Дванадцять років рабства

           Iagreedwithhim,andagainrepeatedthecircumstancesrelatedheretofore,connectedwithmyvisittothecustomhousewithBrownandHamilton. Welingeredonthebankofthebayouanhourormore,conversinguponthesubjectwhichnowengrossedourthoughts. Icouldnolongerdoubthisfidelity,andfreelyspoketohimofthemanysorrowsIhadborneinsilence,andsolong. Ispokeofmywifeandchildren,mentioningtheirnamesandages,anddwellingupontheunspeakablehappinessitwouldbetoclaspthemtomyheartoncemorebeforeIdied. Icaughthimbythehand,andwithtearsandpassionateentreatiesimploredhimtobefriendme—torestoremetomykindredandtoliberty—promisingIwouldwearyHeaventheremainderofmylifewithprayersthatitwouldblessandprosperhim. Intheenjoymentoffreedom—surroundedbytheassociationsofyouth,andrestoredtothebosomofmyfamily—thatpromiseisnotyetforgotten,norshalliteverbesolongasIhavestrengthtoraisemyimploringeyesonhigh. 

           "Oh,blessingsonhiskindlyvoice andonhissilverhair, 

           Andblessingsonhiswholelifelong, untilhemeetmethere." 

           Heoverwhelmedmewithassurancesoffriendshipandfaithfulness,sayinghehadneverbeforetakensodeepaninterestinthefateofanyone.