My Bondage and My Freedom

by Douglass, Frederick; Stauffer, John

• ISBN13: 9780812970319
• ISBN10: 0812970314
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-10-14
• Publisher: Modern Library

Summary

"My Bondage and My Freedom," writes John Stauffer in his Foreword, "[is] a deep meditation on the meaning of slavery, race, and freedom, and on the power of faith and literacy, as well as a portrait of an individual and a nation a few years before the Civil War." As his narrative unfolds, Frederick Douglassabolitionist, journalist, orator, and one of the most powerful voices to emerge from the American civil rights movementtransforms himself from slave to fugitive to reformer, leaving behind a legacy of social, intellectual, and political thought. Set from the text of the 1855 first edition, this Modern Library Paperback Classic includes Douglass's original Appendix, composed of excerpts from the author's speeches as well as a letter he wrote to his former master. From the Trade Paperback edition.

Author Biography

<b>John Stauffer</b> is the author of <i>The Black Hearts of Men</i>, which won the Avery O. Craven Award, and was co-winner of the Frederick Douglass Book Prize and runner-up for the Lincoln Prize. He is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Humanities at Harvard University and lives in Cambridge.

Table of Contents

FREDERICK DOUGLASS	v
FOREWORD by, John Stauffer	xix
A NOTE ON THE TEXT	xxix
EDITOR'S PREFACE TO THE 1855 EDITION	xxxvli
INTRODUCTION TO THE 1855 EDITION	xli
MY BONDAGE AND MY FREEDOM
PART ONE LIFE AS A SLAVE
CHAPTER I. THE AUTHOR'S CHILDHOOD	3	(6)
Place of Birth
Character of the District
Time of Birth-My Grandparents
Character of My Grandmother
The Log Cabin-Its Charms
First Knowledge of Being a Slave
Old Master-Griefs and Joys of Childhood
Comparative Happiness of the Slave-Boy and His White Brother
CHAPTER II. THE AUTHOR REMOVED FROM HIS FIRST HOME	9	(5)
The Name "Old Master" a Terror
Home Attractions-Dread of Being Removed from Tuckahoe
The Journey to Col. Lloyd's Plantation
Scene on Reaching Old Master's
First Meeting with My Brothers and Sisters
Departure of Grandmother-Author's Grief
CHAPTER III. THE AUTHOR'S PARENTAGE	14	(7)
Author's Father Shrouded in Mystery
My Mother-Her Personal Appearance
Her Situation-Visits to Her Boy
Cruelty of "Aunt Katy"-Threatened Starvation
My Mother's Interference
Her Death
Her Love of Knowledge
Penalty for Having a White Father
CHAPTER IV A GENERAL SURVEY OF THE SLAVE PLANTATION	21	(12)
Slaveholding Cruelty Restrained by Public Opinion
Isolation of Lloyd's Plantation
Beyond the Reach of Public Opinion
Religion and Politics Alike Excluded
Natural and Artificial Charms of the Place
The "Great House"
Etiquette Among Slaves
The Comic Slave-Doctor
Praying and Flogging
Business of Old Master
Sufferings from Hunger
Jargon of the Plantation
Family of Col. Lloyd-Mas' Daniel
Family of Old Master-Social Position
CHAPTER V GRADUAL INITIATION INTO THE MYSTERIES OF SLAVERY	33	(6)
Growing Acquaintance with Old Master-His Character
Evils of Unrestrained Passion-A Man of Trouble
Supposed Obtuseness of Slave-Children
Brutal Outrage on My Aunt Milly by a Drunken Overseer
Slaveholders' Impatience at Appeals Against Cruelty
Wisdom of Appealing to Superiors
Attempt to Break Up a Courtship
Slavery Destroys All Incentives to a Virtuous Life
A Harrowing Scene
CHAPTER VI. TREATMENT OF SLAVES ON LLOYD'S PLANTATION	39	(11)
The Author's Early Reflections on Slavery
Conclusions at Which He Arrived
Presentiment of One Day Being a Freeman
