no image

Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb,

Privacy Level: Public (Green)
Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: [unknown]
Surname/tag: Bibb
Profile manager: Karen Lee private message [send private message]
This page has been accessed 116 times.

Contents

About this page

Henry Walton Bibb (1815-1854) wrote "Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb" Published on 1 May 1840 in NYC 1 May 1840. This page contains excerpts and summaries from his book. The purposes of the page are

  1. To establish a timeline of persons, dates and locations in the life of Henry Bibb.
  2. To better understand his traumatic experience and his point of view.
  3. To understand the actions and point of view of the people who knew him.

The book may be accessed here: Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb

Summaries are flush with the left margin appear this way, and may contain "phrase quotations."

"Tranascriptions are indented and in quotes."

  • Key points that help establish the timeline for Henry's life within the chapters appear as bullet points.

People mentioned on this page

Those mentioned in the text who have profiles:

Bibb Family member in need of profiles

  • George, Mildred Jackson's youngest son, owned and sold by George Ray of Bedford, KY
  • Malinda's mother (see Malinda's profile
  • John, self-emancipated and living in Canada
  • Lewis, self-emancipated and living in Canada
  • Granville, self-emancipated and living in Canada

Others that do not yet have profiles developed:

  • Ross Wilkins of Detroit, member of Methodist Episcopal Church, friend of Bibb
  • Daniel S Lane, Bedford, KY, slave catcher
  • W Porter, Jailor from Louisville
  • William Barney, Detroit, who aided Bibb
  • Mrs. Path, Detroit, who aided Bibb
  • Joe Dundy, Detroit, who aided Bibb
  • William Harrison, of Trimble County
  • Hiram Wilson, Dawn Mills
  • Lucius C Matlack of New York, publisher
  • .Miss Davis, a poor white girl from Trimble Co who tried to open a school for slaves.
  • Members of the Detroit Liberty Committee
    • H Hallock, President
    • Cullen Brown, Vice-President
    • S M Holmes, Secretary
    • J D Baldwin
    • Martin Wilson
    • William Barnum.
    • A. L. Porter
    • Charles H. Stewart, Esq.
    • Silas M Holmes
  • Other Enslaved and or Self-emacipated people mentioned by Bibb
    • Jack, known to William Gatewood and living in Detroit
    • King, known to William Gatewood and living in Detroit

Introduction

page i
Starts…

FROM the most obnoxious substances we often see spring forth, beautiful and fragrant, flowers of every hue, to regale the eye, and perfume the air. Thus, frequently, are results originated which are wholly unlike the cause that gave them birth. An illustration of this truth is afforded by the history of American Slavery.

Naturally and necessarily, the enemy of literature, it has come the prolific theme of much that is profound in argument, sublime in poetry, and thrilling in narrative.

Following this introduction is a collection of letters that the editors offer as evidence that Henry Bibb's narrative is factual and not fabricated, as some have accused. Notably included is a letter from Silas Gatewood, son of William Gatewood, who owned Henry, his wife Malinda and their daughter.

page iii
The introduction contains a letter dated March 4, 1845 from Silas Gatewood to CH Stewart, who is seeking to verify Bibb’s account, to counter the accusations that Bib’s Narrative was a fabricated story. Silas Gatewood was the son of William Greenwood, who had owned Henry, Malinda and their daughter. Silas Gatewood refers to Henry Bibb as Walton Bibb.

“I am pleased to inform you that I have it in my power to give you the information you desire. The person spoken of by you I havre no doubt is Walton, a yellow man, who once belonged to my father William Gatewood. He was purchased by him from John Sibley and by John Sibley of his brother Albert G Sibley and Albert G Sibley became possessed of him by his marriage with Judge David White's daughter, he being born Judge White's slave.

  • Henry Bibb was known as Walton, and was a mulatto.
  • William Gatewood purchased Bibb from…
  • John Sibley who purchased Bibb from…
  • Albert G Sibley who possessed Bibb through marriage to …
  • (Harriet) White who was the daughter of…
  • David White who owned Bibb at his birth…
  • David White therefore also owned Bibb's mother Mildred Jackson.
The boy Walton at the time he belonged to John Sibley, married a slave of my father's a mulatto girl, and sometime afterwards solicited him to buy him; the old man after much importunity from Walton, consented to do so, and accordingly paid Sibley eight hundred and fifty dollars. He did not by him because he needed him, but form the fact that he had a wife there, and Walton on his part promising everything that my father could desire.

  • Bibb, owned by John Sibley…
  • Married a slave of William Gatewood…
  • Malinda (named elsewhere)…
  • Wm Gatewood purchased Bibb from John Sibley for $850.
"It was not long, however, before Walton became indolent and neglectful of his duty; and in addition to this, he was guilty, as the old man thought of worse offenses. He watched his conduct more strictly…"

Wm Gatewood caught Bibb stealing food and reprimanded him. Bibb promised to do better. At Christmas, when "the negroes" had a week off, Walton left for Canada and was gone 2 years. Silas had heard Bibb was in Cincinnati. He gathered two men, and retrieved Bibb and took him to Louisville, where he escaped again and made it to Canada.

