I can speak of slavery only so far as it came under my own observation - only so far as I have known and experienced it in my own person.

It has been suggested that an account of my life and fortunes would not be uninteresting to the public.

At such times, the heart of man turns instictively towards his Maker. In prosperity, and whenever there is nothing to injure or make him afraid, he remembers Him not, and is ready to defy Him; but place him in the midst of dangers, cut him off from human aid, let the grave open before him, then it is, in the time of his tribulation, that the scoffer and unbelieving man turns to God for help, feeling there is no other hope, or refuge, or safety, save in his protecting arm.

My sufferings I can compare to nothing else than the burning agonies of hell!

What difference is there in the color of the soul?

I could not comprehend the justice of that law, or that religion, which upholds or recognizes the principle of slavery.

Really, it was difficult to determine which I had most reason to fear—dogs, alligators or men!