The Experience of Rev. Thomas H. Jones, Who Was a Slave for Forty-Three Years by Thomas H. Jones

Author:Thomas H. Jones [Jones, Thomas H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780807869536
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Library
Published: 2011-09-01T00:00:00+00:00

[Page 45] Part Second.

Part First of my experience ended with my flight to the British provinces, where I remained four years. Of what transpired there and subsequent to my return to the States I shall hereafter speak somewhat in detail, but before doing so I desire to rehearse a few additional experiences of my life while yet a slave. It will be remembered that on page thirty, Part First, reference is made to the selling of my wife and children. I have repeatedly been requested to give a more particular account of that transaction. I will endeavor to do so, notwithstanding its memory is peculiarly painful even at this late day. I was living in Wilmington, N. C., at the time, engaged in the business of stevedore, having hired my labor of my master, Mr. Owen Holmes, for that purpose. I had several men in my employ, and on the day of the sale we were at work stowing a vessel. We had partly finished the job when one of my neighbors came on board and said I must go home at once, my wife wanted to see me. I inquired what for. "Oh wait till you get there." he replied. I said, "I can't go just now, the work is so pressing." He then told me that my wife and children had been sold, and I must go home if I wanted to see them again. "Oh, my God," said I, "can it be so?" I then ran to the companion-way and called to the Captain, but he had gone on shore. I told the mate what I wanted, and he gave me permission to go home. [Page 46] Directing my men to keep at their work until I returned, I set out for my humble cabin. (The events just narrated transpired on board the Brig Mentis, from Philadelphia, owned by Mr. James Patent.) On my arrival home I found my wife's master already there to take her and the little ones away. As I entered the cabin he said, "Well, old man, are these your wife and children?" "Yes sir," I replied. "Well, I have bought them." "But won't you sell them to my master," I inquired, "I know he will buy them?" "Oh no," "I have bought your wife for a seamstress and I can't let her go." "But won't you let her go for the sake of the children," I still entreated. He still refused to part with her. Pretty soon he ordered her to get ready to go. She at once arose, her face bathed in tears, with two of the children clinging to her dress, and the third, a babe nine months old, resting on her arm. I gave a hand to each of the two children, Charlie and Sarah. A few colored friends who were present assisted in carrying some bundles, and thus we proceeded to the vessel that was to bear my dear ones from my sight forever. As we walked along, many of my wife's acquaintances came out to bid her good-bye.

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