  • Bibb escaped around Christmas and was gone 2 years
  • Silas Gatewood caught Bibb in Cincinnati…
  • And took him to Louisville where Bibb escaped again…
”Twelve to eighteen months later he returned with intentions of stealing away his wife and child and 8 or ten more slaves. But I got news of him and recaptured him. I took him, his wife and child to Louisville and sold him. He was taken to New Orleans - and from hence to Red River Arkansas."
  • Bibb returned to Bedford to free his wife and child, and perhaps others…
  • Silas recaptured Bibb and…
  • Sold Walton (Henry), Malinda and her child in Louisville
  • They were taken to New Orleans and then…
  • Red River Arkansas

Silas concludes by saying that Bibb is a notorious liar, and a rogue. However, as the book editors point out, Silas Greenwood’s account verifies major details of Henry Bibb’s narrative.

Bibb responds on page 196…

"Silas Gatewood has done more for me than all the rest. He has labored so hard in his long communication in trying to expose me, that he has proved every thing that I could have asked of him; and for which I intend to r reward him by forwarding him one of my books, hope that it may be the means of converting him from a slaveholder to an honest man, and an advocate of liberty for all mankind.

The reader will see in the introduction that Wm. Gatewood writes a more cautious letter upon the subject than his son Silas. "It is not a very easy matter to catch old birds with chaff," and I presume that if Silas had the writing of his letter over again, he would not be so free in telling all he knew, and even more for the sake of making out a strong case. The object of his writing such a letter will doubtless by understood by the reader. It was to destroy public confidence in the victims of slavery, that the system might not be exposed -- it was to gag a poor fugitive who had undertaken to plead his own cause and that of his enslaved brethren. It was a feeble at tempt to suppress the voice of universal freedom which is now. Thundering on every gale. But thank God it is too late in the day.

William Gatewood's letter dated Mar 17, 1845, is more circumspect.

Bedford, Trimble County, KY.
C H Stewart, Esq
SIR -- I received your note on the 16th inst., and in accordance with it I write you these lines. You stated that you would wish to know something about Walton H Bibb, and whether he had a wife and child, and whether they were sold to New Orleans. Sir, before I answer these inquiries, I should like to know who Charles H Stewar is, and why you should make these inquires of me, and how you knew who I was, as you are a stranger to me and I must be to you. In your next if you will tell me the intention of. Your inquiries, I will give you a full history of the whole case.

I have a boy in your country by the name of King, a large man and very black; if you are acquainted with him, give him my compliments, and tell him I am well, an all of his friends. W. H. Bibb is acquainted with him.
I wait your answer.
Your most obedient,
W H Gatewood
March 17, 1845.


  • William Gatewood seems to refer to man he previously owned, "King" known to Henry


Report of the Detroit Liberty Association

REPORT
Of the undersigned, committee appointed by the Detroit Liberty Association to investigate the truth of the narrative of Henry Bibb, a fugitive from Slavery, and report thereon:

Mr Bibb having been lecturing as an abolitionist and his narrative is commonly known. This section of the introduction presents letters from people in a position to verify or dispute his story.
The Committee that conducts the inquiry consists of:

  • A. L. Porter
  • C. H. Stewart
  • Silas M Holmes

Of Detroit, April 22, 1845.

Selected letters included in the book:

  1. Hiram Wilson, Dawn Mills, Feb 19, 1845 to Charles H Stewart, Esq. He writes of a conversation he had with William Harrison, of Trimble County, corroboration that Bibb had been in Canada 3 years ago, but came back to Trimble Co to get his wife, and that Bibb was apprehended, taken to Louisville where he escaped, and that later he was recaptured and sold to New Orleans. He states Bibb is a Methodist.
  2. Silas Gatewood, son of William Gatewood who owned Henry, Malinda and Frances, on March 4, 1845. The letter attempts to assassinate Bibb's character, but ends up verifying the events that occurred in Kentucky and led up to the sale of Henry, Malinda and Frances.
  3. William Barney, Cincinnati, March 10, 1845, verifies that Bibb was in Cincinnati in May 1838 and did som work for Mrs. Path a neighbor of Job Dundy. Path took him in and hid him. While concealed he caned chair for her and digging a cellar. He was discovered and arrested and taken away. About 12 days later he reappeared and they raised funds form and sent him on his way.
  4. W Porter, Jailor from Louisville, March 14, 1845 replies for Garrison, the slave trader who bought Bib and his family in Lexington and sold them in New Orleans. Port explains that Garrison is away in New Orleans.
  5. W H Gatewood, Trimble Co, March 17, 1845: William Gatewood was Malinda's owner from her birth and owned Henry Bibb and their daughter Frances. He asks why the inquiry is being made and wishes to know before he responds. He includes, "I have a boy in your country by the name of King, a large man and very black; if you are acquainted with of him, give him my compliments, and tell him I am well, and all of his friends. WH. Bibb is acquainted with him."
  6. Daniel S Lane, Bedford, KY, April 6, 1845 to Stewart. He confirms that he was instructed by Wm Gatewood to capture Bibb in Cincinnati and take him to Louisville to be sold to a "man who traded in negroes" who told him to New Orleans and sold him to someone on the Red River. He states that Gatewood was convinced by Bibb to purchase him from Sibley who was going to sell him down the river. Gatewood "sold his wife and child at a great sacrifice to satisfy him."

