Consequently I despair in finding language to express adequately the deep feeling of my soul, as I contemplate the past history of my life.

But although I have suffered much from the lash, and for want of food and raiment; I confess that it was no disadvantage to be passed through the hands of so many families, as the only source of information that I had to enlighten my mind, consisted in what I could see and hear from others.

Slaves were not allowed books, pen, ink, nor paper, to improve their minds.

But it seems to me now, that I was particularly observing, and apt to retain what came under my observation.

But more especially, all that I heard about liberty and freedom to the slaves, I never forgot.