,toberecounted.
Mynarrativeisatanend.IhavenocommentstomakeuponthesubjectofSlavery.
Thosewhoreadthisbookmayformtheirownopinionsofthe“peculiarinstitution.”WhatitmaybeinotherStates,Idonotprofesstoknow;whatitisintheregionofRedRiver,istrulyandfaithfullydelineatedinthesepages.Thisisnofiction,noexaggeration.IfIhavefailedinanything,ithasbeeninpresentingtothereadertooprominentlythebrightsideofthepicture.Idoubtnot
hundredshavebeenasunfortunateasmyself;thathundredsoffreecitizenshavebeenkidnappedandsoldintoslavery,andareatthismomentwearingouttheirlivesonplantationsinTexasandLouisiana.ButIforbear.ChastenedandsubduedinspiritbythesufferingsIhaveborne,andthankfultothatgoodBeingthroughwhosemercyIhavebeenrestoredtohappinessandliberty,Ihope
henceforwardtoleadanuprightthoughlowlylife,andrestatlastinthechurchyardwheremyfathersleeps.
ROARINGRIVER.
AREFRAINOFTHEREDRIVER
PLANTATION.
“Harper’screekandroarin’ribber,
Thar,mydear,we’llliveforebber;Denwe’llgotodeInginnation,AllIwantindiecreation,Isprettylittlewifeandbigplantation.
CHORUS.
Updatoakanddowndatribber,Twooverseersandonelittle
nigger.”
APPENDIX.
A.—Page291.CHAP.375.AnactmoreeffectuallytoprotectthefreecitizensofthisStatefrombeingkidnapped,orreducedto
Slavery.
[PassedMay14,1840.]
ThePeopleoftheStateofNew-York,representedinSenateandAssembly,doenactasfollows:
§1.WhenevertheGovernorofthisStateshallreceiveinformation
satisfactorytohimthatanyfreecitizenoranyinhabitantofthisStatehasbeenkidnappedortransportedawayoutofthisState,intoanyotherStateorTerritoryoftheUnitedStates,forthepurposeofbeingthereheldinslavery;orthatsuchfreecitizenorinhabitantiswrongfullyseized,imprisonedorheldinslaveryinanyoftheStatesorTerritoriesoftheUnited
States,ontheallegationorpretencethatsuchapersonisaslave,orbycolorofanyusageorruleoflawprevailinginsuchStateorTerritory,isdeemedortakentobeaslave,ornotentitledofrighttothepersonallibertybelongingtoacitizen;itshallbethedutyofthesaidGovernortotakesuchmeasuresasheshalldeemnecessarytoprocuresuchpersontoberestoredtohis
libertyandreturnedtothisState.TheGovernorisherebyauthorizedtoappointandemploysuchagentoragentsasheshalldeemnecessarytoeffecttherestorationandreturnofsuchperson;andshallfurnishthesaidagentwithsuchcredentialsandinstructionsaswillbelikelytoaccomplishtheobjectofhisappointment.TheGovernormaydeterminethecompensationtobeallowed
tosuchagentforhisservicesbesideshisnecessaryexpenses.
§2.Suchagentshallproceedtocollecttheproperprooftoestablishtherightofsuchpersontohisfreedom,andshallperformsuchjourneys,takesuchmeasures,instituteandprocuretobeprosecutedsuchlegalproceedings,underthedirectionoftheGovernor,as
shallbenecessarytoprocuresuchpersontoberestoredtohislibertyandreturnedtothisState.
§3.TheaccountsforallservicesandexpensesincurredincarryingthisactintoeffectshallbeauditedbytheComptroller,andpaidbytheTreasureronhiswarrant,outofanymoneysinthetreasuryofthisStatenototherwiseappropriated.The
Treasurermayadvance,onthewarrantoftheComptroller,tosuchagent,suchsumorsumsastheGovernorshallcertifytobereasonableadvancestoenablehimtoaccomplishthepurposesofhisappointment,forwhichadvancesuchagentshallaccount,onthefinalauditofhiswarrant.
§4.Thisactshalltakeeffectimmediately.
B.—Page292.MEMORIALOFANNE.ToHisExcellency,theGovernoroftheStateofNew-York:
ThememorialofAnneNorthup,ofthevillageofGlensFalls,inthecountyofWarren,Stateaforesaid,respectfullysetsforth—
Thatyourmemorialist
whosemaidennamewasAnneHampton,wasforty-fouryearsoldonthe14thdayofMarchlast,andwasmarriedtoSolomonNorthup,thenofFortEdward,inthecountyofWashingtonandStateaforesaid,onthe25thdayofDecember,A.D.1828,byTimothyEddy,thenaJusticeofthePeace.ThatthesaidSolomon,aftersuchmarriage,livedandkepthousewithyourmemorialist
insaidtownuntil1830,whenheremovedwithhissaidfamilytothetownofKingsburyinsaidcounty,andremainedthereaboutthreeyears,andthenremovedtoSaratogaSpringsintheStateaforesaid,andcontinuedtoresideinsaidSaratogaSpringsandtheadjoiningtownuntilabouttheyear1841,asnearasthetimecanberecollected,whenthesaidSolomonstartedtogotothe
cityofWashington,intheDistrictofColumbia,sincewhichtimeyourmemorialisthasneverseenhersaidhusband.
Andyourmemorialistfurtherstates,thatintheyear1841shereceivedinformationbyaletterdirectedtoHenryB.Northup,Esq.,ofSandyHill,Washingtoncounty,New-York,andpost-markedat
New-Orleans,thatsaidSolomonhadbeenkidnappedinWashington,putonboardofavessel,andwastheninsuchvesselinNew-Orleans,butcouldnottellhowhecameinthatsituation,norwhathisdestinationwas.
Thatyourmemorialisteversincethelastmentionedperiodhasbeenwhollyunabletoobtainanyinformationofwherethesaid
Solomonwas,untilthemonthofSeptemberlast,whenanotherletterwasreceivedfromthesaidSolomon,post-markedatMarksville,intheparishofAvoyelles,intheStateofLouisiana,statingthathewasheldthereasaslave,whichstatementyourmemorialistbelievestobetrue.
ThatthesaidSolomonisaboutforty-fiveyearsofage,
andneverresidedoutoftheStateofNew-York,inwhichStatehewasborn,untilthetimehewenttoWashingtoncity,asbeforestated.ThatthesaidSolomonNorthupisafreecitizenoftheStateofNew-York,andisnowwrongfullyheldinslavery,inornearMarksville,intheparishofAvoyelles,intheStateofLouisiana,oneoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica,ontheallegationorpretencethat
thesaidSolomonisaslave.
AndyourmemorialistfurtherstatesthatMintusNorthupwasthereputedfatherofsaidSolomon,andwasanegro,anddiedatFortEdward,onthe22ddayofNovember,1829;thatthemotherofsaidSolomonwasamulatto,orthreequarterswhite,anddiedinthecountyofOswego,New-York,somefiveorsixyearsago,asyour
memorialistwasinformedandbelieves,andneverwasaslave.
ThatyourmemorialistandherfamilyarepoorandwhollyunabletopayorsustainanyportionoftheexpensesofrestoringthesaidSolomontohisfreedom.
Yourexcellencyisentreatedtoemploysuchagentoragentsasshallbedeemednecessarytoeffect
therestorationandreturnofsaidSolomonNorthup,inpursuanceofanactoftheLegislatureoftheStateofNew-York,passedMay14th,1840,entitled“AnactmoreeffectuallytoprotectthefreecitizensofthisStatefrombeingkidnappdorreducedtoslavery.”Andyourmemorialistwilleverpray.
(Signed,)ANNENORTHUP.
DatedNovember19,1852.
STATEOFNEW-YORK:Washingtoncounty,ss.
AnneNorthup,ofthevillageofGlensFalls,inthecountyofWarren,insaidState,beingdulysworn,doth
deposeandsaythatshesignedtheabovememorial,andthatthestatementsthereincontainedaretrue.
(Signed,)ANNENORTHUP.
Subscribedandswornbeforemethis19thNovember,1852.
CHARLESHUGHES,JusticePeace.
WerecommendthattheGovernorappointHenryB.Northup,ofthevillageofSandyHill,Washingtoncounty,New-York,asoneoftheagentstoprocuretherestorationandreturnofSolomonNorthup,namedintheforegoingmemorialofAnneNorthup.
