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+
+THE UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD.
+
+
+
+
+
+A RECORD OF FACTS, AUTHENTIC NARRATIVES, LETTERS, &C.,
+
+NARRATING THE HARDSHIPS HAIR-BREADTH ESCAPES AND DEATH STRUGGLES
+
+OF THE
+
+SLAVES IN THEIR EFFORTS FOR FREEDOM,
+
+AS RELATED
+
+BY THEMSELVES AND  OTHERS, OR WITNESSED BY THE AUTHOR
+
+TOGETHER WITH
+
+SKETCHES OF SOME OF THE LARGEST STOCKHOLDERS, AND
+
+MOST LIBERAL AIDERS AND ADVISERS,
+
+OF THE ROAD.
+
+BY William Still For many years connected with the Anti-Slavery Office
+in Philadelphia, and Chairman of the Acting Vigilant Committee of the
+Philadelphia Branch of the Underground Rail Road.
+
+
+1872
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+
+PORTER & COATES, Thou shall not deliver unto his master the servant that
+has escaped from his master unto thee.--_Deut._ xxiii. 16.
+
+Illustrated with 70 fine Engravings by Bensell, Schell and others, and
+Portraits from Photographs from Life.
+
+SOLD ONLY BY SUBSCRIPTION.
+
+822, CHESTNUT STREET.
+
+Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1871, by
+
+W.M. STILL,
+
+In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: W. Still]
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Like millions of my race, my mother and father were born slaves, but
+were not contented to live and die so. My father purchased himself in
+early manhood by hard toil. Mother saw no way for herself and children
+to escape the horrors of bondage but by flight. Bravely, with her four
+little ones, with firm faith in God and an ardent desire to be free, she
+forsook the prison-house, and succeeded, through the aid of my father,
+to reach a free State. Here life had to be begun anew. The old familiar
+slave names had to be changed, and others, for prudential reasons, had
+to be found. This was not hard work. However, hardly months had passed
+ere the keen scent of the slave-hunters had trailed them to where they
+had fancied themselves secure. In those days all power was in the hands
+of the oppressor, and the capture of a slave mother and her children was
+attended with no great difficulty other than the crushing of freedom in
+the breast of the victims. Without judge or jury, all were hurried back
+to wear the yoke again. But back this mother was resolved never to stay.
+She only wanted another opportunity to again strike for freedom. In a
+few months after being carried back, with only two of her little ones,
+she took her heart in her hand and her babes in her arms, and this trial
+was a success. Freedom was gained, although not without the sad loss of
+her two older children, whom she had to leave behind. Mother and father
+were again reunited in freedom, while two of their little boys were in
+slavery. What to do for them other than weep and pray, were questions
+unanswerable. For over forty years the mother's heart never knew what it
+was to be free from anxiety about her lost boys. But no tidings came in
+answer to her many prayers, until one of them, to the great astonishment
+of his relatives, turned up in Philadelphia, nearly fifty years of age,
+seeking his long-lost parents. Being directed to the Anti-Slavery Office
+for instructions as to the best plan to adopt to find out the
+whereabouts of his parents, fortunately he fell into the hands of his
+own brother, the writer, whom he had never heard of before, much less
+seen or known. And here began revelations connected with this marvellous
+coincidence, which influenced me, for years previous to Emancipation, to
+preserve the matter found in the pages of this humble volume.
+
+And in looking back now over these strange and eventful Providences, in
+the light of the wonderful changes wrought by Emancipation, I am more
+and more constrained to believe that the reasons, which years ago led me
+to aid the bondman and preserve the records of his sufferings, are
+to-day quite as potent in convincing me that the necessity of the times
+requires this testimony.
+
+And since the first advent of my book, wherever reviewed or read by
+leading friends of freedom, the press, or the race more deeply
+represented by it, the expressions of approval and encouragement have
+been hearty and unanimous, and the thousands of volumes which have been
+sold by me, on the subscription plan, with hardly any facilities for the
+work, makes it obvious that it would, in the hands of a competent
+publisher, have a wide circulation.
+
+And here I may frankly state, that but for the hope I have always
+cherished that this work would encourage the race in efforts for
+self-elevation, its publication never would have been undertaken by me.
+
+I believe no more strongly at this moment than I have believed ever
+since the Proclamation of Emancipation was made by Abraham Lincoln, that
+as a class, in this country, no small exertion will have to be put forth
+before the blessings of freedom and knowledge can be fairly enjoyed by
+this people; and until colored men manage by dint of hard acquisition to
+enter the ranks of skilled industry, very little substantial respect
+will be shown them, even with the ballot-box and musket in their hands.
+
+Well-conducted shops and stores; lands acquired and good farms managed
+in a manner to compete with any other; valuable books produced and
+published on interesting and important subjects--these are some of the
+fruits which the race are expected to exhibit from their newly gained
+privileges.
+
+If it is asked "how?" I answer, "through extraordinary determination and
+endeavor," such as are demonstrated in hundreds of cases in the pages of
+this book, in the struggles of men and women to obtain their freedom,
+education and property.
+
+These facts must never be lost sight of.
+
+The race must not forget the rock from whence they were hewn, nor the
+pit from whence, they were digged.
+
+Like other races, this newly emancipated people will need all the
+knowledge of their past condition which they can get.
+
+The bondage and deliverance of the children of Israel will never be
+allowed to sink into oblivion while the world stands.
+
+Those scenes of suffering and martyrdom millions of Christians were
+called upon to pass through in the days of the Inquisition are still
+subjects of study, and have unabated interest for all enlightened minds.
+
+The same is true of the history of this country. The struggles of the
+pioneer fathers are preserved, produced and re-produced, and cherished
+with undying interest by all Americans, and the day will not arrive
+while the Republic exists, when these histories will not be found in
+every library.
+
+While the grand little army of abolitionists was waging its untiring
+warfare for freedom, prior to the rebellion, no agency encouraged them
+like the heroism of fugitives. The pulse of the four millions of slaves
+and their desire for freedom, were better felt through "The Underground
+Railroad," than through any other channel.
+
+Frederick Douglass, Henry Bibb, Wm. Wells Brown, Rev. J.W. Logan, and
+others, gave unmistakable evidence that the race had no more eloquent
+advocates than its own self-emancipated champions.
+
+Every step they took to rid themselves of their fetters, or to gain
+education, or in pleading the cause of their fellow-bondmen in the
+lecture-room, or with their pens, met with applause on every hand, and
+the very argument needed was thus furnished in large measure. In those
+dark days previous to emancipation, such testimony was indispensable.
+
+The free colored men are as imperatively required now to furnish the
+same manly testimony in support of the ability of the race to surmount
+the remaining obstacles growing out of oppression, ignorance, and
+poverty.
+
+In the political struggles, the hopes of the race have been sadly
+disappointed. From this direction no great advantage is likely to arise
+very soon.
+
+Only as desert can be proved by the acquisition of knowledge and the
+exhibition of high moral character, in examples of economy and a
+disposition to encourage industrial enterprises, conducted by men of
+their own ranks, will it be possible to make political progress in the
+face of the present public sentiment.
+
+Here, therefore, in my judgment is the best possible reason for
+vigorously pushing the circulation of this humble volume--that it may
+testify for thousands and tens of thousands, as no other work can do.
+
+
+WILLIAM STILL, Author.
+
+September, 1878. Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+
+    THE AUTHOR
+
+    PETER STILL--"THE KIDNAPPED AND THE RANSOMED"
+
+    CHARITY STILL TWICE ESCAPED FROM SLAVERY
+
+    DESPERATE CONFLICT IN A BARN
+
+    DEATH OF ROMULUS HALL
+
+    RESURRECTION OF HENRY BOX BROWN
+
+    RESCUE OF JANE JOHNSON AND HER CHILDREN
+
+    PASSMORE WILLIAMSON
+
+    JANE JOHNSON
+
+    ESCAPING FROM PORTSMOUTH, VA
+
+    TWENTY-EIGHT FUGITIVES ESCAPING FROM EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND
+
+    ESCAPING FROM ALABAMA ON TOP OF A CAR
+
+    CROSSING THE RIVER ON HORSEBACK IN THE NIGHT
+
+    A BOLD STROKE FOR FREEDOM--CONTEST WITH FIRE-ARMS
+
+    ABRAM GALLOWAY
+
+    THE MAYOR AND POLICE OF NORFOLK SEARCHING CAPTAIN FOUNTAIN'S
+    SCHOONER
+
+    MARIA WEEMS ESCAPING AS JO WRIGHT
+
+    JOHN HENRY HILL
+
+    DRY-GOODS MERCHANT SEARCHING THE CARS
+
+    ESCAPE WITH A LADY, AS HER COACHMAN, WITH MASTER'S HORSE AND
+    CARRIAGE
+
+    SIX ON TWO HORSES
+
+    UP A TREE
+
+    SAMUEL GREEN SENTENCED TO THE PENITENTIARY FOR TEN YEARS FOR
+    HAVING A COPY OF "UNCLE TOM'S CABIN" IN HIS HOUSE
+
+    LEAR GREEN ESCAPING IN A CHEST
+
+    ESCAPE OF ELEVEN PASSENGERS FROM MARYLAND IN TWO CARRIAGES
+
+    THE CHRISTIANA TRAGEDY
+
+    WILLIAM AND ELLEN CRAFT
+
+
+    MEMBERS OF THE ACTING COMMITTEE:
+
+        N.W. DEPEE
+
+        JACOB C. WHITE
+
+        CHARLES WISE
+
+        EDWIN H. COATES
+
+
+
+    KNIFING HIS VICTIM
+
+    LIVING IN A HOLLOW TREE
+
+    IN A CAVE
+
+    A NARROW ESCAPE
+
+    SUSPENDED BY THE HANDS WITH BLOCK AND TACKLE
+
+    CROSSING THE BAY
+
+    BREAKING HIM IN
+
+    MOTHER ESCAPING WITH SEVEN CHILDREN
+
+    FIGHT IN CHESAPEAKE BAY
+
+    JOHN W. DUNGEE
+
+    MARY MILBURN (SECRETED IN A BOX)
+
+    HEAVY WEIGHTS--ARRIVAL OF A PARTY AT LEAGUE ISLAND
+
+    SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS OF STATION-MASTERS, PROMINENT
+    ANTI-SLAVERY MEN, AND SUPPORTERS OF THE U.G.R.R.:
+
+        ABIGAIL GOODWIN
+
+        THOMAS GARRETT
+
+        DANIEL GIBBONS
+
+        LUCRETIA MOTT
+
+        J. MILLER M'KIM
+
+        WILLIAM H. FURNESS
+
+        WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON
+
+        LEWIS TAPPAN
+
+        ELIJAH F. PENNYPACKER
+
+        WILLIAM WRIGHT
+
+        DR. BARTHOLOMEW FUSSELL
+
+        ROBERT PURVIS
+
+        JOHN HUNN
+
+        SAMUEL RHOADS
+
+        WILLIAM WHIPPER
+
+        SAMUEL D. BURRIS
+
+        CHARLES D. CLEVELAND
+
+        GRACE ANNA LEWIS
+
+        MRS. FRANCES E.W. HARPER
+
+        JOHN NEEDLES
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+
+    SETH CONCKLIN
+
+
+    UNDERGROUND RAILROAD LETTERS. From Thomas Garrett--G.A.
+    Lewis--E.L. Stevens--Sydney Howard Gay--John Henry Hill--J.
+    Bigelowe--Ham and Eggs--Rev. H. Wilson--Sheridan Ford--E.F.
+    Pennypacker--J.C. Bustill--Slave secreted in Richmond--G.S.
+    Nelson--John Thompson--Wm. Penn
+
+
+    WILLIAM BOX PEEL JONES Came boxed up _via_ Erricson line of
+    Steamers.
+
+
+    WESLEY HARRIS ALIAS ROBERT JACKSON, CRAVEN MATTERSON AND TWO
+    BROTHERS.
+
+    CLARISSA DAVIS Arrived in Male Attire.
+
+
+    ANTHONY BLOW ALIAS HENRY LEVISON Secreted Ten Months--Eight days
+    on the Steamship City of Richmond bound for Philadelphia.
+
+
+    PERRY JOHNSON, OF ELKTON, MARYLAND. Eye knocked Out.
+
+
+    ISAAC FORMAN, WILLIAM DAVIS AND WILLIS REDICK. Hearts full of
+    joy for Freedom--Very anxious for Wives in Slavery.
+
+
+    JOSEPH HENRY CAMP Sold, the day he escaped, for Fourteen Hundred
+    Dollars--Slave Trader loses his Bargain.
+
+
+    SHERIDAN FORD Secreted in the Woods--Escapes in a Steamer.
+
+
+    JOSEPH KNEELAND ALIAS JOSEPH HULSON Young Master had a
+    "Malignant Spirit".
+
+
+    EX-PRESIDENT TYLER'S HOUSEHOLD LOSES AN ARISTOCRATIC ARTICLE.
+
+    EDWARD MORGAN, HENRY JOHNSON, JAMES AND STEPHEN BUTLER. "Two
+    Thousand Dollars Reward" offered.
+
+
+    HENRY PREDO Daniel Hughes, Thomas Elliott, and five others
+    betrayed into Dover Jail.
+
+
+    MARY EPPS ALIAS EMMA BROWN, JOSEPH AND ROBERT ROBINSON. A Slave
+    Mother Loses her Speech at the Sale of her Child ... Bob Escapes
+    from his Master, a Trader, with Fifteen Hundred Dollars in North
+    Carolina Money.
+
+
+    GEORGE SOLOMON, DANIEL NEALL, BENJAMIN R. FLETCHER AND MARIA
+    DORSEY.
+
+    HENRY BOX BROWN Arrived by Adams Express.
+
+
+    TRIAL OF THE EMANCIPATORS OF COL. J.H. WHEELER'S SLAVES, JANE
+    JOHNSON AND HER TWO LITTLE BOYS.
+
+    THE ARRIVALS OF A SINGLE MONTH. Sixty Passengers came in one
+    Month--Twenty-eight in one Arrival--Great Panic and Indignation
+    Meeting--Interesting Correspondence from Masters and Fugitives.
+
+
+    A SLAVE GIRL'S NARRATIVE. Cordelia Loney, Slave of Mrs. Joseph
+    Cahell, (widow of the late Hon. Joseph Cahell, of
+    Virginia)--Cordelia's Escape from her Mistress in Philadelphia.
+
+
+    ARRIVAL OF JACKSON, ISAAC AND EDMONDSON TURNER FROM PETERSBURG.
+    Touching Scene on Meeting their Old Blind Father at the U.G.R.R.
+    Depot.
+
+
+    ROBERT BROWN ALIAS THOMAS JONES. Crossing the River on Horseback
+    in the Night.
+
+
+    ANTHONY LONEY ALIAS WILLIAM ARMSTEAD AND CORNELIUS SCOTT.
+
+    SAMUEL WILLIAMS ALIAS JOHN WILLIAMS.
+
+    BARNABY GRIGBY ALIAS JOHN BOYER, AND MARY ELIZABETH HIS WIFE,
+    FRANK WANZER ALIAS ROBERT SCOTT, EMILY FOSTER ALIAS ANN WOOD.
+
+    WILLIAM JORDAN ALIAS WILLIAM PRICE.
+
+    JOSEPH GRANT AND JOHN SPEAKS. Two Passengers _via_ Liverpool.
+
+
+    WILLIAM N. TAYLOR. "One Hundred Dollars Reward".
+
+
+    LOUISA BROWN, JACOB WATERS, AND ALFRED GOULDEN.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE. Jefferson Pipkins alias David Jones,
+    Louisa Pipkins, Elizabeth Brit, Harriet Brown, alias Jane
+    Wooton, Gracy Murry alias Sophia Sims, Edward Williams _alias_
+    Henry Johnson, Charles Lee alias Thomas Bushier.
+
+
+    SEVERAL ARRIVALS FROM DIFFERENT PLACES. Henry Anderson, Charles
+    and Margaret Congo, Chaskey Brown, William Henry Washington,
+    James Alfred Frisley, Charles Henry Salter, Stephen Taylor,
+    Charles Brown, Charles H. Hollis, Luther Dorsey.
+
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND. Jeremiah W. Smith and wife Julia.
+
+
+    EIGHT ARRIVALS. James Massey, Perry Henry Trusty, George Rhoads,
+    James Rhoads, George Washington, Sarah Elizabeth Rhoads, and
+    Child, Mary Elizabeth Stephenson.
+
+
+    CHARLES THOMPSON. Carrier of "The National American".
+
+
+    BLOOD FLOWED FREELY. Abram Galloway and Richard Eden--Secreted
+    in a Vessel Loaded with Spirits of Turpentine--Shrouds Prepared
+    to Prevent being Smoked to Death--Abram a Soldier under Father
+    Abraham--Senator of North Carolina.
+
+
+    JOHN PETTIFOOT. "One Hundred Dollars Reward" Offered--McHenry
+    and McCulloch Anxious About John.
+
+
+    EMANUEL T. WHITE. "Would rather Fight than Eat".
+
+
+    THE ESCAPE OF A CHILD FOURTEEN MONTHS OLD. Letter from
+    "J.B."--Letters from E.L. Stevens ... Great Anxiety and Care.
+
+
+    ESCAPE OF A YOUNG SLAVE MOTHER. Baby, Little Girl and Husband
+    left Behind--Three Hundred Dollars Reward Offered.
+
+
+    SAMUEL W. JOHNSON. Arrival from the Richmond Daily Dispatch
+    Office--"Uncle Tom's Cabin" turned Sam's Brain--Affecting
+    Letters.
+
+
+    FAMILY FROM BALTIMORE. Stephen Amos _alias_ Henry Johnson,
+    Harriet _alias_ Mary Jane Johnson, and their four children, Ann
+    Rebecca, William H., Elizabeth and Mary Ellen.
+
+
+    ELIJAH HILTON. From Richmond--"Five Hundred Dollars Reward"
+    offered by R.J. Christian.... Grateful letter from Canada.
+
+
+    SOLOMON BROWN. Arrived per City of Richmond--Letter from Canada
+    containing expressions of Gratitude.
+
+
+    WILLIAM HOGG ALIAS JOHN SMITH. Traveler from Maryland--William
+    was much troubled about his Wife left behind--Letter from
+    Canada.
+
+
+    TWO FEMALE PASSENGERS FROM MARYLAND. Ann Johnson and Lavina
+    Woolfley Sold--Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire.
+
+
+    CAPTAIN F. AND THE MAYOR OF NORFOLK. Twenty-one Passengers
+    secreted in Captain Fountain's Boat--Mayor and Posse of Officers
+    on the Boat searching for U.G.R.R. Passengers.
+
+
+    ARRIVALS FROM DIFFERENT PLACES. Matilda Mahoney--Dr. J.W.
+    Pennington's Brother and Sons--Great Adventure to deliver a
+    Lover.
+
+
+    FLEEING GIRL OF FIFTEEN IN MALE ATTIRE. Ann Maria Weems alias
+    Joe Wright--Great Triumph--Arrival on Thanksgiving
+    Day--Interesting letters from J. Bigelow.
+
+
+    FIVE YEARS AND ONE MONTH SECRETED. John Henry, Hezekiah and
+    James Hill.
+
+
+    FROM VIRGINIA, MARYLAND AND DELAWARE. Archer Barlow, alias Emet
+    Robins--Samuel Bush _alias_ William Oblebee--John Spencer and
+    his son William and James Albert--Robert Fisher--NATHAN
+    HARRIS--Hansel Waples--Rosanna Tonnell, _alias_ Maria Hyde--Mary
+    Ennis _alias_ Licia Hemmit and two Children--Lydia and Louisa
+    Caroline.
+
+
+    SAM, ISAAC, PERRY, CHARLES AND GREEN. "One Thousand Dollars
+    Reward".
+
+
+    FROM RICHMOND AND NORFOLK, VA. William B. White, Susan Brooks,
+    and Wm. Henry Atkinson.
+
+
+    FOUR ARRIVALS. Charlotte and Harriet escape in deep
+    Mourning--White Lady and Child with a Colored Coachman--Three
+    likely Young Men from Baltimore--Four large and two Small
+    Hams--U.G.R.R.  Passengers Travelling with their Master's Horses
+    and Carriage--Six Passengers on two Horses, &c.
+
+
+    FROM VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, NORTH CAROLINA, WASHINGTON,
+    D.C. AND SOUTH CAROLINA.
+
+    CHARLES GILBERT, Fleeing from Davis, a Negro Trader--Secreted
+    under a Hotel--Up a Tree--Under a Floor--In a Thicket--On a
+    Steamer.
+
+
+    LIBERTY OR DEATH. Jim Bowlegs alias Bill Paul.
+
+
+    SALT-WATER FUGITIVE.
+
+    SAMUEL GREEN ALIAS WESLEY KINNARD. Ten Years in the Penitentiary
+    for having a Copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin in his House.
+
+
+    AN IRISH GIRL'S DEVOTION TO FREEDOM. In Love with a Slave--Gets
+    him off to Canada--Follows him--Marriage, &c.
+
+
+    "SAM" NIXON ALIAS DR. THOMAS BAYNE. The Escape of a Dentist on
+    the U.G.R.R. &c.
+
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS. From Loudoun County, Va., Norfolk, Baltimore,
+    Md., Petersburg, Va., &c.
+
+
+    HEAVY REWARD. "Two Thousand Six Hundred Dollars Reward" Offered.
+
+
+    SLAVE-TRADER HALL IS FOILED. Robert McCoy alias William Donar,
+    and Elizabeth Sanders, arrived per steamer.
+
+
+    THE PROTECTION OF SLAVE PROPERTY IN VIRGINIA. A Bill providing
+    additional Protection for the Slave Property of Citizens of this
+    Commonwealth.
+
+
+    ESCAPING IN A CHEST. "One Hundred and Fifty Dollars
+    Reward"--Lear Green.
+
+
+    ISAAC WILLIAMS, HENRY BANKS AND KIT NICKLESS.
+
+    ARRIVAL OF FIVE PROM THE EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND. Cyrus
+    Mitchell alias John Steel, Joshua Handy alias Hambleton Hamby,
+    Charles Button alias William Robinson, Ephraim Hudson alias John
+    Spry, Francis Molock alias Thomas Jackson.
+
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS ABOUT AUGUST 1ST, 1855. Francis Hilliard and
+    Others.
+
+
+    DEEP FURROWS ON THE BACK. Thomas Madden.
+
+
+    PETER MATHEWS ALIAS SAMUEL SPARROWS. "I might as well be in the
+    Penitentiary as in Slavery."
+
+
+    "MOSES" ARRIVES WITH SIX PASSENGERS.
+
+    ESCAPED FROM "A WORTHLESS SOT." John Atkinson.
+
+
+    WILLIAM BUTCHER ALIAS Wm. T. MTCHELL. "He was abuseful".
+
+
+    "WHITE ENOUGH TO PASS".
+
+    ESCAPING WITH MASTER'S CARRIAGES AND HORSES. Harriet Shephard,
+    and her five Children with five other Passengers.
+
+
+    EIGHT AND A HALF MONTHS SECRETED. Washington Somlor alias James
+    Moore.
+
+
+    ARTHUR FOWLER ALIAS BENJAMIN JOHNSON.
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS. About the 1st of June, 1855--Emory Roberts and
+    others.
+
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS ABOUT JANUARY 1ST, 1855. Verenea Mercer and
+    others.
+
+
+    SLAVE-HOLDER IN MARYLAND WITH THREE COLORED WIVES. James Griffin
+    alias Thomas Brown.
+
+
+    CAPTAIN F. ARRIVES WITH NINE PASSENGERS. Names of Passengers.
+
+
+    OWEN AND OTHO TAYLOR'S FLIGHT WITH HORSES, &c.
+
+    HEAVY REWARD. Three Hundred Dollars Reward--"Tom" gone.
+
+
+    CAPT. F. ARRIVES WITH FOURTEEN "PRIME ARTICLES" ON BOARD.
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS, LATTER PART OF DECEMBER, 1855, AND BEGINNING OF
+    JANUARY, 1856. Joseph Cornish and others.
+
+
+    PART OF THE ARRIVALS IN DECEMBER, 1855. Thomas J. Gooseberry and
+    others.
+
+
+    THE FUGITIVE SLAVE BILL OF 1850. "An Act Respecting Fugitives
+    from Justice, and Persons Escaping from the Services of their
+    Masters."
+
+
+    THE SLAVE HUNTING TRAGEDY IN LANCASTER COUNTY, IN SEPTEMBER,
+    1851. "Treason at Christiana".
+
+
+    WILLIAM AND ELLEN CRAFT. Female Slave in Male Attire, fleeing as
+    a Planter, with her Husband as her Body Servant.
+
+
+    ARRIVALS FROM RICHMOND. Lewis Cobb and Nancy Brister.
+
+
+    PASSENGERS FROM NORTH CAROLINA, [By SCHOONER.] Major Latham,
+    William Wilson, Henry Goram, Wiley Madison, and Andrew Shepherd.
+
+
+    THOMAS CLINTON, SAUNEY PRY AND BENJAMIN DUCKET. Passed over the
+    U.G.R.R. in the Fall of 1856.
+
+
+    ARRIVALS IN APRIL, 1856. Charles Hall and others.
+
+
+    FIVE FROM GEORGETOWN CROSS-ROADS. Mother and Child from Norfolk,
+    Va., &c.
+
+
+    PASSENGERS FROM MARYLAND. William Henry MOODY, BELINDA BIVANS,
+    &c.
+
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, D.C., &c., 1857. George Carroll,
+    Randolph Branson, John Clagart and William Royan.
+
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM UNIONVILLE, 1857. Israel Todd and Bazil Aldridge.
+
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1857. Ordee Lee and Richard J. Booce.
+
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM CAMBRIDGE, 1857. Silas Long and Solomon Light--"The
+    Mother of Twelve Children"--Old Jane Davis.
+
+
+    BENJAMIN ROSS AND HIS WIFE HARRIET Fled from Caroline County,
+    Eastern Shore of Maryland, June, 1857.
+
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM ALEXANDRIA, IN 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM UNIONVILLE, 1857.
+
+    FROM NEW ORLEANS, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM GEORGETOWN CROSS ROADS AND ALEXANDRIA.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM NORFOLK, VA.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
+
+    FOUR ABLE BODIED "ARTICLES" IN ONE ARRIVAL, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM ARLINGTON, MD., 1857.
+
+    FIVE PASSENGERS, 1847.
+
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM HOWARD COUNTY, MD., 1857.
+
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM NORTH CAROLINA, 1857.
+
+    ALFRED HOLLON, GEORGE AND CHARLES N. RODGERS.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM KENT COUNTY, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE COUNTY, 1857.
+
+    MARY COOPER AND MOSES ARMSTEAD, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM NEAR WASHINGTON, D.C.
+
+    HON. L. McLANE'S PROPERTY, SOON AFTER HIS DEATH, TRAVELS VIA THE
+    UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD--WILLIAM KNIGHT, ESQ. LOSES A SUPERIOR
+    "ARTICLE."
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM HARFORD COUNTY, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM NORFOLK, VA., 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM HOOPERVILLE, MD., 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM QUEEN ANNE COUNTY, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE.
+
+    ARRIVED FROM DUNWOODY COUNTY, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVED FROM ALEXANDRIA, VA., 1857.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM PETERSBURG, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+    ARRIVAL OF A PARTY OF SIX, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM HIGHTSTOWN, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM BELLAIR.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM NORFOLK, VA., 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM NEAR BALTIMORE, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM THE OLD DOMINION.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND DELAWARE.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM HONEY BROOK TOWNSHIP, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM ALEXANDRIA, VA., 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.
+
+    CROSSING THE BAY IN A SKIFF.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM KENT COUNTY, MD., 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM CECIL COUNTY, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM GEORGETOWN, D.C., 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM SUSSEX COUNTY, 1858.
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS IN 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1859.
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS, 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1859.
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM MARYLAND, 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM SEAFORD, 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM TAPS' NECK, MD., 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1859.
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM VIRGINIA, MARYLAND AND DELAWARE.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM DIFFERENT POINTS.
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM MARYLAND, 1860.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1860.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE, 1860.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM FREDERICKSBURG, 1860.
+
+    SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM MARYLAND, 1860.
+
+    CROSSING THE BAY IN A BATTEAU.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM DORCHESTER COUNTY, 1860.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1860.
+
+    TWELVE MONTHS IN THE WOODS, 1860.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+    A SLAVE CATCHER CAUGHT IN HIS OWN TRAP.
+
+    TO WHOM IT MIGHT CONCERN.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1858.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1859.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND.
+
+    "AUNT HANNAH MOORE."
+
+    KIDNAPPING OF RACHEL AND ELIZABETH PARKER--MURDER OF JOSEPH C.
+    MILLER, IN 1851 AND 1852.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1854.
+
+    ARRIVAL FROM NORFOLK.
+
+    ARRIVAL OF FIFTEEN FROM NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.
+
+    THE CASE OF EUPHEMIA WILLIAMS.
+
+    HELPERS AND SYMPATHIZERS AT HOME AND ABROAD--INTERESTING
+    LETTERS.
+
+    PAMPHLET AND LETTERS.
+
+    LETTERS TO THE WRITER.
+
+    WOMAN ESCAPING IN A BOX, 1857.
+
+    ORGANIZATION OF THE VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.
+
+    PORTRAITS AND SKETCHES.
+
+    ESTHER MOORE.
+
+    ABIGAIL GOODWIN.
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+    DANIEL GIBBONS.
+
+    LUCRETIA MOTT.
+
+    JAMES MILLER McKIM.
+
+    WILLIAM H. FURNESS, D.D.
+
+    WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON.
+
+    LEWIS TAPPAN.
+
+    ELIJAH F. PENNYPACKER.
+
+    WILLIAM WRIGHT.
+
+    DR. BARTHOLOMEW FUSSELL.
+
+    THOMAS SHIPLEY.
+
+    ROBERT PURVIS.
+
+    JOHN HUNN.
+
+    SAMUEL RHOADS.
+
+    GEORGE CORSON.
+
+    CHARLES D. CLEVELAND.
+
+    WILLIAM WHIPPER.
+
+    ISAAC T. HOPPER.
+
+    SAMUEL D. BURRIS.
+
+    MARIANN, GRACE ANNA, AND ELIZABETH R. LEWIS.
+
+    CUNNINGHAM'S RACHE.
+
+    FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+
+UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+SETH CONCKLIN.
+
+
+In the long list of names who have suffered and died in the cause of
+freedom, not one, perhaps, could be found whose efforts to redeem a poor
+family of slaves were more Christlike than Seth Concklin's, whose noble
+and daring spirit has been so long completely shrouded in mystery.
+Except John Brown, it is a question, whether his rival could be found
+with respect to boldness, disinterestedness and willingness to be
+sacrificed for the deliverance of the oppressed.
+
+By chance one day he came across a copy of the Pennsylvania Freeman,
+containing the story of Peter Still, "the Kidnapped and the
+Ransomed,"--how he had been torn away from his mother, when a little boy
+six years old; how, for forty years and more, he had been compelled to
+serve under the yoke, totally destitute as to any knowledge of his
+parents' whereabouts; how the intense love of liberty and desire to get
+back to his mother had unceasingly absorbed his mind through all these
+years of bondage; how, amid the most appalling discouragements, prompted
+alone by his undying determination to be free and be reunited with those
+from whom he had been sold away, he contrived to buy himself; how, by
+extreme economy, from doing over-work, he saved up five hundred dollars,
+the amount of money required for his ransom, which, with his freedom,
+he, from necessity, placed unreservedly in the confidential keeping of a
+Jew, named Joseph Friedman, whom he had known for a long time and could
+venture to trust,--how he had further toiled to save up money to defray
+his expenses on an expedition in search of his mother and kindred; how,
+when this end was accomplished, with an earnest purpose he took his
+carpet-bag in his hand, and his heart throbbing for his old home and
+people, he turned his mind very privately towards Philadelphia, where he
+hoped, by having notices read in the colored churches to the effect that
+"forty-one or forty-two years before two little boys[A] were kidnapped
+and carried South"--that the memory of some of the older members might
+recall the circumstances, and in this way he would be aided in his
+ardent efforts to become restored to them.
+
+[Footnote A: Sons of Levin and Sidney--the last names of his parents he
+was too young to remember.]
+
+And, furthermore, Seth Concklin had read how, on arriving in
+Philadelphia, after traveling sixteen hundred miles, that almost the
+first man whom Peter Still sought advice from was his own unknown
+brother (whom he had never seen or heard of), who made the discovery
+that he was the long-lost boy, whose history and fate had been enveloped
+in sadness so long, and for whom his mother had shed so many tears and
+offered so many prayers, during the long years of their separation; and,
+finally, how this self-ransomed and restored captive, notwithstanding
+his great success, was destined to suffer the keenest pangs of sorrow
+for his wife and children, whom he had left in Alabama bondage.
+
+Seth Concklin was naturally too singularly sympathetic and humane not to
+feel now for Peter, and especially for his wife and children left in
+bonds as bound with them. Hence, as Seth was a man who seemed wholly
+insensible to fear, and to know no other law of humanity and right, than
+whenever the claims of the suffering and the wronged appealed to him, to
+respond unreservedly, whether those thus injured were amongst his
+nearest kin or the greatest strangers,--it mattered not to what race or
+clime they might belong,--he, in the spirit of the good Samaritan,
+owning all such as his neighbors, volunteered his services, without pay
+or reward, to go and rescue the wife and three children of Peter Still.
+
+The magnitude of this offer can hardly be appreciated. It was literally
+laying his life on the altar of freedom for the despised and oppressed
+whom he had never seen, whose kins-folk even he was not acquainted with.
+At this juncture even Peter was not prepared to accept this proposal. He
+wanted to secure the freedom of his wife and children as earnestly as he
+had ever desired to see his mother, yet he could not, at first, hearken
+to the idea of having them rescued in the way suggested by Concklin,
+fearing a failure.
+
+To J.M. McKim and the writer, the bold scheme for the deliverance of
+Peter's family was alone confided. It was never submitted to the
+Vigilance Committee, for the reason, that it was not considered a matter
+belonging thereto. On first reflection, the very idea of such an
+undertaking seemed perfectly appalling. Frankly was he told of the great
+dangers and difficulties to be encountered through hundreds of miles of
+slave territory. Seth was told of those who, in attempting to aid slaves
+to escape had fallen victims to the relentless Slave Power, and had
+either lost their lives, or been incarcerated for long years in
+penitentiaries, where no friendly aid could be afforded them; in short,
+he was plainly told, that without a very great chance, the undertaking
+would cost him his life. The occasion of this interview and
+conversation, the seriousness of Concklin and the utter failure in
+presenting the various obstacles to his plan, to create the slightest
+apparent misgiving in his mind, or to produce the slightest sense of
+fear or hesitancy, can never be effaced from the memory of the writer.
+The plan was, however, allowed to rest for a time.
+
+In the meanwhile, Peter's mind was continually vacillating between
+Alabama, with his wife and children, and his new-found relatives in the
+North. Said a brother, "If you cannot get your family, what will you do?
+Will you come North and live with your relatives?" "I would as soon go
+out of the world, as not to go back and do all I can for them," was the
+prompt reply of Peter.
+
+The problem of buying them was seriously considered, but here obstacles
+quite formidable lay in the way. Alabama laws utterly denied the right
+of a slave to buy himself, much less his wife and children. The right of
+slave masters to free their slaves, either by sale or emancipation, was
+positively prohibited by law. With these reflections weighing upon his
+mind, having stayed away from his wife as long as he could content
+himself to do, he took his carpet-bag in his hand, and turned his face
+toward Alabama, to embrace his family in the prison-house of bondage.
+
+His approach home could only be made stealthily, not daring to breathe
+to a living soul, save his own family, his nominal Jew master, and one
+other friend--a slave--where he had been, the prize he had found, or
+anything in relation to his travels. To his wife and children his return
+was unspeakably joyous. The situation of his family concerned him with
+tenfold more weight than ever before,
+
+As the time drew near to make the offer to his wife's master to purchase
+her with his children, his heart failed him through fear of awakening
+the ire of slaveholders against him, as he knew that the law and public
+sentiment were alike deadly opposed to the spirit of freedom in the
+slave. Indeed, as innocent as a step in this direction might appear, in
+those days a man would have stood about as good a chance for his life in
+entering a lair of hungry hyenas, as a slave or free colored man would,
+in talking about freedom.
+
+He concluded, therefore, to say nothing about buying. The plan proposed
+by Seth Concklin was told to Vina, his wife; also what he had heard from
+his brother about the Underground Rail Road,--how, that many who could
+not get their freedom in any other way, by being aided a little, were
+daily escaping to Canada. Although the wife and children had never
+tasted the pleasures of freedom for a single hour in their lives, they
+hated slavery heartily, and being about to be far separated from husband
+and father, they were ready to assent to any proposition that looked
+like deliverance.
+
+So Peter proposed to Vina, that she should give him certain small
+articles, consisting of a cape, etc., which he would carry with him as
+memorials, and, in case Concklin or any one else should ever come for
+her from him, as an unmistakable sign that all was right, he would send
+back, by whoever was to befriend them, the cape, so that she and the
+children might not doubt but have faith in the man, when he gave her the
+sign, (cape).
+
+Again Peter returned to Philadelphia, and was now willing to accept the
+offer of Concklin. Ere long, the opportunity of an interview was had,
+and Peter gave Seth a very full description of the country and of his
+family, and made known to him, that he had very carefully gone over with
+his wife and children the matter of their freedom. This interview
+interested Concklin most deeply. If his own wife and children had been
+in bondage, scarcely could he have manifested greater sympathy for them.
+
+For the hazardous work before him he was at once prepared to make a
+start. True he had two sisters in Philadelphia for whom he had always
+cherished the warmest affection, but he conferred not with them on this
+momentous mission. For full well did he know that it was not in human
+nature for them to acquiesce in this perilous undertaking, though one of
+these sisters, Mrs. Supplee, was a most faithful abolitionist.
+
+Having once laid his hand to the plough he was not the man to look
+back,--not even to bid his sisters good-bye, but he actually left them
+as though he expected to be home to his dinner as usual. What had become
+of him during those many weeks of his perilous labors in Alabama to
+rescue this family was to none a greater mystery than to his sisters. On
+leaving home he simply took two or three small articles in the way of
+apparel with one hundred dollars to defray his expenses for a time; this
+sum he considered ample to start with. Of course he had very safely
+concealed about him Vina's cape and one or two other articles which he
+was to use for his identification in meeting her and the children on the
+plantation.
+
+His first thought was, on reaching his destination, after becoming
+acquainted with the family, being familiar with Southern manners, to
+have them all prepared at a given hour for the starting of the steamboat
+for Cincinnati, and to join him at the wharf, when he would boldly
+assume the part of a slaveholder, and the family naturally that of
+slaves, and in this way he hoped to reach Cincinnati direct, before
+their owner had fairly discovered their escape.
+
+But alas for Southern irregularity, two or three days' delay after being
+advertised to start, was no uncommon circumstance with steamers; hence
+this plan was abandoned. What this heroic man endured from severe
+struggles and unyielding exertions, in traveling thousands of miles on
+water and on foot, hungry and fatigued, rowing his living freight for
+seven days and seven nights in a skiff, is hardly to be paralleled in
+the annals of the Underground Rail Road.
+
+The following interesting letters penned by the hand of Concklin convey
+minutely his last struggles and characteristically represent the
+singleness of heart which impelled him to sacrifice his life for the
+slave--
+
+EASTPORT, MISS., FEB. 3, 1851.
+
+To Wm. Still:--Our friends in Cincinnati have failed finding anybody to
+assist me on my return. Searching the country opposite Paducah, I find
+that the whole country fifty miles round is inhabited only by Christian
+wolves. It is customary, when a strange negro is seen, for any white man
+to seize the negro and convey such negro through and out of the State of
+Illinois to Paducah, Ky., and lodge such stranger in Paducah jail, and
+there claim such reward as may be offered by the master.
+
+There is no regularity by the steamboats on the Tennessee River. I was
+four days getting to Florence from Paducah. Sometimes they are four days
+starting, from the time appointed, which alone puts to rest the plan for
+returning by steamboat. The distance from the mouth of the river to
+Florence, is from between three hundred and five to three hundred and
+forty-five miles by the river; by land, two hundred and fifty, or more.
+
+I arrived at the shoe shop on the plantation, one o'clock, Tuesday,
+28th. William and two boys were making shoes. I immediately gave the
+first signal, anxiously waiting thirty minutes for an opportunity to
+give the second and main signal, during which time I was very sociable.
+It was rainy and muddy--my pants were rolled up to the knees. I was in
+the character of a man seeking employment in this country. End of thirty
+minutes gave the second signal.
+
+William appeared unmoved; soon sent out the boys; instantly sociable;
+Peter and Levin at the Island; one of the young masters with them; not
+safe to undertake to see them till Saturday night, when they would be at
+home; appointed a place to see Vina, in an open field, that night; they
+to bring me something to eat; our interview only four minutes; I left;
+appeared by night; dark and cloudy; at ten o'clock appeared William;
+exchanged signals; led me a few rods to where stood Vina; gave her the
+signal sent by Peter; our interview ten minutes; she did not call me
+"master," nor did she say "sir," by which I knew she had confidence in
+me.
+
+Our situation being dangerous, we decided that I meet Peter and Levin on
+the bank of the river early dawn of day, Sunday, to establish the laws.
+During our interview, William prostrated on his knees, and face to the
+ground; arms sprawling; head cocked back, watching for wolves, by which
+position a man can see better in the dark. No house to go to safely,
+traveled round till morning, eating hoe cake which William had given me
+for supper; next day going around to get employment. I thought of
+William, who is a Christian preacher, and of the Christian preachers in
+Pennsylvania. One watching for wolves by night, to rescue Vina and her
+three children from Christian licentiousness; the other standing erect
+in open day, seeking the praise of men.
+
+During the four days waiting for the important Sunday morning, I
+thoroughly surveyed the rocks and shoals of the river from Florence
+seven miles up, where will be my place of departure. General notice was
+taken of me as being a stranger, lurking around. Fortunately there are
+several small grist mills within ten miles around. No taverns here, as
+in the North; any planter's house entertains travelers occasionally.
+
+One night I stayed at a medical gentleman's, who is not a large planter;
+another night at an ex-magistrate's house in South Florence--a Virginian
+by birth--one of the late census takers; told me that many more persons
+cannot read and write than is reported; one fact, amongst many others,
+that many persons who do not know the letters of the alphabet, have
+learned to write their own names; such are generally reported readers
+and writers.
+
+It being customary for a stranger not to leave the house early in the
+morning where he has lodged, I was under the necessity of staying out
+all night Saturday, to be able to meet Peter and Levin, which was
+accomplished in due time. When we approached, I gave my signal first;
+immediately they gave theirs. I talked freely. Levin's voice, at first,
+evidently trembled. No wonder, for my presence universally attracted
+attention by the lords of the land. Our interview was less than one
+hour; the laws were written. I to go to Cincinnati to get a rowing boat
+and provisions; a first class clipper boat to go with speed. To depart
+from the place where the laws were written, on Saturday night of the
+first of March. I to meet one of them at the same place Thursday night,
+previous to the fourth Saturday from the night previous to the Sunday
+when the laws were written. We to go down the Tennessee river to some
+place up the Ohio, not yet decided on, in our row boat. Peter and Levin
+are good oarsmen. So am I. Telegraph station at Tuscumbia, twelve miles
+from the plantation, also at Paducah.
+
+Came from Florence to here Sunday night by steamboat. Eastport is in
+Mississippi. Waiting here for a steamboat to go down; paying one dollar
+a day for board. Like other taverns here, the wretchedness is
+indescribable; no pen, ink, paper or newspaper to be had; only one room
+for everybody, except the gambling rooms. It is difficult for me to
+write. Vina intends to get a pass for Catharine and herself for the
+first Sunday in March.
+
+The bank of the river where I met Peter and Levin is two miles from the
+plantation. I have avoided saying I am from Philadelphia. Also avoided
+talking about negroes. I never talked so much about milling before. I
+consider most of the trouble over, till I arrive in a free State with my
+crew, the first week in March; then will I have to be wiser than
+Christian serpents, and more cautious than doves. I do not consider it
+safe to keep this letter in my possession, yet I dare not put it in the
+post-office here; there is so little business in these post-offices that
+notice might be taken.
+
+I am evidently watched; everybody knows me to be a miller. I may write
+again when I get to Cincinnati, if I should have time. The
+ex-magistrate, with whom I stayed in South Florence, held three hours'
+talk with me, exclusive of our morning talk. Is a man of good general
+information; he was exceedingly inquisitive. "I am from Cincinnati,
+formerly from the _State of New York_." I had no opportunity to get
+anything to eat from seven o'clock Tuesday morning till six o'clock
+Wednesday evening, except the hoe cake, and no sleep.
+
+Florence is the head of navigation for small steamboats. Seven miles,
+all the way up to my place of departure, is swift water, and rocky.
+Eight hundred miles to Cincinnati. I found all things here as Peter told
+me, except the distance of the river. South Florence contains twenty
+white families, three warehouses of considerable business, a
+post-office, but no school. McKiernon is here waiting for a steamboat to
+go to New Orleans, so we are in company.
+
+PRINCETON, GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA, FEB. 18, 1851.
+
+To Wm. Still:--The plan is to go to Canada, on the Wabash, opposite
+Detroit. There are four routes to Canada. One through Illinois,
+commencing above and below Alton; one through to North Indiana, and the
+Cincinnati route, being the largest route in the United States.
+
+I intended to have gone through Pennsylvania, but the risk going up the
+Ohio river has caused me to go to Canada. Steamboat traveling is
+universally condemned, though many go in boats, consequently many get
+lost. Going in a skiff is new, and is approved of in my case. After I
+arrive at the mouth of the Tennessee river, I will go up the Ohio
+seventy-five miles, to the mouth of the Wabash, then up the Wabash,
+forty-four miles to New Harmony, where I shall go ashore by night, and
+go thirteen miles east, to Charles Grier, a farmer, (colored man), who
+will entertain us, and next night convey us sixteen miles to David
+Stormon, near Princeton, who will take the command, and I be released.
+
+David Stormon estimates the expenses from his house to Canada, at forty
+dollars, without which, no sure protection will be given. They might be
+instructed concerning the course, and beg their way through without
+money. If you wish to do what should be done, you will send me fifty
+dollars, in a letter, to Princeton, Gibson county, Inda., so as to
+arrive there by the 8th of March. Eight days should be estimated for a
+letter to arrive from Philadelphia.
+
+The money to be State Bank of Ohio, or State Bank, or Northern Bank of
+Kentucky, or any other Eastern bank. Send no notes larger than twenty
+dollars.
+
+Levi Coffin had no money for me. I paid twenty dollars for the skiff. No
+money to get back to Philadelphia. It was not understood that I would
+have to be at any expense seeking aid.
+
+One half of my time has been used in trying to find persons to assist,
+when I may arrive on the Ohio river, in which I have failed, except
+Stormon.
+
+Having no letter of introduction to Stormon from any source, on which I
+could fully rely, I traveled two hundred miles around, to find out his
+stability. I have found many Abolitionists, nearly all who have made
+propositions, which themselves would not comply with, and nobody else
+would. Already I have traveled over three thousand miles. Two thousand
+and four hundred by steamboat, two hundred by railroad, one hundred by
+stage, four hundred on foot, forty-eight in a skiff.
+
+I have yet five hundred miles to go to the plantation, to commence
+operations. I have been two weeks on the decks of steamboats, three
+nights out, two of which I got perfectly wet. If I had had paper money,
+as McKim desired, it would have been destroyed. I have not been
+entertained gratis at any place except Stormon's. I had one hundred and
+twenty-six dollars when I left Philadelphia, one hundred from you,
+twenty-six mine.
+
+Telegraphed to station at Evansville, thirty-three miles from Stormon's,
+and at Vinclure's, twenty-five miles from Stormon's. The Wabash route is
+considered the safest route. No one has ever been lost from Stormon's to
+Canada. Some have been lost between Stormon's and the Ohio. The wolves
+have never suspected Stormon. Your asking aid in money for a case
+properly belonging east of Ohio, is detested. If you have sent money to
+Cincinnati, you should recall it. I will have no opportunity to use it.
+
+Seth Concklin, Princeton, Gibson county, Ind.
+
+P.S. First of April, will be about the time Peter's family will arrive
+opposite Detroit. You should inform yourself how to find them there. I
+may have no opportunity.
+
+I will look promptly for your letter at Princeton, till the 10th of
+March, and longer if there should have been any delay by the mails.
+
+In March, as contemplated, Concklin arrived in Indiana, at the place
+designated, with Peter's wife and three children, and sent a thrilling
+letter to the writer, portraying in the most vivid light his adventurous
+flight from the hour they left Alabama until their arrival in Indiana.
+In this report he stated, that instead of starting early in the morning,
+owing to some unforeseen delay on the part of the family, they did not
+reach the designated place till towards day, which greatly exposed them
+in passing a certain town which he had hoped to avoid.
+
+But as his brave heart was bent on prosecuting his journey without
+further delay, he concluded to start at all hazards, notwithstanding the
+dangers he apprehended from passing said town by daylight. For safety he
+endeavored to hide his freight by having them all lie flat down on the
+bottom of the skiff; covered them with blankets, concealing them from
+the effulgent beams of the early morning sun, or rather from the
+"Christian Wolves" who might perchance espy him from the shore in
+passing the town.
+
+The wind blew fearfully. Concklin was rowing heroically when loud voices
+from the shore hailed him, but he was utterly deaf to the sound.
+Immediately one or two guns were fired in the direction of the skiff,
+but he heeded not this significant call; consequently here ended this
+difficulty. He supposed, as the wind was blowing so hard, those on shore
+who hailed him must have concluded that he did not hear them and that he
+meant no disrespect in treating them with seeming indifference. Whilst
+many straits and great dangers had to be passed, this was the greatest
+before reaching their destination.
+
+But suffice it to say that the glad tidings which this letter contained
+filled the breast of Peter with unutterable delight and his friends and
+relations with wonder beyond degree.[A] No fond wife had ever waited
+with more longing desire for the return of her husband than Peter had
+for this blessed news. All doubts had disappeared, and a well grounded
+hope was cherished that within a few short days Peter and his fond wife
+and children would be reunited in Freedom on the Canada side, and that
+Concklin and the friends would be rejoicing with joy unspeakable over
+this great triumph. But alas, before the few days had expired the
+subjoined brief paragraph of news was discovered in the morning Ledger.
+
+[Footnote A: In some unaccountable manner this the last letter Concklin
+ever penned, perhaps, has been unfortunately lost.]
+
+
+    RUNAWAY NEGROES CAUGHT.--At Vincennes, Indiana, on Saturday
+    last, a white man and four negroes were arrested. The negroes
+    belong to B. McKiernon, of South Florence, Alabama, and the man
+    who was running them off calls himself John H. Miller. The
+    prisoners were taken charge of by the Marshall of
+    Evansville.--_April 9th_.
+
+
+How suddenly these sad tidings turned into mourning and gloom the hope
+and joy of Peter and his relatives no pen could possibly describe; at
+least the writer will not attempt it here, but will at once introduce a
+witness who met the noble Concklin and the panting fugitives in Indiana
+and proffered them sympathy and advice. And it may safely be said from a
+truer and more devoted friend of the slave they could not have received
+counsel.
+
+
+    EVANSVILLE, INDIANA, MARCH 31st, 1851.
+
+    WM. STILL: _Dear Sir_ ,--On last Tuesday I mailed a letter to
+    you, written by Seth Concklin. I presume you have received that
+    letter. It gave an account of his rescue of the family of your
+    brother. If that is the last news you have had from them, I have
+    very painful intelligence for you. They passed on from near
+    Princeton, where I saw them and had a lengthy interview with
+    them, up north, I think twenty-three miles above Vincennes,
+    Ind., where they were seized by a party of men, and lodged in
+    jail. Telegraphic dispatches were sent all through the South. I
+    have since learned that the Marshall of Evansville received a
+    dispatch from Tuscumbia, to look out for them. By some means, he
+    and the master, so says report, went to Vincennes and claimed
+    the fugitives, chained Mr. Concklin and hurried all off. Mr.
+    Concklin wrote to Mr. David Stormon, Princeton, as soon as he
+    was cast into prison, to find bail. So soon as we got the letter
+    and could get off, two of us were about setting off to render
+    all possible aid, when we were told they all had passed, a few
+    hours before, through Princeton, Mr. Concklin in chains. What
+    kind of process was had, if any, I know not. I immediately came
+    down to this place, and learned that they had been put on a boat
+    at 3 P.M. I did not arrive until 6. Now all hopes of their
+    recovery are gone. No case ever so enlisted my sympathies. I had
+    seen Mr. Concklin in Cincinnati. I had given him aid and
+    counsel. I happened to see them after they landed in Indiana. I
+    heard Peter and Levin tell their tale of suffering, shed tears
+    of sorrow for them all; but now, since they have fallen a prey
+    to the unmerciful blood-hounds of this state, and have again
+    been dragged back to unrelenting bondage, I am entirely
+    unmanned. And poor Concklin! I fear for him. When he is dragged
+    back to Alabama, I fear they will go far beyond the utmost rigor
+    of the law, and vent their savage cruelty upon him. It is with
+    pain I have to communicate these things. But you may not hear
+    them from him. I could not get to see him or them, as Vincennes
+    is about thirty miles from Princeton, where I was when I heard
+    of the capture.
+
+    I take pleasure in stating that, according to the letter he
+    (Concklin) wrote to Mr. D. Stewart, Mr. Concklin did not abandon
+    them, but risked his own liberty to save them. He was not with
+    them when they were taken; but went afterwards to take them out
+    of jail upon a writ of Habeas Corpus, when they seized him too
+    and lodged him in prison.
+
+    I write in much haste. If I can learn any more facts of
+    importance, I may write you. If you desire to hear from me
+    again, or if you should learn any thing specific from Mr.
+    Concklin, be pleased to write me at Cincinnati, where I expect
+    to be in a short time. If curious to know your correspondent, I
+    may say I was formerly Editor of the "New Concord Free Press,"
+    Ohio. I only add that every case of this kind only tends to make
+    me abhor my (no!) _this_ country more and more. It is the
+    Devil's Government, and God will destroy it.
+
+    Yours for the slave, N.R. JOHNSTON.
+
+    P.S. I broke open this letter to write you some more. The
+    foregoing pages were written at night. I expected to mail it
+    next morning before leaving Evansville; but the boat for which I
+    was waiting came down about three in the morning; so I had to
+    hurry on board, bringing the letter along. As it now is I am not
+    sorry, for coming down, on my way to St. Louis, as far as
+    Paducah, there I learned from a colored man at the wharf that,
+    that same day, in the morning, the master and the family of
+    fugitives arrived off the boat, and had then gone on their
+    journey to Tuscumbia, but that the "white man" (Mr. Concklin)
+    had "got away from them," about twelve miles up the river. It
+    seems he got off the boat some way, near or at Smithland, Ky., a
+    town at the mouth of the Cumberland River. I presume the report
+    is true, and hope he will finally escape, though I was also told
+    that they were in pursuit of him. Would that the others had also
+    escaped. Peter and Levin could have done so, I think, if they
+    had had resolution. One of them rode a horse, he not tied
+    either, behind the coach in which the others were. He followed
+    apparently "contented and happy." From report, they told their
+    master, and even their pursuers, before the master came, that
+    Concklin had decoyed them away, they coming unwillingly. I write
+    on a very unsteady boat.
+
+    Yours, N.R. JOHNSTON.
+
+
+A report found its way into the papers to the effect that "Miller," the
+white man arrested in connection with the capture of the family, was
+found drowned, with his hands and feet in chains and his skull
+fractured. It proved, as his friends feared, to be Seth Concklin. And in
+irons, upon the river bank, there is no doubt he was buried.
+
+In this dreadful hour one sad duty still remained to be performed. Up to
+this moment the two sisters were totally ignorant of their brother's
+whereabouts. Not the first whisper of his death had reached them. But
+they must now be made acquainted with all the facts in the case.
+Accordingly an interview was arranged for a meeting, and the duty of
+conveying this painful intelligence to one of the sisters, Mrs. Supplee,
+devolved upon Mr. McKim. And most tenderly and considerately did he
+perform his mournful task.
+
+Although a woman of nerve, and a true friend to the slave, an earnest
+worker and a liberal giver in the Female Anti-Slavery Society, for a
+time she was overwhelmed by the intelligence of her brother's death. As
+soon as possible, however, through very great effort, she controlled her
+emotions, and calmly expressed herself as being fully resigned to the
+awful event. Not a word of complaint had she to make because she had not
+been apprised of his movements; but said repeatedly, that, had she known
+ever so much of his intentions, she would have been totally powerless in
+opposing him if she had felt so disposed, and as an illustration of the
+true character of the man, from his boyhood up to the day he died for
+his fellow-man, she related his eventful career, and recalled a number
+of instances of his heroic and daring deeds for others, sacrificing his
+time and often periling his life in the cause of those who he considered
+were suffering gross wrongs and oppression. Hence, she concluded, that
+it was only natural for him in this case to have taken the steps he did.
+Now and then overflowing tears would obstruct this deeply thrilling and
+most remarkable story she was telling of her brother, but her memory
+seemed quickened by the sadness of the occasion, and she was enabled to
+recall vividly the chief events connected with his past history. Thus
+his agency in this movement, which cost him his life, could readily
+enough be accounted for, and the individuals who listened attentively to
+the story were prepared to fully appreciate his character, for, prior to
+offering his services in this mission, he had been a stranger to them.
+
+The following extract, taken from a letter of a subsequent date, in
+addition to the above letter, throws still further light upon the
+heart-rending affair, and shows Mr. Johnston's deep sympathy with the
+sufferers and the oppressed generally--
+
+
+
+EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. N.R. JOHNSTON.
+
+
+
+    My heart bleeds when I think of those poor, hunted and
+    heart-broken fugitives, though a most interesting family, taken
+    back to bondage ten-fold worse than Egyptian. And then poor
+    Concklin! How my heart expanded in love to him, as he told me
+    his adventures, his trials, his toils, his fears and his hopes!
+    After hearing all, and then seeing and communing with the
+    family, now joyful in hopes of soon seeing their husband and
+    father in the land of freedom; now in terror lest the human
+    blood-hounds should be at their heels, I felt as though I could
+    lay down my life in the cause of the oppressed. In that hour or
+    two of intercourse with Peter's family, my heart warmed with
+    love to them. I never saw more interesting young men. They would
+    make Remonds or Douglasses, if they had the same opportunities.
+
+    While I was with them, I was elated with joy at their escape,
+    and yet, when I heard their tale of woe, especially that of the
+    mother, I could not suppress tears of deepest emotion.
+
+    My joy was short-lived. Soon I heard of their capture. The
+    telegraph had been the means of their being claimed. I could
+    have torn down all the telegraph wires in the land. It was a
+    strange dispensation of Providence.
+
+    On Saturday the sad news of their capture came to my ears. We
+    had resolved to go to their aid on Monday, as the trial was set
+    for Thursday. On Sabbath, I spoke from Psalm xii. 5. "For the
+    oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I
+    arise," saith the Lord: "I will set him in safety from him that
+    puffeth at (from them that would enslave) him." When on Monday
+    morning I learned that the fugitives had passed through the
+    place on Sabbath, and Concklin in chains, probably at the very
+    time I was speaking on the subject referred to, my heart sank
+    within me. And even yet, I cannot but exclaim, when I think of
+    it--O, Father! how long ere Thou wilt arise to avenge the wrongs
+    of the poor slave! Indeed, my dear brother, His ways are very
+    mysterious. We have the consolation, however, to know that all
+    is for the best. Our Redeemer does all things well. When He hung
+    upon the cross, His poor broken hearted disciples could not
+    understand the providence; it was a dark time to them; and yet
+    that was an event that was fraught with more joy to the world
+    than any that has occurred or could occur. Let us stand at our
+    post and wait God's time. Let us have on the whole armor of God,
+    and fight for the right, knowing, that though we may fall in
+    battle, the victory will be ours, sooner or later.
+
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+    May God lead you into all truth, and sustain you in your labors,
+    and fulfill your prayers and hopes. Adieu.
+
+    N.R. JOHNSTON.
+
+
+
+
+LETTERS FROM LEVI COFFIN.
+
+
+The following letters on the subject were received from the untiring and
+devoted friend of the slave, Levi Coffin, who for many years had
+occupied in Cincinnati a similar position to that of Thomas Garrett in
+Delaware, a sentinel and watchman commissioned of God to succor the
+fleeing bondman--
+
+
+    CINCINNATI, 4TH MO., 10TH, 1851.
+
+    FRIEND WM. STILL:--We have sorrowful news from our friend
+    Concklin, through the papers and otherwise. I received a letter
+    a few days ago from a friend near Princeton, Ind., stating that
+    Concklin and the four slaves are in prison in Vincennes, and
+    that their trial would come on in a few days. He states that
+    they rowed seven days and nights in the skiff, and got safe to
+    Harmony, Ind., on the Wabash river, thence to Princeton, and
+    were conveyed to Vincennes by friends, where they were taken.
+    The papers state, that they were all given up to the Marshal of
+    Evansville, Indiana.
+
+    We have telegraphed to different points, to try to get some
+    information concerning them, but failed. The last information is
+    published in the _Times_ of yesterday, though quite incorrect in
+    the particulars of the case. Inclosed is the slip containing it.
+    I fear all is over in regard to the freedom of the slaves. If
+    the last account be true, we have some hope that Concklin will
+    escape from those bloody tyrants. I cannot describe my feelings
+    on hearing this sad intelligence. I feel ashamed to own my
+    country. Oh! what shall I say. Surely a God of justice will
+    avenge the wrongs of the oppressed.
+
+    Thine for the poor slave,
+
+    LEVI COFFIN.
+
+    N.B.--If thou hast any information, please write me forthwith.
+
+
+
+
+
+    CINCINNATI, 5TH MO., 11TH, 1851.
+
+    WM. STILL:--_Dear Friend_--Thy letter of 1st inst., came duly to
+    hand, but not being able to give any further information
+    concerning our friend, Concklin, I thought best to wait a little
+    before I wrote, still hoping to learn something more definite
+    concerning him.
+
+    We that became acquainted with Seth Concklin and his hazardous
+    enterprises (here at Cincinnati), who were very few, have felt
+    intense and inexpressible anxiety about them. And particularly
+    about poor Seth, since we heard of his falling into the hands of
+    the tyrants. I fear that he has fallen a victim to their inhuman
+    thirst for blood.
+
+    I seriously doubt the rumor, that he had made his escape. I fear
+    that he was sacrificed.
+
+    Language would fail to express my feelings; the intense and deep
+    anxiety I felt about them for weeks before I heard of their
+    capture in Indiana, and then it seemed too much to bear. O! my
+    heart almost bleeds when I think of it. The hopes of the dear
+    family all blasted by the wretched blood-hounds in human shape.
+    And poor Seth, after all his toil, and dangerous, shrewd and
+    wise management, and almost unheard of adventures, the many
+    narrow and almost miraculous escapes. Then to be given up to
+    Indianians, to these fiendish tyrants, to be sacrificed. O!
+    Shame, Shame!!
+
+    My heart aches, my eyes fill with tears, I cannot write more. I
+    cannot dwell longer on this painful subject now. If you get any
+    intelligence, please inform me. Friend N.R. Johnston, who took
+    so much interest in them, and saw them just before they were
+    taken, has just returned to the city. He is a minister of the
+    Covenanter order. He is truly a lovely man, and his heart is
+    full of the milk of humanity; one of our best Anti-Slavery
+    spirits. I spent last evening with him. He related the whole
+    story to me as he had it from friend Concklin and the mother and
+    children, and then the story of their capture. We wept together.
+    He found thy letter when he got here.
+
+    He said he would write the whole history to thee in a few days,
+    as far as he could. He can tell it much better than I can.
+
+    Concklin left his carpet sack and clothes here with me, except a
+    shirt or two he took with him. What shall I do with them? For if
+    we do not hear from him soon, we must conclude that he is lost,
+    and the report of his escape all a hoax.
+
+    Truly thy friend,
+
+    LEVI COFFIN.
