The dense forest had long since fallen under the stroke of the woodman's ax, and in that section, flourishing villages were springing up as if by magic, where so lately roamed wild beasts and rude savages, both having fallen back before the march of civilization.
I called on James Moore, as directed by Mr.Cruger, and found he was one of the directors of the "Manumission Society," as it was then called.

This was an association of humane and intelligent gentlemen whose object it was to aid any one who was illegally held in bondage.

The funds of the society were ample; and able counsel was employed to assist those who needed it.
The late lamented John C.Spencer, one of the most eminent lawyers in Western New York, was then counsel for that society.
I soon got an interview with Mr.Moore, to whom I related the history of my life,--the story of my wrongs and hardships.

I told him about my having been hired out by Capt.

Helm, which he said was sufficient to insure my freedom! Oh! how my heart leaped at the thought! The tears started, my breast heaved with a mighty throb of gratitude, and I could hardly refrain from grasping his hand or falling down at his feet; and perhaps should have made some ludicrous demonstration of my feelings, had not the kind gentleman continued his conversation in another direction.
He said that indispensable business called him to Albany, where he must go immediately, but assured me that he would return in March following; then I must come to him and he would see that I had what justly belonged to me--my freedom from Slavery.