Was hired to Mr. Thompson, and adopted his name--Opened regular
meetings, and preached on the plantation and other places--Took unto
myself a wife--Was purchased by Thompson, duly installed on the
plantation, and invested with authority--Various means and plans
resorted to by the overseer to degrade me in the eyes of Mr.
Thompson--Driven, through persecution, to run away--Returned back to my
master.


A short time after I came in from the woods Wilson determined to hire me
to a man named Thompson, who lived about twenty miles away. I made no
objection, and was duly hired for the term of three years.

I adopted the name "Thompson," from my new master, which I have since
retained.

The slaves of the South are usually named like brutes, with only one
name for a designation, and it became customary among the slaves to
adopt the surname of their masters. I had never adopted the name of
Wilson, because I disliked the man; but as soon as I was hired to Mr.
Thompson I took his name, therefore I was henceforth known as Charles
Thompson. The adoption of a name by myself may appear strange to a
great many of my readers, yet when it comes to be considered that I was
a human chattel, with no rights or privileges of American citizenship,
and that I was without a name, except simply "Charles," no surprise will
be felt.

I labored faithfully and honestly for Mr. Thompson during my term of
service, and endeavored in all things to do my duty. I made such efforts
as I could to bring the slaves on the plantation to Jesus, and