me.  However, my progress in this useful art was much retarded by the constancy of our work.  Had I wished to run away I did not want opportunities, which frequently presented themselves; and particularly at one time, soon after this.  When we were at the island of Gaurdeloupe there was a large fleet of merchantmen bound for Old France; and, seamen then being very scarce, they gave from fifteen to twenty pounds a man for the run.  Our mate, and all the white sailors, left our vessel on this account, and went on board of the French ships.  They would have had me also to go with them, for they regarded me; and they swore to protect me, if I would go:  and, as the fleet was to sail the next day, I really believe I could have got safe to Europe at that time.  However, as my master was kind, I would not attempt to leave him; and, remembering the old maxim, that ‘honesty is the best policy,’ I suffered them to go without me.  Indeed my captain was much afraid of my leaving him and the vessel at that time, as I had so fair an opportunity:  but, I thank God, this fidelity of mine turned out much to my advantage hereafter, when I did not in the least think of it; and made me so much in favour with the captain, that he used now and then to teach me some parts of navigation himself:  but some of our passengers, and others, seeing this, found much fault with him for it, saying it was a very dangerous thing to let a negro know navigation; thus I was hindered again in my pursuits.  About the latter end of the year 1764 my master bought a larger sloop, called the Providence, about seventy or eighty tons, of which my captain had the command.  I went with him into this vessel, and we took a load of new slaves for Georgia and Charles Town.  My master now left me entirely to the captain, though he still wished for me to be with him; but I, who always much wished to lose sight of the West Indies, was not a little rejoiced at the thoughts of seeing any other country.  Therefore, relying on the goodness of my captain, I got ready all the little venture I could; and, when the vessel was ready, we sailed, to my great joy.  When we got to our destined places, Georgia and Charles Town, I expected I should have an opportunity of selling my little property to advantage:  but here, particularly in Charles Town, I met with buyers, white men, who imposed on me as in other places.  Notwithstanding, I was resolved to have fortitude; thinking no lot or trial is too hard when kind Heaven is the rewarder.  We soon got loaded again, and returned to Montserrat; and there, amongst the rest of the islands, I sold my goods well; and in this manner I continued trading during the year 1764; meeting with various scenes of imposition, as usual.  After this, my master fitted out his vessel for Philadelphia, in the year 1765; and during the time we were loading her, and getting ready for the voyage, I worked with redoubled alacrity, from the hope of getting money enough by these voyages to buy my freedom in time, if it should please God;