I was born a slave; however I in no way knew it until six years of glad early life had surpassed away. My father become a carpenter, and taken into consideration so wise and skilful in his trade, that, while homes out of the not unusualplace line have been to be erected, he become despatched for from lengthy distances, to be head workman. On situation of paying his mistress hundred greenbacks a yr, and assisting himself, he become allowed to paintings at his trade, and control his very own affairs. His most powerful want become to buy his kids; however, aleven though he numerous instances supplied his difficult income for that purpose, he in no way succeeded. In complexion my mother and father have been a mild colour of brownish yellow, and have been termed mulattoes. They lived collectively in a snug domestic; and, aleven though we have been all slaves, I become so fondly shielded that I in no way dreamed I become a bit of merchandise, relied on to them for secure keeping, and prone to be demanded of them at any moment. I had one brother, William, who become years more youthful than myself—a bright, affectionate infant.