+
+
+Stunning and discouraging as this horrible ending was to all concerned,
+and serious as the matter looked in the eyes of Peter's friends with
+regard to Peter's family, he could not for a moment abandon the idea of
+rescuing them from the jaws of the destroyer. But most formidable
+difficulties stood in the way of opening correspondence with reliable
+persons in Alabama. Indeed it seemed impossible to find a merchant,
+lawyer, doctor, planter or minister, who was not too completely
+interlinked with slavery to be relied upon to manage a negotiation of
+this nature. Whilst waiting and hoping for something favorable to turn
+up, the subjoined letter from the owner of Peter's family was received
+and is here inserted precisely as it was written, spelled and
+punctuated--
+
+
+
+McKIERNON'S LETTER.
+
+
+
+    SOUTH FLORENCE ALA 6 Augest 1851
+
+    Mr WILLIAM STILL _No 31 North Fifth street Philadelphia_
+
+    Sir a few days sinc mr Lewis Tharenton of Tuscumbia Ala shewed
+    me a letter dated 6 June 51 from Cincinnati signd samuel Lewis
+    in behalf of a Negro man by the name of peter Gist who informed
+    the writer of the Letter that you ware his brother and wished an
+    answer to be directed to you as he peter would be in
+    philadelphi. the object of the letter was to purchis from me 4
+    Negros that is peters wife & 3 children 2 sons & 1 Girl the Name
+    of said Negres are the woman Viney the (mother) Eldest son peter
+    21 or 2 years old second son Leven 19 or 20 years 1 Girl about
+    13 or 14 years old. the Husband & Father of these people once
+    Belonged to a relation of mine by the name of Gist now Decest &
+    some few years since he peter was sold to a man by the Name of
+    Freedman who removed to cincinnati ohio & Tuck peter with him of
+    course peter became free by the volentary act of the master some
+    time last march a white man by the name of Miller apperd in the
+    nabourhood & abducted the bove negroes was caut at vincanes Indi
+    with said negroes & was thare convicted of steling & remanded
+    back to Ala to Abide the penalty of the law & on his return met
+    his Just reward by Getting drownded at the mouth of cumberland
+    River on the ohio in attempting to make his escape I recovered &
+    Braught Back said 4 negroes or as You would say coulard people
+    under the Belief that peter the Husband was accessory to the
+    offence thareby putting me to much Expense & Truble to the amt
+    $1000 which if he gets them he or his Friends must refund these
+    4 negroes are worth in the market about 4000 for thea are
+    Extraordinary fine & likely & but for the fact of Elopement I
+    would not take 8000 Dollars for them but as the thing now stands
+    you can say to peter & his new discovered Relations in
+    Philadelphia I will take 5000 for the 4 culerd people & if this
+    will suite him & he can raise the money I will delever to him or
+    his agent at paduca at mouth of Tennessee river said negroes but
+    the money must be Deposeted in the Hands of some respectabl
+    person at paduca before I remove the property it wold not be
+    safe for peter to come to this countery write me a line on recpt
+    of this & let me Know peters views on the above
+
+    I am Yours &c B. McKIERNON
+
+    N B say to peter to write & let me Know his viewes amediately as
+    I am determined to act in a way if he don't take this offer he
+    will never have an other oppertunity
+
+    B McKIERNON
+
+
+
+
+WM. STILL'S ANSWER.
+
+
+
+    PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 16th, 1851.
+
+    To B. McKIERNON, ESQ.: _Sir_--I have received your letter from
+    South Florence, Ala., under date of the 6th inst. To say that it
+    took me by surprise, as well as afforded me pleasure, for which
+    I feel to be very much indebted to you, is no more than true. In
+    regard to your informants of myself--Mr. Thornton, of Ala., and
+    Mr. Samuel Lewis, of Cincinnati--to them both I am a stranger.
+    However, I am the brother of Peter, referred to, and with the
+    fact of his having a wife and three children in your service I
+    am also familiar. This brother, Peter, I have only had the
+    pleasure of knowing for the brief space of one year and thirteen
+    days, although he is now past forty and I twenty-nine years of
+    age. Time will not allow me at present, or I should give you a
+    detailed account of how Peter became a slave, the forty long
+    years which intervened between the time he was kidnapped, when a
+    boy, being only six years of age, and his arrival in this city,
+    from Alabama, one year and fourteen days ago, when he was
+    re-united to his mother, five brothers and three sisters.
+
+    None but a father's heart can fathom the anguish and sorrows
+    felt by Peter during the many vicissitudes through which he has
+    passed. He looked back to his boyhood and saw himself snatched
+    from the tender embraces of his parents and home to be made a
+    slave for life.
+
+    During all his prime days he was in the faithful and constant
+    service of those who had no just claim upon him. In the
+    meanwhile he married a wife, who bore him eleven children, the
+    greater part of whom were emancipated from the troubles of life
+    by death, and three only survived. To them and his wife he was
+    devoted. Indeed I have never seen attachment between parents and
+    children, or husband and wife, more entire than was manifested
+    in the case of Peter.
+
+    Through these many years of servitude, Peter was sold and
+    resold, from one State to another, from one owner to another,
+    till he reached the forty-ninth year of his age, when, in a good
+    Providence, through the kindness of a friend and the sweat of
+    his brow, he regained the God-given blessings of liberty. He
+    eagerly sought his parents and home with all possible speed and
+    pains, when, to his heart's joy, he found his relatives.
+
+    Your present humble correspondent is the youngest of Peter's
+    brothers, and the first one of the family he saw after arriving
+    in this part of the country. I think you could not fail to be
+    interested in hearing how we became known to each other, and the
+    proof of our being brothers, etc., all of which I should be most
+    glad to relate, but time will not permit me to do so. The news
+    of this wonderful occurrence, of Peter finding his kindred, was
+    published quite extensively, shortly afterwards, in various
+    newspapers, in this quarter, which may account for the fact of
+    "Miller's" knowledge of the whereabouts of the "fugitives." Let
+    me say, it is my firm conviction that no one had any hand in
+    persuading "Miller" to go down from Cincinnati, or any other
+    place, after the family. As glad as I should be, and as much as
+    I would do for the liberation of Peter's family (now no longer
+    young), and his three "likely" children, in whom he prides
+    himself--how much, if you are a father, you can imagine; yet I
+    would not, and could not, think of persuading any friend to
+    peril his life, as would be the case, in an errand of that kind.
+
+    As regards the price fixed upon by you for the family, I must
+    say I do not think it possible to raise half that amount, though
+    Peter authorized me to say he would give you twenty-five hundred
+    for them. Probably he is not as well aware as I am, how
+    difficult it is to raise so large a sum of money from the
+    public. The applications for such objects are so frequent among
+    us in the North, and have always been so liberally met, that it
+    is no wonder if many get tired of being called upon. To be sure
+    some of us brothers own some property, but no great amount;
+    certainly not enough to enable us to bear so great a burden.
+    Mother owns a small farm in New Jersey, on which she has lived
+    for nearly forty years, from which she derives her support in
+    her old age. This small farm contains between forty and fifty
+    acres, and is the fruit of my father's toil. Two of my brothers
+    own small places also, but they have young families, and
+    consequently consume nearly as much as they make, with the
+    exception of adding some improvements to their places.
+
+    For my own part, I am employed as a clerk for a living, but my
+    salary is quite too limited to enable me to contribute any great
+    amount towards so large a sum as is demanded. Thus you see how
+    we are situated financially. We have plenty of friends, but
+    little money. Now, sir, allow me to make an appeal to your
+    humanity, although we are aware of your power to hold as
+    property those poor slaves, mother, daughter and two sons,--that
+    in no part of the United States could they escape and be secure
+    from your claim--nevertheless, would your understanding, your
+    heart, or your conscience reprove you, should you restore to
+    them, without price, that dear freedom, which is theirs by right
+    of nature, or would you not feel a satisfaction in so doing
+    which all the wealth of the world could not equal? At all
+    events, could you not so reduce the price as to place it in the
+    power of Peter's relatives and friends to raise the means for
+    their purchase? At first, I doubt not, but that you will think
+    my appeal very unreasonable; but, sir, serious reflection will
+    decide, whether the money demanded by you, after all, will be of
+    as great a benefit to you, as the satisfaction you would find in
+    bestowing so great a favor upon those whose entire happiness in
+    this life depends mainly upon your decision in the matter. If
+    the entire family cannot be purchased or freed, what can Vina
+    and her daughter be purchased for? Hoping, sir, to hear from
+    you, at your earliest convenience, I subscribe myself,
+
+    Your obedient servant, WM. STILL.
+
+    To B. McKiernon, Esq.
+
+
+No reply to this letter was ever received from McKiernon. The cause of
+his reticence can be as well conjectured by the reader as the writer.
+
+Time will not admit of further details kindred to this narrative. The
+life, struggles, and success of Peter and his family were ably brought
+before the public in the "Kidnapped and the Ransomed," being the
+personal recollections of Peter Still and his wife "Vina," after forty
+years of slavery, by Mrs. Kate E.R. Pickard; with an introduction by
+Rev. Samuel J. May, and an appendix by William H. Furness, D.D., in
+1856. But, of course it was not prudent or safe, in the days of Slavery,
+to publish such facts as are now brought to light; all such had to be
+kept concealed in the breasts of the fugitives and their friends.
+
+[Illustration: PETER STILL ]
+
+
+[Illustration: CHARITY STILL ]
+
+The following brief sketch, touching the separation of Peter and his
+mother, will fitly illustrate this point, and at the same time explain
+certain mysteries which have been hitherto kept hidden--
+
+
+
+THE SEPARATION.
+
+
+With regard to Peter's separation from his mother, when a little boy, in
+few words, the facts were these: His parents, Levin and Sidney, were
+both slaves on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. "I will die before I
+submit to the yoke," was the declaration of his father to his young
+master before either was twenty-one years of age. Consequently he was
+allowed to buy himself at a very low figure, and he paid the required
+sum and obtained his "free papers" when quite a young man--the young
+wife and mother remaining in slavery under Saunders Griffin, as also her
+children, the latter having increased to the number of four, two little
+boys and two little girls. But to escape from chains, stripes, and
+bondage, she took her four little children and fled to a place near
+Greenwich, New Jersey. Not a great while, however, did she remain there
+in a state of freedom before the slave-hunters pursued her, and one
+night they pounced upon the whole family, and, without judge or jury,
+hurried them all back to slavery. Whether this was kidnapping or not is
+for the reader to decide for himself.
+
+Safe back in the hands of her owner, to prevent her from escaping a
+second time, every night for about three months she was cautiously "kept
+locked up in the garret," until, as they supposed, she was fully "cured
+of the desire to do so again." But she was incurable. She had been a
+witness to the fact that her own father's brains had been blown out by
+the discharge of a heavily loaded gun, deliberately aimed at his head by
+his drunken master. She only needed half a chance to make still greater
+struggles than ever for freedom.
+
+She had great faith in God, and found much solace in singing some of the
+good old Methodist tunes, by day and night. Her owner, observing this
+apparently tranquil state of mind, indicating that she "seemed better
+contented than ever," concluded that it was safe to let the garret door
+remain unlocked at night. Not many weeks were allowed to pass before she
+resolved to again make a bold strike for freedom. This time she had to
+leave the two little boys, Levin and Peter, behind.
+
+On the night she started she went to the bed where they were sleeping,
+kissed them, and, consigning them into the hands of God, bade her mother
+good-bye, and with her two little girls wended her way again to
+Burlington County, New Jersey, but to a different neighborhood from that
+where she had been seized. She changed her name to Charity, and
+succeeded in again joining her husband, but, alas, with the
+heart-breaking thought that she had been compelled to leave her two
+little boys in slavery and one of the little girls on the road for the
+father to go back after. Thus she began life in freedom anew.
+
+Levin and Peter, eight and six years of age respectively, were now left
+at the mercy of the enraged owner, and were soon hurried off to a
+Southern market and sold, while their mother, for whom they were daily
+weeping, was they knew not where. They were too young to know that they
+were slaves, or to understand the nature of the afflicting separation.
+Sixteen years before Peter's return, his older brother (Levin) died a
+slave in the State of Alabama, and was buried by his surviving brother,
+Peter.
+
+No idea other than that they had been "kidnapped" from their mother ever
+entered their minds; nor had they any knowledge of the State from whence
+they supposed they had been taken, the last names of their mother and
+father, or where they were born. On the other hand, the mother was aware
+that the safety of herself and her rescued children depended on keeping
+the whole transaction a strict family secret. During the forty years of
+separation, except two or three Quaker friends, including the devoted
+friend of the slave, Benjamin Lundy, it is doubtful whether any other
+individuals were let into the secret of her slave life. And when the
+account given of Peter's return, etc., was published in 1850, it led
+some of the family to apprehend serious danger from the partial
+revelation of the early condition of the mother, especially as it was
+about the time that the Fugitive Slave law was passed.
+
+Hence, the author of "The Kidnapped and the Ransomed" was compelled to
+omit these dangerous facts, and had to confine herself strictly to the
+"personal recollections of Peter Still" with regard to his being
+"kidnapped." Likewise, in the sketch of Seth Concklin's eventful life,
+written by Dr. W.H. Furness, for similar reasons he felt obliged to make
+but bare reference to his wonderful agency in relation to Peter's
+family, although he was fully aware of all the facts in the case.
+
+
+
+UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD LETTERS.
+
+
+Here are introduced a few out of a very large number of interesting
+letters, designed for other parts of the book as occasion may require.
+All letters will be given precisely as they were written by their
+respective authors, so that there may be no apparent room for charging
+the writer with partial colorings in any instance. Indeed, the
+originals, however ungrammatically written or erroneously spelt, in
+their native simplicity possess such beauty and force as corrections and
+additions could not possibly enhance--
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM THOMAS GARRETT (U.G.R.R. DEPOT).
+
+
+WILMINGTON, 3mo. 23d, 1856.
+
+DEAR FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:--Since I wrote thee this morning informing
+thee of the safe arrival of the Eight from Norfolk, Harry Craige has
+informed me, that he has a man from Delaware that he proposes to take
+along, who arrived since noon. He will take the man, woman and two
+children from here with him, and the four men will get in at Marcus
+Hook. Thee may take Harry Craige by the hand as a brother, true to the
+cause; he is one of our most efficient aids on the Rail Road, and worthy
+of full confidence. May they all be favored to get on safe. The woman
+and three children are no common stock. I assure thee finer specimens of
+humanity are seldom met with. I hope herself and children may be enabled
+to find her husband, who has been absent some years, and the rest of
+their days be happy together.
+
+I am, as ever, thy friend,
+
+THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM MISS G.A. LEWIS (U.G.R.R. DEPOT).
+
+
+KIMBERTON, October 28th, 1855.
+
+ESTEEMED FRIEND;--This evening a company of eleven friends reached here,
+having left their homes on the night of the 26th inst. They came into
+Wilmington, about ten o'clock on the morning of the 27th, and left
+there, in the town, their two carriages, drawn by two horses. They went
+to Thomas Garrett's by open day-light and from thence were sent hastily
+onward for fear of pursuit. They reached Longwood meeting-house in the
+evening, at which place a Fair Circle had convened, and stayed a while
+in the meeting, then, after remaining all night with one of the Kennet
+friends, they were brought to Downingtown early in the morning, and from
+thence, by daylight, to within a short distance of this place.
+
+They come from New Chestertown, within five miles of the place from
+which the nine lately forwarded came, and left behind them a colored
+woman who knew of their intended flight and of their intention of
+passing through Wilmington and leaving their horses and carriages there.
+
+I have been thus particular in my statement, because the case seems to
+us one of unusual danger. We have separated the company for the present,
+sending a mother and five children, two of them quite small, in one
+direction, and a husband and wife and three lads in another, until I
+could write to you and get advice if you have any to give, as to the
+best method of forwarding them, and assistance pecuniarily, in getting
+them to Canada. The mother and children we have sent off of the usual
+route, and to a place where I do not think they can remain many days.
+
+We shall await hearing from you. H. Kimber will be in the city on third
+day, the 30th, and any thing left at 408 Green Street directed to his
+care, will meet with prompt attention.
+
+Please give me again the direction of Hiram Wilson and the friend in
+Elmira, Mr. Jones, I think. If you have heard from any of the nine since
+their safe arrival, please let us know when you write.
+
+Very Respectfully,
+
+G.A. LEWIS.
+
+_2d day morning, 29th_.--The person who took the husband and wife and
+three lads to E.F. Pennypecker, and Peart, has returned and reports that
+L. Peart sent three on to Norristown. We fear that there they will fall
+into the hands of an ignorant colored man Daniel Ross, and that he may
+not understand the necessity of caution. Will you please write to some
+careful person there? The woman and children detained in this
+neighborhood are a very helpless set. Our plan was to assist them as
+much as possible, and when we get things into the proper train for
+sending them on, to get the assistance of the husband and wife, who have
+no children, but are uncle and aunt to the woman with five, in taking
+with them one of the younger children, leaving fewer for the mother. Of
+the lads, or young men, there is also one whom we thought capable of
+accompanying one of the older girls--one to whom he is paying attention,
+they told us. Would it not be the best way to get those in Norristown
+under your own care? It seems to me their being sent on could then be
+better arranged. This, however, is only a suggestion,
+
+Hastily yours,
+
+G.A. LEWIS.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM E.L. STEVENS, ESQ. _(The reader will interpret for
+himself_.)
+
+
+WASHINGTON, D.C., July 11th, 1858.
+
+MY DEAR SIR:--Susan Bell left here yesterday with the child of her
+relative, and since leaving I have thought, perhaps, you had not the
+address of the gentleman in Syracuse where the child is to be taken for
+medical treatment, etc. His name is Dr. H.B. Wilbur. A woman living with
+him is a most excellent nurse and will take a deep interest in the
+child, which, no doubt, will under Providence be the means of its
+complete restoration to health. Be kind enough to inform me whether
+Susan is with you, and if she is give her the proper direction. _Ten
+packages_ were sent to your address last evening, one of them belongs to
+Susan, and she had better remain with you till she gets it, as it may
+not have come to hand. Susan thought she would go to Harrisburg when she
+left here and stay over Sunday, if so, she would not get to Philadelphia
+till Monday or Tuesday. Please acknowledge the receipt of this, and
+inform me of her arrival, also when the packages came safe to hand,
+inform me especially if Susan's came safely.
+
+Truly Yours,
+
+E.L. STEVENS.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM S.H. GAY, ESQ., EX-EDITOR OF THE ANTI-SLAVERY STANDARD AND
+NEW YORK TRIBUNE.
+
+
+FRIEND STILL:--The two women, Laura and Lizzy, arrived this morning. I
+shall forward them to Syracuse this afternoon.
+
+The two men came safely yesterday, but went to Gibbs'. He has friends on
+board the boat who are on the lookout for fugitives, and send them, when
+found, to his house. Those whom you wish to be particularly under my
+charge, must have careful directions to this office.
+
+There is now no other sure place, but the office, or Gibbs', that I
+could advise you to send such persons. Those to me, therefore, must come
+in office hours. In a few days, however, Napoleon will have a room down
+town, and at odd times they can be sent there. I am not willing to put
+any more with the family where I have hitherto sometimes sent them.
+
+When it is possible I wish you would advise me two days before a
+shipment of your intention, as Napoleon is not always on hand to look
+out for them at short notice. In special cases you might advise me by
+Telegraph, thus: "One M. (or one F.) this morning. W.S." By which I
+shall understand that one Male, or one Female, as the case may be, has
+left Phila. by the 6 _o'clock train_--one or more, also, as the case may
+be.
+
+Aug. 17th, 1855.
+
+Truly Yours, S.H. GAY.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM JOHN H. HILL, A FUGITIVE, APPEALING IN BEHALF OF A POOR
+SLAVE IN PETERSBURG, VA.
+
+
+HAMILTON, Sept. 15th, 1856.
+
+DEAR FRIEND STILL:--I write to inform you that Miss Mary Wever arrived
+safe in this city. You may imagine the happiness manifested on the part
+of the two lovers, Mr. H. and Miss W. I think they will be married as
+soon as they can get ready. I presume Mrs. Hill will commence to make up
+the articles to-morrow. Kind Sir, as all of us is concerned about the
+welfare of our enslaved brethren at the South, particularly our friends,
+we appeal to your sympathy to do whatever is in your power to save poor
+Willis Johnson from the hands of his cruel master. It is not for me to
+tell you of his case, because Miss Wever has related the matter fully to
+you. All I wish to say is this, I wish you to write to my uncle, at
+Petersburg, by our friend, the Capt. Tell my uncle to go to Richmond and
+ask my mother whereabouts this man is. The best for him is to make his
+way to Petersburg; that is, if you can get the Capt. to bring him. He
+have not much money. But I hope the friends of humanity will not
+withhold their aid on the account of money. However we will raise all
+the money that is wanting to pay for his safe delivery. You will please
+communicate this to the friends as soon as possible.
+
+Yours truly,
+
+JOHN H. HILL.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM J. BIGELOW, ESQ.
+
+
+WASHINGTON, D.C., June 22d, 1854.
+
+MR. WILLIAM STILL:--_Sir_--I have just received a letter from my friend,
+Wm. Wright, of York Sulphur Springs, Pa., in which he says, that by
+writing to you, I may get some information about the transportation of
+some _property_ from this neighborhood to your city or vicinity.
+
+A person who signs himself Wm. Penn, lately wrote to Mr. Wright, saying
+he would pay $300 to have this service performed. It is for the
+conveyance of _only one_ SMALL package; but it has been discovered
+since, that the removal cannot be so safely effected without taking _two
+larger_ packages with it. I understand that the _three_ are to be
+brought to this city and stored in safety, as soon as the forwarding
+merchant in Philadelphia shall say he is ready to send on. The storage,
+etc., here, will cost a trifle, but the $300 will be promptly paid for
+the whole service. I think Mr. Wright's daughter, Hannah, has also seen
+you. I am also known to Prof. C.D. Cleveland, of your city. If you
+answer this promptly, you will soon hear from Wm. Penn himself.
+
+Very truly yours,
+
+J. BIGELOW.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM HAM & EGGS, SLAVE (U.G.R.R. AG'T).
+
+
+PETERSBURG, VA., Oct. 17th, 1860.
+
+MR. W. STILL:--_Dear Sir_--I am happy to think, that the time has come
+when we no doubt can open our correspondence with one another again.
+Also I am in hopes, that these few lines may find you and family well
+and in the enjoyment of good health, as it leaves me and family the
+same. I want you to know, that I feel as much determined to work in this
+glorious cause, as ever I did in all of my life, and I have some very
+good hams on hand that I would like very much for you to have. I have
+nothing of interest to write about just now, only that the politics of
+the day is in a high rage, and I don't know of the result, therefore, I
+want you to be one of those wide-a-wakes as is mentioned from your
+section of country now-a-days, &c. Also, if you wish to write to me, Mr.
+J. Brown will inform you how to direct a letter to me.
+
+No more at present, until I hear from you; but I want you to be a
+wide-a-wake.
+
+Yours in haste,
+
+HAM & EGGS.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM REV H. WILSON (U.G.R.R. AG'T).
+
+
+ST. CATHARINE, C.W., July 2d, 1855.
+
+MY DEAR FRIEND, WM. STILL:--Mr. Elias Jasper and Miss Lucy Bell having
+arrived here safely on Saturday last, and found their "companions in
+tribulation," who had arrived before them, I am induced to write and let
+you know the fact. They are a cheerful, happy company, and very grateful
+for their freedom. I have done the best I could for their comfort, but
+they are about to proceed across the lake to Toronto, thinking they can
+do better there than here, which is not unlikely. They all remember you
+as their friend and benefactor, and return to you their sincere thanks.
+My means of support are so scanty, that I am obliged to write without
+paying postage, or not write at all. I hope you are not moneyless, as I
+am. In attending to the wants of numerous strangers, I am much of the
+time perplexed from lack of means; but send on as many as you can and I
+will divide with them to the last crumb.
+
+Yours truly,
+
+HIRAM WILSON.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM SHERIDAN FORD, IN DISTRESS.
+
+
+BOSTON, MASS., Feb. 15th, 1855.
+
+No. 2, Change Avenue.
+
+MY DEAR FRIEND:--Allow me to take the liberty of addressing you and at
+the same time appearing troublesomes you all friend, but subject is so
+very important that i can not but ask not in my name but in the name of
+the Lord and humanity to do something for my Poor Wife and children who
+lays in Norfolk Jail and have Been there for three month i Would open
+myself in that frank and hones manner. Which should convince you of my
+cencerity of Purpoest don't shut your ears to the cry's of the Widow and
+the orphant & i can but ask in the name of humanity and God for he knows
+the heart of all men. Please ask the friends humanity to do something
+for her and her two lettle ones i cant do any thing Place as i am for i
+have to lay low Please lay this before the churches of Philadelphaise
+beg them in name of the Lord to do something for him i love my freedom
+and if it would do her and her two children any good i mean to change
+with her but cant be done for she is Jail and you most no she suffer for
+the jail in the South are not like yours for any thing is good enough
+for negros the Slave hunters Says & may God interpose in behalf of the
+demonstrative Race of Africa Whom i claim desendent i am sorry to say
+that friendship is only a name here but i truss it is not so in Philada
+i would not have taken this liberty had i not considered you a friend
+for you treaty as such Please do all you can and Please ask the Anti
+Slavery friends to do all they can and God will Reward them for it i am
+shure for the earth is the Lords and the fullness there of as this note
+leaves me not very well but hope when it comes to hand it may find you
+and family enjoying all the Pleasure life Please answer this and Pardon
+me if the necessary sum can be required i will find out from my
+brotherinlaw i am with respectful consideration.
+
+SHERIDAN W. FORD.
+
+Yesterday is the fust time i have heard from home Sence i left and i
+have not got any thing yet i have a tear yet for my fellow man and it is
+in my eyes now for God knows it is tha truth i sue for your Pity and all
+and may God open their hearts to Pity a poor Woman and two children. The
+Sum is i believe 14 hundred Dollars Please write to day for me and see
+if the cant do something for humanity.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM E.F. PENNYPACKER (U.G.R.R. DEPOT).
+
+
+SCHUYLKILL, 11th mo., 7th day, 1857.
+
+WM. STILL:--_Respected Friend_--There are three colored friends at my
+house now, who will reach the city by the Phil. & Reading train this
+evening. Please meet them.
+
+Thine, &c.,
+
+E.F. PENNYPACKER.
+
+We have within the past 2 mos. passed 43 through our hands, transported
+most of them to Norristown in our own conveyance. E.F.P.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM JOS. C. BUSTILL (U.G.R.R. DEPOT).
+
+
+HARRISBURG, March 24, '56.
+
+FRIEND STILL:--I suppose ere this you have seen those five large and
+three small packages I sent by way of Reading, consisting of three men
+and women and children. They arrived here this morning at 8-1/2 o'clock
+and left twenty minutes past three. You will please send me any
+information likely to prove interesting in relation to them.
+
+Lately we have formed a Society here, called the Fugitive Aid Society.
+This is our first case, and I hope it will prove entirely successful.
+
+When you write, please inform me what signs or symbols you make use of
+in your despatches, and any other information in relation to operations
+of the Underground Rail Road.
+
+Our reason for sending by the Reading Road, was to gain time; it is
+expected the owners will be in town this afternoon, and by this Road we
+gained five hours' time, which is a matter of much importance, and we
+may have occasion to use it sometimes in future. In great haste,
+
+Yours with great respect,
+
+Jos. C. BUSTILL,
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM A SLAVE SECRETED IN RICHMOND.
+
+
+RICHMOND, VA, Oct. 18th, 1860.
+
+To MR. WILLIAM STILL:--_Dear Sir_--Please do me the favor as to write to
+my uncle a few lines in regard to the bundle that is for John H. Hill,
+who lives in Hamilton, C.W. Sir, if this should reach you, be assured
+that it comes from the same poor individual that you have heard of
+before; the person who was so unlucky, and deceived also. If you write,
+address your letter John M. Hill, care of Box No. 250. I am speaking of
+a person who lives in P.va. I hope, sir, you will understand this is
+from a poor individual.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM G.S. NELSON (U.G.R.R. DEPOT).
+
+
+MR. STILL:--_My Dear Sir_--I suppose you are somewhat uneasy because the
+goods did not come safe to hand on Monday evening, as you
+expected--consigned from Harrisburg to you. The train only was from
+Harrisburg to Reading, and as it happened, the goods had to stay all
+night with us, and as some excitement exists here about goods of the
+kind, we thought it expedient and wise to detain them until we could
+hear from you. There are two small boxes and two large ones; we have
+them all secure; what had better be done? Let us know. Also, as we can
+learn, there are three more boxes still in Harrisburg. Answer your
+communication at Harrisburg. Also, fail not to answer this by the return
+of mail, as things are rather critical, and you will oblige us.
+
+G.S. NELSON.
+
+_Reading, May 27, '57_.
+
+We knew not that these goods were to come, consequently we were all
+taken by surprise. When you answer, use the word, goods. The reason of
+the excitement, is: some three weeks ago a big box was consigned to us
+by J. Bustill, of Harrisburg. We received it, and forwarded it on to J.
+Jones, Elmira, and the next day they were on the fresh hunt of said box;
+it got safe to Elmira, as I have had a letter from Jones, and all is
+safe.
+
+Yours,
+
+G.S.N.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM JOHN THOMPSON.
+
+
+MR. STILL:--You will oblige me much Iff you will Direct this Letter to
+Vergenia for me to my Mother & iff it well sute you Beg her in my Letter
+to Direct hers to you & you Can send it to me iff it sute your
+Convenience. I am one of your Chattle.
+
+JOHN THOMPSON,
+
+Syracuse, Jeny 6th.
+
+Direction--Matilda Tate Care of Dudley M Pattee Worrenton Farkiear
+County Verginia.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM JOHN THOMPSON, A FUGITIVE, TO HIS MOTHER.
+
+
+
+    MY DEAR MOTHER:--I have imbrace an opportunity of writing you
+    these few lines (hoping) that they may fine you as they Leave me
+    quite well I will now inform you how I am geting I am now a free
+    man Living By the sweet of my own Brow not serving a nother man
+    & giving him all I Earn But what I make is mine and iff one
+    Plase do not sute me I am at Liberty to Leave and go some where
+    elce & can ashore you I think highly of Freedom and would not
+    exchange it for nothing that is offered me for it I am waiting
+    in a Hotel I supose you Remember when I was in Jail I told you
+    the time would Be Better and you see that the time has come when
+    I Leave you my heart was so full & yours But I new their was a
+    Better Day a head, & I have Live to see it. I hird when I was on
+    the Underground R. Road that the Hounds was on my Track but it
+    was no go I new I was too far out of their Reach where they
+    would never smell my track when I Leave you I was carred to
+    Richmond & sold & From their I was taken to North Carolina &
+    sold & I Ran a way & went Back to Virginna Between Richmond &
+    home & their I was caught & Put in Jail & their I Remain till
+    the oner come for me then I was taken & carred Back to Richmond
+    then I was sold to the man who I now Leave he is nothing But a
+    But of a Feller Remember me to your Husband & all in quirin
+    Friends & say to Miss Rosa that I am as Free as she is & more
+    happier I no I am getting $12 per month for what Little work I
+    am Doing I hope to here from you a gain I your Son & ever By
+
+    JOHN THOMPSON.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM "WM. PENN" (OF THE BAR).
+
+
+WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 9th, 1856.
+
+DEAR SIR:--I was unavoidably prevented yesterday, from replying to yours
+of 6th instant, and although I have made inquiries, I am unable
+_to-day_, to answer your questions satisfactorily. Although I know some
+of the residents of Loudon county, and have often visited there, still I
+have not practiced much in the Courts of that county. There are several
+of my acquaintances here, who have lived in that county, and _possibly_,
+through my assistance, your commissions might be executed. If a better
+way shall not suggest itself to you, and you see fit to give me the
+_facts_ in the case, I can better judge of my ability to help you; _but
+I know not the man resident there, whom I would trust with an important
+suit_. I think it is now some four or five weeks since, that some
+packages left this vicinity, said to be from fifteen to twenty in
+number, and as I suppose, went through your hands. It was at a time of
+uncommon vigilance here, and to me it was a matter of extreme wonder,
+_how and through whom_, such a work was accomplished. Can you tell me?
+It is _needful_ that I should know! Not for curiosity merely, but for
+the good of others. An enclosed slip contains the _marks_ of one of the
+packages, which you will read and then _immediately burn_.
+
+If you can give me any light that will _benefit others_, I am sure you
+will do so.
+
+A traveler here, _very reliable_, and who knows his business, has
+determined not to leave home again till spring, at least not without
+extraordinary temptations.
+
+I think, however, he or others, might be tempted to travel in Virginia.
+
+Yours,
+
+WM. P.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM MISS THEODOCIA GILBERT.
+
+
+
+    SKANEATELES (GLEN HAVEN) CHUY., 1851.
+
+    WILLIAM STILL:--_Dear Friend and Brother_--A thousand thanks for
+    your good, generous letter!
+
+    It was so kind of you to have in mind my intense interest and
+    anxiety in the success and fate of poor Concklin! That he
+    desired and intended to hazard an attempt of the kind, I well
+    understood; but what particular one, or that he had actually
+    embarked in the enterprise, I had not been able to learn.
+
+    His memory will ever be among the sacredly cherished with me. He
+    certainly displayed more real disinterestedness, more earnest,
+    unassuming devotedness, than those who _claim_ to be the
+    sincerest friends of the slave can often boast. What more
+    _Saviour_-like than the _willing_ sacrifice he has rendered!
+
+    Never shall I forget that night of our extremest peril (as we
+    supposed), when he came and so heartily proffered his services
+    at the hazard of his liberty, of life even, in behalf of William
+    L. Chaplin.
+
+    _Such_ generosity! at _such_ a moment! The emotions it awakened
+    no words can bespeak! They are to be sought but in the inner
+    chambers of one's own soul! He as earnestly devised the means,
+    as calmly counted the cost, and as unshrinkingly turned him to
+    the task, as if it were his own freedom he would have won.
+
+    Through his homely features, and humble garb, the intrepidity of
+    soul came out in all its lustre! Heroism, in its native majesty,
+    _commanded_ one's admiration and love!
+
+    Most truly can I enter into your sorrows, and painfully
+    appreciate the pang of disappointment which must have followed
+    this sad intelligence. But so inadequate are words to the
+    consoling of such griefs, it were almost cruel to attempt to
+    syllable one's sympathies.
+
+    I cannot bear to believe, that Concklin has been actually
+    murdered, and yet I hardly dare hope it is otherwise.
+
+    And the poor slaves, for whom he periled so much, into what
+    depths of hopelessness and woe are they again plunged! But the
+    deeper and blacker for the loss of their dearly sought and
+    new-found freedom. How long must wrongs like these go
+    unredressed? "_How long, O God, how long_?"
+
+    Very truly yours,
+
+    THEODOCIA GILBERT.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM PEEL, ALIAS WILLIAM BOX PEEL JONES.
+
+
+ARRIVED PER ERRICSON LINE OF STEAMERS, WRAPPED IN STRAW AND BOXED UP,
+
+
+APRIL, 1859.
+
+
+William is twenty-five years of age, unmistakably colored, good-looking,
+rather under the medium size, and of pleasing manners. William had
+himself boxed up by a near relative and forwarded by the Erricson line
+of steamers. He gave the slip to Robert H. Carr, his owner (a grocer and
+commission merchant), after this wise, and for the following reasons:
+For some time previous his master had been selling off his slaves every
+now and then, the same as other groceries, and this admonished William
+that he was liable to be in the market any day; consequently, he
+preferred the box to the auction-block.
+
+He did not complain of having been treated very badly by Carr, but felt
+that no man was safe while owned by another. In fact, he "hated the very
+name of slaveholder." The limit of the box not admitting of
+straightening himself out he was taken with the cramp on the road,
+suffered indescribable misery, and had his faith taxed to the
+utmost,--indeed was brought to the very verge of "screaming aloud" ere
+relief came. However, he controlled himself, though only for a short
+season, for before a great while an excessive faintness came over him.
+Here nature became quite exhausted. He thought he must "die;" but his
+time had not yet come. After a severe struggle he revived, but only to
+encounter a third ordeal no less painful than the one through which he
+had just passed. Next a very "cold chill" came over him, which seemed
+almost to freeze the very blood in his veins and gave him intense agony,
+from which he only found relief on awaking, having actually fallen
+asleep in that condition. Finally, however, he arrived at Philadelphia,
+on a steamer, Sabbath morning. A devoted friend of his, expecting him,
+engaged a carriage and repaired to the wharf for the box. The bill of
+lading and the receipt he had with him, and likewise knew where the box
+was located on the boat. Although he well knew freight was not usually
+delivered on Sunday, yet his deep solicitude for the safety of his
+friend determined him to do all that lay in his power to rescue him from
+his perilous situation. Handing his bill of lading to the proper officer
+of the boat, he asked if he could get the freight that it called for.
+The officer looked at the bill and said, "No, we do not deliver freight
+on Sunday;" but, noticing the anxiety of the man, he asked him if he
+would know it if he were to see it. Slowly--fearing that too much
+interest manifested might excite suspicion--he replied: "I think I
+should." Deliberately looking around amongst all the "freight," he
+discovered the box, and said, "I think that is it there." Said officer
+stepped to it, looked at the directions on it, then at the bill of
+lading, and said, "That is right, take it along." Here the interest in
+these two bosoms was thrilling in the highest degree. But the size of
+the box was too large for the carriage, and the driver refused to take
+it. Nearly an hour and a half was spent in looking for a furniture car.
+Finally one was procured, and again the box was laid hold of by the
+occupant's particular friend, when, to his dread alarm, the poor fellow
+within gave a sudden cough. At this startling circumstance he dropped
+the box; equally as quick, although dreadfully frightened, and, as if
+helped by some invisible agency, he commenced singing, "Hush, my babe,
+lie still and slumber," with the most apparent indifference, at the same
+time slowly making his way from the box. Soon his fears subsided, and it
+was presumed that no one was any the wiser on account of the accident,
+or coughing. Thus, after summoning courage, he laid hold of the box a
+third time, and the Rubicon was passed. The car driver, totally ignorant
+of the contents of the box, drove to the number to which he was directed
+to take it--left it and went about his business. Now is a moment of
+intense interest--now of inexpressible delight. The box is opened, the
+straw removed, and the poor fellow is loosed; and is rejoicing, I will
+venture to say, as mortal never did rejoice, who had not been in similar
+peril. This particular friend was scarcely less overjoyed, however, and
+their joy did not abate for several hours; nor was it confined to
+themselves, for two invited members of the Vigilance Committee also
+partook of a full share. This box man was named Wm. Jones. He was boxed
+up in Baltimore by the friend who received him at the wharf, who did not
+come in the boat with him, but came in the cars and met him at the
+wharf.
+
+The trial in the box lasted just seventeen hours before victory was
+achieved. Jones was well cared for by the Vigilance Committee and sent
+on his way rejoicing, feeling that Resolution, Underground Rail Road,
+and Liberty were invaluable.
+
+On his way to Canada, he stopped at Albany, and the subjoined letter
+gives his view of things from that stand-point--
+
+
+    MR. STILL:--I take this opportunity of writing a few lines to
+    you hoping that tha may find you in good health and femaly. i am
+    well at present and doing well at present i am now in a store
+    and getting sixteen dollars a month at the present. i feel very
+    much o blige to you and your family for your kindnes to me while
+    i was with you i have got a long without any trub le a tal. i am
+    now in albany City. give my lov to mrs and mr miller and tel
+    them i am very much a blige to them for there kind ns. give my
+    lov to my Brother nore Jones tel him i should like to here from
+    him very much and he must write. tel him to give my love to all
+    of my perticnlar frends and tel them i should like to see them
+    very much. tel him that he must come to see me for i want to see
+    him for sum thing very perticler. please ansure this letter as
+    soon as posabul and excuse me for not writting sooner as i don't
+    write myself. no more at the present.
+
+    WILLIAM JONES.
+
+    derect to one hundred 125 lydus. stt
+
+
+His good friend returned to Baltimore the same day the box man started
+for the North, and immediately dispatched through the post the following
+brief letter, worded in Underground Rail Road parables:
+
+
+    BALTIMO APRIL 16, 1859.
+
+    W. STILL:--Dear brother i have taken the opportunity of writing
+    you these few lines to inform you that i am well an hoping these
+    few lines may find you enjoying the same good blessing please to
+    write me word at what time was it when isreal went to Jerico i
+    am very anxious to hear for thare is a mighty host will pass
+    over and you and i my brother will sing hally luja i shall
+    notify you when the great catastrophe shal take place No more at
+    the present but remain your brother
+
+    N.L.J.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+WESLEY HARRIS,[A] ALIAS ROBERT JACKSON, AND THE MATTERSON BROTHERS.
+
+[Footnote A: Shot by slave-hunters.]
+
+In setting out for freedom, Wesley was the leader of this party. After
+two nights of fatiguing travel at a distance of about sixty miles from
+home, the young aspirants for liberty were betrayed, and in an attempt
+made to capture them a most bloody conflict ensued. Both fugitives and
+pursuers were the recipients of severe wounds from gun shots, and other
+weapons used in the contest.
+
+Wesley bravely used his fire arms until almost fatally wounded by one of
+the pursuers, who with a heavily loaded gun discharged the contents with
+deadly aim in his left arm, which raked the flesh from the bone for a
+space of about six inches in length. One of Wesley's companions also
+fought heroically and only yielded when badly wounded and quite
+overpowered. The two younger (brothers of C. Matterson) it seemed made
+no resistance.
+
+In order to recall the adventures of this struggle, and the success of
+Wesley Harris, it is only necessary to copy the report as then penned
+from the lips of this young hero, while on the Underground Rail Road,
+even then in a very critical state. Most fearful indeed was his
+condition when he was brought to the Vigilance Committee in this City.
+
+UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD RECORD.
+
+_November 2d_, 1853.--Arrived: Robert Jackson (shot man), _alias_ Wesley
+Harris; age twenty-two years; dark color; medium height, and of slender
+stature.
+
+Robert was born in Martinsburg, Va., and was owned by Philip Pendleton.
+From a boy he had always been hired out. At the first of this year he
+commenced services with Mrs. Carroll, proprietress of the United States
+Hotel at Harper's Ferry. Of Mrs. Carroll he speaks in very grateful
+terms, saying that she was kind to him and all the servants, and
+promised them their freedom at her death. She excused herself for not
+giving them their freedom on the ground that her husband died insolvent,
+leaving her the responsibility of settling his debts.
+
+But while Mrs. Carroll was very kind to her servants, her manager was
+equally as cruel. About a month before Wesley left, the overseer, for
+some trifling cause, attempted to flog him, but was resisted, and
+himself flogged. This resistance of the slave was regarded by the
+overseer as an unpardonable offence; consequently he communicated the
+intelligence to his owner, which had the desired effect on his mind as
+appeared from his answer to the overseer, which was nothing less than
+instructions that if he should again attempt to correct Wesley and he
+should repel the wholesome treatment, the overseer was to put him in
+prison and sell him. Whether he offended again or not, the following
+Christmas he was to be sold without fail.
+
+Wesley's mistress was kind enough to apprise him of the intention of his
+owner and the overseer, and told him that if he could help himself he
+had better do so. So from that time Wesley began to contemplate how he
+should escape the doom which had been planned for him.
+
+"A friend," says he, "by the name of C. Matterson, told me that he was
+going off. Then I told him of my master's writing to Mrs. Carroll
+concerning selling, etc., and that I was going off too. We then
+concluded to go together. There were two others--brothers of
+Matterson--who were told of our plan to escape, and readily joined with
+us in the undertaking. So one Saturday night, at twelve o'clock, we set
+out for the North. After traveling upwards of two days and over sixty
+miles, we found ourselves unexpectedly in Terrytown, Md. There we were
+informed by a friendly colored man of the danger we were in and of the
+bad character of the place towards colored people, especially those who
+were escaping to freedom; and he advised us to hide as quickly as we
+could. We at once went to the woods and hid. Soon after we had secreted
+ourselves a man came near by and commenced splitting wood, or rails,
+which alarmed us. We then moved to another hiding-place in a thicket
+near a farmer's barn, where we were soon startled again by a dog
+approaching and barking at us. The attention of the owner of the dog was
+drawn to his barking and to where we were. The owner of the dog was a
+farmer. He asked us where we were going. We replied to Gettysburg--to
+visit some relatives, etc. He told us that we were running off. He then
+offered friendly advice, talked like a Quaker, and urged us to go with
+him to his barn for protection. After much persuasion, we consented to
+go with him.
+
+"Soon after putting us in his barn, himself and daughter prepared us a
+nice breakfast, which cheered our spirits, as we were hungry. For this
+kindness we paid him one dollar. He next told us to hide on the mow till
+eve, when he would safely direct us on our road to Gettysburg. All, very
+much fatigued from traveling, fell asleep, excepting myself; I could not
+sleep; I felt as if all was not right.
+
+"About noon men were heard talking around the barn. I woke my companions
+up and told them that that man had betrayed us. At first they did not
+believe me. In a moment afterwards the barn door was opened, and in came
+the men, eight in number. One of the men asked the owner of the barn if
+he had any long straw. 'Yes,' was the answer. So up on the mow came
+three of the men, when, to their great surprise, as they pretended, we
+were discovered. The question was then asked the owner of the barn by
+one of the men, if he harbored runaway negroes in his barn? He answered,
+'No,' and pretended to be entirely ignorant of their being in his barn.
+One of the men replied that four negroes were on the mow, and he knew of
+it. The men then asked us where we were, going. We told them to
+Gettysburg, that we had aunts and a mother there. Also we spoke of a Mr.
+Houghman, a gentleman we happened to have some knowledge of, having seen
+him in Virginia. We were next asked for our passes. We told them that we
+hadn't any, that we had not been required to carry them where we came
+from. They then said that we would have to go before a magistrate, and
+if he allowed us to go on, well and good. The men all being armed and
+furnished with ropes, we were ordered to be tied. I told them if they
+took me they would have to take me dead or crippled. At that instant one
+of my friends cried out--'Where is the man that betrayed us?' Spying him
+at the same moment, he shot him (badly wounding him). Then the conflict
+fairly began. The constable seized me by the collar, or rather behind my
+shoulder. I at once shot him with my pistol, but in consequence of his
+throwing up his arm, which hit mine as I fired, the effect of the load
+of my pistol was much turned aside; his face, however, was badly burned,
+besides his shoulder being wounded. I again fired on the pursuers, but
+do not know whether I hit anybody or not. I then drew a sword, I had
+brought with me, and was about cutting my way to the door, when I was
+shot by one of the men, receiving the entire contents of one load of a
+double barreled gun in my left arm, that being the arm with which I was
+defending myself. The load brought me to the ground, and I was unable to
+make further struggle for myself. I was then badly beaten with guns, &c.
+In the meantime, my friend Craven, who was defending himself, was shot
+badly in the face, and most violently beaten until he was conquered and
+tied. The two young brothers of Craven stood still, without making the
+least resistance. After we were fairly captured, we were taken to
+Terrytown, which was in sight of where we were betrayed. By this time I
+had lost so much blood from my wounds, that they concluded my situation
+was too dangerous to admit of being taken further; so I was made a
+prisoner at a tavern, kept by a man named Fisher. There my wounds were
+dressed, and thirty-two shot were taken from my arm. For three days I
+was crazy, and they thought I would die. During the first two weeks,
+while I was a prisoner at the tavern, I raised a great deal of blood,
+and was considered in a very dangerous condition--so much so that
+persons desiring to see me were not permitted. Afterwards I began to get
+better, and was then kept privately--was strictly watched day and night.
+Occasionally, however, the cook, a colored woman (Mrs. Smith), would
+manage to get to see me. Also James Matthews succeeded in getting to see
+me; consequently, as my wounds healed, and my senses came to me, I began
+to plan how to make another effort to escape. I asked one of the
+friends, alluded to above, to get me a rope. He got it. I kept it about
+me four days in my pocket; in the meantime I procured three nails. On
+Friday night, October 14th, I fastened my nails in under the window
+sill; tied my rope to the nails, threw my shoes out of the window, put
+the rope in my mouth, then took hold of it with my well hand, clambered
+into the window, very weak, but I managed to let myself down to the
+ground. I was so weak, that I could scarcely walk, but I managed to
+hobble off to a place three quarters of a mile from the tavern, where a
+friend had fixed upon for me to go, if I succeeded in making my escape.
+There I was found by my friend, who kept me secure till Saturday eve,
+when a swift horse was furnished by James Rogers, and a colored man
+found to conduct me to Gettysburg. Instead of going direct to
+Gettysburg, we took a different road, in order to shun our pursuers, as
+the news of my escape had created general excitement. My three other
+companions, who were captured, were sent to Westminster jail, where they
+were kept three weeks, and afterwards sent to Baltimore and sold for
+twelve hundred dollars a piece, as I was informed while at the tavern in
+Terrytown."
+
+[Illustration: DESPERATE CONFLICT IN A BARN.]
+
+The Vigilance Committee procured good medical attention and afforded the
+fugitive time for recuperation, furnished him with clothing and a free
+ticket, and sent him on his way greatly improved in health, and strong
+in the faith that, "He who would be free, himself must strike the blow."
+His safe arrival in Canada, with his thanks, were duly announced. And
+some time after becoming naturalized, in one of his letters, he wrote
+that he was a brakesman on the Great Western R.R., (in Canada--promoted
+from the U.G.R.R.,) the result of being under the protection of the
+British Lion.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+DEATH OF ROMULUS HALL--NEW NAME GEORGE WEEMS.
+
+
+In March, 1857, Abram Harris fled from John Henry Suthern, who lived
+near Benedict, Charles county, Md., where he was engaged in the farming
+business, and was the owner of about seventy head of slaves. He kept an
+overseer, and usually had flogging administered daily, on males and
+females, old and young. Abram becoming very sick of this treatment,
+resolved, about the first of March, to seek out the Underground Rail
+Road. But for his strong attachment to his wife (who was owned by Samuel
+Adams, but was "pretty well treated"), he never would have consented to
+suffer as he did.
+
+Here no hope of comfort for the future seemed to remain. So Abram
+consulted with a fellow-servant, by the name of Romulus Hall, alias
+George Weems, and being very warm friends, concluded to start together.
+Both had wives to "tear themselves from," and each was equally ignorant
+of the distance they had to travel, and the dangers and sufferings to be
+endured. But they "trusted in God" and kept the North Star in view. For
+nine days and nights, without a guide, they traveled at a very
+exhausting rate, especially as they had to go fasting for three days,
+and to endure very cold weather. Abram's companion, being about fifty
+years of age, felt obliged to succumb, both from hunger and cold, and
+had to be left on the way. Abram was a man of medium size, tall, dark
+chestnut color, and could read and write a little and was quite
+intelligent; "was a member of the Mount Zion Church," and occasionally
+officiated as an "exhorter," and really appeared to be a man of genuine
+faith in the Almighty, and equally as much in freedom.
+
+In substance, Abram gave the following information concerning his
+knowledge of affairs on the farm under his master--
+
+"Master and mistress very frequently visited the Protestant Church, but
+were not members. Mistress was very bad. About three weeks before I
+left, the overseer, in a violent fit of bad temper, shot and badly
+wounded a young slave man by the name of Henry Waters, but no sooner
+than he got well enough he escaped, and had not been heard of up to the
+time Abram left. About three years before this happened, an overseer of
+my master was found shot dead on the road. At once some of the slaves
+were suspected, and were all taken to the Court House, at Serentown, St.
+Mary's county; but all came off clear. After this occurrence a new
+overseer, by the name of John Decket, was employed. Although his
+predecessor had been dead three years, Decket, nevertheless, concluded
+that it was not 'too late' to flog the secret out of some of the slaves.
+Accordingly, he selected a young slave man for his victim, and flogged
+him so cruelly that he could scarcely walk or stand, and to keep from
+being actually killed, the boy told an untruth, and confessed that he
+and his Uncle Henry killed Webster, the overseer; whereupon the poor
+fellow was sent to jail to be tried for his life."
+
+But Abram did not wait to hear the verdict. He reached the Committee
+safely in this city, in advance of his companion, and was furnished with
+a free ticket and other needed assistance, and was sent on his way
+rejoicing. After reaching his destination, he wrote back to know how his
+friend and companion (George) was getting along; but in less than three
+weeks after he had passed, the following brief story reveals the sad
+fate of poor _Romulus Hall_, who had journeyed with him till exhausted
+from hunger and badly frost-bitten.
+
+A few days after his younger companion had passed on North, Romulus was
+brought by a pitying stranger to the Vigilance Committee, in a most
+shocking condition. The frost had made sad havoc with his feet and legs,
+so much so that all sense of feeling had departed therefrom.
+
+[Illustration: DEATH OF ROMULUS HALL.]
+
+How he ever reached this city is a marvel. On his arrival medical
+attention and other necessary comforts were provided by the Committee,
+who hoped with himself, that he would be restored with the loss of his
+toes alone. For one week he seemed to be improving; at the expiration of
+this time, however, his symptoms changed, indicating not only the end of
+slavery, but also the end of all his earthly troubles.
+
+Lockjaw and mortification set in in the most malignant form, and for
+nearly thirty-six hours the unfortunate victim suffered in extreme
+agony, though not a murmur escaped him for having brought upon himself
+in seeking his liberty this painful infliction and death. It was
+wonderful to see how resignedly he endured his fate.
+
+Being anxious to get his testimony relative to his escape, etc., the
+Chairman of the Committee took his pencil and expressed to him his
+wishes in the matter. Amongst other questions, he was asked: "Do you
+regret having attempted to escape from slavery?" After a severe spasm he
+said, as his friend was about to turn to leave the room, hopeless of
+being gratified in his purpose: "Don't go; I have not answered your
+question. I am glad I escaped from slavery!" He then gave his name, and
+tried to tell the name of his master, but was so weak he could not be
+understood.
+
+At his bedside, day and night, Slavery looked more heinous than it had
+ever done before. Only think how this poor man, in an enlightened
+Christian land, for the bare hope of freedom, in a strange land amongst
+strangers, was obliged not only to bear the sacrifice of his wife and
+kindred, but also of his own life.
+
+Nothing ever appeared more sad than seeing him in a dying posture, and
+instead of reaching his much coveted destination in Canada, going to
+that "bourne whence no traveler returns." Of course it was expedient,
+even after his death, that only a few friends should follow him to his
+grave. Nevertheless, he was decently buried in the beautiful Lebanon
+Cemetery.
+
+In his purse was found one single five cent piece, his whole pecuniary
+dependence.
+
+This was the first instance of death on the Underground Rail Road in
+this region.
+
+The Committee were indebted to the medical services of the well-known
+friends of the fugitive, Drs. J.L. Griscom and H.T. Childs, whose
+faithful services were freely given; and likewise to Mrs. H.S. Duterte
+and Mrs. Williams, who generously performed the offices of charity and
+friendship at his burial.
+
+From his companion, who passed on Canada-ward without delay, we received
+a letter, from which, as an item of interest, we make the following
+extract:
+
+
+    "I am enjoying good health, and hope when this reaches you, you
+    may be enjoying the same blessing. Give my love to Mr. ----, and
+    family, and tell them I am in a land of liberty! I am a man
+    among men!" (The above was addressed to the deceased.)
+
+
+The subjoined letter, from Rev. L.D. Mansfield, expressed on behalf of
+Romulus' companion, his sad feelings on hearing of his friend's death.
+And here it may not be inappropriate to add, that clearly enough is it
+to be seen, that Rev. Mansfield was one of the rare order of ministers,
+who believed it right "to do unto others as one would be done by" in
+practice, not in theory merely, and who felt that they could no more be
+excused for "falling down," in obedience to the Fugitive Slave Law under
+President Fillmore, than could Daniel for worshiping the "golden image"
+under Nebuchadnezzar.
+
+
+    AUBURN, NEW YORK, MAY 4TH, 1857.
+
+    DEAR BR. STILL:--Henry Lemmon wishes me to write to you in reply
+    to your kind letter, conveying the intelligence of the death of
+    your fugitive guest, Geo. Weems. He was deeply affected at the
+    intelligence, for he was most devotedly attached to him and had
+    been for many years. Mr. Lemmon now expects his sister to come
+    on, and wishes you to aid her in any way in your power--as he
+    knows you will.
+
+    He wishes you to send the coat and cap of Weems by his sister
+    when she comes. And when you write out the history of Weems'
+    escape, and it is published, that you would send him a copy of
+    the papers. He has not been very successful in getting work yet.
+
+    Mr. and Mrs. Harris left for Canada last week. The friends made
+    them a purse of $15 or $20, and we hope they will do well.
+
+    Mr. Lemmon sends his respects to you and Mrs. Still. Give my
+    kind regards to her and accept also yourself,
+
+    Yours very truly,
+
+    L.D. MANSFIELD.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+JAMES MERCER, WM. H. GILLIAM, AND JOHN CLAYTON.
+
+
+STOWED AWAY IN A HOT BERTH.
+
+
+This arrival came by Steamer. But they neither came in State-room nor as
+Cabin, Steerage, or Deck passengers.
+
+A certain space, not far from the boiler, where the heat and coal dust
+were almost intolerable,--the colored steward on the boat in answer to
+an appeal from these unhappy bondmen, could point to no other place for
+concealment but this. Nor was he at all certain that they could endure
+the intense heat of that place. It admitted of no other posture than
+lying flat down, wholly shut out from the light, and nearly in the same
+predicament in regard to the air. Here, however, was a chance of
+throwing off the yoke, even if it cost them their lives. They considered
+and resolved to try it at all hazards.
+
+Henry Box Brown's sufferings were nothing, compared to what these men
+submitted to during the entire journey.
+
+They reached the house of one of the Committee about three o'clock, A.M.
+
+All the way from the wharf the cold rain poured down in torrents and
+they got completely drenched, but their hearts were swelling with joy
+and gladness unutterable. From the thick coating of coal dust, and the
+effect of the rain added thereto, all traces of natural appearance were
+entirely obliterated, and they looked frightful in the extreme. But they
+had placed their lives in mortal peril for freedom.
+
+Every step of their critical journey was reviewed and commented on, with
+matchless natural eloquence,--how, when almost on the eve of suffocating
+in their warm berths, in order to catch a breath of air, they were
+compelled to crawl, one at a time, to a small aperture; but scarcely
+would one poor fellow pass three minutes being thus refreshed, ere the
+others would insist that he should "go back to his hole." Air was
+precious, but for the time being they valued their liberty at still
+greater price.
+
+After they had talked to their hearts' content, and after they had been
+thoroughly cleansed and changed in apparel, their physical appearance
+could be easily discerned, which made it less a wonder whence such
+outbursts of eloquence had emanated. They bore every mark of determined
+manhood.
+
+The date of this arrival was February 26, 1854, and the following
+description was then recorded--
+
+Arrived, by Steamer Pennsylvania, James Mercer, William H. Gilliam and
+John Clayton, from Richmond.
+
+James was owned by the widow, Mrs. T.E. White. He is thirty-two years of
+age, of dark complexion, well made, good-looking, reads and writes, is
+very fluent in speech, and remarkably intelligent. From a boy, he had
+been hired out. The last place he had the honor to fill before escaping,
+was with Messrs. Williams and Brother, wholesale commission merchants.
+For his services in this store the widow had been drawing one hundred
+and twenty-five dollars per annum, clear of all expenses.
+
+He did not complain of bad treatment from his mistress, indeed, he spoke
+rather favorably of her. But he could not close his eyes to the fact,
+that at one time Mrs. White had been in possession of thirty head of
+slaves, although at the time he was counting the cost of escaping, two
+only remained--himself and William, (save a little boy) and on himself a
+mortgage for seven hundred and fifty dollars was then resting. He could,
+therefore, with his remarkably quick intellect, calculate about how long
+it would be before he reached the auction block.
+
+He had a wife but no child. She was owned by Mr. Henry W. Quarles. So
+out of that Sodom he felt he would have to escape, even at the cost of
+leaving his wife behind. Of course he felt hopeful that the way would
+open by which she could escape at a future time, and so it did, as will
+appear by and by. His aged mother he had to leave also.
+
+Wm. Henry Gilliam likewise belonged to the Widow White, and he had been
+hired to Messrs. White and Brother to drive their bread wagon. William
+was a baker by trade. For his services his mistress had received one
+hundred and thirty-five dollars per year. He thought his mistress quite
+as good, if not a little better than most slave-holders. But he had
+never felt persuaded to believe that she was good enough for him to
+remain a slave for her support.
+
+Indeed, he had made several unsuccessful attempts before this time to
+escape from slavery and its horrors. He was fully posted from A to Z,
+but in his own person he had been smart enough to escape most of the
+more brutal outrages. He knew how to read and write, and in readiness of
+speech and general natural ability was far above the average of slaves.
+
+He was twenty-five years of age, well made, of light complexion, and
+might be put down as a valuable piece of property.
+
+This loss fell with crushing weight upon the kind-hearted mistress, as
+will be seen in a letter subjoined which she wrote to the unfaithful
+William, some time after he had fled.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM MRS. L.E. WHITE.
+
+
+
+    RICHMOND, 16th, 1854.
+
+    DEAR HENRY:--Your mother and myself received your letter; she is
+    much distressed at your conduct; she is remaining just as you
+    left her, she says, and she will never be reconciled to your
+    conduct.
+
+    I think Henry, you have acted most dishonorably; had you have
+    made a confidant of me I would have been better off; and you as
+    you are. I am badly situated, living with Mrs. Palmer, and
+    having to put up with everything--your mother is also
+    dissatisfied--I am miserably poor, do not get a cent of your
+    hire or James', besides losing you both, but if you can
+    _reconcile_ so do. By renting a cheap house, I might have lived,
+    now it seems starvation is before me. Martha and the Doctor are
+    living in Portsmouth, it is not in her power to do much for me.
+    I know you will repent it. I heard six weeks before you went,
+    that you were trying to persuade him off--but we all liked you,
+    and I was unwilling to believe it--however, I leave it in God's
+    hands He will know what to do. Your mother says that I must tell
+    you servant Jones is _dead_ and old _Mrs. Galt_. Kit is well,
+    but we are very uneasy, losing your and _James' hire_, I fear
+    poor little fellow, that he will be obliged to go, as I am
+    compelled to live, and it will be your fault. I am quite unwell,
+    but of course, you don't care.
+
+    Yours,
+
+    L.E. WHITE.
+
+    If you choose to come back you could. I would do a very good
+    part by you, Toler and Cooke has none.
+
+
+This touching epistle was given by the disobedient William to a member
+of the Vigilant Committee, when on a visit to Canada, in 1855, and it
+was thought to be of too much value to be lost. It was put away with
+other valuable U.G.R.R. documents for future reference. Touching the
+"rascality" of William and James and the unfortunate predicament in
+which it placed the kind-hearted widow, Mrs. Louisa White, the following
+editorial clipped from the wide-awake Richmond Despatch, was also highly
+appreciated, and preserved as conclusive testimony to the successful
+working of the U.G.R.R. in the Old Dominion. It reads thus--
+
+"RASCALITY SOMEWHERE.--We called attention yesterday to the
+advertisement of two negroes belonging to Mrs. Louisa White, by Toler &
+Cook, and in the call we expressed the opinion that they were still
+lurking about the city, preparatory to going off. Mr. Toler, we find, is
+of a different opinion. He believes that they have already cleared
+themselves--have escaped to a Free State, and we think it extremely
+probable that he is in the right. They were both of them uncommonly
+intelligent negroes. One of them, the one hired to Mr. White, was a
+tip-top baker. He had been all about the country, and had been in the
+habit of supplying the U.S. Pennsylvania with bread; Mr. W. having the
+contract. In his visits for this purpose, of course, he formed
+acquaintances with all sorts of sea-faring characters; and there is
+every reason to believe that he has been assisted to get off in that
+way, along with the other boy, hired to the Messrs. Williams. That the
+two acted in concert, can admit of no doubt. The question is now to find
+out how they got off. They must undoubtedly have had white men in the
+secret. Have we then a nest of Abolition scoundrels among us? There
+ought to be a law to put a police officer on board every vessel as soon
+as she lands at the wharf. There is one, we believe for inspecting
+vessels before they leave. If there is not there ought to be one.
+
+"These negroes belong to a widow lady and constitute all the property
+she has on earth. They have both been raised with the greatest
+indulgence. Had it been otherwise, they would never have had an
+opportunity to escape, as they have done. Their flight has left her
+penniless. Either of them would readily have sold for $1200; and Mr.
+Toler advised their owner to sell them at the commencement of the year,
+probably anticipating the very thing that has happened. She refused to
+do so, because she felt too much attachment to them. They have made a
+fine return, truly."
