Henry affirmed, that for the last twenty years, his freedom had been
promised him, and during all these long years, hardly a month had
passed, that he had not fixed his hopes upon a definite time, when his
bondage would end and his freedom commence. But he had been trusting the
word of a slave-holder, who had probably adopted this plan simply with a
view of drawing more willing toil out of him than he could have
accomplished in any other way.
Mary complained that she had suffered severely for food, and likewise
for privileges. Ezra Houpt was the name of Henry's master, and the name
of his mistress was Catharine, she was hasty and passionate; slaves were
shown no quarter under her. Mary was owned by Christian Thomas. He was
said to be not so hard, but his wife was very hard, so much so, that she
would rule both master and slaves. Her name was Mary Elizabeth.