I am free at last. I would have never thought I would leave that terrible place. Life as a free person is great. I couldn't be more happier. I just couldn't go through any more pain at that place. It is not right for someone to be treated like a dog.

When Harriet chose me to be one of the eleven to go with her on her journey to Freedom, I was so stunned. She must have known the pain that I was going through. I was one of the only ones there without a member of my family. Also I was one of the brave ones who wanted to go. We had to take ash cake and salt herring which we put in an old bandana. It wasn't much but that was all we could take.

It took place on a Wednesday. It was about 11 o'clock when we left. We had to wait until our masters were in their houses. It was about the middle of November when we left. The weather was cool but it would get colder as we moved on. Every country we passed got colder and colder. Many times we thought we would die from the cold. There were times when I wanted to turn around and go back but I knew what would happen if I did. Many days we did not eat or sleep because we had to watch out for anyone who may find us.

Harriet knew exactly where she was going. We didn't have a clue. She took us from Dorchester, to Wilmington, Delaware, a part of Philadelphia, Brulington, New Jersey, up to Syracuse and Rochester, New York and then to St.

Catherine's, Canada. During our trip we had to take shelter to eat and rest up. The first house we went to turned us down, because he said that his house had already been searched for slaves and he couldn't take any more chances, so we moved on. The next house we went to belonged to Thomas Garrett. When we got there he let us in. We ate all the food we wanted. He gave us shoes and we slept good for the first time. We also stayed at Frederick Douglas's house.

Now that I am living in Canada, life is much better than I thought it would be. I have a good job cleaning house. I can keep my money I earn too, instead of giving it to my master! I live in a nice little house in a wonderful neighbourhood. The differences between being a slave and living a free life is you are free to do whatever you want, go anywhere you want and just be free to do anything. I am glad I made this journey to freedom.

I am so happy that Harriett led me to freedom. Through the whole trip she never complained or got mad, she was strong and brave. I think that you should do the same as I did. It was very hard to get to where I am now but leaving slavery was worth it. It might be hard getting up here but you'll make it.

Good luck!! Your friend, Shanee m ---- Shanee Strong, age 15 Whitney Institute EDUCATION MONTH ED