DatedatSandyHill,
WashingtonCo.,N.Y.,November20,1852.(Signed,)
PETERHOLBBOOK,
B.F.HOAG,
CHARLESHUGHES,
E.D.BAKER,
DANIELSWEET,
ALMONCLARK,
BENJAMINFERRIS,
JOSIAHH.BROWN,
ORVILLECLARK.
STATEOFNEW-YORK:
WashingtonCounty,ss:
JosiahHand,ofthevillageofSandyHill,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,says,heisfifty-sevenyearsold,andwas
borninsaidvillage,andhasalwaysresidedthere;thathehasknownMintusNorthupandhissonSolomon,namedintheannexedmemorialofAnneNorthup,sinceprevioustotheyear1816;thatMintusNorthupthen,anduntilthetimeofhisdeath,cultivatedafarminthetownsofKingsburyandFortEdward,fromthetimedeponentfirstknewhimuntilhedied;thatsaidMintusandhiswife,the
motherofsaidSolomonNorthup,werereportedtobefreecitizensofNew-York,anddeponentbelievestheyweresofree;thatsaidSolomonNorthupwasborninsaidcountyofWashington,asdeponentbelieves,andwasmarriedDec.25th,1828,inFortEdwardaforesaid,andhissaidwifeandthreechildren—twodaughtersandoneson—arenowlivinginGlensFalls,Warrencounty,
New-York,andthatthesaidSolomonNorthupalwaysresidedinsaidcountyofWashington,anditsimmediatevicinity,untilabout1841,sincewhichtimedeponenthasnotseenhim,butdeponenthasbeencrediblyinformed,andasheverilybelievestruly,thesaidSolomonisnowwrongfullyheldasaslaveintheStateofLouisiana.AnddeponentfurthersaysthatAnne
Northup,namedinthesaidmemorial,isentitledtocredit,anddeponentbelievesthestatementscontainedinhersaidmemorialaretrue.
(Signed,)JOSIAHHAND.
Subscribedandswornbeforemethis19thdayofNovember,1852,
CHARLESHUGHES,
JusticePeace.
STATEOFNEW-YORK:
Washingtoncounty,ss:
TimothyEddy,ofFortEdward,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,saysheisnowover—yearsold,andhasbeenaresidentofsaidtownmore
than—yearslastpast,andthathewaswellacquaintedwithSolomonNorthup,namedintheannexedmemorialofAnneNorthup,andwithhisfather,MintusNorthup,whowasanegro,—thewifeofsaidMintuswasamulattowoman;thatsaidMintusNorthupandhissaidwifeandfamily,twosons,JosephandSolomon,residedinsaidtownofFortEdwardforseveralyearsbeforetheyear
1828,andsaidMintusdiedinsaidtownA.D.1829,asdeponentbelieves.AnddeponentfurthersaysthathewasaJusticeofthePeaceinsaidtownintheyear1828,andassuchJusticeofthePeace,he,onthe25thdayofDec’r,1828,joinedthesaidSolomonNorthupinmarriagewithAnneHampton,whoisthesamepersonwhohassubscribedtheannexedmemorial.Anddeponent
expresslysays,thatsaidSolomonwasafreecitizenoftheStateofNew-York,andalwayslivedinsaidState,untilabouttheyearA.D.1840,sincewhichtimedeponenthasnotseenhim,buthasrecentlybeeninformed,andasdeponentbelievestruly,thatsaidSolomonNorthupiswrongfullyheldinslaveryinornearMarksville,intheparishofAvoyelles,inthe
StateofLouisiana.Anddeponentfurthersays,thatsaidMintusNorthupwasnearlysixtyyearsoldatthetimeofhisdeath,andwas,formorethanthirtyyearsnextpriortohisdeath,afreecitizenoftheStateofNew-York.
Andthisdeponentfurthersays,thatAnneNorthup,thewifeofsaidSolomonNorthup,isofgoodcharacter
andreputation,andherstatements,ascontainedinthememorialheretoannexed,areentitledtofullcredit.
(Signed,)TIMOTHYEDDY.
Subscribedandswornbeforemethis19thdayofNovember,1852,
TIM’YSTOUGHTON,Justice.
STATEOFNEW-YORK:
WashingtonCounty,ss:
HenryB.Northup,ofthevillageofSandyHill,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,says,thatheisforty-sevenyearsold,andhasalwayslivedinsaidcounty;thathe
knewMintusNorthup,namedintheannexedmemorial,fromdeponent’searliestrecollectionuntilthetimeofhisdeath,whichoccurredatFortEdward,insaidcounty,in1829;thatdeponentknewthechildrenofsaidMintus,viz,SolomonandJoseph;thattheywerebothborninthecountyofWashingtonaforesaid,asdeponentbelieves;thatdeponentwaswellacquaintedwithsaid
Solomon,whoisthesamepersonnamedintheannexedmemorialofAnneNorthup,fromhischildhood;andthatsaidSolomonalwaysresidedinsaidcountyofWashingtonandtheadjoiningcountiesuntilabouttheyear1841;thatsaidSolomoncouldreadandwrite;thatsaidSolomonandhismotherandfatherwerefreecitizensoftheStateofNew-York;thatsometimeabouttheyear1841this
deponentreceivedaletterfromsaidSolomon,post-markedNew-Orleans,statingthatwhileonbusinessatWashingtoncity,hehadbeenkidnapped,andhisfreepaperstakenfromhim,andhewasthenonboardavessel,inirons,andwasclaimedasaslave,andthathedidnotknowhisdestination,whichthedeponentbelievestobetrue,andheurgedthisdeponentto
assistinprocuringhisrestorationtofreedom;thatdeponenthaslostormislaidsaidletter,andcannotfindit;thatdeponenthassinceendeavoredtofindwheresaidSolomonwas,butcouldgetnofarthertraceofhimuntilSept.last,whenthisdeponentascertainedbyaletterpurportingtohavebeenwrittenbythedirectionofsaidSolomon,thatsaidSolomonwasheldand
claimedasaslaveinornearMarksville,intheparishofAvoyelles,Louisiana,andthatthisdeponentverilybelievesthatsuchinformationistrue,andthatsaidSolomonisnowwrongfullyheldinslaveryatMarksvilleaforesaid.
(Signed,)HENRYB.NORTHUP.
Subscribedandsworntobeforemethis20thdayofNovember,1852,
CHARLESHUGHES,J.P.
STATEOFNEW-YORK:
WashingtonCounty,ss:
NicholasC.Northup,ofthevillageofSandyHill,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,dothdeposeandsay,thatheisnowfifty-eightyearsofage,andhasknownSolomonNorthup,mentionedintheannexedmemorialofAnnNorthup,eversincehewasborn.AndthisdeponentsaiththatsaidSolomonisnowaboutforty-fiveyears
old,andwasborninthecountyofWashingtonaforesaid,orinthecountyofEssex,insaidState,andalwaysresidedintheStateofNew-Yorkuntilabouttheyear1841,sincewhichtimedeponenthasnotseenhimorknownwherehewas,untilafewweekssince,deponentwasinformed,andbelievestruly,thatsaidSolomonwasheldinslaveryintheStateofLouisiana.Deponentfurther
says,thatsaidSolomonwasmarriedinthetownofFortEdward,insaidcounty,abouttwenty-fouryearsago,andthathiswifeandtwodaughtersandonesonnowresideinthevillageofGlensFalls,countyofWarren,insaidStateofNew-York.AndthisdeponentswearspositivelythatsaidSolomonNorthupisacitizenofsaidStateofNew-York,andwasbornfree,andfromhis
earliestinfancylivedandresidedinthecountiesofWashington,Essex,WarrenandSaratoga,intheStateofNew-York,andthathissaidwifeandchildrenhaveneverresidedoutofsaidcountiessincethetimesaidSolomonwasmarried;thatdeponentknewthefatherofsaidSolomonNorthup;thatsaidfatherwasanegro,namedMintusNorthup,anddiedinthetownofFortEdward,in
thecountyofWashington,StateofNew-York,onthe22ddayofNovember,A.D.1829,andwasburiedinthegrave-yardinSandyHillaforesaid;thatformorethanthirtyyearsbeforehisdeathhelivedinthecountiesofEssex,WashingtonandRensselaerandStateofNew-York,andleftawifeandtwosons,JosephandthesaidSolomon,himsurviving;thatthemotherofsaidSolomon
wasamulattowoman,andisnowdead,anddied,asdeponentbelieves,inOswegocounty,New-York,withinfiveorsixyearspast.Andthisdeponentfurtherstates,thatthemotherofthesaidSolomonNorthupwasnotaslaveatthetimeofthebirthofsaidSolomonNorthup,andhasnotbeenaslaveatanytimewithinthelastfiftyyears.
