CHAPTER VI.✦

A CHILD’S REASONING.

The author’s early reflections on slavery--Aunt Jennie and Uncle Noah--Presentiment of one day becoming a freeman--Conflict between an overseer and a slave woman--Advantage of resistance-- Death of an overseer--Col. Lloyd’s plantation home--Monthly distribution of food--Singing of slaves--An explanation-- The slaves’ food and clothing--Naked children--Life in the quarter--Sleeping places--not beds--Deprivation of sleep-- Care of nursing babies--Ash cake--Contrast 53

CHAPTER VII.✦

LUXURIES AT THE GREAT HOUSE.

Contrasts--Great House luxuries--Its hospitality-- Entertainments--Fault-finding--Shameful humiliation of an old and faithful coachman--William Wilks--Curious incident-- Expressed satisfaction not always genuine--Reasons for suppressing the truth 61

CHAPTER VIII.✦

CHARACTERISTICS OF OVERSEERS.

Austin Gore--Sketch of his character--Overseers as a class-- Their peculiar characteristics--The marked individuality of Austin Gore--His sense of duty--Murder of poor Denby-- Sensation--How Gore made his peace with Col. Lloyd--Other horrible murders--No laws for the protection of slaves possible of being enforced 71

CHAPTER IX.✦

CHANGE OF LOCATION.

Miss Lucretia--Her kindness--How it was manifested--“Ike”-- A battle with him--Miss Lucretia’s balsam--Bread--How it was obtained--Gleams of sunset amidst the general darkness-- Suffering from cold--How we took our meal mush--Preparations for going to Baltimore--Delight at the change--Cousin Tom’s opinion of Baltimore--Arrival there--Kind reception--Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Auld--Their son Tommy--My relations to them--My duties--A turning-point in my life 78