PREFACE. I have often been asked to write my life, as those who know me know that it has been an eventful one. At last I have acceded to the importunities of my friends, and have bastily sketched some of tbe striking incidents tbat go to make up my history. My life, so full of romance, may sound like a dream to tbe matter-of-fact reader, nevertheless everything I have written is strictly true ; much has been omitted, but nothing has been exaggerated. In writing as I have done, I am well aware tbat I have invited criticism ; but before the critic judges harshly, let my explanation be carefully read and weighed. If I have portrayed the dark side of slavery, I also have painted the bright side. The good that I have said of human servitude should be thrown into the scales with the evil that I have said of it. I have kind, true-hearted friends in the South as well as in the North, and I would not wound those Southern Table of Contents Preface 11; CHAPTER I Where I was born 17; CHAPTER II...