Chains and Freedom: or, The Life and Adventures of Peter Wheeler, a Colored Man Yet Living

A vivid, first‑hand account unfolds as Peter Wheeler tells his own story, from a childhood marked by bondage to moments of daring bravery on a family fishing trip. He recalls the strange sights of the swamp, a close escape from a wild hog, and the deep bonds formed with his caretakers, all rendered in his unmistakable voice. The narrative captures the everyday hardships and fleeting joys of a life lived under the weight of slavery, while hinting at the spiritual doubts that stir within him.

When Peter’s master dies and frees him by will, his newfound liberty is shattered by a cruel auction that sends him farther from home. The book follows his harrowing journey across unfamiliar towns, encounters with both kind strangers and relentless oppressors, and his tentative steps toward a broader world. Along the way, his reflections on faith, survival, and the promise of a future unchained give listeners a poignant glimpse into a turbulent era and a resilient human spirit.