Combat between an Overseer and a Slave-Woman
Nelly's Noble Resistance
Advantages of Resistance
Mr. Sevier, the Brutal Overseer, and His Successors
Allowance Day on the Home Plantation
The Singing of the Slaves No Proof of Contentment
Food and Clothing of the Slaves Naked Children
Nursing Children Carried to the Field
Description of the Cowskin
Manner of Making the Ash Cake-The Dinner Hour
Contrast at the Great House
CHAPTER VII. LIFE IN THE GREAT HOUSE	50	(8)
Comfort and Luxuries-Elaborate Expenditure
Men and Maid Servants-Black Aristocracy
Stable and Carriage House
Deceptive Character of Slavery
Slaves and Slaveholders Alike Unhappy
Fretfulness and Capriciousness of Slaveholders
Whipping of Old Barney by Col. Lloyd
William Wilks, a Supposed Son of Col. Lloyd
Curious Incident-Penalty of Telling the Truth
Preference of Slaves for Rich Masters
CHAPTER VIII. A CHAPTER OF HORRORS	58	(6)
Austin Gore-Sketch of His Character
Absolute Power of Overseers
Murder of Denby-How It Occurred
How Gore Made Peace with Col. Lloyd
Murder of a Slave-Girl by Mrs. Hicks
No Laws for the Protection of Slaves Can Be Enforced
CHAPTER IX. PERSONAL TREATMENT OF THE AUTHOR	64	(7)
Miss Lucretia Auld-Her Kindness
A Battle with "Ike," and Its Consequences
Beams of Sunlight
Suffering from Cold-How We Took Our Meals
Orders to Prepare to Go to Baltimore-Extraordinary Cleansing
Cousin Tom's Description of Baltimore
The journey
Arrival at Baltimore
Kindness of My New Mistress-Little Tommy
A Turning Point in My History
CHAPTER X. LIFE IN BALTIMORE	71	(7)
City Annoyances-Plantation Regrets
My Improved Condition
Character of My New Master, Hugh Auld
My Occupation-Increased Sensitiveness
Commencement of Learning to Read-Why Discontinued
Master Hugh's Exposition of the True Philosophy of Slavery
Increased Determination to Learn
Contrast between City and Plantation Slaves
Mrs. Hamilton's Brutal Treatment of Her Slaves
CHAPTER XI. "A CHANGE CAME O'ER THE SPIRIT OF MY DREAM"	78	(8)
Knowledge Acquired by Stealth
My Mistress-Her Slaveholding Duties
Deplorable Effects on Her Character
How I Pursued My Education-My Tutors
My Deliberations on the Character of Slavery
The Columbian Orator and its Lessons
Speeches of Chatham, Sheridan, Pitt, and Fox
Knowledge Ever Increasing-My Eyes Opened
How I Pined for Liberty
Dissatisfaction of My Poor Mistress
CHAPTER XII. RELIGIOUS NATURE AWAKENED	86	(7)
Abolitionists Spoken Of
Eagerness to Know What the Word Meant
The Enigma Solved-Turner's Insurrection
First Awakened on the Subject of Religion
My Friend Lawson-His Character and Occupation
Comfort Derived from His Teaching
New Hopes and Aspirations
The Irishmen on the Wharf-Their Sympathy
How I Learned to Write
CHAPTER XIII. THE VICISSITUDES OF SLAVE LIFE	93	(8)
Death of Young Master Richard
Author's Presence Required at the Division of Old Master's Property
Attachment of Slaves to Their Homes
Sad Prospects and Grief
General Dread of Master Andrew-His Cruelty
Return to Baltimore-Death of Mistress Lucretia
My Poor Old Grandmother-Her Sad Fate
Second Marriage of Master Thomas
Again Removed from Master Hugh's
Regrets at Leaving Baltimore
A Plan of Escape Entertained
CHAPTER XIV. EXPERIENCE IN ST. MICHAEL'S	101	(13)
The Village and Its Inhabitants
Meteoric Phenomena-Author's Impressions
Character of My New Master and Mistress
Allowance of Food-Sufferings from Hunger
Stealing and Its Vindication
A New Profession of Faith
Morality of Free Society Has No Application to Slave Society
Southern Camp-Meeting-Master Thomas Professes Conversion
Hopes and Suspicions
The Result-Faith and Works Entirely at Variance
