That slave ship landed in Boston during the summer of 1761. I was in a sickly condition due to the horrible conditions, bad food and harsh treatment from the voyage. Then we were placed in a building about as unhealthy as that ship. A few days later we were put on the auction block for sale. I was barefoot and bareheaded, and had only a piece of dirty carpet for clothing.

For some reason, a Mrs. Susannah Wheatley was attracted to me. She was the wife of a Mr. John Wheatley, a prosperous businessman. They had twin children named Mary and Nathaniel who were about eighteen years old.

I found out later that Mrs. Wheatley did not have to pay too much for me. That was because of my poor health. I guess nobody thought I would be of much good.