Letter from a Former Slave

Tuesday, February 28, 1859 Dear Family,

I miss you so much, and I promise to come back for you as soon as I can! I can’t wait to get to Canada, and I’m sure that we’ll love it there.

I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights in the past few months, because every time I blink my eyes I can swear that I’ve heard a dog bark, meaning I have to lay low and duck down into a stream to rid myself of my scent. I seldom get even half a night’s sleep. Every time I see a shadow I have to duck behind anything in sight. It’s not easy running when you feel as if everything below your knees is frozen completely. I feel like I’ve been severely frost-bitten multiple times.

I keep having thoughts telling me to go back to the plantation: go back, it’s not worth it; but I can’t go back! I’d rather die having a chance to be free, than die a slave, getting constantly whipped and beaten. Treated like I’m an animal, well, I’m not!

I used the North Star as my compass until I found the Underground Railroad. I’ve been walking, taking rides from strangers, even shamefully crawling. I’ve slept in many folk’s houses and I even got to have some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life. The mistress of the house told me it was rhubarb pie. It was heavenly, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat another horrid piece of cornmeal ever again, after I’ve let this pie touch my tongue!

I’m a little bit nervous about moving to Canada. Despite all the upsides, I never really thought about the downsides much until about a week ago. What if there aren’t any job offers? What if I can’t find a house?

Well, I guess I’ll just have to let everything fall into its rightful place. Please remember to write me back, and don’t dare to leave anything out!

Sincerely, Emily