No More Meal Brought from the Mill-Methodist Preachers
Their Utter Disregard of the Slaves-An Exception
A Sabbath School Instituted
How Broken Up and by Whom
Cruel Treatment of Cousin Henny by Master Thomas
Differences with Master Thomas, and the Consequences
Edward Covey-His Character
CHAPTER XV COVEY, THE NEGRO-BREAKER	114	(11)
Journey to My New Master's
Meditations by the Way
View of Covey's Residence-The Family
Awkwardness as a Field Hand
First Adventure at Ox Driving
Unruly Animals-Hair Breadth Escapes
Oxen and Men-Points of Similarity
Sent Back to the Woods
Covey's Manner of Proceeding to Whip
His Cunning and Trickery-Severe Labor
Family Worship
Shocking Contempt for Chastity-An Illustration
Author Broken Down-His Only Leisure Time
Freedom of the Ships and His Own Slavery Contrasted
Anguish Beyond Description
CHAPTER XVI. ANOTHER PRESSURE OF THE TYRANT'S VICE	125	(7)
Experience at Covey's Summed Up
Scene in the Treading Yard
Author Taken Ill
Unusual Brutality of Covey
Escape to St. Michael's-Suffering in the Woods
Circumstances Narrated to Master Thomas-His Bearing
The Case Prejudged-Driven Back to Covey's
CHAPTER XVII. THE LAST FLOGGING	132	(10)
A Sleepless Night-Return to Covey's
His Conduct-Again Escape to the Woods
Deplorable Spectacle-Night in the Woods
An Alarm-A Friend, Not an Enemy
Sandy's Hospitality-The Ash Cake Supper
A Conjuror-His Advice-The Magic Root
Want of Faith-The Talisman Accepted
Meeting with Covey-His Sunday Face
His Manner on Monday-A Defensive Resolve
A Rough and Tumble Fight
Unexpected Resistance
Covey's Ineffectual Commands for Assistance
The Victory and Its Results
Effects upon My Own Character
CHAPTER XVIII. NEW RELATIONS AND DUTIES	142	(13)
Change of Masters-Resolve to Fight My Way
Ability to Read a Cause of Prejudice
Manner of Spending the Holidays
The Effects-Sharp Hit at Slavery
A Device of Slavery
Difference Between Master Freeland and Covey
An Irreligious Master Preferred-The Reasons Why
The Reverend Rigby Hopkins
Catalogue of Floggable Offenses
Rivalry Among Slaves Encouraged
Improved Condition at Freeland's
Reasons for Continued Discontent
Congenial Society-The Sabbath School
Its Members-Necessity for Secrecy
Affectionate Relations of Master and Pupils
Confidence and Friendship Among Slaves
Slavery the Inviter of Vengeance
CHAPTER XIX. THE RUNAWAY PLOT	155
New Year's Thoughts and Reflections
Again Hired by Freeland
Still Devising Plans for Gaining Freedom
A Solemn Vow-Plan Divulged to the Slaves
Arguments in Its Support-The Scheme Gains Favor
Danger of Discovery-Difficulty of Concealment
Skill of Slaveholders-Suspicion and Coercion
Hymns with a Double Meaning
Author's Confederates-His Influence over Them
Preliminary Consultations-Pass-Words
Conflict of Hopes and Fears-Ignorance of Geography
Survey of Imaginary Difficulties
Effect upon Our Minds
Sandy Becomes a Dreamer
Route to the North Laid Out-Objections Considered
Frauds Practiced on Freemen-Passes Written
Anxieties as the Time Drew Near
Appeals to Comrades-A Presentiment
The Betrayal Discovered
Manner of Arresting Us
Resistance Made by Henry Harris-Its Effects
Unique Speech of Mrs. Freeland
Our Sad Procession to Easton
Passes Eaten-The Examination at St. Michael's
No Evidence Produced-Who Was the Betrayer?
Dragged Behind Horses-The Jail a Relief
A New Set of Tormentors
Release of My Companions
Author Taken out of Prison and Sent to Baltimore
CHAPTER XX. APPRENTICESHIP LIFE	116	(71)
Nothing Lost by the Attempt to Run Away
Reasons for Sending the Author Away
Unlooked for Clemency in Master Thomas
