Susan: Look here, you Mr. Custis, don't you go mixing me up with slaves.
Custis: No, you not slave. You servant, but you free body. That very mighty thing. A poor servant, born free.
Susan: Yes, but look here, are you pitying me, with your poor servant?
Custis: Pity? No. I think you very mighty.
Susan: Well, I don't know so much about mighty. But I expect you're right. It isn't every one that rises to the White House.
Custis: It not every one that is free body. That is why you mighty.
Susan: I've never thought much about it.
Custis: I think always about it.
Susan: I suppose you're free, aren't you?
Custis: Yes. Not born free. I was beaten when I a little nigger. I saw my mother—I will not remember what I saw.