I was about twelve years old then and soon began my hand at writing poems of my own.

Mrs. Wheatley was so impressed with my progress that she began to lessen my domestic work. She made it possible for me to concentrate more on my writing. She later even provided me with a candle in my room so that I could work on my writing at night.

One of the disadvantages I suffered as a result was that I was not able to form close friendships with the other people of my race. However, there was one African friend that I had throughout my life. Her name was Obour Tanner. We went through the Middle Passage together.

Obour was sold to a kindly family that allow her to develop her abilities as well. Consequently, we were able to keep in touch with each other through letter writing.