The introduction concludes with an endorsement of Henry Bibb written in Detroit on March 10, 1845 by members the Detroit Liberty Association, H Hallock, President, Cullen Brown, Vic-President, S M Holmes, Secretary, J D Baldwin, Charles H Stewart, Martin Wilson and William Barnum.

A second shorter letter from Ross Wilkins of Detroit on Nov 11, 1845, endorses Bibb as a commendable Christian.

The publisher, Lucius C Matlack of New York City, July 1, 1849, declares the book ready to publish and hopes that it may be instrumental in advancing emancipation.

Author's Preface

Henry Bibb states that the book has been written in between his travels working for emancipation, and says he has "No pretension t literature, but speaks only from the school of experience and observation. Although many other slave narratives have been written, and he has told his story throughout New England and the Western State, there are details that he has not before revealed. He exhorts all slaves to escape, and hopes that…
" my humble testimony be on record against this man-destroying system, to be read by succeeding generations when my body shall lie mouldering in the dust."

He believes that the narrative will bring any who read to admit that slavery is "the most high-handed oppression and tyranny that ever was tolerated by an enlightened nation"

Chapter I

Sketch of my Parentage.—Early separation from my Mother—Hard Fare.—First Experiments at running away.— Earnest longing for Freedom.—Abhorrent nature of Slavery.

I was born May 1815, of a slave mother, in Shelby County, Kentucky, and was claimed as the property of David White Esq. He came into possession of my mother long before I was born. I was brought up in the Counties of Shelby, Henry, Oldham, and Trimble. Or, more correctly speaking, in the above counties, I may safely say, I was flogged up…

Page 13…

"I was born May 1815, of a slave mother, in Shelby County, Kentucky, and was claimed as the property of David White Esq. who came in to possession of my mother long before I was born."

Page 14 …

My mother was known by the name of Mildred Jackson. She was the mother of seven slaves only, all being sons, of whom I am the eldest.……… my mother informed me that my father's name was JAMES BIBB. He was doubtless one of the present Bibb family of Kentucky; but I have no personal knowledge of him at all, for he died before my recollection.

He writes that Mr White was a widow with one child, a little girl, Harriet White, who when Bibb was little was his playmate, but he was a bit older he was hired out to various men to earn money to pay for Harriet's education.

Page 16 …
The first time he ran away was in 1835. Hired out to Mr Vires in the village of Newcastle, whose wife physically abused him. He he ran away several times before they returned him to Mr. White who had remarried. The second Mrs. White, he recounts, was too lazy to scratch her own head, and made him do it.

Henry Bibb:

  • Born May 1815
  • Mother Mildred Jackson
  • Both owned by David White, a lawyer, widow and father of Harriet White
  • Father James Bibb

Chapter II

A fruitless effort for education.—The Sabbath among Slaves.—Degrading amusements.—Why religion is rejected.—Condition of poor white people.—Superstition among slaves.—Education forbidden.

In 1833, I had some very serious religious impressions, and there was quite a number of slaves in that neighborhood, who felt very desirous to be taught to read the Bible. There was a Miss Davis, a poor white girl, who offered to teach a Sabbath School for the slaves, notwithstanding public opinion and the law was opposed to it. Books were furnished and she commenced the school…

But word got out to the slave owners, and the school was quickly shut down.

Sundays, for many slaves is not a day of rest, but rather a day of gathering in the woods, getting drunk, playing, gambling, dancing and fighting, all of which is encouraged by some slave owners who come and watch the "amusements" and lay wagers on the fights.

There is often no opportunity for church, or if it is, it is, it consists of preaching a pro-slavery interpretation of the Bible.

He observes that poor whites, work hard for meager wages, lack education and opportunity and are not religiously inclined.

He describes at length the use of conjuring, tricking and witchcraft among the slaves in an attempt to control slaveowners and prevent flogging. Henry attempted to protect himself, but the potions failed, despite several dedicated attempts of using potions. The failure made him feel hopeless and his thoughts turned more to running away to Canada.

He would run to the hills overlooking the Ohio River and gaze across it, but also see the river as an impassable gulf between him and freedom. But he saw himself as alone and without counsel.

But then he started noticing girls and became interested in them. He tried conjuring the love of a girl, but found that when he scratcher he neck with a frog's bone, as directed by the conjurer, it only made her angry. Another conjurer gave him advice which backfired as well.

Bibb considers the superstition among slaves the result of being barred from education of any kind.

  • Miss Davis tried to open a school to instruct slaves to read the Bible, but was shut down.

Chapter III

My Courtship and Marriage—Change of owner.—My first born.—Its sufferings.—My wife abused.—My own anguish.

NOTE: Dates and names that were not clearly stated in this chapter were added from other sections of the book or letter's published in the Voice of the Fugitive from Henry Bibb to Albert G Sibley. They appear bracketed as [dates] and [names.]

