ABSTRACT
Ben was born a slave in the family of Frisby Lloyd, 2 of Hartford county, Maryland. When he was about twenty-five years old, he made application to his master, to put a moderate price upon him, and permit him to go to Philadelphia and try to find some person who would pay the amount. This proposition greatly offended Lloyd, who told him that, if he ever said another word about his freedom, he would sell him to Georgia. Ben appeared freely to acquiesce with his master’s determination, and quietly resumed his labor in the field. But from that time, he was constantly looking out for an opportunity to make his escape. After a few weeks, Ben noticed a man who lived in the neighborhood, and who was known to be a speculator in slaves, having frequent interviews with his master. He became satisfied that he was endeavoring to bargain for him; and he concluded that then was the time for him to make his escape, if he ever expected to be free.
