her freedom could be legally established on her return to Antigua.  On this occasion, in Mr. Stephen’s presence and mine, she expressed, in very strong terms, her anxiety to return thither if she could go as a free person, and, at the same time, her extreme apprehensions of the fate that would probably await her if she returned as a slave.  Her words were, “I would rather go into my grave than go back a slave to Antigua, though I wish to go back to my husband very much—­very much—­very much!  I am much afraid my owners would separate me from my husband, and use me very hard, or perhaps sell me for a field negro;—­and slavery is too too bad.  I would rather go into my grave!”

The paper which Mr. Wood had given her before she left his house, was placed by her in Mr. Stephen’s hands.  It was expressed in the following terms:—­

“I have already told Molly, and now give it her in writing, in order that there may be no misunderstanding on her part, that as I brought her from Antigua at her own request and entreaty, and that she is consequently now free, she is of course at liberty to take her baggage and go where she pleases.  And, in consequence of her late conduct, she must do one of two things—­either quit the house, or return to Antigua by the earliest opportunity, as she does not evince a disposition to make herself useful.  As she is a stranger in London, I do not wish to turn her out, or would do so, as two female servants are sufficient for my establishment.  If after this she does remain, it will be only during her good behaviour:  but on no consideration will I allow her wages or any other remuneration for her services.

     “JOHN A. WOOD.”

     “London, August 18, 1828.”

This paper, though not devoid of inconsistencies, which will be apparent to any attentive reader, is craftily expressed; and was well devised to serve the purpose which the writer had obviously in view, namely, to frustrate any appeal which the friendless black woman might make to the sympathy of strangers, and thus prevent her from obtaining an asylum, if she left his house, from any respectable family.  As she had no one to refer to for a character in this country except himself, he doubtless calculated securely on her being speedily driven back, as soon as the slender fund she had in her possession was expended, to throw herself unconditionally upon his tender mercies; and his disappointment in this expectation appears to have exasperated his feelings of resentment towards the poor woman, to a degree which few persons alive to the claims of common justice, not to speak of christianity or common humanity, could easily have anticipated.  Such, at least, seems the only intelligible inference that can be drawn from his subsequent conduct.