12 Years a Slave Solomon Northup Chapter 16 Overseers—how they are armed and accompanied—the homicide—his execution at Marksville—slave-drivers—appointed driver on removing to Bayou Bœuf—practice makes perfect—Epps’ attempt to cut Platt’s throat—the escape from him—protected by the Mistress—forbids reading and writing—obtain a sheet of paper after nine years’ effort—the letter—Armsby, the mean white—partially confide in him—his treachery—Epps’ suspicions—how they were quieted—burning the letter—Armsby leaves the Bayou—disappointment and despair