This was the first time I ever attempted to escape and gain my freedom.
Whether I was right or wrong I shall not say, only I ask you to put
yourself in my place as I was then situated, and draw your own
conclusions. It is true I had formed dear and near associations, and the
old neighborhood had been the scene of my trials and triumphs. My master
had been uniformly kind, as much so at least as his disposition would
allow, yet I felt, although my skin was black, I was entitled to and
deserved freedom to worship God according to the dictates of my own
conscience, and to teach others the way to everlasting life. I felt that
I was a man made after God's own image, and that no one had any right to
a property in me as a mere chattel, all human laws to the contrary
notwithstanding. I did not deem that I was a criminal, and that I was
escaping from penal servitude; but that I was one of God's children,
escaping from a worse than Egyptian bondage. I rightfully owed
allegiance to God and my country only. So I run away.




CHAPTER III.

Caught, Tried, and Taken Back Home to James Wilson--My Mistress Saves me
from Being Whipped--I go to the Railroad and Work one Month
Precisely--Go Back Home--Wilson Surprised--Left the Railroad at 3
o'clock A.M.--Did not Want to Disturb Leadbitter's rest--Sent to Memphis
with a Load of Cotton--Afraid of the Slave-pens and Slave-auction--Start
for Home--Not Sold--Pray, Sing, and Shout--Get Home and Ordered to Hire
myself out.