We were to sail on the _Friesland_, of the Red Star Line, and a
beautiful vessel she was. We went on board just before noon, the hour
of sailing. I had never before been on board a large ocean steamer,
and the feeling which took possession of me when I found myself there
is rather hard to describe. It was a feeling, I think, of awe mingled
with delight. We were agreeably surprised to find that the captain,
as well as several of the other officers, not only knew who we were,
but was [sic] expecting us and gave us a pleasant greeting. There
were several passengers whom we knew, including Senator Sewell, of New
Jersey, and Edward Marshall, the newspaper correspondent. I had just
a little fear that we would not be treated civilly by some of the
passengers. This fear was based upon what I had heard other people of
my race, who had crossed the ocean, say about unpleasant experiences
in crossing the ocean in American vessels. But in our case, from the
captain down to the most humble servant, we were treated with the
greatest kindness. Nor was this kindness confined to those who were
connected with the steamer; it was shown by all the passengers also.
There were not a few Southern men and women on board, and they were as
cordial as those from other parts of the country.
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