+
+No comment is necessary on the above editorial except simply to express
+the hope that the editor and his friends who seemed to be utterly
+befogged as to how these "uncommonly intelligent negroes" made their
+escape, will find the problem satisfactorily solved in this book.
+
+However, in order to do even-handed justice to all concerned, it seems
+but proper that William and James should be heard from, and hence a
+letter from each is here appended for what they are worth. True they
+were intended only for private use, but since the "True light" (Freedom)
+has come, all things may be made manifest.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM WILLIAM HENRY GILLIAM.
+
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, C.W., MAY 15th, 1854.
+
+    My Dear Friend:--I receaved yours, Dated the 10th and the papers
+    on the 13th, I also saw the pice that was in Miss Shadd's paper
+    About me. I think Tolar is right About my being in A free State,
+    I am and think A great del of it. Also I have no compassion on
+    the penniless widow lady, I have Served her 25 yers 2 months, I
+    think that is long Enough for me to live A Slave. Dear Sir, I am
+    very sorry to hear of the Accadent that happened to our Friend
+    Mr. Meakins, I have read the letter to all that lives in St.
+    Catharines, that came from old Virginia, and then I Sented to
+    Toronto to Mercer & Clayton to see, and to Farman to read fur
+    themselves. Sir, you must write to me soon and let me know how
+    Meakins gets on with his tryal, and you must pray for him, I
+    have told all here to do the same for him. May God bless and
+    protect him from prison, I have heard A great del of old
+    Richmond and Norfolk. Dear Sir, if you see Mr. or Mrs. Gilbert
+    Give my love to them and tell them to write to me, also give my
+    respect to your Family and A part for yourself, love from the
+    friends to you Soloman Brown, H. Atkins, Was. Johnson, Mrs.
+    Brooks, Mr. Dykes. Mr. Smith is better at presant. And do not
+    forget to write the News of Meakin's tryal. I cannot say any
+    more at this time; but remain yours and A true Friend ontell
+    Death.
+
+    W.H. GILLIAM, the widow's Mite.
+
+
+"Our friend Minkins," in whose behalf William asks the united prayers of
+his friends, was one of the "scoundrels" who assisted him and his two
+companions to escape on the steamer. Being suspected of "rascality" in
+this direction, he was arrested and put in jail, but as no evidence
+could be found against him he was soon released.
+
+
+
+JAMES MERCER'S LETTER.
+
+
+
+    TORONTO, MARCH 17th, 1854.
+
+    My dear friend Still:--I take this method of informing you that
+    I am well, and when this comes to hand it may find you and your
+    family enjoying good health. Sir, my particular for writing is
+    that I wish to hear from you, and to hear all the news from down
+    South. I wish to know if all things are working Right for the
+    Rest of my Brotheran whom in bondage. I will also Say that I am
+    very much please with Toronto, So also the friends that came
+    over with. It is true that we have not been Employed as yet; but
+    we are in hopes of be'en so in a few days. We happen here in
+    good time jest about time the people in this country are going
+    work. I am in good health and good Spirits, and feeles Rejoiced
+    in the Lord for my liberty. I Received cople of paper from you
+    to-day. I wish you see James Morris whom or Abram George the
+    first and second on the Ship Penn., give my respects to them,
+    and ask James if he will call at Henry W. Quarles on May street
+    oppisit the Jews synagogue and call for Marena Mercer, give my
+    love to her ask her of all the times about Richmond, tell her to
+    Send me all the news. Tell Mr. Morris that there will be no
+    danger in going to that place. You will also tell M. to make
+    himself known to her as she may know who sent him. And I wish to
+    get a letter from you.
+
+    JAMES M. MERCER.
+
+
+
+
+JOHN H. HILL'S LETTER.
+
+
+
+    My friend, I would like to hear from you, I have been looking
+    for a letter from you for Several days as the last was very
+    interesting to me, please to write Right away.
+
+    Yours most Respectfully,
+
+    JOHN H. HILL.
+
+
+Instead of weeping over the sad situation of his "penniless" mistress
+and showing any signs of contrition for having wronged the man who held
+the mortgage of seven hundred and fifty dollars on him, James actually
+"feels rejoiced in the Lord for his liberty," and is "very much pleased
+with Toronto;" but is not satisfied yet, he is even concocting a plan by
+which his wife might be run off from Richmond, which would be the cause
+of her owner (Henry W. Quarles, Esq.) losing at least one thousand
+dollars,
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINE, CANADA, JUNE 8th, 1854.
+
+    MR. STILL, DEAR FRIEND:--I received a letter from the poor old
+    widow, Mrs. L.E. White, and she says I may come back if I choose
+    and she will do a good part by me. Yes, yes I am choosing the
+    western side of the South for my home. She is smart, but cannot
+    bung my eye, so she shall have to die in the poor house at last,
+    so she says, and Mercer and myself will be the cause of it. That
+    is all right. I am getting even with her now for I was in the
+    poor house for twenty-five years and have just got out. And she
+    said she knew I was coming away six weeks before I started, so
+    you may know my chance was slim. But Mr. John Wright said I came
+    off like a gentleman and he did not blame me for coming for I
+    was a great boy. Yes I here him enough he is all gas. I am in
+    Canada, and they cannot help themselves.
+
+    About that subject I will not say anything more. You must write
+    to me as soon as you can and let me here the news and how the
+    Family is and yourself. Let me know how the times is with the
+    U.G.R.R. Co. Is it doing good business? Mr. Dykes sends his
+    respects to you. Give mine to your family.
+
+    Your true friend,
+
+    W.H. GILLIAM.
+
+
+John Clayton, the companion in tribulation of William and James, must
+not be lost sight of any longer. He was owned by the Widow Clayton, and
+was white enough to have been nearly related to her, being a mulatto. He
+was about thirty-five years of age, a man of fine appearance, and quite
+intelligent. Several years previous he had made an attempt to escape,
+but failed. Prior to escaping in this instance, he had been laboring in
+a tobacco factory at $150 a year. It is needless to say that he did not
+approve of the "peculiar institution." He left a wife and one child
+behind to mourn after him. Of his views of Canada and Freedom, the
+following frank and sensible letter, penned shortly after his arrival,
+speaks for itself--
+
+
+    TORONTO, March 6th, 1854.
+
+    DEAR MR. STILL:--I take this method of informing you that I am
+    well both in health and mind. You may rest assured that I fells
+    myself a free man and do not fell as I did when I was in
+    Virginia thanks be to God I have no master into Canada but I am
+    my own man. I arrived safe into Canada on friday last. I must
+    request of you to write a few lines to my wife and jest state to
+    her that her friend arrived safe into this glorious land of
+    liberty and I am well and she will make very short her time in
+    Virginia. tell her that I likes here very well and hopes to like
+    it better when I gets to work I don't meane for you to write the
+    same words that are written above but I wish you give her a
+    clear understanding where I am and Shall Remain here untel She
+    comes or I hears from her.
+
+    Nothing more at present but remain yours most respectfully,
+
+    JOHN CLAYTON.
+
+    You will please to direct the to Petersburg Luenena Johns or
+    Clayton John is best.
+
+
+
+
+CLARISSA DAVIS.
+
+
+ARRIVED DRESSED IN MALE ATTIRE.
+
+
+Clarissa fled from Portsmouth, Va., in May, 1854, with two of her
+brothers. Two months and a half before she succeeded in getting off,
+Clarissa had made a desperate effort, but failed. The brothers
+succeeded, but she was left. She had not given up all hope of escape,
+however, and therefore sought "a safe hiding-place until an opportunity
+might offer," by which she could follow her brothers on the U.G.R.R.
+Clarissa was owned by Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Burkley, of Portsmouth, under
+whom she had always served.
+
+Of them she spoke favorably, saying that she "had not been used as hard
+as many others were." At this period, Clarissa was about twenty-two
+years of age, of a bright brown complexion, with handsome features,
+exceedingly respectful and modest, and possessed all the characteristics
+of a well-bred young lady. For one so little acquainted with books as
+she was, the correctness of her speech was perfectly astonishing.
+
+For Clarissa and her two brothers a "reward of one thousand dollars" was
+kept standing in the papers for a length of time, as these (articles)
+were considered very rare and valuable; the best that could be produced
+in Virginia.
+
+In the meanwhile the brothers had passed safely on to New Bedford, but
+Clarissa remained secluded, "waiting for the storm to subside." Keeping
+up courage day by day, for seventy-five days, with the fear of being
+detected and severely punished, and then sold, after all her hopes and
+struggles, required the faith of a martyr. Time after time, when she
+hoped to succeed in making her escape, ill luck seemed to disappoint
+her, and nothing but intense suffering appeared to be in store. Like
+many others, under the crushing weight of oppression, she thought she
+"should have to die" ere she tasted liberty. In this state of mind, one
+day, word was conveyed to her that the steamship, City of Richmond, had
+arrived from Philadelphia, and that the steward on board (with whom she
+was acquainted), had consented to secrete her this trip, if she could
+manage to reach the ship safely, which was to start the next day. This
+news to Clarissa was both cheering and painful. She had been "praying
+all the time while waiting," but now she felt "that if it would only
+rain right hard the next morning about three o'clock, to drive the
+police officers off the street, then she could safely make her way to
+the boat." Therefore she prayed anxiously all that day that it would
+rain, "but no sign of rain appeared till towards midnight." The prospect
+looked horribly discouraging; but she prayed on, and at the appointed
+hour (three o'clock--before day), the rain descended in torrents.
+Dressed in male attire, Clarissa left the miserable coop where she had
+been almost without light or air for two and a half months, and
+unmolested, reached the boat safely, and was secreted in a box by Wm.
+Bagnal, a clever young man who sincerely sympathized with the slave,
+having a wife in slavery himself; and by him she was safely delivered
+into the hands of the Vigilance Committee.
+
+Clarissa Davis here, by advice of the Committee, dropped her old name,
+and was straightway christened "Mary D. Armstead." Desiring to join her
+brothers and sister in New Bedford, she was duly furnished with her
+U.G.R.R. passport and directed thitherward. Her father, who was left
+behind when she got off, soon after made his way on North, and joined
+his children. He was too old and infirm probably to be worth anything,
+and had been allowed to go free, or to purchase himself for a mere
+nominal sum. Slaveholders would, on some such occasions, show wonderful
+liberality in letting their old slaves go free, when they could work no
+more. After reaching New Bedford, Clarissa manifested her gratitude in
+writing to her friends in Philadelphia repeatedly, and evinced a very
+lively interest in the U.G.R.R. The appended letter indicates her
+sincere feelings of gratitude and deep interest in the cause--
+
+
+    NEW BEDFORD, August 26, 1855.
+
+    MR. STILL:--I avail my self to write you thes few lines hopeing
+    they may find you and your family well as they leaves me very
+    well and all the family well except my father he seams to be
+    improveing with his shoulder he has been able to work a little I
+    received the papers I was highly delighted to receive them I was
+    very glad to hear from you in the wheler case I was very glad to
+    hear that the persons ware safe I was very sory to hear that mr
+    Williamson was put in prison but I know if the praying part of
+    the people will pray for him and if he will put his trust in the
+    lord he will bring him out more than conquer please remember my
+    Dear old farther and sisters and brothers to your family kiss
+    the children for me I hear that the yellow fever is very bad
+    down south now if the underground railroad could have free
+    course the emergrant would cross the river of gordan rapidly I
+    hope it may continue to run and I hope the wheels of the car may
+    be greesed with more substantial greese so they may run over
+    swiftly I would have wrote before but circumstances would not
+    permit me  Miss Sanders and all the friends desired to be
+    remembered to you and your family I shall be pleased to hear
+    from the underground rail road often.
+
+    Yours respectfully,
+
+    MARY D. ARMSTEAD.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ANTHONY BLOW, ALIAS HENRY LEVISON.
+
+
+SECRETED TEN MONTHS BEFORE STARTING--EIGHT DAYS STOWED AWAY ON A STEAMER
+BOUND FOR PHILADELPHIA.
+
+
+Arrived from Norfolk, about the 1st of November, 1854. Ten months before
+starting, Anthony had been closely concealed. He belonged to the estate
+of Mrs. Peters, a widow, who had been dead about one year before his
+concealment.
+
+On the settlement of his old mistress' estate, which was to take place
+one year after her death, Anthony was to be transferred to Mrs. Lewis, a
+daughter of Mrs. Peters (the wife of James Lewis, Esq.). Anthony felt
+well satisfied that he was not the slave to please the "tyrannical
+whims" of his anticipated master, young Lewis, and of course he hated
+the idea of having to come under his yoke. And what made it still more
+unpleasant for Anthony was that Mr. Lewis would frequently remind him
+that it was his intention to "sell him as soon as he got possession--the
+first day of January." "I can get fifteen hundred dollars for you
+easily, and I will do it." This contemptuous threat had caused Anthony's
+blood to boil time and again. But Anthony had to take the matter as
+calmly as possible, which, however, he was not always able to do.
+
+At any rate, Anthony concluded that his "young master had counted the
+chickens before they were hatched." Indeed here Anthony began to be a
+deep thinker. He thought, for instance, that he had already been shot
+three times, at the instance of slave-holders. The first time he was
+shot was for refusing a flogging when only eighteen years of age. The
+second time, he was shot in the head with squirrel shot by the sheriff,
+who was attempting to arrest him for having resisted three "young white
+ruffians," who wished to have the pleasure of beating him, but got
+beaten themselves. And in addition to being shot this time, Anthony was
+still further "broke in" by a terrible flogging from the Sheriff. The
+third time Anthony was shot he was about twenty-one years of age. In
+this instance he was punished for his old offence--he "would not be
+whipped."
+
+This time his injury from being shot was light, compared with the two
+preceding attacks. Also in connection with these murderous conflicts, he
+could not forget that he had been sold on the auction block. But he had
+still deeper thinking to do yet. He determined that his young master
+should never get "fifteen hundred dollars for him on the 1st of
+January," unless he got them while he (Anthony) was running. For Anthony
+had fully made up his mind that when the last day of December ended, his
+bondage should end also, even if he should have to accept death as a
+substitute. He then began to think of the Underground Rail Road and of
+Canada; but who the agents were, or how to find the depot, was a serious
+puzzle to him. But his time was getting so short he was convinced that
+whatever he did would have to be done quickly. In this frame of mind he
+found a man who professed to know something about the Underground Rail
+Road, and for "thirty dollars" promised to aid him in the matter.
+
+The thirty dollars were raised by the hardest effort and passed over to
+the pretended friend, with the expectation that it would avail greatly
+in the emergency. But Anthony found himself sold for thirty dollars, as
+nothing was done for him. However, the 1st day of January arrived, but
+Anthony was not to be found to answer to his name at roll call. He had
+"took out" very early in the morning. Daily he prayed in his place of
+concealment how to find the U.G.R.R. Ten months passed away, during
+which time he suffered almost death, but persuaded himself to believe
+that even that was better than slavery. With Anthony, as it has been
+with thousands of others similarly situated, just as everything was
+looking the most hopeless, word came to him in his place of concealment
+that a friend named Minkins, employed on the steamship City of Richmond,
+would undertake to conceal him on the boat, if he could be crowded in a
+certain place, which was about the only spot that would be perfectly
+safe. This was glorious news to Anthony; but it was well for him that he
+was ignorant of the situation that awaited him on the boat, or his heart
+might have failed him. He was willing, however, to risk his life for
+freedom, and, therefore, went joyfully.
+
+The hiding-place was small and he was large. A sitting attitude was the
+only way he could possibly occupy it. He was contented. This place was
+"near the range, directly over the boiler," and of course, was very
+warm. Nevertheless, Anthony felt that he would not murmur, as he knew
+what suffering was pretty well, and especially as he took it for granted
+that he would be free in about a day and a half--the usual time it took
+the steamer to make her trip. At the appointed hour the steamer left
+Norfolk for Philadelphia, with Anthony sitting flat down in his U.G.R.R.
+berth, thoughtful and hopeful. But before the steamer had made half her
+distance the storm was tossing the ship hither and thither fearfully.
+Head winds blew terribly, and for a number of days the elements seemed
+perfectly mad. In addition to the extraordinary state of the weather,
+when the storm subsided the fog took its place and held the mastery of
+the ship with equal despotism until the end of over seven days, when
+finally the storm, wind, and fog all disappeared, and on the eighth day
+of her boisterous passage the steamship City of Richmond landed at the
+wharf of Philadelphia, with this giant and hero on board who had
+suffered for ten months in his concealment on land and for eight days on
+the ship.
+
+Anthony was of very powerful physical proportions, being six feet three
+inches in height, quite black, very intelligent, and of a temperament
+that would not submit to slavery. For some years his master, Col.
+Cunnagan, had hired him out in Washington, where he was accused of being
+in the schooner Pearl, with Capt. Drayton's memorable "seventy fugitives
+on board, bound for Canada." At this time he was stoker in a machine
+shop, and was at work on an anchor weighing "ten thousand pounds." In
+the excitement over the attempt to escape in the Pearl, many were
+arrested, and the officers with irons visited Anthony at the machine
+shop to arrest him, but he declined to let them put the hand-cuffs on
+him, but consented to go with them, if permitted to do so without being
+ironed. The officers yielded, and Anthony went willingly to the jail.
+Passing unnoticed other interesting conflicts in his hard life, suffice
+it to say, he left his wife, Ann, and three children, Benjamin, John and
+Alfred, all owned by Col. Cunnagan. In this brave-hearted man, the
+Committee felt a deep interest, and accorded him their usual
+hospitalities.
+
+
+
+PERRY JOHNSON, OF ELKTON, MARYLAND.
+
+
+EYE KNOCKED OUT, ETC.
+
+
+Perry's exit was in November, 1853. He was owned by Charles Johnson, who
+lived at Elkton. The infliction of a severe "flogging" from the hand of
+his master awakened Perry to consider the importance of the U.G.R.R.
+Perry had the misfortune to let a "load of fodder upset," about which
+his master became exasperated, and in his agitated state of mind he
+succeeded in affixing a number of very ugly stationary marks on Perry's
+back. However, this was no new thing. Indeed he had suffered at the
+hands of his mistress even far more keenly than from these "ugly marks."
+He had but one eye; the other he had been deprived of by a terrible
+stroke with a cowhide in the "hand of his mistress." This lady he
+pronounced to be a "perfect savage," and added that "she was in the
+habit of cowhiding any of her slaves whenever she felt like it, which
+was quite often." Perry was about twenty-eight years of age and a man of
+promise. The Committee attended to his wants and forwarded him on North.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ISAAC FORMAN, WILLIAM DAVIS, AND WILLIS REDICK.
+
+
+HEARTS FULL OF JOY FOR FREEDOM--VERY ANXIOUS FOR WIVES IN SLAVERY.
+
+
+
+
+These passengers all arrived together, concealed, per steamship City of
+Richmond, December, 1853. Isaac Forman, the youngest of the
+party--twenty-three years of age and a dark mulatto--would be considered
+by a Southerner capable of judging as "very likely." He fled from a
+widow by the name of Mrs. Sanders, who had been in the habit of hiring
+him out for "one hundred and twenty dollars a year." She belonged in
+Norfolk, Va.; so did Isaac. For four years Isaac had served in the
+capacity of steward on the steamship Augusta. He stated that he had a
+wife living in Richmond, and that she was confined the morning he took
+the U.G.R.R. Of course he could not see her. The privilege of living in
+Richmond with his wife "had been denied him." Thus, fearing to render
+her unhappy, he was obliged to conceal from her his intention to escape.
+"Once or twice in the year was all the privilege allowed" him to visit
+her. This only added "insult to injury," in Isaac's opinion; wherefore
+he concluded that he would make one less to have to suffer thus, and
+common sense said he was wise in the matter. No particular charges are
+found recorded on the U.G.R.R. books against the mistress. He went to
+Canada.
+
+In the subjoined letters (about his wife) is clearly revealed the
+sincere gratitude he felt towards those who aided him: at the same time
+it may be seen how the thought of his wife being in bondage grieved his
+heart. It would have required men with stone hearts to have turned deaf
+ears to such appeals. Extract from letter soon after reaching
+Canada--hopeful and happy--
+
+
+
+EXTRACT OF LETTER FROM ISAAC FORMAN.
+
+
+
+    TORONTO, Feb. 20th, 1854.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL:--_Sir_--Your kind letter arrived safe at hand
+    on the 18th, and I was very happy to receive it. I now feel that
+    I should return you some thanks for your kindness. Dear sir I do
+    pray from the bottom of my heart, that the high heavens may
+    bless you for your kindness; give my love to Mr. Bagnel and Mr.
+    Minkins, ask them if they have heard anything from my brother,
+    tell Mr. Bagnel to give my love to my sister-in-law and mother
+    and all the family. I am now living at Russell's Hotel; it is
+    the first situation I have had since I have been here and I like
+    it very well. Sir you would oblige me by letting me know if Mr.
+    Minkins has seen my wife; you will please let me know as soon as
+    possible. I wonder if Mr. Minkins has thought of any way that he
+    can get my wife away. I should like to know in a few days.
+
+    Your well wisher,
+
+    ISAAC FORMAN.
+
+
+Another letter from Isaac. He is very gloomy and his heart is almost
+breaking about his wife.
+
+
+
+SECOND LETTER.
+
+
+
+    TORONTO, May 7,1854.
+
+    MR. W. STILL:--_Dear Sir_--I take this opportunity of writing
+    you these few lines and hope when they reach you they will find
+    you well. I would have written you before, but I was waiting to
+    hear from my friend, Mr. Brown. I judge his business has been of
+    importance as the occasion why he has not written before. Dear
+    sir, nothing would have prevented me from writing, in a case of
+    this kind, except death.
+
+    My soul is vexed, my troubles are inexpressible. I often feel as
+    if I were willing to die. I must see my wife in short, if not, I
+    will die. What would I not give no tongue can utter. Just to
+    gaze on her sweet lips one moment I would be willing to die the
+    next. I am determined to see her some time or other. The thought
+    of being a slave again is miserable. I hope heaven will smile
+    upon me again, before I am one again. I will leave Canada again
+    shortly, but I don't name the place that I go, it may be in the
+    bottom of the ocean. If I had known as much before I left, as I
+    do now, I would never have left until I could have found means
+    to have brought her with me. You have never suffered from being
+    absent from a wife, as I have. I consider that to be nearly
+    superior to death, and hope you will do all you can for me, and
+    inquire from your friends if nothing can be done for me. Please
+    write to me immediately on receipt of this, and say something
+    that will cheer up my drooping spirits. You will oblige me by
+    seeing Mr. Brown and ask him if he would oblige me by going to
+    Richmond and see my wife, and see what arrangements he could
+    make with her, and I would be willing to pay all his expenses
+    there and back. Please to see both Mr. Bagnel and Mr. Minkins,
+    and ask them if they have seen my wife. I am determined to see
+    her, if I die the next moment. I can say I was once happy, but
+    never will be again, until I see her; because what is freedom to
+    me, when I know that my wife is in slavery? Those persons that
+    you shipped a few weeks ago, remained at St. Catherine, instead
+    of coming over to Toronto. I sent you two letters last week and
+    I hope you will please attend to them. The post-office is shut,
+    so I enclose the money to pay the post, and please write me in
+    haste.
+
+    I remain evermore your obedient servant,
+
+    I. FORMAN.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIS REDICK.
+
+
+He was owned by S.J. Wilson, a merchant, living in Portsmouth, Va.
+Willis was of a very dark hue, thick set, thirty-two years of age, and
+possessed of a fair share of mind. The owner had been accustomed to hire
+Willis out for "one hundred dollars a year." Willis thought his lot
+"pretty hard," and his master rather increased this notion by his
+severity, and especially by "threatening" to sell him. He had enjoyed,
+as far as it was expected for a slave to do, "five months of married
+life," but he loved slavery no less on this account. In fact he had just
+begun to consider what it was to have a wife and children that he "could
+not own or protect," and who were claimed as another's property.
+Consequently he became quite restive under these reflections and his
+master's ill-usage, and concluded to "look out," without consulting
+either the master or the young wife.
+
+This step looked exceedingly hard, but what else could the poor fellow
+do? Slavery existed expressly for the purpose of crushing souls and
+breaking tender hearts.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM DAVIS.
+
+
+William might be described as a good-looking mulatto, thirty-one years
+of age, and capable of thinking for himself. He made no grave complaints
+of ill-usage under his master, "Joseph Reynolds," who lived at Newton,
+Portsmouth, Va. However, his owner had occasionally "threatened to sell
+him." As this was too much for William's sensitive feelings, he took
+umbrage at it and made a hasty and hazardous move, which resulted in
+finding himself on the U.G.R.R. The most serious regret William had to
+report to the Committee was, that he was compelled to "leave" his
+"wife," Catharine, and his little daughter, Louisa, two years and one
+month, and an infant son seven months old. He evidently loved them very
+tenderly, but saw no way by which he could aid them, as long as he was
+daily liable to be put on the auction block and sold far South. This
+argument was regarded by the Committee as logical and unanswerable;
+consequently they readily endorsed his course, while they deeply
+sympathized with his poor wife and little ones. "Before escaping," he
+"dared not" even apprise his wife and child, whom he had to leave behind
+in the prison house.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+JOSEPH HENRY CAMP.
+
+
+THE AUCTION BLOCK IS DEFEATED AND A SLAVE TRADER LOSES FOURTEEN HUNDRED
+DOLLARS.
+
+
+In November, 1853, in the twentieth year of his age, Camp was held to
+"service or labor" in the City of Richmond, Va., by Dr. K. Clark. Being
+uncommonly smart and quite good-looking at the same time, he was a
+saleable piece of merchandise. Without consulting his view of the matter
+or making the least intimation of any change, the master one day struck
+up a bargain with a trader for Joseph, and received _Fourteen Hundred
+Dollars cash_ in consideration thereof. Mr. Robert Parrett, of Parson &
+King's Express office, happened to have a knowledge of what had
+transpired, and thinking pretty well of Joseph, confidentially put him
+in full possession of all the facts in the case. For reflection he
+hardly had five minutes. But he at once resolved to strike that day for
+freedom--not to go home that evening to be delivered into the hands of
+his new master. In putting into execution his bold resolve, he secreted
+himself, and so remained for three weeks. In the meantime his mother,
+who was a slave, resolved to escape also, but after one week's gloomy
+foreboding, she became "faint-hearted and gave the struggle over." But
+Joseph did not know what surrender meant. His sole thought was to
+procure a ticket on the U.G.R.R. for Canada, which by persistent effort
+he succeeded in doing. He hid himself in a steamer, and by this way
+reached Philadelphia, where he received every accommodation at the usual
+depot, was provided with a free ticket, and sent off rejoicing for
+Canada. The unfortunate mother was "detected and sold South."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SHERIDAN FORD.
+
+
+SECRETED IN THE WOODS--ESCAPES IN A STEAMER.
+
+
+About the twenty-ninth of January, 1855, Sheridan arrived from the Old
+Dominion and a life of bondage, and was welcomed cordially by the
+Vigilance Committee. Miss Elizabeth Brown of Portsmouth, Va. claimed
+Sheridan as her property. He spoke rather kindly of her, and felt that
+he "had not been used very hard" as a general thing, although, he wisely
+added, "the best usage was bad enough." Sheridan had nearly reached his
+twenty-eighth year, was tall and well made, and possessed of a
+considerable share of intelligence.
+
+Not a great while before making up his mind to escape, for some trifling
+offence he had been "stretched up with a rope by his hands," and
+"whipped unmercifully." In addition to this he had "got wind of the
+fact," that he was to be auctioneered off; soon these things brought
+serious reflections to Sheridan's mind, and among other questions, he
+began to ponder how he could get a ticket on the U.G.R.R., and get out
+of this "place of torment," to where he might have the benefit of his
+own labor. In this state of mind, about the fourteenth day of November,
+he took his first and daring step. He went not, however, to learned
+lawyers or able ministers of the Gospel in his distress and trouble, but
+wended his way "directly to the woods," where he felt that he would be
+safer with the wild animals and reptiles, in solitude, than with the
+barbarous civilization that existed in Portsmouth.
+
+The first day in the woods he passed in prayer incessantly, all alone.
+In this particular place of seclusion he remained "four days and
+nights," "two days suffered severely from hunger, cold and thirst."
+However, one who was a "friend" to him, and knew of his whereabouts,
+managed to get some food to him and consoling words; but at the end of
+the four days this friend got into some difficulty and thus Sheridan was
+left to "wade through deep waters and head winds" in an almost hopeless
+state. There he could not consent to stay and starve to death.
+Accordingly he left and found another place of seclusion--with a friend
+in the town--for a pecuniary consideration. A secret passage was
+procured for him on one of the steamers running between Philadelphia and
+Richmond, Va. When he left his poor wife, Julia, she was then "lying in
+prison to be sold," on the simple charge of having been suspected of
+conniving at her husband's escape. As a woman she had known something of
+the "barbarism of slavery", from every-day experience, which the large
+scars about her head indicated--according to Sheridan's testimony. She
+was the mother of two children, but had never been allowed to have the
+care of either of them. The husband, utterly powerless to offer her the
+least sympathy in word or deed, left this dark habitation of cruelty, as
+above referred to, with no hope of ever seeing wife or child again in
+this world.
+
+The Committee afforded him the usual aid and comfort, and passed him on
+to the next station, with his face set towards Boston. He had heard the
+slaveholders "curse" Boston so much, that he concluded it must be a
+pretty safe place for the fugitive.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+JOSEPH KNEELAND, ALIAS JOSEPH HULSON.
+
+
+Joseph Kneeland arrived November 25, 1853. He was a prepossessing man of
+twenty-six, dark complexion, and intelligent. At the time of Joseph's
+escape, he was owned by Jacob Kneeland, who had fallen heir to him as a
+part of his father's estate. Joseph spoke of his old master as having
+treated him "pretty well," but he had an idea that his young master had
+a very "malignant spirit;" for even before the death of his old master,
+the heir wanted him, "Joe," sold, and after the old man died, matters
+appeared to be coming to a crisis very fast. Even as early as November,
+the young despot had distinctly given "Joe" to understand, that he was
+not to be hired out another year, intimating that he was to "go
+somewhere," but as to particulars, it was time enough for Joe to know
+them.
+
+Of course "Joe" looked at his master "right good" and saw right through
+him, and at the same time, saw the U.G.R.R., "darkly." Daily slavery
+grew awfully mean, but on the other hand, Canada was looked upon as a
+very desirable country to emigrate to, and he concluded to make his way
+there, as speedily as the U.G.R.R. could safely convey him. Accordingly
+he soon carried his design into practice, and on his arrival, the
+Committee regarded him as a very good subject for her British Majesty's
+possessions in Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+EX-PRESIDENT TYLER'S HOUSEHOLD LOSES AN ARISTOCRATIC "ARTICLE."
+
+
+James Hambleton Christian is a remarkable specimen of the "well fed,
+&c." In talking with him relative to his life as a slave, he said very
+promptly, "I have always been treated well; if I only have half as good
+times in the North as I have had in the South, I shall be perfectly
+satisfied. Any time I desired spending money, five or ten dollars were
+no object." At times, James had borrowed of his master, one, two, and
+three hundred dollars, to loan out to some of his friends. With regard
+to apparel and jewelry, he had worn the best, as an every-day adornment.
+With regard to food also, he had fared as well as heart could wish, with
+abundance of leisure time at his command. His deportment was certainly
+very refined and gentlemanly. About fifty per cent. of Anglo-Saxon blood
+was visible in his features and his hair, which gave him no
+inconsiderable claim to sympathy and care. He had been to William and
+Mary's College in his younger days, to wait on young master James B.C.,
+where, through the kindness of some of the students he had picked up a
+trifling amount of book learning. To be brief, this man was born the
+slave of old Major Christian, on the Glen Plantation, Charles City
+county, Va. The Christians were wealthy and owned many slaves, and
+belonged in reality to the F.F.V's. On the death of the old Major, James
+fell into the hands of his son, Judge Christian, who was executor to his
+father's estate. Subsequently he fell into the hands of one of the
+Judge's sisters, Mrs. John Tyler (wife of Ex-President Tyler), and then
+he became a member of the President's domestic household, was at the
+White House, under the President, from 1841 to 1845. Though but very
+young at that time, James was only fit for training in the arts,
+science, and mystery of waiting, in which profession, much pains were
+taken to qualify him completely for his calling.
+
+After a lapse of time; his mistress died. According to her request,
+after this event, James and his old mother were handed over to her
+nephew, William H. Christian, Esq., a merchant of Richmond. From this
+gentleman, James had the folly to flee.
+
+Passing hurriedly over interesting details, received from him respecting
+his remarkable history, two or three more incidents too good to omit
+must suffice.
+
+"How did you like Mr. Tyler?" said an inquisitive member of the
+Vigilance Committee. "I didn't like Mr. Tyler much," was the reply.
+"Why?" again inquired the member of the Committee. "Because Mr. Tyler
+was a poor man. I never did like poor people. I didn't like his marrying
+into our family, who were considered very far Tyler's superiors." "On
+the plantation," he said, "Tyler was a very cross man, and treated the
+servants very cruelly; but the house servants were treated much better,
+owing to their having belonged to his wife, who protected them from
+persecution, as they had been favorite servants in her father's family."
+James estimated that "Tyler got about thirty-five thousand dollars and
+twenty-nine slaves, young and old, by his wife."
+
+What prompted James to leave such pleasant quarters? It was this: He had
+become enamored of a young and respectable free girl in Richmond, with
+whom he could not be united in marriage solely because he was a slave,
+and did not own himself. The frequent sad separations of such married
+couples (where one or the other was a slave) could not be overlooked;
+consequently, the poor fellow concluded that he would stand a better
+chance of gaining his object in Canada than by remaining in Virginia. So
+he began to feel that he might himself be sold some day, and thus the
+resolution came home to him very forcibly to make tracks for Canada.
+
+In speaking of the good treatment he had always met with, a member of
+the Committee remarked, "You must be akin to some one of your master's
+family?" To which he replied, "I am Christian's son." Unquestionably
+this passenger was one of that happy class so commonly referred to by
+apologists for the "Patriarchal Institution." The Committee, feeling a
+deep interest in his story, and desiring great success to him in his
+Underground efforts to get rid of slavery, and at the same time possess
+himself of his affianced, made him heartily welcome, feeling assured
+that the struggles and hardships he had submitted to in escaping, as
+well as the luxuries he was leaving behind, were nothing to be compared
+with the blessings of liberty and a free wife in Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+EDWARD MORGAN, HENRY JOHNSON, JAMES AND STEPHEN BUTLER.
+
+
+
+    "TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD.--The above Reward will be paid for
+    the apprehension of two blacks, who escaped on Sunday last. It
+    is supposed they have made their way to Pennsylvania. $500 will
+    be paid for the apprehension of either, so that we can get them
+    again. The oldest is named Edward Morgan, about five feet six or
+    seven inches, heavily made--is a dark black, has rather a down
+    look when spoken to, and is about 21 years of age.
+
+    "Henry Johnson is a colored negro, about five feet seven or
+    eight inches, heavily made, aged nineteen years, has a pleasant
+    countenance, and has a mark on his neck below the ear.
+
+    "Stephen Butler is a dark-complexioned negro, about five feet
+    seven inches; has a pleasant countenance, with a scar above his
+    eye; plays on the violin; about twenty-two years old.
+
+    "Jim Butler is a dark-complexioned negro, five feet eight or
+    nine inches; is rather sullen when spoken to; face rough; aged
+    about twenty-one years. The clothing not recollected. They had
+    black frock coats and slouch hats with them. Any information of
+    them address Elizabeth Brown, Sandy Hook P.O., or of Thomas
+    Johnson, Abingdon P.O., Harford county, Md.
+
+    "ELIZABETH BROWN.
+
+    "THOMAS JOHNSON."
+
+
+
+
+FROM THE UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD RECORDS.
+
+
+The following memorandum is made, which, if not too late, may afford
+some light to "Elizabeth Brown and Thomas Johnson," if they have not
+already gone the way of the "lost cause"--
+
+_June_ 4, 1857.--Edward is a hardy and firm-looking young man of
+twenty-four years of age, chestnut color, medium size, and
+"likely,"--would doubtless bring $1,400 in the market. He had been held
+as the property of the widow, "Betsy Brown," who resided near Mill Green
+P.O., in Harford county, Md. "She was a very bad woman; would go to
+church every Sunday, come home and go to fighting amongst the colored
+people; was never satisfied; she treated my mother very hard, (said
+Ed.); would beat her with a walking-stick, &c. She was an old woman and
+belonged to the Catholic Church. Over her slaves she kept an overseer,
+who was a very wicked man; very bad on colored people; his name was
+'Bill Eddy;' Elizabeth Brown owned twelve head."
+
+Henry is of a brown skin, a good-looking young man, only nineteen years
+of age, whose prepossessing appearance would insure a high price for him
+in the market--perhaps $1,700. With Edward, he testifies to the meanness
+of Mrs. Betsy Brown, as well as to his own longing desire for freedom.
+Being a fellow-servant with Edward, Henry was a party to the plan of
+escape. In slavery he left his mother and three sisters, owned by the
+"old woman" from whom he escaped.
+
+James is about twenty-one years of age, full black, and medium size. As
+he had been worked hard on poor fare, he concluded to leave, in company
+with his brother and two cousins, leaving his parents in slavery, owned
+by the "Widow Pyle," who was also the owner of himself. "She was upwards
+of eighty, very passionate and ill-natured, although a member of the
+Presbyterian Church." James may be worth $1,400.
+
+Stephen is a brother of James', and is about the same size, though a
+year older. His experience differed in no material respect from his
+brother's; was owned by the same woman, whom he "hated for her bad
+treatment" of him. Would bring $1,400, perhaps.
+
+In substance, and to a considerable extent in the exact words, these
+facts are given as they came from the lips of the passengers, who,
+though having been kept in ignorance and bondage, seemed to have their
+eyes fully open to the wrongs that had been heaped upon them, and were
+singularly determined to reach free soil at all hazards. The Committee
+willingly attended to their financial and other wants, and cheered them
+on with encouraging advice.
+
+They were indebted to "The Baltimore Sun" for the advertisement
+information. And here it may be further added, that the "Sun" was quite
+famous for this kind of U.G.R.R. literature, and on that account alone
+the Committee subscribed for it daily, and never failed to scan closely
+certain columns, illustrated with a black man running away with a bundle
+on his back. Many of these popular illustrations and advertisements were
+preserved, many others were sent away to friends at a distance, who took
+a special interest in the U.G.R.R. matters. Friends and stockholders in
+England used to take a great interest in seeing how the fine arts, in
+these particulars, were encouraged in the South ("the land of
+chivalry").
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+HENRY PREDO.
+
+
+BROKE JAIL, JUMPED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND MADE HIS ESCAPE.
+
+
+Henry fled from Buckstown, Dorchester Co., Md., March, 1857. Physically
+he is a giant. About 27 years of age, stout and well-made, quite black,
+and no fool, as will appear presently. Only a short time before he
+escaped, his master threatened to sell him south. To avoid that fate,
+therefore, he concluded to try his luck on the Underground Rail Road,
+and, in company with seven others--two of them females--he started for
+Canada. For two or three days and nights they managed to outgeneral all
+their adversaries, and succeeded bravely in making the best of their way
+to a Free State.
+
+In the meantime, however, a reward of $3,000 was offered for their
+arrest. This temptation was too great to be resisted, even by the man
+who had been intrusted with the care of them, and who had faithfully
+promised to pilot them to a safe place. One night, through the treachery
+of their pretended conductor, they were all taken into Dover Jail, where
+the Sheriff and several others, who had been notified beforehand by the
+betrayer, were in readiness to receive them. Up stairs they were taken,
+the betrayer remarking as they were going up, that they were "cold, but
+would soon have a good warming." On a light being lit they discovered
+the iron bars and the fact that they had been betrayed. Their
+liberty-loving spirits and purposes, however, did not quail. Though
+resisted brutally by the sheriff with revolver in hand, they made their
+way down one flight of stairs, and in the moment of excitement, as good
+luck would have it, plunged into the sheriff's private apartment, where
+his wife and children were sleeping. The wife cried murder lustily. A
+shovel full of fire, to the great danger of burning the premises, was
+scattered over the room; out of the window jumped two of the female
+fugitives. Our hero Henry, seizing a heavy andiron, smashed out the
+window entire, through which the others leaped a distance of twelve
+feet. The railing or wall around the jail, though at first it looked
+forbidding, was soon surmounted by a desperate effort.
+
+At this stage of the proceedings, Henry found himself without the walls,
+and also lost sight of his comrades at the same time. The last enemy he
+spied was the sheriff in his stockings without his shoes. He snapped his
+pistol at him, but it did not go off. Six of the others, however,
+marvellously got off safely together; where the eighth went, or how he
+got off, was not known.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+DANIEL HUGHES.
+
+
+Daniel fled from Buckstown, Dorchester Co., also. His owner's name was
+Richard Meredith, a farmer. Daniel is one of the eight alluded to above.
+In features he is well made, dark chestnut color, and intelligent,
+possessing an ardent thirst for liberty. The cause of his escape was:
+"Worked hard in all sorts of weather--in rain and snow," so he thought
+he would "go where colored men are free." His master was considered the
+hardest man around. His mistress was "eighty-three years of age," "drank
+hard," was "very stormy," and a "member of the Methodist Church" (Airy's
+meeting-house). He left brothers and sisters, and uncles and aunts
+behind. In the combat at the prison he played his part manfully.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THOMAS ELLIOTT.
+
+
+Thomas is also one of the brave eight who broke out of Dover Jail. He
+was about twenty-three years of age, well made, wide awake, and of a
+superb black complexion. He too had been owned by Richard Meredith.
+Against the betrayer, who was a black man, he had vengeance in store if
+the opportunity should ever offer. Thomas left only one brother living;
+his "father and mother were dead."
+
+The excitement over the escape spread very rapidly next morning, and
+desperate efforts were made to recapture the fugitives, but a few
+friends there were who had sympathy and immediately rendered them the
+needed assistance.
+
+The appended note from the faithful Garrett to Samuel Rhoads, may throw
+light upon the occurrence to some extent.
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 3d mo. 13th, 1857.
+
+    DEAR COUSIN, SAMUEL RHOADS:--I have a letter this day from an
+    agent of the Underground Rail Road, near Dover, in this state,
+    saying I must be on the look out for six brothers and two
+    sisters, they were decoyed and betrayed, he says by a colored
+    man named Thomas Otwell, who pretended to be their friend, and
+    sent a _white scamp_ ahead to wait for them at Dover till they
+    arrived; they were arrested and put in Jail there, with Tom's
+    assistance, and some officers. On third day morning about four
+    o'clock, they broke jail; six of them are secreted in the
+    neighborhood, and the writer has not known what became of the
+    other two. The six were to start last night for this place. I
+    hear that their owners have persons stationed at several places
+    on the road watching. I fear they will be taken. If they could
+    lay quiet for ten days or two weeks, they might then get up
+    safe. I shall have two men sent this evening some four or five
+    miles below to keep them away from this town, and send them (if
+    found to Chester County). Thee may show this to Still and McKim,
+    and oblige thy cousin,
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+Further light about this exciting contest, may be gathered from a
+colored conductor on the Road, in Delaware, who wrote as follows to a
+member of the Vigilance Committee at Philadelphia.
+
+
+    CAMDEN, DEL., March 23d, 1857.
+
+    DEAR SIR;--I tak my pen in hand to write to you, to inform you
+    what we have had to go throw for the last two weaks. Thir wir
+    six men and two woman was betraid on the tenth of this month,
+    thea had them in prison but thea got out was conveyed by a black
+    man, he told them he wood bring them to my hows, as he wos told,
+    he had ben ther Befor, he has com with Harrett, a woman that
+    stops at my hous when she pases tow and throw yau. You don't no
+    me I supos, the Rev. Thomas H. Kennard dos, or Peter Lowis. He
+    Road Camden Circuit, this man led them in dover prisin and left
+    them with a whit man; but tha tour out the winders and jump out,
+    so cum back to camden. We put them throug, we hav to carry them
+    19 mils and cum back the sam night wich maks 38 mils. It is tou
+    much for our littel horses. We must do the bes we can, ther is
+    much Bisness dun on this Road. We hay to go throw dover and
+    smerny, the two wors places this sid of mary land lin. If you
+    have herd or sean them ples let me no. I will Com to Phila be
+    for long and then I will call and se you. There is much to do
+    her. Ples to wright, I Remain your frend,
+
+    WILLIAM BRINKLY.
+
+    Remember me to Thom. Kennard.
+
+
+The balance of these brave fugitives, although not named in this
+connection, succeeded in getting off safely. But how the betrayer,
+sheriff and hunters got out of their dilemma, the Committee was never
+fully posted.
+
+The Committee found great pleasure in assisting these passengers, for
+they had the true grit. Such were always doubly welcome.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+MARY EPPS, ALIAS EMMA BROWN--JOSEPH AND ROBERT ROBINSON.
+
+
+A SLAVE MOTHER LOSES HER SPEECH AT THE SALE OF HER CHILD--BOB ESCAPES
+FROM HIS MASTER, A TRADER, WITH $1500 IN NORTH CAROLINA MONEY.
+
+
+Mary fled from Petersburg and the Robinsons from Richmond. A fugitive
+slave law-breaking captain by the name of B., who owned a schooner, and
+would bring any kind of freight that would pay the most, was the
+conductor in this instance. Quite a number of passengers at different
+times availed themselves of his accommodations and thus succeeded in
+reaching Canada.
+
+His risk was very great. On this account he claimed, as did certain
+others, that it was no more than fair to charge for his services--indeed
+he did not profess to bring persons for nothing, except in rare
+instances. In this matter the Committee did not feel disposed to
+interfere directly in any way, further than to suggest that whatever
+understanding was agreed upon by the parties themselves should be
+faithfully adhered to.
+
+Many slaves in cities could raise, "by hook or by crook," fifty or one
+hundred dollars to pay for a passage, providing they could find one who
+was willing to risk aiding them. Thus, while the Vigilance Committee of
+Philadelphia especially neither charged nor accepted anything for their
+services, it was not to be expected that any of the Southern agents
+could afford to do likewise.
+
+The husband of Mary had for a long time wanted his own freedom, but did
+not feel that he could go without his wife; in fact, he resolved to get
+her off first, then to try and escape himself, if possible. The first
+essential step towards success, he considered, was to save his money and
+make it an object to the captain to help him. So when he had managed to
+lay by one hundred dollars, he willingly offered this sum to Captain B.,
+if he would engage to deliver his wife into the hands of the Vigilance
+Committee of Philadelphia. The captain agreed to the terms and fulfilled
+his engagement to the letter. About the 1st of March, 1855, Mary was
+presented to the Vigilance Committee. She was of agreeable manners,
+about forty-five years of age, dark complexion, round built, and
+intelligent. She had been the mother of fifteen children, four of whom
+had been sold away from her; one was still held in slavery in
+Petersburg; the others were all dead.
+
+At the sale of one of her children she was so affected with grief that
+she was thrown into violent convulsions, which caused the loss of her
+speech for one entire month. But this little episode was not a matter to
+excite sympathy in the breasts of the highly refined and tender-hearted
+Christian mothers of Petersburg. In the mercy of Providence, however,
+her reason and strength returned.
+
+She had formerly belonged to the late Littleton Reeves, whom she
+represented as having been "kind" to her, much more so than her mistress
+(Mrs. Reeves). Said Mary, "She being of a jealous disposition, caused me
+to be hired out with a hard family, where I was much abused, frequently
+flogged, and stinted for food," etc.
+
+But the sweets of freedom in the care of the Vigilance Committee now
+delighted her mind, and the hope that her husband would soon follow her
+to Canada, inspired her with expectations that she would one day "sit
+under her own vine and fig tree where none dared to molest or make her
+afraid."
+
+The Committee rendered her the usual assistance, and in due time,
+forwarded her on to Queen Victoria's free land in Canada. On her arrival
+she wrote back as follows--
+
+
+    TORONTO, March 14th, 1855.
+
+    DEAR MR. STILL:--I take this opportunity of addressing you with
+    these few lines to inform you that I arrived here to-day, and
+    hope that this may find yourself and Mrs. Still well, as this
+    leaves me at the present. I will also say to you, that I had no
+    difficulty in getting along. the two young men that was with me
+    left me at Suspension Bridge. they went another way.
+
+    I cannot say much about the place as I have ben here but a short
+    time but so far as I have seen I like very well. you will give
+    my Respect to your lady, & Mr & Mrs Brown. If you have not
+    written to Petersburg you will please to write as soon as can I
+    have nothing More to Write at present but yours Respectfully
+
+    EMMA BROWN (old name MARY EPPS).
+
+
+Now, Joseph and Robert (Mary's associate passengers from Richmond) must
+here be noticed. Joseph was of a dark orange color, medium size, very
+active and intelligent, and doubtless, well understood the art of
+behaving himself. He was well acquainted with the auction block--having
+been sold three times, and had had the misfortune to fall into the hands
+of a cruel master each time. Under these circumstances he had had but
+few privileges. Sundays and week days alike he was kept pretty severely
+bent down to duty. He had been beaten and knocked around shamefully. He
+had a wife, and spoke of her in most endearing language, although, on
+leaving, he did not feel at liberty to apprise her of his movements,
+"fearing that it would not be safe so to do." His four little children,
+to whom he appeared warmly attached, he left as he did his wife--in
+Slavery. He declared that he "stuck to them as long as he could." George
+E. Sadler, the keeper of an oyster house, held the deed for "Joe," and a
+most heartless wretch he was in Joe's estimation. The truth was, Joe
+could not stand the burdens and abuses which Sadler was inclined to heap
+upon him. So he concluded to join his brother and go off on the U.G.R.R.
+
+Robert, his younger brother, was owned by Robert Slater, Esq., a regular
+negro trader. Eight years this slave's duties had been at the slave
+prison, and among other daily offices he had to attend to, was to lock
+up the prison, prepare the slaves for sale, etc. Robert was a very
+intelligent young man, and from long and daily experience with the
+customs and usages of the slave prison, he was as familiar with the
+business as a Pennsylvania farmer with his barn-yard stock. His account
+of things was too harrowing for detail here, except in the briefest
+manner, and that only with reference to a few particulars. In order to
+prepare slaves for the market, it was usual to have them greased and
+rubbed to make them look bright and shining. And he went on further to
+state, that "females as well as males were not uncommonly stripped
+naked, lashed flat to a bench, and then held by two men, sometimes four,
+while the brutal trader would strap them with a broad leather strap."
+The strap being preferred to the cow-hide, as it would not break the
+skin, and damage the sale. "One hundred lashes would only be a common
+flogging." The separation of families was thought nothing of. "Often I
+have been flogged for refusing to flog others." While not yet
+twenty-three years of age, Robert expressed himself as having become so
+daily sick of the brutality and suffering he could not help witnessing,
+that he felt he could not possibly stand it any longer, let the cost be
+what it might. In this state of mind he met with Captain B. Only one
+obstacle stood in his way--material aid. It occurred to Robert that he
+had frequent access to the money drawer, and often it contained the
+proceeds of fresh sales of flesh and blood; and he reasoned that if some
+of that would help him and his brother to freedom, there could be no
+harm in helping himself the first opportunity.
+
+The captain was all ready, and provided he could get three passengers at
+$100 each he would set sail without much other freight. Of course he was
+too shrewd to get out papers for Philadelphia. That would betray him at
+once. Washington or Baltimore, or even Wilmington, Del., were names
+which stood fair in the eyes of Virginia. Consequently, being able to
+pack the fugitives away in a very private hole of his boat, and being
+only bound for a Southern port, the captain was willing to risk his
+share of the danger. "Very well," said Robert, "to-day I will please my
+master so well, that I will catch him at an unguarded moment, and will
+ask him for a pass to go to a ball to-night (slave-holders love to see
+their slaves fiddling and dancing of nights), and as I shall be leaving
+in a hurry, I will take a grab from the day's sale, and when Slater
+hears of me again, I will be in Canada." So after having attended to all
+his disagreeable duties, he made his "grab," and got a hand full. He did
+not know, however, how it would hold out. That evening, instead of
+participating with the gay dancers, he was just one degree lower down
+than the regular bottom of Captain B's. deck, with several hundred
+dollars in his pocket, after paying the worthy captain one hundred each
+for himself and his brother, besides making the captain an additional
+present of nearly one hundred. Wind and tide were now what they prayed
+for to speed on the U.G.R.R. schooner, until they might reach the depot
+at Philadelphia.
+
+The Richmond _Dispatch_, an enterprising paper in the interest of
+slaveholders, which came daily to the Committee, was received in advance
+of the passengers, when lo! and behold, in turning to the interesting
+column containing the elegant illustrations of "runaway negroes," it was
+seen that the unfortunate Slater had "lost $1500 in North Carolina
+money, and also his dark orange-colored, intelligent, and good-looking
+turnkey, Bob." "Served him right, it is no stealing for one piece of
+property to go off with another piece," reasoned a member of the
+Committee.
+
+In a couple of days after the Dispatch brought the news, the three
+U.G.R.R. passengers were safely landed at the usual place, and so
+accurate were the descriptions in the paper, that, on first seeing them,
+the Committee recognized them instantly, and, without any previous
+ceremonies, read to them the advertisement relative to the "$1500 in
+N.C. money, &c.," and put the question to them direct: "Are you the
+ones?" "We are," they owned up without hesitation. The Committee did not
+see a dollar of their money, but understood they had about $900, after
+paying the captain; while Bob considered he made a "very good grab," he
+did not admit that the amount advertised was correct. After a reasonable
+time for recruiting, having been so long in the hole of the vessel, they
+took their departure for Canada.
+
+From Joseph, the elder brother, is appended a short letter, announcing
+their arrival and condition under the British Lion--
+
+
+    SAINT CATHARINE, April 16, 1855.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL, DEAR SIR:--Your letter of date April 7th I
+    have just got, it had been opened before it came to me. I have
+    not received any other letter from you and can get no account of
+    them in the Post Office in this place, I am well and have got a
+    good situation in this city and intend staying here. I should be
+    very glad to hear from you as soon as convenient and also from
+    all of my friends near you. My Brother is also at work with me
+    and doing well.
+
+    There is nothing here that would interest you in the way of
+    news. There is a Masonic Lodge of our people and two churches
+    and societys here and some other institutions for our benefit.
+    Be kind enough to send a few lines to the Lady spoken of for
+    that mocking bird and much oblige me. Write me soon and believe
+    me your obedient Serv't
+
+    Love & respects to Lady and daughter
+
+    JOSEPH ROBINSON.
+
+
+As well as writing to a member of the Committee, Joe and Bob had the
+assurance to write back to the trader and oyster-house keeper. In their
+letter they stated that they had arrived safely in Canada, and were
+having good times,--in the eating line had an abundance of the
+best,--also had very choice wines and brandies, which they supposed that
+they (trader and oyster-house keeper) would give a great deal to have a
+"smack at." And then they gave them a very cordial invitation to make
+them a visit, and suggested that the quickest way they could come, would
+be by telegraph, which they admitted was slightly dangerous, and without
+first greasing themselves, and then hanging on very fast, the journey
+might not prove altogether advantageous to them. This was wormwood and
+gall to the trader and oyster-house man. A most remarkable coincidence
+was that, about the time this letter was received in Richmond, the
+captain who brought away the three passengers, made it his business for
+some reason or other, to call at the oyster-house kept by the owner of
+Joe, and while there, this letter was read and commented on in torrents
+of Billingsgate phrases; and the trader told the captain that he would
+give him "two thousand dollars if he would get them;" finally he told
+him he would "give every cent they would bring, which would be much over
+$2000," as they were "so very likely." How far the captain talked
+approvingly, he did not exactly tell the Committee, but they guessed he
+talked strong Democratic doctrine to them under the frightful
+circumstances. But he was good at concealing his feelings, and obviously
+managed to avoid suspicion.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+GEORGE SOLOMON, DANIEL NEALL, BENJAMIN R. FLETCHER AND MARIA DORSEY.
+
+
+The above representatives of the unrequited laborers of the South fled
+directly from Washington, D.C. Nothing remarkable was discovered in
+their stories of slave life; their narratives will therefore be brief.
+
+George Solomon was owned by Daniel Minor, of Moss Grove, Va. George was
+about thirty-three years of age; mulatto, intelligent, and of
+prepossessing appearance. His old master valued George's services very
+highly, and had often declared to others, as well as to George himself,
+that without him he should hardly know how to manage. And frequently
+George was told by the old master that at his "death he was not to be a
+slave any longer, as he would have provision made in his will for his
+freedom." For a long time this old story was clung to pretty faithfully
+by George, but his "old master hung on too long," consequently George's
+patience became exhausted. And as he had heard a good deal about Canada,
+U.G.R.R., and the Abolitionists, he concluded that it would do no harm
+to hint to a reliable friend or two the names of these hard places and
+bad people, to see what impression would be made on their minds; in
+short, to see if they were ready to second a motion to get rid of
+bondage. In thus opening his mind to his friends, he soon found a
+willing accord in each of their hearts, and they put their heads
+together to count up the cost and to fix a time for leaving Egypt and
+the host of Pharaoh to do their own "hewing of wood and drawing of
+water." Accordingly George, Daniel, Benjamin and Maria, all of one heart
+and mind, one "Saturday night" resolved that the next Sunday should find
+them on the U.G.R.R., with their faces towards Canada.
+
+Daniel was young, only twenty-three, good looking, and half white, with
+a fair share of intelligence. As regards his slave life, he acknowledged
+that he had not had it very rough as a general thing; nevertheless, he
+was fully persuaded that he had "as good a right to his freedom" as his
+"master had to his," and that it was his duty to contend for it.
+
+Benjamin was twenty-seven years of age, small of stature, dark
+complexion, of a pleasant countenance, and quite smart. He testified,
+that "ill-treatment from his master," Henry Martin, who would give him
+"no chance at all," was the cause of his leaving. He left a brother and
+sister, belonging to Martin, besides he left two other sisters in
+bondage, Louisa and Letty, but his father and mother were both dead.
+Therefore, the land of slave-whips and auction-blocks had no charms for
+him. He loved his sisters, but he knew if he could not protect himself,
+much less could he protect them. So he concluded to bid them adieu
+forever in this world.
+
+Turning from the three male companions for the purpose of finding a
+brief space for Maria, it will be well to state here that females in
+attempting to escape from a life of bondage undertook three times the
+risk of failure that males were liable to, not to mention the additional
+trials and struggles they had to contend with. In justice, therefore, to
+the heroic female who was willing to endure the most extreme suffering
+and hardship for freedom, double honors were due.
+
+Maria, the heroine of the party, was about forty years of age, chestnut
+color, medium size, and possessed of a good share of common sense. She
+was owned by George Parker. As was a common thing with slave-holders,
+Maria had found her owners hard to please, and quite often, without the
+slightest reason, they would threaten to "sell or make a change." These
+threats only made matters worse, or rather it only served to nerve Maria
+for the conflict. The party walked almost the entire distance from
+Washington to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
+
+In the meantime George Parker, the so-called owner of Daniel and Maria,
+hurriedly rushed their good names into the "Baltimore Sun," after the
+following manner--
+
+
+    "FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.--Ranaway from my house on Saturday
+    night, August 30, my negro man 'Daniel,' twenty-five years of
+    age, bright yellow mulatto, thick set and stout made.
+
+    Also, my negro woman, 'Maria,' forty years of age, bright
+    mulatto. The above reward will be paid if delivered in
+    Washington city. GEORGE PARKER."
+
+
+While this advertisement was in the Baltimore papers, doubtless these
+noble passengers were enjoying the hospitalities of the Vigilance
+Committee, and finally a warm reception in Canada, by which they were
+greatly pleased. Of Benjamin and Daniel, the subjoined letter from Rev.
+H. Wilson is of importance in the way of throwing light upon their
+whereabouts in Canada:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINE, C.W., Sept. 15th, 1856.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL:--_Dear Sir_--Two young men arrived here on
+    Friday evening last from Washington, viz: Benjamin R. Fletcher
+    and Daniel Neall. Mr. Neall (or Neale) desires to have his box
+    of clothing forwarded on to him. It is at Washington in the care
+    of John Dade, a colored man, who lives at Doct. W.H. Gilman's,
+    who keeps an Apothecary store on the corner of 4-1/2 and
+    Pennsylvania Avenue. Mr. Dade is a slave, but a free dealer. You
+    will please write to John Dade, in the care of Doct. W.H.
+    Gilman, on behalf of Daniel Neale, but make use of the name of
+    George Harrison, instead of Neale, and Dade will understand it.
+    Please have John Dade direct the box by express to you in
+    Philadelphia; he has the means of paying the charges on it in
+    advance, as far as Philadelphia; and as soon as it comes, you
+    will please forward it on to my care at St. Catherine. Say to
+    John Dade, that George Harrison sends his love to his sister and
+    Uncle Allen Sims, and all inquiring friends. Mr. Fletcher and
+    Mr. Neale both send their respects to you, and I may add mine.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+    HIRAM WILSON.
+
+    P.S.--Mr. Benjamin R. Fletcher wishes to have Mr. Dade call on
+    his brother James, and communicate to him his affectionate
+    regards, and make known to him that he is safe, and cheerful and
+    happy. He desires his friends to know, through Dade, that he
+    found Mrs. Starke here, his brother Alfred's wife's sister; that
+    she is well, and living in St. Catharine, C.W., near Niagara
+    Palls.    H.W.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+HENRY BOX BROWN.
+
+
+ARRIVED BY ADAMS' EXPRESS.
+
+
+Although the name of Henry Box Brown has been echoed over the land for a
+number of years, and the simple facts connected with his marvelous
+escape from slavery in a box published widely through the medium of
+anti-slavery papers, nevertheless it is not unreasonable to suppose that
+very little is generally known in relation to this case.
+
+Briefly, the facts are these, which doubtless have never before been
+fully published--
+
+Brown was a man of invention as well as a hero. In point of interest,
+however, his case is no more remarkable than many others. Indeed,
+neither before nor after escaping did he suffer one-half what many
+others have experienced.
+
+He was decidedly an unhappy piece of property in the city of Richmond,
+Va. In the condition of a slave he felt that it would be impossible for
+him to remain. Full well did he know, however, that it was no holiday
+task to escape the vigilance of Virginia slave-hunters, or the wrath of
+an enraged master for committing the unpardonable sin of attempting to
+escape to a land of liberty. So Brown counted well the cost before
+venturing upon this hazardous undertaking. Ordinary modes of travel he
+concluded might prove disastrous to his hopes; he, therefore, hit upon a
+new invention altogether, which was to have himself boxed up and
+forwarded to Philadelphia direct by express. The size of the box and how
+it was to be made to fit him most comfortably, was of his own ordering.
+Two feet eight inches deep, two feet wide, and three feet long were the
+exact dimensions of the box, lined with baize. His resources with regard
+to food and water consisted of the following: One bladder of water and a
+few small biscuits. His mechanical implement to meet the death-struggle
+for fresh air, all told, was one large gimlet. Satisfied that it would
+be far better to peril his life for freedom in this way than to remain
+under the galling yoke of Slavery, he entered his box, which was safely
+nailed up and hooped with five hickory hoops, and was then addressed by
+his next friend, James A. Smith, a shoe dealer, to Wm. H. Johnson, Arch
+street, Philadelphia, marked, "This side up with care." In this
+condition he was sent to Adams' Express office in a dray, and thence by
+overland express to Philadelphia. It was twenty-six hours from the time
+he left Richmond until his arrival in the City of Brotherly Love. The
+notice, "This side up, &c.," did not avail with the different
+expressmen, who hesitated not to handle the box in the usual rough
+manner common to this class of men. For a while they actually had the
+box upside down, and had him on his head for miles. A few days before he
+was expected, certain intimation was conveyed to a member of the
+Vigilance Committee that a box might be expected by the three o'clock
+morning train from the South, which might contain a man. One of the most
+serious walks he ever took--and they had not been a few--to meet and
+accompany passengers, he took at half past two o'clock that morning to
+the depot. Not once, but for more than a score of times, he fancied the
+slave would be dead. He anxiously looked while the freight was being
+unloaded from the cars, to see if he could recognize a box that might
+contain a man; one alone had that appearance, and he confessed it really
+seemed as if there was the scent of death about it. But on inquiry, he
+soon learned that it was not the one he was looking after, and he was
+free to say he experienced a marked sense of relief. That same
+afternoon, however, he received from Richmond a telegram, which read
+thus, "Your case of goods is shipped and will arrive to-morrow morning."
