My brother reached New York on Wednesday.  Lawyer Hopper advised us to go to Boston by the Stonington route, as there was less Southern travel in that direction.  Mrs. Bruce directed her servants to tell all inquirers that I formerly lived there, but had gone from the city.  We reached the steamboat Rhode Island in safety.  That boat employed colored hands, but I knew that colored passengers were not admitted to the cabin.  I was very desirous for the seclusion of the cabin, not only on account of exposure to the night air, but also to avoid observation.  Lawyer Hopper was waiting on board for us.  He spoke to the stewardess, and asked, as a particular favor, that she would treat us well.  He said to me, “Go and speak to the captain yourself by and by.  Take your little girl with you, and I am sure that he will not let her sleep on deck.”  With these kind words and a shake of the hand he departed.

The boat was soon on her way, bearing me rapidly from the friendly home where I had hoped to find security and rest.  My brother had left me to purchase the tickets, thinking that I might have better success than he would.  When the stewardess came to me, I paid what she asked, and she gave me three tickets with clipped corners.  In the most unsophisticated manner I said, “You have made a mistake; I asked you for cabin tickets.  I cannot possibly consent to sleep on deck with my little daughter.”  She assured me there was no mistake.  She said on some of the routes colored people were allowed to sleep in the cabin, but not on this route, which was much travelled by the wealthy.  I asked her to show me to the captain’s office, and she said she would after tea.  When the time came, I took Ellen by the hand and went to the captain, politely requesting him to change our tickets, as we should be very uncomfortable on deck.  He said it was contrary to their custom, but he would see that we had berths below; he would also try to obtain comfortable seats for us in the cars; of that he was not certain, but he would speak to the conductor about it, when the boat arrived.  I thanked him, and returned to the ladies’ cabin.  He came afterwards and told me that the conductor of the cars was on board, that he had spoken to him, and he had promised to take care of us.  I was very much surprised at receiving so much kindness.  I don’t know whether the pleasing face of my little girl had won his heart, or whether the stewardess inferred from Lawyer Hopper’s manner that I was a fugitive, and had pleaded with him in my behalf.

When the boat arrived at Stonington, the conductor kept his promise, and showed us to seats in the first car, nearest the engine.  He asked us to take seats next the door, but as he passed through, we ventured to move on toward the other end of the car.  No incivility was offered us, and we reached Boston in safety.

The day after my arrival was one of the happiest of my life.  I felt as if I was beyond the reach of the bloodhounds; and, for the first time during many years, I had both my children together with me.  They greatly enjoyed their reunion, and laughed and chatted merrily.  I watched them with a swelling heart.  Their every motion delighted me.