like the apostle Peter,[U] (whose deliverance from prison was so sudden and extraordinary, that he thought he was in a vision) I could scarcely believe I was awake.  Heavens! who could do justice to my feelings at this moment!  Not conquering heroes themselves, in the midst of a triumph—­Not the tender mother who has just regained her long-lost infant, and presses it to her heart—­Not the weary hungry mariner, at the sight of the desired friendly port—­Not the lover, when he once more embraces his beloved mistress, after she had been ravished from his arms!—­All within my breast was tumult, wildness, and delirium!  My feet scarcely touched the ground, for they were winged with joy, and, like Elijah, as he rose to Heaven, they ’were with lightning sped as I went on.’  Every one I met I told of my happiness, and blazed about the virtue of my amiable master and captain.

When I got to the office and acquainted the Register with my errand he congratulated me on the occasion, and told me he would draw up my manumission for half price, which was a guinea.  I thanked him for his kindness; and, having received it and paid him, I hastened to my master to get him to sign it, that I might be fully released.  Accordingly he signed the manumission that day, so that, before night, I who had been a slave in the morning, trembling at the will of another, was become my own master, and completely free.  I thought this was the happiest day I had ever experienced; and my joy was still heightened by the blessings and prayers of the sable race, particularly the aged, to whom my heart had ever been attached with reverence.

* * * * *

As the form of my manumission has something peculiar in it, and expresses the absolute power and dominion one man claims over his fellow, I shall beg leave to present it before my readers at full length: 

Montserrat.—­To all men unto whom these presents shall come:  I Robert King, of the parish of St. Anthony in the said island, merchant, send greeting:  Know ye, that I the aforesaid Robert King, for and in consideration of the sum of seventy pounds current money of the said island, to me in hand paid, and to the intent that a negro man-slave, named Gustavus Vassa, shall and may become free, have manumitted, emancipated, enfranchised, and set free, and by these presents do manumit, emancipate, enfranchise, and set free, the aforesaid negro man-slave, named Gustavus Vassa, for ever, hereby giving, granting, and releasing unto him, the said Gustavus Vassa, all right, title, dominion, sovereignty, and property, which, as lord and master over the aforesaid Gustavus Vassa, I had, or now I have, or by any means whatsoever I may or can hereafter possibly have over him the aforesaid negro, for ever.  In witness whereof I the abovesaid Robert King have unto these presents set my hand and seal, this tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-six.

Robert King.