The boat was not quite ready to commence running, and therefore I had to remain with Mr.Willi.
But during this time, I had to undergo a trial, for which I was entirely unprepared.

My mother, who had been in jail since her return until the present time, was now about being carried to New Orleans, to die on a cotton, sugar, or rice plantation! I had been several times to the jail, but could obtain no interview with her.

I ascertained, however, the time the boat in which she was to embark would sail, and as I had not seen mother since her being thrown into prison, I felt anxious for the hour of sailing to come.

At last, the day arrived when I was to see her for the first time after our painful separation, and, for aught that I knew, for the last time in this world! At about ten o'clock in the morning I went on board of the boat, and found her there in company with fifty or sixty other slaves.

She was chained to another woman.