The circumstances of my courtship and marriage, I consider to be among the most remarkable events of my life while a slave. To think that after I had determined to carry out the great idea which is so universally and practically acknowledged among all the civilized nations of the earth, that I would be free or die, I suffered myself to be turned aside by the fascinating charms of a female, who gradually won my attention.

When Bibb was 18, in 1833, he met Malinda, of Oldham County, KY, 4 miles away from the residence of his owner. Malinda was owned by William Gatewood. Her mother was free person of color in Bedford, Ky. Malinda was a good singer, talented and industrious and they fell in love. He was reluctant to marry, since he longed for freedom, and his desire that she be as religious as he was. But Malinda was as desirous of being free as he was.

Henry describes Malinda as a mulatto girl…

"medium-sized girl, graceful in her walk, of extraordinary make and active in business....She moved in the highest circle of slaves, and free people of color. She was also one of the best singers I ever heard, and was much esteemed by all who knew her for her benevolence, talent, and industry."

That she was active in business implies that in addition to the labor she did as a slave, she was working on her own time to earn money.

In 1833, Malinda and Henry Walton Bibb were courting, and Henry discussed the matter with of marriage with her, emphasizing the primary importance of religion and the desire to be free. Malinda, quoted by Henry, replied…

"In regard to the subject of Religion, I have always felt that it was a good thing, and something I would seek for at some future period"

In other words, she is not as fervently religious as he is. Regarding freedom Malinda is reluctant to marry, as she sees it as an impediment to freedom. Indeed, most runaways were men, and most were not successful, either recaptured or dying in the attempt. A woman running with children in hand would have been doubly encumbered.

"I have long entertained the same views [on the importance of freedom], and this has been one of the greatest reasons why I have not felt inclined to enter the married state while a slave; I have always felt a desire to be free; I have long cherished a hope that I should yet be free, either by purchase or by running away.

Later in life Henry expressed a vehement opposition to self-purchase. Research may reveal if Malinda's mother purchased her freedom. Since Malinda was a slave, her mother was almost certainly enslaved when she was born, as the law was that children of enslaved women were the property of the mother's owner.

Yet Malinda's mother was free and living nearby in Bedford, KY, meaning she was not a fugitive, but rather legitimately free. Bibb says that Malinda circulated among the free people of color, and thus was well aware of the possibility of freedom for herself. However, Malinda may have chosen to stay close to her family, her mother, father, mother-in-law and her siblings.

Malinda's mother, according to Bibb, encouraged her to marry another man, Paddy, who was owned by a wealthier man, who may have been inclined to free him, but in the end, did not.

Henry's owner at the time [from other sources know to be Albert G Sibley] was opposed to the marriage, he feared I would steal food from him to give to Malinda to eat. Henry and Malinda resolved that if they could not get permission to marry they would run together to Canada. Malinda's owner, Wm Gatewood, was in favor of the match, but for selfish reasons.

"When I asked for his permission to marry Malinda, his answer was in the affirmative with but one condition, which I consider to be too vulgar to be written in this book."

In December 1834 Henry and Malinda were married…

"Our marriage occurred one night during the Christmas holidays; at which time we had quite a festival given us. All appeared to be wide awake, and we had quite a jolly time at my wedding party. And not withstanding our marriage was without license or sanction of law, we believed it to be honorable before God, and the bed undefiled."

Looking back, Henry notes that instead of celebrating their marriage with friends, they should have been running for Canada. But the period immediately after the marriage was one of the "Most happy seasons of my life," which even later in life could give him sweet remembrance, despite all the painful memories of slavery.

A few months later [or from other sources in 1836], Henry's owner [Albert G Sibley] sold his farm with the intention of taking his slaves with him. [Among his slaves were three of Henry's brothers ] Sibley was concerned that if he took Henry, that Henry would run away to be with Malinda. Henry repeatedly asked for [Albert] to sell him to his brother [John Sibley.]

[John Sibley] lived seven miles from William Gatewood, and Malinda. After work on Saturday Henry could go visit her, but had to be home before sunrise on Monday mornings, or "take a flogging." His owner was so oppressive that Henry felt he would need to run away in self-defense. [John Silbey] sold him to Malinda's owner, William Gatewood. Now living with Malinda Henry was very distressed by seeing her punished and abused by Gatewood.

[From the introduction of the book] Henry (Walton) Bibb convinced William Gatewood to purchase him in 1836, so that he could be nearer his wife, Malinda. William Gatewood purchased him for $850, a fact confirmed by Silas Gatewood in his letter dated March 4, 1845 and published in the introduction of Bibb's narrative in 1849.

[About 1834-1836] a few months after he was bought by Gatewood, Malinda had a child, Mary Frances, born enslaved by William Gatewood. Malinda was a field laborer, and Henry was also away for lengths of time. Frances was left alone, "under the feet of the unmerciful old mistress, who I have know to slap with her hand the face of little Frances, for crying after her mother, until her little face was left black and blue."

Their powerlessness to protect their daughter had a deep effect on both Henry and Malinda. Henry also witnessed his wife…

"Shamefully scourged and abused by her master; and the manner in which this was done, was so violently and inhumanely committed upon the person of a female, that I despair in finding descendants language other than describe the bloody act of cruelty. My happiness or pleasure was then all blasted; for it was sometimes a pleasure to be with my little family even in slavery."

