Freedom At Last

August 23, 1856

Dear Maggie,

It has been exactly 4 months since your death, and I have decided that I will write to you instead of "Dear Diary".

I am still living with Elijah, Ethel, John, and Riley, since I didn't have a place to go that night.

Even though I had screamed at them, they let me in. That is the good thing about them, they will always accept you, especially Elijah, who is kind from the bottom of his heart.

After your death, my eyes were opened to how truly horrid slavery was. My new companions thought the same, and taught me everything they knew about slavery and what they experienced.

They said they were abolitionists, people who are against slavery and publicly speak about their perspective on it. As soon as I learned, I knew my destiny was to become an abolitionist.

I also did it for you.

For the last few months, all I did was write speeches. For one thing, it took my mind off of your death. Also, Ethel read them and approved them, telling me they were very, very good. After reading them, she organized for me to read them at different conventions. The first one I am speaking at is going to be next week.

I am so very excited to speak at the convention, because I want people to realize how terrible slaves are treated and how enslaving people is immoral and wrong.

I hope all goes well and I make someone change their mind about slavery.

Staying strong for you,

Ruth