| FREDERICK DOUGLASS |
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v | |
| FOREWORD by, John Stauffer |
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xix | |
| A NOTE ON THE TEXT |
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xxix | |
| EDITOR'S PREFACE TO THE 1855 EDITION |
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xxxvli | |
| INTRODUCTION TO THE 1855 EDITION |
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xli | |
| MY BONDAGE AND MY FREEDOM |
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CHAPTER I. THE AUTHOR'S CHILDHOOD |
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3 | (6) |
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Character of the District |
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Time of Birth-My Grandparents |
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Character of My Grandmother |
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First Knowledge of Being a Slave |
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Old Master-Griefs and Joys of Childhood |
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Comparative Happiness of the Slave-Boy and His White Brother |
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CHAPTER II. THE AUTHOR REMOVED FROM HIS FIRST HOME |
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9 | (5) |
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The Name "Old Master" a Terror |
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Home Attractions-Dread of Being Removed from Tuckahoe |
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The Journey to Col. Lloyd's Plantation |
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Scene on Reaching Old Master's |
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First Meeting with My Brothers and Sisters |
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Departure of Grandmother-Author's Grief |
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CHAPTER III. THE AUTHOR'S PARENTAGE |
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14 | (7) |
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Author's Father Shrouded in Mystery |
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My Mother-Her Personal Appearance |
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Her Situation-Visits to Her Boy |
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Cruelty of "Aunt Katy"-Threatened Starvation |
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Penalty for Having a White Father |
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CHAPTER IV A GENERAL SURVEY OF THE SLAVE PLANTATION |
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21 | (12) |
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Slaveholding Cruelty Restrained by Public Opinion |
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Isolation of Lloyd's Plantation |
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Beyond the Reach of Public Opinion |
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Religion and Politics Alike Excluded |
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Natural and Artificial Charms of the Place |
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Family of Col. Lloyd-Mas' Daniel |
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Family of Old Master-Social Position |
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CHAPTER V GRADUAL INITIATION INTO THE MYSTERIES OF SLAVERY |
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33 | (6) |
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Growing Acquaintance with Old Master-His Character |
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Evils of Unrestrained Passion-A Man of Trouble |
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Supposed Obtuseness of Slave-Children |
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Brutal Outrage on My Aunt Milly by a Drunken Overseer |
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Slaveholders' Impatience at Appeals Against Cruelty |
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Wisdom of Appealing to Superiors |
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Attempt to Break Up a Courtship |
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Slavery Destroys All Incentives to a Virtuous Life |
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CHAPTER VI. TREATMENT OF SLAVES ON LLOYD'S PLANTATION |
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39 | (11) |
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The Author's Early Reflections on Slavery |
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Conclusions at Which He Arrived |
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Presentiment of One Day Being a Freeman |
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Combat between an Overseer and a Slave-Woman |
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Mr. Sevier, the Brutal Overseer, and His Successors |
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Allowance Day on the Home Plantation |
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The Singing of the Slaves No Proof of Contentment |
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Food and Clothing of the Slaves Naked Children |
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Nursing Children Carried to the Field |
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Description of the Cowskin |
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Manner of Making the Ash Cake-The Dinner Hour |
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Contrast at the Great House |
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CHAPTER VII. LIFE IN THE GREAT HOUSE |
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50 | (8) |
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Comfort and Luxuries-Elaborate Expenditure |
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Men and Maid Servants-Black Aristocracy |
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Stable and Carriage House |
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Deceptive Character of Slavery |
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Slaves and Slaveholders Alike Unhappy |
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Fretfulness and Capriciousness of Slaveholders |
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Whipping of Old Barney by Col. Lloyd |
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William Wilks, a Supposed Son of Col. Lloyd |
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Curious Incident-Penalty of Telling the Truth |
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Preference of Slaves for Rich Masters |
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CHAPTER VIII. A CHAPTER OF HORRORS |
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58 | (6) |
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Austin Gore-Sketch of His Character |
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Absolute Power of Overseers |
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Murder of Denby-How It Occurred |
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How Gore Made Peace with Col. Lloyd |
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Murder of a Slave-Girl by Mrs. Hicks |
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No Laws for the Protection of Slaves Can Be Enforced |
