![]() He continued to grow worse, and four days previous to our arrival in New-Orleans he died. It was soon announced that he had the small-pox. We were all prepared, and impatiently waiting an opportunity of putting our designs into execution, when they were frustrated by a sad and unforeseen event. If he is still living, and these pages should chance to meet his eye, hewill learn a fact connected with the voyage of the brig, from Richmond to New-Orleans, in 1841, not entered on his log-book. The captain was a small, genteel man, erect and prompt, with a proud bearing, and looked the personification of courage. The mate's name was Biddee, the captain's I cannot now recall, though I rarely ever forget a name once heard. I was then to assume the unaccustomed place of pilot, and, steering northward, we trusted that some lucky wind might bear us to the soil of freedom. Should the attack be so sudden and successful as to prevent resistance, the hatch was to remain barred down otherwise the slaves were to be called up, and in the crowd, d, and hurry, and confusion of the time, we resolved to regain our liberty or lose our lives. We were to proceed then as circumstances might require. Robert, with a club, was to stand by the door leading from the deck down into the cabin, and, in case of necessity, beat back the sailors, until we could hurry to his assistance. Arthur and I were to steal silently to the captain's cabin, seize the pistols and cutlass, and as quickly as possible despatch him and the mate. The crew's cook slept in the cook galley on deck, a sort of vehicle on wheels, that could be moved about as convenience required, while the sailors, numbering only six, either slept in the forecastle, or in hammocks swung among the rigging.įinally our arrangements were all completed. He further informed us that there were always two pistols and a cutlass lying on the table. From Robert, who had frequent occasion, in his capacity of waiter, to make observations in that quarter we ascertained the exact position of their respective berths. The captain and mate slept in the cabin of the former. Lying close upon the deck, I could see what was going on around me, while wholly unperceived myself In the morning, as they came up, I slipped from my hiding place without being observed. The next evening, accordingly, after supper, watching my opportunity, I hastily concealed myself beneath it. I was selected to make the experiment, in order to satisfy ourselves of its feasibility. It occurred to me that by secreting ourselves underneath it, we would not be missed from the crowd, as they were hurried down into the hold at night. On the bow of the brig, however I had observed the small boat lying bottom upwards. How to reach the deck was the first difficulty that presented itself. It was not safe to deposit so bold a secret with any of them, and finally we three resolved to take upon ourselves alone the fearful responsibility of the attempt.Īt night, as has been said, we were driven into the hold, and the hatch barred down. Brought up in fear and ignorance as they are, it can scarcely be conceived how servilely they will cringe before a white man's look. There was not another slave we dared to trust. He approved of them at once, and entered into the conspiracy with a zealous spirit. ![]() At length, with much caution, Robert was gradually made acquainted with our intentions. While others slept, Arthur and I were maturing, our plans. As difficulty after difficulty arose, some ready conceit was at hand, demonstrating how it could be overcome. ![]() From the moment the plot suggested itself I began to hope. Who could be relied upon, and who could not, the proper time and manner of the attack, were all talked over and over again. The chances, for and against us, in an encounter with the crew, was canvassed. I knew little of the compass but the idea of risking the experiment was eagerly entertained. We discussed the possibility of our being able, in such an event, to make our way to the harbor of New-York. Obtaining possession of the brig was suggested by one of us. For a long time we talked of our children, our past lives, and of the probabilities of escape. Arthur said, and I agreed with him, that death was far less terrible than the living prospect that was before us. We were conversing together of the probable destiny that awaited us, and mourning together over our misfortunes. Towards evening, on the first day of the calm, Arthur and myself were in the bow of the vessel, seated on the windlass.
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