Twenty-Two Years a Slave, and Forty Years a Freeman Embracing a Correspondence of Several Years, While President of Wilberforce Colony, London, Canada West

A former slave recounts the first half of his life under the harsh hand of bondage, detailing the day‑to‑day cruelties he endured and the small acts of learning that kept hope alive. He describes the moment of his emancipation, the struggle to build a livelihood in Rochester, and the bitter resistance he faced from white competitors who judged him solely by his color. The narrative is anchored by heartfelt letters from friends and officials who praised his moral character and urged him to share his story for the sake of justice.

In the second part, he turns to his work as president of the Wilberforce Colony in Canada West, where he strives to create a safe haven for other displaced people. His correspondence reveals a determined vision for community building, education, and self‑reliance, while also confronting lingering threats from former masters. The account offers a candid, human portrait of resilience and the ongoing fight for freedom, told by someone who has walked both the darkest and the most hopeful paths.