The first direct information that I received concerning any of my relations, after my last escape from slavery, was communicated in a letter from Wm. H. Gatewood, my former owner, which I here insert word for word, without any correction: 

BEDFORD, TRIMBLE COUNTY, KY.

Mr. H. BIBB.

DEAR SIR:—­After my respects to you and yours &c, I received a small book which you sent to me that I peroseed and found it was sent by H. Bibb I am a stranger in Detroit and know no man there without it is Walton H. Bibb if this be the man please to write to me and tell me all about that place and the people I will tell you the news here as well as I can your mother is still living here and she is well the people are generally well in this cuntry times are dull and produce low give my compliments to King, Jack, and all my friends in that cuntry I read that book you sent me and think it will do very well—­George is sold, I do not know any thing about him I have nothing more at present, but remain yours &c

W.H.  GATEWOOD.

     February 9th, 1844. 
     P.S.  You will please to answer this letter.

Never was I more surprised than at the reception of this letter, it came so unexpected to me.  There had just been a State Convention held in Detroit, by the free people of color, the proceedings of which were published in pamphlet form.  I forwarded several of them to distinguished slaveholders in Kentucky—­one among others was Mr. Gatewood, and gave him to understand who sent it.  After showing this letter to several of my anti-slavery friends, and asking their opinions about the propriety of my answering it, I was advised to do it, as Mr. Gatewood had no claim on me as a slave, for he had sold and got the money for me and my family.  So I wrote him an answer, as near as I can recollect, in the following language: 

DEAR SIR:—­I am happy to inform you that you are not mistaken in the man whom you sold as property, and received pay for as such.  But I thank God that I am not property now, but am regarded as a man like yourself, and although I live far north, I am enjoying a comfortable living by my own industry.  If you should ever chance to be traveling this way, and will call on me, I will use you better than you did me while you held me as a slave.  Think not that I have any malice against you, for the cruel treatment which you inflicted on me while I was in your power.  As it was the custom of your country, to treat your fellow man as you did me and my little family, I can freely forgive you.

I wish to be remembered in love to my aged mother, and friends; please tell her that if we should never meet again in this life, my prayer shall be to God that we may meet in Heaven, where parting shall be no more.

You wish to be remembered to King and Jack.  I am pleased, sir, to inform you that they are both here, well, and doing well.