Web
and Book design,
Copyright, Kellscraft Studio 1999-2024
(Return
to Web
Text-ures)
| Click
Here to return to Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Content Page Return to the Previous Chapter |
(HOME)
|
XXXVIII. RENEWED INVITATIONS TO GO SOUTH. WE had a tedious
winter passage, and from the distance spectres seemed to rise up on the shores
of the United States. It is a sad feeling to be afraid of one's native country.
We arrived in New York safely, and I hastened to Boston to look after my children.
I found Ellen well, and improving at her school; but Benny was not there to
welcome me. He had been left at a good place to learn a trade, and for several
months every thing worked well. He was liked by the master, and was a favorite
with his fellow apprentices; but one day they accidentally discovered a fact
they had never before suspected—that he was colored! This at once transformed
him into a different being. Some of the apprentices were Americans, others
American-born Irish; and it was offensive to their dignity to have a
"nigger" among them, after they had been told that he was a
"nigger." They began by treating him with silent scorn, and finding
that he returned the same, they resorted to insults and abuse. He was too
spirited a boy to stand that, and he went off. Being desirous to do something
to support himself, and having no one to advise him, he shipped for a whaling
voyage. When I received these tidings I shed many tears, and bitterly
reproached myself for having left him so long. But I had done it for the best,
and now all I could do was to pray to the heavenly Father to guide and protect
him. Not long after
my return, I received the following letter from Miss Emily Flint, now Mrs.
Dodge:— "In this
you will recognize the hand of your friend and mistress. Having heard that you
had gone with a family to Europe, I have waited to hear of your return to write
to you. I should have answered the letter you wrote to me long since, but as I
could not then act independently of my father, I knew there could be nothing
done satisfactory to you. There were persons here who were willing to buy you
and run the risk of getting you. To this I would not consent. I have always
been attached to you, and would not like to see you the slave of another, or
have unkind treatment. I am married now, and can protect you. My husband
expects to move to Virginia this spring, where we think of settling. I am very
anxious that you should come and live with me. If you are not willing to come,
you may purchase yourself; but I should prefer having you live with me. If you
come, you may, if you like, spend a month with your grandmother and friends,
then come to me in Norfolk, Virginia. Think this over, and write as soon as possible,
and let me know the conclusion. Hoping that your children are well, I remain you
friend and mistress." Of course I did
not write to return thanks for this cordial invitation. I felt insulted to be
thought stupid enough to be caught by such professions. " 'Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy.'" The Fugitive Slave Law had not then passed. The judges of Massachusetts had not then stooped under chains to enter her courts of justice, so called. I knew my old master was rather skittish of Massachusetts. I relied on her love of freedom, and felt safe on her soil. I am now aware that I honored the old Commonwealth beyond her deserts. |