farewell embrace when she accompanied us to the cars.  As soon as my step-mother had arrived, and our excitement was over, they commenced calculating upon placing me in the Sabbath school at the church where my mother belonged.  On the next Sabbath I accompanied her and joined the Sabbath school, she occupying a side seat about middle way up the house.  I was not reminded of my color except by an occasional loafer or the Irish, usually the colored man’s enemy.  I was never permitted to attend a white church before, or ride in any public conveyance without being placed in a car for the especial purpose; and in the street cars we were not permitted to ride at all, either South or West.  Here I ride where I please, without the slightest remark, except from the ignorant.  Many ask me if I am contented.  They can imagine by the above contrast.  My brother and myself entered the public school, and found a host of interested friends and formed many dear acquaintances whom I shall never forget.  After attending school a month the term closed.  I advanced in my studies as fast as could be expected.  I never attended school but one month before.  I needed more attention than my kind teacher could possibly bestow upon me, encumbered as she was by so many small children.  Mother then proposed my entering some select school and placing myself entirely under its discipline and influence.  I was much pleased with the idea, but as they had already been to so much expense for me, I could not wish to place them under any heavier contribution.  I had previously told my step-mother my story, and how often my own mother had wished she could have it published.  I did not imagine she could find time to write and arrange it, but she immediately proposed writing and publishing the entire story, by the sale of which I might obtain the aid towards completing my studies.  I am glad I came to the old Bay State, the people of which the rebels hate with an extreme hatred.  I found it just such a place as I had imagined by the appearance of the soldiers and the kindness they manifested.

    New England, that blessed land,
    All in a happy Union band;
    They with the needy share their bread
    And teach the weak the Word of God.

We never heard from my sister Hester, who made her escape from Kentucky, except when she was on the cars, though we have no doubt she succeeded in gaining her freedom.

SUMMARY

On my return to St. Louis I met my old master, Lewis, who strove so hard to sell us away that he might avoid seeing us free, on the street.  He was so surprised that before he was aware of it he dropped a bow.  My mother met Mrs. Lewis, her old mistress, with a large basket on her arm, trudging to market.  It appeared she had lived to see the day when her children had to wait upon themselves, and she likewise.  The Yankees had taken possession, and her posterity were on an equality with the black man.  Mr. Lewis