I cannot say that I have ever answered the question yet.
The fact that I was in all probability a freeman, sounded in my ears like a charm.

I am satisfied that none but a slave could place such an appreciation upon liberty as I did at that time.

I wanted to see mother and sister, that I might tell them "I was free!" I wanted to see my fellow slaves in St.Louis, and let them know that the chains were no longer upon my limbs.

I wanted to see Captain Price, and let him learn from my own lips that I was no more a chattel, but a man! I was anxious, too, thus to inform Mrs.Price that she must get another coachman.

And I wanted to see Eliza more than I did either Mr.or Mrs.Price! The fact that I was a freeman--could walk, talk, eat and sleep as a man, and no one to stand over me with the blood-clotted cowhide--all this made me feel that I was not myself.
The kind friend that had taken me in was named Wells Brown.