I soon, however, found that my enthusiasm had been extravagant; that hardships and dangers were not yet passed; and that the life now before me, had shadows as well as sunbeams.
Among the first duties assigned me, on entering the ranks, was to travel, in company with Mr.George Foster, to secure subscribers to the _Anti-slavery Standard_ and the _Liberator_.

With{281 MATTER OF THE SPEECH} him I traveled and lectured through the eastern counties of Massachusetts.

Much interest was awakened--large meetings assembled.
Many came, no doubt, from curiosity to hear what a Negro could say in his own cause.

I was generally introduced as a _"chattel"-- _a_"thing"_--a piece of southern _"property"_--the chairman assuring the audience that _it_ could speak.

Fugitive slaves, at that time, were not so plentiful as now; and as a fugitive slave lecturer, I had the advantage of being a _"brand new fact"_--the first one out.