The visit I was making to
the South was to be a farewell one; and I did not dream that my old
cradle, hard as it once had jostled me, would refuse to rock me a
pleasant, or even an affectionate good bye. I thought, too, that the
assurances I had received from the Governor, through Mr. Smith, and the
assurances of other friends, were a sufficient guaranty that I might visit
the home of my boyhood, of my youth, of my manhood, in peace, especially
as I was to stay but for a few days and then to return. With these
thoughts, and with the thoughts of my family and freedom, I pursued my way
to Raleigh, and arrived there on the 23d of the month. It was Saturday
about four o'clock, P.M. when I found myself once more in the midst of my
family. With them I remained over the Sabbath, as it was sweet to spend a
little time with them after so long an absence, an absence filled with so
much of interest to us, and as I could not do any business until the
beginning of the week. On Monday morning between eight and nine o'clock,
while I was making ready to leave the house for the first time after my
arrival, to go to the store of Mr.
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