elds. So Hugh Auld decided that Frederick should work as a caulker in his boat factory. He quickly began apprenticing at the shipyard where Hugh Auld worked. Within a year, he was an experienced caulker and was being paid the highest wages possible for a tradesman at his level. Of which he gave all to his master. Frederick also joined a learning group of blacks and met Anna Murray. He enjoyed her company and was with her when he wasn't working. Around that time Thomas Auld had promised him that if he worked hard he would be freed when he turned 25. Unfortunately Frederick didn't believe the master and he thought that he should escape. On September 3, 1838, he left on a northbound train. Escaping was a difficult decision for Frederick. He would be leaving his friends and life in Baltimore forever. He didn't know when and if he would see his fiancee Anna Murray again. But freedom to Frederick was very important. With money that he borrowed from Anna, Frederick bought a ticket to Philadelphia. When he left he had a sailor's protection, a document that certified that the person named on it was a free seaman, of course that was fake and luckily did not get caught with it. He had made it to Philadelphia and was still worried about the slave catchers so he left for New York City. Not knowing what to do Frederick told an honest-looking black sailor about his situation. The man took him to David Ruggles, an officer in the New York Vigilance Committee and also associates of the city's link in the underground railroad. Ruggle trusted Frederick and had him stay in his home. Then Frederick sent for Anna Murray. The two were married on September 15, 1838. Ruggles told Frederick that in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he would be safe from slave catchers and he could find work as a caulker. So Frederick and Anna moved, they stayed in the home of a wealthy black family, that of Nathan Johnson. But to live his new life, Frederick would have to change his ...
