Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl

Ellen’s caretaker Mrs. Hobbs warned that her brother Mr. Thorne, who “had become poor and reckless before he left the south,” knew that Harriet was living in New York (263). She believed that due to Grandmother Martha’s kindnesses to him, he had no intention of betraying Harriet. However, Mr. Thorne had written Dr. Flint a letter advising him how to seize Harriet. He claimed this was a matter of patriotic duty, for he was “a lover of [his] country” and believed in its laws (265).

Harriet decided to tell Mrs. Bruce her story. Mrs. Bruce consulted with a judge and attorney, both of whom advised Harriet to leave the city. William would escort her to Boston along the Stonington route, which was less likely to be traversed by Southerners. Mrs. Bruce then told her servants to tell inquirers that Harriet no longer worked or lived there.

On the boat, the stewardess gave Harriet tickets for the deck, though Harriet had asked for cabin tickets: Black people were not allowed to sleep in cabins on this route. Harriet asked the captain and asked for a change of tickets. After conferring with the conductor, the captain arranged for Harriet and her family to have berths and comfortable seats below deck.