Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave

Public Domain

Editor’s Note

This 1847 memoir was written by prominent activist and writer William Wells Brown to support the abolitionist movement. It chronicles Brown’s cruel treatment as an enslaved man, the horrors that he witnessed, and his multiple escape attempts for freedom.

Note: This book is part of a historical collection and may include offensive language.

William Wells Brown

William Wells Brown (1814–1884) was an African American abolition orator and writer. Brown’s autobiography detailed his escape from slavery. He also authored novels, plays, a travel book, and nonfiction works, including a history of Black soldiers in the American Revolutionary War.

This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929. It was adapted by the Observatory from a version produced by Wikisource contributors.

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BY

The American Fugitive in Europe, frontispiece.jpg

William Wells Brown

DATE OF PUBLICATION

1847

SOURCE

Public Domain

NARRATIVE

of

WILLIAM W BROWN,

a

FUGITIVE SLAVE

WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.

———Is there not some chosen curse,
Some hidden thunder in the stores of heaven,
Red with uncommon wrath, to blast the man
Who gains his fortune from the blood of souls?

Cowper.

SECOND EDITION, ENLARGED.

BOSTON:
PUBLISHED AT THE ANTI-SLAVERY OFFICE,
no. 21 cornhill.
1848

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, by william w brown, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.

Stereotyped by
GEORGE A. CURTIS;

new england type and stereotype foundery.

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Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave

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