+
+At this exciting juncture of affairs, Mr. McKim, who had been
+engineering this important undertaking, deemed it expedient to change
+the programme slightly in one particular at least to insure greater
+safety. Instead of having a member of the Committee go again to the
+depot for the box, which might excite suspicion, it was decided that it
+would be safest to have the express bring it direct to the Anti-Slavery
+Office.
+
+But all apprehension of danger did not now disappear, for there was no
+room to suppose that Adams' Express office had any sympathy with the
+Abolitionist or the fugitive, consequently for Mr. McKim to appear
+personally at the express office to give directions with reference to
+the coming of a box from Richmond which would be directed to Arch
+street, and yet not intended for that street, but for the Anti-Slavery
+office at 107 North Fifth street, it needed of course no great
+discernment to foresee that a step of this kind was wholly impracticable
+and that a more indirect and covert method would have to be adopted. In
+this dreadful crisis Mr. McKim, with his usual good judgment and
+remarkably quick, strategical mind, especially in matters pertaining to
+the U.G.R.R., hit upon the following plan, namely, to go to his friend,
+E.M. Davis,[A] who was then extensively engaged in mercantile business,
+and relate the circumstances. Having daily intercourse with said Adams'
+Express office, and being well acquainted with the firm and some of the
+drivers, Mr. Davis could, as Mr. McKim thought, talk about "boxes,
+freight, etc.," from any part of the country without risk. Mr. Davis
+heard Mr. McKim's plan and instantly approved of it, and was heartily at
+his service.
+
+[Footnote A: E.M. Davis was a member of the Executive Committee of the
+Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society and a long-tried Abolitionist,
+son-in-law of James and Lucretia Mott.]
+
+[Illustration: RESURRECTION OF HENRY BOX BROWN.]
+
+"Dan, an Irishman, one of Adams' Express drivers, is just the fellow to
+go to the depot after the box," said Davis. "He drinks a little too much
+whiskey sometimes, but he will do anything I ask him to do, promptly and
+obligingly. I'll trust Dan, for I believe he is the very man." The
+difficulty which Mr. McKim had been so anxious to overcome was thus
+pretty well settled. It was agreed that Dan should go after the box next
+morning before daylight and bring it to the Anti-Slavery office direct,
+and to make it all the more agreeable for Dan to get up out of his warm
+bed and go on this errand before day, it was decided that he should have
+a five dollar gold piece for himself. Thus these preliminaries having
+been satisfactorily arranged, it only remained for Mr. Davis to see Dan
+and give him instructions accordingly, etc.
+
+Next morning, according to arrangement, the box was at the Anti-Slavery
+office in due time. The witnesses present to behold the resurrection
+were J.M. McKim, Professor C.D. Cleveland, Lewis Thompson, and the
+writer.
+
+Mr. McKim was deeply interested; but having been long identified with
+the Anti-Slavery cause as one of its oldest and ablest advocates in the
+darkest days of slavery and mobs, and always found by the side of the
+fugitive to counsel and succor, he was on this occasion perfectly
+composed.
+
+Professor Cleveland, however, was greatly moved. His zeal and
+earnestness in the cause of freedom, especially in rendering aid to
+passengers, knew no limit. Ordinarily he could not too often visit these
+travelers, shake them too warmly by the hand, or impart to them too
+freely of his substance to aid them on their journey. But now his
+emotion was overpowering.
+
+Mr. Thompson, of the firm of Merrihew & Thompson--about the only
+printers in the city who for many years dared to print such incendiary
+documents as anti-slavery papers and pamphlets--one of the truest
+friends of the slave, was composed and prepared to witness the scene.
+
+All was quiet. The door had been safely locked. The proceedings
+commenced. Mr. McKim rapped quietly on the lid of the box and called
+out, "All right!" Instantly came the answer from within, "All right,
+sir!"
+
+The witnesses will never forget that moment. Saw and hatchet quickly had
+the five hickory hoops cut and the lid off, and the marvellous
+resurrection of Brown ensued. Rising up in his box, he reached out his
+hand, saying, "How do you do, gentlemen?" The little assemblage hardly
+knew what to think or do at the moment. He was about as wet as if he had
+come up out of the Delaware. Very soon he remarked that, before leaving
+Richmond he had selected for his arrival-hymn (if he lived) the Psalm
+beginning with these words: "_I waited patiently for the Lord, and He
+heard my prayer_." And most touchingly did he sing the psalm, much to
+his own relief, as well as to the delight of his small audience.
+
+He was then christened Henry Box Brown, and soon afterwards was sent to
+the hospitable residence of James Mott and E.M. Davis, on Ninth street,
+where, it is needless to say, he met a most cordial reception from Mrs.
+Lucretia Mott and her household. Clothing and creature comforts were
+furnished in abundance, and delight and joy filled all hearts in that
+stronghold of philanthropy.
+
+As he had been so long doubled up in the box he needed to promenade
+considerably in the fresh air, so James Mott put one of his broad-brim
+hats on his head and tendered him the hospitalities of his yard as well
+as his house, and while Brown promenaded the yard flushed with victory,
+great was the joy of his friends.
+
+After his visit at Mr. Mott's, he spent two days with the writer, and
+then took his departure for Boston, evidently feeling quite conscious of
+the wonderful feat he had performed, and at the same time it may be
+safely said that those who witnessed this strange resurrection were not
+only elated at his success, but were made to sympathize more deeply than
+ever before with the slave. Also the noble-hearted Smith who boxed him
+up was made to rejoice over Brown's victory, and was thereby encouraged
+to render similar service to two other young bondmen, who appealed to
+him for deliverance. But, unfortunately, in this attempt the undertaking
+proved a failure. Two boxes containing the young men alluded to above,
+after having been duly expressed and some distance on the road, were,
+through the agency of the telegraph, betrayed, and the heroic young
+fugitives were captured in their boxes and dragged back to hopeless
+bondage. Consequently, through this deplorable failure, Samuel A. Smith
+was arrested, imprisoned, and was called upon to suffer severely, as may
+be seen from the subjoined correspondence, taken from the New York
+Tribune soon after his release from the penitentiary.
+
+
+
+THE DELIVERER OF BOX BROWN--MEETING OF THE COLORED CITIZENS OF
+PHILADELPHIA.
+
+
+
+    [Correspondence of the N.Y. Tribune.]
+
+    PHILADELPHIA, Saturday, July 5, 1856.
+
+    Samuel A. Smith, who boxed up Henry Box Brown in Richmond, Va.,
+    and forwarded him by overland express to Philadelphia, and who
+    was arrested and convicted, eight years ago, for boxing up two
+    other slaves, also directed to Philadelphia, having served out
+    his imprisonment in the Penitentiary, was released on the 18th
+    ultimo, and arrived in this city on the 21st.
+
+    Though he lost all his property; though he was refused witnesses
+    on his trial (no officer could be found, who would serve a
+    summons on a witness); though for five long months, in hot
+    weather, he was kept heavily chained in a cell four by eight
+    feet in dimensions; though he received five dreadful stabs,
+    aimed at his heart, by a bribed assassin, nevertheless he still
+    rejoices in the motives which prompted him to "undo the heavy
+    burdens, and let the oppressed go free." Having resided nearly
+    all his life in the South, where he had traveled and seen much
+    of the "peculiar institution," and had witnessed the most horrid
+    enormities inflicted upon the slave, whose cries were ever
+    ringing in his ears, and for whom he had the warmest sympathy,
+    Mr. Smith could not refrain from believing that the black man,
+    as well as the white, had God-given rights. Consequently, he was
+    not accustomed to shed tears when a poor creature escaped ftom
+    his "kind master;" nor was he willing to turn a deaf ear to his
+    appeals and groans, when he knew he was thirsting for freedom.
+    From 1828 up to the day he was incarcerated, many had sought his
+    aid and counsel, nor had they sought in vain. In various places
+    he operated with success. In Richmond, however, it seemed
+    expedient to invent a new plan for certain emergencies, hence
+    the Box and Express plan was devised, at the instance of a few
+    heroic slaves, who had manifested their willingness to die in a
+    box, on the road to liberty, rather than continue longer under
+    the yoke. But these heroes fell into the power of their enemies.
+    Mr. Smith had not been long in the Penitentiary before he had
+    fully gained the esteem and confidence of the Superintendent and
+    other officers. Finding him to be humane and
+    generous-hearted--showing kindness toward all, especially in
+    buying bread, &c., for the starving prisoners, and by a timely
+    note of warning, which had saved the life of one of the keepers,
+    for whose destruction a bold plot had been arranged--the
+    officers felt disposed to show him such favors as the law would
+    allow. But their good intentions were soon frustrated. The
+    Inquisition (commonly called the Legislature), being in session
+    in Richmond, hearing that the Superintendent had been speaking
+    well of Smith, and circulating a petition for his pardon,
+    indignantly demanded to know if the rumor was well founded. Two
+    weeks were spent by the Inquisition, and many witnesses were
+    placed upon oath, to solemnly testify in the matter. One of the
+    keepers swore that his life had been saved by Smith. Col.
+    Morgan, the Superintendent, frequently testified in writing and
+    verbally to Smith's good deportment; acknowledging that he had
+    circulated petitions, &c.; and took the position, that he
+    sincerely believed, that it would be to the interest of the
+    institution to pardon him; calling the attention of the
+    Inquisition, at the same time, to the fact, that not
+    unfrequently pardons had been granted to criminals, under
+    sentence of death, for the most cold-blooded murder, to say
+    nothing of other gross crimes. The effort for pardon was soon
+    abandoned, for the following reason given by the Governor: "I
+    can't, and I won't pardon him!"
+
+    In view of the unparalleled injustice which Mr. S. had suffered,
+    as well as on account of the aid he had rendered to the slaves,
+    on his arrival in this city the colored citizens of Philadelphia
+    felt that he was entitled to sympathy and aid, and straightway
+    invited him to remain a few days, until arrangements could be
+    made for a mass meeting to receive him. Accordingly, on last
+    Monday evening, a mass meeting convened in the Israel church,
+    and the Rev. Wm. T. Catto was called to the chair, and Wm. Still
+    was appointed secretary. The chairman briefly stated the object
+    of the meeting. Having lived in the South, he claimed to know
+    something of the workings of the oppressive system of slavery
+    generally, and declared that, notwithstanding the many exposures
+    of the evil which came under his own observation, the most vivid
+    descriptions fell far short of the realities his own eyes had
+    witnessed. He then introduced Mr. Smith, who arose and in a
+    plain manner briefly told his story, assuring the audience that
+    he had always hated slavery, and had taken great pleasure in
+    helping many out of it, and though he had suffered much
+    physically and pecuniarily for the cause' sake, yet he murmured
+    not, but rejoiced in what he had done. After taking his seat,
+    addresses were made by the Rev. S. Smith, Messrs. Kinnard,
+    Brunner, Bradway, and others. The following preamble and
+    resolutions were adopted--
+
+
+        WHEREAS, We, the colored citizens of Philadelphia, have
+        among us Samuel A. Smith, who was incarcerated over
+        seven years in the Richmond Penitentiary, for doing an
+        act that was honorable to his feelings and his sense of
+        justice and humanity, therefore,
+
+        _Resolved_, That we welcome him to this city as a martyr
+        to the cause of Freedom.
+
+        _Resolved_, That we heartily tender him our gratitude
+        for the good he has done to our suffering race.
+
+        _Resolved_, That we sympathize with him in his losses
+        and sufferings in the cause of the poor, down-trodden
+        slave.
+
+        W.S.
+
+
+
+During his stay in Philadelphia, on this occasion, he stopped for about
+a fortnight with the writer, and it was most gratifying to learn from
+him that he was no new worker on the U.G.R.R. But that he had long hated
+slavery thoroughly, and although surrounded with perils on every side,
+he had not failed to help a poor slave whenever the opportunity was
+presented.
+
+Pecuniary aid, to some extent, was rendered him in this city, for which
+he was grateful, and after being united in marriage, by Wm. H. Furness,
+D.D., to a lady who had remained faithful to him through all his sore
+trials and sufferings, he took his departure for Western New York, with
+a good conscience and an unshaken faith in the belief that in aiding his
+fellow-man to freedom he had but simply obeyed the word of Him who
+taught man to do unto others as he would be done by.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+TRIAL OF THE EMANCIPATORS OF COL. J.H. WHEELER'S SLAVES, JANE JOHNSON
+AND HER TWO LITTLE BOYS.
+
+
+Among other duties devolving on the Vigilance Committee when hearing of
+slaves brought into the State by their owners, was immediately to inform
+such persons that as they were not fugitives, but were brought into the
+State by their masters, they were entitled to their freedom without
+another moment's service, and that they could have the assistance of the
+Committee and the advice of counsel without charge, by simply availing
+themselves of these proffered favors.
+
+Many slave-holders fully understood the law in this particular, and were
+also equally posted with regard to the vigilance of abolitionists.
+Consequently they avoided bringing slaves beyond Mason and Dixon's Line
+in traveling North. But some slave-holders were not thus mindful of the
+laws, or were too arrogant to take heed, as may be seen in the case of
+Colonel John H. Wheeler, of North Carolina, the United States Minister
+to Nicaragua. In passing through Philadelphia from Washington, one very
+warm July day in 1855, accompanied by three of his slaves, his high
+official equilibrium, as well as his assumed rights under the
+Constitution, received a terrible shock at the hands of the Committee.
+Therefore, for the readers of these pages, and in order to completely
+illustrate the various phases of the work of the Committee in the days
+of Slavery, this case, selected from many others, is a fitting one.
+However, for more than a brief recital of some of the more prominent
+incidents, it will not be possible to find room in this volume. And,
+indeed, the necessity of so doing is precluded by the fact that Mr.
+Williamson in justice to himself and the cause of freedom, with great
+pains and singular ability, gathered the most important facts bearing on
+his memorable trial and imprisonment, and published them in a neat
+volume for historical reference.
+
+In order to bring fully before the reader the beginning of this
+interesting and exciting case, it seems only necessary to publish the
+subjoined letter, written by one of the actors in the drama, and
+addressed to the New York Tribune, and an additional paragraph which may
+be requisite to throw light on a special point, which Judge Kane decided
+was concealed in the "obstinate" breast of Passmore Williamson, as said
+Williamson persistently refused before the said Judge's court, to own
+that he had a knowledge of the mystery in question. After which, a brief
+glance at some of the more important points of the case must suffice.
+
+
+
+LETTER COPIED FROM THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE.
+
+
+
+    [Correspondence of The N.Y. Tribune.]
+
+    PHILADELPHIA, Monday, July 30, 1855.
+
+    As the public have not been made acquainted with the facts and
+    particulars respecting the agency of Mr. Passmore Williamson and
+    others, in relation to the slave case now agitating this city,
+    and especially as the poor slave mother and her two sons have
+    been so grossly misrepresented, I deem it my duty to lay the
+    facts before you, for publication or otherwise, as you may think
+    proper.
+
+    On Wednesday afternoon, week, at 4-1/2 o'clock, the following
+    note was placed in my hands by a colored boy whom I had never
+    before seen, to my recollection:
+
+    "MR. STILL--_Sir_: Will you come down to Bloodgood's Hotel as
+    soon as possible--as there are three fugitive slaves here and
+    they want liberty. Their master is here with them, on his way to
+    New York."
+
+    The note was without date, and the signature so indistinctly
+    written as not to be understood by me, having evidently been
+    penned in a moment of haste.
+
+    Without delay I ran with the note to Mr. P. Williamson's office,
+    Seventh and Arch, found him at his desk, and gave it to him, and
+    after reading it, he remarked that he could not go down, as he
+    had to go to Harrisburg that night on business--but he advised
+    me to go, and to get the names of the slave-holder and the
+    slaves, in order to telegraph to New York to have them arrested
+    there, as no time remained to procure a writ of habeas corpus
+    here.
+
+    I could not have been two minutes in Mr. W.'s office before
+    starting in haste for the wharf. To my surprise, however, when I
+    reached the wharf, there I found Mr. W., his mind having
+    undergone a sudden change; he was soon on the spot.
+
+    I saw three or four colored persons in the hall at Bloodgood's,
+    none of whom I recognized except the boy who brought me the
+    note. Before having time for making inquiry some one said they
+    had gone on board the boat. "Get their description," said Mr. W.
+    I instantly inquired of one of the colored persons for the
+    desired description, and was told that she was "a tall, dark
+    woman, with two little boys."
+
+    Mr. W. and myself ran on board of the boat, looked among the
+    passengers on the first deck, but saw them not. "They are up on
+    the second deck," an unknown voice uttered. In a second we were
+    in their presence. We approached the anxious-looking
+    slave-mother with her two boys on her left-hand; close on her
+    right sat an ill-favored white man having a cane in his hand
+    which I took to be a sword-cane. (As to its being a sword-cane,
+    however, I might have been mistaken.)
+
+    The first words to the mother were: "Are you traveling?" "Yes,"
+    was the prompt answer. "With whom?" She nodded her head toward
+    the ill-favored man, signifying with him. Fidgeting on his seat,
+    he said something, exactly what I do not now recollect. In reply
+    I remarked: "Do they belong to you, Sir?" "Yes, they are in my
+    charge," was his answer. Turning from him to the mother and her
+    sons, in substance, and word for word, as near as I can
+    remember, the following remarks were earnestly though calmly
+    addressed by the individuals who rejoiced to meet them on free
+    soil, and who felt unmistakably assured that they were justified
+    by the laws of Pennsylvania as well as the Law of God, in
+    informing them of their rights:
+
+    "You are entitled to your freedom according to the laws of
+    Pennsylvania, having been brought into the State by your owner.
+    If you prefer freedom to slavery, as we suppose everybody does,
+    you have the chance to accept it now. Act calmly--don't be
+    frightened by your master--you are as much entitled to your
+    freedom as we are, or as he is--be determined and you need have
+    no fears but that you will be protected by the law. Judges have
+    time and again decided cases in this city and State similar to
+    yours in favor of freedom! Of course, if you want to remain a
+    slave with your master, we cannot force you to leave; we only
+    want to make you sensible of your rights. _Remember, if you lose
+    this chance you may never get such another," etc_.
+
+    [Illustration: RESCUE OF JANE JOHNSON AND HER CHILDREN.]
+
+    This advice to the woman was made in the hearing of a number of
+    persons present, white and colored; and one elderly white
+    gentleman of genteel address, who seemed to take much interest
+    in what was going on, remarked that they would have the same
+    chance for their freedom in New Jersey and New York as they then
+    had--seeming to sympathize with the woman, etc.
+
+    During the few moments in which the above remarks were made, the
+    slaveholder frequently interrupted--said she understood all
+    about the laws making her free, and her right to leave if she
+    wanted to; but contended that she did not want to leave--that
+    she was on a visit to New York to see her friends--afterward
+    _wished to return to her three children whom she left in
+    Virginia, from whom it would be_ HARD _to separate her_.
+    Furthermore, he diligently tried to constrain her to say that
+    she did not want to be interfered with--that she wanted to go
+    with him--that she was on a visit to New York--had children in
+    the South, etc.; but the woman's desire to be free was
+    altogether too strong to allow her to make a single
+    acknowledgment favorable to his wishes in the matter. On the
+    contrary, she repeatedly said, distinctly and firmly, "_I am not
+    free, but I want my freedom_--ALWAYS _wanted to be free!! but he
+    holds me_."
+
+    While the slaveholder claimed that she belonged to him, he said
+    _that she was free_! Again he said that he was _going to give
+    her her freedom_, etc. When his eyes would be off of hers, such
+    eagerness as her looks expressed, indicative of her entreaty
+    that we would not forsake her and her little ones in their
+    weakness, it had never been my lot to witness before, under any
+    circumstances.
+
+    The last bell tolled! The last moment for further delay passed!
+    The arm of the woman being slightly touched, accompanied with
+    the word, "Come!" she instantly arose. "Go along--go along!"
+    said some, who sympathized, to the boys, at the same time taking
+    hold of their arms. By this time the parties were fairly moving
+    toward the stairway leading to the deck below. Instantly on
+    their starting, the slave-holder rushed at the woman and her
+    children, to prevent their leaving; and, if I am not mistaken,
+    he simultaneously took hold of the woman and Mr. Williamson,
+    which resistance on his part caused Mr. W. to take hold of him
+    and set him aside quickly.
+
+    The passengers were looking on all around, but none interfered
+    in behalf of the slaveholder except one man, whom I took to be
+    another slaveholder. He said harshly, "Let them alone; they are
+    his _property_!'" The youngest boy, about 7 years of age--too
+    young to know what these things meant--cried "Massa John! Massa
+    John!" The elder boy, 11 years of age, took the matter more
+    dispassionately, and the mother _quite calmly_. The mother and
+    her sympathizers all moved down the stairs together in the
+    presence of quite a number of spectators on the first deck and
+    on the wharf, all of whom, as far as I was able to discern,
+    seemed to look upon the whole affair with the greatest
+    indifference. The woman and children were assisted, but not
+    forced to leave. Nor were there any violence or threatenings as
+    I saw or heard. The only words that I heard from any one of an
+    objectionable character, were: "Knock him down; knock him down!"
+    but who uttered it or who was meant I knew not, nor have I since
+    been informed. However, if it was uttered by a colored man, I
+    regret it, as there was not the slightest cause for such
+    language, especially as the sympathies of the spectators and
+    citizens seemed to justify the course pursued.
+
+    While passing off of the wharf and down Delaware-avenue to Dock
+    st., and up Dock to Front, where a carriage was procured, the
+    slaveholder and one police officer were of the party, if no
+    more.
+
+    The youngest boy on being put in the carriage was told that he
+    was "a fool for crying so after 'Massa John,' who would sell him
+    if he ever caught him." Not another whine was heard on the
+    subject.
+
+    The carriage drove down town slowly, the horses being fatigued
+    and the weather intensely hot; the inmates were put out on Tenth
+    street--not at any house--after which they soon found hospitable
+    friends and quietude. The excitement of the moment having passed
+    by, the mother _seemed very cheerful, and rejoiced greatly that
+    herself and boys had been, as she thought, so "providentially
+    delivered from the house of bondage_!" For the first time in her
+    life she could look upon herself and children and feel free!
+
+    Having felt the iron in her heart for the best half of her
+    days--having been sold with her children on the auction
+    block--having had one of her children sold far away from her
+    without hope of her seeing him again--she very naturally and
+    wisely concluded to go to Canada, fearing if she remained in
+    this city--as some assured her she could do with entire
+    safety--that she might again find herself in the clutches of the
+    tyrant from whom she had fled.
+
+    A few items of what she related concerning the character of her
+    master may be interesting to the reader--
+
+    Within the last two years he had sold all his slaves--between
+    thirty and forty in number--having purchased the present ones in
+    that space of time. She said that before leaving Washington,
+    coming on the cars, and at his father-in-law's in this city, a
+    number of persons had told him that in bringing his slaves into
+    Pennsylvania they would be free. When told at his
+    father-in-law's, as she overheard it, that he "could not have
+    done a worse thing," &c., he replied that "Jane would not leave
+    him."
+
+    As much, however, as he affected to have such implicit
+    confidence in Jane, he scarcely allowed her to be out of his
+    presence a moment while in this city. To use Jane's own
+    language, he was "on her heels every minute," fearing that some
+    one might get to her ears the sweet music of freedom. By the
+    way, Jane had it deep in her heart before leaving the South, and
+    was bent on succeeding in New York, if disappointed in
+    Philadelphia.
+
+    At Bloodgood's, after having been belated and left by the 2
+    o'clock train, while waiting for the 5 o'clock line, his
+    appetite tempted her "master" to take a hasty dinner. So after
+    placing Jane where he thought she would be pretty secure from
+    "evil communications" from the colored waiters, and after giving
+    her a double counselling, he made his way to the table; remained
+    but a little while, however, before leaving to look after Jane;
+    finding her composed, looking over a bannister near where he
+    left her, he returned to the table again and finished his meal.
+
+    But, alas, for the slave-holder! Jane had her "top eye open,"
+    and in that brief space had appealed to the sympathies of a
+    person whom she ventured to trust, saying, "I and my children
+    are slaves, and we want liberty!" I am not certain, but suppose
+    that person, in the goodness of his heart, was the cause of the
+    note being sent to the Anti-Slavery office, and hence the
+    result.
+
+    As to her going on to New York to see her friends, and wishing
+    to return to her three children in the South, and his going to
+    free her, &c., Jane declared repeatedly and very positively,
+    that there was not a particle of truth in what her master said
+    on these points. The truth is she had not the slightest hope of
+    freedom through any act of his. She had only left one boy in the
+    South, who had been sold far away, where she scarcely ever heard
+    from him, indeed never expected to see him any more.
+
+    In appearance Jane is tall and well formed, high and large
+    forehead, of genteel manners, chestnut color, and seems to
+    possess, naturally, uncommon good sense, though of course she
+    has never been allowed to read.
+
+    Thus I have given as truthful a report as I am capable of doing,
+    of Jane and the circumstances connected with her deliverance.
+
+    W. STILL.
+
+    P.S.--Of the five colored porters who promptly appeared, with
+    warm hearts throbbing in sympathy with the mother and her
+    children, too much cannot be said in commendation. In the
+    present case they acted nobly, whatever may be said of their
+    general character, of which I know nothing. How human beings,
+    who have ever tasted oppression, could have acted differently
+    under the circumstances I cannot conceive.
+
+
+The mystery alluded to, which the above letter did not contain, and
+which the court failed to make Mr. Williamson reveal, might have been
+truthfully explained in these words. The carriage was procured at the
+wharf, while Col. Wheeler and Mr. Williamson were debating the question
+relative to the action of the Committee, and at that instant, Jane and
+her two boys were invited into it and accompanied by the writer, who
+procured it, were driven down town, and on Tenth Street, below Lombard,
+the inmates were invited out of it, and the said conductor paid the
+driver and discharged him. For prudential reasons he took them to a
+temporary resting-place, where they could tarry until after dark; then
+they were invited to his own residence, where they were made welcome,
+and in due time forwarded East. Now, what disposition was made of them
+after they had left the wharf, while Williamson and Wheeler were
+discussing matters--(as was clearly sworn to by Passmore, in his answer
+to the writ of Habeas Corpus)--he Williamson did not know. That evening,
+before seeing the member of the Committee, with whom he acted in concert
+on the boat, and who had entire charge of Jane and her boys, he left for
+Harrisburg, to fulfill business engagements. The next morning his father
+(Thomas Williamson) brought the writ of Habeas Corpus (which had been
+served at Passmore's office after he left) to the Anti-Slavery Office.
+In his calm manner he handed it to the writer, at the same time
+remarking that "Passmore had gone to Harrisburg," and added, "thee had
+better attend to it" (the writ). Edward Hopper, Esq., was applied to
+with the writ, and in the absence of Mr. Williamson, appeared before the
+court, and stated "that the writ had not been served, as Mr. W. was out
+of town," etc.
+
+After this statement, the Judge postponed further action until the next
+day. In the meanwhile, Mr. Williamson returned and found the writ
+awaiting him, and an agitated state of feeling throughout the city
+besides. Now it is very certain, that he did not seek to know from those
+in the secret, where Jane Johnson and her boys were taken after they
+left the wharf, or as to what disposition had been made of them, in any
+way; except to ask simply, "are they safe?" (and when told "yes," he
+smiled) consequently, he might have been examined for a week, by the
+most skillful lawyer, at the Philadelphia bar, but he could not have
+answered other than he did in making his return to the writ, before
+Judge Kane, namely: "_That the persons named in the writ, nor either of
+them, are now nor was at the time of issuing of the writ, or the
+original writ, or at any other time in the custody, power, or possession
+of the respondent, nor by him confined or restrained; wherefore he
+cannot have the bodies," etc._.
+
+Thus, while Mr. W. was subjected to the severest trial of his devotion
+to Freedom, his noble bearing throughout, won for him the admiration and
+sympathy of the friends of humanity and liberty throughout the entire
+land, and in proof of his fidelity, he most cheerfully submitted to
+imprisonment rather than desert his principles. But the truth was not
+wanted in this instance by the enemies of Freedom; obedience to Slavery
+was demanded to satisfy the South. The opportunity seemed favorable for
+teaching abolitionists and negroes, that they had no right to interfere
+with a "chivalrous southern gentleman," while passing through
+Philadelphia with his slaves. Thus, to make an effective blow, all the
+pro-slavery elements of Philadelphia were brought into action, and
+matters looked for a time as though Slavery in this instance would have
+everything its own way. Passmore was locked up in prison on the flimsy
+pretext of contempt of court, and true bills were found against him and
+half a dozen colored men, charging them with "riot," "forcible
+abduction," and "assault and battery," and there was no lack of hard
+swearing on the part of Col. Wheeler and his pro-slavery sympathizers in
+substantiation of these grave charges. But the pro-slaveryites had
+counted without their host--Passmore would not yield an inch, but stood
+as firmly by his principles in prison, as he did on the boat. Indeed, it
+was soon evident, that his resolute course was bringing floods of
+sympathy from the ablest and best minds throughout the North. On the
+other hand, the occasion was rapidly awakening thousands daily, who had
+hitherto manifested little or no interest at all on the subject, to the
+wrongs of the slave.
+
+It was soon discovered by the "chivalry" that keeping Mr. Williamson in
+prison would indirectly greatly aid the cause of Freedom--that every day
+he remained would make numerous converts to the cause of liberty; that
+Mr. Williamson was doing ten-fold more in prison for the cause of
+universal liberty than he could possibly do while pursuing his ordinary
+vocation.
+
+With regard to the colored men under bonds, Col. Wheeler and his
+satellites felt very confident that there was no room for them to
+escape. They must have had reason so to think, judging from the hard
+swearing they did, before the committing magistrate. Consequently, in
+the order of events, while Passmore was still in prison, receiving
+visits from hosts of friends, and letters of sympathy from all parts of
+the North, William Still, William Curtis, James P. Braddock, John
+Ballard, James Martin and Isaiah Moore, were brought into court for
+trial. The first name on the list in the proceedings of the court was
+called up first.
+
+Against this individual, it was pretty well understood by the friends of
+the slave, that no lack of pains and false swearing would be resorted to
+on the part of Wheeler and his witnesses, to gain a verdict.
+
+Mr. McKim and other noted abolitionists managing the defense, were
+equally alive to the importance of overwhelming the enemy in this
+particular issue. The Hon. Charles Gibbons, was engaged to defend
+William Still, and William S. Pierce, Esq., and William B. Birney, Esq.,
+the other five colored defendants.
+
+In order to make the victory complete, the anti-slavery friends deemed
+it of the highest importance to have Jane Johnson in court, to face her
+master, and under oath to sweep away his "refuge of lies," with regard
+to her being "abducted," and her unwillingness to "leave her master,"
+etc. So Mr. McKim and the friends very privately arranged to have Jane
+Johnson on hand at the opening of the defense.
+
+Mrs. Lucretia Mott, Mrs. McKim, Miss Sarah Pugh and Mrs. Plumly,
+volunteered to accompany this poor slave mother to the court-house and
+to occupy seats by her side, while she should face her master, and
+boldly, on oath, contradict all his hard swearing. A better subject for
+the occasion than Jane, could not have been desired. She entered the
+court room veiled, and of course was not known by the crowd, as pains
+had been taken to keep the public in ignorance of the fact, that she was
+to be brought on to bear witness. So that, at the conclusion of the
+second witness on the part of the defense, "Jane Johnson" was called
+for, in a shrill voice. Deliberately, Jane arose and answered, in a
+lady-like manner to her name, and was then the observed of all
+observers. Never before had such a scene been witnessed in Philadelphia.
+It was indescribable. Substantially, her testimony on this occasion, was
+in keeping with the subjoined affidavit, which was as follows--
+
+
+    "_State of New York, City and County of New York_.
+
+    "Jane Johnson being sworn, makes oath and says--
+
+    "My name is Jane--Jane Johnson; I was the slave of Mr. Wheeler
+    of Washington; he bought me and my two children, about two years
+    ago, of Mr. Cornelius Crew, of Richmond, Va.; my youngest child
+    is between six and seven years old, the other between ten and
+    eleven; I have one other child only, and he is in Richmond; I
+    have not seen him for about two years; never expect to see him
+    again; Mr. Wheeler brought me and my two children to
+    Philadelphia, on the way to Nicaragua, to wait on his wife; I
+    didn't want to go without my two children, and he consented to
+    take them; we came to Philadelphia by the cars; stopped at Mr.
+    Sully's, Mr. Wheeler's father-in-law, a few moments; then went
+    to the steamboat for New York at 2 o'clock, but were too late;
+    we went into Bloodgood's Hotel; Mr. Wheeler went to dinner; Mr.
+    Wheeler had told me in Washington to have nothing to say to
+    colored persons, and if any of them spoke to me, to say I was a
+    free woman traveling with a minister; we staid at Bloodgood's
+    till 5 o'clock; Mr. Wheeler kept his eye on me all the time
+    except when he was at dinner; he left his dinner to come and see
+    if I was safe, and then went back again; while he was at dinner,
+    I saw a colored woman and told her I was a slave woman, that my
+    master had told me not to speak to colored people, and that if
+    any of them spoke to me to say that I was free; but I am not
+    free; but I want to be free; she said: 'poor thing, I pity you;'
+    after that I saw a colored man and said the same thing to him,
+    he said he would telegraph to New York, and two men would meet
+    me at 9 o'clock and take me with them; after that we went on
+    board the boat, Mr. Wheeler sat beside me on the deck; I saw a
+    colored gentleman come on board, he beckoned to me; I nodded my
+    head, and could not go; Mr. Wheeler was beside me and I was
+    afraid; a white gentleman then came and said to Mr. Wheeler, 'I
+    want to speak to your servant, and tell her of her rights;' Mr.
+    Wheeler rose and said, 'If you have anything to say, say it to
+    me--she knows her rights;' the white gentleman asked me if I
+    wanted to be free; I said 'I do, but I belong to this gentleman
+    and I can't have it;' he replied, 'Yes, you can, come with us,
+    you are as free as your master, if you want your freedom come
+    now; if you go back to Washington you may never get it;' I rose
+    to go, Mr. Wheeler spoke, and said, 'I will give you your
+    freedom,' but he had never promised it before, and I knew he
+    would never give it to me; the white gentleman held out his hand
+    and I went toward him; I was ready for the word before it was
+    given me; I took the children by the hands, who both cried, for
+    they were frightened, but both stopped when they got on shore; a
+    colored man carried the little one, I led the other by the hand.
+    We walked down the street till we got to a hack; nobody forced
+    me away; nobody pulled me, and nobody led me; I went away of my
+    own free will; I always wished to be free and meant to be free
+    when I came North; I hardly expected it in Philadelphia, but I
+    thought I should get free in New York; I have been comfortable
+    and happy since I left Mr. Wheeler, and so are the children; I
+    don't want to go back; I could have gone in Philadelphia if I
+    had wanted to; I could go now; but I had rather die than go
+    back. I wish to make this statement before a magistrate, because
+    I understand that Mr. Williamson is in prison on my account, and
+    I hope the truth may be of benefit to him."
+
+    [Illustration: JANE JOHNSON]
+
+
+    [Illustration: PASSMORE WILLIAMSON.]
+
+    JANE [her X mark.] JOHNSON.
+
+
+It might have been supposed that her honest and straightforward
+testimony would have been sufficient to cause even the most relentless
+slaveholder to abandon at once a pursuit so monstrous and utterly
+hopeless as Wheeler's was. But although he was sadly confused and put to
+shame, he hung on to the "lost cause" tenaciously. And his counsel,
+David Webster, Esq., and the United States District Attorney, Vandyke,
+completely imbued with the pro-slavery spirit, were equally as
+unyielding. And thus, with a zeal befitting the most worthy object
+imaginable, they labored with untiring effort to convict the colored
+men.
+
+By this policy, however, the counsel for the defense was doubly aroused.
+Mr. Gibbons, in the most eloquent and indignant strains, perfectly
+annihilated the "distinguished Colonel John H. Wheeler, United States
+Minister Plenipotentiary near the Island of Nicaragua," taking special
+pains to ring the changes repeatedly on his long appellations. Mr.
+Gibbons appeared to be precisely in the right mood to make himself
+surpassingly forcible and eloquent, on whatever point of law he chose to
+touch bearing on the case; or in whatever direction he chose to glance
+at the injustice and cruelty of the South. Most vividly did he draw the
+contrast between the States of "Georgia" and "Pennsylvania," with regard
+to the atrocious laws of Georgia. Scarcely less vivid is the impression
+after a lapse of sixteen years, than when this eloquent speech was made.
+With the District Attorney, Wm. B. Mann, Esq., and his Honor, Judge
+Kelley, the defendants had no cause to complain. Throughout the entire
+proceedings, they had reason to feel, that neither of these officials
+sympathized in the least with Wheeler or Slavery. Indeed in the Judge's
+charge and also in the District Attorney's closing speech the ring of
+freedom could be distinctly heard--much more so than was agreeable to
+Wheeler and his Pro-Slavery sympathizers. The case of Wm. Still ended in
+his acquittal; the other five colored men were taken up in order. And it
+is scarcely necessary to say that Messrs. Peirce and Birney did full
+justice to all concerned. Mr. Peirce, especially, was one of the oldest,
+ablest and most faithful lawyers to the slave of the Philadelphia Bar.
+He never was known, it may safely be said, to hesitate in the darkest
+days of Slavery to give his time and talents to the fugitive, even in
+the most hopeless cases, and when, from the unpopularity of such a
+course, serious sacrifices would be likely to result. Consequently he
+was but at home in this case, and most nobly did he defend his clients,
+with the same earnestness that a man would defend his fireside against
+the approach of burglars. At the conclusion of the trial, the jury
+returned a verdict of "not guilty," as to all the persons in the first
+count, charging them with riot. In the second count, charging them with
+"Assault and Battery" (on Col. Wheeler) Ballard and Curtis were found
+"guilty," the rest "not guilty." The guilty were given about a week in
+jail. Thus ended this act in the Wheeler drama.
+
+The following extract is taken from the correspondence of the New York
+Tribune touching Jane Johnson's presence in the court, and will be
+interesting on that account:
+
+
+    "But it was a bold and perilous move on the part of her friends,
+    and the deepest apprehensions were felt for a while, for the
+    result. The United States Marshal was there with his warrant and
+    an extra force to execute it. The officers of the court and
+    other State officers were there to protect the witness and
+    vindicate the laws of the State. Vandyke, the United States
+    District Attorney, swore he would take her. The State officers
+    swore he should not, and for a while it seemed that nothing
+    could avert a bloody scene. It was expected that the conflict
+    would take place at the door, when she should leave the room, so
+    that when she and her friends went out, and for some time after,
+    the most intense suspense pervaded the court-room. She was,
+    however, allowed to enter the carriage that awaited her without
+    disturbance. She was accompanied by Mr. McKim, Secretary of the
+    Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, Lucretia Mott and George
+    Corson, one of our most manly and intrepid police officers. The
+    carriage was followed by another filled with officers as a
+    guard; and thus escorted she was taken back in safety to the
+    house from which she had been brought. Her title to Freedom
+    under the laws of the State will hardly again be brought into
+    question."
+
+
+Mr. Williamson was committed to prison by Judge Kane for contempt of
+Court, on the 27th day of July, 1855, and was released on the 3d day of
+November the same year, having gained, in the estimation of the friends
+of Freedom every where, a triumph and a fame which but few men in the
+great moral battle for Freedom could claim.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE ARRIVALS OF A SINGLE MONTH.
+
+
+SIXTY PASSENGERS CAME IN ONE MONTH--TWENTY-EIGHT IN ONE ARRIVAL--GREAT
+PANIC AND INDIGNATION MEETING--INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE FROM MASTERS
+AND FUGITIVES.
+
+
+The great number of cases to be here noticed forbids more than a brief
+reference to each passenger. As they arrived in parties, their
+narratives will be given in due order as found on the book of records:
+
+William Griffen, Henry Moor, James Camper, Noah Ennells and Levin
+Parker. This party came from Cambridge, Md.
+
+William is thirty-four years of age, of medium size and substantial
+appearance. He fled from James Waters, Esq., a lawyer, living in
+Cambridge. He was "wealthy, close, and stingy," and owned nine head of
+slaves and a farm, on which William served. He was used very hard, which
+was the cause of his escape, though the idea that he was entitled to his
+freedom had been entertained for the previous twelve years. On preparing
+to take the Underground, he armed himself with a big butcher-knife, and
+resolved, if attacked, to make his enemies stand back. His master was a
+member of the Methodist Church.
+
+Henry is tall, copper-colored, and about thirty years of age. He
+complained not so much of bad usage as of the utter distaste he had to
+working all the time for the "white people for nothing." He was also
+decidedly of the opinion that every man should have his liberty. Four
+years ago his wife was "sold away to Georgia" by her young master; since
+which time not a word had he heard of her. She left three children, and
+he, in escaping, also had to leave them in the same hands that sold
+their mother. He was owned by Levin Dale, a farmer near Cambridge. Henry
+was armed with a six-barreled revolver, a large knife, and a determined
+mind.
+
+James is twenty-four years of age, quite black, small size, keen look,
+and full of hope for the "best part of Canada." He fled from Henry
+Hooper, "a dashing young man and a member of the Episcopal Church." Left
+because he "did not enjoy privileges" as he wished to do. He was armed
+with two pistols and a dirk to defend himself.
+
+Noah is only nineteen, quite dark, well-proportioned, and possessed of a
+fair average of common sense. He was owned by "Black-head Bill LeCount,"
+who "followed drinking, chewing tobacco, catching 'runaways,' and
+hanging around the court-house." However, he owned six head of slaves,
+and had a "rough wife," who belonged to the Methodist Church. Left
+because he "expected every day to be sold"--his master being largely in
+"debt." Brought with him a butcher-knife.
+
+Levin is twenty-two, rather short built, medium size and well colored.
+He fled from Lawrence G. Colson, "a very bad man, fond of drinking,
+great to fight and swear, and hard to please." His mistress was "real
+rough; very bad, worse than he was as 'fur' as she could be." Having
+been stinted with food and clothing and worked hard, was the apology
+offered by Levin for running off.
+
+Stebney Swan, John Stinger, Robert Emerson, Anthony Pugh and Isabella
+----. This company came from Portsmouth, Va. Stebney is thirty-four
+years of age, medium size, mulatto, and quite wide awake. He was owned
+by an oysterman by the name of Jos. Carter, who lived near Portsmouth.
+Naturally enough his master "drank hard, gambled" extensively, and in
+every other respect was a very ordinary man. Nevertheless, he "owned
+twenty-five head," and had a wife and six children. Stebney testified
+that he had not been used hard, though he had been on the "auction-block
+three times." Left because he was "tired of being a servant." Armed with
+a broad-axe and hatchet, he started, joined by the above-named
+companions, and came in a skiff, by sea. Robert Lee was the brave
+Captain engaged to pilot this Slavery-sick party from the prison-house
+of bondage. And although every rod of rowing was attended with
+inconceivable peril, the desired haven was safely reached, and the
+overjoyed voyagers conducted to the Vigilance Committee.
+
+John is about forty years of age, and so near white that a microscope
+would be required to discern his colored origin. His father was white,
+and his mother nearly so. He also had been owned by the oysterman
+alluded to above; had been captain of one of his oyster-boats, until
+recently. And but for his attempt some months back to make his escape,
+he might have been this day in the care of his kind-hearted master. But,
+because of this wayward step on the part of John, his master felt called
+upon to humble him. Accordingly, the captaincy was taken from him, and
+he was compelled to struggle on in a less honorable position.
+Occasionally John's mind would be refreshed by his master relating the
+hard times in the North, the great starvation among the blacks, etc. He
+would also tell John how much better off he was as a "slave with a kind
+master to provide for all his wants," etc. Notwithstanding all this
+counsel, John did not rest contented until he was on the Underground
+Rail Road.
+
+Robert was only nineteen, with an intelligent face and prepossessing
+manners; reads, writes and ciphers; and is about half Anglo-Saxon. He
+fled from Wm. H. Wilson, Esq., Cashier of the Virginia Bank. Until
+within the four years previous to Robert's escape, the cashier was
+spoken of as a "very good man;" but in consequence of speculations in a
+large Hotel in Portsmouth, and the then financial embarrassments, "he
+had become seriously involved," and decidedly changed in his manners.
+Robert noticed this, and concluded he had "better get out of danger as
+soon as possible."
+
+Anthony and Isabella were an engaged couple, and desired to cast their
+lot where husband and wife could not be separated on the auction-block.
+
+The following are of the Cambridge party, above alluded to. All left
+together, but for prudential reasons separated before reaching
+Philadelphia. The company that left Cambridge on the 24th of October may
+be thus recognized: Aaron Cornish and wife, with their six children;
+Solomon, George Anthony, Joseph, Edward James, Perry Lake, and a
+nameless babe, all very likely; Kit Anthony and wife Leah, and three
+children, Adam, Mary, and Murray; Joseph Hill and wife Alice, and their
+son Henry; also Joseph's sister. Add to the above, Marshall Button and
+George Light, both single young men, and we have twenty-eight in one
+arrival, as hearty-looking, brave and interesting specimens of Slavery
+as could well be produced from Maryland. Before setting out they counted
+well the cost. Being aware that fifteen had left their neighborhood only
+a few days ahead of them, and that every slave-holder and slave-catcher
+throughout the community, were on the alert, and raging furiously
+against the inroads of the Underground Rail Road, they provided
+themselves with the following weapons of defense: three revolvers, three
+double-barreled pistols, three single-barreled pistols, three
+sword-canes, four butcher knives, one bowie-knife, and one paw.[A] Thus,
+fully resolved upon freedom or death, with scarcely provisions enough
+for a single day, while the rain and storm was piteously descending,
+fathers and mothers with children in their arms (Aaron Cornish had
+two)--the entire party started. Of course, their provisions gave out
+before they were fairly on the way, but not so with the storm. It
+continued to pour upon them for nearly three days. With nothing to
+appease the gnawings of hunger but parched corn and a few dry crackers,
+wet and cold, with several of the children sick, some of their feet bare
+and worn, and one of the mothers with an infant in her arms, incapable
+of partaking of the diet,--it is impossible to imagine the ordeal they
+were passing. It was enough to cause the bravest hearts to falter. But
+not for a moment did they allow themselves to look back. It was
+exceedingly agreeable to hear even the little children testify that in
+the most trying hour on the road, not for a moment did they want to go
+back. The following advertisement, taken from _The Cambridge Democrat_
+of November 4, shows how the Rev. Levi Traverse felt about Aaron--
+
+[Footnote A: A paw is a weapon with iron prongs, four inches long, to be
+grasped with the hand and used in close encounter.]
+
+
+    $300 Reward.--Ran away from the subscriber, from the
+    neighborhood of Town Point, on Saturday night, the 24th inst.,
+    my negro man, AARON CORNISH, about 35 years old. He is about
+    five feet ten inches high, black, good-looking, rather pleasant
+    countenance, and carries himself with a confident manner. He
+    went off with his wife, DAFFNEY, a negro woman belonging to
+    Reuben E. Phillips. I will give the above reward if taken out of
+    the county, and $200 if taken in the county; in either case to
+    be lodged in Cambridge Jail.
+
+    [Illustration: Runaway]
+
+    October 25, 1857.
+
+    Levi D. Traverse.
+
+
+To fully understand the Rev. Mr. Traverse's authority for taking the
+liberty he did with Aaron's good name, it may not be amiss to give
+briefly a paragraph of private information from Aaron, relative to his
+master. The Rev. Mr. Traverse belonged to the Methodist Church, and was
+described by Aaron as a "bad young man; rattle-brained; with the
+appearance of not having good sense,--not enough to manage the great
+amount of property (he had been left wealthy) in his possession."
+Aaron's servitude commenced under this spiritual protector in May prior
+to the escape, immediately after the death of his old master. His
+deceased master, William D. Traverse, by the way, was the father-in-law,
+and at the same time own uncle of Aaron's reverend owner. Though the
+young master, for marrying his own cousin and uncle's daughter, had been
+for years the subject of the old gentleman's wrath, and was not allowed
+to come near his house, or to entertain any reasonable hope of getting
+any of his father-in-law's estate, nevertheless, scarcely had the old
+man breathed his last, ere the young preacher seized upon the
+inheritance, slaves and all; at least he claimed two-thirds, allowing
+for the widow one-third. Unhesitatingly he had taken possession of all
+the slaves (some thirty head), and was making them feel his power to the
+fullest extent. To Aaron this increased oppression was exceedingly
+crushing, as he had been hoping at the death of his old master to be
+free. Indeed, it was understood that the old man had his will made, and
+freedom provided for the slaves. But, strangely enough, at his death no
+will could be found. Aaron was firmly of the conviction that the Rev.
+Mr. Traverse knew what became of it. Between the widow and the
+son-in-law, in consequence of his aggressive steps, existed much
+hostility, which strongly indicated the approach of a law-suit;
+therefore, except by escaping, Aaron could not see the faintest hope of
+freedom. Under his old master, the favor of hiring his time had been
+granted him. He had also been allowed by his wife's mistress (Miss Jane
+Carter, of Baltimore), to have his wife and children home with him--that
+is, until his children would grow to the age of eight and ten years,
+then they would be taken away and hired out at twelve or fifteen dollars
+a year at first. Her oldest boy, sixteen, hired the year he left for
+forty dollars. They had had ten children; two had died, two they were
+compelled to leave in chains; the rest they brought away. Not one
+dollar's expense had they been to their mistress. The industrious Aaron
+not only had to pay his own hire, but was obliged to do enough over-work
+to support his large family.
+
+Though he said he had no special complaint to make against his old
+master, through whom he, with the rest of the slaves, hoped to obtain
+freedom, Aaron, nevertheless, spoke of him as a man of violent temper,
+severe on his slaves, drinking hard, etc., though he was a man of wealth
+and stood high in the community. One of Aaron's brothers, and others,
+had been sold South by him. It was on account of his inveterate hatred
+of his son-in-law, who, he declared, should never have his property
+(having no other heir but his niece, except his widow), that the slaves
+relied on his promise to free them. Thus, in view of the facts referred
+to, Aaron was led to commit the unpardonable sin of running away with
+his wife Daffney, who, by the way, looked like a woman fully capable of
+taking care of herself and children, instead of having them stolen away
+from her, as though they were pigs.
+
+Joseph Viney and family--Joseph was "held to service or labor," by
+Charles Bryant, of Alexandria, Va. Joseph had very nearly finished
+paying for himself. His wife and children were held by Samuel Pattison,
+Esq., a member of the Methodist Church, "a great big man," "with red
+eyes, bald head, drank pretty freely," and in the language of Joseph,
+"wouldn't bear nothing." Two of Joseph's brothers-in-law had been sold
+by his master. Against Mrs. Pattison his complaint was, that "she was
+mean, sneaking, and did not want to give half enough to eat."
+
+For the enlightenment of all Christendom, and coming posterity
+especially, the following advertisement and letter are recorded, with
+the hope that they will have an important historical value. The writer
+was at great pains to obtain these interesting documents, directly after
+the arrival of the memorable Twenty-Eight; and shortly afterwards
+furnished to the New York _Tribune_, in a prudential manner, a brief
+sketch of these very passengers, including the advertisements, but not
+the letter. It was safely laid away for history--
+
+
+    $2,000 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber on Saturday night,
+    the 24th inst, FOURTEEN HEAD OF NEGROES, viz: Four men, two
+    women, one boy and seven children. KIT is about 35 years of age,
+    five feet six or seven inches high, dark chestnut color, and has
+    a scar on one of his thumbs. JOE is about 30 years old, very
+    black, his teeth are very white, and is about five feet eight
+    inches high. HENRY is about 22 years old, five feet ten inches
+    high, of dark chestnut color and large front teeth. JOE is about
+    20 years old, about five feet six inches high, heavy built and
+    black. TOM is about 16 years old, about five feet high, light
+    chestnut color. SUSAN is about 35 years old, dark chestnut
+    color, and rather stout built; speaks rather slow, and has with
+    her FOUR CHILDREN, varying from one to seven years of age. LEAH
+    is about 28 years old, about five feet high, dark chestnut
+    color, with THREE CHILDREN, two boys and one girl, from one to
+    eight years old.
+
+    [Illustration: Runaway]
+
+    I will give $1,000 if taken in the county, $1,500 if taken out
+    of the county and in the State, and $2,000 if taken out of the
+    State; in either case to be lodged in Cambridge (Md.) Jail, so
+    that I can get them again; or I will give a fair proportion of
+    the above reward if any part be secured.
+
+    SAMUEL PATTISON,
+
+    October 26, 1857.
+
+    Near Cambridge, Md.
+
+    P.S.--Since writing the above, I have discovered that my negro
+    woman, SARAH JANE, 25 years old, stout built and chestnut color,
+    has also run off.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    S.P.
+
+
+
+
+SAMUEL PATTISON'S LETTER.
+
+
+
+    CAMBRIDGE, Nov. 16th, 1857.
+
+    L.W. THOMPSON:--SIR, this morning I received your letter wishing
+    an accurate description of my Negroes which ran away on the 24th
+    of last month and the amt of reward offered &c &c. The
+    description is as follows. _Kit_ is about 35 years old, five
+    feet, six or seven inches high, dark chestnut color and has a
+    scar on one of his thumbs, he has a very quick step and walks
+    very straight, and can read and write. _Joe_, is about 30 years
+    old, very black and about five feet eight inches high, has a
+    very pleasing appearance, he has a free wife who left with him
+    she is a light molatoo, she has a child not over one year old.
+    _Henry_ is about 22 years old, five feet, ten inches high, of
+    dark chestnut coller and large front teeth, he stoops a little
+    in his walk and has a downward look. _Joe_ is about 20 years
+    old, about five feet six inches high, heavy built, and has a
+    grum look and voice dull, and black. _Tom_ is about 16 years old
+    about five feet high light chestnut coller, smart active boy,
+    and swagers in his walk. Susan is about 35 years old, dark
+    chesnut coller and stout built, speaks rather slow and has with
+    her _four children, three boys_ and one _girl_--the girl has a
+    thumb or finger on her left hand (part of it) cut off, the
+    children are from 9 months to 8 years old. (the youngest a boy 9
+    months and the oldest whose name is Lloyd is about 8 years old)
+    The husband of Susan (Joe Viney) started off with her, he is a
+    slave, belonging to a gentleman in Alexandria D.C. he is about
+    40 years old and dark chesnut coller rather slender built and
+    about five feet seven or eight inches high, he is also the
+    Father of Henry, Joe and Tom. A _reward_ of $400. will be given
+    for his apprehension. _Leah_ is about 28 years old about five
+    feet high dark chesnut coller, with three children. 2 Boys and 1
+    girl, they are from one to eight years old, the oldest boy is
+    called Adam, Leah is the wife of Kit, the first named man in the
+    list. _Sarah Jane_ is about 25 years old, stout built and
+    chesnut coller, quick and active in her walk. Making in all 15
+    head, men, women and children belonging to me, or 16 head
+    including Joe Viney, the husband of my woman Susan.
+
+    _A Reward_ of $2250. will be given for my negroes if taken out
+    of the State of Maryland and lodged in Cambridge or Baltimore
+    Jail, so that I can get them or a fair proportion for any part
+    of them. And including Joe Viney's reward $2650.00.
+
+    At the same time eight other negroes belonging to a neighbor of
+    mine ran off, for which a reward of $1400.00 has been offered
+    for them.
+
+    If you should want any information, witnesses to prove or
+    indentify the negroes, write immediately on to me. Or if you
+    should need any information with regard to proving the negroes,
+    before I could reach Philadelphia, you can call on Mr. Burroughs
+    at Martin & Smith's store, Market Street, No 308. Phila and he
+    can refer you to a gentleman who knows the negroes.
+
+    Yours &c SAML. PATTISON.
+
+
+This letter was in answer to one written in Philadelphia and signed,
+"L.W. Thompson." It is not improbable that Mr. Pattison's loss had
+produced such a high state of mental excitement that he was hardly in a
+condition for cool reflection, or he would have weighed the matter a
+little more carefully before exposing himself to the U.G.R.R. agents.
+But the letter possesses two commendable features, nevertheless. It was
+tolerably well written and prompt.
+
+Here is a wonderful exhibition of affection for his contented and happy
+negroes. Whether Mr. Pattison suspended on suddenly learning that he was
+minus fifteen head, the writer cannot say. But that there was a great
+slave hunt in every direction there is no room to doubt. Though much
+more might be said about the parties concerned, it must suffice to add
+that they came to the Vigilance Committee in a very sad plight--in
+tattered garments, hungry, sick, and penniless; but they were kindly
+clothed, fed, doctored, and sent on their way rejoicing.
+
+Daniel Stanly, Nat Amby, John Scott, Hannah Peters, Henrietta Dobson,
+Elizabeth Amby, Josiah Stanly, Caroline Stanly, Daniel Stanly, jr., John
+Stanly and Miller Stanly (arrival from Cambridge.) Daniel is about 35,
+well-made and wide-awake. Fortunately, in emancipating himself, he also,
+through great perseverance, secured the freedom of his wife and six
+children; one child he was compelled to leave behind. Daniel belonged to
+Robert Calender, a farmer, and, "except when in a passion," said to be
+"pretty clever." However, considering as a father, that it was his "duty
+to do all he could" for his children, and that all work and no play
+makes Jack a dull boy, Daniel felt bound to seek refuge in Canada. His
+wife and children were owned by "Samuel Count, an old, bald-headed, bad
+man," who "had of late years been selling and buying slaves as a
+business," though he stood high and was a "big bug in Cambridge." The
+children were truly likely-looking.
+
+Nat is no ordinary man. Like a certain other Nat known to history, his
+honest and independent bearing in every respect was that of a natural
+hero. He was full black, and about six feet high; of powerful physical
+proportions, and of more than ordinary intellectual capacities. With the
+strongest desire to make the Port of Canada safely, he had resolved to
+be "carried back," if attacked by the slave hunters, "only as a dead
+man." He was held to service by John Muir, a wealthy farmer, and the
+owner of 40 or 50 slaves. "Muir would drink and was generally devilish."
+Two of Nat's sisters and one of his brothers had been "sold away to
+Georgia by him." Therefore, admonished by threats and fears of having to
+pass through the same fiery furnace, Nat was led to consider the
+U.G.R.R. scheme. It was through the marriage of Nat's mistress to his
+present owner that he came into Muir's hands. "Up to the time of her
+death," he had been encouraged to "hope" that he would be "free;"
+indeed, he was assured by her "dying testimony that the slaves were not
+to be sold." But regardless of the promises and will of his departed
+wife, Muir soon extinguished all hopes of freedom from that quarter. But
+not believing that God had put one man here to "be the servant of
+another--to work," and get none of the benefit of his labor, Nat armed
+himself with a good pistol and a big knife, and taking his wife with
+him, bade adieu forever to bondage. Observing that Lizzie (Nat's wife)
+looked pretty decided and resolute, a member of the committee remarked,
+"Would your wife fight for freedom?" "I have heard her say she would
+wade through blood and tears for her freedom," said Nat, in the most
+serious mood.
+
+The following advertisement from _The Cambridge Democrat_ of Nov. 4,
+speaks for itself--
+
+
+    $300 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, on Saturday night
+    last, 17th inst., my negro woman Lizzie, about 28 years old. She
+    is medium sized, dark complexion, good-looking, with rather a
+    down look. When spoken to, replies quickly. She was well
+    dressed, wearing a red and green blanket shawl, and carried with
+    her a variety of clothing. She ran off in company with her
+    husband, Nat Amby (belonging to John Muir, Esq.), who is about 6
+    feet in height, with slight impediment in his speech, dark
+    chestnut color, and a large scar on the side of his neck.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    I will give the above reward if taken in this County, or
+    one-half of what she sells for if taken out of the County or
+    State. In either ease to be lodged in Cambridge Jail.
+
+    Cambridge, Oct. 21, 1857.
+
+    ALEXANDER H. BAYLY.
+
+    P.S.--For the apprehension of the above-named negro man Nat, and
+    delivery in Cambridge Jail, I will give $500 reward.
+
+    JOHN MUIR.
+
+
+Now since Nat's master has been introduced in the above order, it seems
+but appropriate that Nat should be heard too; consequently the following
+letter is inserted for what it is worth:
+
+
+    Auburn, June 10th, 1858.
+
+    Mr. William Still:--Sir, will you be so Kind as to write a
+    letter to affey White in straw berry alley in Baltimore city on
+    the point. Say to her at nat Ambey that I wish to Know from her
+    the Last Letar that Joseph Ambie and Henry Ambie two Brothers
+    and Ann Warfield a couisin of them two boys I state above. I
+    would like to hear from my mother sichy Ambie you will Please
+    write to my mother and tell her that I am well and doing well
+    and state to her that I perform my Relissius dutys and I would
+    like to hear from her and want to know if she is performing her
+    Relissius dutys yet and send me word from all her children I
+    left behind say to affey White that I wish her to write me a
+    Letter in Hast my wife is well and doing well and my nephew is
+    doing well. Please tell affey White when she writes to me to Let
+    me know where Joseph and Henry Ambie is.
+
+    Mr. Still Please Look on your Book and you will find my name on
+    your Book. They was eleven of us children and all when we came
+    through and I feal interrested about my Brothers. I have never
+    heard from them since I Left home you will Please Be Kind
+    annough to attend to this Letter. When you send the answer to
+    this Letter you will Please send it to P.R. Freeman Auburn City
+    Cayuga County New York.
+
+    Yours Truly
+
+    NAT AMBIE.
+
+
+William is 25, complexion brown, intellect naturally good, with no
+favorable notions of the peculiar institution. He was armed with a
+formidable dirk-knife, and declared he would use it if attacked, rather
+than be dragged back to bondage.
+
+Hannah is a hearty-looking young woman of 23 or 24, with a countenance
+that indicated that liberty was what she wanted and was contending for,
+and that she could not willingly submit to the yoke. Though she came
+with the Cambridge party, she did not come from Cambridge, but from
+Marshall Hope, Caroline County, where she had been owned by Charles
+Peters, a man who had distinguished himself by getting "drunk,
+scratching and fighting, etc.," not unfrequently in his own family even.
+She had no parents that she knew of. Left because they used her "so bad,
+beat and knocked" her about.
+
+"Jack Scott." Jack is about thirty-six years of age, substantially
+built, dark color, and of quiet and prepossessing manners. He was owned
+by David B. Turner, Esq., a dry goods merchant of New York. By birth,
+Turner was a Virginian, and a regular slave-holder. His slaves were kept
+hired out by the year. As Jack had had but slight acquaintance with his
+New York owner, he says but very little about him. He was moved to leave
+simply because he had got tired of working for the "white people for
+nothing." Fled from Richmond, Va. Jack went to Canada direct. The
+following letter furnishes a clew to his whereabouts, plans, etc.
+
+
+    MONTREAL, September 1st 1859.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--It is with extreme pleasure that I set down to
+    inclose you a few lines to let you know that I am well & I hope
+    when these few lines come to hand they may find you & your
+    family in good health and prosperity I left your house Nov. 3d,
+    1857, for Canada I Received a letter here from James Carter in
+    Peters burg, saying that my wife would leave there about the
+    28th or the first September and that he would send her on by way
+    of Philadelphia to you to send on to Montreal if she come on you
+    be please to send her on and as there is so many boats coming
+    here all times a day I may not know what time she will. So you
+    be please to give her this direction, she can get a cab and go
+    to the Donegana Hotel and Edmund Turner is there he will take
+    you where I lives and if he is not there cabman take you to Mr
+    Taylors on Durham St. nearly opposite to the Methodist Church.
+    Nothing more at present but Remain your well wisher
+
+    JOHN SCOTT.
+
+
+C. Hitchens.--This individual took his departure from Milford, Del.,
+where he was owned by Wm. Hill, a farmer, who took special delight in
+having "fighting done on the place." This passenger was one of our least
+intelligent travelers. He was about 22.
+
+Major Ross.--Major fled from John Jay, a farmer residing in the
+neighborhood of Havre de Grace, Md. But for the mean treatment received
+from Mr. Jay, Major might have been foolish enough to have remained all
+his days in chains. "It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good."
+
+Henry Oberne.--Henry was to be free at 28, but preferred having it at
+21, especially as he was not certain that 28 would ever come. He is of
+chestnut color, well made, &c., and came from Seaford, Md.
+
+Perry Burton.--Perry is about twenty-seven years of age, decidedly
+colored, medium size, and only of ordinary intellect. He acknowledged
+John R. Burton, a farmer on Indian River, as his master, and escaped
+because he wanted "some day for himself."
