The cars were to start at ten
o'clock in the morning. I called upon my old mistress, Mrs. Haywood, who
was affected to weeping by the considerations that naturally came to her
mind. She had been kind to me; the day before she and her daughter, Mrs.
Hogg, now present, had jointly transmitted a communication to the court
representing that in consequence of my good conduct from my youth, I could
not be supposed to be guilty of any offence. And now, "with tears that
ceased not flowing," they gave me their parting blessing. My mother was
still Mrs. Haywood's slave, and I her only child. Our old mistress could
not witness the sorrow that would attend the parting with my mother. She
told her to go with me; and said that if I ever became able to pay two
hundred dollars for her, I might; otherwise it should be her loss. She
gave her the following paper, which is in the ordinary form of a _pass_:
RALEIGH, N.C. April 26, 1842.
Know all persons by these presents, that the bearer of this, Clarissa, a
slave, belonging to me, hath my permission to visit the city of New York
with her relations, who are in company with her; and it is my desire
that she may be protected and permitted to pass without molestation or
hindrance, on good behavior.
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