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CHAPTER IX. PERSONAL TREATMENT OF THE AUTHOR |
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64 | (7) |
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Miss Lucretia Auld-Her Kindness |
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A Battle with "Ike," and Its Consequences |
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Suffering from Cold-How We Took Our Meals |
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Orders to Prepare to Go to Baltimore-Extraordinary Cleansing |
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Cousin Tom's Description of Baltimore |
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Kindness of My New Mistress-Little Tommy |
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A Turning Point in My History |
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CHAPTER X. LIFE IN BALTIMORE |
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71 | (7) |
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City Annoyances-Plantation Regrets |
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Character of My New Master, Hugh Auld |
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My Occupation-Increased Sensitiveness |
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Commencement of Learning to Read-Why Discontinued |
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Master Hugh's Exposition of the True Philosophy of Slavery |
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Increased Determination to Learn |
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Contrast between City and Plantation Slaves |
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Mrs. Hamilton's Brutal Treatment of Her Slaves |
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CHAPTER XI. "A CHANGE CAME O'ER THE SPIRIT OF MY DREAM" |
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78 | (8) |
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Knowledge Acquired by Stealth |
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My Mistress-Her Slaveholding Duties |
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Deplorable Effects on Her Character |
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How I Pursued My Education-My Tutors |
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My Deliberations on the Character of Slavery |
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The Columbian Orator and its Lessons |
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Speeches of Chatham, Sheridan, Pitt, and Fox |
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Knowledge Ever Increasing-My Eyes Opened |
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Dissatisfaction of My Poor Mistress |
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CHAPTER XII. RELIGIOUS NATURE AWAKENED |
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86 | (7) |
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Eagerness to Know What the Word Meant |
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The Enigma Solved-Turner's Insurrection |
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First Awakened on the Subject of Religion |
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My Friend Lawson-His Character and Occupation |
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Comfort Derived from His Teaching |
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New Hopes and Aspirations |
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The Irishmen on the Wharf-Their Sympathy |
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CHAPTER XIII. THE VICISSITUDES OF SLAVE LIFE |
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93 | (8) |
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Death of Young Master Richard |
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Author's Presence Required at the Division of Old Master's Property |
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Attachment of Slaves to Their Homes |
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General Dread of Master Andrew-His Cruelty |
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Return to Baltimore-Death of Mistress Lucretia |
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My Poor Old Grandmother-Her Sad Fate |
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Second Marriage of Master Thomas |
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Again Removed from Master Hugh's |
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Regrets at Leaving Baltimore |
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A Plan of Escape Entertained |
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CHAPTER XIV. EXPERIENCE IN ST. MICHAEL'S |
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101 | (13) |
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The Village and Its Inhabitants |
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Meteoric Phenomena-Author's Impressions |
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Character of My New Master and Mistress |
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Allowance of Food-Sufferings from Hunger |
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Stealing and Its Vindication |
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A New Profession of Faith |
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Morality of Free Society Has No Application to Slave Society |
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Southern Camp-Meeting-Master Thomas Professes Conversion |
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The Result-Faith and Works Entirely at Variance |
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No More Meal Brought from the Mill-Methodist Preachers |
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Their Utter Disregard of the Slaves-An Exception |
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A Sabbath School Instituted |
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How Broken Up and by Whom |
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Cruel Treatment of Cousin Henny by Master Thomas |
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Differences with Master Thomas, and the Consequences |
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Edward Covey-His Character |
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CHAPTER XV COVEY, THE NEGRO-BREAKER |
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114 | (11) |
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Journey to My New Master's |
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View of Covey's Residence-The Family |
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Awkwardness as a Field Hand |
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First Adventure at Ox Driving |
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Unruly Animals-Hair Breadth Escapes |
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Oxen and Men-Points of Similarity |
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Covey's Manner of Proceeding to Whip |
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His Cunning and Trickery-Severe Labor |
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Shocking Contempt for Chastity-An Illustration |
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Author Broken Down-His Only Leisure Time |