(Signed,)N.C.NORTHUP.
Subscribedandswornbeforemethis19thdayofNovember,1852.CHARLESHUGHES,JusticePeace.
STATEOFNEW-YORK:
WashingtonCounty,
ss.
OrvilleClark,ofthevillageofSandyHill,inthecountyofWashington,StateofNew-York,beingdulysworn,dothdeposeandsay—thathe,thisdeponent,isoverfiftyyearsofage;thatintheyears1810and1811,ormostofthetimeofthoseyears,thisdeponentresidedatSandyHill,aforesaid,andatGlensFalls;
thatthisdeponentthenknewMintusNorthup,ablackorcoloredman;hewasthenafreeman,asthisdeponentbelievesandalwaysunderstood;thatthewifeofsaidMintusNorthup,andmotherofSolomon,wasafreewoman;thatfromtheyear1818untilthetimeofthedeathofsaidMintusNorthup,abouttheyear1829,thisdeponentwasverywellacquaintedwiththesaid
MintusNorthup;thathewasarespectablemaninthecommunityinwhichheresided,andwasafreeman,sotakenandesteemedbyallhisacquaintances;thatthisdeponenthasalsobeenandwasacquaintedwithhissonSolomonNorthup,fromthesaidyear1818untilheleftthispartofthecountry,abouttheyear1840or1841;thathemarriedAnneHampton,daughterofWilliam
Hampton,anearneighborofthisdeponent;thatthesaidAnne,wifeofsaidSolomon,isnowlivingandresidesinthisvicinity;thatthesaidMintusNorthupandWilliamHamptonwerebothreputedandesteemedinthiscommunityasrespectablemen.AndthisdeponentsaiththatthesaidMintusNorthupandhisfamily,andthesaidWilliamHamptonandhisfamily,fromtheearliest
recollectionandacquaintanceofthisdeponentwithhim(asfarbackas1810,)werealwaysreputed,esteemed,andtakentobe,andthisdeponentbelieves,trulyso,freecitizensoftheStateofNew-York.ThisdeponentknowsthesaidWilliamHampton,underthelawsofthisState,wasentitledtovoteatourelections,andhebelievesthesaidMintusNorthupalsowasentitledasa
freecitizenwiththepropertyqualification.Andthisdeponentfurthersaith,thatthesaidSolomonNorthup,sonofsaidMintus,andhusbandofsaidAnneHampton,whenheleftthisState,wasatthetimethereofafreecitizenoftheStateofNew-York.Andthisdeponentfurthersaith,thatsaidAnneHampton,wifeofSolomonNorthup,isarespectablewoman,ofgood
character,andIwouldbelieveherstatements,anddobelievethefactssetforthinhermemorialtohisexcellency,theGovernor,inrelationtohersaidhusband,aretrue.
(Signed,)ORVILLECLARK.
Swornbeforeme,November19th,1852.
U.G.PARIS,Justiceof
thePeace.
STATEOFNEW-YORK:
WashingtonCounty,ss.
BenjaminFerris,ofthevillageofSandyHill,insaidcounty,beingdulysworn,dothdeposeandsay—thatheisnowfifty-sevenyearsold,
andhasresidedinsaidvillageforty-fiveyears;thathewaswellacquaintedwithMintusNorthup,namedintheannexedmemorialofAnneNorthup,fromtheyear1816tothetimeofhisdeath,whichoccurredatFortEdward,inthefallof1829;thatheknewthechildrenofthesaidMintus,namely,JosephNorthupandSolomonNorthup,andthatthesaidSolomonisthesameperson
namedinsaidmemorial;thatsaidMintusresidedinthesaidcountyofWashingtontothetimeofhisdeath,andwas,duringallthattime,afreecitizenofthesaidStateofNew-York,asdeponentverilybelieves;thatsaidmemorialist,AnneNorthup,isawomanofgoodcharacter,andthestatementcontainedinhermemorialisentitledtocredit.
(Signed)BENJAMINFERRIS.
Swornbeforeme,November19th,1852.
U.G.PARIS,JusticeofthePeace.
STATEOFNEW-YORK:Executive
Chamber,Albany,Nov.30,1852.
IherebycertifythattheforegoingisacorrectcopyofcertainproofsfiledintheExecutiveDepartment,uponwhichIhaveappointedHenryB.NorthupanAgentofthisState,totakeproperproceedingsinbehalfofSolomonNorthup,thereinmentioned.
(Signed,)WASHINGTON
HUNT.
BytheGovernor.J.F.R.,PrivateSecretary.
STATEOFNEW-YORK:Executive
Department.
WASHINGTONHUNT,GovernoroftheStateof
New-York,towhomitmayconcern,greeting:Whereas,Ihavereceived
informationonoath,whichissat-isfactarytome,thatSolomonNorthup,whoisafreecitizenofthisState,iswrongfullyheldinslavery,intheStateofLouisiana:
Andwhereas,itismademyduty,bythelawsofthisState,totakesuchmeasuresasIshalldeemnecessaryto
procureanycitizensowrongfullyheldinslavery,toberestoredtohislibertyandreturnedtothisState:
Beitknown,thatinpursuanceofchapter375ofthelawsofthisState,passedin1840,Ihaveconstituted,appointedandemployedHenryB.Northup,Esquire,ofthecountyofWashington,inthisState,anAgent,withfullpowertoeffectthe
restorationofsaidSolomonNorthup,andthesaidAgentisherebyauthorizedandempoweredtoinstitutesuchproperandlegalproceedings,toprocuresuchevidence,retainsuchcounsel,andfinallytotakesuchmeasuresaswillbemostlikelytoaccomplishtheobjectofhissaidappointment.
HeisalsoinstructedtoproceedtotheStateof
Louisianawithallconvenientdispatch,toexecutetheagencyherebycreated.
[L.S.]
Inwitnesswhereof,Ihavehereuntosubscribedmyname,andaffixedtheprivysealoftheState,atAlbany,this23ddayofNovember,intheyearofourLord1852.
(Signed,)WASHINGTONHUNT.
JAMESF.RUGGLES,PrivateSecretary.
C.—Page309.STATEOFLOUISIANA:ParishofAvoyelles.
Beforeme,AristideBarbin,Recorderofthe
parishofAvoyelles,personallycameandappearedHenryB.Northup,ofthecountyofWashington,StateofNew-York,whohathdeclaredthatbyvirtueofacommissiontohimasagentoftheStateofNew-York,givenandgrantedbyhisexcellency,WashingtonHunt,GovernorofthesaidStateofNew-York,bearingdatethe23ddayofNovember,1852,authorizing
andempoweringhim,thesaidNorthup,topursueandrecoverfromslaveryafreemanofcolor,calledSolomonNorthup,whoisafreecitizenoftheStateofNew-York,andwhowaskidnappedandsoldintoslavery,intheStateofLouisiana,andnowinthepossessionofEdwinEpps,oftheStateofLouisiana,oftheParishofAvoyelles;he,thesaidagent,heretosigning,acknowledgesthatthesaid
Edwinhasthisdaygivenandsurrenderedtohimassuchagent,thesaidSolomonNorthup,freemanofcolor,asaforesaid,inorderthatheberestoredtohisfreedom,andcarriedbacktothesaidStateofNew-York,pursuanttosaidcommission,thesaidEdwinEppsbeingsatisfiedfromtheproofsproducedbysaidagent,thatthesaidSolomonNorthupisentitledtohisfreedom.Theparties
consentingthatacertifiedcopyofsaidpowerofattorneybeannexedtothisact.
DoneandsignedatMarksville,parishofAvoyelles,thisfourthdayofJanuary,onethousandeighthundredandfifty-three,inthepresenceoftheundersigned,legalandcompetentwitnesses,whohavealsoheretosigned.
(Signed,)HENRYB.NORTHUP.
EDWINEPPS.ADE.BARBIN,Recorder.
Witnesses:H.TAYLOR,JOHNP.WADDILL.
STATEOFLOUISIANA:ParishofAvoyelles.
Idoherebycertifytheforegoingtobeatrueandcorrectcopyoftheoriginal
onfileandofrecordinmyoffice.
