Major Freeland soon after failed in business, and I was put on board the steamboat Missouri, which plied between St.Louis and Galena.
The commander of the boat was William B.Culver.I remained on her during the sailing season, which was the most pleasant time for me that I had ever experienced.

At the close of navigation, I was hired to Mr.
John Colburn, keeper of the Missouri Hotel.

He was from one of the Free States; but a more inveterate hater of the negro, I do not believe ever walked on God's green earth.

This hotel was at that time one of the largest in the city, and there were employed in it twenty or thirty servants, mostly slaves.
Mr.Colburn was very abusive, not only to the servants, but to his wife also, who was an excellent woman, and one from whom I never knew a servant to receive a harsh word; but never did I know a kind one to a servant from her husband.

Among the slaves employed in the hotel, was one by the name of Aaron, who belonged to Mr.John F.Darby, a lawyer.
Aaron was the knife-cleaner.