Sentence:  Alas! the “<WSD>free-willers</WSD>,” with rare exceptions, had a rude awakening on reaching the colonies. Under their agreements, the captains had a legal lien on the persons of the immigrants until the ship charges were paid; consequently they were not allowed to go on shore, but were exposed to view on deck to the people who came on board in search of servants. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  An immigrant to the United States who, upon arrival, voluntarily became an indentured servant.