Five Black lives : the autobiographies of Venture Smith, James Mars, William Grimes, the Rev. G.W. Offley, [and] James L. Smith.

1. A narrative of the life and adventures of Venture ... : Containing an account of his life, from his birth to the time of his leaving his native country ; Containing an account of his life from the time of his leaving Africa to that of his becoming free ; Containing an account of his life from the time of purchasing his freedom to the present day / related by himself ; Traditions of Venture! / compiled by H.M. Selden -- 2. Life of James Mars ... : Introduction ; A slave born and sold in Connecticut ; Appendix / written by himself -- 3. Life of William Grimes ... : To the public ; Life of William Grimes ; Conclusion / written by himself -- 4. A narrative of the life and labors of the Rev. G.W. Offley -- 5. Autobiorgaphy of James L. Smith : Preface ; Birth and childhood ; Youth and early manhood ; Life of Heathsville ; Escape from slavery ; Life of freedom ; Life in Norwich, Conn. ; The War of the Rebellion ; After the war ; Conclusion ; Colored men during the war ; Recollections of the war ; The exodus.