First off, Douglass finds himself in an unfamiliar city, without shelter, food, money, or friends. He is surrounded by people, but is afraid to speak with anyone for fear they will turn him in. Soon, though, a free black named Mr. David Ruggles takes Douglass in. Ruggles, an abolitionist and journalist, advises Douglass to go to New Bedford, Massachusetts, to find work as a caulker as he deems it is unsafe for Douglass to remain in New York. Douglass writes to his fiancée, Anna Murray, a free black woman from Baltimore, informing her about his successful achievement and wishing her to follow forth with him. Soon, Anna joins Douglass in New York. Ruggles witnesses their marriage and gives Douglass five dollars and a letter of recommendation.