Henry describes Frances…

Little Frances was a pretty child; she was quite, playful, bright and interesting. She had a keen black eye, and the very I mage of her mother was stamped upon her cheek; bu tI could never look upon the dear child without being filled with sorrow and fearful apprehension, of being separated by slaveholders, because she was a slave, regarded as property.'

Looking back, Henry laments being the father and husband of slaves. His daughter is "bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; poor unfortunate child."

  • Malinda [born about 1817] in Oldham County was enslaved by William Gatewood.
  • Henry and Malinda met when he was 18 in 1833
  • Albert Sibley, Henry's owner in 1833 lived about 4 miles from William Gatewood.
  • Henry Bibb married Malinda [Gatewood] of Oldham County who was…
  • The daughter of a free woman of color and …
  • Well socially connected with free people of color and …
  • Engaged in business.
  • In December 1834, Henry Bibb and Malinda Gatewood were married.
  • 1836 [or 1834] Albert Sibley moved to Missouri [with his bride, Harriet White] and took with him slaves.
  • In a letter Bibb published in the Voice of the Fugitive, among the slaves Sibley took were his brothers.
  • At that time Albert Sibley sold Henry to his brother John Sibley
  • John Sibley lived 7 miles from William Gatewood.
  • In 1836 John Sibley sold Henry to William Gatewood for $850.
  • Mary Frances, daughter of Henry Bibb and Malinda Gatewood was born a few months after Gatewood bought him (1836)
  • Mary Frances was a slave of William Gatewood.

Chapter IV

My first adventure for liberty.—Parting scene—Journey up the river.—Safe arrival in Cincinnati.—Journey to Canada.—Suffering from cold and hunger.—Denied food and shelter by some.—One noble exception.—Subsequent success.—Arrival at Perrysburgh.—I obtained employment through the winter.—My return to Kentucky to get my family.

In the fall or winter of 1837 I formed a resolution that I would escape, if possible, to Canada, for my Liberty. I commenced from that hour making preparations for the dangerous experiment of breaking the chains that bound me as a slave.

He prepared by accumulating $2.50, and a set of clothes he had never before been seen wearing. He felt intense conflict, leaving his wife and child, simultaneously morally compelled towards freedom. He was filled with mixed emotions, sadness to leave his home and family, excited anticipation of freedom and fear of being pursued by dogs and men with guns, and more than that the expectation that if caught, he would be sold to the deep South.

On December 25, 1837, Bibb left, under the pretense of being hired out to work on the Ohio River, leaving Malinda and Frances behind in Bedford. He used the occasion to escape. He crossed the Ohio and entered Madison, Indiana where he got a steamer to Cincinnati, "The time for fulfilling my pledge was then at hand. I must forsake friends and neighbors, wife and child, or consent to live and die a slave."

He got permission from his employer to work for himself over the Christmas holiday at a slaughterhouse that paid high wages. He "found a conveyance to cross" the Ohio River and into a free state, arriving in Madison, Indiana, where he caught a steamer to Cincinnati.

He tried to stay hidden and unobtrusive, and credits his fair skin tone for helping him pass as a white man. He couldn't sleep on the boat, and was afraid that the boiler would burst on the boat, which was at the time a common occurrence. [1]

Arriving in Cincinnati he found a groups of little boys and asked them "can you tell me where that old colored man lives who saws wood, and works at jobs around the streets?" And "I've forgotten his name."

They took him to Joe Dundy who knew of ways to get to Canada. Bibb learned for the first time of the existence of abolitionists and took him to a member of the Underground Railroad who gave him shelter and guidance to the next stop, but he was too frightened of pursuit that he didn't stop and walked for 48 hours til he was hungry and cold. He asked for shelter and food, but was turned away.The next day he stopped and was given food.

He stopped at a hotel in Wood County, Ohio, near the Black Swamp. He offered to work for the landlady who accepted, and offered him work for the winter. He left and made his way to Perrysburgh where he found a settlement of fugitive slaves and free people of color. They gave him a job chopping wood for the winter.

In the Spring they paid him $50. On May 1 went to Detroit to purchase dry goods to sell on his way and a paid of false whiskers as a disguise.

  • Dec 25, 1837, Bibb escaped to Cincinatti
  • Joe Dundy, African American, who connected him to the Underground Railroad
  • He passed through the Black Swamp in Wood County, Ohio
  • He spent the winter in Perrysburgh
  • May 1, 1838 he went to Detroit and started back to Bedford, KY

Chapter V

My safe arrival at Kentucky.—Surprise and delight to find my family.—Plan for their escape projected.—Return to Cincinnati.—My betrayal by traitors.—Imprisonment in Covington, Kentucky.—Return to slavery—Infamous proposal of the slave catchers.—My reply.

I succeeded very well in selling out my goods, and when I arrived in Cincinnati, I called on some of my friends who had aided me on my first escape. They also opposed me in going back only for my own good. But it has ever been characteristic of me to persevere in what I undertake.

