He left a wife and three children.Īlthough slave-holders had spared no pains to keep Abram in the dark and to make him love his yoke, he proved by his actions, that he had no faith in their doctrines. It was the system which was daily grinding the life out of him, that caused him to suffer, and likewise escape. He did not complain, however, of having received any personal abuse from his blacksmith master. He allowed Thomas to hire himself for one hundred dollars a year, which amount he was required to raise, sick or well. He was a man in humble circumstances, trying to increase his small fortune by slave-labor. He grew very unhappy, but could see no remedy except in flight.Ĭowling, his master, was an Englishman by birth, and followed blacksmithing for a living.

He thought that it was hard to see them in want and abused when he was not at liberty to aid or protect them. His great trouble was, that he had a wife and family, but could do nothing for them. Thomas Harper, his comrade, fled from John Cowling, who also lived near Alexandria. Being a smart “chattel,” he reasoned well on the question of Slavery, and showed very conclusively that even under the kindest mistress it had no charms for him-that at best, it was robbery and an outrage. He also said that he wanted to be able to take care of his family if he should see fit to marry.Īs to Slavery, he could see no justice in the system he therefore made up his mind no longer to yield submission thereto.

He said he did not leave because he was treated badly, but simply because he wanted to own himself-tobe free. Fairfax was the loser of this “article.” William spoke rather favorably of her. William, answering to the above description, arrived safely in company with Thomas Harper, about six days after the date of their departure from the house of bondage.

The Narrative Escape by Tom Stafford