I could not comprehend the justice of that law, or that religion, which upholds or recognizes the principle of slavery.

Is everything right because the law allows it?

My back is thick with scars for protesting my freedom.

Unsoundness in a slave, as well as in a horse, detracts materially from his value. If no warranty is given, a close examination is a matter of particular importance to the Negro jockey.

Really, it was difficult to determine which I had most reason to fear—dogs, alligators or men!

It has been suggested that an account of my life and fortunes would not be uninteresting to the public.

My sufferings I can compare to nothing else than the burning agonies of hell!

Life is dear to every living thing the worm that crawls upon the ground will struggle for it.

Suffice it to say, during the whole long day I came not to the conclusion, even once, that the southern slave, fed, clothed, whipped and protected by his master, is happier than the free colored citizen of the North. To that conclusion I have never since arrived.