[L.s.]
GivenundermyhandandsealofofficeasRecorderinandfortheparishofAvoyelles,this4thdayofJanuary,A.D.1853.
(Signed,)ADE.BARBIN,Recorder.
THEEND.
ACATALOGOFSELECTED
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CONCERNINGTHESPIRITUALINART,WassilyKandinsky.Pioneeringworkbyfatherofabstractart.Thoughtsoncolortheory,natureofart.Analysisofearliermasters.12illustrations.80pp.oftext.5 ×8½.
0-486-23411-8
CELTICART:TheMethodsofConstruction,GeorgeBain.
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0-486-27298-2
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0-486-25780-0
THEARTOFWORLDLYWISDOM,BaltasarGracian.“Thinkwiththefewandspeakwiththemany,”“Friendsareasecondexistence,”and“Beabletoforget”areamongthis1637volume’s300pithymaxims.Aperfectsourceofmentalandspiritualrefreshment,it
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0-48fi-44034-6
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0-486-44089-3
ADVENTURESOFHUCKLEBERRYFINN,MarkTwain,IllustratedbyE.W.Kemble.Aworkofeternalrichnessandcomplexity,asourceof
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0-486-44322-1
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0-486-23838-5
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0-486-27393-8
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0-486-25576-X
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0-486-25023-7
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0-486-22012-5
FRUITKEYANDTWIGKEYTOTREESANDSHRUBS,WilliamM.Harlow.Oneofthehandiestandmostwidelyusedidentificationaids.Fruitkeycovers120deciduousandevergreenspecies;twigkey160deciduousspecies.Easily
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0-486-20511-8
COMMONBIRDSONGS,Dr.DonaldJ.Borror.Songsof60mostcommonU.S.birds:robins,sparrows,cardinals,bluejays,finches,more–arrangedinorderofincreasingcomplexity.Upto9variationsofsongsofeachspecies.Cassetteandmanual
0-486-99911-4
ORCHIDSASHOUSEPLANTS,RebeccaTysonNorthen.Growcattleyasandmanyotherkindsoforchids–inawindow,inacase,orunderartificiallight.63illustrations.148pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-23261-1
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0-486-26005-4
MOZART’SDONGIOVANNI(DOVEROPERALIBRETTO
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0-486-24944-1
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0-486-29120-0
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0-486-40270-3
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0-486-23352-9
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0-486-26685-0
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0-486-28587-1
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0-486-45746-X
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0-486-26244-8
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0-486-25790-8
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0-486-27377-6
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0-486-21843-0
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0-486-24745-7
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0-486-23766-4
1001QUESTIONSANSWEREDABOUTTHESEASHORE,N.J.BerrillandJacquelynBerrill.Queries
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0-486-28927-3
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0-486-23628-5
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0-486-26878-0
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THEBESTTALESOFHOFFMANN,E.T.A.Hoffmann.10ofHoffmann’smostimportantstories:“NutcrackerandtheKingof
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0-486-23587-4
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0-486-25967-6
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0-486-24913-1
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0-486-22484-8
MYTHSOFTHEHINDUSANDBUDDHISTS,AnandaK.CoomaraswamyandSisterNivedita.Greatstoriesoftheepics;deedsofKrishna,Shiva,takenfrompuranas,Vedas,folktales;etc.32illustrations.400pp.5 ×
8½.
0-486-21759-0
MYBONDAGEANDMYFREEDOM,FrederickDouglass.Bornaslave,Douglassbecameoutspokenforceinantislaverymovement.ThebestofDouglass’autobiographies.Graphicdescriptionofslavelife.464pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-22457-0
FOLLOWINGTHEEQUATOR:AJourneyAroundtheWorld,MarkTwain.Fascinatinghumorousaccountof1897voyagetoHawaii,Australia,India,NewZealand,etc.Ironic,bemusedreportsonpeoples,customs,climate,floraandfauna,politics,muchmore.197illustrations.720pp.5 ×
8½.
0-486-26113-1
GREATSPEECHESBYAMERICANWOMEN,editedbyJamesDaley.Hereare21legendaryspeechesfromthecountry’smostinspirationalfemalevoices,includingSojournerTruth,SusanB.Anthony,EleanorRoosevelt,HillaryRodhamClinton,NancyPelosi,and
manyothers.192pp. ×8¼.
0-486-46141-6
THEMYTHSOFGREECEANDROME,H.A.Guerber.Aclassicofmythology,generouslyillustrated,longprizedforitssimple,graphic,accurateretellingoftheprincipalmythsofGreeceandRome,andforitscommentaryontheirorigins
andsignificance.With64illustrationsbyMichelangelo,Raphael,Titian,Rubens,Canova,Berniniandothers.480pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-27584-1
PSYCHOLOGYOFMUSIC,CarlE.Seashore.Classicworkdiscussesmusicasamediumfrompsychologicalviewpoint.Cleartreatmentofphysicalacoustics,auditory
apparatus,soundperception,developmentofmusicalskills,natureofmusicalfeeling,hostofothertopics.88figures.408pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-21851-1
LIFEINANCIENTEGYPT,AdolfErman.Fullest,mostthorough,detailedolderaccountwithmuchnotinmorerecentbooks,domesticlife,religion,magic,
medicine,commerce,muchmore.Manyillustrationsreproducetombpaintings,carvings,hieroglyphs,etc.597pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-22632-8
SUNDIALS,TheirTheoryandConstruction,AlbertWaugh.Farandawaythebest,mostthoroughcoverageofideas,mathematicsconcerned,types,
construction,adjustinganywhere.Simple,nontechnicaltreatmentallowsevenchildrentobuildseveralofthesedials.Over100illustrations.230pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-22947-5
GREATSPEECHESBYAFRICANAMERICANS:FrederickDouglass,SojournerTruth,Dr.Martin
LutherKing,Jr.,BarackObama,andOthers,editedbyJamesDaley.Tracingthestruggleforfreedomandcivilrightsacrosstwocenturies,thisanthologycomprisesspeechesbyMartinLutherKing,Jr.,MarcusGarvey,MalcolmX,BarackObama,andmanyotherinfluentialfigures.160pp. ×8¼.
0-486-44761-8
OLD-TIMEVIGNETTESINFULLCOLOR,CarolBelangerGrafton(ed.).Over390charming,oftensentimentalillustrations,selectedfromarchivesofVictoriangraphics—prettywomenposing,childrenplaying,food,flowers,kittensandpuppies,smilingcherubs,birdsandbutterflies,muchmore.Allcopyright-free.48pp.9¼×12¼.
0-486-27269-9
PERSPECTIVEFORARTISTS,RexVicatCole.Depth,perspectiveofskyandsea,shadows,muchmore,notusuallycovered.391diagrams,81reproductionsofdrawingsandpaintings.279pp.5 ×8½.0
-486-22487-2
DRAWINGTHELIVINGFIGURE,JosephSheppard.Innovativeapproachtoartisticanatomyfocusesonspecificsofsurfaceanatomy,ratherthanmusclesandbones.Over170drawingsoflivemodelsinfront,backandsideviews,andinwidelyvaryingposes.Accompanyingdiagrams.177illustrations.Introduction.Index.144pp.8 ×11¼.
0-486-26723-7
GOTHICANDOLDENGLISHALPHABETS:100CompleteFonts,DanX.Solo.Addpower,elegancetoposters,signs,othergraphicswith100stunningcopyright-freealphabets:Blackstone,Dolbey,Germania,97more—includingmanylower-case,numerals,punctuationmarks.104pp.8 ×11.
0-486-24695-7
THEBOOKOFWOODCARVING,CharlesMarshallSayers.Finestbookforbeginnersdiscussesfundamentalsandoffers34designs.“Absolutelyfirstrate...wellthoughtoutandwellexecuted.”—E.J.Tangerman.118pp.7¼×10 .
0-486-23654-4
ILLUSTRATEDCATALOGOFCIVILWARMILITARYGOODS:UnionArmyWeapons,Insignia,UniformAccessories,andOtherEquipment,Schuyler,Hartley,andGraham.Rare,profuselyillustrated1846catalogincludesUnionArmyuniformanddressregulations,armsandammunition,coats,insignia,flags,swords,rifles,etc.226illustrations.160pp.9×12.