Return to Baltimore-Change in Little Tommy
Trials in Gardiner's Ship Yard
Desperate Fight with the White Apprentices
Conflict Between White and Black Labor
Description of the Outrage
Conduct of Master Hugh
Testimony of a Colored Man Nothing
Spirit of Slavery in Baltimore
Author's Condition Improves
New Associates-Benefits Derived Therefrom
How to Make a Contented Slave
CHAPTER XXI. MY ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY	187	(12)
Manner of Escape Not Given-Reasons Why
Craftiness and Malice of Slaveholders
Want of Wisdom in Publishing Details of Escape
Suspicions Implied by Master Hugh's Manner
Difficulty of Escape-Discontent
Author Allowed to Hire His Time
A Gleam of Hope-Hard Terms
Author Attends Camp Meeting Without Permission
Anger of Master Hugh Thereat
Plans of Escape Accelerated Thereby
Painful Thoughts of Separation from Friends
The Attempt Made-Its Success
PART TWO LIFE AS A FREEMAN
CHAPTER XXII. LIBERTY ATTAINED	199	(14)
Author a Wanderer in New York-Feelings on Reaching That City
An Old Acquaintance Met
Unfavorable Impressions-Loneliness and Insecurity
Apology for Slaves Who Return to Their Masters
Make Known My Condition-David Ruggles
Author's Marriage-Removal to New Bedford
Kindness of Nathan Johnson-Change of Name
Dark Notions of Northern Civilization Enlightened
Contrast Between the North and the South
Colored People in New Bedford
An Incident Illustrating Their Spirit
The Author Finds Employment
Denied Work at His Trade
The First Winter at the North
Proscription in the Church
An Incident at the Communion Table
First Acquaintance with the Liberator
Character of Its Editor
Prompt Attendance at Anti-Slavery Meetings
CHAPTER XXIII. INTRODUCED TO THE ABOLITIONISTS	213	(5)
Anti-Slavery Convention at Nantucket
Author's First Speech
Becomes a Public Lecturer
Youthful Enthusiasm
Difficulties in His Position
His Fugitive Slaveship Doubted
Publishes His Narrative-Danger of Recapture
Advised Not to Publish His Story
CHAPTER XXIV. TWENTY-ONE MONTHS IN GREAT BRITAIN	218	(18)
Good Arising out of Unpropitious Events
Embarks for England-Denied Cabin Passage
Mob on Board the Cambric-Happy Introduction to the British Public
Letter to Mr. Garrison
"We Don't Allow Niggers in Here"
Time and Labors Abroad
Freedom Purchased-Free Papers
Abolitionists Displeased with the Ransom
How the Author's Energies Were Directed in Great Britain
Reception Speech in Finsbury Chapel, London
Character of the Speech Defended
Causes Contributing to My Success
The Free Church of Scotland-Its Position
Agitation of the Slavery Question
Debates in the General Assembly-"Send Back the Money"
Dr. Cunningham's Speech-A Striking Incident
The World's Temperance Convention-Collision with Dr. Cox
Proposed Testimonial to the Author
Project of Establishing a Newspaper
Return to America-Again Denied Cabin Passage
CHAPTER XXV. VARIOUS INCIDENTS	236	(9)
Unexpected Opposition to My Newspaper Enterprise
The Objections to It-Their Plausibility Admitted
Motives for Going to Rochester
A Change of Opinions-Causes Leading to It
Prejudice Against Color-The "Jim Crow Car"
An Amusing Domestic Scene
The Author in High Company
Elevation of the Free People of Color-Pledge for the Future
CONTAINING EXTRACTS FROM SPEECHES, ETC.
Reception Speech at Finsbury Chapel, Moorfields, England	245	(12)
Letter to His Old Master	257	(6)
The Nature of Slavery	263	(5)
Inhumanity of Slavery	268
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?	213
The Internal Slave Trade	211	(70)
The Slavery Party	281	(5)
The Anti-Slavery Movement	286	(7)
NOTES	293