This my master locked on my legs with two padlocks.
I continued to wear the chain peaceably for two or three days, when my
master asked me with contemptuous hard names whether I had not better
be freed from my chains and go to work. I answered him, No. Well
then, said he, I will send you to the West-Indies or banish you, for I
am resolved not to keep you. I answered him I crossed the waters to
come here, and I am willing to cross them to return.
For a day or two after this not any one said much to me, until one
Hempsted Miner, of Stonington, asked me if I would live with him. I
answered him that I would. He then requested me to make myself
discontented and to appear as unreconciled to my master as I could
before that he bargained with him for me; and that in return he would
give me a good chance to gain my freedom when I came to live with him.
I did as he requested me. Not long after Hempsted Miner purchased me
of my master for fifty-six pounds lawful. He took the chain and
padlocks off me immediately after.
It may here be remembered, that I related a few pages back, that I
hired out a sum of money to Mr. Robert Stanton, and took his note for
it. In the fray between my master Stanton and myself, he broke open
my chest containing his brother's note to me, and destroyed it.
Immediately after my present master bought me, he determined to sell
me at Hartford.
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