The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave

This section is written by Pringle to outline certain details surrounding Prince’s circumstances. He confirms that Prince went to the Anti-Slavery office for help immediately after leaving the Woods. Pringle accompanied Prince to see a solicitor, George Stephen, who wrote a statement of Prince’s case to submit to legal counsel. They sought to determine whether Prince could be granted her freedom in Antigua. He explains that she was eager to return to her husband but wary that if she returned to Antigua she would be enslaved anew and separated from him anyway. Pringle then includes the full text of the letter with which Mr. Wood sent Prince away, which refers to her as Molly and states that she can either leave their house and be free in England or return to Antigua. Wood expresses frustration that she will not work but does not mention that she was unable to do so at that point because of her illness. He also writes that he refuses to take her in again unless she behaves well. Pringle explains that this letter was meant to make it difficult for Prince to be trusted and gain help in England. 

The Anti-Slavery Committee reviewed Prince’s case but found no legal recourse.