New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-05-05
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A SLAVE GIRL.

The mixture Of romance and reahsy "hich
lofsen enters largely into the composition OF the
Biographical sketches intended 10 illustrate inc
social and domestic character OF Slavery mas
crested certain prejudice against the ~hole VI
lis hind of literature in the minds OF very
bpsiderable portion Of the community. There is
DO obvious an endeavor after meiO'dramahc
Meet; many of the higb-colored scenes have little
lr of probability; isolated fragments of experience
Are curieusly combined into what is meant for an
Impressive unity feelings and language are as
cribed to the subjects which are too decidedly
out of keeping with their condition to command
the belief even of the most facile oredulity The
volume before us, we are happy to find. is re-
markedly free from the faults TO which We have
alluded. In point Of DaturalOess of tone, sinceri-
~ Of expression, and simplicity Of narrative, it
ia scarcely open to objection even from las
tdious readers. Nor is il Infected by the fatal
monotoDy which can scarcely be avoided IN an
honest story of oppression on the one hand, and
Iof suffering on the other; but, on the contrary,
each of it's manifold scenes has an interest OF it's
own, casting fresh and vivid light on tho re-
letion of master and slave, as it exists in
our own country. The author Ia native Of
North Carolina, abe was born in bondage, from
(which sbe made her escape at tho age OF tweaty-
seven; and for eighteen years has lived In Tie
family Of an eminent herar! in the vicinity
of New York from whose VIE she bears the
highest testimonials TO her capacity and mGrs3
worth. The volume has been written at the
odd hours which could be sDstched from house
bold duties. and is DOW published with the
hsearnest desire of arOusiDg the women OF the
North 10 sense of the condition Of twOninOns
pf women at the South still 10 bondage"
I'm Mira. Chhd's appropriate Introduction to
the Autobiography, she remarks, that in revisiog
The manuscript for the press, she has made only
such changes as were necessary for purposes Of
.condensation and orderly arrangement, adding
nothing to the incidents, and with triiing excep-
siOns, retaining the ideas and the language OF the
writer. The following paragraphs more directly
Indicate the character Of the volume, and the
purpose of its publication:
twill naturally excite surprise that woman reared
30 Slavery should be able to write 60 well. But cir
nnmstaDces will ex lain THE. In the first place, Ma
knre endowed her with quick perceptions Secondly,
The MISTRESS with bOn che lived till she was twelve
wears old was kind ,0nsiderate friend, who Taught
her to read and spell. Thirdly, sue was placed IN
favorable circumstances after she came 10 The North;
having freau,nt intercourse with iuteiusCht persons,
who felt friendly Interest in her vel ae, aud were
sposed 10 give her opportunities Tor sell Improvement
am well aware thai many will accuse me oil indie
orum for presenting tbee pages 10 tue pnbc Tor tie
Experiences OF this intelligent and meh-iDJured woman
beions to class which some call d. cate subjects, and
sthers indicate. TITS peculiar phase Of Slavery has
epefally been kept vailed but the public ought TO be
msds acquainted with it's monstrous features, and l
NiIngly take he responsibility Of presenting them
with the vail wi bdrawn. do this for the sake OF
INV sisters ia bondage, who suffering wrongs 20
oql that cor ears are 100 delicate 70 lten " them.
10 with tie hope of srousiDg conscientious and re-
Nesting TIE Nonh TO sense OF their duty IN
zhe exertion Of moral influence on tie question OF
Skyery on all possible occasions. l do it with the
hone that every man who reads this narrative VIII
eax soiemDy before God that 80 far Hs I've bas power
rsvent IT, no nehss IRON SsS 81 co,rpio "o
cruelty.
lThe opening chapter Of the volume presents o
ve,y picture of the childhood Of the writer, and
good specimen Of her descriptive talent;
Y was born q slave; but l knew il till six
BARS Of happy childhood had passed away. My
hther wss a carpenter, and considered go Intelligent
and skillful in bis trade that, when buildings out OF
Etbeoomuon line were to be erected be was cent for
from long distances to be head workman. On con.
EDITION OF paying bis mistress $40 year aud support
hng himself be was allowed to work at his trade and
manage bis own affairs. His strongest wish was 10
purchase bis children; but, though be several times
t0fsred has hard earnings for that purpose be never
Asaecesdsd IL couil xion my parents were Il light
slue OF broHIish yellow, and were termed muiattoes.
They lived together in comfortable hOue; and,
though we were al slaves, was so fondy shielded
that never dreamed 1 was a piece Of merchant sc,
trusted 70 them for safe keeping, and liable to lie de-
nsnded Of them at any moment. bad one brother,
william who was two years younger that myseli-a
bright, aleetionate child. had also crest Treasure
IN my maternal grandmother who was a Tenarkabis
woman in many respects. She was the daughter Of
pisnser 10 South Carolina, who, biz death, Jeff her
mother and his three children free, with money 20
to ST. Augustine, where they hao relatives. 1t was
during the Revolutionary War; and they were cap
ored on their passage carried back, aud sold to dr.
Yferent purchasers. Such the story nay grand
mother used TO tel me; bat do not remember all the
particulars. She little girl when she was cap
fnred and cold 10 the keeper OF large hotel lhave
often heard her tell bow hard che iared during child
hood But as she grew olier sbe eyineed 30 much In
'telhgenee and was 20 faithful that hey master and
istfess could not belp seeing for their interest
10 take care of such valuable piece OF Isoleny She
became an indspe nsable persoDsge IN the household
officiating in all capacities from Co ana wet huf'e 70
iseaustress. She was much praised for her cooking;
and her nice crackers became famous M the neigh
borhood that many people desirous OF obtaining
them. In consequence OF NUMEROUS requests OF tlis
kind she asked permission OF her mistress TO bake
GaEkers at night, alter all the household work was
[,pe:, and she obtained leave DO IT, provided she
rould clothe hersef aud her children from the profits
bpon these terms, after working bala all Gay 'or
Ter mistress, she began her midnight Dakisgs,
assisted by her TWO olcest ehibien: The business
S,oved profitable; and each year she aid by htte,
(which was saved for fund 20 purchase Der Children
'Her master died the property was divided among
his heirs. The widow bud her DOVER % the hotel
which she continued TO keep open. ny grandmother
remained IN her service slave, but her ehidsen
were divided among her masters children. AZ she
lad 6ye BENJAMIN, the youngest one was solo IN
der that each ter might have equal porii Of
6ollars and cents. There was 90 ht'le difference IN