being covered with a roof, and the top of the outside pen being covered
with sharp iron spikes. Between the pens one or more savage dogs were
usually kept. This was the kind of place I was now placed in.

Hungry, worn out with my journey, and nearly naked, I soon fell asleep
from sheer exhaustion and slept soundly until morning.

After I had eaten my breakfast I was taken out of jail at Mt. Pleasant
and started back to Holly Springs, well ironed and guarded, where I was
recognized as Wilson's slave. Wilson was notified of my apprehension.
After laying in the jail at Holly Springs about three weeks Wilson came
for me. I had made several attempts in that time to escape, but did not
succeed.

I was ironed and compelled to walk, which, in my exhausted state, was
too much for me, and I was taken violently sick on the road, when Wilson
procured a conveyance and hauled me the balance of the way home. A
physician was immediately summoned, who ordered my shackles removed.

After the irons were removed I regained my spirits, and entertained
hopes of being able to make another attempt to regain my liberty. I was
very sick for several days.

About two o'clock on the last morning I stayed there I awoke and felt
fresh, and found that my strength had in a great measure returned. Upon
looking around the moonlit room I found that I was alone. To escape was
my very first intention. Getting out of bed I examined the window to the
cabin, when I found I could raise it easily. I gathered what clothes I
could find, as well as a blanket from the bed, and climbing through the
window made my escape unobserved. I did not stop to put on my clothes