been told was only twenty-six miles. Shortly after resuming my journey, I
saw four horses in the field, and I determined, if possible to possess one
of them, and I chased them two hours, but did not succeed in catching one;
so I was obliged to go on walking again, but shortly met with a
gentleman's horse on the road which I mounted, and rode into Chester, and
let the horse go where he liked. In Chester I met with a quaker, named
Sharpies, who took me to his house, gave me the best accommodation, and
called his friends to see me, never seemed weary of asking questions of
negro life in the different plantations. I let them see the money I had,
which was in notes, and much damaged by my swimming across the river, but
they kindly passed it for me, and I got other money for it; and I was
presented with two suits of clothes. He sent in a waggon to Philadelphia
and recommended me to a gentleman (who being alive, I wish not to reveal),
where I remained in his employ about five weeks. This kind friend
persuaded me to make for Canada; and it was with much reluctance I at last
complied. My reluctance was in consequence of understanding that Canada
was a very cold place, and I did not relish the idea of going on that
account; and as a gentleman said he could find employment for me at Derby,
near Philadelphia, I went and worked there three years, during which time
I was a regular attendant at the Methodist Free Church, consisting
entirely of colored people; at which place I heard the scriptures
expounded in a different way by colored ministers--as I found that God had
made colored as well as white people: as He had made of one blood all the
families of the earth, and that all men were free and equal in his sight;
and that he was no respecter of persons whatever the color: but whoever
worked righteousness was accepted of Him. Being satisfied that I had not
sinned against the Holy Ghost by obtaining my freedom, I enlisted in the
church, and became one of the members thereof.

About this time, Mr. Roberts, for whom I worked, failed in business, and