It was now between two and three months to the next session of the court;
and I knew that before or at that time I must leave the State. I was
bound to appear before the court; but it had been arranged between my
lawyer and the prosecuting attorney, that if I would leave the State, and
pay the costs of court, the case should be dropped, so that my bondsmen
should not be involved. I therefore concluded to stay as long as I
possibly could, and then leave. I also determined to appeal to the
kindness of the friends of the colored man in the North, for assistance,
though I had but little hope of succeeding in this way. Yet it was the
only course I could think of, by which I could see any possible hope of
accomplishing the object.
I had paid Mr. Smith six hundred and twenty dollars; and had a house and
lot worth $500, which he had promised to take when I should raise the
balance. He gave me also a bill of sale of one of my children, Laura, in
consideration of two hundred and fifty dollars of the money already paid;
and her I determined to take with me to the North.
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