1

SECOND PART.
CHAPTER I.
ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY.

Reasons for not having revealed the manner of escape — Nothing of romance in the method - Danger - Free Papers - Unjust tax - Protection papers - "Free trade and sailors' rights" - American eagle - Railroad train - Unobserving conductor - Capt. McGowan - Honest German - Fears - Safe arrival in Philadelphia - Ditto in New York.

In the first narrative of my experience in slavery, written nearly forty years ago, and in various writings since, I have given the public what I considered very good reasons for withholding the manner of my escape. In substance these reasons were, first, that such publication at any time during the existence of slavery might be used by the master against the slave, and prevent the future escape of any who might adopt the same means that I did. The second reason was, if possible, still more binding to silence— for publication of details would certainly have put in peril the persons and property of those who assisted. Murder itself was not more sternly and certainly punished in the State of Maryland, than was aiding and abetting the escape of a slave. Many colored men, for no other crime than that of giving aid to a fugitive slave, have, like Charles T. Torrey, perished in prison. The abolition of slavery in my native State and throughout the country, and the lapse of time, render the caution hitherto observed no longer necessary. But even since the abolition of slavery, I have sometimes thought it well enough to baffle curiosity by saying that while slavery existed there were good reasons for not telling the manner of my escape, and since slavery had ceased to exist there was no reason for telling it. I shall now, however, cease to avail myself of this formula, and, as far as I can, endeavor to satisfy this very natural curiosity. I should perhaps have yielded to that feeling sooner, had there been anything very heroic or thrilling in the incidents connecte with my escape, for I am sorry to say I have nothing of that sort to tell; and yet the courage that could risk betrayal and the bravery which was ready to encounter death if need be, in pursuit of freedom, were essential features in the undertaking. My success was due to address rather than courage; to good luck rather than bravery. My means of escape were provided for me by the very men who were making laws to hold and bind me more securely

153

SECOND PART.
CHAPTER I.
ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY.

Reasons for not having revealed the manner of escape — Nothing of romance in the
method — Danger — Free Papers — Unjust tax — Protection papers — "Free trade and sail-
ors' rights" — American eagle — Railroad train — Unobserving conductor — Capt.
McGowan — Honest German — Fears — Safe arrival in Philadelphia — Ditto in New
York.

In the first narrative of my experience in slavery, written nearly forty years
ago, and in various writings since, I have given the public what I considered
very good reasons for withholding the manner of my escape. In substance
these reasons were, first, that such publication at any time during the exis-
tence of slavery might be used by the master against the slave, and prevent
the future escape of any who might adopt the same means that I did. The
second reason was, if possible, still more binding to silence— for publica-
tion of details would certainly have put in peril the persons and property of
those who assisted. Murder itself was not more sternly and certainly pun-
ished in the State of Maryland, than was aiding and abetting the escape of
a slave. Many colored men, for no other crime than that of giving aid to a
fugitive slave, have, like Charles T. Torrey, perished in prison. The aboli-
tion of slavery in my native State and throughout the country, and the lapse
of time, render the caution hitherto observed no longer necessary. But even
since the abolition of slavery, I have sometimes thought it well enough to
baffle curiosity by saying that while slavery existed there were good rea-
sons for not telling the manner of my escape, and since slavery had ceased
to exist there was no reason for telling it. I shall now, however, cease to
avail myself of this formula, and, as far as I can, endeavor to satisfy this
very natural curiosity. I should perhaps have yielded to that feeling sooner,
had there been anything very heroic or thrilling in the incidents connected
with my escape, for I am sorry to say I have nothing of that sort to tell; and
yet the courage that could risk betrayal and the bravery which was ready to
encounter death if need be, in pursuit of freedom, were essential features in
the undertaking. My success was due to address rather than courage; to
good luck rather than bravery. My means of escape were provided for me
by the very men who were making laws to hold and bind me more securely

153