wanted in the family; though still I was
very sick--very sick indeed. When the great washing came round, which was
every two months, my mistress got together again a great many heavy
things, such as bed-ticks, bed-coverlets, &c. for me to wash. I told her I
was too ill to wash such heavy things that day. She said, she supposed I
thought myself a free woman, but I was not; and if I did not do it
directly I should be instantly turned out of doors. I stood a long time
before I could answer, for I did not know well what to do. I knew that I
was free in England, but I did not know where to go, or how to get my
living; and therefore, I did not like to leave the house. But Mr. Wood
said he would send for a constable to thrust me out; and at last I took
courage and resolved that I would not be longer thus treated, but would go
and trust to Providence. This was the fourth time they had threatened turn
me out, and, go where I might, I was determined now to take them at their
word; though I thought it very hard, after I had lived with them for
thirteen years, and worked for them like a horse, to be driven out in this
way, like a beggar. My only fault was being sick, and therefore unable to
please my mistress, who thought she never could get work enough out of her
slaves; and I told them so: but they only abused me and drove me out. This
took place from two to three months, I think, after we came to England.

When I came away, I went to the man (one Mash) who used to black the shoes
of the family, and asked his wife to get somebody to go with me to Hatton
Garden to the Moravian Missionaries: these were the only persons I knew in
England. The woman sent a young girl with me to the mission house, and I
saw there a gentleman called Mr. Moore. I told him my whole story, and how
my owners had treated me, and asked him to take in my trunk with what few
clothes I had. The missionaries were very kind to me--they were sorry for
my destitute situation, and gave me leave to bring my things to be placed
under their care. They were very good people, and they told me to come to
the church.

When I went back to Mr. Wood's to get my trunk, I saw a lady, Mrs. Pell,
who was on a visit to my mistress. When Mr. and Mrs. Wood heard me come
in, they set this lady to stop me, finding that they had gone too far with
me. Mrs. Pell came out to me, and said, "Are you really going to leave,
Molly? Don't leave, but come into the country with me." I believe she