Half a Century

fering from thirst, with the pump across the street, when I learned that for me to go for a

per, and I went to a dressmaker and asked for work. She was a

nd mean? Does he not know you would be insulted at every ste

the voice and eyes made me cry. I to

ome until he can! I have seen too many l

ver go to destruction,

re a mere baby. They all thought

o evil can befall me, for He that kee

to give me w

y a servant. Don'

hem, and I gave true answers. There were many boarders in the house, and one evening when ther

you talk, or we will give yo

, and a Mississippi planter, who seemed

is not safe for you

ees for freedom of speech, and his enjoy

of speech, but if people were allowed to talk as

aimed that only free children had been taught, while slaves were orally instructed to obey their masters, as good Presbyterians, who hoped to escape the worm that never dies.

on with a wife and little daughter. We rented the front, and mother sent me furniture. This was highly genteel, for it gave us the appearance of owning slaves, and Olivia

n, but ruffians stood before the house and hooted at the "nigger school." Threatening letters were sent me, and Wade was notifi

perb forms of Kentucky women, and my art-love found employment

ginia family. Her father had died, leaving a bankrupt estate. She had learned dressmaking, and had come with him to Louisville to find w

to her feet, and with burning cheeks and flashing eyes, demanded to know if I knew that that man had insulted us both. I did not know, but she did, and would tell Edward, who should cowhide him publicly. I told her that if Edward attempted that, he would probably lose his life, and we would certainly be drag

e strangest woman

man, and I hope the inc

g task of protectin

d very unwise, but I tried to make the best of it, and we took a business house on Fourth street. I cut and fitted dresses, and with a tape-line could take a measure from which I could make a perfect fit without trying on. I soon had more work than I could do, and took

red his throat as if to speak, and passed on to the lamp-post, which had made one limit of my walk. I did not shorten my path, a

easant eve

looked at h

vening; had you not bett

low, and

rdon, madam. I

t is a very pleasant eve

from his position of bread-winner. If it was my duty to keep his house, it must be his to find me a house to keep, and this life must end. I would go with him to the poorest cabin, but he mus

oman I can let you have! A good cook, good washah and ionah, fust rate housekeepah! I'll let you have ah for two hundred dollahs a yeah;

pompous display of chain, seals, studs and rings, his beaver on the back of his hea

ormed the "gentleman" that he did not follow the profession of whipping women, and must decline his offer. But I wanted to