The life of this slave-girl Lucinda was a fair example of the gentle
form of slavery which existed till this century in our New England
States. From an old paper written by a daughter of Gen. John
Winslow, I quote her description of this girl:--
"Lucinda was born in Africa and purchased by M^rs Deming when she
was about seven years of age. She was cherished with care and
affection by the family, and at Mrs. Demings death was 'given her
freedom.' From that time she chose to make her home with 'Master
John' (the late Gen. John Winslow, of Boston), a nephew of M^rs
Demings--at his house she died after some years. The friends of the
Winslow family attended her funeral; her pastor the Rev D^r Eckley
of the Old South and Gen. W. walking next the hearse as chief
mourners. A few articles belonging to her are preserved in the
family as memorials of one who was a beloved member of the household
in the olden time."
Lucinda figures in Mrs. Deming's account of her escape from besieged
Boston in 1775, and was treated with as much consideration as was
Sally, the niece; for her mistress remained behind for a time at
Wrentham; rather than to allow Lucinda to ride outside the coach in
the rain.
In a letter written by Sally Coverly, August 6, 1795, to Mrs. Joshua
Winslow, at Quebec, she says: "You enquire about Lucinda, she is
very much gratified by it. She has lived with my Brother this ten
years and is very good help in their family."