In company with my
mother, brother, and sister, and a large number of other slaves,
I went to the master's house. All of our master's family were
either standing or seated on the veranda of the house, where they
could see what was to take place and hear what was said. There
was a feeling of deep interest, or perhaps sadness, on their
faces, but not bitterness. As I now recall the impression they
made upon me, they did not at the moment seem to be sad because
of the loss of property, but rather because of parting with those
whom they had reared and who were in many ways very close to
them. The most distinct thing that I now recall in connection
with the scene was that some man who seemed to be a stranger (a
United States officer, I presume) made a little speech and then
read a rather long paper--the Emancipation Proclamation, I think.
After the reading we were told that we were all free, and could
go when and where we pleased. My mother, who was standing by my
side, leaned over and kissed her children, while tears of joy ran
down her cheeks. She explained to us what it all meant, that this
was the day for which she had been so long praying, but fearing
that she would never live to see.
For some minutes there was great rejoicing, and thanksgiving, and
wild scenes of ecstasy.
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