In June 1838, he took a steamboat and arrived about six miles from Bedford. His mother was enslaved as a cook at a Tavern and he found her there sleeping in the kitchen. His mother did not recognize him until til he spoke. Malinda and Frances, though enslaved elsewhere was there as well.

They planned that Malinda should try to escape on Saturday night, which was her time off when they are allowed to visit until Sunday afternoon. He gave her money to take a steamer. Her father was to accompany her to the river.

He returned to Cincinatti and connected with his abolitionist friends who suggested he take a stage coach to Lake Erie. Lacking funds they solicited donations to help him, but in so doing were discovered. Henry was interviewed by two men who each donated fifty cents, and asked him questions. They returned to Bedford and informed Gatewood.

[Silas] Gatewood brought two slave catchers with him to Cincinatti and apprehended Bibb. They took him by steamer back to Bedford. Bibb recalls…

"After the boat got fairly under way, with these vile men standing around me on the super deck of the boat and she under full speed carrying my back into Aland of torment, I could see not possible way of escape. Yet, while Iwas permitted to gaze on the beauties of nature, on free soil, as aI passed down the river, things looked to me uncommonly pleasant; The green trees and wild flowers of the forest; the ripening harvest fields waving with the gentle breezes of Heaven; and the honest farmer tilling they soil and living by their own toil. The things seem to light upon my vision with a peculiar charm. I was conscious of what must be my fate: a w ret shed victim for Slavery without limit; to be sold like an ox, in to hopeless bondage, and to be worked un the flesh devouring lash during life, wihtout wages."

He was tempted to jump overboard and commit suicide. The men tried to calm him and wanted to know the whereabouts of other escaped slaves that Bibb knew of. He learned that he had been betrayed by two "colored" men in Cincinnati, for the reward. They offered Bibb of telling what he knew of other fugitives, being set free and then getting in to the business of betraying other slaves, to earn money to buy his wife and child.

Bibb wanted to know the names of those who had betrayed him. They said the trade was for Bibb to tell them of a slave family that had run away from Mr. King of Kentucky. The told him the identity of his betrayers, and he told them that the family was living in Canada.

They informed him that they had to sell him in Louisville to recoup the cost of buying him, paying for runaway ads, reward money and travel expenses. They promised not to chain or flog him, as long as he participated in the deception that he had not runaway, so they could get a good price for him.

  • June 1838 he arrived in Bedford
  • His mother Mildred Jackson was still working as a slave, a cook in a tavern in Bedford, [owned by George Ray]
  • Malinda and Frances were there at the inn but were still enslaved by Gatewood
  • He returned to Cincinnati
  • Silas Gatewood and two slave catchers caught him and took him to Louisville to sell him.
  • He reveals that a fugitive family previously owned by Mr King of Kentucky are living in Canada

Chapter XVII

Page 175
This chapter contains a letter from Wm H Gatewood of Bedford, KY to Mr H Bibb, dated 9 February 1844. Gatewood, who has read a pamphlet sent to slave owners with Bibb's story, says he recognizes the story of Henry Bibb, but that he knew him as Walton H Bibb. He states that Bibb's mother is still in Bedford and states that George (Bibb's brother) has been sold, and he does not know where he is. He sends greeting to King and Jack, acquaintances of Henry Bibb that are known to Gatewood, who have apparently self-emancipated.

After consulting friends about Gatewood’s letter, and assured that Gatewood has no legal claim to him, Bibb wrote back on 23 mar 1844, affirming that he is indeed the same Bibb and reminding Gatewood that he sold him and received money, and invited him to visit him in Detroit. He requests to be remembered to his mother. He reprimands Gatewood for whipping his wife and Mrs. Gatewood for beating his daughter.

  • Wm Gatewood knew Henry Bibb as Walton H Bibb
  • In Feb 1844, Mildred Jackson is still in Bedford, KY
  • By Feb 1844, Bibb's brother George has been sold
  • By Feb 1844 Bibb's brothers King and Jack have self emancipated are are with Henry

Page 178
Bibb first spoke publicly in May 1844 in Adrian, Michigan. He spoke in Ohio, in the company of Samuel Brooks, and Amos Dresser. He lectured in the Fall of 1844 with S B Treadwell of Jackson, and continued lecturing in the region.

In 22 April 1845, three members of the Detroit Liberty Society, A L Port, CH Stewart and Silas Holmes undertook to raise funds to purchase Bibb's wife and child, if she could be located. They were unsuccessful in finding her.

  • Bibb began his work as a lecturer in May 1844.
  • He lectured with Samuel Brooks, Amos Dresser and Treadwell Jackson
  • 1845 an inquiry and search for Malinda is initiated, but unsuccessful.

Chapter VII

My safe return to Kentucky - the perils I encountered there -- Again betrayed and taken by a mob; ironed and imprisoned. -- Narrow escape from death -- Life in a slave prison.

In July 1839 Henry travelled from Cincinnati by riverboat to Bedford, Kentucky and went to where his mother was. His mother overjoyed, greeted him, but in the process woke up "a little slave girl" who was sleeping in the same room as her. After making arrangements with his mother, he hid till late the next night, but reported by the little girl, a crowd of white men had gathered to apprehend him. He stayed away for a few days, hiding.