+
+Alfred Hubert, Israel Whitney and John Thompson. Alfred is of powerful
+muscular appearance and naturally of a good intellect. He is full dark
+chestnut color, and would doubtless fetch a high price. He was owned by
+Mrs. Matilda Niles, from whom he had hired his time, paying $110 yearly.
+He had no fault to find with his mistress, except he observed she had a
+young family growing up, into whose hands he feared he might unluckily
+fall some day, and saw no way of avoiding it but by flight. Being only
+twenty-eight, he may yet make his mark.
+
+Israel was owned by Elijah Money. All that he could say in favor of his
+master was, that he treated him "respectfully," though he "drank hard."
+Israel was about thirty-six, and another excellent specimen of an
+able-bodied and wide-awake man. He hired his time at the rate of $120 a
+year, and had to find his wife and child in the bargain. He came from
+Alexandria, Va.
+
+
+
+INTERESTING LETTER FROM ISRAEL.
+
+
+
+    HAMILTON, Oct. 16, 1858.
+
+    WILLIAM STILL--_My Dear Friend_:--I saw Carter and his friend a
+    few days ago, and they told me, that you was well. On the
+    seventh of October my wife came to Hamilton. Mr. A. Hurberd, who
+    came from Virginia with me, is going to get married the 20th of
+    November, next. I wish you would write to me how many of my
+    friends you have seen since October, 1857. Montgomery Green
+    keeps a barber shop in Cayuga, in the State of New York. I have
+    not heard of Oscar Ball but once since I came here, and then he
+    was well and doing well. George Carroll is in Hamilton. The
+    times are very dull at present, and have been ever since I came
+    here. Please write soon. Nothing more at present, only I still
+    remain in Hamilton, C.W.
+
+    ISRAEL WHITNEY.
+
+
+John is nineteen years of age, mulatto, spare made, but not lacking in
+courage, mother wit or perseverance. He was born in Fauquier county,
+Va., and, after experiencing Slavery for a number of years there--being
+sold two or three times to the "highest bidder"--he was finally
+purchased by a cotton planter named Hezekiah Thompson, residing at
+Huntsville, Alabama. Immediately after the sale Hezekiah bundled his new
+"purchase" off to Alabama, where he succeeded in keeping him only about
+two years, for at the end of that time John determined to strike a blow
+for liberty. The incentive to this step was the inhuman treatment he was
+subjected to. Cruel indeed did he find it there. His master was a young
+man, "fond of drinking and carousing, and always ready for a fight or a
+knock-down." A short time before John left his master whipped him so
+severely with the "bull whip" that he could not use his arm for three or
+four days. Seeing but one way of escape (and that more perilous than the
+way William and Ellen Craft, or Henry Box Brown traveled), he resolved
+to try it. It was to get on the top of the car, instead of inside of it,
+and thus ride of nights, till nearly daylight, when, at a stopping-place
+on the road, he would slip off the car, and conceal himself in the woods
+until under cover of the next night he could manage to get on the top of
+another car. By this most hazardous mode of travel he reached Virginia.
+
+It may be best not to attempt to describe how he suffered at the hands
+of his owners in Alabama; or how severely he was pinched with hunger in
+traveling; or how, when he reached his old neighborhood in Virginia, he
+could not venture to inquire for his mother, brothers or sisters, to
+receive from them an affectionate word, an encouraging smile, a crust of
+bread, or a drink of water.
+
+Success attended his efforts for more than two weeks; but alas, after
+having got back north of Richmond, on his way home to Alexandria, he was
+captured and put in prison; his master being informed of the fact, came
+on and took possession of him again. At first he refused to sell him;
+said he "had money enough and owned about thirty slaves;" therefore
+wished to "take him back to make an example of him." However, through
+the persuasion of an uncle of his, he consented to sell. Accordingly,
+John was put on the auction-block and bought for $1,300 by Green
+McMurray, a regular trader in Richmond. McMurray again offered him for
+sale, but in consequence of hard times and the high price demanded, John
+did not go off, at least not in the way the trader desired to dispose of
+him, but did, nevertheless, succeed in going off on the Underground Rail
+Road. Thus once more he reached his old home, Alexandria. His mother was
+in one place, and his six brothers and sisters evidently scattered,
+where he knew not. Since he was five years of age, not one of them had
+he seen.
+
+If such sufferings and trials were not entitled to claim for the
+sufferer the honor of a hero, where in all Christendom could one be
+found who could prove a better title to that appellation?
+
+It is needless to say that the Committee extended to him brotherly
+kindness, sympathized with him deeply, and sent him on his way
+rejoicing.
+
+Of his subsequent career the following extract from a letter written at
+London shows that he found no rest for the soles of his feet under the
+Stars and Stripes in New York:
+
+
+    I hope that you will remember John Thompson, who passed through
+    your hands, I think, in October, 1857, at the same time that Mr.
+    Cooper, from Charleston, South Carolina, came on. I was engaged
+    at New York, in the barber business, with a friend, and was
+    doing very well, when I was betrayed and obliged to sail for
+    England very suddenly, my master being in the city to arrest me.
+
+    (LONDON, December 21st, 1860.)
+
+
+[Illustration: Escaping from Alabama on top of a car.]
+
+JEREMIAH COLBURN.--Jeremiah is a bright mulatto, of prepossessing
+appearance, reads and writes, and is quite intelligent. He fled from
+Charleston, where he had been owned by Mrs. E. Williamson, an old lady
+about seventy-five, a member of the Episcopal Church, and opposed to
+Freedom. As far as he was concerned, however, he said, she had treated
+him well; but, knowing that the old lady would not be long here, he
+judged it was best to look out in time. Consequently, he availed himself
+of an Underground Rail Road ticket, and bade adieu to that hot-bed of
+secession, South Carolina. Indeed, he was fair enough to pass for white,
+and actually came the entire journey from Charleston to this city under
+the garb of a white gentleman. With regard to gentlemanly bearing,
+however, he was all right in this particular. Nevertheless, as he had
+been a slave all his days, he found that it required no small amount of
+nerve to succeed in running the gauntlet with slave-holders and
+slave-catchers for so long a journey.
+
+The following pointed epistle, from Jeremiah Colburn alias William
+Cooper, beautifully illustrates the effects of Freedom on many a
+passenger who received hospitalities at the Philadelphia depot--
+
+
+    SYRACUSE, June 9th, 1858.
+
+    MR. STILL:--_Dear Sir_:--One of your Underground R.R. Passenger
+    Drop you these few Lines to let you see that he have not
+    forgoten you one who have Done so much for him well sir I am
+    still in Syracuse, well in regard to what I am Doing for a
+    Living I no you would like to hear, I am in the Painting
+    Business, and have as much at that as I can do, and enough to
+    Last me all the Summer, I had a knolledge of Painting Before I
+    Left the South, the Hotell where I was working Last winter the
+    Proprietor fail & shot up in the Spring and I Loose evry thing
+    that I was working for all Last winter. I have Ritten a Letter
+    to my Friend P. Christianson some time a goo & have never
+    Received an Answer, I hope this wont Be the case with this one,
+    I have an idea sir, next winter iff I can this summer make
+    Enough to Pay Expenses, to goo to that school at McGrowville &
+    spend my winter their. I am going sir to try to Prepair myself
+    for a Lectuer, I am going sir By the Help of god to try and Do
+    something for the Caus to help my Poor Breathern that are
+    suffering under the yoke. Do give my Respect to Mrs Stills &
+    Perticular to Miss Julia Kelly, I supose she is still with you
+    yet, I am in great hast you must excuse my short letter. I hope
+    these few Lines may fine you as they Leave me quite well. It
+    will afford me much Pleasure to hear from you.
+
+    yours Truly,
+
+    WILLIAM COOPER.
+
+    John Thompson is still here and Doing well.
+
+
+It will be seen that this young Charlestonian had rather exalted notions
+in his head. He was contemplating going to McGrawville College, for the
+purpose of preparing himself for the lecturing field. Was it not rather
+strange that he did not want to return to his "kind-hearted old
+mistress?"
+
+THOMAS HENRY, NATHAN COLLINS AND HIS WIFE MARY ELLEN.--Thomas is about
+twenty-six, quite dark, rather of a raw-boned make, indicating that
+times with him had been other than smooth. A certain Josiah Wilson owned
+Thomas. He was a cross, rugged man, allowing not half enough to eat, and
+worked his slaves late and early. Especially within the last two or
+three months previous to the escape, he had been intensely savage, in
+consequence of having lost, not long before, two of his servants. Ever
+since that misfortune, he had frequently talked of "putting the rest in
+his pocket." This distressing threat made the rest love him none the
+more; but, to make assurances doubly sure, after giving them their
+supper every evening, which consisted of delicious "skimmed milk, corn
+cake and a herring each," he would very carefully send them up in the
+loft over the kitchen, and there "lock them up," to remain until called
+the next morning at three or four o'clock to go to work again. Destitute
+of money, clothing, and a knowledge of the way, situated as they were
+they concluded to make an effort for Canada.
+
+NATHAN was also a fellow-servant with Thomas, and of course owned by
+Wilson. Nathan's wife, however, was owned by Wilson's son, Abram. Nathan
+was about twenty-five years of age, not very dark. He had a remarkably
+large head on his shoulders and was the picture of determination, and
+apparently was exactly the kind of a subject that might be desirable in
+the British possessions, in the forest or on the farm.
+
+His wife, Mary Ellen, is a brown-skinned, country-looking young woman,
+about twenty years of age. In escaping, they had to break jail, in the
+dead of night, while all were asleep in the big house; and thus they
+succeeded. What Mr. Wilson did, said or thought about these "shiftless"
+creatures we are not prepared to say; we may, notwithstanding,
+reasonably infer that the Underground has come in for a liberal share of
+his indignation and wrath. The above travelers came from near New
+Market, Md. The few rags they were clad in were not really worth the
+price that a woman would ask for washing them, yet they brought with
+them about all they had. Thus they had to be newly rigged at the expense
+of the Vigilance Committee.
+
+_The Cambridge Democrat_, of Nov. 4, 1857, from which the advertisements
+were cut, said--
+
+
+    "At a meeting of the people of this county, held in Cambridge,
+    on the 2d of November, to take into consideration the better
+    protection of the interests of the slave-owners; among other
+    things that were done, it was resolved to enforce the various
+    acts of Assembly  *  *  *  *  relating to servants and slaves.
+
+    "The act of 1715, chap. 44, sec. 2, provides 'that from and
+    after the publication thereof no servant or servants whatsoever,
+    within this province, whether by indenture or by the custom of
+    the counties, or hired for wages shall travel by land or water
+    ten miles from the house of his, her or their master, mistress
+    or dame, without a note under their hands, or under the hands of
+    his, her or their overseer, if any be, under the penalty of
+    being taken for a runaway, and to suffer such penalties as
+    hereafter provided against runaways.' The Act of 1806, chap. 81,
+    sec. 5, provides, 'That any person taking up such runaway, shall
+    have and receive $6,' to be paid by the master or owner. It was
+    also determined to have put in force the act of 1825, chap. 161,
+    and the act of 1839, chap. 320, relative to idle, vagabond, free
+    negroes, providing for their sale or banishment from the State.
+    All persons interested, are hereby notified that the aforesaid
+    laws, in particular, will be enforced, and all officers failing
+    to enforce them will be presented to the Grand Jury, and those
+    who desire to avoid the penalties of the aforesaid statutes are
+    requested to conform to these provisions."
+
+
+As to the modus operandi by which so many men, women and children were
+delivered and safely forwarded to Canada, despite slave-hunters and the
+fugitive slave law, the subjoined letters, from different agents and
+depots, will throw important light on the question.
+
+Men and women aided in this cause who were influenced by no oath of
+secresy, who received not a farthing for their labors, who believed that
+God had put it into the hearts of all mankind to love liberty, and had
+commanded men to "feel for those in bonds as bound with them," "to break
+every yoke and let the oppressed go free." But here are the letters,
+bearing at least on some of the travelers:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 10th Mo. 31st, 1857.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND WILLIAM STILL:--I write to inform thee that we
+    have either 17 or 27, I am not certain which, of that large Gang
+    of God's poor, and I hope they are safe. The man who has them in
+    charge informed me there were 27 safe and one boy lost during
+    last night, about 14 years of age, without shoes; we have felt
+    some anxiety about him, for fear he may be taken up and betray
+    the rest. I have since been informed there are but 17 so that I
+    cannot at present tell which is correct. I have several looking
+    out for the lad; they will be kept from Phila. for the present.
+    My principal object in writing thee at this time is to inform
+    thee of what one of our constables told me this morning; he told
+    me that a colored man in Phila. who professed to be a great
+    friend of the colored people was a traitor; that he had been
+    written to by an Abolitionist in Baltimore, to keep a look out
+    for those slaves that left Cambridge this night week, told him
+    they would be likely to pass through Wilmington on 6th day or
+    7th day night, and the colored man in Phila. had written to the
+    master of part of them telling him the above, and the master
+    arrived here yesterday in consequence of the information, and
+    told one of our constables the above; the man told the name of
+    the Baltimore writer, which he had forgotten, but declined
+    telling the name of the colored man in Phila. I hope you will be
+    able to find out who he is, and should I be able to learn the
+    name of the Baltimore friend, I will put him on his Guard,
+    respecting his Phila. correspondents. As ever thy friend, and
+    the friend of Humanity, without regard to color or clime.
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+How much truth there was in the "constable's" story to the effect, "that
+a colored man in Philadelphia, who professed to be a great friend of the
+colored people, was a traitor, etc.," the Committee never learned. As a
+general thing, colored people were true to the fugitive slave; but now
+and then some unprincipled individuals, under various pretenses, would
+cause us great anxiety.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM JOHN AUGUSTA.
+
+
+
+    NORRISTOWN Oct 18th 1857 2 o'clock PM
+
+    DEAR SIR:--There is Six men and women and Five children making
+    Eleven Persons. If you are willing to Receve them write to me
+    imediately and I will bring them to your To morrow Evening I
+    would not Have wrote this But the Times are so much worse
+    Financialy that I thought It best to hear From you Before I
+    Brought such a Crowd Down Pleas Answer this and
+
+    Oblige
+
+    JOHN AUGUSTA.
+
+
+This document has somewhat of a military appearance about it. It is
+short and to the point. Friend Augusta was well known in Norristown as a
+first-rate hair-dresser and a prompt and trustworthy Underground Rail
+Road agent. Of course a speedy answer was returned to his note, and he
+was instructed to bring the eleven passengers on to the Committee in
+Brotherly Love.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM MISS G. LEWIS ABOUT A PORTION OF THE SAME "MEMORABLE
+TWENTY-EIGHT."
+
+
+
+    SUNNYSIDE, Nov. 6th, 1857.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND:--Eight more of the large company reached our place
+    last night, direct from Ercildown. The eight constitute one
+    family of them, the husband and wife with four children under
+    eight years of age, wish tickets for Elmira. Three sons, nearly
+    grown, will be forwarded to Phila., probably by the train which
+    passes Phoenixville at seven o'clock of to-morrow evening the
+    seventh. It would be safest to meet them there. We shall send
+    them to Elijah with the request for them to be sent there. And I
+    presume they will be. If they should not arrive you may suppose
+    it did not suit Elijah to send them.
+
+    We will send the money for the tickets by C.C. Burleigh, who
+    will be in Phila. on second day morning. If you please, you will
+    forward the tickets by to-morrow's mail as we do not have a mail
+    again till third day.
+
+    Yours hastily,
+
+    Q. LEWIS.
+
+    Please give directions for forwarding to Elmira and name the
+    price of tickets.
+
+
+At first Miss Lewis thought of forwarding only a part of her fugitive
+guests to the Committee in Philadelphia, but on further consideration,
+all were safely sent along in due time, and the Committee took great
+pains to have them made as comfortable as possible, as the cases of
+these mothers and children especially called forth the deepest sympathy.
+
+In this connection it seems but fitting to allude to Captain Lee's
+sufferings on account of his having brought away in a skiff, by sea, a
+party of four, alluded to in the beginning of this single month's
+report.
+
+Unfortunately he was suspected, arrested, tried, convicted, and torn
+from his wife and two little children, and sent to the Richmond
+Penitentiary for twenty-five years. Before being sent away from
+Portsmouth, Va., where he was tried, for ten days in succession in the
+prison five lashes a day were laid heavily on his bare back. The further
+sufferings of poor Lee and his heart-broken wife, and his little
+daughter and son, are too painful for minute recital. In this city the
+friends of Freedom did all in their power to comfort Mrs. Lee, and
+administered aid to her and her children; but she broke down under her
+mournful fate, and went to that bourne from whence no traveler ever
+returns.
+
+Captain Lee suffered untold misery in prison, until he, also, not a
+great while before the Union forces took possession of Richmond, sank
+beneath the severity of his treatment, and went likewise to the grave.
+The two children for a long time were under the care of Mr. Wm. Ingram
+of Philadelphia, who voluntarily, from pure benevolence, proved himself
+to be a father and a friend to them. To their poor mother also he had
+been a true friend.
+
+The way in which Captain Lee came to be convicted, if the Committee were
+correctly informed and they think they were, was substantially in this
+wise: In the darkness of the night, four men, two of them constables,
+one of the other two, the owner of one of the slaves who had been aided
+away by Lee, seized the wife of one of the fugitives and took her to the
+woods, where the fiends stripped every particle of clothing from her
+person, tied her to a tree, and armed with knives, cowhides and a
+shovel, swore vengeance against her, declaring they would kill her if
+she did not testify against Lee. At first she refused to reveal the
+secret; indeed she knew but little to reveal; but her savage tormentors
+beat her almost to death. Under this barbarous infliction she was
+constrained to implicate Captain Lee, which was about all the evidence
+the prosecution had against him. And in reality her evidence, for two
+reasons, should not have weighed a straw, as it was contrary to the laws
+of the State of Virginia, to admit the testimony of colored persons
+against white; then again for the reason that this testimony was
+obtained wholly by brute force.
+
+But in this instance, this woman on whom the murderous attack had been
+made, was brought into court on Lee's trial and was bid to simply make
+her statement with regard to Lee's connection with the escape of her
+husband. This she did of course. And in the eyes of this chivalric
+court, this procedure "was all right." But thank God the events since
+those dark and dreadful days, afford abundant proof that the All-seeing
+Eye was not asleep to the daily sufferings of the poor bondman.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A SLAVE GIRL'S NARRATIVE.
+
+
+CORDELIA LONEY, SLAVE OF MRS. JOSEPH CAHELL (WIDOW OF THE LATE HON.
+JOSEPH CAHELL, OF VA.), OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA.--CORDELIA'S ESCAPE FROM
+HER MISTRESS IN PHILADELPHIA.
+
+
+Rarely did the peculiar institution present the relations of mistress
+and maid-servant in a light so apparently favorable as in the case of
+Mrs. Joseph Cahell (widow of the late Hon. Jos Cahell, of Va.), and her
+slave, Cordelia. The Vigilance Committee's first knowledge of either of
+these memorable personages was brought about in the following manner.
+
+About the 30th of March, in the year 1859, a member of the Vigilance
+Committee was notified by a colored servant, living at a fashionable
+boarding-house on Chestnut street that a lady with a slave woman from
+Fredericksburg, Va., was boarding at said house, and, that said slave
+woman desired to receive counsel and aid from the Committee, as she was
+anxious to secure her freedom, before her mistress returned to the
+South. On further consultation about the matter, a suitable hour was
+named for the meeting of the Committee and the Slave at the above named
+boarding-house. Finding that the woman was thoroughly reliable, the
+Committee told her "that two modes of deliverance were open before her.
+One was to take her trunk and all her clothing and quietly retire." The
+other was to "sue out a writ of habeas corpus; and bring the mistress
+before the Court, where she would be required, under the laws of
+Pennsylvania, to show cause why she restrained this woman of her
+freedom." Cordelia concluded to adopt the former expedient, provided the
+Committee would protect her. Without hesitation the Committee answered
+her, that to the extent of their ability, she should have their aid with
+pleasure, without delay. Consequently a member of the Committee was
+directed to be on hand at a given hour that evening, as Cordelia would
+certainly be ready to leave her mistress to take care of herself. Thus,
+at the appointed hour, Cordelia, very deliberately, accompanied the
+Committee away from her "kind hearted old mistress."
+
+In the quiet and security of the Vigilance Committee Room, Cordelia
+related substantially the following brief story touching her
+relationship as a slave to Mrs. Joseph Cahell. In this case, as with
+thousands and tens of thousands of others, as the old adage fitly
+expresses it, "All is not gold that glitters." Under this apparently
+pious and noble-minded lady, it will be seen, that Cordelia had known
+naught but misery and sorrow.
+
+Mrs. Cahell, having engaged board for a month at a fashionable private
+boarding-house on Chestnut street, took an early opportunity to caution
+Cordelia against going into the streets, and against having anything to
+say or do with "free niggers in particular"; withal, she appeared
+unusually kind, so much so, that before retiring to bed in the evening,
+she would call Cordelia to her chamber, and by her side would take her
+Prayer-book and Bible, and go through the forms of devotional service.
+She stood very high both as a church communicant and a lady in society.
+
+For a fortnight it seemed as though her prayers were to be answered, for
+Cordelia apparently bore herself as submissively as ever, and Madame
+received calls and accepted invitations from some of the _elite_ of the
+city, without suspecting any intention on the part of Cordelia to
+escape. But Cordelia could not forget how her children had all been sold
+by her mistress!
+
+Cordelia was about fifty-seven years of age, with about an equal
+proportion of colored and white blood in her veins; very neat,
+respectful and prepossessing in manner.
+
+From her birth to the hour of her escape she had worn the yoke under
+Mrs. C., as her most efficient and reliable maid-servant. She had been
+at her mistress' beck and call as seamstress, dressing-maid, nurse in
+the sickroom, etc., etc., under circumstances that might appear to the
+casual observer uncommonly favorable for a slave. Indeed, on his first
+interview with her, the Committee man was so forcibly impressed with the
+belief, that her condition in Virginia had been favorable, that he
+hesitated to ask her if she did not desire her liberty. A few moments'
+conversation with her, however, convinced him of her good sense and
+decision of purpose with regard to this matter. For, in answer to the
+first question he put to her, she answered, that, "As many creature
+comforts and religious privileges as she had been the recipient of under
+her 'kind mistress,' still she 'wanted to be free,' and 'was bound to
+leave,' that she had been 'treated very cruelly,' that her children had
+'all been sold away' from her; that she had been threatened with sale
+herself 'on the first insult,'" etc.
+
+She was willing to take the entire responsibility of taking care of
+herself. On the suggestion of a friend, before leaving her mistress, she
+was disposed to sue for her freedom, but, upon a reconsideration of the
+matter, she chose rather to accept the hospitality of the Underground
+Rail Road, and leave in a quiet way and go to Canada, where she would be
+free indeed. Accordingly she left her mistress and was soon a free
+woman.
+
+The following sad experience she related calmly, in the presence of
+several friends, an evening or two after she left her mistress:
+
+Two sons and two daughters had been sold from her by her mistress,
+within the last three years, since the death of her master. Three of her
+children had been sold to the Richmond market and the other in Nelson
+county.
+
+Paulina was the first sold, two years ago last May. Nat was the next; he
+was sold to Abram Warrick, of Richmond. Paulina was sold before it was
+named to her mother that it had entered her mistress's mind to dispose
+of her. Nancy, from infancy, had been in poor health. Nevertheless, she
+had been obliged to take her place in the field with the rest of the
+slaves, of more rugged constitution, until she had passed her twentieth
+year, and had become a mother. Under these circumstances, the overseer
+and his wife complained to the mistress that her health was really too
+bad for a field hand and begged that she might be taken where her duties
+would be less oppressive. Accordingly, she was withdrawn from the field,
+and was set to spinning and weaving. When too sick to work her mistress
+invariably took the ground, that "nothing was the matter,"
+notwithstanding the fact, that her family physician, Dr. Ellsom, had
+pronounced her "quite weakly and sick."
+
+In an angry mood one day, Mrs. Cahell declared she would cure her; and
+again sent her to the field, "with orders to the overseer, to whip her
+every day, and make her work or kill her." Again the overseer said it
+was "no use to try, for her health would not stand it," and she was
+forthwith returned. The mistress then concluded to sell her.
+
+One Sabbath evening a nephew of hers, who resided in New Orleans,
+happened to be on a visit to his aunt, when it occurred to her, that she
+had "better get Nancy off if possible." Accordingly, Nancy was called in
+for examination. Being dressed in her "Sunday best" and "before a poor
+candle-light," she appeared to good advantage; and the nephew concluded
+to start with her on the following Tuesday morning. However, the next
+morning, he happened to see her by the light of the sun, and in her
+working garments, which satisfied him that he had been grossly deceived;
+that she would barely live to reach New Orleans; he positively refused
+to carry out the previous evening's contract, thus leaving her in the
+hands of her mistress, with the advice, that she should "doctor her up."
+
+The mistress, not disposed to be defeated, obviated the difficulty by
+selecting a little boy, made a lot of the two, and thus made it an
+inducement to a purchaser to buy the sick woman; the boy and the woman
+brought $700.
+
+In the sale of her children, Cordelia was as little regarded as if she
+had been a cow.
+
+"I felt wretched," she said, with emphasis, "when I heard that Nancy had
+been sold," which was not until after she had been removed. "But," she
+continued, "I was not at liberty to make my grief known to a single
+white soul. I wept and couldn't help it." But remembering that she was
+liable, "on the first insult," to be sold herself, she sought no
+sympathy from her mistress, whom she describes as "a woman who shows as
+little kindness towards her servants as any woman in the States of
+America. She neither likes to feed nor clothe well."
+
+With regard to flogging, however, in days past, she had been up to the
+mark. "A many a slap and blow" had Cordelia received since she arrived
+at womanhood, directly from the madam's own hand.
+
+One day smarting under cruel treatment, she appealed to her mistress in
+the following strain: "I stood by your mother in all her sickness and
+nursed her till she died!" "I waited on your niece, night and day for
+months, till she died." "I waited upon your husband all my life--in his
+sickness especially, and shrouded him in death, etc., yet I am treated
+cruelly." It was of no avail.
+
+Her mistress, at one time, was the owner of about five hundred slaves,
+but within the last few years she had greatly lessened the number by
+sales.
+
+She stood very high as a lady, and was a member of the Episcopal Church.
+
+To punish Cordelia, on several occasions, she had been sent to one of
+the plantations to work as a field hand. Fortunately, however, she found
+the overseers more compassionate than her mistress, though she received
+no particular favors from any of them.
+
+Asking her to name the overseers, etc., she did so. The first was
+"Marks, a thin-visaged, poor-looking man, great for swearing." The
+second was "Gilbert Brower, a very rash, portly man." The third was
+"Buck Young, a stout man, and very sharp." The fourth was "Lynn Powell,
+a tall man with red whiskers, very contrary and spiteful." There was
+also a fifth one, but his name was lost.
+
+Thus Cordelia's experience, though chiefly confined to the "great
+house," extended occasionally over the corn and tobacco fields, among
+the overseers and field hands generally. But under no circumstances
+could she find it in her heart to be thankful for the privileges of
+Slavery.
+
+After leaving her mistress she learned, with no little degree of
+pleasure, that a perplexed state of things existed at the
+boarding-house; that her mistress was seriously puzzled to imagine how
+she would get her shoes and stockings on and off; how she would get her
+head combed, get dressed, be attended to in sickness, etc., as she
+(Cordelia), had been compelled to discharge these offices all her life.
+
+Most of the boarders, being slave-holders, naturally sympathized in her
+affliction; and some of them went so far as to offer a reward to some of
+the colored servants to gain a knowledge of her whereabouts. Some
+charged the servants with having a hand in her leaving, but all agreed
+that "she had left a very kind and indulgent mistress," and had acted
+very foolishly in running out of Slavery into Freedom.
+
+A certain Doctor of Divinity, the pastor of an Episcopal church in this
+city and a friend of the mistress, hearing of her distress, by request
+or voluntarily, undertook to find out Cordelia's place of seclusion.
+Hailing on the street a certain colored man with a familiar face, who he
+thought knew nearly all the colored people about town, he related to him
+the predicament of his lady friend from the South, remarked how kindly
+she had always treated her servants, signified that Cordelia would rue
+the change, and be left to suffer among the "miserable blacks down
+town," that she would not be able to take care of herself; quoted
+Scripture justifying Slavery, and finally suggested that he (the colored
+man) would be doing a duty and a kindness to the fugitive by using his
+influence to "find her and prevail upon her to return."
+
+It so happened that the colored man thus addressed, was Thomas Dorsey,
+the well-known fashionable caterer of Philadelphia, who had had the
+experience of quite a number of years as a slave at the South,--had
+himself once been pursued as a fugitive, and having, by his industry in
+the condition of Freedom, acquired a handsome estate, he felt entirely
+qualified to reply to the reverend gentleman, which he did, though in
+not very respectful phrases, telling him that Cordelia had as good a
+right to her liberty as he had, or her mistress either; that God had
+never intended one man to be the slave of another; that it was all false
+about the slaves being better off than the free colored people; that he
+would find as many "poor, miserably degraded," of his own color
+"down-town," as among the "degraded blacks"; and concluded by telling
+him that he would "rather give her a hundred dollars to help her off,
+than to do aught to make known her whereabouts, if he knew ever so much
+about her."
+
+What further steps were taken by the discomfited divine, the mistress,
+or her boarding-house sympathizers, the Committee was not informed.
+
+But with regard to Cordelia: she took her departure for Canada, in the
+midst of the Daniel Webster (fugitive) trial, with the hope of being
+permitted to enjoy the remainder of her life in Freedom and peace. Being
+a member of the Baptist Church, and professing to be a Christian, she
+was persuaded that, by industry and assistance of the Lord, a way would
+be opened to the seeker of Freedom even in a strange land and among
+strangers.
+
+This story appeared in part in the _N.Y. Evening Post_, having been
+furnished by the writer, without his name to it. It is certainly none
+the less interesting now, as it may be read in the light of Universal
+Emancipation.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL OF JACKSON, ISAAC AND EDMONDSON TURNER FROM PETERSBURG.
+
+
+TOUCHING SCENE ON MEETING THEIR OLD BLIND FATHER AT THE U.G.R.R. DEPOT.
+
+
+LETTERS AND WARNING TO SLAVEHOLDERS.
+
+About the latter part of December, 1857, Isaac and Edmondson, brothers,
+succeeded in making their escape together from Petersburg, Va. They
+barely escaped the auction block, as their mistress, Mrs. Ann Colley, a
+widow, had just completed arrangements for their sale on the coming
+first day of January. In this kind of property, however, Mrs. Colley had
+not largely invested. In the days of her prosperity, while all was happy
+and contented, she could only boast of "four head:" these brothers,
+Jackson, Isaac and Edmondson and one other. In May, 1857, Jackson had
+fled and was received by the Vigilance Committee, who placed him upon
+their books briefly in the following light:
+
+
+    "RUNAWAY--_Fifty Dollars Reward_,--Ran away some time in May
+    last, my _Servant-man_, who calls himself _Jackson Turner_. He
+    is about 27 years of age, and has one of his front teeth out. He
+    is quite black, with thick lips, a little bow-legged, and looks
+    down when spoken to. I will give a reward of Fifty dollars if
+    taken out of the city, and twenty five Dollars if taken within
+    the city. I forewarn all masters of vessels from harboring or
+    employing the said slave; all persons who disregard this Notice
+    will be punished as the law directs.
+
+    ANN COLLEY.
+
+    Petersburg, June 8th, 1857."
+
+
+JACKSON is quite dark, medium size, and well informed for one in his
+condition. In Slavery, he had been "pressed hard." His hire, "ten
+dollars per month" he was obliged to produce at the end of each month,
+no matter how much he had been called upon to expend for "doctor bills,
+&c." The woman he called mistress went by the name of Ann Colley, a
+widow, living near Petersburg. "She was very quarrelsome," although a
+"member of the Methodist Church." Jackson seeing that his mistress was
+yearly growing "harder and harder," concluded to try and better his
+condition "if possible." Having a free wife in the North, who was in the
+habit of communicating with him, he was kept fully awake to the love of
+Freedom. The Underground Rail Road expense the Committee gladly bore. No
+further record of Jackson was made. Jackson found his poor old father
+here, where he had resided for a number of years in a state of almost
+total blindness, and of course in much parental anxiety about his boys
+in chains. On the arrival of Jackson, his heart overflowed with joy and
+gratitude not easily described, as the old man had hardly been able to
+muster faith enough to believe that he should ever look with his dim
+eyes upon one of his sons in Freedom. After a day or two's tarrying,
+Jackson took his departure for safer and more healthful localities,--her
+"British Majesty's possessions." The old man remained only to feel more
+keenly than ever, the pang of having sons still toiling in hopeless
+servitude.
+
+In less than seven months after Jackson had shaken off the yoke, to the
+unspeakable joy of the father, Isaac and Edmondson succeeded in
+following their brother's example, and were made happy partakers of the
+benefits and blessings of the Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia. On
+first meeting his two boys, at the Underground Rail Road Depot, the old
+man took each one in his arms, and as looking through a glass darkly,
+straining every nerve of his almost lost sight, exclaiming, whilst
+hugging them closer and closer to his bosom for some minutes, in tears
+of joy and wonder, "My son Isaac, is this you? my son Isaac, is this
+you, &c.?" The scene was calculated to awaken the deepest emotion and to
+bring tears to eyes not accustomed to weep. Little had the old man
+dreamed in his days of sadness, that he should share such a feast of joy
+over the deliverance of his sons. But it is in vain to attempt to
+picture the affecting scene at this reunion, for that would be
+impossible. Of their slave life, the records contain but a short notice,
+simply as follows:
+
+"Isaac is twenty-eight years of age, hearty-looking, well made, dark
+color and intelligent. He was owned by Mrs. Ann Colley, a widow,
+residing near Petersburg, Va. Isaac and Edmondson were to have been
+sold, on New Year's day; a few days hence. How sad her disappointment
+must have been on finding them gone, may be more easily imagined than
+described."
+
+Edmondson is about twenty-five, a brother of Isaac, and a smart,
+good-looking young man, was owned by Mrs. Colley also. "This is just the
+class of fugitives to make good subjects for John Bull," thought the
+Committee, feeling pretty well assured that they would make good reports
+after having enjoyed free air in Canada for a short time. Of course, the
+Committee enjoined upon them very earnestly "not to forget their
+brethren left behind groaning in fetters; but to prove by their
+industry, uprightness, economy, sobriety and thrift, by the remembrance
+of their former days of oppression and their obligations to their God,
+that they were worthy of the country to which they were going, and so to
+help break the bands of the oppressors, and undo the heavy burdens of
+the oppressed." Similar advice was impressed upon the minds of all
+travelers passing over this branch of the Underground Rail Road. From
+hundreds thus admonished, letters came affording the most gratifying
+evidence that the counsel of the Committee was not in vain. The appended
+letter from the youngest brother, written with his own hand, will
+indicate his feelings and views in Canada:
+
+
+    HAMILTON, CANADA WEST Mar. 1, 1858.
+
+    MR. STILL, DEAR SIR:--I have taken the oppertunity to enform you
+    yur letter came to hand 27th I ware glad to hear from you and
+    yer famly i hope this letter May fine you and the famly Well i
+    am Well my self My Brother join me in Love to you and all the
+    frend. I ware sorry to hear of the death of Mrs freaman. We all
+    must die sune or Late this a date we all must pay we must Perpar
+    for the time she ware a nise lady dear sir the all is well and
+    san thar love to you Emerline have Ben sick But is better at
+    this time. I saw the hills the war well and san thar Love to
+    you. I war sory to hear that My brother war sol i am glad that i
+    did come away when i did god works all the things for the Best
+    he is young he may get a long in the wole May god Bless hem ef
+    you have any News from Petersburg Va Plas Rite me a word when
+    you anser this Letter and ef any person came form home Letter Me
+    know. Please sen me one of your Paper that had the under grands
+    R wrod give My Love to Mr Careter and his family I am Seving
+    with a barber at this time he have promust to give me the trad
+    ef i can lane it he is much of a gentman. Mr Still sir i have
+    writing a letter to Mr Brown of Petersburg Va Pleas reed it and
+    ef you think it right Plas sen it by the Mail or by hand you
+    wall see how i have writen it the will know how sent it by the
+    way this writing ef the ancer it you can sen it to Me i have tol
+    them direc to yor care for Ed. t. Smith Philadelphia i hope it
+    may be right i promorst to rite to hear Please rite to me sune
+    and let me know ef you do sen it on write wit you did with that
+    ma a bught the cappet Bage do not fergit to rite tal John he
+    mite rite to Me. I am doing as well is i can at this time but i
+    get no wagges But my Bord but is satfid at that thes hard time
+    and glad that i am Hear and in good helth. Northing More at this
+    time
+
+    yor truly
+
+    EDMUND TURNER.
+
+
+The same writer sent to the Corresponding Secretary the following
+"Warning to Slave-holders." At the time these documents were received,
+Slaveholders were never more defiant. The right to trample on the weak
+in oppression was indisputable. "Cinnamon and odors, and ointments, and
+frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour and wheat, and beasts,
+and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men,"
+slave-holders believed doubtless were theirs by Divine Right. Little
+dreaming that in less than three short years--"Therefore shall her
+plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine." In view of
+the marvelous changes which have been wrought by the hand of the
+Almighty, this warning to slave-holders from one who felt the sting of
+Slavery, as evincing a particular phase of simple faith and Christian
+charity is entitled to a place in these records.
+
+
+
+A WARNING TO SLAVE-HOLDERS.
+
+
+
+    Well may the Southern slaveholder say, that holding their Fellow
+    men in Bondage is no sin, because it is their delight as the
+    Egyptians, so do they; but nevertheless God in his own good time
+    will bring them out by a mighty hand, as it is recorded in the
+    sacred oracles of truth, that Ethiopia shall soon stretch out
+    her hands to God, speaking in the positive (shall). And my
+    prayer is to you, oh, slaveholder, in the name of that God who
+    in the beginning said, Let there be light, and there was light.
+    Let my People go that they may serve me; thereby good may come
+    unto thee and to thy children's children. Slave-holder have you
+    seriously thought upon the condition yourselves, family and
+    slaves; have you read where Christ has enjoined upon all his
+    creatures to read his word, thereby that they may have no excuse
+    when coming before his judgment seat? But you say he shall not
+    read his word, consequently his sin will be upon your head. I
+    think every man has as much as he can do to answer for his own
+    sins. And now my dear-slave-holder, who with you are bound and
+    fast hastening to judgment? As one that loves your soul repent
+    ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted
+    out when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of
+    the Lord.
+
+    In the language of the poet:
+
+      Stop, poor sinner, stop and think,
+        Before you further go;
+      Think upon the brink of death
+        Of everlasting woe.
+      Say, have you an arm like God,
+        That you his will oppose?
+      Fear you not that iron rod
+        With which he breaks his foes?
+
+
+    Is the prayer of one that loves your souls.
+
+    EDMUND TURNER.
+
+    N.B. The signature bears the name of one who knows and felt the
+    sting of Slavery; but now, thanks be to God, I am now where the
+    poisonous breath taints not our air, but every one is sitting
+    under his own vine and fig tree, where none dare to make him
+    ashamed or afraid.
+
+    EDMUND TURNER, formerly of Petersburg, Va.
+
+
+
+
+
+    HAMILTON, June 22d, 1858, C.W.
+
+    To MR. WM. STILL, DEAR SIR:--A favorable opportunity affords the
+    pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of letters and papers;
+    certainly in this region they were highly appreciated, and I
+    hope the time may come that your kindness will be reciprocated
+    we are al well at present, but times continue dull. I also
+    deeply regret the excitement recently on the account of those
+    slaves, you will favor me by keeping me posted upon the subject.
+    Those words written to slaveholder is the thought of one who had
+    sufferd, and now I thought it a duty incumbent upon me to cry
+    aloud and spare not, &c., by sending these few lines where the
+    slaveholder may hear. You will still further oblige your humble
+    servant also, to correct any inaccuracy. My respects to you and
+    your family and all inquiring friends.
+
+    Your friend and well wisher,
+
+    EDMUND TURNER.
+
+
+The then impending judgments seen by an eye of faith as set forth in
+this "Warning," soon fell with crushing weight upon the oppressor, and
+Slavery died. But the old blind father of Jackson, Isaac and Edmondson,
+still lives and may be seen daily on the streets of Philadelphia; and
+though "halt, and lame, and blind, and poor," doubtless resulting from
+his early oppression, he can thank God and rejoice that he has lived to
+see Slavery abolished.
+
+
+
+ROBERT BROWN, ALIAS THOMAS JONES.
+
+
+CROSSING THE RIVER ON HORSEBACK IN THE NIGHT.
+
+
+In very desperate straits many new inventions were sought after by
+deep-thinking and resolute slaves, determined to be free at any cost.
+But it must here be admitted, that, in looking carefully over the more
+perilous methods resorted to, Robert Brown, alias Thomas Jones, stands
+second to none, with regard to deeds of bold daring. This hero escaped
+from Martinsburg, Va., in 1856. He was a man of medium size, mulatto,
+about thirty-eight years of age, could read and write, and was naturally
+sharp-witted. He had formerly been owned by Col. John F. Franie, whom
+Robert charged with various offences of a serious domestic character.
+
+Furthermore, he also alleged, that his "mistress was cruel to all the
+slaves," declaring that "they (the slaves), could not live with her,"
+that "she had to hire servants," etc.
+
+In order to effect his escape, Robert was obliged to swim the Potomac
+river on horseback, on Christmas night, while the cold, wind, storm, and
+darkness were indescribably dismal. This daring bondman, rather than
+submit to his oppressor any longer, perilled his life as above stated.
+Where he crossed the river was about a half a mile wide. Where could be
+found in history a more noble and daring struggle for Freedom?
+
+The wife of his bosom and his four children, only five days before he
+fled, were sold to a trader in Richmond, Va., for no other offence than
+simply "because she had resisted" the lustful designs of her master,
+being "true to her own companion." After this poor slave mother and her
+children were cast into prison for sale, the husband and some of his
+friends tried hard to find a purchaser in the neighborhood; but the
+malicious and brutal master refused to sell her--wishing to gratify his
+malice to the utmost, and to punish his victims all that lay in his
+power, he sent them to the place above named.
+
+In this trying hour, the severed and bleeding heart of the husband
+resolved to escape at all hazards, taking with him a daguerreotype
+likeness of his wife which he happened to have on hand, and a lock of
+hair from her head, and from each of the children, as mementoes of his
+unbounded (though sundered) affection for them.
+
+After crossing the river, his wet clothing freezing to him, he rode all
+night, a distance of about forty miles. In the morning he left his
+faithful horse tied to a fence, quite broken down. He then commenced his
+dreary journey on foot--cold and hungry--in a strange place, where it
+was quite unsafe to make known his condition and wants. Thus for a day
+or two, without food or shelter, he traveled until his feet were
+literally worn out, and in this condition he arrived at Harrisburg,
+where he found friends. Passing over many of the interesting incidents
+on the road, suffice it to say, he arrived safely in this city, on New
+Year's night, 1857, about two hours before day break (the telegraph
+having announced his coming from Harrisburg), having been a week on the
+way. The night he arrived was very cold; besides, the Underground train,
+that morning, was about three hours behind time; in waiting for it,
+entirely out in the cold, a member of the Vigilance Committee thought he
+was frosted. But when he came to listen to the story of the Fugitive's
+sufferings, his mind changed.
+
+Scarcely had Robert entered the house of one of the Committee, where he
+was kindly received, when he took from his pocket his wife's likeness,
+speaking very touchingly while gazing upon it and showing it.
+Subsequently, in speaking of his family, he showed the locks of hair
+referred to, which he had carefully rolled up in paper separately.
+Unrolling them, he said, "this is my wife's;" "this is from my oldest
+daughter, eleven years old;" "and this is from my next oldest;" "and
+this from the next," "and this from my infant, only eight weeks old."
+These mementoes he cherished with the utmost care as the last remains of
+his affectionate family. At the sight of these locks of hair so tenderly
+preserved, the member of the Committee could fully appreciate the
+resolution of the fugitive in plunging into the Potomac, on the back of
+a dumb beast, in order to flee from a place and people who had made such
+barbarous havoc in his household.
+
+His wife, as represented by the likeness, was of fair complexion,
+prepossessing, and good looking--perhaps not over thirty-three years of
+age.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ANTHONY LONEY, ALIAS WILLIAM ARMSTEAD.
+
+
+Anthony had been serving under the yoke of Warring Talvert, of Richmond,
+Va. Anthony was of a rich black complexion, medium size, about
+twenty-five years of age. He was intelligent, and a member of the
+Baptist Church. His master was a member of the Presbyterian Church and
+held family prayers with the servants. But Anthony believed seriously,
+that his master was no more than a "whitened sepulchre," one who was
+fond of saying, "Lord, Lord," but did not do what the Lord bade him,
+consequently Anthony felt, that before the Great Judge his "master's
+many prayers" would not benefit him, as long as he continued to hold his
+fellow-men in bondage. He left a father, Samuel Loney, and mother,
+Rebecca also, one sister and four brothers. His old father had bought
+himself and was free; likewise his mother, being very old, had been
+allowed to go free. Anthony escaped in May, 1857.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CORNELIUS SCOTT.
+
+
+Cornelius took passage _per_ the Underground Rail Road, in March, 1857,
+from the neighborhood of Salvington, Stafford county, Va. He stated that
+he had been claimed by Henry L. Brooke, whom he declared to be a "hard
+drinker and a hard swearer." Cornelius had been very much bleached by
+the Patriarchal Institution, and he was shrewd enough to take advantage
+of this circumstance. In regions of country where men were less critical
+and less experienced than Southerners, as to how the bleaching process
+was brought about, Cornelius Scott would have had no difficulty whatever
+in passing for a white man of the most improved Anglo-Saxon type.
+Although a young man only twenty-three years of age, and quite stout,
+his fair complexion was decidedly against him. He concluded, that for
+this very reason, he would not have been valued at more than five
+hundred dollars in the market. He left his mother (Ann Stubbs, and half
+brother, Isaiah), and traveled as a white man.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SAMUEL WILLIAMS, ALIAS JOHN WILLIAMS.
+
+
+This candidate for Canada had the good fortune to escape the clutches of
+his mistress, Mrs. Elvina Duncans, widow of the late Rev. James Duncans,
+who lived near Cumberland, Md. He had very serious complaints to allege
+against his mistress, "who was a member of the Presbyterian Church." To
+use his own language, "the servants in the house were treated worse than
+dogs." John was thirty-two years of age, dark chestnut color, well made,
+prepossessing in appearance, and he "fled to keep from being sold." With
+the Underground Rail Road he was "highly delighted." Nor was he less
+pleased with the thought, that he had caused his mistress, who was "one
+of the worst women who ever lived," to lose twelve hundred dollars by
+him. He escaped in March, 1857. He did not admit that he loved slavery
+any the better for the reason that his master was a preacher, or that
+his mistress was the wife of a preacher. Although a common farm hand,
+Samuel had common sense, and for a long time previous had been watching
+closely the conduct of his mistress, and at the same time had been
+laying his plans for escaping on the Underground Rail Road the first
+chance.
+
+
+    $100 REWARD!--My negro man Richard has been missing since Sunday
+    night, March 22d. I will give $100 to any one who will secure
+    him or deliver him to me. Richard is thirty years old, but looks
+    older; very short legs, dark, but rather bright color, broad
+    cheek bones, a respectful and serious manner, generally looks
+    away when spoken to, small moustache and beard (but he may have
+    them off). He is a remarkably intelligent man, and can turn his
+    hand to anything. He took with him a bag made of Brussels
+    carpet, with my name written in large, rough letters on the
+    bottom, and a good stock of coarse and fine clothes, among them
+    a navy cap and a low-crowned hat. He has been seen about New
+    Kent C.H., and on the Pamunky river, and is no doubt trying to
+    get off in some vessel bound North.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    April 18th, 1857.
+
+    J.W. RANDOLPH, Richmond, Va.
+
+    Even at this late date, it may perhaps afford Mr. R. a degree of
+    satisfaction to know what became of Richard; but if this should
+    not be the case, Richard's children, or mother, or father, if
+    they are living, may possibly see these pages, and thereby be
+    made glad by learning of Richard's wisdom as a traveler, in the
+    terrible days of slave-hunting. Consequently here is what was
+    recorded of him, April 3d, 1857, at the Underground Rail Road
+    Station, just before a free ticket was tendered him for Canada.
+    "Richard is thirty-three years of age, small of stature, dark
+    color, smart and resolute. He was owned by Captain Tucker, of
+    the United States Navy, from whom he fled." He was "tired of
+    serving, and wanted to marry," was the cause of his escape. He
+    had no complaint of bad treatment to make against his owner;
+    indeed he said, that he had been "used well all his life."
+    Nevertheless, Richard felt that this Underground Rail Road was
+    the "greatest road he ever saw."
+
+    When the war broke out, Richard girded on his knapsack and went
+    to help Uncle Sam humble Richmond and break the yoke.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+BARNABY GRIGBY, ALIAS JOHN BOYER, AND MARY ELIZABETH, HIS WIFE; FRANK
+WANZER, ALIAS ROBERT SCOTT; EMILY FOSTER, ALIAS ANN WOOD.
+
+
+
+(TWO OTHERS WHO STARTED WITH THEM WERE CAPTURED.)
+
+
+All these persons journeyed together from Loudon Co., Va. on horseback
+and in a carriage for more than one hundred miles. Availing themselves
+of a holiday and their master's horses and carriage, they as
+deliberately started for Canada, as though they had never been taught
+that it was their duty, as servants, to "obey their masters." In this
+particular showing a most utter disregard of the interest of their
+"kind-hearted and indulgent owners." They left home on Monday, Christmas
+Eve, 1855, under the leadership of Frank Wanzer, and arrived in Columbia
+the following Wednesday at one o'clock. As willfully as they had thus
+made their way along, they had not found it smooth sailing by any means.
+The biting frost and snow rendered their travel anything but agreeable.
+Nor did they escape the gnawings of hunger, traveling day and night. And
+whilst these "articles" were in the very act of running away with
+themselves and their kind master's best horses and carriage--when about
+one hundred miles from home, in the neighborhood of Cheat river,
+Maryland, they were attacked by "six white men, and a boy," who,
+doubtless, supposing that their intentions were of a "wicked and
+unlawful character" felt it to be their duty in kindness to their
+masters, if not to the travelers to demand of them an account of
+themselves. In other words, the assailants positively commanded the
+fugitives to "show what right" they possessed, to be found in a
+condition apparently so unwarranted.
+
+The _spokesman_ amongst the fugitives, affecting no ordinary amount of
+dignity, told their assailants plainly, that "no gentleman would
+interfere with persons riding along civilly"--not allowing it to be
+supposed that they were slaves, of course. These "gentlemen," however,
+were not willing to accept this account of the travelers, as their very
+decided steps indicated. Having the law on their side, they were for
+compelling the fugitives to surrender without further parley.
+
+At this juncture, the fugitives verily believing that the time had
+arrived for the practical use of their pistols and dirks, pulled them
+out of their concealment--the young women as well as the young men--and
+declared they would not be "taken!" One of the white men raised his gun,
+pointing the muzzle directly towards one of the young women, with the
+threat that he would "shoot," etc. "Shoot! shoot!! shoot!!!" she
+exclaimed, with a double barrelled pistol in one hand and a long dirk
+knife in the other, utterly unterrified and fully ready for a death
+struggle. The male _leader_ of the fugitives by this time had "pulled
+back the hammers" of his "pistols," and was about to fire! Their
+adversaries seeing the weapons, and the unflinching determination on the
+part of the _runaways_ to stand their ground, "spill blood, kill, or
+die," rather than be "taken," very prudently "sidled over to the other
+side of the road," leaving at least four of the victors to travel on
+their way.
+
+At this moment the four in the carriage lost sight of the two on
+horseback. Soon after the separation they heard firing, but what the
+result was, they knew not. They were fearful, however, that their
+companions had been captured.
+
+The following paragraph, which was shortly afterwards taken from a
+Southern paper, leaves no room to doubt, as to the fate of the two.
+
+
+    Six fugitive slaves from Virginia were arrested at the Maryland
+    line, near Hood's Mill, on Christmas day, but, after a severe
+    fight, four of them escaped and have not since been heard of.
+    They came from Loudoun and Fauquier counties.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+
+Though the four who were successful, saw no "severe fight," it is not
+unreasonable to suppose, that there was a fight, nevertheless; but not
+till after the number of the fugitives had been reduced to two, instead
+of six. As chivalrous as slave-holders and slave-catchers were, they
+knew the value of their precious lives and the fearful risk of
+attempting a capture, when the numbers were equal.
+
+The party in the carriage, after the conflict, went on their way
+rejoicing.
+
+The young men, one cold night, when they were compelled to take rest in
+the woods and snow, in vain strove to keep the feet of their female
+companions from freezing by lying on them; but the frost was merciless
+and bit them severely, as their feet very plainly showed. The following
+disjointed report was cut from the _Frederick (Md.) Examiner_, soon
+after the occurrence took place:
+
+
+    "Six slaves, four men and two women, fugitives from Virginia,
+    having with them two spring wagons and four horses, came to
+    Hood's Mill, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, near the
+    dividing line between Frederick and Carroll counties, on
+    Christmas day. After feeding their animals, one of them told a
+    Mr. Dixon whence they came; believing them to be fugitives, he
+    spread the alarm, and some eight or ten persons gathered round
+    to arrest them; but the negroes drawing revolvers and
+    bowie-knives, kept their assailants at bay, until five of the
+    party succeeded in escaping in one of the wagons, and as the
+    last one jumped on a horse to flee, he was fired at, the load
+    taking effect in the small of the back. The prisoner says he
+    belongs to Charles W. Simpson, Esq., of Fauquier county, Va.,
+    and ran away with the others on the preceding evening."
+
+
+This report from the _Examiner_, while it is not wholly correct,
+evidently relates to the fugitives above described. Why the reporter
+made such glaring mistakes, may be accounted for on the ground that the
+bold stand made by the fugitives was so bewildering and alarming, that
+the "assailants" were not in a proper condition to make correct
+statements. Nevertheless the _Examiner's_ report was preserved with
+other records, and is here given for what it is worth.
+
+These victors were individually noted on the Record thus: Barnaby was
+owned by William Rogers, a farmer, who was considered a "moderate
+slaveholder," although of late "addicted to intemperance." He was the
+owner of about one "dozen head of slaves," and had besides a wife and
+two children.
+
+Barnaby's chances for making extra "change" for himself were never
+favorable; sometimes of "nights" he would manage to earn a "trifle." He
+was prompted to escape because he "wanted to live by the sweat of his
+own brow," believing that all men ought so to live. This was the only
+reason he gave for fleeing.
+
+Mary Elizabeth had been owned by Townsend McVee (likewise a farmer), and
+in Mary's judgment, he was "severe," but she added, "his wife made him
+so." McVee owned about twenty-five slaves; "he hardly allowed them to
+talk--would not allow them to raise chickens," and "only allowed Mary
+three dresses a year;" the rest she had to get as she could. Sometimes
+McVee would sell slaves--last year he sold two. Mary said that she could
+not say anything good of her mistress. On the contrary, she declared
+that her mistress "knew no mercy nor showed any favor."
+
+It was on account of this "domineering spirit," that Mary was induced to
+escape.
+
+Frank was owned by Luther Sullivan, "the meanest man in Virginia," he
+said; he treated his people just as bad as he could in every respect.
+"Sullivan," added Frank, "would 'lowance the slaves and stint them to
+save food and get rich," and "would sell and whip," etc. To Frank's
+knowledge, he had sold some twenty-five head. "He sold my mother and her
+two children to Georgia some four years previous." But the motive which
+hurried Frank to make his flight was his laboring under the apprehension
+that his master had some "pretty heavy creditors who might come on him
+at any time." Frank, therefore, wanted to be from home in Canada when
+these gentry should make their visit. My poor mother has been often
+flogged by master, said Frank. As to his mistress, he said she was
+"tolerably good."
+
+Ann Wood was owned by McVee also, and was own sister to Elizabeth. Ann
+very fully sustained her sister Elizabeth's statement respecting the
+character of her master.
+
+The above-mentioned four, were all young and likely. Barnaby was
+twenty-six years of age, mulatto, medium size, and intelligent--his wife
+was about twenty-four years of age, quite dark, good-looking, and of
+pleasant appearance. Frank was twenty-five years of age, mulatto, and
+very smart; Ann was twenty-two, good-looking, and smart. After their
+pressing wants had been met by the Vigilance Committee, and after
+partial recuperation from their hard travel, etc., they were forwarded
+on to the Vigilance Committee in New York. In Syracuse, Frank (the
+leader), who was engaged to Emily, concluded that the knot might as well
+be tied on the U.G.R.R., although penniless, as to delay the matter a
+single day longer. Doubtless, the bravery, struggles, and trials of
+Emily throughout the journey, had, in his estimation, added not a little
+to her charms. Thus after consulting with her on the matter, her
+approval was soon obtained, she being too prudent and wise to refuse the
+hand of one who had proved himself so true a friend to Freedom, as well
+as so devoted to her. The twain were accordingly made one at the
+U.G.R.R. Station, in Syracuse, by Superintendent--Rev. J.W. Loguen.
+After this joyful event, they proceeded to Toronto, and were there
+gladly received by the Ladies' Society for aiding colored refugees.
+
+The following letter from Mrs. Agnes Willis, wife of the distinguished
+Rev. Dr. Willis, brought the gratifying intelligence that these brave
+young adventurers, fell into the hands of distinguished characters and
+warm friends of Freedom:
+
+
+    TORONTO, 28th January, Monday evening, 1856.
+
+    MR. STILL, DEAR SIR:--I have very great pleasure in making you
+    aware that the following respectable persons have arrived here
+    in safety without being annoyed in any way after you saw them.
+    The women, two of them, viz: Mrs. Greegsby and Mrs. Graham, have
+    been rather ailing, but we hope they will very soon be well.
+    They have been attended to by the Ladies' Society, and are most
+    grateful for any attention they have received. The solitary
+    person, Mrs. Graves, has also been attended to; also her box
+    will be looked after. She is pretty well, but rather dull;
+    however, she will get friends and feel more at home by and bye.
+    Mrs. Wanzer is quite well; and also young William Henry
+    Sanderson. They are all of them in pretty good spirits, and I
+    have no doubt they will succeed in whatever business they take
+    up. In the mean time the men are chopping wood, and the ladies
+    are getting plenty sewing. We are always glad to see our colored
+    refugees safe here. I remain, dear sir,
+
+    yours respectfully,
+
+    AGNES WILLIS,
+
+    Treasurer to the Ladies' Society to aid colored refugees.
+
+
+For a time Frank enjoyed his newly won freedom and happy bride with
+bright prospects all around; but the thought of having left sisters and
+other relatives in bondage was a source of sadness in the midst of his
+joy. He was not long, however, in making up his mind that he would
+deliver them or "die in the attempt." Deliberately forming his plans to
+go South, he resolved to take upon himself the entire responsibility of
+all the risks to be encountered. Not a word did he reveal to a living
+soul of what he was about to undertake. With "twenty-two dollars" in
+cash and "three pistols" in his pockets, he started in the lightning
+train from Toronto for Virginia. On reaching Columbia in this State, he
+deemed it not safe to go any further by public conveyance, consequently
+he commenced his long journey on foot, and as he neared the slave
+territory he traveled by night altogether. For two weeks, night and day,
+he avoided trusting himself in any house, consequently was compelled to
+lodge in the woods. Nevertheless, during that space of time he succeeded
+in delivering one of his sisters and her husband, and another friend in
+the bargain. You can scarcely imagine the Committee's amazement on his
+return, as they looked upon him and listened to his "noble deeds of
+daring" and his triumph. A more brave and self-possessed man they had
+never seen.
+
+He knew what Slavery was and the dangers surrounding him on his mission,
+but possessing true courage unlike most men, he pictured no alarming
+difficulties in a distance of nearly one thousand miles by the mail
+route, through the enemy's country, where he might have in truth said,
+"I could not pass without running the gauntlet of mobs and assassins,
+prisons and penitentiaries, bailiffs and constables, &c." If this hero
+had dwelt upon and magnified the obstacles in his way he would most
+assuredly have kept off the enemy's country, and his sister and friends
+would have remained in chains.
+
+The following were the persons delivered by Frank Wanzer. They were his
+trophies, and this noble act of Frank's should ever be held as a
+memorial and honor. The Committee's brief record made on their arrival
+runs thus:
+
+"August 18, 1856. Frank Wanzer, Robert Stewart, alias Gasberry Robison,
+Vincent Smith, alias John Jackson, Betsey Smith, wife of Vincent Smith,
+alias Fanny Jackson. They all came from Alder, Loudon county, Virginia."
+
+Robert is about thirty years of age, medium size, dark chestnut color,
+intelligent and resolute. He was held by the widow Hutchinson, who was
+also the owner of about one hundred others. Robert regarded her as a
+"very hard mistress" until the death of her husband, which took place
+the Fall previous to his escape. That sad affliction, he thought, was
+the cause of a considerable change in her treatment of her slaves. But
+yet "nothing was said about freedom," on her part. This reticence Robert
+understood to mean, that she was still unconverted on this great
+cardinal principle at least. As he could see no prospect of freedom
+through her agency, when Frank approached him with a good report from
+Canada and his friends there, he could scarcely wait to listen to the
+glorious news; he was so willing and anxious to get out of slavery. His
+dear old mother, Sarah Davis, and four brothers and two sisters,
+William, Thomas, Frederick and Samuel, Violet and Ellen, were all owned
+by Mrs. Hutchinson. Dear as they were to him, he saw no way to take them
+with him, nor was he prepared to remain a day longer under the yoke; so
+he decided to accompany Frank, let the cost be what it might.
+
+Vincent is about twenty-three years of age, very "likely-looking," dark
+color, and more than ordinarily intelligent for one having only the
+common chances of slaves.
+
+He was owned by the estate of Nathan Skinner, who was "looked upon," by
+those who knew him, "as a good slave-holder." In slave property,
+however, he was only interested to the number of twelve head. Skinner
+"neither sold nor emancipated." A year and a half before Vincent
+escaped, his master was called to give an account of his stewardship,
+and there in the spirit land Vincent was willing to let him remain,
+without much more to add about him.
+
+Vincent left his mother, Judah Smith, and brothers and sisters, Edwin,
+Angeline, Sina Ann, Adaline Susan, George, John and Lewis, all belonging
+to the estate of Skinner.
+
+Vincent was fortunate enough to bring his wife along with him. She was
+about twenty-seven years of age, of a brown color, and smart, and was
+owned by the daughter of the widow Hutchinson. This mistress was said to
+be a "clever woman."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM JORDON, ALIAS WILLIAM PRICE
+
+
+Under Governor Badger, of North Carolina, William had experienced
+Slavery in its most hateful form. True, he had only been twelve months
+under the yoke of this high functionary. But William's experience in
+this short space of time, was of a nature very painful.
+
+Previous to coming into the governor's hands, William was held as the
+property of Mrs. Mary Jordon, who owned large numbers of slaves. Whether
+the governor was moved by this consideration, or by the fascinating
+charms of Mrs. Jordon, or both, William was not able to decide. But the
+governor offered her his hand, and they became united in wedlock. By
+this circumstance, William was brought into his unhappy relations with
+the Chief Magistrate of the State of North Carolina. This was the third
+time the governor had been married. Thus it may be seen, that the
+governor was a firm believer in wives as well as slaves. Commonly he was
+regarded as a man of wealth. William being an intelligent piece of
+property, his knowledge of the governor's rules and customs was quite
+complete, as he readily answered such questions as were propounded to
+him. In this way a great amount of interesting information was learned
+from William respecting the governor, slaves, on the plantation, in the
+swamps, etc. The governor owned large plantations, and was interested in
+raising cotton, corn, and peas, and was also a practical planter. He was
+willing to trust neither overseers nor slaves any further than he could
+help.
+
+The governor and his wife were both equally severe towards them; would
+stint them shamefully in clothing and food, though they did not get
+flogged quite as often as some others on neighboring plantations.
+Frequently, the governor would be out on the plantation from early in
+the morning till noon, inspecting the operations of the overseers and
+slaves.
