In company
with my mother, brother, and sister, and a large number of other
slaves, I went to the master's house. All of our master's family were
either standing or seated on the veranda of the house, where they
could see what was to take place and hear what was said. There was a
feeling of deep interest, or perhaps sadness, on their faces, but not
bitterness. As I now recall the impression they made upon me, they
did not at the moment seem to be sad because of the loss of property,
but rather because of parting with those whom they had reared and who
were in many ways very close to them. The most distinct thing that I
now recall in connection with the scene was that some man who seemed
to be a stranger (a United States officer, I presume) made a little
speech and then read a rather long paper -- the Emancipation
Proclamation, I think. After the reading we were told that we were
all free, and could go when and where we pleased. My mother, who was
standing by my side, leaned over and kissed her children, while tears
of joy ran down her cheeks. She explained to us what it all meant,
that this was the day for which she had been so long praying, but
fearing that she would never live to see.
For some minutes there was great rejoicing, and thanksgiving, and
wild scenes of ecstasy.
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