hand or hands so offending, or his or their correction, in the
discretion of the superintendent.

3. Each and every hand hereby binds himself to obey the just orders of
the superintendent and the rules herein established, and upon the
discharge of any hand or hands, by the superintendent, one month's wages
shall be forfeited.

These rules were signed by the hands, that is, they "made their mark;"
but I signed my name, being the only negro hand on the place and the
only one who could write.

Peace and tranquillity reigned on that farm thereafter, and better crops
were not raised in the county. My whole study and aim was to do
right--to be just to my hands and do my duty to my employer. I relied on
God's help, and prayerfully asked his guidance in every and all
difficulties and emergencies, and my success is attributable to that
help which is always given when properly asked for.

The men I had to deal with were more to be pitied than blamed. They were
entirely ignorant of any but the most crude principles of right, and
were taught from their childhood only such rude notions as prevailed
among the ignorant. When I talked to them of Jesus they seemed
astonished. They did not even know that punishment would meet them
hereafter for their sins committed in this life, and were puzzled and
perplexed with the plan of salvation until after I had repeatedly
explained it to them; in fact, I taught them the history of man, from
Adam down to the coming of our Savior, and taught them the religion of
Jesus. Better-behaved men or better hands were not to be found in the
neighborhood after they learned the way to Jesus, and many happy times