+
+In order to serve the governor, William had been separated from his wife
+by sale, which was the cause of his escape. He parted not with his
+companion willingly. At the time, however, he was promised that he
+should have some favors shown him;--could make over-work, and earn a
+little money, and once or twice in the year, have the opportunity of
+making visits to her. Two hundred miles was the distance between them.
+
+He had not been long on the governor's plantation before his honor gave
+him distinctly to understand that the idea of his going two hundred
+miles to see his wife was all nonsense, and entirely out of the
+question. "If I said so, I did not mean it," said his honor, when the
+slave, on a certain occasion, alluded to the conditions on which he
+consented to leave home, etc.
+
+Against this cruel decision of the governor, William's heart revolted,
+for he was warmly attached to his wife, and so he made up his mind, if
+he could not see her "once or twice a year even," as he had been
+promised, he had rather "die," or live in a "cave in the wood," than to
+remain all his life under the governor's yoke. Obeying the dictates of
+his feelings, he went to the woods. For ten months before he was
+successful in finding the Underground Road, this brave-hearted young
+fugitive abode in the swamps--three months in a cave--surrounded with
+bears, wild cats, rattle-snakes and the like.
+
+While in the swamps and cave, he was not troubled, however, about
+ferocious animals and venomous reptiles. He feared only man!
+
+From his own story there was no escaping the conclusion, that if the
+choice had been left to him, he would have preferred at any time to have
+encountered at the mouth of his cave a ferocious bear than his master,
+the governor of North Carolina. How he managed to subsist, and
+ultimately effected his escape, was listened to with the deepest
+interest, though the recital of these incidents must here be very brief.
+
+After night he would come out of his cave, and, in some instances, would
+succeed in making his way to a plantation, and if he could get nothing
+else, he would help himself to a "pig," or anything else he could
+conveniently convert into food. Also, as opportunity would offer, a
+friend of his would favor him with some meal, etc. With this mode of
+living he labored to content himself until he could do better. During
+these ten months he suffered indescribable hardships, but he felt that
+his condition in the cave was far preferable to that on the plantation,
+under the control of his Excellency, the Governor. All this time,
+however, William had a true friend, with whom he could communicate; one
+who was wide awake, and was on the alert to find a reliable captain from
+the North, who would consent to take this "property," or "freight," for
+a consideration. He heard at last of a certain Captain, who was then
+doing quite a successful business in an Underground way. This good news
+was conveyed to William, and afforded him a ray of hope in the
+wilderness. As Providence would have it, his hope did not meet with
+disappointment; nor did his ten months' trial, warring against the
+barbarism of Slavery, seem too great to endure for Freedom. He was about
+to leave his cave and his animal and reptile neighbors,--his heart
+swelling with gladness,--but the thought of soon being beyond the reach
+of his mistress and master thrilled him with inexpressible delight. He
+was brought away by Captain F., and turned over to the Committee, who
+were made to rejoice with him over the signal victory he had gained in
+his martyr-like endeavors to throw off the yoke, and of course they took
+much pleasure in aiding him. William was of a dark color, stout made
+physically, and well knew the value of Freedom, and how to hate and
+combat Slavery. It will be seen by the appended letter of Thomas
+Garrett, that William had the good luck to fall into the hands of this
+tried friend, by whom he was aided to Philadelphia:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 12th mo., 19th, 1855.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:--The bearer of this is one of the
+    twenty-one that I thought had all gone North; he left home on
+    Christmas day, one year since, wandered about the forests of
+    North Carolina for about ten months, and then came here with
+    those forwarded to New Bedford, where he is anxious to go. I
+    have furnished him with a pretty good pair of boots, and gave
+    him money to pay his passage to Philadelphia. He has been at
+    work in the country near here for some three weeks, till taken
+    sick; he is, by no means, well, but thinks he had better try to
+    get farther North, which I hope his friends in Philadelphia will
+    aid him to do. I handed this morning Captain Lambson's[A] wife
+    twenty dollars to help fee a lawyer to defend him. She leaves
+    this morning, with her child, for Norfolk, to be at the trial
+    before the Commissioner on the 24th instant. Passmore Williamson
+    agreed to raise fifty dollars for him. As none came to hand, and
+    a good chance to send it by his wife, I thought best to advance
+    that much.
+
+    [Footnote A: Captain Lambson had been suspected of having aided
+    in the escape of slaves from the neighborhood of Norfolk, and
+    was in prison awaiting his trial.]
+
+    Thy friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+
+
+JOSEPH GRANT AND JOHN SPEAKS.
+
+
+TWO PASSENGERS ON THE UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD, VIA LIVERPOOL.
+
+
+It is to be regretted that, owing to circumstances, the account of these
+persons has not been fully preserved. Could justice be done them,
+probably their narratives would not be surpassed in interest by any
+other in the history of fugitives. In 1857, when these remarkable
+travelers came under the notice of the Vigilance Committee, as Slavery
+seemed likely to last for generations, and there was but little
+expectation that these records would ever have the historical value
+which they now possess, care was not always taken to prepare and
+preserve them. Besides, the cases coming under the notice of the
+Committee, were so numerous and so interesting, that it seemed almost
+impossible to do them anything like justice. In many instances the rapt
+attention paid by friends, when listening to the sad recitals of such
+passengers, would unavoidably consume so much time that but little
+opportunity was afforded to make any record of them. Particularly was
+this the case with regard to the above-mentioned individuals. The story
+of each was so long and sad, that a member of the Committee in
+attempting to write it out, found that the two narratives would take
+volumes. That all traces, of these heroes might not be lost, a mere
+fragment is all that was preserved.
+
+The original names of these adventurers, were Joseph Grant and John
+Speaks. Between two and three years before escaping, they were sold from
+Maryland to John B. Campbell a negro trader, living in Baltimore, and
+thence to Campbell's brother, another trader in New Orleans, and
+subsequently to Daniel McBeans and Mr. Henry, of Harrison county,
+Mississippi.
+
+Though both had to pass through nearly the same trial, and belonged to
+the same masters, this recital must be confined chiefly to the incidents
+in the career of Joseph. He was about twenty-seven years of age, well
+made, quite black, intelligent and self-possessed in his manner.
+
+He was owned in Maryland by Mrs. Mary Gibson, who resided at St.
+Michael's on the Eastern Shore. She was a _nice woman_ he said, but her
+property was under mortgage and had to be sold, and he was in danger of
+sharing the same fate.
+
+Joseph was a married man, and spoke tenderly of his wife. She "promised"
+him when he was sold that she would "never marry," and earnestly
+entreated him, if he "ever met with the luck, to come and see her." She
+was unaware perhaps at that time of the great distance that was to
+divide them; his feelings on being thus sundered need not be stated.
+However, he had scarcely been in Mississippi three weeks, ere his desire
+to return to his wife, and the place of his nativity constrained him to
+attempt to return; accordingly he set off, crossing a lake eighty miles
+wide in a small boat, he reached Kent Island. There he was captured by
+the watchman on the Island, who with _pistols, dirk and cutlass_ in
+hand, threatened if he resisted that death would be his instant doom. Of
+course he was returned to his master.
+
+He remained there a few months, but could content himself no longer to
+endure the ills of his condition. So he again started for home, walked
+to Mobile, and thence he succeeded in stowing himself away in a
+steamboat and was thus conveyed to Montgomery, a distance of five
+hundred and fifty miles through solid slave territory. Again he was
+captured and returned to his owners; one of whom always went for
+immediate punishment, the other being mild thought persuasion the better
+plan in such cases. On the whole, Joseph thus far had been pretty
+fortunate, considering the magnitude of his offence.
+
+A third time he summoned courage and steered his course homewards
+towards Maryland, but as in the preceding attempts, he was again
+unsuccessful.
+
+In this instance Mr. Henry, the harsh owner, was exasperated, and the
+mild one's patience so exhausted that they concluded that nothing short
+of stern measures would cause Joe to reform. Said Mr. Henry; "_I had
+rather lose my right arm than for him to get off without being punished,
+after having put us to so much trouble_."
+
+_Joseph_ will now speak for himself.
+
+"He (master) sent the overseer to tie me. I told him I would not be
+tied. I ran and stayed away four days, which made Mr. Henry very
+anxious. Mr. Beans told the servants if they saw me, to tell me to come
+back and I should not be hurt. Thinking that Mr. Beans had always stood
+to his word, I was over persuaded and came back. He sent for me in his
+parlor, talked the matter over, sent me to the steamboat (perhaps the
+one he tried to escape on.) After getting cleverly on board the captain
+told me, I am sorry to tell you, you have to be tied. I was tied and Mr.
+Henry was sent for. He came; 'Well, I have got you at last, beg my
+pardon and promise you will never run away again and I will not be so
+hard on you.' I could not do it. He then gave me three hundred lashes
+well laid on. I was stripped entirely naked, and my flesh was as raw as
+a piece of beef. He made John (the companion who escaped with him) hold
+one of my feet which I broke loose while being whipped, and when done
+made him bathe me in salt and water.
+
+"Then I resolved to 'go or die' in the attempt. Before starting, one
+week, I could not work. On getting better we went to Ship Island; the
+sailors, who were Englishmen, were very sorry to hear of the treatment
+we had received, and counselled us how we might get free."
+
+The counsel was heeded, and in due time they found themselves in
+Liverpool. There their stay was brief. Utterly destitute of money,
+education, and in a strange land, they very naturally turned their eyes
+again in the direction of their native land. Accordingly their host, the
+keeper of a sailor's boarding-house, shipped them to Philadelphia.
+
+But to go back, Joseph saw many things in New Orleans and Mississippi of
+a nature too horrible to relate, among which were the following:
+
+I have seen Mr. Beans whip one of his slaves to death, at the tree to
+which he was tied.
+
+Mr. Henry would make them lie down across a log, stripped naked, and
+with every stroke would lay the flesh open. Being used to it, some would
+lie on the log without being tied.
+
+In New Orleans, I have seen women stretched out just as naked as my
+hand, on boxes, and given one hundred and fifty lashes, four men holding
+them. I have helped hold them myself: when released they could hardly
+sit or walk. This whipping was at the "_Fancy House_."
+
+The "chain-gangs" he also saw in constant operation. Four and five
+slaves chained together and at work on the streets, cleaning, &c., was a
+common sight. He could hardly tell Sunday from Monday in New Orleans,
+the slaves were kept so constantly going.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM N. TAYLOR.
+
+
+
+    ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.--Ran away from Richmond City on
+    Tuesday, the 2d of June, a negro man named WM. N. TAYLOR,
+    belonging to Mrs. Margaret Tyler of Hanover county.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    Said negro was hired to Fitzhugh Mayo, Tobacconist; is quite
+    black, of genteel and easy manners, about five feet ten or
+    eleven inches high, has one front tooth broken, and is about 35
+    years old.
+
+    He is supposed either to have made his escape North, or
+    attempted to do so. The above reward will be paid for his
+    delivery to Messrs. Hill and Rawlings, in Richmond, or secured
+    in jail, so that I get him again.
+
+    JAS. G. TYLER, Trustee for Margaret Tyler.
+
+    June 8th &c2t--
+
+    _Richmond Enquirer, June 9, 57_.
+
+
+William unquestionably possessed a fair share of common sense, and just
+enough distaste to Slavery to arouse him most resolutely to seek his
+freedom.
+
+The advertisement of James G. Tyler was not altogether accurate with
+regard to his description of William; but notwithstanding, in handing
+William down to posterity, the description of Tyler has been adopted
+instead of the one engrossed in the records by the Committee. But as a
+simple matter of fair play, it seems fitting, that the description given
+by William, while on the Underground Rail Road, of his master, &c.,
+should come in just here.
+
+William acknowledged that he was the property of Walter H. Tyler,
+brother of EX-PRESIDENT TYLER, who was described as follows: "He
+(master) was about sixty-five years of age; was a barbarous man, very
+intemperate, horse racer, chicken-cock fighter and gambler. He had owned
+as high as forty head of slaves, but he had gambled them all away. He
+was a doctor, circulated high amongst southerners, though he never lived
+agreeably with his wife, would curse her and call her all kinds of names
+that he should not call a lady. From a boy of nine up to the time I was
+fifteen or sixteen, I don't reckon he whipped me less than a hundred
+times. He shot at me once with a double-barrelled gun.
+
+"What made me leave was because I worked for him all my life-time and he
+never gave me but two dollars and fifteen cents in all his life. I was
+hired out this year for two hundred dollars, but when I would go to him
+to make complaints of hard treatment from the man I was hired to, he
+would say: "G----d d----n it, don't come to me, all I want is my money."
+
+"Mr. Tyler was a thin raw-boned man, with a long nose, the picture of
+the president. His wife was a tolerably well-disposed woman in some
+instances--she was a tall, thin-visaged woman, and stood high in the
+community. Through her I fell into the hands of Tyler. At present she
+owns about fifty slaves. His own slaves, spoken of as having been
+gambled away, came by his father--he has been married the second time."
+
+Twice William had been sold and bought in, on account of his master's
+creditors, and for many months had been expecting to be sold again, to
+meet pressing claims in the hands of the sheriff against Tyler. He, by
+the way, "now lives in Hanover county, about eighteen miles from
+Richmond, and for fear of the sheriff, makes himself very scarce in that
+city."
+
+At fourteen years of age, William was sold for eight hundred dollars; he
+would have brought in 1857, probably twelve hundred and fifty dollars;
+he was a member of the Baptist Church in good and regular standing.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+LOUISA BROWN.
+
+
+Louisa is a good-looking, well-grown, intelligent mulatto girl of
+sixteen years of age, and was owned by a widow woman of Baltimore, Md.
+To keep from being sold, she was prompted to try her fortune on the
+U.G.R.R., for Freedom in Canada, under the protection of the British
+Lion.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+JACOB WATERS AND ALFRED GOULDEN.
+
+
+Jacob is twenty-one years of age, dark chestnut color, medium size, and
+of prepossessing manners. Fled from near Frederick, Md., from the
+clutches of a farmer by the name of William Dorsey, who was described as
+a severe master, and had sold two of Jacob's sisters, South, only three
+years prior to his escape. Jacob left three brothers in chains.
+
+Alfred is twenty-three years of age, in stature quite small, full black,
+and bears the marks of ill usage. Though a member of the Methodist
+Church, his master, Fletcher Jackson, "thought nothing of taking the
+shovel to Alfred's head; or of knocking him, and stamping his head with
+the heels of his boots." Repeatedly, of late, he had been shockingly
+beaten. To escape those terrible visitations, therefore, he made up his
+mind to seek a refuge in Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE.
+
+
+JEFFERSON PIPKINS, ALIAS DAVID JONES, LOUISA PIPKINS, ELIZABETH BRIT,
+HARRIET BROWN, ALIAS JANE WOOTON, GRACY MURRY, ALIAS SOPHIA SIMS, EDWARD
+WILLIAMS, ALIAS HENRY JOHNSON, CHAS. LEE, ALIAS THOMAS BUSHIER.
+
+
+Six very clever-looking passengers, all in one party from Baltimore,
+Md., the first Sunday in April, 1853. Baltimore used to be in the days
+of Slavery one of the most difficult places in the South for even free
+colored people to get away from, much more for slaves. The rule forbade
+any colored person leaving there by rail road or steamboat, without such
+applicant had been weighed, measured, and then given a bond signed by
+unquestionable signatures, well known. Baltimore was rigid in the
+extreme, and was a never-failing source of annoyance, trouble and
+expense to colored people generally, and not unfrequently to
+slave-holders too, when they were traveling North with "colored
+servants." Just as they were ready to start, the "Rules" would forbid
+colored servants until the law was complied with. Parties hurrying on
+would on account of this obstruction "have to wait until their hurry was
+over." As this was all done in the interest of Slavery, the matter was
+not very loudly condemned. But, notwithstanding all this weighing,
+measuring and requiring of bonds, many travelers by the Underground Rail
+Road took passage from Baltimore.
+
+The enterprising individual, whose name stands at the head of this
+narrative, came directly from this stronghold of Slavery. The widow
+Pipkins held the title deed for Jefferson. She was unfortunate in losing
+him, as she was living in ease and luxury off of Jefferson's sweat and
+labor. Louisa, Harriet and Grace owed service to Geo. Stewart of
+Baltimore; Edward was owned by Chas. Moondo, and Chas. Lee by the above
+Stewart.
+
+Those who would have taken this party for stupid, or for know-nothings,
+would have found themselves very much mistaken. Indeed they were far
+from being dull or sleepy on the subject of Slavery at any rate. They
+had considered pretty thoroughly how wrongfully they, with all others in
+similar circumstances, had been year in and year out subjected to
+unrequited toil so resolved to leave masters and mistresses to shift for
+themselves, while they would try their fortunes in Canada.
+
+Four of the party ranged in age from twenty to twenty-eight years of
+age, and the other two from thirty-seven to forty. The Committee on whom
+they called, rendered them due aid and advice, and forwarded them to the
+Committee in New York.
+
+The following letter from Jefferson, appealing for assistance on behalf
+of his children in Slavery, was peculiarly touching, as were all similar
+letters. But the mournful thought that these appeals, sighs, tears and
+prayers would continue in most cases to be made till death, that nothing
+could be done directly for the deliverance of such sufferers was often
+as painful as the escape from the auction block was gratifying.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM JEFFERSON PIPKINS.
+
+
+
+    Sept. 28, 1856.
+
+    To WM. STILL. SIR:--I take the liberty of writing to you a few
+    lines concerning my children, for I am very anxious to get them
+    and I wish you to please try what you can do for me. Their names
+    are Charles and Patrick and are living with Mrs. Joseph G. Wray
+    Murphysborough Hartford county, North Carolina; Emma lives with
+    a Lawyer Baker in Gatesville North Carolina and Susan lives in
+    Portsmouth Virginia and is stopping with Dr. Collins sister a
+    Mrs. Nash you can find her out by enquiring for Dr. Collins at
+    the ferry boat at Portsmouth, and Rose a coloured woman at the
+    Crawford House can tell where she is. And I trust you will try
+    what you think will be the best way. And you will do me a great
+    favour.
+
+    Yours Respectfully,
+
+    JEFFERSON PIPKINS.
+
+    P.S. I am living at Yorkville near Toronto Canada West. My wife
+    sends her best respects to Mrs. Still.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SEVERAL ARRIVALS FROM DIFFERENT PLACES.
+
+
+In order to economize time and space, with a view to giving an account
+of as many of the travelers as possible, it seems expedient, where a
+number of arrivals come in close proximity to each other, to report them
+briefly, under one head.
+
+Henry Anderson, _alias_ WILLIAM ANDERSON. In outward appearance Henry
+was uninteresting. As he asserted, and as his appearance indicated, he
+had experienced a large share of "rugged" usage. Being far in the South,
+and in the hands of a brutal "Captain of a small boat," chances of
+freedom or of moderate treatment, had rarely ever presented themselves
+in any aspect. On the 3d of the preceding March he was sold to a negro
+trader--the thought of having to live under a trader was so terrible, he
+was moved to escape, leaving his wife, to whom he had only been married
+three months. Henry was twenty-five years of age, quite black and a
+little below the medium size.
+
+He fled from Beaufort, North Carolina. The system of slavery in all the
+region of country whence Henry came, exhibited generally great brutality
+and cruelty.
+
+CHARLES CONGO AND WIFE, MARGARET. Charles and his wife were fortunate in
+managing to flee together. Their attachment to each other was evidently
+true. They were both owned by a farmer, who went by the name of David
+Stewart, and resided in Maryland. As Charles' owner did not require
+their services at home, as he had more of that kind of stock than he had
+use for--he hired them out to another farmer--Charles for $105 per
+annum; how much for the wife they could not tell. She, however, was not
+blessed with good health, though she was not favored any more on that
+account. Charles' affection for his wife, on seeing how hard she had to
+labor when not well, aroused him to seek their freedom by flight. He
+resolved to spare no pains, to give himself no rest until they were both
+free. Accordingly the Underground Rail Road was sought and found.
+Charles was twenty-eight, with a good head and striking face, as well as
+otherwise well made; chestnut color and intelligent, though unable to
+read. Left two sisters in bondage. Margaret was about the same age as
+her husband, a nice-looking brown-skinned woman; worth $500. Charles was
+valued at $1200.
+
+The atmosphere throughout the neighborhood where Charles and Margaret
+had lived and breathed, and had their existence, was heavily oppressed
+with slavery. No education for the freeman of color, much less for the
+slave. The order of the day was literally, as far as colored men were
+concerned: "No rights which white men were bound to respect."
+
+Chaskey Brown, Wm. Henry Washington, James Alfred Frisley, and Charles
+Henry Salter. Chaskey is about twenty-four years of age, quite black,
+medium size, sound body and intelligent appearance, nevertheless he
+resembled a "farm hand" in every particular. His master was known by the
+name of Major James H. Gales, and he was the owner of a farm with
+eighteen men, women and children, slaves to toil for him. The Major in
+disposition was very abusive and profane, though old and grey-headed.
+His wife was pretty much the same kind of a woman as he was a man; one
+who delighted in making the slaves tremble at her bidding. Chaskey was a
+member of the "Still Pond church," of Kent county, Md. Often Chaskey was
+made to feel the lash on his back, notwithstanding his good standing in
+the church. He had a wife and one child. In escaping, he was obliged to
+leave them both. Chaskey was valued at $1200.
+
+William Henry was about 20 years of age, and belonged to Doctor B.
+Grain, of Baltimore, who hired him out to a farmer. Not relishing the
+idea of having to work all his life in bondage, destitute of all
+privileges, he resolved to seek a refuge in Canada. He left his mother,
+four sisters and two brothers.
+
+James is twenty-four years of age, well made, quite black and pretty
+shrewd. He too was unable to see how it was that he should be worked,
+and flogged, and sold, at the pleasure of his master and "getting
+nothing;" he "had rather work for himself." His master was a
+"_speckled-faced--pretty large stomach man_, but was not very abuseful."
+He only owned one other.
+
+Charles Henry is about thirty years of age, of good proportion,
+nice-looking and intelligent; but to rough usage he was no stranger. To
+select his own master was a privilege not allowed; privileges of all
+kinds were rare with him. So he resolved to flee. Left his mother, three
+sisters and five brothers in slavery. He was a member of "Albany
+Chapel," at Massey's Cross Roads, and a slave of Dr. B. Crain. Charles
+left his wife Anna, living near the head of Sassafras, Md. The
+separation was painful, as was everything belonging to the system of
+Slavery.
+
+These were all gladly received by the Vigilance Committee, and the hand
+of friendship warmly extended to them; and the best of counsel and
+encouragement was offered; material aid, food and clothing were also
+furnished as they had need, and they were sent on their way rejoicing to
+Canada.
+
+Stephen Taylor, Charles Brown, Charles Henry Hollis, and Luther Dorsey.
+Stephen was a fine young man, of twenty years of age; he fled to keep
+from being sold. He "supposed his master wanted money." His master was a
+"tall, spare-faced man, with long whiskers, very wicked and very
+quick-tempered," and was known by the name of James Smithen, of Sandy
+Hook, Harford county, Md. His wife was also a very "close woman." They
+had four children growing up to occupy their places as oppressors.
+Stephen was not satisfied to serve either old or young masters any
+longer, and made up his mind to leave the first opportunity. Before this
+watchful and resolute purpose the way opened, and he soon found it
+comparatively easy to find his way from Maryland to Pennsylvania, and
+likewise into the hands of the Vigilance Committee, to whom he made
+known fully the character of the place and people whence he had fled,
+the dangers he was exposed to from slave-hunters, and the strong hope he
+cherished of reaching free land soon. Being a young man of promise,
+Stephen was advised earnestly to apply his mind to seek an education,
+and to use every possible endeavor to raise himself in the scale of
+manhood, morally, religiously and intellectually; and he seemed to drink
+in the admonitions thus given with a relish. After recruiting, and all
+necessary arrangements had been made for his comfort and passage to
+Canada, he was duly forwarded. "One more slave-holder is minus another
+slave worth at least $1200, which is something to rejoice over," said
+Committee. Stephen's parents were dead; one brother was the only near
+relative he left in chains.
+
+Charles Brown was about twenty-five years of age, quite black, and bore
+the marks of having been used hard, though his stout and hearty
+appearance would have rendered him very desirable to a trader. He fled
+from William Wheeling, of Sandy Hook, Md. He spoke of his master as a
+"pretty bad man," who was "always quarreling," and "would drink, swear
+and lie." Left simply because he "never got anything for his labor." On
+taking his departure for Canada, he was called upon to bid adieu to his
+mother and three brothers, all under the yoke. His master he describes
+thus--
+
+"His face was long, cheek-bones high, middling tall, and about
+twenty-six years of age." With this specimen of humanity, Charles was
+very much dissatisfied, and he made up his mind not to stand the burdens
+of Slavery a day longer than he could safely make his way to the North.
+And in making an effort to reach Canada, he was quite willing to suffer
+many things. So the first chance Charles got, he started, and Providence
+smiled upon his resolution; he found himself a joyful passenger on the
+Underground Rail Road, being entertained free, and receiving attentions
+from the Company all along the line through to her British Majesty's
+boundlessly free territory in the Canadas.
+
+True, the thought of his mother and brothers, left in the prison house,
+largely marred his joy, as it did also the Committee's, still the
+Committee felt that Charles had gained his Freedom honorably, and at the
+same time, had left his master a poorer, if not a wiser man, by at least
+$1200.
+
+Charles Henry was a good-looking young man, only twenty years of age,
+and appeared to possess double as much natural sense as he would require
+to take care of himself. John Webster of Sandy Hook, claimed Charles'
+time, body and mind, and this was what made Charles unhappy. Uneducated
+as he was, he was too sensible to believe that Webster had any God-given
+right to his manhood. Consequently, he left because his master "did not
+treat him right."  Webster was a tall man, with large black whiskers,
+about forty years of age, and owned Charles' two sisters. Charles was
+sorry for the fate of his sisters, but he could not help them if he
+remained. Staying to wear the yoke, he felt would rather make it worse
+instead of better for all concerned.
+
+Luther Dorsey is about nineteen years of age, rather smart, black, well
+made and well calculated for a Canadian. He was prompted to escape
+purely from the desire to be "_free_." He fled from a "very insulting
+man," by the name of Edward Schriner, from the neighborhood of
+Sairsville Mills, Frederick Co., Md. This Schriner was described as a
+"low chunky man, with grum look, big mouth, etc.," and was a member of
+the German Reformed Church. "Don't swear, though might as well; he was
+so bad other ways."
+
+Luther was a member of the Methodist church at Jones Hill. Left his
+father in chains; his mother had wisely escaped to Canada years back,
+when he was but a boy. Where she was then, he could not tell, but hoped
+to meet her in Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND.
+
+
+JEREMIAH W. SMITH AND WIFE JULIA.
+
+
+Richmond was a city noted for its activity and enterprise in slave
+trade. Several slave pens and prisons were constantly kept up to
+accommodate the trade. And slave auctions were as common in Richmond as
+dress goods auctions in Philadelphia; notwithstanding this fact, strange
+as it may seem, the Underground Rail Road brought away large numbers of
+passengers from Richmond, Petersburg and Norfolk, and not a few of them
+lived comparatively within a hair's breadth of the auction block. Many
+of those from these localities were amongst the most intelligent and
+respectable slaves in the South, and except at times when disheartened
+by some grave disaster which had befallen the road, as, for instance,
+when some friendly captain or conductor was discovered in aiding
+fugitives, many of the thinking bondmen were daily manoeuvering and
+watching for opportunities to escape or aid their friends so to do. This
+state of things of course made the naturally hot blood of Virginians
+fairly boil. They had preached long and loudly about the contented and
+happy condition of the slaves,--that the chief end of the black man was
+to worship and serve the white man, with joy and delight, with more
+willingness and obedience indeed than he would be expected to serve his
+Maker. So the slave-holders were utterly at a loss to account for the
+unnatural desire on the part of the slaves to escape to the North where
+they affirmed they would be far less happy in freedom than in the hands
+of those so "kind and indulgent towards them." Despite all this, daily
+the disposition increased, with the more intelligent slaves, to distrust
+the statements of their masters especially when they spoke against the
+North. For instance if the master was heard to curse Boston the slave
+was then satisfied that Boston was just the place he would like to go
+to; or if the master told the slave that the blacks in Canada were
+freezing and starving to death by hundreds, his hope of trying to reach
+Canada was made tenfold stronger; he was willing to risk all the
+starving and freezing that the country could afford; his eagerness to
+find a conductor then would become almost painful.
+
+The situations of Jeremiah and Julia Smith, however, were not considered
+very hard, indeed they had fared rather better than most slaves in
+Virginia, nevertheless it will be seen that they desired to better their
+condition, to keep off of the auction-block at least. Jeremiah could
+claim to have no mixture in his blood, as his color was of such a pure
+black; but with the way of the world, in respect to shrewdness and
+intelligence, he had evidently been actively conversant. He was about
+twenty-six years of age, and in stature only medium, with poor health.
+
+The name of James Kinnard, whom he was obliged to call master and serve,
+was disgusting to him. Kinnard, he said, was a "close and severe man."
+At the same time he was not considered by the community "a hard man."
+From the age of fifteen years Jeremiah had been hired out, for which his
+owner had received from $50 to $130 per annum. In consequence of his
+master's custom of thus letting out Jeremiah, the master had avoided
+doctors' bills, &c. For the last two years prior to his escape, however,
+Jeremiah's health had been very treacherous, in consequence of which the
+master had been compelled to receive only $50 a year, sick or well.
+About one month before Jeremiah left, he was to have been taken on his
+master's farm, with the hope that he could be made more profitable there
+than he was in being hired out.
+
+His owner had thought once of selling him, perhaps fearing that Jeremiah
+might unluckily die on his hands. So he put him in prison and
+advertised; but as he had the asthma pretty badly at that time, he was
+not saleable, the traders even declined to buy him.
+
+While these troubles were presenting themselves to Jeremiah, Julia, his
+wife, was still more seriously involved, which added to Jeremiah's
+perplexities, of course.
+
+Julia was of a dark brown color, of medium size, and thirty years of
+age. Fourteen years she had been the slave of A. Judson Crane, and under
+him she had performed the duties of nurse, chamber-maid, etc.,
+"faithfully and satisfactorily," as the certificate furnished her by
+this owner witnessed. She actually possessing a certificate, which he,
+Crane, gave her to enable her to find a new master, as she was then
+about to be sold. Her master had experienced a failure in business. This
+was the reason why she was to be sold.
+
+Mrs. Crane, her mistress, had always promised Julia that she should be
+free at her death. But, unexpectedly, as Mrs. Crane was on her journey
+home from Cape May, where she had been for her health the summer before
+Julia escaped, she died suddenly in Philadelphia. Julia, however, had
+been sold twice before her mistress' death; once to the trader, Reed,
+and afterwards to John Freeland, and again was on the eve of being sold.
+Freeland, her last owner, thought she was unhappy because she was denied
+the privilege of going home of nights to her husband, instead of being
+on hand at the beck and call of her master and mistress day and night.
+So the very day Julia and her husband escaped, arrangements had been
+made to put her up at auction a third time. But both Julia and her
+husband had seen enough of Slavery to leave no room to hope that they
+could ever find peace or rest so long as they remained. So there and
+then, they resolved to strike for Canada, via the Underground Rail Road.
+By a little good management, berths were procured for them on one of the
+Richmond steamers (berths not known to the officers of the boat), and
+they were safely landed in the hands of the Vigilance Committee, and a
+most agreeable interview was had.
+
+The Committee extended to them the usual hospitalities, in the way of
+board, accommodations, and free tickets Canadaward, and wished them a
+safe and speedy passage. The passengers departed, exceedingly
+light-hearted, Feb. 1, 1854.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+EIGHT ARRIVALS:
+
+
+JAMES MASSEY, PERRY HENRY TRUSTY, GEORGE RHOADS, JAMES RHOADS, GEORGE
+WASHINGTON, SARAH ELIZABETH RHOADS AND CHILD, MARY ELIZABETH STEVENSON.
+
+
+Doubtless there was a sensation in "the camp," when this gang was found
+missing.
+
+James was a likely-looking young man of twenty years of age, dark, tall,
+and sensible; and worth, if we may judge, about $1,600. He was owned by
+a farmer named James Pittman, a "crabid kind of a man," grey-headed,
+with a broken leg; drank very hard, at which times he would swear that
+he would "sell them all to Georgia;" this threat was always unpleasant
+to the ears of James, but it seemed to be a satisfaction to the master.
+Fearing that it would be put into execution, James thought he had better
+let no time be lost in getting on towards Canada, though he was entitled
+to his Freedom at the age of twenty-five. Left his father, four brothers
+and two sisters. Also left his wife, to whom he had been married the
+previous Christmas.
+
+His master's further stock of slaves consisted of two women, a young man
+and a child. The name of his old mistress was Amelia. She was "right
+nice," James admitted. One of James' brothers had been sold to Georgia
+by Pittman, although he was also entitled to his Freedom at the age of
+twenty-five.
+
+His near relatives left in bondage lived near Level Square, Queen Ann's
+county, Maryland. His wife's name was Henrietta. "She was free."
+
+Interesting letter from James Massey to his wife. It was forwarded to
+the corresponding secretary, to be sent to her, but no opportunity was
+afforded so to do, safely.
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, C.W., April 24, 1857.
+
+    Dear  Wife--I take this opertunity to inform you that I have
+    Arive in St Catharines this Eving. After Jorney of too weeks,
+    and now find mysilf on free ground and wish that you was here
+    with me But you are not here, when we parted I did not know that
+    I should come away so soon as I did. But for that of causin you
+    pain I left as I did, I hope that you will try to come. But if
+    you cannot, write to me as soon as you can and tell me all that
+    you can But don't be Desscuredged I was sory to leave you, and I
+    could not help it for you know that I promest see you to sister,
+    But I was persuaded By Another man go part with it grived mutch,
+    you must not think that I did not care for you. I cannot tell
+    how I come, for I was some times on the earth and some times
+    under the earth Do not Bee afraid to come But start and keep
+    trying, if you are afrid fitch your tow sister with you for
+    compeny and I will take care of you and treat you like a lady so
+    long as you live. The talk of cold in this place is all a
+    humbug, it is wormer here than it was there when I left, your
+    father and mother has allways treated me like their own child I
+    have no fault to find in them. I send my Respects to them Both
+    and I hope that they will remember me in Prayer, if you make a
+    start come to Philidelpa tell father and mother that I am safe
+    and hope that they will not morn after me I shall ever Remember
+    them. No more at present But yours in Body and mind, and if we
+    no meet on Earth I hope that we shall meet in heven.
+
+    Your husbern.
+
+    Good night.
+
+    JAME MASEY.
+
+
+Perry was about thirty-one years of age, round-made, of dark complexion,
+and looked quite gratified with his expedition, and the prospect of
+becoming a British subject instead of a Maryland slave. He was not free,
+however, from the sad thought of having left his wife and three children
+in the "_prison house_," nor of the fact that his own dear mother was
+brutally stabbed to the heart with a butcher knife by her young master,
+while he (Perry) was a babe; nor of a more recent tragedy by which a
+fellow-servant, only a short while before he fled, was also murdered by
+a stab in the groin from another young master. "Powerful bad" treatment,
+and "no pay," was the only reward poor Perry had ever received for his
+life services. Perry could only remember his having received from his
+master, in all, eleven cents. Left a brother and sister in Slavery.
+Perry was worth $1200 perhaps.
+
+Perry was compelled to leave his wife and three children--namely, Hannah
+(wife), Perry Henry, William Thomas and Alexander, who were owned by
+John McGuire, of Caroline county, Maryland. Perry was a fellow-servant
+of James Massey, and was held by the same owner who held James. It is
+but just, to say, that it was not in the Pittman family that his mother
+and his fellow-servant had been so barbarously murdered. These
+occurrences took place before they came into the hands of Pittman.
+
+The provocation for which his fellow-servant was killed, was said to be
+very trifling. In a moment of rage, his young master, John Piper,
+plunged the blade of a small knife into Perry's groin, which resulted in
+his death twenty-six hours afterwards. For one day only the young master
+kept himself concealed, then he came forward and said he "did it in
+self-defense," and there the matter ended. The half will never be told
+of the barbarism of Slavery.
+
+Perry's letter subjoined, explains where he went, and how his mind was
+occupied with thoughts of his wife, children and friends.
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, C.W. June 21, 1857.
+
+    DEAR SIR.--I take this opportunity to inform you that I am well
+    at present, and hope that these few lines may find you injoying
+    the same Blessing, I have Been for some time now, But have not
+    written to you Before, But you must Excuse me. I want you to
+    give my Respects to all my inquiring friends and to my wife, I
+    should have let you know But I was afraid and all three of my
+    little children too, P.H. Trusty if he was mine Wm. T. Trusty
+    and to Alexander I have been A man agge But was assurd nuthin,
+    H. Trusty, a hard grand citt. I should lie know how times is,
+    Henry Turner if you get this keep it and read it to yourself and
+    not let any one else But yourself, tell ann Henry, Samuel Henry,
+    Jacob Bryant, Wm Claton, Mr James at Almira Receved at Mr Jones
+    house the Best I could I have Been healthy since I arrived here.
+    My Best Respect to all and my thanks for past favours. No more
+    at present But Remain youre obedented Servent &c.
+
+    HENRY TRUSTY.
+
+    Please send me an answer as son as you get this, and, oblige
+    yours,
+
+    MR TRUSTY.
+
+
+George Rhoads is a young man of twenty-five years of age, chestnut
+color, face round, and hating Slavery heartily. He had come from under
+the control of John P. Dellum a farmer, and a crabbed master, who "would
+swear very much when crossed, and would drink moderately every day,"
+except sometimes he would "take a _spree_," and would then get pretty
+high. Withal he was a member of the Presbyterian church at Perryville,
+Maryland; he was a single man and followed farming. Within the last two
+or three years, he had sold a man and woman; hence, George thought it
+was time to take warning. Accordingly he felt it to be his duty to try
+for Canada, via Underground Rail Road. As his master had always declared
+that if one run off, he would sell the rest to Georgia, George very
+wisely concluded that as an effort would have to be made, they had
+better leave their master with as "few as possible to be troubled with
+selling." Consequently, a consultation was had between the brothers,
+which resulted in the exit of a party of eight. The market price for
+George would be about $1400. A horrid example professed Christians set
+before the world, while holding slaves and upholding Slavery.
+
+James Rhoads, brother of George, was twenty-three years of age, medium
+size, dark color, intelligent and manly, and would doubtless have
+brought, in the Richmond market, $1700. Fortunately he brought his wife
+and child with him. James was also held by the same task-master who held
+George. Often had he been visited with severe stripes, and had borne his
+full share of suffering from his master.
+
+George Washington, one of the same party, was only about fifteen years
+of age; he was tall enough, however, to pass for a young man of twenty.
+George was of an excellent, fast, dark color. Of course, mentally he was
+undeveloped, nevertheless, possessed of enough mother-wit to make good
+his escape. In the slave market he might have been valued at $800.
+George was claimed as the lawful property of Benjamin Sylves--a
+Presbyterian, who owned besides, two men, three girls, and a boy. He was
+"tolerable good" sometimes, and sometimes "bad." Some of the slaves
+supposed themselves to be on the eve of being emancipated about the time
+George left; but of this there was no certainty. George, however, was
+not among this hopeful number, consequently, he thought that he would
+start in time, and would be ready to shout for Freedom quite as soon as
+any other of his fellow-bondmen. George left a father and three sisters.
+Sarah Elizabeth Rhoads, wife of James Rhoads, was seventeen years of
+age, a tall, dark, young woman, who had had no chances for mental
+improvement, except such as were usual on a farm, stocked with slaves,
+where learning to read the Bible was against the "rules." Sarah was a
+young slave mother with a babe (of course a slave) only eight months
+old. She was regarded as having been exceedingly fortunate in having
+rescued herself and child from the horrid fate of slaves.
+
+MARY ELIZABETH STEPHENSON is a promising-looking young woman, of twenty
+years of age, chestnut color, and well made. Hard treatment had been her
+lot. Left her mother, two sisters and four brothers in bondage. Worth
+$1100.
+
+Although these travelers were of the "field hand" class, who had never
+been permitted to see much off of the farm, and had been deprived of
+hearing intelligent people talk, yet the spirit of Freedom, so natural
+to man, was quite uppermost with all of them. The members of the
+Committee who saw them, were abundantly satisfied that these candidates
+for Canada would prove that they were able to "take care of themselves."
+
+Their wants were attended to in the usual manner, and they were sent on
+their way rejoicing, the Committee feeling quite a deep interest in
+them. It looked like business to see so many passing over the Road.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHARLES THOMPSON,
+
+
+CARRIER OF "THE NATIONAL AMERICAN," OFF FOR CANADA.
+
+
+The subjoined "pass" was brought to the Underground Rail Road station in
+Philadelphia by Charles, and while it was interesting as throwing light
+upon his escape, it is important also as a specimen of the way the
+"pass" system was carried on in the dark days of Slavery in Virginia:
+
+
+    "NAT. AMERICAN OFFICE,
+
+    Richmond, July 20th, 1857.
+
+    Permit Charles to pass and repass from this office to the
+    residence of Rev B. Manly's on Clay St., near 11th, at any hour
+    of the night for one month.
+
+    WM. W. HARDWICK."
+
+
+It is a very short document, but it used to be very unsafe for a slave
+in Richmond, or any other Southern city, to be found out in the evening
+without a legal paper of this description. The penalties for being found
+unprepared to face the police were fines, imprisonment and floggings.
+The satisfaction it seemed always to afford these guardians of the city
+to find either males or females trespassing in this particular, was
+unmistakable. It gave them (the police) the opportunity to prove to
+those they served (slaveholders), that they were the right men in the
+right place, guarding their interests. Then again they got the fine for
+pocket money, and likewise the still greater pleasure of administering
+the flogging. Who would want an office, if no opportunity should turn up
+whereby proof could be adduced of adequate qualifications to meet
+emergencies? But Charles was too wide awake to be caught without his
+pass day or night. Consequently he hung on to it, even after starting on
+his voyage to Canada. He, however, willingly surrendered it to a member
+of the Committee at his special request.
+
+But in every way Charles was quite a remarkable man. It afforded the
+Committee great pleasure to make his acquaintance, and much practical
+and useful information was gathered from his story, which was felt to be
+truthful.
+
+The Committee feeling assured that this "chattel" must have been the
+subject of much inquiry and anxiety from the nature of his former
+position, as a prominent piece of property, as a member of the Baptist
+church, as taking "first premiums" in making tobacco, and as a paper
+carrier in the National American office, felt called upon to note fully
+his movements before and after leaving Richmond.
+
+In stature he was medium size, color quite dark, hair long and
+bushy--rather of a raw-boned and rugged appearance, modest and
+self-possessed; with much more intelligence than would be supposed from
+first observation. On his arrival, ere he had "shaken hands with the
+(British) Lion's paw," (which he was desirous of doing), or changed the
+habiliments in which he escaped, having listened to the recital of his
+thrilling tale, and wishing to get it word for word as it flowed
+naturally from his brave lips, at a late hour of the night a member of
+the Committee remarked to him, with pencil in hand, that he wanted to
+take down some account of his life. "Now," said he, "we shall have to be
+brief. Please answer as correctly as you can the following questions:"
+"How old are you?" "Thirty-two years old the 1st day of last June."
+"Were you born a slave?" "Yes." "How have you been treated?" "Badly all
+the time for the last twelve years." "What do you mean by being treated
+badly?" "Have been whipped, and they never give me anything; some people
+give their servants at Christmas a dollar and a half and two dollars,
+and some five, but my master would never give me anything." "What was
+the name of your master?" "Fleming Bibbs." "Where did he live?" "In
+Caroline county, fifty miles above Richmond." "What did he do?" "He was
+a farmer." "Did you ever live with him?" "Never did; always hired me
+out, and then I couldn't please him." "What kind of a man was he?" "A
+man with a very severe temper; would drink at all times, though would do
+it slyly." "Was he a member of any church?" "Baptist church--would curse
+at his servants as if he wern't in any church." "Were his family members
+of church, too?" "Yes." "What kind of family had he?" "His wife was a
+tolerable fair woman, but his sons were dissipated, all of them
+_rowdies_ and _gamblers. His sons has had children by the servants. One
+of his daughters had a child by his grandson last April_. They are
+traders, buy and sell."
+
+"How many slaves did he own?" "Sam, Richmond, Henry, Dennis, Jesse,
+Addison, Hilliard, Jenny, Lucius, Julia, Charlotte, Easte, Joe, Taylor,
+Louisa, two more small children and Jim." Did any of them know that you
+were going to leave? "No, I saw my brother Tuesday, but never told him a
+word about it." "What put it into your head to leave?" "It was bad
+treatment; for being put in jail for sale the 7th of last January; was
+whipped in jail and after I came out the only thing they told me was
+that I had been selling newspapers about the streets, and was half
+free."
+
+"Where did you live then?" "In Richmond, Va.; for twenty-two years I
+have been living out." "How much did your master receive a year for your
+hire?" "From sixty-five to one hundred and fifty dollars." "Did you have
+to find yourself?" "The people who hired me found me. The general rule
+is in Richmond, for a week's board, seventy-five cents is allowed; if he
+gets any more than that he has got to find it himself." "How about
+Sunday clothing?" "Find them yourself?" "How about a house to live in?"
+"Have that to find yourself." "Suppose you have a wife and family." "It
+makes no difference, they don't allow you anything for that at all."
+"Suppose you are sick who pays your doctor's bill?" "He (master) pays
+that." "How do you manage to make a little extra money?" "By getting up
+before day and carrying out papers and doing other jobs, cleaning up
+single men's rooms and the like of that." "What have you been employed
+at in Richmond?" "Been working in tobacco factory in general; this year
+I was hired at a printing-office. The National American. I carried
+papers." "Had you a wife?" "I did, but her master was a very bad man and
+was opposed to me, and was against my coming to his place to see my
+wife, and he persuaded her to take another husband in preference to me;
+being in his hands she took his advice." "How long ago was that?" "Very
+near twelve months; she got married last fall." "Had you any children?"
+"Yes." "How many?" "Five." "Where are they?" "Three are with Joel Luck,
+her master, one with his sister Eliza, and the other belongs to Judge
+Hudgins, of Bowling Green Court House." "Do you ever expect to see them
+again?" "No, not till the day of the Great I am!" "Did you ever have any
+chance of schooling?" "Not a day in my life." "Can you read?" "No, sir,
+nor write my own name." "What do you think of Slavery any how?" "I think
+it's a great curse, and I think the _Baptists_ in _Richmond_ will go to
+the deepest hell, if there is any, for they are so wicked they will work
+you all day and part of the night, and _wear cloaks and long faces_, and
+try to get all the work out of you they can by telling you about Jesus
+Christ. All the extra money you make they think you will give to hear
+talk about Jesus Christ. Out of their extra money they have to pay a
+white man _Five hundred dollars a year for preaching_." "What kind of
+preaching does he give them?" "He tells them if they die in their sins
+they will go to hell; don't tell them any thing about their elevation;
+he would tell them obey their masters and mistresses, for good servants
+make good masters." "Did you belong to the Baptist Church?" "Yes, Second
+Baptist Church." "Did you feel that the preaching you heard was the true
+Gospel?" "One part of it, and one part burnt me as bad as ever insult
+did. They would tell us that we must take money out of our pockets to
+send it to Africa, to enlighten the African race. I think that we were
+about as blind in Richmond as the African race is in Africa. All they
+want you to know, is to have sense enough to say master and mistress,
+and _run_ like lightning, when they speak to you, to do exactly what
+they want you to do," "When you made up your mind to escape, where did
+you think you would go to?" "I made up my mind not to stop short of the
+British protection; to shake hands with the _Lion's_ paw." "Were you not
+afraid of being captured on the way, of being devoured by the
+abolitionists, or of freezing and starving in Canada?" "Well, I had
+often thought that I would be in a bad condition to come here, without
+money and clothes, but I made up my mind to come, live or die." "What
+are your impressions from what little you have seen of Freedom?" "I
+think it is intended for all men, and all men ought to have it."
+"Suppose your master was to appear before you, and offer you the
+privilege of returning to Slavery or death on the spot, which would be
+your choice?" "_Die right there_. I made up my mind before I started."
+"Do you think that many of the slaves are anxious about their Freedom?"
+"The third part of them ain't anxious about it, because the white people
+have _blinded_ them, telling about the North,--they _can't live here_;
+telling them that the people are worse off than they are there; they say
+that the 'niggers' in the North have no houses to live in, stand about
+freezing, dirty, no clothes to wear. They all would be very glad to get
+their time, but want to stay where they are." Just at this point of the
+interview, the hour of midnight admonished us that it was time to
+retire. Accordingly, said Mr. Thompson, "I guess we had better close,"
+adding, if he "could only write, he could give seven volumes!" Also,
+said he, "give my best respects to Mr. W.W. Hardwicke, and Mr. Perry in
+the National American office, and tell them _I wish they will pay the
+two boys who carry the papers for me, for they are as ignorant of this
+matter as you are_."
+
+Charles was duly forwarded to Canada to shake hands with the Lion's paw,
+and from the accounts which came from him to the Committee, he was
+highly delighted. The following letter from him afforded gratifying
+evidence, that he neither forgot his God nor his friends in freedom:
+
+
+    DETROIT, Sept. 17, 1862.
+
+    DEAR BROTHER IN CHRIST--It affords me the greatest pleasure
+    imaginable in the time I shall occupy in penning these few lines
+    to you and your dear loving wife, not because I can write them
+    to you myself, but for the love and regard I have for you, for I
+    never can forget a man who will show kindness to his neighbor
+    when in distress. I remember when I was in distress and out of
+    doors, you took me in; I was hungry, and you fed me; for these
+    things God will reward you, dear brother. I am getting along as
+    well as I can expect. Since I have been out here, I have
+    endeavored to make every day tell for itself, and I can say, no
+    doubt, what a great many men cannot say, that I have made good
+    use of all the time that God has given me, and not one week has
+    been spent in idleness. Brother William, I expect to visit you
+    some time next summer to sit and have a talk with you and Mrs.
+    Still. I hope to see that time, if it is God's will. You will
+    remember me, with my wife, to Mrs. Still. Give my best respects
+    to all inquiring friends, and believe me to be yours forever.
+    Well wishes both soul and body. Please write to me sometimes.
+
+    C.W. THOMPSON.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+BLOOD FLOWED FREELY.
+
+
+ABRAM GALLOWAY AND RICHARD EDEN, TWO PASSENGERS SECRETED IN A VESSEL
+LOADED WITH SPIRITS OF TURPENTINE. SHROUDS PREPARED TO PREVENT BEING
+SMOKED TO DEATH.
+
+
+The Philadelphia branch of the Underground Rail Road was not fortunate
+in having very frequent arrivals from North Carolina. Of course such of
+her slave population as managed to become initiated in the mysteries of
+traveling North by the Underground Rail Road were sensible enough to
+find out nearer and safer routes than through Pennsylvania. Nevertheless
+the Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia occasionally had the pleasure of
+receiving some heroes who were worthy to be classed among the bravest of
+the brave, no matter who they may be who have claims to this
+distinction.
+
+In proof of this bold assertion the two individuals whose names stand at
+the beginning of this chapter are presented. Abram was only twenty-one
+years of age, mulatto, five feet six inches high, intelligent and the
+picture of good health. "What was your master's name?" inquired a member
+of the Committee. "Milton Hawkins," answered Abram. "What business did
+Milton Hawkins follow?" again queried said member. "He was chief
+engineer on the Wilmington and Manchester Rail Road" (not a branch of
+the Underground Rail Road), responded Richard. "Describe him," said the
+member. "He was a slim built, tall man with whiskers. He was a man of
+very good disposition. I always belonged to him; he owned three. He
+always said he would sell before he would use a whip. His wife was a
+very mean woman; she would whip contrary to his orders." "Who was your
+father?" was further inquired. "John Wesley Galloway," was the prompt
+response. "Describe your father?" "He was captain of a government
+vessel; he recognized me as his son, and protected me as far as he was
+allowed so to do; he lived at Smithfield, North Carolina. Abram's
+master, Milton Hawkins, lived at Wilmington, N.C." "What prompted you to
+escape?" was next asked. "Because times were hard and I could not come
+up with my wages as I was required to do, so I thought I would try and
+do better." At this juncture Abram explained substantially in what sense
+times were hard, &c. In the first place he was not allowed to own
+himself; he, however, preferred hiring his time to serving in the usual
+way. This favor was granted Abram; but he was compelled to pay $15 per
+month for his time, besides finding himself in clothing, food, paying
+doctor bills, and a head tax of $15 a year.
+
+[Illustration: HON. ABRAM GALLOWAY]
+
+Even under this master, who was a man of very good disposition, Abram
+was not contented. In the second place, he "always thought Slavery was
+wrong," although he had "never suffered any personal abuse." Toiling
+month after month the year round to support his master and not himself,
+was the one intolerable thought. Abram and Richard were intimate
+friends, and lived near each other. Being similarly situated, they could
+venture to communicate the secret feelings of their hearts to each
+other. Richard was four years older than Abram, with not quite so much
+Anglo-Saxon blood in his veins, but was equally as intelligent, and was
+by trade, a "fashionable barber," well-known to the ladies and gentlemen
+of Wilmington. Richard owed service to Mrs. Mary Loren, a widow. "She
+was very kind and tender to all her slaves." "If I was sick," said
+Richard, "she would treat me the same as a mother would." She was the
+owner of twenty, men, women and children, who were all hired out, except
+the children too young for hire. Besides having his food, clothing and
+doctor's expenses to meet, he had to pay the "very kind and
+tender-hearted widow" $12.50 per month, and head tax to the State,
+amounting to twenty-five cents per month. It so happened, that Richard
+at this time, was involved in a matrimonial difficulty. Contrary to the
+laws of North Carolina, he had lately married a free girl, which was an
+indictable offence, and for which the penalty was then in soak for
+him--said penalty to consist of thirty-nine lashes, and imprisonment at
+the discretion of the judge.
+
+So Abram and Richard put their heads together, and resolved to try the
+Underground Rail Road. They concluded that liberty was worth dying for,
+and that it was their duty to strike for Freedom even if it should cost
+them their lives. The next thing needed, was information about the
+Underground Rail Road. Before a great while the captain of a schooner
+turned up, from Wilmington, Delaware. Learning that his voyage extended
+to Philadelphia, they sought to find out whether this captain was true
+to Freedom. To ascertain this fact required no little address. It had to
+be done in such a way, that even the captain would not really understand
+what they were up to, should he be found untrue. In this instance,
+however, he was the right man in the right place, and very well
+understood his business.
+
+Abram and Richard made arrangements with him to bring them away; they
+learned when the vessel would start, and that she was loaded with tar,
+rosin, and spirits of turpentine, amongst which the captain was to
+secrete them. But here came the difficulty. In order that slaves might
+not be secreted in vessels, the slave-holders of North Carolina had
+procured the enactment of a law requiring all vessels coming North to be
+smoked.
+
+To escape this dilemma, the inventive genius of Abram and Richard soon
+devised a safe-guard against the smoke. This safe-guard consisted in
+silk oil cloth shrouds, made large, with drawing strings, which, when
+pulled over their heads, might be drawn very tightly around their
+waists, whilst the process of smoking might be in operation. A bladder
+of water and towels were provided, the latter to be wet and held to
+their nostrils, should there be need. In this manner they had determined
+to struggle against death for liberty. The hour approached for being at
+the wharf. At the appointed time they were on hand ready to go on the
+boat; the captain secreted them, according to agreement. They were ready
+to run the risk of being smoked to death; but as good luck would have
+it, the law was not carried into effect in this instance, so that the
+"smell of smoke was not upon them." The effect of the turpentine,
+however, of the nature of which they were totally ignorant, was worse,
+if possible, than the smoke would have been. The blood was literally
+drawn from them at every pore in frightful quantities. But as heroes of
+the bravest type they resolved to continue steadfast as long as a pulse
+continued to beat, and thus they finally conquered.
+
+The invigorating northern air and the kind treatment of the Vigilance
+Committee acted like a charm upon them, and they improved very rapidly
+from their exhaustive and heavy loss of blood. Desiring to retain some
+memorial of them, a member of the Committee begged one of their silk
+shrouds, and likewise procured an artist to take the photograph of one
+of them; which keepsakes have been valued very highly. In the regular
+order of arrangements the wants of Abram and Richard were duly met by
+the Committee, financially and otherwise, and they were forwarded to
+Canada. After their safe arrival in Canada, Richard addressed a member
+of the Committee thus:
+
+
+    KINGSTON, July 20, 1857.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL--_Dear Friend_:--I take the opertunity of
+    wrighting a few lines to let you no that we air all in good
+    health hoping thos few lines may find you and your family
+    engoying the same blessing. We arived in King all saft Canada
+    West Abram Galway gos to work this morning at $1.75 per day and
+    John pediford is at work for mr george mink and i will opne a
+    shop for my self in a few days My wif will send a daugretipe to
+    your cair whitch you will pleas to send on to me Richard Edons
+    to the cair of George Mink Kingston C W
+
+    Yours with Respect,
+
+    RICHARD EDONS.
+
+
+Abram, his comrade, allied himself faithfully to John Bull until Uncle
+Sam became involved in the contest with the rebels. In this hour of need
+Abram hastened back to North Carolina to help fight the battles of
+Freedom. How well he acted his part, we are not informed. We only know
+that, after the war was over, in the reconstruction of North Carolina,
+Abram was promoted to a seat in its Senate. He died in office only a few
+months since. The portrait is almost a "fac-simile."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+JOHN PETTIFOOT.
+
+
+Anglo-African and Anglo-Saxon were about equally mixed in the
+organization of Mr. Pettifoot. His education, with regard to books, was
+quite limited. He had, however, managed to steal the art of reading and
+writing, to a certain extent. Notwithstanding the Patriarchal
+Institution of the South, he was to all intents and purposes a rebel at
+heart, consequently he resolved to take a trip on the Underground Rail
+Road to Canada. So, greatly to the surprise of those whom he was
+serving, he was one morning inquired for in vain. No one could tell what
+had become of Jack no more than if he had vanished like a ghost.
+Doubtless Messrs. McHenry and McCulloch were under the impression that
+newspapers and money possessed great power and could, under the
+circumstances, be used with entire effect. The following advertisement
+is evidence, that Jack was much needed at the tobacco factory.
+
+
+    $100 REWARD--For the apprehension and delivery to us of a
+    MULATTO MAN, named John Massenberg, or John Henry Pettifoot, who
+    has been passing as free, under the name of Sydney. He is about
+    5 feet 6 or 8 inches high, spare made, bright, with a bushy head
+    of hair, curled under and a small moustache. Absconded a few
+    days ago from our Tobacco Factory.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    McHENRY & MCCULLOCH.
+
+    ju 16 3t.
+
+
+Jack was aware that a trap of this kind would most likely be set for
+him, and that the large quantity of Anglo-Saxon blood in his veins would
+not save him. He was aware, too, that he was the reputed son of a white
+gentleman, who was a professional dentist, by the name of Dr. Peter
+Cards. The Doctor, however, had been called away by death, so Jack could
+see no hope or virtue in having a white father, although a "chivalric
+gentleman," while living, and a man of high standing amongst
+slave-holders. Jack was a member of the Baptist church, too, and hoped
+he was a good Christian; but he could look for no favors from the
+Church, or sympathy on the score of his being a Christian. He knew very
+well were it known, that he had the love of freedom in his heart, or the
+idea of the Underground Rail Road in his head, he would be regarded as
+having committed the "unpardonable sin." So Jack looked to none of these
+"broken reeds" in Richmond in the hour of his trial, but to Him above,
+whom he had not seen, and to the Underground Rail Road. He felt pretty
+well satisfied, that if Providence would aid him, and he could get a
+conductor to put him on the right road to Canada, he would be all right.
+Accordingly, he acted up to his best light, and thus he succeeded
+admirably, as the sequel shows.
+
+JOHN HENRY PETTIFOOT. John is a likely young man, quite bright in color
+and in intellect also. He was the son of Peter Cards, a dentist by
+profession, and a white man by complexion. As a general thing, he had
+been used 'very well;' had no fault to find, except this year, being
+hired to McHenry & McCulloch, tobacconists, of Petersburg, Va., whom he
+found rather more oppressive than he agreed for, and supposing that he
+had 'no right' to work for any body for nothing, he 'picked up his bed
+and walked.' His mistress had told him that he was '_willed_ free,' at
+her death, but John was not willing to wait her "motions to die."
+
+He had a wife in Richmond, but was not allowed to visit her. He left one
+sister and a step-father in bondage. Mr. Pettifoot reached Philadelphia
+by the Richmond line of steamers, stowed away among the pots and cooking
+utensils. On reaching the city, he at once surrendered himself into the
+hands of the Committee, and was duly looked after by the regular acting
+members.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+EMANUEL T. WHITE.
+
+
+EMANUEL was about twenty-five years of age, with seven-eighths of white
+blood in his veins, medium size, and a very smart and likely-looking
+piece of property generally. He had the good fortune to escape from
+Edward H. Hubbert, a ship timber merchant of Norfolk, Va. Under
+Hubbert's yoke he had served only five years, having been bought by him
+from a certain Aldridge Mandrey, who was described as a "very cruel
+man," and would "rather fight than eat." "I have licks that will carry
+me to my grave, and will be there till the flesh rots off my bones,"
+said Emanuel, adding that his master was a "_devil_," though a member of
+the Reformed Methodist Church. But his mistress, he said, was a "right
+nice little woman, and kept many licks off me." "If you said you were
+sick, he would whip it out of you." From Mandrey he once fled, and was
+gone two months, but was captured at Williamsburg, Va., and received a
+severe flogging, and carried home. Hubbert finally sold Emanuel to a Mr.
+Grigway of Norfolk; with Emanuel Mr. G. was pretty well suited, but his
+wife was not--he had "too much white blood in him" for her. Grigway and
+his wife were members of the Episcopal Church.
+
+In this unhappy condition Emanuel found a conductor of the Underground
+Rail Road. A secret passage was secured for him on one of the Richmond
+steamers, and thus he escaped from his servitude. The Committee attended
+to his wants, and forwarded him on as usual. From Syracuse, where he was
+breathing quite freely under the protection of the Rev. J.W. Loguen, he
+wrote the following letter:
+
+
+    SYRACUSE, July 29, 1857.
+
+    MY DEAR FRIEND, MR. STILL:--I got safe through to Syracuse, and
+    found the house of our friend, Mr. J.W. Loguen. Many thanks to
+    you for your kindness to me. I wish to say to you, dear sir,
+    that I expect my clothes will be sent to Dr. Landa, and I wish,
+    if you please, get them and send them to the care of Mr. Loguen,
+    at Syracuse, for me He will be in possession of my whereabouts
+    and will send them to me. Remember me to Mr. Landa and Miss
+    Millen Jespan, and much to you and your family.
+
+    Truly Yours,
+
+    MANUAL T. WHITE.
+
+
+
+
+THE ESCAPE OF A CHILD FOURTEEN MONTHS OLD.
+
+
+There is found the following brief memorandum on the Records of the
+Underground Rail Road Book, dated July, 1857:
+
+"A little child of fourteen months old was conveyed to its mother, who
+had been compelled to flee without it nearly nine months ago."
+
+While the circumstances connected with the coming of this slave child
+were deeply interesting, no further particulars than the simple notice
+above were at that time recorded. Fortunately, however, letters from the
+good friends, who plucked this infant from the jaws of Slavery, have
+been preserved to throw light on this little one, and to show how
+true-hearted sympathizers with the Slave labored amid dangers and
+difficulties to save the helpless bondman from oppression. It will be
+observed, that both these friends wrote from Washington, D.C., the seat
+of Government, where, if Slavery was not seen in its worst aspects, the
+Government in its support of Slavery appeared in a most revolting light.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM "J.B."
+
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., July 12, 1857.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--Some of our citizens, I am told, lately left here for
+    Philadelphia, three of whom were arrested and brought back.
+
+    I beg you will inform me whether two others--(I., whose wife is
+    in Philadelphia, was one of them), ever reached your city.
+
+    To-morrow morning Mrs. Weems, _with her baby_, will start for
+    Philadelphia and see you probably over night.
+
+    Yours Truly,
+
+    J.B.
+
+
+"J.B." was not only a trusty and capable conductor of the Underground
+Rail Road in Washington, but was also a practical lawyer, at the same
+time. His lawyer-like letter, in view of the critical nature of the
+case, contained but few words, and those few naturally enough were
+susceptible of more than one construction.
