To Wells Brown, of Ohio

Thirteen years ago, I came to your door, a weary fugitive from chains and stripes. I was a stranger, and you took me in. I was hungry, and you fed me. Naked was I, and you clothed me. Even a name by which to be known among men, slavery had denied me. You bestowed upon me your own. Base, indeed, should I be, if I ever forget what I owe to you, or do anything to disgrace that honored name!

As a slight testimony of my gratitude to my earliest benefactor, I take the liberty to inscribe to you this little narrative of the sufferings from which I was fleeing when you had compassion upon me. In the multitude that you have succored, it is very possible that you may not remember me; but until I forget God and myself, I can never forget you.

Your grateful friend,

William Wells Brown.

Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave

Note to the Third Edition

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.

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.

SOURCE

Public Domain