I had just a little fear
that we would not be treated civilly by some of the passengers.
This fear was based upon what I had heard other people of my
race, who had crossed the ocean, say about unpleasant experiences
in crossing the ocean in American vessels. But in our case, from
the captain down to the most humble servant, we were treated with
the greatest kindness. Nor was this kindness confined to those
who were connected with the steamer; it was shown by all the
passengers also. There were not a few Southern men and women on
board, and they were as cordial as those from other parts of the
country.
As soon as the last good-bys were said, and the steamer had cut
loose from the wharf, the load of care, anxiety, and
responsibility which I had carried for eighteen years began to
lift itself from my shoulders at the rate, it seemed to me, of a
pound a minute. It was the first time in all those years that I
had felt, even in a measure, free from care; and my feeling of
relief it is hard to describe on paper. Added to this was the
delightful anticipation of being in Europe soon. It all seemed
more like a dream than like a reality.
Mr. Garrison had thoughtfully arranged to have us have one of the
most comfortable rooms on the ship. The second or third day out I
began to sleep, and I think that I slept at the rate of fifteen
hours a day during the remainder of the ten days' passage.
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