About this time, a woman of the name of Hill told me of the Anti-Slavery Society, and went with me to their office, to inquire if they could do any thing to get me my freedom, and send me back to the West Indies.  The gentlemen of the Society took me to a lawyer, who examined very strictly into my case; but told me that the laws of England could do nothing to make me free in Antigua[14].  However they did all they could for me:  they gave me a little money from time to time to keep me from want; and some of them went to Mr. Wood to try to persuade him to let me return a free woman to my husband; but though they offered him, as I have heard, a large sum for my freedom, he was sulky and obstinate, and would not consent to let me go free.

[Footnote 14:  She came first to the Anti-Slavery Office in Aldermanbury, about the latter end of November 1828; and her case was referred to Mr. George Stephen to be investigated.  More of this hereafter.—­ED.]

This was the first winter I spent in England, and I suffered much from the severe cold, and from the rheumatic pains, which still at times torment me.  However, Providence was very good to me, and I got many friends—­especially some Quaker ladies, who hearing of my case, came and sought me out, and gave me good warm clothing and money.  Thus I had great cause to bless God in my affliction.

When I got better I was anxious to get some work to do, as I was unwilling to eat the bread of idleness.  Mrs. Mash, who was a laundress, recommended me to a lady for a charwoman.  She paid me very handsomely for what work I did, and I divided the money with Mrs. Mash; for though very poor, they gave me food when my own money was done, and never suffered me to want.

In the spring, I got into service with a lady, who saw me at the house where I sometimes worked as a charwoman.  This lady’s name was Mrs. Forsyth.  She had been in the West Indies, and was accustomed to Blacks, and liked them.  I was with her six months, and went with her to Margate.  She treated me well, and gave me a good character when she left London.[15]

[Footnote 15:  She refers to a written certificate which will be inserted afterwards.]

After Mrs. Forsyth went away, I was again out of place, and went to lodgings, for which I paid two shillings a week, and found coals and candle.  After eleven weeks, the money I had saved in service was all gone, and I was forced to go back to the Anti-Slavery office to ask a supply, till I could get another situation.  I did not like to go back—­I did not like to be idle.  I would rather work for my living than get it for nothing.  They were very good to give me a supply, but I felt shame at being obliged to apply for relief whilst I had strength to work.