0-486-24939-5
WOMEN’SFASHIONSOFTHEEARLY1900s:AnUnabridgedRepublicationof“NewYorkFashions,1909,”NationalCloak&SuitCo.Rarecatalogofmail-orderfashionsdocumentswomen’sandchildren’sclothingstylesshortlyaftertheturnofthecentury.Captionsofferfulldescriptions,prices.
Invaluableresourceforfashion,costumehistorians.Approximately725illustrations.128pp.8 ×11¼.
0-486-27276-1
HOWTODOBEADWORK,MaryWhite.Fundamentalbookoncraftfromsimpleprojectstofive-beadchainsandwovenworks.106illustrations.142pp.5 ×8.
0-486-20697-1
THE1912AND1915GUSTAVSTICKLEYFURNITURECATALOGS,GustavStickley.Withover200detailedillustrationsanddescriptions,thesetwocatalogsareessentialreadingandreferencematerialsandidentificationguidesforStickleyfurniture.Captionscitematerials,dimensions
andprices.112pp.6½×9¼.
0-486-26676-1
SIXGREATDIALOGUES:Apology,Crito,Phaedo,Phaedrus,Symposium,TheRepublic,Plato,translatedbyBenjaminJowett.Plato’sDialoguesrankamongWesterncivilization’smostimportantandinfluentialphilosophicalworks.These6selectionsofhismajorworks
exploreabroadrangeofenduringlyrelevantissues.AuthoritativeJowetttranslations.480pp. ×8¼.
0-486-45465-7
DEMONOLATRY:AnAccountoftheHistoricalPracticeofWitchcraft,NicolasRemy,editedwithanIntroductionandNotesbyMontagueSummers,
translatedbyE.A.Ashwin.Thisextremelyinfluential1595studywasfrequentlycitedatwitchcrafttrials.Inadditiontoluriddetailsofsatanicpactsandsexualperversity,itpresentstheparticularsofnumerouscourtcases.240pp.6½×9¼.
0-486-46137-8
VICTORIANFASHIONSANDCOSTUMESFROM
HARPER’SBAZAAR,1867-1898,StellaBlum(ed.).Daycostumes,eveningwear,sportsclothes,shoes,hats,otheraccessoriesinover1,000detailedengravings.320pp.9 ×12¼.
0-486-22990-4
THELONGISLANDRAILROADINEARLYPHOTOGRAPHS,RonZiel.Over220rarephotos,
informativetextdocumentorigin(1844)anddevelopmentofrailserviceonLongIsland.Vintageviewsofearlytrains,locomotives,stations,passengers,crews,muchmore.Captions.8 ×11¾.
0-486-26301-0
VOYAGEOFTHELIBERDADE,JoshuaSlocum.Great19th-century
mariner’sthrilling,first-handaccountofthewreckofhisshipoffSouthAmerica,the35-footboathebuiltfromthewreckage,anditsremarkablevoyagehome.128pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-40022-0
TENBOOKSONARCHITECTURE,Vitruvius.Themostimportantbookeverwritten
onarchitecture.EarlyRomanaesthetics,technology,classicalorders,siteselection,allotheraspects.Morgantranslation.331pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-20645-9
THEHUMANFIGUREINMOTION,EadweardMuybridge.Morethan4,500stopped-actionphotos,inactionseries,showingundrapedmen,women,
childrenjumping,lyingdown,throwing,sitting,wrestling,carrying,etc.390pp.7 ×10 .
0-486-20204-6Clothbd.
TREESOFTHEEASTERNANDCENTRALUNITEDSTATESANDCANADA,WilliamM.Harlow.Bestone-volumeguideto140trees.Fulldescriptions,woodlore,range,etc.Over
600illustrations.Handysize.288pp.4½×6 .
0-486-20395-6
MYFIRSTBOOKOFTCHAIKOVSKY:FavoritePiecesinEasyPianoArrangements,editedbyDavidDutkanicz.ThesespecialarrangementsoffavoriteTchaikovskythemesareidealforbeginnerpianists,childoradult.
Contentsincludethemesfrom“TheNutcracker,”“MarchSlav,”SymphoniesNos.5and6,“SwanLake,”“SleepingBeauty,”andmore.48pp.8¼×11.
0-486-46416-4
BIGBOOKOFMAZESANDLABYRINTHS,WalterShepherd.50mazesandlabyrinthsinall—classical,solid,ripple,andmore—in
onegreatvolume.Perfectinexpensivepuzzlerforcleveryoungsters.Fullsolutions.112pp.8 ×11.
0-486-22951-3
PIANOTUNING,J.CreeFischer.Clearest,bestbookforbeginner,amateur.Simplerepairs,raisingdroppednotes,tuningbyeasymethodofflattenedfifths.Nopreviousskillsneeded.4illustrations.
201pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-23267-0
HINTSTOSINGERS,LillianNordica.Selectingtherightteacher,developingconfidence,overcomingstagefright,andmanyotherimportantskillsreceivethoughtfuldiscussioninthisindispensibleguide,writtenbyaworld-famousdivaoffourdecades’experience.
96pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-40094-8
THECOMPLETENONSENSEOFEDWARDLEAR,EdwardLear.Allnonsenselimericks,zanyalphabets,OwlandPussycat,songs,nonsensebotany,etc.,illustratedbyLear.Totalof320pp.5 ×8½.(AvailableinU.S.only.)
0-486-20167-8
VICTORIANPARLOURPOETRY:AnAnnotatedAnthology,MichaelR.Turner.117gemsbyLongfellow,Tennyson,Browning,manylesser-knownpoets.“TheVillageBlacksmith,”“CurfewMustNotRingTonight,”“OnlyaBabySmall,”dozensmore,oftendifficulttofind
elsewhere.Indexofpoets,titles,firstlines.xxiii+325pp.5 ×8¼.
0-486-27044-0
DUBLINERS,JamesJoyce.Fifteenstoriesoffervivid,tightlyfocusedobservationsofthelivesofDublin’spoorerclasses.Atleastone,“TheDead,”isconsideredamasterpiece.Reprintedcompleteandunabridged
fromstandardedition.160pp.×8¼.
0-486-26870-5
THELITTLEREDSCHOOLHOUSE,EricSloane.HarkeningbacktoatimewhenthethreeRsstoodforreading,’riting,andreligion,Sloane’ssketchbookexploresthehistoryofearlyAmericanschools.Includesmarvelousillustrationsof
one-roomNewEnglandschoolhouses,desks,andbenches.48pp.8¼×11.
0-486-45604-8
THEBOOKOFTHESACREDMAGICOFABRAMELINTHEMAGE,translatedbyS.MacGregorMathers.Medievalmanuscriptofceremonialmagic.BasicdocumentinAleisterCrowley,Golden
Dawngroups.268pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-23211-5
THEBATTLESTHATCHANGEDHISTORY,FletcherPratt.Eminenthistorianprofiles16crucialconflicts,ancienttomodern,thatchangedthecourseofcivilization.352pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-41129-X
NEWRUSSIAN-ENGLISHANDENGLISH-RUSSIANDICTIONARY,M.A.O’Brien.ThisisaremarkablyhandyRussiandictionary,containingasurprisingamountofinformation,includingover70,000entries.366pp.4½×6 .
0-486-20208-9
NEWYORKINTHEFORTIES,AndreasFeininger.162brilliantphotographsbythewell-knownphotographer,formerlywithLifemagazine.Commuters,shoppers,TimesSquareatnight,muchelsefromcityatitspeak.CaptionsbyJohnvonHartz.181pp.9¼×10¾.
0-486-23585-8
INDIANSIGNLANGUAGE,WilliamTomkins.Over525signsdevelopedbySiouxandothertribes.Writteninstructionsanddiagrams.Also290pictographs.111pp.6 ×9¼.
0-486-22029-X
ANATOMY:ACompleteGuideforArtists,JosephSheppard.Amasteroffigure
drawingshowsartistshowtorenderhumananatomyconvincingly.Over460illustrations.224pp.8 ×11¼.
0-486-27279-6
MEDIEVALCALLIGRAPHY:ItsHistoryandTechnique,MarcDrogin.Spiritedhistory,comprehensiveinstructionmanualcovers13styles(ca.
4thcenturythrough15th).Excellentphotographs;directionsforduplicatingmedievaltechniqueswithmoderntools.224pp.8 ×11¼.
