puzzling our brains for years, we were reluctantly driven to
the sad conclusion, that it was almost impossible to escape from
slavery in Georgia, and travel 1,000 miles across the slave States. We
therefore resolved to get the consent of our owners, be married, settle
down in slavery, and endeavour to make ourselves as comfortable as
possible under that system; but at the same time ever to keep our dim
eyes steadily fixed upon the glimmering hope of liberty, and earnestly
pray God mercifully to assist us to escape from our unjust thraldom.

We were married, and prayed and toiled on till December, 1848, at which
time (as I have stated) a plan suggested itself that proved quite
successful, and in eight days after it was first thought of we were
free from the horrible trammels of slavery, and glorifying God who had
brought us safely out of a land of bondage.

Knowing that slaveholders have the privilege of taking their slaves to
any part of the country they think proper, it occurred to me that, as
my wife was nearly white, I might get her to disguise herself as an
invalid gentleman, and assume to be my master, while I could attend as
his slave, and that in this manner we might effect our escape. After I
thought of the plan, I suggested it to my wife, but at first she shrank
from the idea. She thought it was almost impossible for her to assume
that disguise, and travel a distance of 1,000 miles across the slave
States. However, on the other hand, she also thought of her condition.
She saw that the laws under which we lived did not recognize her to be
a woman, but a mere chattel, to be bought and sold, or otherwise dealt
with as her owner might see fit. Therefore the more she contemplated
her helpless condition, the more anxious she was to escape from it. So
she said, "I think it is almost too much for us to undertake; however,
I feel that God is on our side, and with his assistance,
notwithstanding all the difficulties, we shall be able to succeed.
Therefore, if you will purchase the disguise, I will try to carry out
the plan."

But after I concluded to purchase the disguise, I was afraid to go to
any one to ask him to sell me the articles. It is unlawful in Georgia
for a white man to trade with slaves without the master's consent.
But, notwithstanding this, many persons will sell a slave any article
that he can get the money to buy. Not that they sympathize with the
slave, but merely because his testimony is not