He secretly made plans with his mother and wife to run away on Saturday night, but he was apprehended by a mob that threatened to kill him if he resisted.

"William Gatewood was a regular member of the ME Church, where I had attended myself."

He was put in a local jail where Malinda visited him after three days, after which he and his family were transported to Louisville to be sold.

"Madison Garrison, the soul driver, bought me and my family to see again in the New Orleans slave market." He took them to the work-house, where both blacks and white, men and women were imprisoned. Henry was for three months with a chain on his leg and made to work cutting stone. The food was scant and bug infested.

  • July 1839 he leaves Cincinnati and goes to Bedford, KY
  • He sees his mother Mildred Jackson still a slave in the tavern
  • Henry Bibb, Malinda Gatewood Bibb and Frances Bibb are transported to Louisville to be sold
  • William Gatewood sold them
  • William Gatewood is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
  • Madison Garrison purchased them and took them to New Orleans, around October 1839

Chapter VIII

"Character of my prison companions. -- jail breaking contemplated. -- Defeat of our plan. -- My wife and child removed. -- Disgraceful proposal to her, and cruel punishment. --Our departure in a a coffle for New Orleans. -- Events of our journey.

The jail is like a "robber college," and the criminals like to boast to each other there of their crimes. His fellow prisoners swore a lot, which bothered Bibb, but they also proposed to teach him how to read and write, so that he could write himself a pass ticket.

Henry decided to try to escape with the other prisoners and his family, but his plan was foiled.

Garrison came and took Malinda and her child out of the prison and they were gone for a few days and then returned Malinda without her child.

After three days he returned Malinda to the prison gates without her daughter, and Malinda cried out, "Oh! My dear little child is gone? What shall I do? My child is gone." Henry was not allowed to speak to her, and supposed that Frances had been sold.

Later that evening he was able to speak to her and she told him what had happened.

"I had a short interview with my much abused wife, who told me the secret. She said that Garrison had taken her to a private house where he kept female slaves for the basest purposes. It was a resort for slave trading profligates and soul drivers, who were interested in the same business.

Soon after she arrived at this place, Garrison gave her to understand what he brought her there for, and made a most disgraceful assault on her virtue, which she promptly repelled; and for which Garrison punished her with the lash, threatening her that if she did not submit that he would sell her child. The next day he made the same attempt, which she resisted, declaring that she would not submit to it; and again he tied her up and flogged her until her garments were stained with blood.

He then sent our child off to another part of the city, and said he meant to sell it, and that she would never see it again. He then drove Malinda before him to the work-house, swearing by his Maker that she should submit to him or die."

And as previously wrote, he shoved Malinda in the gate while swearing at her, and she crying out for the loss of her child.
<br.

"Two days after this he came again and took Malinda out of the prison. It was several weeks before I s aw her again, and learned that he had not sold her or the child."

During this period he had been buying up enough slaves to make a full shipment. After three months he had enough slaves to start for New Orleans.

After three months in the prison, in the Fall of 1839, they were put on board the a "coffe" boat, the Water Witch, chained hand to hand. The journey took six weeks due to low water and they were frequently moved to different boats. It was difficult to sleep, both from crowding and the dread of being sold.

  • Madison Garrison took Malinda to a house of enslaved prostitutes in Louisville that catered to slave traders. He attempted, and perhaps succeeded in raping her through extortion.
  • Frances Bibb was taken away from her parents for three weeks, and then returned.
  • The family were put on the Water Witch
  • The trip from Louisville to Vicksburg took six weeks.

Chapter IX

Our arrival at Vicksburg. -- An account of slave sales. -- Cruel punishment with the paddle

Garrison took them to Vicksburg, but couldn't get any buyers for the family, as they were suspicious that Henry was likely to run away again.

Then they were taken to New Orleans to a trader's yard or a slave prison on the corner of St Joseph Street where they were put on display every morning at 10 am and made to try to induce spectators to buy them. If they failed to gain their sale, they were paddled, which was punishment that didn't leave the same obvious marks as flogging. The paddle was 1" x 3" x 18" and bored with 1/4 inch holes, so that when it struck, blisters formed that bled.

One day Madison Garrison took Malinda off to paddle her, of which he said,

"He had rather paddle a female, than eat when he was hungry -- that it was music for him to hear them scream, and to see their blood run."

Garrison instructed him to walk around New Orleans and find a buyer for himself and his family. He gave him an old set of clothes, so he would be better dressed, but even now he had a hard time finding buyers, because they saw him as being nearly white. In New Orleans there many free mulattos since it was common practice for men to purchase women as "wives" or mistresses, and have children with them, subsequently setting their "families" free. One time while Henry was soliciting a potential buyer from Tennessee the man mistook him for a slave trader.

Finally Henry heard of Francis Whitfield, who had a reputation as pious deacon of the Baptist church. Whitfield was a cotton planter looking to buy slaves. Henry approached Francis, thinking that with Whitfield at least he would be able to attend Sunday church services. Whitfield, who observed, "you are nearly too white," before agreeing to purchase him, wanted to know some things, chiefly whether Bibb was literate and whether he had ever run away. Bibb truthfully stated that he could not read or write, but lied saying he had only run away once, for a month. Whitfield paid $1,200 for Henry and $1000 for Malinda and Frances.

