There were several passengers whom we knew, including Senator Sewell, of New Jersey, and Edward Marshall, the newspaper correspondent.

I had just a little fear that we would not be treated civilly by some of the passengers.

This fear was based upon what I had heard other people of my race, who had crossed the ocean, say about unpleasant experiences in crossing the ocean in American vessels.
But in our case, from the captain down to the most humble servant, we were treated with the greatest kindness.

Nor was this kindness confined to those who were connected with the steamer; it was shown by all the passengers also.

There were not a few Southern men and women on board, and they were as cordial as those from other parts of the country.
As soon as the last good-bys were said, and the steamer had cut loose from the wharf, the load of care, anxiety, and responsibility which I had carried for eighteen years began to lift itself from my shoulders at the rate, it seemed to me, of a pound a minute.