Of course,
he had been cuffed about by Aunt Katy; he says he seldom got enough to
eat, and he suffered continually from cold, since his entire wardrobe
consisted of a tow sack. . . .
When Fred became nine years old the most important event in his life
occurred. His master determined to send him to Baltimore to live with
Hugh Auld, a brother of Thomas Auld. Baltimore at this time was little
more than a name to young Douglass. When he reached the residence of
Mr. and Mrs. Auld and felt the difference between the plantation cabin
and this city home, it was to him, for a time, like living in Paradise.
Mrs. Auld is described as a lady of great kindness of heart, and of a
gentle disposition. She at once took a tender interest in the little
servant from the plantation. He was much petted and well fed,
permitted to wear boy's clothes and shoes, and for the first time in
his life had a good soft bed to sleep in. His only duty was to take
care of and play with Tommy Auld, which he found both an easy and
agreeable task.
Young Douglass yet knew nothing about reading. A book was as much of a
mystery to him as the stars at night. When he heard his mistress read
aloud from the Bible, his curiosity was aroused.
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