+
+Doubtless those styled "our citizens,"--"three of whom were arrested and
+brought back,"--were causing great anxiety to this correspondent, not
+knowing how soon he might find himself implicated in the "running off,"
+etc. So, while he felt it to be his duty, to still aid the child, he was
+determined, if the enemy intercepted his letter, he should not find much
+comfort or information. The cause was safe in such careful hands. The
+following letters, bearing on the same case, are also from another good
+conductor, who was then living in Washington.
+
+
+
+LETTERS FROM E.L. STEVENS.
+
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., July 8,1857.
+
+    MY DEAR SIR:--I write you now to let you know that the children
+    of E. are yet well, and that Mrs. Arrah Weems will start with
+    one of them for Philadelphia to-morrow or next day. She will be
+    with you probably in the day train. She goes for the purpose of
+    making an effort to redeem her last child, now in Slavery. The
+    whole amount necessary is raised, except about $300. She will
+    take her credentials with her, and you can place the most
+    implicit reliance on her statements. The story in regard to the
+    Weems' family was published in Frederick Douglass' paper two
+    years ago. Since then the two middle boys have been redeemed and
+    there is only one left in Slavery, and he is in Alabama. The
+    master has agreed to take for him just what he gave, $1100. Mr.
+    Lewis Tappan has his letter and the money, except the amount
+    specified. There were about $5000 raised in England to redeem
+    this family, and they are now all free except this one. And
+    there never was a more excellent and worthy family than the
+    Weems' family. I do hope, that Mrs. W. will find friends who can
+    advance the amount required.
+
+    Truly Yours,
+
+    E.L. STEVENS.
+
+
+
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., July 13th, 1857.
+
+    MY FRIEND:--Your kind letter in reply to mine about Arrah was
+    duly received. As she is doubtless with you before this, she
+    will explain all. I propose that a second journey be made by her
+    or some one else, in order to take the other. They have been a
+    great burden to the good folks here and should have been _at
+    home_ long ere this. Arrah will explain everything. I want,
+    however, to say a word in her behalf. If there is a person in
+    the world, that deserves the hearty co-operation of every friend
+    of humanity, that person is Arrah Weems, who now, after a long
+    series of self-sacrificing labor to aid others in their struggle
+    for their God-given rights, solicits a small amount to redeem
+    the last one of her own children in Slavery. Never have I had my
+    sympathies so aroused in behalf of any object as in behalf of
+    this most worthy family. She can tell you what I have done. And
+    I do hope, that our friends in Philadelphia and New York will
+    assist her to make up the full amount required for the purchase
+    of the boy.
+
+    After she does what she can in P., will you give her the proper
+    direction about getting to New York and to Mr. Tappan's? Inform
+    him of what she has done, &c.
+
+    Please write me as soon as you can as to whether she arrived
+    safely, &c. Give me your opinion, also, as to the proposal about
+    the other. Had you not better keep the little one in P. till the
+    other is taken there? Inform me also where E. is, how she is
+    getting along, &c., who living with, &c.
+
+    Yours Truly,
+
+    E.L.S.
+
+
+In this instance, also, as in the case of "J.B.," the care and anxiety
+of other souls, besides this child, crying for deliverance, weighed
+heavily on the mind of Mr. Stevens, as may be inferred from certain
+references in his letters. Mr. Stevens' love of humanity, and impartial
+freedom, even in those dark days of Slavery, when it was both unpopular
+and unsafe to allow the cries of the bondman to awaken the feeling of
+humanity to assist the suffering, was constantly leading him to take
+sides with the oppressed, and as he appears in this correspondence, so
+it was his wont daily to aid the helpless, who were all around him.
+Arrah Weems, who had the care of the child, alluded to so touchingly by
+Mr. Stevens, had known, to her heart's sorrow, how intensely painful it
+was to a mother's feelings to have her children torn from her by a cruel
+master and sold. For Arrah had had a number of children sold, and was at
+that very time striving diligently to raise money to redeem the last one
+of them. And through such kind-hearted friends as Mr. Stevens, the
+peculiar hardships of this interesting family of Weems' were brought to
+the knowledge of thousands of philanthropists in this country and
+England, and liberal contributions had already been made by friends of
+the Slave on both sides of the ocean. It may now be seen, that while
+this child had not been a conscious sufferer from the wicked system of
+Slavery, it had been the object of very great anxiety and suffering to
+several persons, who had individually perilled their own freedom for its
+redemption. This child, however, was safely brought to the Vigilance
+Committee, in Philadelphia, and was duly forwarded, _via_ friends in New
+York, to its mother, in Syracuse, where she had stopped to work and wait
+for her little one, left behind at the time she escaped.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ESCAPE OF A YOUNG SLAVE MOTHER.
+
+
+LEFT HER LITTLE BABY-BOY, LITTLE GIRL AND HUSBAND BEHIND.
+
+
+She anxiously waits their coming in Syracuse, N.Y. Not until after the
+foregoing story headed, the "Escape of a Child," etc., had been put into
+the hands of the printer and was in type, was the story of the mother
+discovered, although it was among the records preserved. Under changed
+names, in many instances, it has been found to be no easy matter to cull
+from a great variety of letters, records and advertisements, just when
+wanted, all the particulars essential to complete many of these
+narratives. The case of the child, alluded to above, is a case in point.
+Thus, however, while it is impossible to introduce the mother's story in
+its proper place, yet, since it has been found, it is too important and
+interesting to be left out. It is here given as follows:
+
+
+    $300 REWARD.--RAN AWAY from the subscriber on Saturday, the 30th
+    of August, 1856, my SERVANT WOMAN, named EMELINE CHAPMAN, about
+    25 years of age; quite dark, slender built, speaks short, and
+    stammers some; with two children, one a female about two and a
+    half years old; the other a male, seven or eight months old,
+    bright color. I will give the above reward if they are delivered
+    to me in Washington.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    MRS. EMILY THOMPSON,
+
+    s23-TU, Th&st&
+
+    Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
+
+
+Emeline Chapman, so particularly described in the "Baltimore Sun" of the
+23d of September, 1856, arrived by the regular Underground Rail Road
+train from Washington. In order to escape the responsibility attached to
+her original name, she adopted the name of Susan Bell. Thus for freedom
+she was willing to forego her name, her husband, and even her little
+children. It was a serious sacrifice; but she had been threatened with
+the auction block, and she well understood what that meant. With regard
+to usage, having lived away from her owner, Emeline did not complain of
+any very hard times. True, she had been kept at work very constantly,
+and her owner had very faithfully received all her hire. Emeline had not
+even been allowed enough of her hire to find herself in clothing, or
+anything for the support of her two children--for these non-essentials,
+her kind mistress allowed her to seek elsewhere, as best she could.
+Emeline's husband was named John Henry; her little girl she called
+Margaret Ann, and her babe she had named after its father, all with the
+brand of Slavery upon them. The love of freedom, in the breast of this
+spirited young Slave-wife and mother, did not extinguish the love she
+bore to her husband and children, however otherwise her course, in
+leaving them, as she did, might appear. For it was just this kind of
+heroic and self-sacrificing struggle, that appealed to the hearts of men
+and compelled attention. The letters of Biglow and Stevens, relative to
+the little child, prove this fact, and additional testimony found in the
+appended letter from Rev. J.W. Loguen conclusively confirms the same.
+Indeed, who could close his eyes and ears to the plaintive cries of such
+a mother? Who could refrain from aiding on to freedom children honored
+in such a heroic parent?
+
+
+    SYRACUSE, Oct. 5, 1856.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND STILL:--I write to you for Mrs. Susan Bell, who was
+    at your city some time in September last. She is from Washington
+    city. She left her dear little children behind (two children).
+    She is stopping in our city, and wants to hear from her children
+    very much indeed. She wishes to know if you have heard from Mr.
+    Biglow, of Washington city. She will remain here until she can
+    hear from you. She feels very anxious about her children, I will
+    assure you. I should have written before this, but I have been
+    from home much of the time since she came to our city. She wants
+    to know if Mr. Biglow has heard anything about her husband. If
+    you have not written to Mr. Biglow, she wishes you would. She
+    sends her love to you and your dear family. She says that you
+    were all kind to her, and she does not forget it. You will
+    direct your letter to me, dear brother, and I will see that she
+    gets it.
+
+    Miss F.E. Watkins left our house yesterday for Ithaca, and other
+    places in that part of the State. Frederick Douglass, Wm. J.
+    Watkins and others were with us last week; Gerritt Smith with
+    others. Miss Watkins is doing great good in our part of the
+    State. We think much indeed of her. She is such a good and
+    glorious speaker, that we are all charmed with her. We have had
+    thirty-one fugitives in the last twenty-seven days; but you, no
+    doubt, have had many more than that. I hope the good Lord may
+    bless you and spare you long to do good to the hunted and
+    outraged among our brethren.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+    J.W. LOGUEN,
+
+    Agent of the Underground Rail Road.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SAMUEL W. JOHNSON.
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM THE "DAILY DISPATCH" OFFICE.
+
+
+"Sam" was doing Slave labor at the office of the Richmond "Daily
+Dispatch," as a carrier of that thoroughly pro-slavery sheet. "Sam" had
+possessed himself somehow of a knowledge of reading and writing a
+little, and for the news of the day he had quite an itching ear. Also
+with regard to his freedom he was quite solicitous. Being of an
+ambitious turn of mind, he hired his time, for which he paid his master
+$175 per annum in regular quarterly payments. Besides paying this
+amount, he had to find himself in board, clothing, and pay doctor's
+expenses. He had had more than one owner in his life. The last one,
+however, he spoke of thus: "His name is James B. Foster, of Richmond, a
+very hard man. He owns three more Slaves besides myself." In escaping,
+"Sam" was obliged to leave his wife, who was owned by Christian Bourdon.
+His attachment to her, judging from his frequent warm expressions of
+affection, was very strong. But, as strong as it was, he felt that he
+could not consent to remain in slavery any longer. "Sam" had luckily
+come across a copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin, and in perusing it, all his
+notions with regard to "Masters and Servants," soon underwent an entire
+change, and he began to cast his eyes around him to see how he might get
+his freedom. One who was thoroughly awake as he was to the idea of being
+free, with a fair share of courage, could now and then meet with the
+opportunity to escape by the steamers or schooners coming North. Thus
+Samuel found the way open and on one of the steamers came to
+Philadelphia. On arriving, he was put at once in the charge of the
+Committee. While in their hands he seemed filled with astonishment at
+his own achievements, and such spontaneous expressions as naturally
+flowed from his heart thrilled and amazed his new found friends, and
+abundant satisfaction was afforded, that Samuel Washington Johnson would
+do no discredit to his fugitive comrades in Canada. So the Committee
+gladly aided him on his journey.
+
+After arriving in Canada, Samuel wrote frequently and intelligently. The
+subjoined letter to his wife shows how deeply he was attached to her,
+and, at the same time, what his views were of Slavery. The member of the
+Committee to whom it was sent with the request, that it should be
+forwarded to her, did not meet with the opportunity of doing so. A copy
+of it was preserved with other Underground Rail Road documents.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM SAMUEL W. JOHNSON TO HIS WIFE.
+
+
+
+    My Dear Wife I now embrace this golden opportunity of writing a
+    few Lines to inform you that I am well at present engoying good
+    health and hope that these few lines may find you well also. My
+    dearest wife I have Left you and now I am in a foreign land
+    about fourteen hundred miles from you but though my wife my
+    thoughts are upon you all the time. My dearest Frances I hope
+    you will remember me now gust as same as you did when I were
+    there with you because my mind are with you night and day the
+    Love that I bear for you in my breast is greater than I thought
+    it was if I had thought I had so much Love for you I dont think
+    I ever could Left being I have escape I and has fled into a land
+    of freedom. I can but stop and look over my past Life and say
+    what a fool I was for staying in bondage as Long. My dear wife I
+    dont want you to get married before you send me some letters
+    because I never shall get married until I see you again. My mind
+    dont deceive and it appears to me as if I shall see you again at
+    my time of writing this letter I am desitute of money I have not
+    got in no business yet but when I do get into business I shall
+    write you and also remember you. Tell my Mother and Brother and
+    all enquiring friends that I am now safe in free state. I cant
+    tell where I am at present but Direct your Letters to Mr.
+    William Still in Philadelphia and I will get them. Answer this
+    as soon as you can if you please for if you write the same day
+    you receive it it will take a fortnight to reach me. No more to
+    relate at present but still remain your affectionate husband.
+    Mr. Still please defore this piece out if you please
+
+    SAMUEL WASHINGTON JOHNSON.
+
+
+Whether Samuel ever met with the opportunity of communicating with his
+wife, the writer cannot say. But of all the trials which Slaves had to
+endure, the separations of husbands and wives were the most difficult to
+bear up under. Although feeling keenly the loss of his wife, Samuel's
+breast swelled with the thought of freedom, as will be seen from the
+letter which he wrote immediately after landing in Canada:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINE, UPPER CANADA WEST.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL:--I am now in safety. I arrived at home safe
+    on the 11th inst at 12 o'clock M. So I hope that you will now
+    take it upon yourself to inform me something of that letter I
+    left at your house that night when I left there and write me
+    word how you are and how is your wife. I wish you may excuse
+    this letter for I am so full that I cannot express my mind at
+    all. I am only got $1.50 and I feel as if I had an independent
+    fortune but I don't want you to think that I am going to be idle
+    because I am on free ground and I shall always work though I am
+    not got nothing to do at present. Direct your letter to the post
+    office as soon as possible.
+
+    SAMUEL W. JOHNSON.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+FAMILY FROM BALTIMORE.
+
+
+STEPHEN AMOS, _alias_ HENRY JOHNSON, HARRIET, _alias_ MARY JANE JOHNSON
+(man and wife), and their four children, ANN REBECCA, WM. H., ELIZABETH
+and MARY ELLEN. Doubtless, in the eyes of a Slaveholder, a more
+"likely-looking" family could not readily be found in Baltimore, than
+the one to be now briefly noticed. The mother and her children were
+owned by a young slave-holder, who went by the name of William Giddings,
+and resided in Prince George's county, Md. Harriet acknowledged, that
+she had been treated "tolerably well in earlier days" for one in her
+condition; but, as in so many instances in the experience of Slaves,
+latterly, times had changed with her and she was compelled to serve
+under a new master who oft-times treated her "very severely." On one
+occasion, seven years previously, a brother of her owner for a trifling
+offence struck and kicked her so brutally, that she was immediately
+thrown into a fit of sickness, which lasted "all one summer"--from this
+she finally recovered.
+
+On another occasion, about one year previous to her escape, she was
+seized by her owner and thrust into prison to be sold. In this instance
+the interference of the Uncle of Harriet's master saved her from the
+auction block. The young master, was under age, and at the same time
+under the guardianship of his Uncle. The young master had early acquired
+an ardent taste for fast horses, gambling, etc. Harriet felt, that her
+chances for the future in the hands of such a brutal master could not be
+other than miserable. Her husband had formerly been owned by John S.
+Giddings, who was said to have been a "mild man." He had allowed Stephen
+(her husband) to buy himself, and for eighteen months prior to the
+flight, he had been what was called a free man. It should also be
+further stated in justice to Stephen's master, that he was so disgusted
+with the manner in which Stephen's wife was treated, that he went so far
+as to counsel Stephen to escape with his wife and children. Here at
+least is one instance where a Maryland slave-holder lends his influence
+to the Underground Rail Road cause. The counsel was accepted, and the
+family started on their perilous flight. And although they necessarily
+had manifest trials and difficulties to discourage and beset them, they
+battled bravely with all these odds and reached the Vigilance Committee
+safely. Harriet was a bright mulatto, with marked features of character,
+and well made, with good address and quite intelligent. She was about
+twenty-six years of age. The children also were remarkably fine-looking
+little creatures, but too young to know the horrors of Slavery. The
+Committee at once relieved them of their heavy load of anxiety by
+cheering words and administering to their necessities with regard to
+food, money, etc. After the family had somewhat recovered from the
+fatigue and travel-worn condition in which they arrived, and were
+prepared to resume their journey, the Committee gave them the strictest
+caution with regard to avoiding slave-hunters, and also in reference to
+such points on the road where they would be most in danger of going
+astray from a lack of knowledge of the way. Then, with indescribable
+feelings of sympathy, free tickets were tendered them, and they having
+been conducted to the depot, were sent on their way rejoicing.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ELIJAH HILTON.
+
+
+FROM RICHMOND.
+
+
+After many years of hard toiling for the support of others, the yoke
+pressed so heavily upon Elijah's shoulders, that he could not endure
+Slave life any longer. In the hope of getting rid of his bondage, by
+dexterous management and a resolute mind, which most determined and
+thoughtful men exercise when undertaking to accomplish great objects, he
+set about contriving to gain his freedom. In proof of Elijah's
+truthfulness, the advertisement of Mr. R.J. Christians is here offered,
+as taken from a Richmond paper, about the time that Elijah passed
+through Philadelphia on the Underground Rail Road, in 1857.
+
+
+    RAN AWAY--$500 REWARD.--Left the Tobacco Factory of the
+    subscriber on the 14th inst., on the pretence of being sick, a
+    mulatto man, named ELIJAH, the property of Maj. Edward Johnson,
+    of Chesterfield county. He is about 5 feet 8 or 10 inches high,
+    spare made, bushy hair, and very genteel appearance; he is
+    supposed to be making his way North. The above reward will be
+    paid if delivered at my factory.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    Ro. J. CHRISTIANS.
+
+    jy 21--ts.
+
+
+From his infancy up to the hour of his escape, not a breath of free air
+had he ever been permitted to breathe. He was first owned by Mrs.
+Caroline Johnson, "a stingy widow, the owner of about fifty slaves, and
+a member of Dr. Plummer's church." Elijah, at her death, was willed to
+her son, Major Johnson, who was in the United States service. Elijah
+spoke of him as a "favorable man," but added, "I'd rather be free. I
+believe I can treat myself better than he can or anybody else." For the
+last nineteen years he had been hired out, sometimes as waiter,
+sometimes in a tobacco factory, and for five years in the _Coal Mines_.
+
+At the mines he was treated very brutally, but at Cornelius Hall's
+Tobacco factory, the suffering he had to endure seems almost incredible.
+The poor fellow, with the scars upon his person and the unmistakable
+earnestness of his manner, only needed to be seen and heard to satisfy
+the most incredulous of the truth of his story. For refusing to be
+flogged, one time at Hall's Factory, the overseer, in a rage, "took up a
+hickory club" and laid his head "open on each side." Overpowered and
+wounded, he was stripped naked and compelled to receive THREE HUNDRED
+LASHES, by which he was literally excoriated from head to foot. For six
+months afterwards he was "laid up." Last year he was hired out for "one
+hundred and eighty dollars," out of which he "received but five
+dollars." This year he brought "one hundred and ninety dollars." Up to
+the time he escaped, he had received "two dollars," and the promise of
+"more at Christmas." Left brothers and sisters, all ignorant of his way
+of escape. The following pass brought away by Elijah speaks for itself,
+and will doubtless be interesting to some of our readers who are
+ignorant of what used to be Republican usages in the "land of the Free."
+
+
+    RICHMOND, July 3d, 1857.
+
+    Permit the Bearer _Elijah_ to pass to and from my FACTORY, to
+    _Frederick Williams, In the Vallie_, for one month, untill 11
+    o'clock at night.
+
+    By _A.B. Wells_,
+
+    R.J. CHRISTIAN.
+
+
+    [PINE APPLE FACTORY.]
+
+
+As usual, the Vigilance Committee tendered aid to Elijah, and forwarded
+him on to Canada, whence he wrote back as follows:
+
+
+    TORONTO, Canada West, July 28. Dear friend in due respect to
+    your humanity and nobility I now take my pen in hand to inform
+    you of my health. I am enjoying a reasonable proportion of
+    health at this time and hope when these few lines come to hand
+    they may find you and family the same dear Sir I am in Toronto
+    and are working at my ole branch of business with meny of my
+    friends. I want you to send those to toronto to Mr Tueharts on
+    Edward St what I have been talking about is my Clothes I came
+    from Richmond Va and expect my things to come to you. So when
+    they come to you then you will send them to Jesse Tuehart Edward
+    St no 43.
+
+    I must close by saying I have no more at present. I still remain
+    your brother,
+
+    ELIJAH HILTON.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SOLOMON BROWN.
+
+
+ARRIVED PER CITY OF RICHMOND.
+
+
+This candidate for Canada managed to secure a private berth on the
+steamship City of Richmond. He was thus enabled to leave his old
+mistress, Mary A. Ely, in Norfolk, the place of her abode, and the field
+of his servitude. Solomon was only twenty-two years of age, rather under
+the medium size, dark color, and of much natural ability. He viewed
+Slavery as a great hardship, and for a length of time had been watching
+for an opportunity to free himself. He had been in the habit of hiring
+his time of his mistress, for which he paid ten dollars per month. This
+amount failed to satisfy the mistress, as she was inclined to sell him
+to North Carolina, where Slave stock, at that time, was commanding high
+prices. The idea of North Carolina and a new master made Solomon rather
+nervous, and he was thereby prompted to escape. On reaching the
+Committee he manifested very high appreciation of the attention paid
+him, and after duly resting for a day, he was sent on his way rejoicing.
+Seven days after leaving Philadelphia, he wrote back from Canada as
+follows:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, Feb. 20th, 1854.
+
+    MR. STILL--DEAR SIR:--It is with great pleasure that I have to
+    inform you, that I have arrived safe in a land of freedom.
+    Thanks to kind friends that helped me here. Thank God that I am
+    treading on free soil. I expect to go to work to-morrow in a
+    steam factory.
+
+    I would like to have you, if it is not too much trouble, see Mr.
+    Minhett, the steward on the boat that I came out on, when he
+    gets to Norfolk, to go to the place where my clothes are, and
+    bring them to you, and you direct them to the care of Rev. Hiram
+    Wilson, St. Catharines, Niagara District, Canada West, by
+    rail-road via Suspension Bridge. You mentioned if I saw Mr.
+    Foreman. I was to deliver a message--he is not here. I saw two
+    yesterday in church, from Norfolk, that I had known there. You
+    will send my name, James Henry, as you knew me by that name;
+    direct my things to James Henry. My love to your wife and
+    children.
+
+    Yours Respectfully,
+
+    SOLOMON BROWN.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM HOGG, ALIAS JOHN SMITH.
+
+
+TRAVELER FROM MARYLAND.
+
+
+William fled from Lewis Roberts, who followed farming in Baltimore
+county, Md. In speaking of him, William gave him the character of being
+a "fierce and rough man," who owned nine head of slaves. Two of
+William's sisters were held by Roberts, when he left. His excuse for
+running away was, "ill-treatment." In traveling North, he walked to
+Columbia (in Pennsylvania), and there took the cars for Philadelphia.
+The Committee took charge of him, and having given him the usual aid,
+sent him hopefully on his way. After safely reaching Canada, the thought
+of his wife in a land of bondage, pressed so deeply upon his mind, that
+he was prompted to make an effort to rescue her. The following letter,
+written on his behalf by the Rev. H. Wilson, indicates his feelings and
+wishes with regard to her:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, Canada West, 24th July, 1854.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:--Your encouraging letter, to John
+    Smith, was duly received by him, and I am requested to write
+    again on his behalf. His colored friend in Baltimore county, who
+    would favor his designs, is Thomas Cook, whom he wishes you to
+    address, Baltimore post-office, care of Mr. Thomas Spicer.
+
+    He has received a letter from Thomas Cook, dated the 6th of
+    June, but it was a long time reaching him. He wishes you to say
+    to Cook, that he got his letter, and that he would like to have
+    him call on his wife and make known to her, that he is in good
+    health, doing well here, and would like to have her come on as
+    soon as she can.
+
+    As she is a free woman, there will, doubtless, be no difficulty
+    in her coming right through. He is working in the neighborhood
+    of St. Catharines, but twelve miles from Niagara Falls. You will
+    please recollect to address Thomas Cook, in the care of Thomas
+    Spicer, Baltimore Post-office. Smith's wife is at, or near the
+    place he came from, and, doubtless, Thomas Cook knows all about
+    her condition and circumstances. Please write again to John
+    Smith, in my care, if you please, and request Thomas Cook to do
+    the same.
+
+    Very respectfully yours in the cause of philanthropy.
+
+    HIRAM WILSON.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+TWO FEMALE PASSENGERS FEOM MARYLAND.
+
+
+As the way of travel, _via_ the Underground Rail Road, under the most
+favorable circumstances, even for the sterner sex, was hard enough to
+test the strongest nerves, and to try the faith of the bravest of the
+brave, every woman, who won her freedom, by this perilous undertaking,
+deserves commemoration. It is, therefore, a pleasure to thus transfer
+from the old Record book the names of Ann Johnson and Lavina Woolfley,
+who fled from Maryland in 1857. Their lives, however, had not been in
+any way very remarkable. Ann was tall, and of a dark chestnut color,
+with an intelligent countenance, and about twenty-four years of age. She
+had filled various situations as a Slave. Sometimes she was required to
+serve in the kitchen, at other times she was required to toil in the
+field, with the plow, hoe, and the like. Samuel Harrington, of Cambridge
+District, Maryland, was the name of the man for whose benefit Ann
+labored during her younger days. She had no hesitation in saying, that
+he was a very "ill-natured man;" he however, was a member of the "old
+time Methodist Church." In Slave property he had invested only to the
+extent of some five or six head. About three years previous to Ann's
+escape, one of her brothers fled and went to Canada. This circumstance
+so enraged the owner, that he declared he would "sell all" he owned.
+Accordingly Ann was soon put on the auction block, and was bought by a
+man who went by the name of William Moore. Moore was a married man, who,
+with his wife, was addicted to intemperance and carousing. Ann found
+that she had simply got "out of the fire into the frying-pan." She was
+really at a loss to tell when her lot was the harder, whether under the
+"rum drinker," or the old time Methodist. In this state of mind she
+decided to leave all and go to Canada, the refuge for the fleeing
+bondman. Lavina, Ann's companion, was the wife of James Woolfley. She
+and her husband set out together, with six others, and were of the party
+of eight who were betrayed into Dover jail, as has already been
+described in these pages. After fighting their way out of the jail, they
+separated (for prudential reasons). The husband of Lavina, immediately
+after the conflict at the jail, passed on to Canada, leaving his wife
+under the protection of friends. Since that time several months had
+elapsed, but of each other nothing had been known, before she received
+information on her arrival at Philadelphia. The Committee was glad to
+inform her, that her husband had safely passed on to Canada, and that
+she would be aided on also, where they could enjoy freedom in a free
+country.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN F. AND THE MAYOR OF NORFOLK.
+
+
+TWENTY-ONE PASSENGERS SECRETED IN A BOAT. NOVEMBER, 1855.
+
+
+CAPTAIN F. was certainly no ordinary man. Although he had been living a
+sea-faring life for many years, and the marks of this calling were
+plainly enough visible in his manners and speech, he was, nevertheless,
+unlike the great mass of this class of men, not addicted to intemperance
+and profanity. On the contrary, he was a man of thought, and possessed,
+in a large measure, those humane traits of character which lead men to
+sympathize with suffering humanity wherever met with.
+
+It must be admitted, however, that the first impressions gathered from a
+hasty survey of his rough and rugged appearance, his large head, large
+mouth, large eyes, and heavy eye-brows, with a natural gift at keeping
+concealed the inner-workings of his mind and feelings, were not
+calculated to inspire the belief, that he was fitted to be entrusted
+with the lives of unprotected females, and helpless children; that he
+could take pleasure in risking his own life to rescue them from the hell
+of Slavery; that he could deliberately enter the enemy's domain, and
+with the faith of a martyr, face the dread slave-holder, with his
+Bowie-knives and revolvers--Slave-hunters, and blood-hounds, lynchings,
+and penitentiaries, for humanity's sake. But his deeds proved him to be
+a true friend of the Slave; whilst his skill, bravery, and success
+stamped him as one of the most daring and heroic Captains ever connected
+with the Underground Rail Road cause.
+
+At the time he was doing most for humanity in rescuing bondsmen from
+Slavery, Slave-laws were actually being the most rigidly executed. To
+show mercy, in any sense, to man or woman, who might be caught assisting
+a poor Slave to flee from the prison-house, was a matter not to be
+thought of in Virginia. This was perfectly well understood by Captain
+F.; indeed he did not hesitate to say, that his hazardous operations
+might any day result in the "sacrifice" of his life. But on this point
+he seemed to give himself no more concern than he would have done to
+know which way the wind would blow the next day. He had his own
+convictions about dying and the future, and he declared, that he had "no
+fear of death," however it might come. Still, he was not disposed to be
+reckless or needlessly to imperil his life, or the lives of those he
+undertook to aid. Nor was he averse to receiving compensation for his
+services. In Richmond, Norfolk, Petersburg, and other places where he
+traded, many slaves were fully awake to their condition. The great slave
+sales were the agencies that served to awaken a large number. Then the
+various mechanical trades were necessarily given to the Slaves, for the
+master had no taste for "greasy, northern mechanics." Then, again, the
+stores had to be supplied with porters, draymen, etc., from the slave
+population. In the hearts of many of the more intelligent amongst the
+slaves, the men, as mechanics, etc., the women, as dress-makers,
+chamber-maids, etc., notwithstanding all the opposition and hard laws,
+the spirit of Freedom was steadily burning. Many of the slaves were half
+brothers, and sisters, cousins, nephews, and nieces to their owners, and
+of course "blood would tell."
+
+It was only necessary for the fact to be made known to a single reliable
+and intelligent slave, that a man with a boat running North had the love
+of Freedom for all mankind in his bosom to make that man an object of
+the greatest interest. If an angel had appeared amongst them doubtless
+his presence would not have inspired greater anxiety and hope than did
+the presence of Captain F. The class most anxious to obtain freedom
+could generally manage to acquire some means which they would willingly
+offer to captains or conductors in the South for such assistance as was
+indispensable to their escape. Many of the slaves learned if they could
+manage to cross Mason and Dixon's line, even though they might be
+utterly destitute and penniless, that they would then receive aid and
+protection from the Vigilance Committee. Here it may be well to state
+that, whilst the Committee gladly received and aided all who might come
+or be brought to them, they never employed agents or captains to go into
+the South with a view of enticing or running off slaves. So when
+captains operated, they did so with the full understanding that they
+alone were responsible for any failures attending their movements.
+
+The way is now clear to present Captain F. with his schooner lying at
+the wharf in Norfolk, loading with wheat, and at the same time with
+twenty-one fugitives secreted therein. While the boat was thus lying at
+her mooring, the rumor was flying all over town that a number of slaves
+had escaped, which created a general excitement a degree less, perhaps,
+than if the citizens had been visited by an earthquake. The mayor of the
+city with a posse of officers with axes and long spears repaired to
+Captain F.'s boat. The fearless commander received his Honor very
+coolly, and as gracefully as the circumstances would admit. The mayor
+gave him to understand who he was, and by what authority he appeared on
+the boat, and what he meant to do. "Very well," replied Captain F.,
+"here I am and this is my boat, go ahead and search." His Honor with his
+deputies looked quickly around, and then an order went forth from the
+mayor to "spear the wheat thoroughly." The deputies obeyed the command
+with alacrity. But the spears brought neither blood nor groans, and the
+sagacious mayor obviously concluded that he was "barking up the wrong
+tree." But the mayor was not there for nothing. "Take the axes and go to
+work," was the next order; and the axe was used with terrible effect by
+one of the deputies. The deck and other parts of the boat were chopped
+and split; no greater judgment being exercised when using the axe than
+when spearing the wheat; Captain F. all the while wearing an air of
+utter indifference or rather of entire composure. Indeed every step they
+took proved conclusively that they were wholly ignorant with regard to
+boat searching. At this point, with remarkable shrewdness, Captain F.
+saw wherein he could still further confuse them by a bold strategical
+move. As though about out of patience with the mayor's blunders, the
+captain instantly reminded his Honor that he had "stood still long
+enough" while his boat was being "damaged, chopped up," &c. "Now if you
+want to search," continued he, "give me the axe, and then point out the
+spot you want opened and I will open it for you very quick." While
+uttering these words he presented, as he was capable of doing, an
+indignant and defiant countenance, and intimated that it mattered not
+where or when a man died provided he was in the right, and as though he
+wished to give particularly strong emphasis to what he was saying, he
+raised the axe, and brought it down edge foremost on the deck with
+startling effect, at the same time causing the splinters to fly from the
+boards. The mayor and his posse seemed, if not dreadfully frightened,
+completely confounded, and by the time Captain F. had again brought down
+his axe with increased power, demanding where they would have him open,
+they looked as though it was time for them to retire, and in a few
+minutes after they actually gave up the search and left the boat without
+finding a soul. Daniel in the lions' den was not safer than were the
+twenty-one passengers secreted on Captain F.'s boat. The law had been
+carried out with a vengeance, but did not avail with this skilled
+captain. The "five dollars" were paid for being searched, the amount
+which was lawfully required of every captain sailing from Virginia. And
+the captain steered direct for the City of Brotherly Love. The wind of
+heaven favoring the good cause, he arrived safely in due time, and
+delivered his precious freight in the vicinity of Philadelphia within
+the reach of the Vigilance Committee. The names of the passengers were
+as follows:
+
+[Illustration: Mayor and Police of Norfolk on Capt. Fountain's
+schooner.]
+
+ALAN TATUM, DANIEL CARR, MICHAEL VAUGHN, THOMAS NIXON, FREDERICK NIXON,
+PETER PETTY, NATHANIEL GARDENER, JOHN BROWN, THOMAS FREEMAN, JAMES
+FOSTER, GODFREY SCOTT, WILLIS WILSON, NANCY LITTLE, JOHN SMITH, FRANCIS
+HAINES, DAVID JOHNSON, PHILLIS GAULT, ALICE JONES, NED WILSON, and SARAH
+C. WILSON, and one other, who subsequently passed on, having been
+detained on account of sickness. These passengers were most
+"likely-looking articles;" a number of them, doubtless, would have
+commanded the very highest prices in the Richmond market. Among them
+were some good mechanics--one excellent dress-maker, some "prime"
+waiters and chambermaids;--men and women with brains, some of them
+evincing remarkable intelligence and decided bravery, just the kind of
+passengers that gave the greatest satisfaction to the Vigilance
+Committee. The interview with these passengers was extremely
+interesting. Each one gave his or her experience of Slavery, the escape,
+etc., in his or her own way, deeply impressing those who had the
+privilege of seeing and hearing them, with the fact of the growing
+spirit of Liberty, and the wonderful perception and intelligence
+possessed by some of the sons of toil in the South. While all the names
+of these passengers were duly entered on the Underground Rail Road
+records, the number was too large, and the time they spent with the
+attempts to escape were made by Daniel, after being sold to North
+Carolina; for this offence, he was on one occasion stripped naked, and
+flogged severely. This did not cure him. Prior to his joining Captain
+F.'s party, he had fled to the swamps, and dwelt there for three months,
+surrounded with wild animals and reptiles, and it was this state of
+solitude that he left directly before finding Captain F. Daniel had a
+wife in Portsmouth, to whom he succeeded in paying a private visit,
+when, to his unspeakable joy, he made the acquaintance of the noble
+Captain F., whose big heart was delighted to give him a passage North.
+Daniel, after being sold, had been allowed, within the two years, only
+one opportunity of visiting his wife; being thus debarred he resolved to
+escape. His wife, whose name was Hannah, had three
+children--slaves--their names were Sam, Dan, and "baby." The name of the
+latter was unknown to him.
+
+MICHAEL VAUGHN. Michael was about thirty-one years of age, with superior
+physical proportions, and no lack of common sense. His color was without
+paleness--dark and unfading, and his manly appearance was quite
+striking. Michael belonged to a lady, whom he described as a "very
+disagreeable woman." "For all my life I have belonged to her, but for
+the last eight years I have hired my time. I paid my mistress $120 a
+year; a part of the time I had to find my board and all my clothing."
+This was the direct, and unequivocal testimony that Michael gave of his
+slave life, which was the foundation for alleging that his mistress was
+a "very disagreeable woman."
+
+Michael left a wife and one child in Slavery; but they were not owned by
+his mistress. Before escaping, he felt afraid to lead his companion into
+the secret of his contemplated movements, as he felt, that there was no
+possible way for him to do anything for her deliverance; on the other
+hand, any revelation of the matter might prove too exciting for the poor
+soul;--her name was Esther. That he did not lose his affection for her
+whom he was obliged to leave so unceremoniously, is shown by the
+appended letter:
+
+
+    NEW BEDFORD, August 22d, 1855.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I send you this to inform you that I expect my wife
+    to come that way. If she should, you will direct her to me. When
+    I came through your city last Fall, you took my name in your
+    office, which was then given you, Michael Vaughn; since then my
+    name is William Brown, No. 130 Kempton street. Please give my
+    wife and child's name to Dr. Lundy, and tell him to attend to it
+    for me. Her name is Esther, and the child's name Louisa.
+
+    Truly yours,
+
+    WILLIAM BROWN.
+
+
+Michael worked in a foundry. In church fellowship he was connected with
+the Methodists--his mistress with the Baptists.
+
+THOMAS NIXON was about nineteen years of age, of a dark hue, and quite
+intelligent. He had not much excuse to make for leaving, except, that he
+was "tired of staying" with his "owner," as he "feared he might be sold
+some day," so he "thought" that he might as well save him the trouble.
+Thomas belonged to a Mr. Bockover, a wholesale grocer, No. 12 Brewer
+street. Thomas left behind him his mother and three brothers. His father
+was sold away when he was an infant, consequently he never saw him.
+Thomas was a member of the Methodist Church; his master was of the same
+persuasion.
+
+FREDERICK NIXON was about thirty-three years of age, and belonged truly
+to the wide-awake class of slaves, as his marked physical and mental
+appearance indicated. He had a more urgent excuse for escaping than
+Thomas; he declared that he fled because, his owner wanted "to work him
+hard without allowing him any chance, and had treated him rough."
+Frederick was also one of Mr. Bockover's chattels; he left his wife,
+Elizabeth, with four children in bondage. They were living in Eatontown,
+North Carolina. It had been almost one year since he had seen them. Had
+he remained in Norfolk he had not the slightest prospect of being
+reunited to his wife and children, as he had been already separated from
+them for about three years. This painful state of affairs only increased
+his desire to leave those who were brutal enough to make such havoc in
+his domestic relations.
+
+PETER PETTY was about twenty-four years of age, and wore a happy
+countenance; he was a person of agreeable manners, and withal pretty
+smart. He acknowledged, that he had been owned by Joseph Boukley, Hair
+Inspector. Peter did not give Mr. Boukley a very good character,
+however; he said, that Mr. B. was "rowdyish in his habits, was deceitful
+and sly, and would sell his slaves any time. Hard bondage--something
+like the children of Israel," was his simple excuse for fleeing. He
+hired his time of his master, for which he was compelled to pay $156 a
+year. When he lost time by sickness or rainy weather, he was required to
+make up the deficiency, also find his clothing. He left a
+wife--Lavinia--and one child, Eliza, both slaves. Peter communicated to
+his wife his secret intention to leave, and she acquiesced in his going.
+He left his parents also. All his sisters and brothers had been sold.
+Peter would have been sold too, but his owner was under the impression,
+that he was "too good a Christian" to violate the laws by running away.
+Peter's master was quite a devoted Methodist, and was attached to the
+same Church with Peter. While on the subject of religion, Peter was
+asked about the kind and character of preaching that he had been
+accustomed to hear; whereupon he gave the following graphic specimen:
+"Servants obey your masters; good servants make good masters;  when your
+mistress speaks to you don't pout out your mouths; when you want to go
+to church ask your mistress and master," etc., etc. Peter declared, that
+he had never heard but one preacher speak against slavery, and that "one
+was obliged to leave suddenly for the North." He said, that a Quaker
+lady spoke in meeting against Slavery one day, which resulted in an
+outbreak, and final breaking up of the meeting.
+
+PHILLIS GAULT. Phillis was a widow, about thirty years of age; the blood
+of two races flowed in about equal proportions through her veins. Such
+was her personal appearance, refinement, manners, and intelligence, that
+had the facts of her slave life been unknown, she would have readily
+passed for one who had possessed superior advantages. But the facts in
+her history proved, that she had been made to feel very keenly the
+horrifying effects of Slavery; not in the field, for she had never
+worked there; nor as a common drudge, for she had always been required
+to fill higher spheres; she was a dress-maker--but not without fear of
+the auction block. This dreaded destiny was the motive which constrained
+her to escape with the twenty others; secreted in the hold of a vessel
+expressly arranged for bringing away slaves. Death had robbed her of her
+husband at the time that the fever raged so fearfully in Norfolk. This
+sad event deprived her of the hope she had of being purchased by her
+husband, as he had intended. She was haunted by the constant thought of
+again being sold, as she had once been, and as she had witnessed the
+sale of her sister's four children after the death of their mother.
+
+Phillis was, to use her own striking expression in a state of "great
+horror;" she felt, that nothing would relieve her but freedom. After
+having fully pondered the prospect of her freedom and the only mode
+offered by which she could escape, she consented to endure bravely
+whatever of suffering and trial might fall to her lot in the
+undertaking--and as was the case with thousands of others, she
+succeeded. She remained several days in the family of a member of the
+Committee in Philadelphia, favorably impressing all who saw her. As she
+had formed a very high opinion of Boston, from having heard it so
+thoroughly reviled in Norfolk, she desired to go there. The Committee
+made no objections, gave her a free ticket, etc. From that time to the
+present, she has ever sustained a good Christian character, and as an
+industrious, upright, and intelligent woman, she has been and is highly
+respected by all who know her. The following letter is characteristic of
+her:
+
+
+    BOSTON, March 22, 1858.
+
+    MY DEAR SIR--I received your photograph by Mr Cooper and it
+    afforded me much pleasure to do so i hope that these few lines
+    may find you and your family well as it leaves me and little
+    Dicky at present i have no interesting news to tell you more
+    than there is a great revival of religion through the land i all
+    most forgoten to thank you for your kindness and our little Dick
+    he is very wild and goes to school and it is my desire and
+    prayer for him to grow up a useful man i wish you would try to
+    gain some information from Norfolk and write me word how the
+    times are there for i am afraid to write. i wish yoo would see
+    the Doctor for me and ask him if he could carefully find out any
+    way that we could steal little Johny for i think to raise nine
+    or ten hundred dollars for such a child is outraigust. just at
+    this time i feel as if i would rather steal him than to buy him.
+    give my kinde regards to the Dr and his family tell Miss Margret
+    and Mrs Landy that i would like to see them out here this summer
+    again to have a nice time in Cambridge Miss Walker that spent
+    the evening with me in Cambridge sens much love to yoo and Mrs.
+    Landy give my kindes regards to Mrs Still and children and
+    receive a portion for yoo self. i have no more to say at present
+    but remain yoor respectfully.
+
+    FLARECE P. GAULT.
+
+    When you write direct yoo letters Mrs. Flarece P. Gault, No 62
+    Pinkney St.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVALS FROM DIFFERENT PLACES.
+
+
+MATILDA MAHONEY,--DR. J.W. PENNINGTON'S BROTHER AND SONS CAPTURED AND
+CARRIED BACK.
+
+While many sympathized with the slave in his chains, and freely wept
+over his destiny, or gave money to help buy his freedom, but few could
+be found who were willing to take the risk of going into the South, and
+standing face to face with Slavery, in order to conduct a panting slave
+to freedom. The undertaking was too fearful to think of in most cases.
+But there were instances when men and women too, moved by the love of
+freedom, would take their lives in their hands, beard the lion in his
+den, and nobly rescue the oppressed. Such an instance is found in the
+case of Matilda Mahoney, in Baltimore.
+
+The story of Matilda must be very brief, although it is full of
+thrilling interest. She was twenty-one years of age in 1854, when she
+escaped and came to Philadelphia, a handsome young woman, of a light
+complexion, quite refined in her manners, and in short, possessing great
+personal attractions. But her situation as a slave was critical, as will
+be seen.
+
+Her claimant was Wm. Rigard, of Frederick, Md., who hired her to a Mr.
+Reese, in Baltimore; in this situation her duties were general housework
+and nursing. With these labors, she was not, however, so much
+dissatisfied as she was with other circumstances of a more alarming
+nature: her old master was tottering on the verge of the grave, and his
+son, a trader in New Orleans. These facts kept Matilda in extreme
+anxiety. For two years prior to her escape, the young trader had been
+trying to influence his father to let him have her for the Southern
+market; but the old man had not consented. Of course the trader knew
+quite well, that an "article" of her appearance would command readily a
+very high price in the New Orleans market. But Matilda's attractions had
+won the heart of a young man in the North, one who had known her in
+Baltimore in earlier days, and this lover was willing to make desperate
+efforts to rescue her from her perilous situation. Whether or not he had
+nerve enough to venture down to Baltimore to accompany his intended away
+on the Underground Rail Road, his presence would not have aided in the
+case. He had, however, a friend who consented to go to Baltimore on this
+desperate mission. The friend was James Jefferson, of Providence, R.I.
+With the strategy of a skilled soldier, Mr. Jefferson hurried to the
+Monumental City, and almost under the eyes of the slave-holders, and
+slave-catchers, despite of pro slavery breastworks, seized his prize and
+speeded her away on the Underground Railway, before her owner was made
+acquainted with the fact of her intended escape. On Matilda's arrival at
+the station in Philadelphia, several other passengers from different
+points, happened to come to hand just at that time, and gave great
+solicitude and anxiety to the Committee. Among these were a man and his
+wife and their four children, (noticed elsewhere), from Maryland.
+Likewise an interesting and intelligent young girl who had been almost
+miraculously rescued from the prison-house at Norfolk, and in addition
+to these, the brother of J.W. Pennington, D.D., with his two sons.
+
+While it was a great gratification to have travelers coming along so
+fast, and especially to observe in every countenance, determination,
+rare manly and womanly bearing, with remarkable intelligence, it must be
+admitted, that the acting committee felt at the same time, a very lively
+dread of the slave-hunters, and were on their guard. Arrangements were
+made to send the fugitives on by different trains, and in various
+directions. Matilda and all the others with the exception of the father
+and two sons (relatives of Dr. Pennington) successfully escaped and
+reached their longed-for haven in a free land. The Penningtons, however,
+although pains had been taken to apprize the Doctor of the good news of
+the coming of his kin, whom he had not seen for many, many years, were
+captured after being in New York some twenty-four hours. In answer to an
+advisory letter from the secretary of the Committee the following from
+the Doctor is explicit, relative to his wishes and feelings with regard
+to their being sent on to New York.
+
+
+    29 6th AVENUE, NEW YORK, May 24th, 1854.
+
+    MY DEAR MR. STILL:--Your kind letter of the 22d inst has come to
+    hand and I have to thank you for your offices of benevolence to
+    my bone and my flesh, I have had the pleasure of doing a little
+    for your brother Peter, but I do not think it an offset. My
+    burden has been great about these brethren. I hope they have
+    started on to me. Many thanks, my good friend.
+
+    Yours Truly.
+
+    J.W.C. PENNINGTON.
+
+
+This letter only served to intensify the deep interest which had already
+been awakened for the safety of all concerned. At the same time also it
+made the duty of the Committee clear with regard to forwarding them to
+N.Y. Immediately, therefore, the Doctor's brother and sons were
+furnished with free tickets and were as carefully cautioned as possible
+with regard to slave-hunters, if encountered on the road. In company
+with several other Underground Rail Road passengers, under the care of
+an intelligent guide, all were sent off in due order, looking quite as
+well as the most respectable of their race from any part of the country.
+The Committee in New York, with the Doctor, were on the look out of
+course; thus without difficulty all arrived safely in the Empire City.
+
+It would seem that the coming of his brother and sons so overpowered the
+Doctor that he forgot how imminent their danger was. The meeting and
+interview was doubtless very joyous. Few perhaps could realize, even in
+imagination, the feelings that filled their hearts, as the Doctor and
+his brother reverted to their boyhood, when they were both slaves
+together in Maryland; the separation--the escape of the former many
+years previous--the contrast, one elevated to the dignity of a Doctor of
+Divinity, a scholar and noted clergyman, and as such well known in the
+United States, and Great Britain, whilst, at the same time, his brother
+and kin were held in chains, compelled to do unrequited labor, to come
+and go at the bidding of another. Were not these reflections enough to
+incapacitate the Doctor for the time being, for cool thought as to how
+he should best guard against the enemy? Indeed, in view of Slavery and
+its horrid features, the wonder is, not that more was not done, but that
+any thing was done, that the victims were not driven almost out of their
+senses. But time rolled on until nearly twenty-four hours had passed,
+and while reposing their fatigued and weary limbs in bed, just before
+day-break, hyena-like the slave-hunters pounced upon all three of them,
+and soon had them hand-cuffed and hurried off to a United States'
+Commissioner's office. Armed with the Fugitive Law, and a strong guard
+of officers to carry it out, resistance would have been simply useless.
+Ere the morning sun arose the sad news was borne by the telegraph wires
+to all parts of the country of this awful calamity on the Underground
+Rail Road.
+
+Scarcely less painful to the Committee was the news of this accident,
+than the news of a disaster, resulting in the loss of several lives, on
+the Camden and Amboy Road, would have been to its managers. This was the
+first accident that had ever taken place on the road after passengers
+had reached the Philadelphia Committee, although, in various instances,
+slave-hunters had been within a hair's breadth of their prey.
+
+All that was reported respecting the arrest and return of the Doctor's
+kin, so disgraceful to Christianity and civilization, is taken from the
+Liberator, as follows:
+
+
+    THREE FUGITIVE SLAVES ARRESTED IN NEW YORK, AND GIVEN UP TO
+    THEIR OWNERS.
+
+    NEW YORK, May 25th.
+
+    About three o'clock this morning, three colored men, father and
+    two sons, known as Jake, Bob, and Stephen Pennington, were
+    arrested at the instance of David Smith and Jacob Grove, of
+    Washington Co., Md., who claimed them as their slaves. They were
+    taken before Commissioner Morton, of the United States Court,
+    and it was understood that they would be examined at 11 o'clock;
+    instead of that, however, the case was heard at once, no persons
+    being present, when the claimnants testified that they were the
+    owners of said slaves and that they escaped from their service
+    at Baltimore, on Sunday last.
+
+    From what we can gather of the proceedings, the fugitives
+    acknowledged themselves to be slaves of Smith and Grove. The
+    commissioner considering the testimony sufficient, ordered their
+    surrender, and they were accordingly given up to their
+    claimants, who hurried them off at once, and they are now on
+    their way to Baltimore. A telegraph despatch has been sent to
+    Philadelphia, as it is understood an attempt will be made to
+    rescue the parties, when the cars arrive. There was no
+    excitement around the commissioner's office, owing to a
+    misunderstanding as to the time of examination. The men were
+    traced to this city by the claimants, who made application to
+    the United States Court, when officers Horton and De Angeles
+    were deputied by the marshal to effect their arrest, and those
+    officers, with deputy Marshal Thompson scoured the city, and
+    finally found them secreted in a house in Broome St. They were
+    brought before Commissioner Morton this morning. No counsel
+    appeared for the fugitives. The case being made out, the usual
+    affidavits of fear of rescue were made, and the warrants
+    thereupon issued, and the three fugitives were delivered over to
+    the U.S. Marshal, and hurried off to Maryland. They were a
+    father and his two sons, father about forty-five and sons
+    eighteen or nineteen. The evidence shows them to have recently
+    escaped. The father is the brother of the Rev. Dr. Pennington, a
+    highly respected colored preacher of this city.
+
+
+
+
+
+    NEW YORK, May 28.
+
+    Last evening the church at the corner of Prince and Marion
+    streets was filled with an intelligent audience of white and
+    colored people, to hear Dr. Pennington relate the circumstance
+    connected with the arrest of his brother and nephews. He showed,
+    that he attempted to afford his brother the assistance of
+    counsel, but was unable to do so, the officers at the Marshal's
+    office having deceived him in relation to the time the trial was
+    to take place before the Commissioners. Hon. E.F. Culver next
+    addressed the audience, showing, that a great injustice had been
+    done to the brother of Dr. Pennington, and though he, up to that
+    time, had advocated peace, he now had the spirit to tear down
+    the building over the Marshal's head. Intense interest was
+    manifested during the proceedings, and much sympathy in behalf
+    of Dr. Pennington.
+
+
+
+
+
+    THE FUGITIVE SLAVES IN BALTIMORE.
+
+    The U.S. Marshal, A.T. Hillyer, Esq., received a dispatch this
+    morning from officers Horton and Dellugelis, at Baltimore,
+    stating, that they had arrived there with the three slaves,
+    arrested here yesterday (the Penningtons), the owners
+    accompanying them. The officers will return to New York, this
+    evening.--_N.Y. Express_, 27_th_.
+
+
+
+
+
+    NEW YORK, May 30.
+
+    The Rev. Dr. Pennington has received a letter from Mr. Grove,
+    the claimant of his brother, who was recently taken back from
+    this city, offering to sell him to Dr. Pennington, should he
+    wish to buy him, and stating, that he would await a reply,
+    before "selling him to the slave-drivers." Mr. Groce, who
+    accompanied his "sweet heart," Matilda, in the same train which
+    conveyed the Penningtons to New York, had reason to apprehend
+    danger to all the Underground Rail Road passengers, as will
+    appear from his subjoined letter:
+
+
+        ELMIRA, May 28th.
+
+        DEAR LUKE:--I arrived home safe with my precious charge,
+        and found all well. I have just learned, that the
+        Penningtons are taken. Had he done as I wished him he
+        would never have been taken. Last night our tall friend
+        from Baltimore came, and caused great excitement here by
+        his information. The lady is perfectly safe now in
+        Canada. I will write you and Mr. Still as soon as I get
+        over the excitement. This letter was first intended for
+        Mr. Gains, but I now send it to you. Please let me hear
+        their movements.
+
+        Yours truly,
+
+        C.L. GROCE.
+
+
+
+But sadly as this blow was felt by the Vigilance Committee, it did not
+cause them to relax their efforts in the least. Indeed it only served to
+stir them up to renewed diligence and watchfulness, although for a
+length of time afterwards the Committee felt disposed, when sending, to
+avoid New York as much as possible, and in lieu thereof, to send _via_
+Elmira, where there was a depot under the agency of John W. Jones. Mr.
+Jones was a true and prompt friend of the fugitive, and wide-awake with
+regard to Slavery and slave-holders, and slave hunters, for he had known
+from sad experience in Virginia every trait of character belonging to
+these classes.
+
+In the midst of the Doctor's grief, friends of the slave soon raised
+money to purchase his brother, about $1,000; but the unfortunate sons
+were doomed to the auction block and the far South, where, the writer
+has never exactly learned.
+
+
+
+"FLEEING GIRL OF FIFTEEN," IN MALE ATTIRE.
+
+
+PROFESSORS H. AND T. OFFER THEIR SERVICES--CAPTAINS B. ALSO ARE
+ENLISTED--SLAVE-TRADER GRASPING TIGHTLY HIS PREY, BUT SHE IS
+RESCUED--LONG CONFLICT, BUT GREAT TRIUMPH--ARRIVAL ON THANKSGIVING DAY,
+NOV. 25, 1855. It was the business of the Vigilance Committee, as it was
+clearly understood by the friends of the Slave, to assist all needy
+fugitives, who might in any way manage to reach Philadelphia, but, for
+various reasons, not to send agents South to incite slaves to run away,
+or to assist them in so doing. Sometimes, however, this rule could not
+altogether be conformed to. Cases, in some instances, would appeal so
+loudly and forcibly to humanity, civilization, and Christianity, that it
+would really seem as if the very stones would cry out, unless something
+was done. As an illustration of this point, the story of the young girl,
+which is now to be related, will afford the most striking proof. At the
+same time it may be seen how much anxiety, care, hazard, delay and
+material aid, were required in order to effect the deliverance of some
+who were in close places, and difficult of access. It will be necessary
+to present a considerable amount of correspondence in this case, to
+bring to light the hidden mysteries of this narrative. The first letter,
+in explanation, is the following:
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM J. BIGELOW, ESQ.
+
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., June 27, 1854.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL--_Dear Sir_:--I have to thank you for the prompt
+    answer you had the kindness to give to my note of 22d inst.
+    Having found a correspondence so quick and easy, and withal so
+    very flattering, I address you again more fully.
+
+    The liberal appropriation for _transportation_ has been made
+    chiefly on account of a female child of ten or eleven years old,
+    for whose purchase I have been authorized to offer $700
+    (refused), and for whose sister I have paid $1,600, and some
+    $1,000 for their mother, &c.
+
+    This child sleeps in the same apartment with its master and
+    mistress, which adds to the difficulty of removal. She is some
+    ten or twelve miles from the city, so that really the chief
+    hazard will be in bringing her safely to town, and in secreting
+    her until a few days of _storm_ shall have abated. All this, I
+    think, is now provided for with entire safety.
+
+    The child has two cousins in the immediate vicinity; a young man
+    of some twenty-two years of age, and his sister, of perhaps
+    seventeen--_both Slaves_, but bright and clear-headed as
+    anybody. The young man I have seen often--the services of _both_
+    seem indispensable to the main object suggested; but having once
+    rendered the service, they cannot, and ought not return to
+    Slavery. They look for _freedom_ as the reward of what they
+    shall now do.
+
+    Out of the $300, cheerfully offered for the whole enterprise, I
+    must pay some reasonable sum for transportation to the city and
+    sustenance while here. It cannot be much; for the balance, I
+    shall give a draft, which will be _promptly paid_ on their
+    arrival in New York.
+
+    If I have been understood to offer the whole $300, _it shall be
+    paid_, though I have meant as above stated. Among the various
+    ways that have been suggested, has been that of taking _all of
+    them_ into the cars here; that, I think, will be found
+    impracticable. I find so much vigilance at the depot, that I
+    would not deem it safe, though, in any kind of carriage they
+    might leave in safety at any time.
+
+    All the rest I leave to the experience and sagacity of the
+    gentleman who maps out the enterprise.
+
+    Now I will thank you to reply to this and let me know that it
+    reaches you in safety, and is not put in a careless place,
+    whereby I may be endangered; and state also, whether all my
+    propositions are understood and acceptable, and whether, (pretty
+    quickly after I shall inform you that _all things are ready_),
+    the gentleman will make his appearance?
+
+    I live alone. My office and bed-room, &c., are at the corner of
+    E. and 7th streets, opposite the east end of the General Post
+    Office, where any one may call upon me.
+
+    It would, of course, be imprudent, that this letter, or any
+    other _written_ particulars, be in his pockets for fear of
+    accident.
+
+    Yours very respectfully,
+
+    J. BIGELOW.
+
+
+While this letter clearly brought to light the situation of things, its
+author, however, had scarcely begun to conceive of the numberless
+difficulties which stood in the way of success before the work could be
+accomplished. The information which Mr. Bigelow's letter contained of
+the painful situation of this young girl was submitted to different
+parties who could be trusted, with a view of finding a person who might
+possess sufficient courage to undertake to bring her away. Amongst those
+consulted were two or three captains who had on former occasions done
+good service in the cause. One of these captains was known in
+Underground Rail-Road circles as the "powder boy."[A] He was willing to
+undertake the work, and immediately concluded to make a visit to
+Washington, to see how the "land lay." Accordingly in company with
+another Underground Rail Road captain, he reported himself one day to
+Mr. Bigelow with as much assurance as if he were on an errand for an
+office under the government. The impression made on Mr. Bigelow's mind
+may be seen from the following letter; it may also be seen that he was
+fully alive to the necessity of precautionary measures.
+
+[Footnote A: He had been engaged at different times in carrying powder
+in his boat from a powder magazine, and from this circumstance, was
+familiarly called the "Powder Boy."]
+
+
+
+SECOND LETTER FROM LAWYER BIGELOW.
+
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., September 9th, 1855.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL, DEAR SIR:--I strongly hope the little matter of
+    business so long pending and about which I have written you so
+    many times, will take a move now. I have the promise that the
+    merchandize shall be delivered in this city to-night. Like so
+    many other promises, this also may prove a failure, though I
+    have reason to believe that it will not. I shall, however, know
+    before I mail this note. In case the goods arrive here I shall
+    hope to see your long-talked of "Professional gentleman" in
+    Washington, as soon as possible. He will find me by the enclosed
+    card, which shall be a satisfactory introduction for him. You
+    have never given me his name, nor am I anxious to know it. But
+    on a pleasant visit made last fall to friend Wm. Wright, in
+    Adams Co., I suppose I accidentally learned it to be a certain
+    Dr. H----. Well, let him come.
+
+    I had an interesting call a week ago from two gentlemen, masters
+    of vessels, and brothers, one of whom, I understand, you know as
+    the "powder boy." I had a little light freight for them; but not
+    finding enough other freight to ballast their craft, they went
+    down the river looking for wheat, and promising to return soon.
+    I hope to see them often.
+
+    I hope this may find you returned from your northern trip,[A] as
+    your time proposed was out two or three days ago.
+
+    [Footnote A: Mr. Bigelow's correspondent had been on a visit to
+    the fugitives to Canada.]
+
+    I hope if the whole particulars of Jane Johnson's case[B] are
+    printed, you will send me the copy as proposed.
+
+    [Footnote B: Jane Johnson of the Passmore Williamson Slave
+    Case.]
+
+    I forwarded some of her things to Boston a few days ago, and had
+    I known its importance in court, I could have sent you one or
+    two witnesses who would prove that her freedom was intended by
+    her before she left Washington, and that a man was _engaged_
+    here to go on to Philadelphia the same day with her to give
+    notice there of her case, though I think he failed to do so. It
+    was beyond all question her purpose, _before leaving Washington
+    and provable too_, that if Wheeler should make her a free woman
+    by taking her to a free state "_to use it rather_."
+
+    Tuesday, 11th September. The attempt was made on Sunday to
+    forward the merchandize, but failed through no fault of any of
+    the parties that I now know of. It will be repeated soon, and
+    you shall know the result.
+
+    "Whorra for Judge Kane." I feel so indignant at the man, that it
+    is not easy to write the foregoing sentence, and yet who is
+    helping our cause like Kane and Douglas, not forgetting
+    Stringfellow. I hope soon to know that this reaches you in
+    safety.
+
+    It often happens that light freight would be offered to Captain
+    B., but the owners cannot by possibility _advance_ the amount of
+    freight. I wish it were possible in some such extreme cases,
+    that after advancing _all they have_, some public fund should be
+    found to pay the balance or at least lend it.
+
+    [I wish here to caution you against the supposition that I would
+    do any act, or say a word towards helping servants to escape.
+    Although I hate slavery so much, I keep my hands clear of any
+    such wicked or illegal act.]
+
+    Yours, very truly,
+
+    J.B.
+
+    Will you recollect, hereafter, that in any of my future letters,
+    in which I may use [] whatever words may be within the brackets
+    are intended to have no signification whatever to you, only to
+    blind the eyes of the uninitiated. You will find an example at
+    the close of my letter.
+
+
+Up to this time the chances seemed favorable of procuring the ready
+services of either of the above mentioned captains who visited Lawyer
+Bigelow for the removal of the merchandize to Philadelphia, providing
+the shipping master could have it in readiness to suit their
+convenience. But as these captains had a number of engagements at
+Richmond, Petersburg, &c., it was not deemed altogether safe to rely
+upon either of them, consequently in order to be prepared in case of an
+emergency, the matter was laid before two professional gentlemen who
+were each occupying chairs in one of the medical colleges of
+Philadelphia. They were known to be true friends of the slave, and had
+possessed withal some experience in Underground Rail Road matters.
+Either of these professors was willing to undertake the operation,
+provided arrangements could be completed in time to be carried out
+during the vacation. In this hopeful, although painfully indefinite
+position the matter remained for more than a year; but the
+correspondence and anxiety increased, and with them disappointments and
+difficulties multiplied. The hope of Freedom, however, buoyed up the
+heart of the young slave girl during the long months of anxious waiting
+and daily expectation for the hour of deliverance to come. Equally true
+and faithful also did Mr. Bigelow prove to the last; but at times he had
+some painfully dark seasons to encounter, as may be seen from the
+subjoined letter:
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., October 6th, 1855.
+
+    MR. STILL, DEAR SIR:--I regret exceedingly to learn by your
+    favor of 4th instant, that all things are not ready. Although I
+    cannot speak of any immediate and positive danger. [_Yet it is
+    well known that the city is full of incendiaries_.]
