My oldest child was then ill, and in the bleak night wind, canopied by heaven alone, I was thrust, homeless, from a shelter owned by a man whose wealth should have made him pause ere he performed such an act.

With my sick child in my arms I wandered, I knew not where, until I found she had fainted.

Hurrying to a small cabin on the road, I entered and there discovered an old negro woman.

From the lips of a slave I first heard words of kindness, and for the first time aid was extended to me.

Applying restoratives, my child revived and I waited until next morning, when I returned once more to ask for aid.