The Fugitive Blacksmith or, Events in the History of James W. C. Pennington, Pastor of a Presbyterian Church, New York, Formerly a Slave in the State of Maryland, United States

A former enslaved blacksmith now turned Presbyterian pastor offers a stark, first‑hand account of life under the chattel system, drawing listeners into the daily realities of Maryland’s plantations. His narrative blends vivid personal memories with a moral critique of the “mild” slavery that many claim to justify, exposing how even seemingly benevolent masters perpetuate cruelty. Interwoven with his own escape and the painful loss of loved ones, the memoir reveals the deep psychological toll of a world where freedom is measured in contracts and carts.

Beyond the harrowing recollections, the pastor reflects on the broader implications for the Christian community, urging listeners to confront euphemisms that mask oppression. His eloquent prose, framed by biblical references and poignant analogies, invites contemplation on the lingering shadows of a system built on property and sale. The early sections set the stage for a journey from bondage to preaching, offering insight into the resilience and conviction that shaped his later ministry.