ds Georgia, through a country mostly
inhabited by Indians. On arriving within two days' journey of
home, we took lodging at a public house, the first we had seen.
Dismounting, my chain was in part wrapped round one of my legs,
and the others around my neck. In this situation we took supper
with the family, and sat a considerable time after the table
was removed. As it was determined we should remain here for the
night, which was dark and rainy, I had hopes that I could some
way or other make my escape. Having called to a servant to
bring me a basin of water to wash my feet, I took care to wind
the chain closely around my leg. I then asked her to open the
front door for me, as though I intended only to throw out the
dirty water; this I did, and finding there were no fears of my
going out, I walked a few times across the floor. This gave me
a chance to put on my hat unnoticed, when, taking the advantage
of a minute, I dashed out and jumped the yard fence; but in so
doing, I lost my hat. Having no time to lose, I made a straight
course from the house. I soon heard them all in confusion, and
saw some of them out of doors with a light. The landlord having
a large dog, they brought him in pursuit of me. He took my
track, and had nigh taken me when I just reached a creek, into
the waters of which I waded some distance, turning with the
stream from the place I entered at. Here I stood, leg deep, for
some time, hearing all their conclusions respecting me.
Thinking I had crossed there, they gave me up, and returned to
the house again. I immediately made my retreat from a place
surrounding and threatening me with so many dangers. After
running and walking about four miles, fatigued and lost, I lay
down and slept till morning. I then steered my course across
the country, avoiding houses and settlements, hoping to see
some slaves in the fields to help me to take off my irons, but
could see none. Near noon, I came in sight of an old house
which I discovered was inhabited. I approached it at the side
where there was no window. I went to a wagon, and taking from
it an iron bolt and a linchpin, I made to the woods, where,
with much difficulty, I succeeded in extricating myself from my
collar and chains. I placed them in a pile at the root of a
large tree,