CHAPTER XI.
THOUGHTS ON FREEDOM.
After living sometime in Bath, and having the privilege of more enlightened society, I began to think that it was possible for me to become a free man in some way besides going into the army or running away, as I had often thought of doing.

I had listened to the conversation of others, and determined to ask legal counsel on the subject the first opportunity I could find.

Very soon after, as I was drawing wood, I met on the river bridge, Mr.D.Cruger, the eminent lawyer before mentioned, and I asked him to tell me if I was not free, by the laws of New York.

He started, and looked around him as if afraid to answer my question, but after a while told me I was _not_ free.

I passed on, but the answer to my question by no means satisfied me, especially when I remembered the hesitancy with which it was given.
I sought another opportunity to speak with Mr.Cruger, and at last found him in his office alone; then he conversed freely on the subject of Slavery, telling me that Capt.