Extracts from Five Black Writers

Abstract

After being on Shore [in Havana] another Twelvemonth, I endeavour’d to make my Escape the second Time, by trying to get on board of a Sloop bound to Jamaica, and as I was going from the City to the Sloop, was unhappily taken by the Guard, and ordered back to the Castle, and there confined. —However, in a short time I was set at Liberty, and order’d with a Number of others to carry the Bishop from the Castle, thro’ the Country, to confirm the old People, baptize Children, &c. for which he receives large Sums of Money.—I was employ’d in this Service about Seven Months, during which Time I lived very well, and then returned to the Castle again, where I had my Liberty to walk about the City, and do Work for my self;—The Beaver, an English Man of War then lay in the Harbour, and having been informed by some of the Ship’s Crew that she was to sail in a few Days, I had nothing now to do, but to seek an Opportunity how I should make my Escape.