0-486-26142-5
DRIEDFLOWERS:HowtoPrepareThem,SarahWhitlockandMarthaRankin.Completeinstructionsonhowtousesilicagel,mealand
borax,perliteaggregate,sandandborax,glycerineandwatertocreateattractivepermanentflowerarrangements.12illustrations.32pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-21802-3
EASY-TO-MAKEBIRDFEEDERSFORWOODWORKERS,ScottD.Campbell.Detailed,simple-to-useguidefordesigning,
constructing,caringforandusingfeeders.Text,illustrationsfor12classicandcontemporarydesigns.96pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-25847-5
THECOMPLETEBOOKOFBIRDHOUSECONSTRUCTIONFORWOODWORKERS,ScottD.Campbell.Detailedinstructions,illustrations,
tables.Alsodataonbirdhabitatandinstinctpatterns.Bibliography.3tables.63illustrationsin15figures.48pp.5¼×8½.
0-486-24407-5
SCOTTISHWONDERTALESFROMMYTHANDLEGEND,DonaldA.Mackenzie.16livelytalestellofgiantsrumblingdownmountainsides,ofamagic
wandthatturnsstonepillarsintowarriors,ofgodsandgoddesses,evilhags,powerfulforcesandmore.240pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-29677-6
THEHISTORYOFUNDERCLOTHES,C.WillettCunningtonandPhyllisCunnington.Fascinating,well-documentedsurveycoveringsixcenturies
ofEnglishundergarments,enhancedwithover100illustrations:12th-centurylaced-upbodice,footedlongdrawers(1795),19th-centurybustles,19th-centurycorsetsformen,Victorian“bustimprovers,”muchmore.272pp.5 ×8¼.
0-486-27124-2
FIRSTFRENCHREADER:ABeginner’sDual-Language
Book,editedandtranslatedbyStanleyAppelbaum.Thisanthologyintroducesfiftylegendarywriters-Voltaire,Balzac,Baudelaire,Proust,more—throughpassagesfromTheRedandtheBlack,LesMisérables,MadameBovary,andotherclassics.OriginalFrenchtextplusEnglishtranslationonfacingpages.240pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-46178-5
WILBURANDORVILLE:ABiographyoftheWrightBrothers,FredHoward.Definitive,crisplywrittenstudytellsthefullstoryofthebrothers’livesandwork.Avividlywrittenbiography,unparalleledinscopeandcolor,thatalsocapturesthespiritofanextraordinaryera.560pp.6 ×9¼.
0-486-40297-5
THEARTSOFTHESAILOR:Knotting,SplicingandRopework,HerveyGarrettSmith.Indispensableshipboardreferencecoverstools,basicknotsandusefulhitches;handsewingandcanvaswork,more.Over100illustrations.Delightfulreadingforsealovers.256pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-26440-8
FRANKLLOYDWRIGHT’SFALLINGWATER:TheHouseandItsHistory,Second,RevisedEdition,DonaldHoffmann.Atotalrevision—bothintextandillustrations—ofthestandarddocumentonFallingwater,theboldest,mostpersonalarchitecturalstatementofWright’smatureyears,
updatedwithvaluablenewmaterialfromtherecentlyopenedFrankLloydWrightArchives.“Fascinating”—TheNewYorkTimes.116illustrations.128pp.9¼×10¾.
0-486-27430-6
PHOTOGRAPHICSKETCHBOOKOFTHECIVILWAR,AlexanderGardner.100photostakenon
fieldduringtheCivilWar.FamousshotsofManassasHarper’sFerry,Lincoln,Richmond,slavepens,etc.244pp.10 ×8¼.
0-486-22731-6
FIVEACRESANDINDEPENDENCE,MauriceG.Kains.Greatback-to-the-landclassicexplainsbasicsofself-sufficientfarming.Theonebooktoget.95
illustrations.397pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-20974-1
AMODERNHERBAL,MargaretGrieve.Muchthefullest,mostexact,mostusefulcompilationofherbalmaterial.Giganticalphabeticalencyclopedia,fromaconitetozedoary,givesbotanicalinformation,medicalproperties,folklore,
economicuses,muchelse.Indispensabletoseriousreader.161illustrations.888pp.6½×9¼.2-vol.set.(AvailableinU.S.only.)Vol.I:0-486-22798-7Vol.II:
0-486-22799-5
HIDDENTREASUREMAZEBOOK,DavePhillips.Solve34challengingmazesaccompaniedbyheroictalesofadventure.Evildragons,
people-eatingplants,bloodthirstygiants,manymoredangerousadversarieslurkateverytwistandturn.34mazes,stories,solutions.48pp.8¼×11.
0-486-24566-7
LETTERSOFW.A.MOZART,WolfgangA.Mozart.Remarkablelettersshowbawdywit,humor,imagination,musicalinsights,
contemporarymusicalworld;includessomelettersfromLeopoldMozart.276pp.5½×8½.
0-486-22859-2
BASICPRINCIPLESOFCLASSICALBALLET,AgrippinaVaganova.GreatRussiantheoretician,teacherexplainsmethodsforteachingclassicalballet.118illustrations.175pp.5 ×
8½.
0-486-22036-2
THEJUMPINGFROG,MarkTwain.Revengeedition.TheoriginalstoryofTheCelebratedJumpingFrogofCalaverasCounty,ahaplessFrenchtranslation,andTwain’shilarious“retranslation”fromtheFrench.12illustrations.66pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-22686-7
BESTREMEMBEREDPOEMS,MartinGardner(ed.).The126poemsinthissuperbcollectionof19th-and20th-centuryBritishandAmericanverserangefromShelley’s“ToaSkylark”totheimpassioned“Renascence”ofEdnaSt.VincentMillayandtoEdwardLear’swhimsical
“TheOwlandthePussycat.”224pp.5 ,×8½.
0-486-27165-X
COMPLETESONNETS,WilliamShakespeare.Over150exquisitepoemsdealwithlove,friendship,thetyrannyoftime,beauty’sevanescence,deathandotherthemesinlanguageofremarkablepower,precisionandbeauty.Glossaryof
archaicterms.80pp. .×8¼.
0-486-26686-9
HISTORICHOMESOFTHEAMERICANPRESIDENTS,Second,RevisedEdition,IrvinHaas.Atraveler’sguidetoAmericanPresidentialhomes,mostopentothepublic,depictinganddescribinghomesoccupiedbyeveryAmericanPresident
fromGeorgeWashingtontoGeorgeBush.Withvisitinghours,admissioncharges,travelroutes.175photographs.Index.160pp.8¼×11.
0-486-26751-2
THEWITANDHUMOROFOSCARWILDE,AlvinRedman(ed.).Morethan1,000ripostes,paradoxes,wisecracks:Workisthecurse
ofthedrinkingclasses;Icanresisteverythingexcepttemptation;etc.258pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-20602-5
SHAKESPEARELEXICONANDQUOTATIONDICTIONARY,AlexanderSchmidt.Fulldefinitions,locations,shadesofmeaningineverywordinplaysandpoems.Morethan50,000
exactquotations.1,485pp.6½×9¼.2-vol.set.Vol.1:0-486-22726-XVol.2:
0-486-22727-8
SELECTEDPOEMS,EmilyDickinson.Over100best-known,best-lovedpoemsbyoneofAmerica’sforemostpoets,reprintedfromauthoritativeearlyeditions.Nocomparableeditionatthisprice.Indexoffirstlines.
64pp. ×8¼.
0-486-26466-1
THEINSIDIOUSDR.FU-MANCHU,SaxRohmer.ThefirstofthepopularmysteryseriesintroducesapairofEnglishdetectivestotheirarchnemesis,thediabolicalDr.Fu-Manchu.Flavorfulatmosphere,fast-pacedaction,andcolorfulcharactersenliventhisclassic
ofthegenre.208pp. ×8¼.
0-486-29898-1
THEMALLEUSMALEFICARUMOFKRAMERANDSPRENGER,translatedbyMontagueSummers.Fulltextofmostimportantwitchhunter’s“bible,”usedbybothCatholicsandProtestants.278pp.6 ×10.
0-486-22802-9
SPANISHSTORIES/CUENTOSESPANOLES:ADual-LanguageBook,AngelFlores(ed.).Uniqueformatoffers13greatstoriesinSpanishbyCervantes,Borges,others.FaithfulEnglishtranslationsonfacingpages.352pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-25399-6
GARDENCITY,LONGISLAND,INEARLYPHOTOGRAPHS,1869-1919,MildredH.Smith.Handsometreasuryof118vintagepictures,accompaniedbycarefullyresearchedcaptions,documenttheGardenCityHotelfire(1899),theVanderbiltCupRace(1908),thefirstairmailflight
departingfromtheNassauBoulevardAerodrome(1911),andmuchmore.96pp.8 ×11¾.
