But few passengers expressed themselves in stronger terms in regard to
their so-called masters, than William Pierce, from Long Green. "I fled,"
said he, "from John Hickol, a farmer, about fifty years old, grey-headed
and drinks whiskey very hard--was always a big devil--ill-grained. He
owned fifteen head; he owns three of my brothers. He has a wife, a big
devil, red head; her servants, she wouldn't feed 'em none, except on
corn bread; she would fight and swear too, when she got ready. She and
her husband would quarrel too. A slave man, a deceitful fellow, who had
been put up to watch on one occasion, when the rest of the slaves had
helped themselves to a chicken, and cooked and ate it about midnight,
though he was allowed to share a portion of the feast, was ready enough
to betray them by times next morning. This made master and mistress
'cuss' all hands at a great rate, and master beat all hands except the
one that told. I was caned so badly that it laid me up for several
weeks. I am a little lame yet from the beating."
Such was William's story. He was twenty-three years of age, of a light
brown color, well-made. Judging from his expressions and apparent
feelings against his master and mistress, he would be willing to endure
many years of suffering in Canada snows, before he would apply to them
for care and protection.
* * * * *