Bibb came to see Whitfield as a hypocrite, professing Christian faith, and acting like the devil, calling him a pious Christian devil

Henry was alarmed by the conditions of the slaves, the meager allotment of weekly food rations of 1 peck of corn, one pound of pork and sometimes a quart of molasses. Any additional food had to be stolen. Work was from dawn till after dark, with a 1/2 hour rest at noon, seven days a week.

In 1839:

  • Garrison first attempted to sell the family in Vicksburg.
  • The family was in a slave yard on the corner of St Joseph Street, New Orleans.
  • Henry convinced Francis Whitfield, a Baptist, to buy him and his family.
  • Whitfield paid $1200 for Henry and $1000 for Malinda and Frances.
  • Whitfield was a cotton planter, and a Baptist deacon.

Chapter X

Cruel treatment on Whitfield's farm -- Exposure of the children -- Mode of extorting extra labor -- Neglect of the sick -- Strange medicine used -- Death of our second child.

The horn to wake up sounded 2 hours before dawn, so that the slaves could eat breakfast, and that the overseer could dispense any floggings that had been neglected the day before. These were done by the overseer, who was white or the slave driver, who was himself a slave.

The young children were taken in to the fields, and tied up under the shade of a tree, so that the mother's could nurse them at noon, otherwise they were unable to care for their children at all.

At the end of the grueling day's labor, slaves had to grind their corn meal and cook, which could take till midnight.

Medical care consisted of being made to drink a pint of thick red pepper tea, or worse, a simmered pot of chimney soot that induced a purgative effect.

Malinda became very ill, and they feared she would die. Their second child died and Henry had to dig the grave and bury his child without a box.


  • Conditions on Whitfield's plantation were extremely harsh
  • Henry and Malinda had a second child who died and was buried on Whitfield's land in an unmarked grave

Chapter XVIII

In 1845 Bibb hired a white man to go to Bedford, KY and inquire if anyone who knew him and his wife, had heard anything from her. Bibb’s mother relayed the news she had received.

Malinda had sent word that she had been separated from Henry by Deacon Whitfield when Whitfield sold Henry to “black legs” (river boat gamblers,) and that she had given Henry up as lost. In turn Whitfield sold Malinda and her daughter at a very high price to a man, who made her his mistress, where she has been for the past 3 years.

In 1845

  • Mildred Jackson informs a proxy that she had heard word of Malinda
  • Malinda relayed that Henry had been sold to river boat gamblers, away from her
  • That she and her daughter had been sold to become a mistress, about 1842

Bibb recognizing that she was unwillingly living in a state of adultery imagines she has made the adjustment, and states that he "gave her up in to the hands of all-wise Providence." He laid no blame on her, and he supposed she had been well taken care of, and likely had additional children and formed some affection with her new master.'

From that point forward Bibb dedicated himself to the anti-slavery cause and spent the summer in Michigan. In the fall he traveled to New England. '

In May of 1847, he attended the anti-slavery anniversary of the city of New York, where he was introduced to Miss Mary E Miles, of Boston, also an abolitionist. The two became engaged and married a year later in June 1848.

"My beloved wife is a bosom friend, a help-meet, a loving companion in al the social, moral and religious relations of life. She is to me what a poor slave's wife can never be to her husband while in the condition of a slave; for she can not be true to her husband contrary to the will of her master.”<blockquote/>
  • 1845, Henry Bibb, considers Malinda lost to him, and the marriage dissolved.
  • May 1847 he meets Mary E Miles of Boston
  • June 1848 he married Mary E Miles.

Chapter XX

Page 203
A summary of the men who have owned him:

"During my life of slavery I have been sold by professors of religion several times. In 1836 "Bro." Albert G Sibley, of Bedford, Kentucky, sold me for $850 to "Bro." John Sibley; and in the same year he (John Sibley) sold me to "Bro." Wm. Gatewood of Bedford, for $850. In 1839 for a depreciated price Gatewood sold me to Madison Garrison, a slave trader, of Louisville, Kentucky, with my wife and child - at a depreciated price because I was a runaway. In the same year he (Madison Garrison) sold me and my family to "Bro." Whitfield, in the city of New Orleans for $1200. In 1841, "Bro" Whitfield sold me from my family to Thomas Wilson and Co., who were blacklegs (riverboat gamblers.) In the same year they sold me to a "Bro." In the Indian Territory. I think he was member of the Presbyterian Church. F. E Whitfield was a deacon in regular standing in the Baptist Church. A Sibley was a Methodist exhorter of the M. E Church in good standing. J Sibley was a class-leader in the same church; and Wm. Gatewood was also an acceptable member of the same church.”
  • Albert G Sibley
  • 1836 John Sibley
  • 1836 William Gatewood
  • 1839 Madison garrison, a slave trader of Louisville
  • 1839 Whitfield, of New Orleans
  • 1841 Thomas Wilson and Co (riverboat gamblers)
  • 1841 a man in the Indian Territory




Collaboration


Comments

Leave a message for others who see this profile.
There are no comments yet.
Login to post a comment.