0-486-40669-5
OLDQUEENS,N.Y.,INEARLYPHOTOGRAPHS,VincentF.SeyfriedandWilliamAsadorian.Over160rarephotographsofMaspeth,Jamaica,JacksonHeights,andotherareas.Vintage
viewsofDeWittClintonmansion,1939World’sFairandmore.Captions.192pp.8×11.
0-486-26358-4
CAPTUREDBYTHEINDIANS:15FirsthandAccounts,1750-1870,FrederickDrimmer.Astoundingtruehistoricalaccountsofgrislytorture,bloodyconflicts,relentless
pursuits,miraculousescapesandmore,bypeoplewholivedtotellthetale.384pp.5×8½.
0-486-24901-8
THEWORLD’SGREATSPEECHES(FourthEnlargedEdition),LewisCopeland,LawrenceW.Lamm,andStephenJ.McKenna.Nearly300speechesprovidepublicspeakerswithawealthof
updatedquotesandinspiration—fromPericles’funeralorationandWilliamJenningsBryan’s“CrossofGoldSpeech”toMalcolmX’spowerfulwordsontheBlackRevolutionandEarlofSpenser’stributetohissister,Diana,PrincessofWales.944pp.5 ×8 .
0-486-40903-1
THEBOOKOFTHE
SWORD,SirRichardF.Burton.GreatVictorianscholar/adventurer’seloquent,eruditehistoryofthe“queenofweapons”—fromprehistorytoearlyRomanEmpire.Evolutionanddevelopmentofearlyswords,variations(sabre,broadsword,cutlass,scimitar,etc.),muchmore.336pp.6×9¼.
0-486-25434-8
AUTOBIOGRAPHY:TheStoryofMyExperimentswithTruth,MohandasK.Gandhi.Boyhood,legalstudies,purification,thegrowthoftheSatyagraha(nonviolentprotest)movement.Critical,inspiringworkofthemanresponsibleforthefreedomofIndia.480pp.5 ×8½.(AvailableinU.S.only.)
0-486-24593-4
CELTICMYTHSANDLEGENDS,T.W.Rolleston.MasterfulretellingofIrishandWelshstoriesandtales.Cuchulain,KingArthur,Deirdre,theGrail,manymore.Firstpaperbackedition.58full-pageillustrations.512pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-26507-2
THEPRINCIPLESOFPSYCHOLOGY,WilliamJames.Famouslongcoursecomplete,unabridged.Streamofthought,timeperception,memory,experimentalmethods;greatworkdecadesaheadofitstime.94figures.1,391pp.5 ×8½.2-vol.set.Vol.I:0-486-20381-6Vol.II:
0-486-20382-4
THEWORLDASWILL
ANDREPRESENTATION,ArthurSchopenhauer.DefinitiveEnglishtranslationofSchopenhauer’slifework,correctingmorethan1,000errors,omissionsinearliertranslations.TranslatedbyE.F.J.Payne.Totalof1,269pp.5 ×8½.2-vol.set.Vol.1:0-486-21761-2Vol.2:
0-486-21762-0
MAGICANDMYSTERYIN
TIBET,MadameAlexandraDavid-Neel.Experiencesamonglamas,magicians,sages,sorcerers,Bonpawizards.Atruepsychicdiscovery.32illustrations.321pp.5 ×8½.(AvailableinU.S.only.)
0-486-22682-4
THEEGYPTIANBOOKOFTHEDEAD,E.A.WallisBudge.Complete
reproductionofAni’spapyrus,finesteverfound.Fullhieroglyphictext,interlineartransliteration,word-for-wordtranslation,smoothtranslation.533pp.6½×9¼.
0-486-21866-X
HISTORICCOSTUMEINPICTURES,Braun&Schneider.Over1,450costumedfiguresinclearly
detailedengravings—fromdawnofcivilizationtoendof19thcentury.Captions.Manyfolkcostumes.256pp.8 ×11¾.
0-486-23150-X
MATHEMATICSFORTHENONMATHEMATICIAN,MorrisKline.Detailed,college-leveltreatmentofmathematicsinculturalandhistoricalcontext,with
numerousexercises.RecommendedReadingLists.Tables.Numerousfigures.641pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-24823-2
PROBABILISTICMETHODSINTHETHEORYOFSTRUCTURES,IsaacElishakoff.Well-writtenintroductioncoverstheelementsofthetheoryof
probabilityfromtwoormorerandomvariables,thereliabilityofsuchmultivariablestructures,thetheoryofrandomfunction,MonteCarlomethodsoftreatingproblemsincapableofexactsolution,andmore.Examples.502pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-40691-1
THERIMEOFTHEANCIENTMARINER,
GustaveDoré,S.T.Coleridge.Doré’sfinestwork;34platescapturemoods,subtletiesofpoem.Flawlessfull-sizereproductionsprintedonfacingpageswithauthoritativetextofpoem.“Beautiful.Simplybeautiful.”—Publisher’sWeekly.77pp.9¼×12.
0-486-22305-1
SCULPTURE:PrinciplesandPractice,LouisSlobodkin.Step-by-stepapproachtoclay,plaster,metals,stone;classicalandmodern.253drawings,photos.255pp.8×11.
0-486-22960-2
THEINFLUENCEOFSEAPOWERUPONHISTORY,1660—1783,A.T.Mahan.Influentialclassicofnaval
historyandtacticsstillusedastextinwarcolleges.Firstpaperbackedition.4maps.24battleplans.640pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-25509-3
THESTORYOFTHETITANICASTOLDBYITSSURVIVORS,JackWinocour(ed.).Whatitwasreallylike.Panic,despair,shockinginefficiency,anda
littleheroism.Morethrillingthananyfictionalaccount.26illustrations.320pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-20610-6
ONETWOTHREE...INFINITY:FactsandSpeculationsofScience,GeorgeGamow.Greatphysicist’sfascinating,readableoverviewofcontemporaryscience:
numbertheory,relativity,fourthdimension,entropy,genes,atomicstructure,muchmore.128illustrations.Index.352pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-25664-2
DALÍONMODERNART:TheCuckoldsofAntiquatedModernArt,SalvadorDalí.Influentialpainterskewersmodernartanditspractitioners.Outrageous
evaluationsofPicasso,Cézanne,Turner,more.15renderingsofpaintingsdiscussed.44calligraphicdecorationsbyDali.96pp.5×8½.(AvailableinU.S.
only.)
0-486-29220-7
ANTIQUEPLAYINGCARDS:APictorialHistory,HenryRenéD’Allemagne.Over900elaborate,
decorativeimagesfromrareplayingcards(14th—20thcenturies):Bacchus,death,dancingdogs,huntingscenes,royalcoatsofarms,playerscheating,muchmore.96pp.9¼×12¼.
0-486-29265-7
MAKINGFURNITUREMASTERPIECES:30ProjectswithMeasuredDrawings,FranklinH.
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0-486-29338-6
NORTHAMERICANINDIANDESIGNSFOR
ARTISTSANDCRAFTSPEOPLE,EvaWilson.Over360authenticcopyright-freedesignsadaptedfromNavajoblankets,Hopipottery,Siouxbuffalohides,more.Geometries,symbolicfigures,plantandanimalmotifs,etc.128pp.8 ×11.(NotforsaleintheUnitedKingdom.)
0-486-25341-4
THEFOSSILBOOK:ARecordofPrehistoricLife,PatriciaV.Richetal.Profuselyillustrateddefinitiveguidecoverseverythingfromsingle-celledorganismsanddinosaurstobirdsandmammalsandtheinterplaybetweenclimateandman.Over1,500illustrations.760pp.7½×10 .
0-486-29371-8
VICTORIANARCHITECTURALDETAILS:DesignsforOver700Stairs,Mantels,Doors,Windows,Cornices,Porches,andOtherDecorativeElements,A.J.Bicknell&Company.Everythingfromdormerwindowsandpiazzastobalconiesandgableornaments.Alsoincludeselevationsandfloorplansforhandsome,privateresidencesandcommercialstructures.
80pp.9 ×12¼.
