Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-01-27

he sold the farm on which we then lived. AZ
which time 1t was determined that was no
longer TO live with him, as he had no further
service for me. As it might be expected from
man OF his disposition, contrary to nv wish
es, ne concluded. to put me out TO work by the
uiontn, untli should become my own lawful
master, which was TO be about three wears Mo
heart revolted from this, for he well knew that
was wholly bent on obtaining an education.
out he seemed wholly regardless of NV feelings
ana not only regardless, but he treated me and
my plans with the utmost COMMUNICATING
me wild head, instead of giving his reasone
for his proceedings. He often became outra-
geous at my conversation, stating that was
getting TO be very wild fellow, and that he
was gong to contrive plan to sober me---he
was going 10 find a good master TO put me uu-
der, who would bring me to more serious wav
OF thinking. He wished to put me out to q
butcher, who had neither cbaracterpr principle
"a man whom the neighbors called Black
Hawk, and ridiculed in the street. He talked
with men of business about me, without con-
sulting me on the subject Indeed, he conten-
ded that 1t was none Of my business what he
did with me, until one day he was talking Of
dollars and business, he exultingly stated that
he must find place for me where should have
good master--that if had nv head much
longer there would be no doing any thing with
me, and much mofe Of the like nature; when
informed him that ! would take the young
fellow and do well by him, and that no other
person should have him on any consideration.
At this my father few into violent rage. de-
claring that he would give FIVE hundred dollars
II was banshed to Guinea or somewhere else.
where ne should never see my face and eyes
again, threatening at the same time that II
did not leave the place Immediately, he would
have me in Jail. Perceiving me determined to
be as good as my word, he vented the most vi
olent rage, stating that was determined 70
break up the family if could, that if did not
leave his house Immediately he would take a
club TO me; and some other things might
mention here, which mercy on headlonQ
father restraints
had two brothers at this time who were
about starting for the State of Ohio, and | i'm.
mediately requested permission TO 90 with them.
My father after some reluctance consented, for
ne could find no excuse for doing Otherwise, and
immediately made preparation for the Journey.
In about one week from this time my trunk was
sent to North Adams, where il could be taken
with my brothers, baggage. The day arrived
on which we were to start on our journey, and
i was very foggy. We took leave Of the fam
lily in presence of my father. We had travelled
about ten or fifteen miles when observed TO my
brothers had travelled Car enough on that road,
and the law would oblige me 10 travel no fur
ther--that had as good right TO the soil Of
New England as any other person living. So
according TO previous arrangement, took leave
of them also, and took my course for Brattle-
boro Academy, which was,about thirty miles
distant. ! cut across lots under cover Of the
fog, unperceived, until came TO the house Of
an old friend, with whom had made this ar
rangement) in an adjoining town, where staid
over night, and then proceeded on my journey
Tor my summer quarters. My trunk reached
Brattleboro BY the stage few days after, by
means OF my friend, leaving only him in possess
sion of the secret Of my business. remained
at the Academy several months without inter-
ruption (save laboring in the hay season 10 pay
my way, being supplied in part by my friendly
among very respectable company Of students,
for whose kind treatment and assistance shall
ever be grateful, and especially to the PreceI-
tor.
My father found out nothing to the reverse
of what he expected until the last part Of Sum-
mer when one of my brothers returned from tho
State OF Ohio. Now the matter could no long,
er be kept a secret. My brother informed him
that was not in the State of Ohio, but no fur
ther. At last, he was at Brattleboro and learn
ed the place of my residence. The neiphbors
said much to him respecting my case, and his
anger seemed 10 abate. About FIVE months
from the time left home, there was short va
cation at the Academy, and | returned home to
see my mother and the rest of the family
When came to the house, my father was
about some labor near by. He passed me sew
eral times, and did not speak TO me nor preterd
to see me, until late in the evening when hc
spake TO me, and at length became somewhat
sociable. would now observe before proceed
ing farther, that my father uttered some oaths.
and said he guessed the little rascal had come
home to winter on him, and again expressed
his wish that was in punishment. The next
day left town for the Academy. | staid the
remaining part of the term, and then returned
again for another short visit at my brothers,
with whom my father lived. Agnin my ia
TIERS eye-sight failed him, and again he passed
by ION the other sde.' Since that time bayo
been in town about ten miles distant from my
fathers, with the aforementioned friend, put
suing my studies as usual, hoping that my Ia
ther felt considerably reeoncied ,guntil last eve
ming was at wrting-school where was in
formed Of this libel, and saw my fathers dispo-
sition in black andwhite Now have painted
fair unvarnished figure of truth TO you, and
those who are acquainted with the circum-
stances will bear me witness that the half has
not been told.'
! submit this to an enlightened public to
Judge for themselves the justice of my CASE
II ! am wrong, let youth and inexperience ex-
cuse me, for when | am older perhaps NAV
know better; but if any cause is right, then
justice demands, at least this redress, that |
should be heard in my own defence. | would
warn children against murmuring under the
government of even strict parent, if he il
watchiul for their rights and welfare. But |
certainly can say that within the last year
have experienced the effects of arbitrary power
and have drank the strongest dregs of oppres-
sion; and by this means have obtained an in
Veterate hatred against tyranny in all its FORMS