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Freedom of the Ships and His Own Slavery Contrasted |
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Anguish Beyond Description |
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CHAPTER XVI. ANOTHER PRESSURE OF THE TYRANT'S VICE |
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125 | (7) |
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Experience at Covey's Summed Up |
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Scene in the Treading Yard |
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Unusual Brutality of Covey |
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Escape to St. Michael's-Suffering in the Woods |
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Circumstances Narrated to Master Thomas-His Bearing |
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The Case Prejudged-Driven Back to Covey's |
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CHAPTER XVII. THE LAST FLOGGING |
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132 | (10) |
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A Sleepless Night-Return to Covey's |
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His Conduct-Again Escape to the Woods |
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Deplorable Spectacle-Night in the Woods |
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An Alarm-A Friend, Not an Enemy |
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Sandy's Hospitality-The Ash Cake Supper |
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A Conjuror-His Advice-The Magic Root |
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Want of Faith-The Talisman Accepted |
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Meeting with Covey-His Sunday Face |
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His Manner on Monday-A Defensive Resolve |
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Covey's Ineffectual Commands for Assistance |
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The Victory and Its Results |
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Effects upon My Own Character |
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CHAPTER XVIII. NEW RELATIONS AND DUTIES |
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142 | (13) |
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Change of Masters-Resolve to Fight My Way |
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Ability to Read a Cause of Prejudice |
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Manner of Spending the Holidays |
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The Effects-Sharp Hit at Slavery |
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Difference Between Master Freeland and Covey |
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An Irreligious Master Preferred-The Reasons Why |
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The Reverend Rigby Hopkins |
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Catalogue of Floggable Offenses |
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Rivalry Among Slaves Encouraged |
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Improved Condition at Freeland's |
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Reasons for Continued Discontent |
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Congenial Society-The Sabbath School |
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Its Members-Necessity for Secrecy |
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Affectionate Relations of Master and Pupils |
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Confidence and Friendship Among Slaves |
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Slavery the Inviter of Vengeance |
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CHAPTER XIX. THE RUNAWAY PLOT |
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155 | |
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New Year's Thoughts and Reflections |
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Still Devising Plans for Gaining Freedom |
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A Solemn Vow-Plan Divulged to the Slaves |
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Arguments in Its Support-The Scheme Gains Favor |
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Danger of Discovery-Difficulty of Concealment |
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Skill of Slaveholders-Suspicion and Coercion |
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Hymns with a Double Meaning |
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Author's Confederates-His Influence over Them |
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Preliminary Consultations-Pass-Words |
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Conflict of Hopes and Fears-Ignorance of Geography |
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Survey of Imaginary Difficulties |
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Route to the North Laid Out-Objections Considered |
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Frauds Practiced on Freemen-Passes Written |
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Anxieties as the Time Drew Near |
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Appeals to Comrades-A Presentiment |
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Resistance Made by Henry Harris-Its Effects |
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Unique Speech of Mrs. Freeland |
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Our Sad Procession to Easton |
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Passes Eaten-The Examination at St. Michael's |
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No Evidence Produced-Who Was the Betrayer? |
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Dragged Behind Horses-The Jail a Relief |
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Author Taken out of Prison and Sent to Baltimore |
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CHAPTER XX. APPRENTICESHIP LIFE |
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116 | (71) |
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Nothing Lost by the Attempt to Run Away |
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Reasons for Sending the Author Away |
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Unlooked for Clemency in Master Thomas |
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Return to Baltimore-Change in Little Tommy |
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Trials in Gardiner's Ship Yard |
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Desperate Fight with the White Apprentices |
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Conflict Between White and Black Labor |
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Description of the Outrage |
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Testimony of a Colored Man Nothing |
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Spirit of Slavery in Baltimore |
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Author's Condition Improves |
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New Associates-Benefits Derived Therefrom |
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How to Make a Contented Slave |
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CHAPTER XXI. MY ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY |
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187 | (12) |
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Manner of Escape Not Given-Reasons Why |
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Craftiness and Malice of Slaveholders |
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Want of Wisdom in Publishing Details of Escape |
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Suspicions Implied by Master Hugh's Manner |
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Difficulty of Escape-Discontent |
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Author Allowed to Hire His Time |
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A Gleam of Hope-Hard Terms |
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Author Attends Camp Meeting Without Permission |
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Anger of Master Hugh Thereat |
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Plans of Escape Accelerated Thereby |
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Painful Thoughts of Separation from Friends |
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The Attempt Made-Its Success |
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| PART TWO LIFE AS A FREEMAN |
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CHAPTER XXII. LIBERTY ATTAINED |
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199 | (14) |
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Author a Wanderer in New York-Feelings on Reaching That City |
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Unfavorable Impressions-Loneliness and Insecurity |
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Apology for Slaves Who Return to Their Masters |
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Make Known My Condition-David Ruggles |
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Author's Marriage-Removal to New Bedford |
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Kindness of Nathan Johnson-Change of Name |
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Dark Notions of Northern Civilization Enlightened |
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Contrast Between the North and the South |
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Colored People in New Bedford |
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An Incident Illustrating Their Spirit |
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The Author Finds Employment |
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The First Winter at the North |
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Proscription in the Church |
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An Incident at the Communion Table |
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First Acquaintance with the Liberator |
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Prompt Attendance at Anti-Slavery Meetings |
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CHAPTER XXIII. INTRODUCED TO THE ABOLITIONISTS |
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213 | (5) |
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Anti-Slavery Convention at Nantucket |
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Becomes a Public Lecturer |
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Difficulties in His Position |
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His Fugitive Slaveship Doubted |
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Publishes His Narrative-Danger of Recapture |
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Advised Not to Publish His Story |
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CHAPTER XXIV. TWENTY-ONE MONTHS IN GREAT BRITAIN |
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218 | (18) |
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Good Arising out of Unpropitious Events |
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Embarks for England-Denied Cabin Passage |
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Mob on Board the Cambric-Happy Introduction to the British Public |
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"We Don't Allow Niggers in Here" |
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Freedom Purchased-Free Papers |
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Abolitionists Displeased with the Ransom |
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How the Author's Energies Were Directed in Great Britain |
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Reception Speech in Finsbury Chapel, London |
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Character of the Speech Defended |
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Causes Contributing to My Success |
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The Free Church of Scotland-Its Position |
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Agitation of the Slavery Question |
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Debates in the General Assembly-"Send Back the Money" |
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Dr. Cunningham's Speech-A Striking Incident |
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The World's Temperance Convention-Collision with Dr. Cox |
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Proposed Testimonial to the Author |
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Project of Establishing a Newspaper |
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Return to America-Again Denied Cabin Passage |
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CHAPTER XXV. VARIOUS INCIDENTS |
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236 | (9) |
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Unexpected Opposition to My Newspaper Enterprise |
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The Objections to It-Their Plausibility Admitted |
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Motives for Going to Rochester |
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A Change of Opinions-Causes Leading to It |
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Prejudice Against Color-The "Jim Crow Car" |
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An Amusing Domestic Scene |
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The Author in High Company |
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Elevation of the Free People of Color-Pledge for the Future |
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| CONTAINING EXTRACTS FROM SPEECHES, ETC. |
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Reception Speech at Finsbury Chapel, Moorfields, England |
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245 | (12) |
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257 | (6) |
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263 | (5) |
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268 | |
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What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? |
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213 | |
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211 | (70) |
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281 | (5) |
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The Anti-Slavery Movement |
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286 | (7) |
| NOTES |
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293 | |
Other versions by this Author