0-486-44015-X
WESTERNISLAMICARCHITECTURE:AConciseIntroduction,JohnD.Hoag.ProfuselyillustratedcriticalappraisalcomparesandcontrastsIslamicmosquesandpalaces—fromSpainandEgypttootherareasintheMiddleEast.139illustrations.128pp.6×9.
0-486-43760-4
CHINESEARCHITECTURE:APictorialHistory,LiangSsu-ch’eng.Morethan240rarephotographsanddrawingsdepicttemples,pagodas,tombs,bridges,andimperialpalacescomprisingmuchofChina’sarchitecturalheritage.152halftones,94diagrams.232pp.10¾×9 .
0-486-43999-2
THERENAISSANCE:StudiesinArtandPoetry,WalterPater.Oneofthemosttalked-aboutbooksofthe19thcentury,TheRenaissancecombinesscholarshipandphilosophyinaninnovativeworkofculturalcriticismthatexaminestheachievementsofBotticelli,Leonardo,
Michelangelo,andotherartists.“Theholywritofbeauty.”—OscarWilde.160pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-44025-7
ATREATISEONPAINTING,LeonardodaVinci.ThegreatRenaissanceartist’spracticaladviceondrawingandpaintingtechniquescoversanatomy,perspective,composition,
lightandshadow,andcolor.Aclassicofartinstruction,itfeatures48drawingsbyNicholasPoussinandLeonBattistaAlberti.192pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-44155-5
THEESSENTIALJEFFERSON,ThomasJefferson,editedbyJohnDewey.Thisextraordinaryprimeroffersasuperbsurvey
ofJeffersonianthought.Itfeatureswritingsonpoliticalandeconomicphilosophy,moralsandreligion,intellectualfreedomandprogress,education,secession,slavery,andmore.176pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-46599-3
WASHINGTONIRVING’SRIPVANWINKLE,IllustratedbyArthur
Rackham.LovelyprintsthatestablishedartistasaleadingillustratorofthetimeandforeveretchedintothepopularimaginationaclassicofCatskilllore.51full-colorplates.80pp.8 ×11.
0-486-44242-X
HENSCHEONPAINTING,JohnW.Robichaux.Basicpaintingphilosophyandmethodologyofagreat
teacher,asexpoundedinhisfamousclassesandworkshopsonCapeCod.7illustrationsincoloroncovers.80pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-43728-0
LIGHTANDSHADE:AClassicApproachtoThree-DimensionalDrawing,Mrs.MaryP.Merrifield.Handyreferenceclearlydemonstratesprinciplesof
lightandshadebyrevealingeffectsofcommondaylight,sunshine,andcandleorartificiallightongeometricalsolids.13plates.64pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-44143-1
ASTROLOGYANDASTRONOMY:APictorialArchiveofSignsandSymbols,ErnstandJohannaLehner.Treasuretroveof
stories,lore,andmyth,accompaniedbymorethan300rareillustrationsofplanets,theMilkyWay,signsofthezodiac,comets,meteors,andotherastronomicalphenomena.192pp.8 ×11.
0-486-43981-X
JEWELRYMAKING:TechniquesforMetal,TimMcCreight.Easy-to-follow
instructionsandcarefullyexecutedillustrationsdescribetoolsandtechniques,useofgemsandenamels,wireinlay,casting,andothertopics.72lineillustrationsanddiagrams.176pp.8¼×10 .
0-486-44043-5
MAKINGBIRDHOUSES:EasyandAdvancedProjects,GladstoneCaliff.Easy-to-
followinstructionsincludediagramsforeverythingfromaone-roomhouseforbluebirdstoaforty-two-roomstructureforpurplemartins.56plates;4figures.80pp.8¾×6 .
0-486-44183-0
LITTLEBOOKOFLOGCABINS:HowtoBuildandFurnishThem,WilliamS.Wicks.Handyhowto
manual,withinstructionsandillustrationsforbuildingcabinsintheAdirondackstyle,fireplaces,stairways,furniture,beamedceilings,andmore.102linedrawings.96pp.8¾×6
0-486-44259-4
THESEASONSOFAMERICAPAST,EricSloane.From“sugaringtime”andstrawberrypickingto
Indiansummerandfallharvest,awholeyear’sactivitiesdescribedincharmingproseandenhancedwith79oftheauthor’sownillustrations.160pp.8¼×11.
0-486-44220-9
THEMETROPOLISOFTOMORROW,HughFerriss.Generous,propheticvisionofthemetropolisofthefuture,asperceivedin1929.
Powerfulillustrationsoftoweringstructures,wideavenues,androoftopparks—allfeaturesinmanyoftoday’smoderncities.59illustrations.144pp.8¼×11.
0-486-43727-2
THEPATHTOROME,HilaireBelloc.This1902memoiraboundsinlivelyvignettesfromavanishedtime,recountingapilgrimage
onfootacrosstheAlpsandApenninesinorderto“seeallEuropewhichtheChristianFaithhassaved.”77oftheauthor’soriginallinedrawingscomplementhissparklingprose.272pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-44001-X
THEHISTORYOFRASSELAS:PrinceofAbissinia,SamuelJohnson.
DistinguishedEnglishwriterattackseighteenth-centuryoptimismandman’sunrealisticestimatesofwhatlifehastooffer.112pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-44094-X
AVOYAGETOARCTURUS,DavidLindsay.Abrilliantflightofpurefancy,wherewildcreaturescrowdthefantasticlandscape
anddementedtorturersdominatevictimswiththeirbizarrementalpowers.272pp.5 ×8½.
0-486-44198-9
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MYBONDAGEANDMYFREEDOM,FrederickDouglass.(0-486-22457-0)
NARRATIVEOFTHELIFEOFFREDERICKDOUGLASS,FrederickDouglass.(0-486-28499-9)
GREATAFRICAN-
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DARKWATER:VOICESFROMWITHINTHEVEIL,W.E.B.DuBois.(0486-40890-6)
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MASTERPIECESOFNEGROELOQUENCE:1818—1913,AliceMooreDunbar(ed.).(0-486-
41142-7)
THELIFEOFOLAUDAHEQUIANO,ORGUSTAVUSVASSA,THEAFRICAN,OlaudahEquiano.(0486-40661-X)
AFRICANGENESIS:FOLKTALESANDMYTHSOFAFRICA,LeoFrobeniusandDouglasC.Fox.(0-486-10911-2)
AUTOBIOGRAPHYOF
JOSIAHHENSON:ANINSPIRATIONFORHARRIETBEECHERSTOWE’SUNCLETOM,JosiahHenson.(0-486-42863-X)
AUTOBIOGRAPHYOFANEX-COLOREDMAN,JamesWeldonJohnson.(0-486-28512-X)
SELECTEDPOEMS,ClaudeMcKay.(0-486-40876-0)
TWELVEYEARSASLAVE,SolomonNorthup.(0-486-41143-5)
THESTORYOFANAFRICANFARM,OliveSchreiner.(0-486-40165-0)
AFRICANSCULPTURE,LadislasSegy.(0-486-20396-4)
MASKSOFBLACKAFRICA,LadislasSegy.(0-486-23181-X)
AFRICAN-AMERICANPOETRY:ANANTHOLOGY,1773—1927,JoanR.Sherman(ed.).(0-486-29604-0)
THESTORYOFTHEAMISTAD,EmmaGeldersSterne.(0-486-41537-6)
NARRATIVEOFSOJOURNERTRUTH,SojournerTruth.(0-486-29899-X)
AFRICANFOLKTALES,HughVernon-Jackson.(0-486-40553-2)
UPFROMSLAVERY,BookerT.Washington.(0-486-28738-6)
AFRICANDESIGNSFROMTRADITIONALSOURCES,GeoffreyWilliams.(0-486-22752-9)
Paperboundunlessotherwiseindicated.Availableatyourbookdealer,onlineatwww.doverpublications.comorbywritingtoDept.23,DoverPublications,Inc.,31East2ndStreet,Mineola,NY11501.Forcurrentpriceinformationorforfreecatalogs(pleaseindicatefieldofinterest),writetoDoverPublicationsorlogonto
www.doverpublications.comandseeeveryDoverbookinprint.EachyearDoverpublishesover500booksonfineart,music,craftsandneedlework,antiques,languages,literature,children’sbooks,chess,cookery,nature,anthropologyscience,mathematics,andotherareas.
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1 SeeAppendixA.
2 SeeAppendixB.
3 SeeAppendix,C.