When I left for Hampton, my mother was not in good health. And that made my parting sad. But she was brave through it all. I had only a small bag and a few clothes for the five hundred-mile trip I was about undertake.

By walking, begging rides in wagons and cars, I finally made it to Richmond. I still had eighty-two more miles to go before I reached Hampton. But I was tired, hungry, and completely out of money.

It was night and the first time I was in a big city. I did not know anybody and had nowhere to go. I finally came upon a boardwalk under which I could sleep.

The next morning I found work unloading a ship that allowed me to make enough money to buy some food. The captain, a kind white man, was pleased with my work and offered me more work. I continued to work for a few more days, and slept under the boardwalk, until I was able to save enough money to complete my journey.