+
+    Perhaps you are aware that any colored citizen is liable at any
+    hour of day or night without any show of authority to have his
+    house ransacked by constables, and if others do it and commit
+    the most outrageous depredations none but white witnesses can
+    convict them. Such outrages are always common here, and no kind
+    of property exposed to colored protection only, can be
+    considered safe. [I don't say that _much liberty_ should not be
+    given to constables on account of numerous runaways, but it
+    don't always work for good.] Before advertising they go round
+    and offer rewards to sharp colored men of perhaps _one or two
+    hundred dollars_, to betray runaways, and having discovered
+    their hiding-place, seize them and then cheat their informers
+    out of the money.
+
+    [_Although a law-abiding man_,] I am anxious in this case of
+    _innocence_ to raise no conflict or suspicion. [_Be sure that
+    the manumission is full and legal_.] And as I am _powerless_
+    without your aid, _I pray you_ don't lose a moment in giving me
+    relief. The idea of waiting yet for weeks seems dreadful; do
+    reduce it to days if possible, and give me notice of the
+    _earliest possible time_.
+
+    The property is not yet advertised, but will be, [and if we
+    delay too long, may be sold and lost.]
+
+    It was a great misunderstanding, though not your fault, that so
+    much delay would be necessary. [I repeat again that I must have
+    the thing done legally, therefore, please get a good lawyer to
+    draw up the deed of manumission.]
+
+    Yours Truly,
+
+    J. BIGELOW.
+
+
+Great was the anxiety felt in Washington. It is certainly not too much
+to say, that an equal amount of anxiety existed in Philadelphia
+respecting the safety of the merchandise. At this juncture Mr. Bigelow
+had come to the conclusion that it was no longer safe to write over his
+own name, but that he would do well to henceforth adopt the name of the
+renowned Quaker, Wm. Penn, (he was worthy of it) as in the case of the
+following letter.
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., November 10th, 1855.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--Doctor T. presented my card last night about half
+    past eight which I instantly recognized. I, however, soon became
+    suspicious, and afterwards confounded, to find the doctor using
+    your name and the well known names of Mr. McK. and Mr. W. and
+    yet, neither he nor I, could conjecture the object of his visit.
+
+    The doctor is agreeable and sensible, and doubtless a
+    true-hearted man. He seemed to see the whole matter as I did,
+    and was embarrassed. He had nothing to propose, no information
+    to give of the "P. Boy," or of any substitute, and seemed to
+    want no particular information from me concerning my anxieties
+    and perils, though I stated them to him, but found him as
+    powerless as myself to give me relief. I had an agreeable
+    interview with the doctor till after ten, when he left,
+    intending to take the cars at six, as I suppose he did do, this
+    morning.
+
+    This morning after eight, I got your letter of the 9th, but it
+    gives me but little enlightenment or satisfaction. You simply
+    say that the doctor is a _true man_, which I cannot doubt, that
+    you thought it best we should have an interview, and that you
+    supposed I would meet the expenses. You informed me also that
+    the "P. Boy" left for Richmond, on Friday, the 2d, to be gone
+    _the length of time named in your last_, I must infer that to be
+    _ten days_ though in your last _you assured me_ that the "P.
+    Boy" would certainly start for _this place_ (not Richmond) in
+    two or three days, though the difficulty about freight might
+    cause delay, and the whole enterprise might not be accomplished
+    under ten days, &c., &c. That time having elapsed and I having
+    agreed to an extra fifty dollars to ensure promptness. I have
+    scarcely left my office since, except for my hasty meals,
+    awaiting his arrival. You now inform me he has gone to Richmond,
+    to be gone ten days, which will expire tomorrow, but you do not
+    say he will return here or to Phila, or where, at the expiration
+    of that time, and Dr. T. could tell me nothing whatever about
+    him. Had he been able to tell me that this _best plan_, which I
+    have so long rested upon, would fail, or was abandoned, I could
+    then understand it, but he says no such thing, and you say, as
+    you have twice before said, "ten days more."
+
+    Now, my dear sir, after this recapitulation, can you not see
+    that I have reason for great embarrassment? I have given
+    assurances, both here and in New York, founded on your
+    assurances to me, and caused my friends in the latter place
+    great anxiety, so much that I have had no way to explain my own
+    letters but by sending your last two to Mr. Tappan.
+
+    I cannot doubt, I do not, but that you wish to help me, and the
+    cause too, for which both of us have made many and large
+    sacrifices with no hope of reward in this world. If in this case
+    I have been very urgent since September Dr. T. can give you some
+    of my reasons, they have not been selfish.
+
+    The whole matter is in a nutshell. Can I, in your opinion,
+    depend on the "P. Boy," and when?
+
+    If he promises to come here next trip, will he come, or go to
+    Richmond? This I think is the best way. Can I depend on it?
+
+    Dr. T. promised to write me some explanation and give some
+    advice, and at first I thought to await his letter, but on
+    second thought concluded to tell you how I feel, as I have done.
+
+    Will you answer my questions with some explicitness, and without
+    delay?
+
+    I forgot to inquire of Dr. T. who is the head of your Vigilance
+    Committee, whom I may address concerning other and further
+    operations?
+
+    Yours very truly,
+
+    WM. PENN.
+
+    P.S. I ought to say, that I have no doubt but there were good
+    reasons for the P. Boy's going to Richmond instead of W.; _but
+    what can they be_?
+
+
+Whilst there are a score of other interesting letters, bearing on this
+case, the above must suffice, to give at least, an idea of the
+perplexities and dangers attending its early history. Having
+accomplished this end, a more encouraging and pleasant phase of the
+transaction may now be introduced. Here the difficulties, at least very
+many of them, vanish, yet in one respect, the danger became most
+imminent. The following letter shows that the girl had been successfully
+rescued from her master, and that a reward of five hundred dollars had
+been offered for her.
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., October 12, 1855.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL:--AS YOU PICK UP ALL THE NEWS THAT IS STIRRING, I
+    CONTRIBUTE A FEW SCRAPS TO YOUR STOCK, GOING TO SHOW THAT THE
+    POOR SLAVE-HOLDERS HAVE THEIR TROUBLES AS WELL AS OTHER PEOPLE.
+
+    FOUR HEAVY LOSSES ON ONE SMALL SCRAP CUT FROM A SINGLE NUMBER OF
+    THE "SUN!" HOW VEXATIOUS! HOW PROVOKING! ON THE OTHER HAND,
+    THINK OF THE POOR, TIMID, BREATHLESS, FLYING CHILD OF FIFTEEN!
+    FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD! OH, FOR SUCCOR! TO WHOM IN ALL THIS
+    WIDE LAND OF FREEDOM SHALL SHE FLEE AND FIND SAFETY?
+    ALAS!--ALAS!--THE LAW POINTS TO NO ONE!
+
+    IS SHE STILL RUNNING WITH BLEEDING FEET?[A] OR HIDES SHE IN SOME
+    COLD CAVE, TO REST AND STARVE? "$500 REWARD." YOURS, FOR THE
+    WEAK AND THE POOR. PERISH THE REWARD.
+
+    [Footnote A: At the time this letter was written, she was then
+    under Mr. B.'s protection in Washington, and had to be so kept
+    for six weeks. His question, therefore, "is she still running
+    with bleeding feet," etc., was simply a precautionary step to
+    blind any who might perchance investigate the matter.]
+
+    J.B.
+
+
+Having thus succeeded in getting possession of, and secreting this
+fleeing child of fifteen, as best they could, in Washington, all
+concerned were compelled to "possess their souls in patience," until the
+storm had passed. Meanwhile, the "child of fifteen" was christened "Joe
+Wright," and dressed in male attire to prepare for traveling as a lad.
+As no opportunity had hitherto presented itself, whereby to prepare the
+"package" for shipment, from Washington, neither the "powder boy" nor
+Dr. T.[B] was prepared to attend to the removal, at this critical
+moment. The emergency of the case, however, cried loudly for aid. The
+other professional gentleman (Dr. H.), was now appealed to, but his
+engagements in the college forbade his absence before about Thanksgiving
+day, which was then six weeks off. This fact was communicated to
+Washington, and it being the only resource left, the time named was
+necessarily acquiesced in. In the interim, "Joe" was to perfect herself
+in the art of wearing pantaloons, and all other male rig. Soon the days
+and weeks slid by, although at first the time for waiting seemed long,
+when, according to promise, Dr. H. was in Washington, with his horse and
+buggy prepared for duty. The impressions made by Dr. H., on William
+Penn's mind, at his first interview, will doubtless be interesting to
+all concerned, as may be seen in the following letter:
+
+[Footnote B: Dr. T. was one of the professional gentlemen alluded to
+above, who had expressed a willingness to act as an agent in the
+matter.]
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., November 26, 1855.
+
+    MY DEAR SIR:--A recent letter from my friend, probably has led
+    you to expect this from me. He was delighted to receive yours of
+    the 23d, stating that the boy was _all right_. He found the
+    "Prof. gentleman" a _perfect gentleman_; cool, quiet,
+    thoughtful, and _perfectly competent to execute his
+    undertaking_. At the first three minutes of their interview, he
+    felt assured that all would be right. He, and all concerned,
+    give you and that gentleman sincere thanks for what you have
+    done. May the blessings of Him, who cares for the poor, be on
+    your heads.
+
+    The especial object of this, is to inform you that there is a
+    half dozen or so of packages here, _pressing for
+    transportation_; twice or thrice that number are also pressing,
+    but less so than the others. Their aggregate means will average,
+    say, $10 each; besides these, we know of a few, say three or
+    four, _able and smart_, but utterly destitute, and kept so
+    purposely by their oppressors. For all these, we feel deeply
+    interested; $10 each would not be enough for the "powder boy."
+    Is there any fund from which a pittance could be spared to help
+    these poor creatures? I don't doubt but that they would honestly
+    repay a small loan as soon as they could earn it. I know full
+    well, that if you begin with such cases, there is no boundary at
+    which you can stop. For years, one half at least, of my friend's
+    time here has been gratuitously given to cases of distress among
+    this class. He never expects or desires to do less; he literally
+    has the _poor always with him_. He knows that it is so with you
+    also, therefore, he only states the case, being especially
+    anxious for at least those to whom I have referred.
+
+    [Illustration: MARIA WEEMS ESCAPING IN MALE ATTIRE]
+
+    I think a small lot of hard coal might always be sold here _from
+    the vessel_ at a profit. Would not a like lot of Cumberland coal
+    always sell in Philadelphia?
+
+    My friend would be very glad to see the powder boy here again,
+    and if he brings coal, there are those here, who would try to
+    help him sell.
+
+    Reply to your regular correspondent as usual.
+
+    WM. PENN.
+
+
+By the presence of the Dr., confidence having been reassured that all
+would be right, as well as by the "inner light," William Penn
+experienced a great sense of relief. Everything having been duly
+arranged, the doctor's horse and carriage stood waiting before the White
+House (William Penn preferred this place as a starting point, rather
+than before his own office door). It being understood that "Joe" was to
+act as coachman in passing out of Washington, at this moment he was
+called for, and in the most polite and natural manner, with the
+fleetness of a young deer, he jumped into the carriage, took the reins
+and whip, whilst the doctor and William Penn were cordially shaking
+hands and bidding adieu. This done, the order was given to Joe, "drive
+on." Joe bravely obeyed. The faithful horse trotted off willingly, and
+the doctor sat in his carriage as composed as though he had succeeded in
+procuring an honorable and lucrative office from the White House, and
+was returning home to tell his wife the good news. The doctor had some
+knowledge of the roads, also some acquaintances in Maryland, through
+which State he had to travel; therefore, after leaving the suburbs of
+Washington, the doctor took the reins in his own hands, as he felt that
+he was more experienced as a driver than his young coachman. He was also
+mindful of the fact, that, before reaching Pennsylvania, his faithful
+beast would need feeding several times, and that they consequently would
+be obliged to pass one or two nights at least in Maryland, either at a
+tavern or farm-house.
+
+In reflecting upon the matter, it occurred to the doctor, that in
+earlier days, he had been quite intimately acquainted with a farmer and
+his family (who were slave-holders), in Maryland, and that he would
+about reach their house at the end of the first day's journey. He
+concluded that he could do no better than to renew his acquaintance with
+his old friends on this occasion. After a very successful day's travel,
+night came on, and the doctor was safely at the farmer's door with his
+carriage and waiter boy; the doctor was readily recognized by the farmer
+and his family, who seemed glad to see him; indeed, they made quite a
+"fuss" over him. As a matter of strategy, the doctor made quite a "fuss"
+over them in return; nevertheless, he did not fail to assume airs of
+importance, which were calculated to lead them to think that he had
+grown older and wiser than when they knew him in his younger days. In
+casually referring to the manner of his traveling, he alluded to the
+fact, that he was not very well, and as it had been a considerable
+length of time since he had been through that part of the country, he
+thought that the drive would do him good, and especially the sight of
+old familiar places and people. The farmer and his family felt
+themselves exceedingly honored by the visit from the distinguished
+doctor, and manifested a marked willingness to spare no pains to render
+his night's lodging in every way comfortable.
+
+The Dr. being an educated and intelligent gentleman, well posted on
+other questions besides medicine, could freely talk about farming in all
+its branches, and "niggers" too, in an emergency, so the evening passed
+off pleasantly with the Dr. in the parlor, and "Joe" in the kitchen. The
+Dr., however, had given "Joe" precept upon precept, "here a little, and
+there a little," as to how he should act in the presence of master white
+people, or slave colored people, and thus he was prepared to act his
+part with due exactness. Before the evening grew late, the Dr., fearing
+some accident, intimated, that he was feeling a "little languid," and
+therefore thought that he had better "retire." Furthermore he added,
+that he was "liable to vertigo," when not quite well, and for this
+reason he must have his boy "Joe" sleep in the room with him. "Simply
+give him a bed quilt and he will fare well enough in one corner of the
+room," said the Dr. The proposal was readily acceded to, and carried
+into effect by the accommodating host. The Dr. was soon in bed, sleeping
+soundly, and "Joe," in his new coat and pants, wrapped up in the bed
+quilt, in a corner of the room quite comfortably.
+
+The next morning the Dr. arose at as early an hour as was prudent for a
+gentleman of his position, and feeling refreshed, partook of a good
+breakfast, and was ready, with his boy, "Joe," to prosecute their
+journey. Face, eyes, hope, and steps, were set as flint,
+Pennsylvania-ward. What time the following day or night they crossed
+Mason and Dixon's line is not recorded on the Underground Rail Road
+books, but at four o'clock on Thanksgiving Day, the Dr. safely landed
+the "fleeing girl of fifteen" at the residence of the writer in
+Philadelphia. On delivering up his charge, the Dr. simply remarked to
+the writer's wife, "I wish to leave this young lad with you a short
+while, and I will call and see further about him." Without further
+explanation, he stepped into his carriage and hurried away, evidently
+anxious to report himself to his wife, in order to relieve her mind of a
+great weight of anxiety on his account. The writer, who happened to be
+absent from home when the Dr. called, returned soon afterwards. "The Dr.
+has been here" (he was the family physician), "and left this 'young
+lad,' and said, that he would call again and see about him," said Mrs.
+S. The "young lad" was sitting quite composedly in the dining-room, with
+his cap on. The writer turned to him and inquired, "I suppose you are
+the person that the Dr. went to Washington after, are you not?" "No,"
+said "Joe." "Where are you from then?" was the next question. "From
+York, sir." "From York? Why then did the Dr. bring you here?" was the
+next query, "the Dr. went expressly to Washington after a young girl,
+who was to be brought away dressed up as a boy, and I took you to be the
+person." Without replying "the lad" arose and walked out of the house.
+The querist, somewhat mystified, followed him, and then when the two
+were alone, "the lad" said, "I am the one the Dr. went after." After
+congratulating her, the writer asked why she had said, that she was not
+from Washington, but from York. She explained, that the Dr. had strictly
+charged her not to own to any person, except the writer, that she was
+from Washington, but from York. As there were persons present (wife,
+hired girl, and a fugitive woman), when the questions were put to her,
+she felt that it would be a violation of her pledge to answer in the
+affirmative. Before this examination, neither of the individuals present
+for a moment entertained the slightest doubt but that she was a "lad,"
+so well had she acted her part in every particular. She was dressed in a
+new suit, which fitted her quite nicely, and with her unusual amount of
+common sense, she appeared to be in no respect lacking. To send off a
+prize so rare and remarkable, as she was, without affording some of the
+stockholders and managers of the Road the pleasure of seeing her, was
+not to be thought of. In addition to the Vigilance Committee, quite a
+number of persons were invited to see her, and were greatly astonished.
+Indeed it was difficult to realize, that she was not a boy, even after
+becoming acquainted with the facts in the case.
+
+The following is an exact account of this case, as taken from the
+Underground Rail Road records:
+
+
+    "THANKSGIVING DAY, Nov., 1855.
+
+    Arrived, Ann Maria Weems, _alias_ 'Joe Wright,' _alias_ 'Ellen
+    Capron,' from Washington, through the aid of Dr. H. She is about
+    fifteen years of age, bright mulatto, well grown, smart and
+    good-looking. For the last three years, or about that length of
+    time, she has been owned by Charles M. Price, a negro trader, of
+    Rockville, Maryland. Mr. P. was given to 'intemperance,' to a
+    very great extent, and gross 'profanity.' He buys and sells many
+    slaves in the course of the year. 'His wife is cross and
+    peevish.' She used to take great pleasure in 'torturing' one
+    'little slave boy.' He was the son of his master (and was owned
+    by him); this was the chief cause of the mistress' spite."
+
+    Ann Maria had always desired her freedom from childhood, and
+    although not thirteen, when first advised to escape, she
+    received the suggestion without hesitation, and ever after that
+    time waited almost daily, for more than two years, the chance to
+    flee. Her friends were, of course, to aid her, and make
+    arrangements for her escape. Her owner, fearing that she might
+    escape, for a long time compelled her to sleep in the chamber
+    with "her master and mistress;" indeed she was so kept until
+    about three weeks before she fled. She left her parents living
+    in Washington. Three of her brothers had been sold South from
+    their parents. Her mother had been purchased for $1,000, and one
+    of her sisters for $1,600 for freedom. Before Ann Maria was
+    thirteen years of age $700 was offered for her by a friend, who
+    desired to procure her freedom, but the offer was promptly
+    refused, as were succeeding ones repeatedly made. The only
+    chance of procuring her freedom, depended upon getting her away
+    on the Underground Rail Road. She was neatly attired in male
+    habiliments, and in that manner came all the way from
+    Washington. After passing two or three days with her new friends
+    in Philadelphia, she was sent on (in male attire) to Lewis
+    Tappan, of New York, who had likewise been deeply interested in
+    her case from the beginning, and who held himself ready, as was
+    understood, to cash a draft for three hundred dollars to
+    compensate the man who might risk his own liberty in bringing
+    her on from Washington. After having arrived safely in New York,
+    she found a home and kind friends in the family of the Rev. A.N.
+    Freeman, and received quite an ovation characteristic of an
+    Underground Rail Road.
+
+    After having received many tokens of esteem and kindness from
+    the friends of the slave in New York and Brooklyn, she was
+    carefully forwarded on to Canada, to be educated at the "Buxton
+    Settlement."
+
+
+An interesting letter, however, from the mother of Ann Maria, conveying
+the intelligence of her late great struggle and anxiety in laboring to
+free her last child from Slavery is too important to be omitted, and
+hence is inserted in connection with this narrative.
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM THE MOTHER.
+
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., September 19th, 1857.
+
+    WM. STILL, ESQ., Philadelphia, Pa. SIR:--I have just sent for my
+    son Augustus, in Alabama. I have sent eleven hundred dollars
+    which pays for his body and some thirty dollars to pay his fare
+    to Washington. I borrowed one hundred and eighty dollars to make
+    out the eleven hundred dollars. I was not very successful in
+    Syracuse. I collected only twelve dollars, and in Rochester only
+    two dollars. I did not know that the season was so unpropitious.
+    The wealthy had all gone to the springs. They must have returned
+    by this time. I hope you will exert yourself and help me get a
+    part of the money I owe, at least. I am obliged to pay it by the
+    12th of next month. I was unwell when I returned through
+    Philadelphia, or I should have called. I had been from home five
+    weeks.
+
+    My son Augustus is the last of the family in Slavery. I feel
+    rejoiced that he is soon to be free and with me, and of course
+    feel the greatest solicitude about raising the one hundred and
+    eighty dollars I have borrowed of a kind friend, or who has
+    borrowed it for me at bank. I hope and pray you will help me as
+    far as possible. Tell Mr. Douglass to remember me, and if he
+    can, to interest his friends for me.
+
+    You will recollect that five hundred dollars of our money was
+    taken to buy the sister of Henry H. Garnett's wife. Had I been
+    able to command this I should not be necessitated to ask the
+    favors and indulgences I do.
+
+    I am expecting daily the return of Augustus, and may Heaven
+    grant him a safe deliverance and smile propitiously upon you and
+    all kind friends who have aided in his return to me.
+
+    Be pleased to remember me to friends, and accept yourself the
+    blessing and prayers of your dear friend,
+
+    EARRO WEEMS.
+
+    P.S. Direct your letter to E.L. Stevens, in Duff Green's Row,
+    Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
+
+    E.W.
+
+
+That William Penn who worked so faithfully for two years for the
+deliverance of Ann Maria may not appear to have been devoting all his
+time and sympathy towards this single object it seems expedient that two
+or three additional letters, proposing certain grand Underground Rail
+Road plans, should have a place here. For this purpose, therefore, the
+following letters are subjoined.
+
+
+
+LETTERS FROM WILLIAM PENN.
+
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 3, 1854
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I address you to-day chiefly at the suggestion of the
+    Lady who will hand you my letter, and who is a resident of your
+    city.
+
+    After stating to you, that the case about which I have
+    previously written, remains just as it was when I wrote
+    last--full of difficulty--I thought I would call your attention
+    to another enterprise; it is this: to find a man with a large
+    heart for doing good to the oppressed, who will come to
+    Washington to live, and who will _walk out to Penn'a., or a part
+    of the way there, once or twice a week_. He will find parties
+    who will _pay him for doing so_. Parties of say, two, three,
+    five or so, who will pay him _at least_ $5 each, for the
+    privilege of following him, but _will never speak to him_; but
+    will keep just in sight of him and obey any sign he may give;
+    say, he takes off his hat and scratches his head as a sign for
+    them to go to some barn or wood to rest, &c. No living being
+    shall be found to say he ever spoke to them. A white man would
+    be best, and then even parties led out by him could not, if they
+    would, testify to any _understanding_ or anything else against a
+    white man. I think he might make a good living at it. Can it not
+    be done?
+
+    If one or two safe stopping-places could be found on the
+    way--such as a barn or shed, they could walk quite safely all
+    night and then sleep all day--about two, or _easily_ three
+    nights would convey them to a place of safety. The traveler
+    might be a peddler or huckster, with an old horse and cart, and
+    bring us in eggs and butter if he pleases.
+
+    Let him once plan out his route, and he might then take ten or a
+    dozen at a time, and they are often able and willing to pay $10
+    a piece.
+
+    I have a hard case now on hand; a brother and sister 23 to 25
+    years old, whose mother lives in your city. They are cruelly
+    treated; they want to go, they _ought_ to go; but they are
+    utterly destitute. Can nothing be done for such cases? If you
+    can think of anything let me know it. I suppose you know me?
+
+
+
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., April 3, 1856.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I sent you the recent law of Virginia, under which
+    all vessels are to be searched for fugitives within the waters
+    of that State.
+
+    It was long ago suggested by a sagacious friend, that the
+    "powder boy" might find a better port in the Chesapeake bay, or
+    in the Patuxent river to communicate with this vicinity, than by
+    entering the Potomac river, even were there no such law.
+
+    Suppose he opens a trade with some place south-west of
+    Annapolis, 25 or 30 miles from here, or less. He might carry
+    wood, oysters, &c., and all his customers from this vicinity
+    might travel in _that direction_ without any of the suspicions
+    that might attend their journeyings _towards this city_. In this
+    way, doubtless, a good business might be carried on without
+    interruption or competition, and provided the plan was conducted
+    without affecting the inhabitants along that shore, no suspicion
+    would arise as to the manner or magnitude of his business
+    operations. How does this strike you? What does the "powder boy"
+    think of it?
+
+    I heretofore intimated a _pressing necessity_ on the part of
+    several females--they are variously situated--two have children,
+    say a couple each; some have none--of the latter, one can raise
+    $50, another, say 30 or 40 dollars--another who was gazetted
+    last August (a copy sent you), can raise, through her friends,
+    20 or 30 dollars, &c., &c. None of these can walk so far or so
+    fast as scores of _men_ that are constantly leaving. I cannot
+    shake off my anxiety for these poor creatures. Can you think of
+    anything for any of these? Address your other correspondent in
+    answer to this at your leisure.
+
+    Yours,
+
+    WM. PENN.
+
+    P.S.--April 3d. Since writing the above, I have received yours
+    of 31st. I am rejoiced to hear that business is so successful
+    and prosperous--may it continue till _the article_ shall cease
+    to be merchandize.
+
+    I spoke in my last letter of the departure of a "few friends." I
+    have since heard of their good health in Penn'a. Probably you
+    may have seen them.
+
+    In reference to the expedition of which you think you can "hold
+    out some little encouragement," I will barely remark, that I
+    shall be glad, if it is undertaken, to have all the notice of
+    the _time and manner_ that is possible, so as to make ready.
+
+    A friend of mine says, anthracite coal will always pay here from
+    Philadelphia, and thinks a small vessel might run often--that
+    she never would be searched in the Potomac, unless she went
+    outside.
+
+    You advise caution towards Mr. P. I am precisely of your opinion
+    about him, that he is a "queer stick," and while I advised him
+    carefully in reference to his own undertakings, I took no
+    counsel of him concerning mine.
+
+    Yours,
+
+    W.P.
+
+
+
+
+
+    WASHINGTON, D.C., April 23d, 1856.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I have to thank you for your last two encouraging
+    letters of 31st of March and 7th April. I have seen nothing in
+    the papers to interest you, and having bad health and a press of
+    other engagements, I have neglected to write you.
+
+    Enclosed is a list of persons referred to in my last letter, all
+    most anxious to travel--all meritorious. In some of these I feel
+    an especial interest for what they have done to help others in
+    distress.
+
+    I suggest for yours and the "powder boy's" consideration the
+    following plan: that he shall take in coal for Washington and
+    come directly here--sell his coal and go to Georgetown for
+    freight, and _wait_ for it. If any fancy articles are sent on
+    board, _I understand he has a place_ to put them in, and _if he
+    has_ I suggest that he lies still, still waiting for freight
+    till the first anxiety is over. Vessels that have _just left_
+    are the ones that will be inquired after, and perhaps chased. If
+    he lays still a day or two all suspicion will be prevented. If
+    there shall be occasion to refer to any of them hereafter, it
+    may be by their numbers in the list.
+
+    The family--5 to 11--will be missed and inquired after soon and
+    urgently; 12 and 13 will also be soon missed, but _none of the
+    others_.
+
+    If all this can be done, some little time or notice must be had
+    to get them all ready. They tell me they can pay the sums marked
+    to their names. The aggregate is small, but as I told you, they
+    are poor. Let me hear from you when convenient.
+
+    [Illustration: JOHN HENRY HILL]
+
+    Truly Yours,
+
+    WM. PENN.
+
+
+    1.
+    A woman, may be 40 years old,
+    $40.00
+
+    2.
+    A woman, may be 40 years old, with 3 children, say 4, 6, and 8[A]
+    15.00
+
+    3.
+    A sister of the above, younger
+    10.00
+
+    4.
+    A very genteel mulatto girl about 22
+    25.00
+
+    5.
+    A woman, say 45,
+    These are all one
+
+    6.
+    A daughter, 18,
+    family, either of
+
+    7.
+    A son, 16,
+    them leaving
+
+    8.
+    A son, 14,
+    alone, they think,
+    50.00
+
+    9.
+    A daughter, 12,
+    would cause the
+
+    10.
+    A son, say 22,
+    balance to be sold.
+
+    11.
+    A man, the Uncle, 40,
+
+    12.
+    A very genteel mulatto girl, say 23
+    25.00
+
+    13.
+    A very genteel mulatto girl, say 24
+    25.00
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+FIVE YEARS AND ONE MONTH SECRETED.
+
+
+JOHN HENRY, HEZEKIAH, AND JAMES HILL.--JOHN MAKES A DESPERATE RESISTANCE
+AT THE SLAVE AUCTION AND ESCAPES AFTER BEING SECRETED NINE MONTHS.
+HEZEKIAH ESCAPED FROM A TRADER AND WAS SECEETED THIRTEEN MONTHS BEFORE
+HIS FINAL DELIVERANCE.--JAMES WAS SECRETED THREE YEARS IN A PLACE OF
+GREAT SUFFERING, AND ESCAPED. IN ALL FIVE YEARS AND ONE MONTH.
+
+Many letters from JOHN HENRY show how incessantly his mind ran out
+towards the oppressed, and the remarkable intelligence and ability he
+displayed with the pen, considering that he had no chance to acquire
+book knowledge. After having fled for refuge to Canada and having become
+a partaker of impartial freedom under the government of Great Britain,
+to many it seemed that the fugitive should be perfectly satisfied. Many
+appeared to think that the fugitive, having secured freedom, had but
+little occasion for anxiety or care, even for his nearest kin. "Change
+your name." "Never tell any one how you escaped." "Never let any one
+know where you came from." "Never think of writing back, not even to
+your wife; you can do your kin no good, but may do them harm by
+writing." "Take care of yourself." "You are free, well, be satisfied
+then." "It will do you no good to fret about your wife and children;
+that will not get them out of Slavery." Such was the advice often given
+to the fugitive. Men who had been slaves themselves, and some who had
+aided in the escape of individuals, sometimes urged these sentiments on
+men and women whose hearts were almost breaking over the thought that
+their dearest and best friends were in chains in the prison-house.
+Perhaps it was thoughtlessness on the part of some, and a wish to
+inspire due cautiousness on the part of others, that prompted this
+advice. Doubtless some did soon forget their friends. They saw no way by
+which they could readily communicate with them. Perhaps Slavery had
+dealt with them so cruelly, that little hope or aspiration was left in
+them.
+
+It was, however, one of the most gratifying facts connected with the
+fugitives, the strong love and attachment that they constantly expressed
+for their relatives left in the South; the undying faith they had in God
+as evinced by their touching appeals on behalf of their fellow-slaves.
+But few probably are aware how deeply these feelings were cherished in
+the breasts of this people. Forty, fifty, or sixty years, in some
+instances elapsed, but this ardent sympathy and love continued warm and
+unwavering as ever. Children left to the cruel mercy of slave-holders,
+could never be forgotten. Brothers and sisters could not refrain from
+weeping over the remembrance of their separation on the auction block:
+of having seen innocent children, feeble and defenceless women in the
+grasp of a merciless tyrant, pleading, groaning, and crying in vain for
+pity. Not to remember those thus bruised and mangled, it would seem
+alike unnatural, and impossible. Therefore it is a source of great
+satisfaction to be able, in relating these heroic escapes, to present
+the evidences of the strong affections of this greatly oppressed race.
+
+JOHN HENRY never forgot those with whom he had been a fellow-sufferer in
+Slavery; he was always fully awake to their wrongs, and longed to be
+doing something to aid and encourage such as were striving to get their
+Freedom. He wrote many letters in behalf of others, as well as for
+himself, the tone of which, was always marked by the most zealous
+devotion to the slave, a high sense of the value of Freedom, and
+unshaken confidence that God was on the side of the oppressed, and a
+strong hope, that the day was not far distant, when the slave power
+would be "suddenly broken and that without remedy."
+
+Notwithstanding the literary imperfections of these letters, they are
+deemed well suited to these pages. Of course, slaves were not allowed
+book learning. Virginia even imprisoned white women for teaching free
+colored children the alphabet. Who has forgotten the imprisonment of
+Mrs. Douglass for this offense? In view of these facts, no apology is
+needed on account of Hill's grammar and spelling.
+
+In these letters, may be seen, how much liberty was valued, how the
+taste of Freedom moved the pen of the slave; how the thought of
+fellow-bondmen, under the heel of the slave-holder, aroused the spirit
+of indignation and wrath; how importunately appeals were made for help
+from man and from God; how much joy was felt at the arrival of a
+fugitive, and the intense sadness experienced over the news of a failure
+or capture of a slave. Not only are the feelings of John Henry Hill
+represented in these epistles, but the feelings of very many others
+amongst the intelligent fugitives all over the country are also
+represented to the letter. It is more with a view of doing justice to a
+brave, intelligent class, whom the public are ignorant of, than merely
+to give special prominence to John and his relatives as individuals,
+that these letters are given.
+
+
+
+ESCAPE OF JOHN HENRY HILL FROM THE SLAVE AUCTION IN RICHMOND, ON THE
+FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, 1853.
+
+
+JOHN HENRY at that time, was a little turned of twenty-five years of
+age, full six feet high, and remarkably well proportioned in every
+respect. He was rather of a brown color, with marked intellectual
+features. John was by trade, a carpenter, and was considered a competent
+workman. The year previous to his escape, he hired his time, for which
+he paid his owner $150. This amount John had fully settled up the last
+day of the year. As he was a young man of steady habits, a husband and
+father, and withal an ardent lover of Liberty; his owner, John Mitchell,
+evidently observed these traits in his character, and concluded that he
+was a dangerous piece of property to keep; that his worth in money could
+be more easily managed than the man. Consequently, his master
+unceremoniously, without intimating in any way to John, that he was to
+be sold, took him to Richmond, on the first day of January (the great
+annual sale day), and directly to the slave-auction. Just as John was
+being taken into the building, he was invited to submit to hand-cuffs.
+As the thought flashed upon his mind that he was about to be sold on the
+auction-block, he grew terribly desperate. "Liberty or death" was the
+watchword of that awful moment. In the twinkling of an eye, he turned on
+his enemies, with his fist, knife, and feet, so tiger-like, that he
+actually put four or five men to flight, his master among the number.
+His enemies thus suddenly baffled, John wheeled, and, as if assisted by
+an angel, strange as it may appear, was soon out of sight of his
+pursuers, and securely hid away. This was the last hour of John Henry's
+slave life, but not, however, of his struggles and sufferings for
+freedom, for before a final chance to escape presented itself, nine
+months elapsed. The mystery as to where, and how he fared, the following
+account, in his own words, must explain--
+
+
+    Nine months I was trying to get away. I was secreted for a long
+    time in a kitchen of a merchant near the corner of Franklyn and
+    7th streets, at Richmond, where I was well taken care of, by a
+    lady friend of my mother. When I got Tired of staying in that
+    place, I wrote myself a pass to pass myself to Petersburg, here
+    I stopped with a very prominent Colored person, who was a friend
+    to Freedom stayed here until two white friends told other
+    friends if I was in the city to tell me to go at once, and stand
+    not upon the order of going, because they had hard a plot. I
+    wrot a pass, started for Richmond, Reached Manchester, got off
+    the Cars walked into Richmond, once more got back into the same
+    old Den, Stayed here from the 16th of Aug. to 12th Sept. On the
+    11th of Sept. 8 o'clock P.M. a message came to me that there had
+    been a State Room taken on the steamer City of Richmond for my
+    benefit, and I assured the party that it would be occupied if
+    God be willing. Before 10 o'clock the next morning, on the 12th,
+    a beautiful Sept. day, I arose early, wrote my pass for Norfolk
+    left my old Den with a many a good bye, turned out the back way
+    to 7th St., thence to Main, down Main behind 4 night waich to
+    old Rockett's and after about 20 minutes of delay I succeed in
+    Reaching the State Room. My Conductor was very much Excited, but
+    I felt as Composed as I do at this moment, for I had started
+    from my Den that morning for Liberty or for Death providing
+    myself with a Brace of Pistels.
+
+    Yours truly
+
+    J.H. HILL.
+
+
+A private berth was procured for him on the steamship City of Richmond,
+for the amount of $125, and thus he was brought on safely to
+Philadelphia. While in the city, he enjoyed the hospitalities of the
+Vigilance Committee, and the greetings of a number of friends, during
+the several days of his sojourn. The thought of his wife, and two
+children, left in Petersburg, however, naturally caused him much
+anxiety. Fortunately, they were free, therefore, he was not without hope
+of getting them; moreover, his wife's father (Jack McCraey), was a free
+man, well known, and very well to do in the world, and would not be
+likely to see his daughter and grandchildren suffer. In this particular,
+Hill's lot was of a favorable character, compared with that of most
+slaves leaving their wives and children.
+
+
+
+FIRST LETTER
+
+
+ON ARRIVING IN CANADA.
+
+
+
+    TORONTO, October 4th, 1853.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I take this method of informing you that I am well,
+    and that I got to this city all safe and sound, though I did not
+    get here as soon as I expect. I left your city on Saterday and I
+    was on the way untel the Friday following. I got to New York the
+    same day that I left Philadelphia, but I had to stay there untel
+    Monday evening. I left that place at six o'clock. I got to
+    Albany next morning in time to take the half past six o'clock
+    train for Rochester, here I stay untel Wensday night. The reason
+    I stay there so long Mr. Gibbs given me a letter to Mr Morris at
+    Rochester. I left that place Wensday, but I only got five miles
+    from that city that night. I got to Lewiston on Thurday
+    afternoon, but too late for the boat to this city. I left
+    Lewiston on Friday at one o'clock, got to this city at five. Sir
+    I found this to be a very handsome city. I like it better than
+    any city I ever saw. It are not as large as the city that you
+    live in, but it is very large place much more so than I expect
+    to find it. I seen the gentleman that you given me letter to. I
+    think him much of a gentleman. I got into work on Monday. The
+    man whom I am working for is name Myers; but I expect to go to
+    work for another man by name of Tinsly, who is a master workman
+    in this city. He says that he will give me work next week and
+    everybody advises me to work for Mr. Tinsly as there more surity
+    in him.
+
+    Mr. Still, I have been looking and looking for my friends for
+    several days, but have not seen nor heard of them. I hope and
+    trust in the Lord Almighty that all things are well with them.
+    My dear sir I could feel so much better sattisfied if I could
+    hear from my wife. Since I reached this city I have talagraphed
+    to friend Brown to send my thing to me, but I cannot hear a word
+    from no one at all. I have written to Mr. Brown two or three
+    times since I left the city. I trust that he has gotten my
+    wife's letters, that is if she has written. Please direct your
+    letters to me, near the corner Sarah and Edward street, until I
+    give you further notice. You will tell friend B. how to direct
+    his letters, as I forgotten it when I writt to him, and ask him
+    if he has heard anything from Virginia. Please to let me hear
+    from him without delay for my very soul is trubled about my
+    friends whom I expected to of seen here before this hour.
+    Whatever you do please to write. I shall look for you paper
+    shortly.
+
+    Believe me sir to be your well wisher.
+
+    JOHN H. HILL.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND LETTER.
+
+
+_Expressions of gratitude_--_The Custom House refuses to charge him
+duty_--_He is greatly concerned for his wife_
+
+
+
+    TORONTO, October 30th, 1853.
+
+    MY DEAR FRIEND:--I now write to inform you that I have received
+    my things all safe and sound, and also have shuck hand with the
+    friend that you send on to this place one of them is stopping
+    with me. His name is Chas. Stuert, he seemes to be a tolerable
+    smart fellow. I Rec'd my letters. I have taken this friend to
+    see Mr. Smith. However will give him a place to board untell he
+    can get to work. I shall do every thing I can for them all that
+    I see the gentleman wish you to see his wife and let her know
+    that he arrived safe, and present his love to her and to all the
+    friend. Mr. Still, I am under ten thousand obligation to you for
+    your kindness when shall I ever repay? S. speek very highly of
+    you. I will state to you what Custom house master said to me. He
+    ask me when he Presented my efects are these your efects. I
+    answered yes. He then ask me was I going to settle in Canada. I
+    told him I was. He then ask me of my case. I told all about it.
+    He said I am happy to see you and all that will come. He ask me
+    how much I had to pay for my Paper. I told him half dollar. He
+    then told me that I should have my money again. He a Rose from
+    his seat and got my money. So my friend you can see the people
+    and tell them all this is a land of liberty and believe they
+    will find friends here. My best love to all.
+
+    My friend I must call upon you once more to do more kindness for
+    me that is to write to my wife as soon as you get this, and tell
+    her when she gets ready to come she will pack and consign her
+    things to you. You will give her some instruction, but not to
+    your expenses but to her own.
+
+    When you write direct your letter to Phillip Ubank, Petersburg,
+    Va. My Box arrived here the 27th.
+
+    My dear sir I am in a hurry to take this friend to church, so I
+    must close by saying I am your humble servant in the cause of
+    liberty and humanity.
+
+    JOHN H. HILL.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD LETTER.
+
+
+_Canada is highly praised_--_The Vigilance Committee is implored to send
+all the Fugitives there_--"_Farmers and Mechanics wanted_"--"_No living
+in Canada for Negroes," as argued by_ "_Masters," flatly denied, &c.,
+&c., &c._
+
+
+    So I ask you to send the fugitives to Canada. I don't know much
+    of this Province but I beleaves that there is Rome enough for
+    the colored and whites of the United States. We wants farmers
+    mechanic men of all qualification &c., if they are not made we
+    will make them, if we cannot make the old, we will make our
+    children.
+
+    Now concerning the city toronto this city is Beautiful and
+    Prosperous Levele city. Great many wooden codages more than what
+    should be but I am in hopes there will be more of the Brick and
+    Stonn. But I am not done about your Republicanism. Our masters
+    have told us that there was no living in Canada for a Negro but
+    if it may Please your gentlemanship to publish these facts that
+    we are here able to earn our bread and money enough to make us
+    comftable. But I say give me freedom, and the United States may
+    have all her money and her Luxtures, yeas give Liberty or Death.
+    I'm in America, but not under Such a Government that I cannot
+    express myself, speak, think or write So as I am able, and if my
+    master had allowed me to have an education I would make them
+    American Slave-holders feel me, Yeas I would make them tremble
+    when I spoke, and when I take my Pen in hand their knees smote
+    together. My Dear Sir suppose I was an educated man. I could
+    write you something worth reading, but you know we poor
+    fugitives whom has just come over from the South are not able to
+    write much on no subject whatever, but I hope by the aid of my
+    God I will try to use my midnight lamp, untel I can have some
+    influence upon the American Slavery. If some one would say to
+    me, that they would give my wife bread untel I could be Educated
+    I would stoop my trade this day and take up my books.
+
+    But a crisis is approaching when assential requisite to the
+    American Slaveholders when blood Death or Liberty will be
+    required at their hands. I think our people have depened too
+    long and too much on false legislator let us now look for
+    ourselves. It is true that England however the Englishman is our
+    best friend but we as men ought not to depened upon her
+    Remonstrace with the Americans because she loves her commercial
+    trade as any Nations do. But I must say, while we look up and
+    acknowledge the Power greatness and honor of old England, and
+    believe that while we sit beneath the Silken folds of her flag
+    of Perfect Liberty, we are secure, beyond the reach of the
+    aggressions of the Blood hounds and free from the despotism that
+    would wrap around our limbs by the damable Slaveholder. Yet we
+    would not like spoiled childeren depend upon her, but upon
+    ourselves and as one means of strengthening ourselves, we should
+    agitate the emigration to Canada. I here send you a paragraph
+    which I clipted from the weekly Glob. I hope you will publish so
+    that Mr. Williamson may know that men are not chattel here but
+    reather they are men and if he wants his chattle let him come
+    here after it or his thing. I wants you to let the whole United
+    States know we are satisfied here because I have seen more
+    Pleasure since I came here then I saw in the U.S. the 24 years
+    that I served my master. Come Poor distress men women and come
+    to Canada where colored men are free. Oh how sweet the word do
+    sound to me yeas when I contemplate of these things, my very
+    flesh creaps my heart thrub when I think of my beloved friends
+    whom I left in that cursid hole. Oh my God what can I do for
+    them or shall I do for them. Lord help them. Suffer them to be
+    no longer depressed beneath the Bruat Creation but may they be
+    looked upon as men made of the Bone and Blood as the
+    Anglo-Americans. May God in his mercy Give Liberty to all this
+    world. I must close as it am late hour at night. I Remain your
+    friend in the cause of Liberty and humanity,
+
+    JOHN H. HILL, a fugitive.
+
+    If you know any one who would give me an education write and let
+    me know for I am in want of it very much.
+
+    Your with Respect,
+
+    J.H.H.
+
+
+If the sentiments in the above letter do not indicate an uncommon degree
+of natural intelligence, a clear perception of the wrongs of Slavery,
+and a just appreciation of freedom, where shall we look for the signs of
+intellect and manhood?
+
+
+
+FOURTH LETTER.
+
+
+_Longs for his wife--In hearing of the return of a Fugitive from
+Philadelphia is made sorrowful--His love of Freedom increases, &c., &c._
+
+
+    TORONTO, November 12th, 1853.
+
+    MY DEAR STILL:--Your letter of the 3th came to hand thursday and
+    also three copes all of which I was glad to Received they have
+    taken my attention all together Every Time I got them. I also
+    Rec'd. a letter from my friend Brown. Mr. Brown stated to me
+    that he had heard from my wife but he did not say what way he
+    heard. I am looking for my wife every day. Yes I want her to
+    come then I will be better satisfied. My friend I am a free man
+    and feeles alright about that matter. I am doing tolrable well
+    in my line of business, and think I will do better after little.
+    I hope you all will never stop any of our Brotheran that makes
+    their Escep from the South but send them on to this Place where
+    they can be free man and woman. We want them here and not in
+    your State where they can be taken away at any hour. Nay but let
+    him come here where he can Enjoy the Rights of a human being and
+    not to be trodden under the feet of men like themselves. All the
+    People that comes here does well. Thanks be to God that I came
+    to this place. I would like very well to see you all but never
+    do I expect to see you in the United States. I want you all to
+    come to this land of Liberty where the bondman can be free. Come
+    one come all come to this place, and I hope my dear friend you
+    will send on here. I shall do for them as you all done for me
+    when I came on here however I will do the best I can for them if
+    they can they shall do if they will do, but some comes here that
+    can't do well because they make no efford. I hope my friend you
+    will teach them such lessons as Mrs. Moore Give me before I left
+    your city. I hope she may live a hundred years longer and enjoy
+    good health. May God bless her for the good cause which she are
+    working in. Mr. Still you ask me to remember you to Nelson. I
+    will do so when I see him, he are on the lake so is Stewart. I
+    received a letter to-day for Stewart from your city which letter
+    I will take to him when he comes to the city. He are not stoping
+    with us at this time. I was very sorry a few days ago when I
+    heard that a man was taken from your city.
+
+    Send them over here, then let him come here and take them away
+    and I will try to have a finger in the Pie myself. You said that
+    you had written to my wife ten thousand thanks for what you have
+    done and what you are willing to do. My friend whenever you hear
+    from my wife please write to me. Whenever she come to your city
+    please give instruction how to travel. I wants her to come the
+    faster way. I wish she was here now. I wish she could get a
+    ticket through to this place. I have mail a paper for you to
+    day.
+
+    We have had snow but not to last long. Let me hear from you. My
+    Respect friend Brown. I will write more when I have the
+    opportunity.
+
+    Yours with Respect,
+
+    JOHN H. HILL.
+
+    P.S. My dear Sir. Last night after I had written the above, and
+    had gone to bed, I heard a strange voice in the house, Saying to
+    Mr. Myers to come quickly to one of our colod Brotheran out of
+    the street. We went and found a man a Carpenter laying on the
+    side walk woltun in his Blood. Done by some unknown Person as
+    yet but if they stay on the earth the law will deteck them. It
+    is said that party of colord people done it, which party was
+    seen to come out an infame house.
+
+    Mr. Myers have been down to see him and Brought the Sad news
+    that the Poor fellow was dead. Mr. Scott for Henry Scott was the
+    name, he was a fugitive from Virginia he came here from
+    Pittsburg Pa. Oh, when I went where he laid what a shock, it
+    taken my Sleep altogether night. When I got to Sopt his Body was
+    surrounded by the Policeman. The law has taken the woman in
+    cusidy. I write and also send you a paper of the case when it
+    comes out.
+
+    J.H. HILL.
+
+
+
+
+FIFTH LETTER.
+
+
+_He rejoices over the arrival of his wife_--_but at the same time, his
+heart is bleeding over a dear friend whom he had promised to help before
+he left Slavery_.
+
+
+    TORONTO, December 29th, 1853.
+
+    MY DEAR FRIEND:--It affords me a good deel of Pleasure to say
+    that my wife and the Children have arrived safe in this City.
+    But my wife had very bad luck. She lost her money and the money
+    that was belonging to the children, the whole amount was 35
+    dollars. She had to go to the Niagara falls and Telegraph to me
+    come after her. She got to the falls on Sat'dy and I went after
+    her on Monday. We saw each other once again after so long an
+    Abstance, you may know what sort of metting it was, joyful times
+    of corst. My wife are well Satisfied here, and she was well
+    Pleased during her stay in your city. My Trip to the falls cost
+    Ten Eighty Seven and half. The things that friend Brown Shiped
+    to me by the Express costed $24-1/4. So you can see fiting out a
+    house Niagara falls and the cost for bringing my things to this
+    place, have got me out of money, but for all I am a free man.
+
+    The weather are very cold at Present, the snow continue to fall
+    though not as deep here as it is in Boston. The people haves
+    their own Amousements, the weather as it is now, they don't care
+    for the snow nor ice, but they are going from Ten A.M. until
+    Twelve P.M., the hous that we have open don't take well because
+    we don't Sell Spirits, which we are trying to avoid if we can.
+
+    Mr. Still, I hold in my hand A letter from a friend of South,
+    who calls me to promise that I made to him before I left. My
+    dear Sir, this letter have made my heart Bleed, since I Received
+    it, he also desires of me to remember him to his beloved
+    Brethren and then to Pray for him and his dear friends who are
+    in Slavery. I shall Present his letter to the churches of this
+    city. I forward to your care for Mrs. Moore, a few weeks ago.
+    Mrs. Hill sends her love to your wife and yourself.
+
+    Please to write, I Sincerely hope that our friends from
+    Petersburg have reached your city before this letter is dated. I
+    must close by saying, that I Sir, remain humble and obedient
+    Servant,
+
+    J.H.H.
+
+
+
+
+SIXTH LETTER.
+
+
+_He is now earnestly appealing in behalf of a friend in Slavery, with a
+view to procuring aid and assistance from certain parties, by which this
+particular friend in bondage might be rescued_.
+
+
+    Toranto, March 8th, 1854.
+
+    My Dear Friend Still:--We will once more truble you opon this
+    great cause of freedom, as we know that you are a man, that are
+    never fatuged in Such a glorious cause. Sir, what I wish to Say
+    is this. Mr. Forman has Received a letter from his wife dated
+    the 29th ult. She States to him that She was Ready at any time,
+    and that Everything was Right with her, and she hoped that he
+    would lose no time in sending for her for she was Ready and
+    awaiting for him. Well friend Still, we learnt that Mr. Minkens
+    could not bring her the account of her child. We are very sorry
+    to hear Such News, however, you will please to read this letter
+    with care, as we have learnt that Minkens Cannot do what we
+    wishes to be done; we perpose another way. There is a white man
+    that Sale from Richmond to Boston, that man are very Safe, he
+    will bring F's wife with her child. So you will do us a favour
+    will take it upon yourself to transcribe from this letter what
+    we shall write. I.E. this there is a Colored gen. that workes on
+    the basin in R---- this man's name is Esue Poster, he can tell
+    Mrs. forman all about this Saleor. So you can place the letter
+    in the hands of M. to take to forman's wife, She can read it for
+    herself. She will find Foster at ladlum's warehouse on the
+    Basin, and when you write call my name to him and he will trust
+    it. this foster are a member of the old Baptist Church. When you
+    have done all you can do let us know what you have done, if you
+    hears anything of my uncle let me know.
+
+
+
+
+SEVENTH LETTER.
+
+
+_He laments over his uncle's fate, who was suffering in a dungeon-like
+place of concealment daily waiting for the opportunity to escape_.
+
+
+    Toronto, March 18th, 1864.
+
+    My Dear Still:--Yours of the 15th Reached on the 11th, found
+    myself and family very well, and not to delay no time in
+    replying to you, as there was an article in your letter which
+    article Roused me very much when I read it; that was you praying
+    to me to be cautious how I write down South. Be so kind as to
+    tell me in your next letter whether you have at any time
+    apprehended any danger in my letters however, in those bond
+    southward; if there have been, allow me to beg ten thousand
+    pardon before God and man, for I am not design to throw any
+    obstacle in the way of those whom I left in South, but to aide
+    them in every possible way. I have done as you Requested, that
+    to warn the friends of the dager of writing South. I have told
+    all you said in yours that Mr. Minkins would be in your city
+    very soon, and you would see what you could do for me, do you
+    mean or do speak in reference to my dear uncle. I am hopes that
+    you will use every ifford to get him from the position in which
+    he now stand. I know how he feels at this time, for I have felt
+    the same when I was a runway. I was bereft of all participation
+    with my family for nearly nine months, and now that poor fellow
+    are place in same position. Oh God help I pray, what a pitty it
+    is that I cannot do him no good, but I sincerely hope that you
+    will not get fatigued at doing good in such cases, nay, I think
+    other wises of you, however, I Say no more on this subject at
+    present, but leave it for you to judge.
+
+    On the 13th inst. you made Some Remarks concerning friend
+    Forman's wife, I am Satisfied that you will do all you can for
+    her Release from Slavery, but as you said you feels for them, so
+    do I, and Mr. Foreman comes to me very often to know if I have
+    heard anything from you concerning his wife, they all comes to
+    for the same.
+
+    God Save the Queen. All my letters Southward have passed through
+    your hands with an exception of one.
+
+    JOHN H. HILL.
+
+
+
+
+EIGHTH LETTER.
+
+
+_Death has snatched away one of his children and he has cause to mourn.
+In his grief he recounts his struggles for freedom, and his having to
+leave his wife and children. He acknowledges that he had to "work very
+hard for comforts," but he declares that he would not "exchange with the
+comforts of ten thousand slaves_."
+
+
+    TORONTO Sept 14th 1854
+
+    MY DEAR FRIEND STILL:--this are the first oppertunity that I
+    have had to write you since I Reed your letter of the 20th July,
+    there have been sickness and Death in my family since your
+    letter was Reed, our dear little Child have been taken from us
+    one whom we loved so very Dear, but the almighty God knows what
+    are best for us all.
+
+    Louis Henry Hill, was born in Petersburg Va May 7th 1852. and
+    Died Toronto August 19th 1854 at five o'clock P.M.
+
+    Dear Still I could say much about the times and insidince that
+    have taken place since the coming of that dear little angle jest
+    spoken of. it was 12 months and 3 days from the time that I took
+    departure of my wife and child to proceed to Richmond to awaite
+    a conveyance up to the day of his death.
+
+    it was thursday the 13th that I lift Richmond, it was Saturday
+    the 15th that I land to my great joy in the city of Phila. then
+    I put out for Canada. I arrived in this city on Friday the 30th
+    and to my great satisfaction. I found myself upon Briton's free
+    land, not only free for the white man bot for all.
+
+    this day 12 months I was not out of the reach the slaveholders,
+    but this 14th day of Sept. I am as Free as your President
+    Pearce. only I have not been free so long However the 30th of
+    the month I will have been free only 12 months.
+
+    It is true that I have to work very hard for comfort but I would
+    not exchange with ten thousand slave that are equel with their
+    masters. I am Happy, Happy.
+
+    Give love to Mrs. Still. My wife laments her child's death too
+    much, wil you be so kind as to see Mr. Brown and ask him to
+    write to me, and if he have heard from Petersburg Va.
+
+    Yours truely
+
+    J.H. HILL.
+
+
+
+
+NINTH LETTER.
+
+
+_He is anxiously waiting for the arrival of friends from the South.
+Hints that slaveholders would be very unsafe in Canada, should they be
+foolish enough to visit that country for the purpose of enticing slaves
+back_.
+
+
+    TORONTO, Jan. 19th 1854.
+
+    MY DEAR STILL:--Your letter of the 16th came to hand just in
+    time for my perpose I perceivs by your statement that the money
+    have not been to Petersburg at all done just what was right and
+    I would of sent the money to you at first, but my dear friend I
+    have called upon you for so many times that I have been ashamed
+    of myself to call any more So you may perceive by the above
+    written my obligations to you, you said that you had written on
+    to Petersburg, you have done Right which I believes is your
+    general way of doing your business, the money are all right I
+    only had to pay a 6d on the Ten dollars. this money was given to
+    by a friend in the city N. york, the friend was from Richmond
+    Virginia (a white man) the amount was fifteen dollars, I forward
+    a letter to you yesterday which letter I forgot to date. my
+    friend I wants to hear from virginia the worst of all things.
+    you know that we expect some freneds on and we cannot hear any
+    thing from them which makes us uneasy for fear that they have
+    attempt to come away and been detected. I have ears open at all
+    times, listen at all hours expecting to hear from them Please to
+    see friend Brown and know from him if he has heard anything from
+    our friends, if he have not. tell him write and inquiare into
+    the matter why it is that they have not come over, then let me
+    hear from you all.
+
+    We are going to have a grand concert &c I mean the Abolisnous
+    Socity. I will attend myself and also my wife if the Lord be
+    willing you will perceive in previous letter that I mension
+    something concerning Mr Forman's wife if there be any chance
+    whatever please to proceed, Mr Foreman sends his love to you
+    Requested you to do all you can to get his wife away from
+    Slavery.
+
+    Our best respects to your wife. You promisted me that you would
+    write somthing concerning our arrival in Canada but I suppose
+    you have not had the time as yet, I would be very glad to read
+    your opinion on that matter
+
+    I have notice several articles in the freeman one of the Canada
+    weaklys concerning the Christiana prisoners respecting Castnor
+    Hanway and also Mr. Rauffman. if I had one hundred dollars to
+    day I would give them five each, however I hope that I may be
+    able to subscribe something for their Relefe. in Regards to the
+    letters have been written from Canada to the South the letters
+    was not what they thought them to be and if the slave-holders
+    know when they are doing well they had better keep their side
+    for if they comes over this side of the lake I am under the
+    impression they will not go back with somethin that their mother
+    boned them with whether thiar slaves written for them or not. I
+    know some one here that have written his master to come after
+    him, but not because he expect to go with him home but because
+    he wants to retaleate upon his persecutor, but I would be sorry
+    for man that have written for his master expecting to return
+    with him because the people here would kill them. Sir I cannot
+    write enough to express myself so I must close by saying I
+    Remain yours.
+
+    JOHN H. HILL.
+
+
+
+
+TENTH LETTER.
+
+
+_Great joy over an arrival--Twelve months praying for the deliverance of
+an Uncle groaning in a hiding-place, while the Slave-hunters are daily
+expected--Strong appeals for aid, &c., &c._
+
+
+    TORONTO, January 7th, 1855.
+
+    MY DEAR FRIEND:--It is with much pleasure that I take this
+    opportunity of addressing you with these few lines hoping when
+    they reeches you they may find yourself and family enjoying good
+    health as they leaves us at present.
+
+    And it is with much happiness that I can say to you that Mrs.
+    Mercer arrived in this city on yesterday. Mr. Mercer was at my
+    house late in the evening, and I told him that when he went home
+    if hear anything from Virginia, that he must let me know as soon
+    as possible. He told me that if he went home and found any news
+    there he would come right back and inform me thereof. But little
+    did he expect to find his dearest there. You may judge what a
+    meeting there was with them, and may God grant that there may be
+    some more meetings with our wives and friends. I had been
+    looking for some one from the old sod for several days, but I
+    was in good hopes that it would be my poor Uncle. But poor
+    fellow he are yet groaning under the sufferings of a horrid
+    sytam, Expecting every day to Receive his Doom. Oh, God, what
+    shall I do, or what can I do for him? I have prayed for him more
+    than 12 months, yet he is in that horrid condition. I can never
+    hear anything Directly from him or any of my people.
+
+    Once more I appeal to your Humanity. Will you act for him, as if
+    you was in slavery yourself, and I sincerely believe that he
+    will come out of that condition? Mrs. M. have told me that she
+    given some directions how he could be goten at, but friend
+    Still, if this conductor should not be successfull this time,
+    will you mind him of the Poor Slave again. I hope you will as
+    Mrs. Mercer have told the friend what to do I cannot do more,
+    therefore I must leve it to the Mercy of God and your Exertion.
+
+    The weather have been very mile Ever since the 23rd of Dec. I
+    have thought considerable about our condition in this country
+    Seeing that the weather was so very faverable to us. I was
+    thinking a few days ago, that nature had giving us A country &
+    adopted all things Sutable.
+
+    You will do me the kindness of telling me in your next whether
+    or not the ten slaves have been Brought out from N.C.
+
+    I have not hard from Brown for Nine month he have done some very
+    Bad letting me alone, for what cause I cannot tell. Give my Best
+    Respect to Mr. B. when you see him. I wish very much to hear
+    from himself and family. You will please to let me hear from
+    you. My wife Joines me in love to yourself and family.
+
+    Yours most Respectfully,
+
+    JOHN H. HILL.
+
+    P.S. Every fugitive Regreated to hear of the Death of Mrs.
+    Moore. I myself think that there are no other to take her Place.
+
+    yours
+
+    J.H.H.
+
+
+
+
+ELEVENTH LETTER.
+
+
+[EXTRACT.]
+
+_Rejoices at hearing of the success of the Underground Rail
+Road--Inquires particularly after the "fellow" who "cut off the Patrol's
+head in Maryland_."
+
+
+    HAMILTON, August 15th, 1856.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND:--I am very glad to hear that the Underground Rail
+    Road is doing such good business, but tell me in your next
+    letter if you have seen the heroic fellow that cut off the head
+    of the Patrol in Maryland. We wants that fellow here, as John
+    Bull has a great deal of fighting to do, and as there is a
+    colored Captain in this city, I would seek to have that fellow
+    Promoted, Provided he became a soldier.
+
+    Great respect,
+
+    JOHN H. HILL.
+
+    P.S.--Please forward the enclosed to Mr. McCray.
+
+
+
+
+TWELFTH LETTER.
+
+
+[EXTRACT.]
+
+_Believes in praying for the Slave--but thinks "fire and sword" would be
+more effective with Slave-holders_.
+
+
+    HAMILTON, Jan. 5th, 1857.
+
+    MR. STILL:--Our Pappers contains long details of insurrectionary
+    movements among the slaves at the South and one paper adds that
+    a great Nomber of Generals, Captains with other officers had
+    being arrested. At this day four years ago I left Petersburg for
+    Richmond to meet the man whom called himself my master, but he
+    wanted money worser that day than I do this day, he took me to
+    sell me, he could not have done a better thing for me for I
+    intended to leave any how by the first convaiance. I hard some
+    good Prayers put up for the suffers on last Sunday evening in
+    the Baptist Church. Now friend still I beleve that Prayers
+    affects great good, but I beleve that the fire and sword would
+    affect more good in this case. Perhaps this is not your
+    thoughts, but I must acknowledge this to be my Polacy. The world
+    are being turned upside down, and I think we might as well take
+    an active part in it as not. We must have something to do as
+    other people, and I hope this moment among the Slaves are the
+    beginning. I wants to see something go on while I live.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+    JOHN H. HILL.
+
+
+
+
+THIRTEENTH LETTER.
+
+
+_Sad tidings from Richmond--Of the arrest of a Captain with Slaves on
+board as Underground Rail Road passengers_.
+
+
+    HAMILTON, June 5th, 1858.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND STILL:--I have just heard that our friend Capt. B.
+    have being taken Prisoner in Virginia with slaves on board of
+    his vessel. I hard this about an hour ago. the Person told me of
+    this said he read it in the newspaper, if this be so it is
+    awfull. You will be so kind as to send me some information. Send
+    me one of the Virginia Papers. Poor fellow if they have got him,
+    I am sorry, sorry to my heart. I have not heard from my Uncle
+    for a long time if have heard or do hear anything from him at
+    any time you will oblige me by writing. I wish you to inquire of
+    Mr. Anderson's friends (if you know any of them), if they have
+    heard anything from him since he was in your city. I have
+    written to him twice since he was here according to his own
+    directions, but never received an answer. I wants to hear from
+    my mother very much, but cannot hear one word. You will present
+    my best regards to the friend. Mrs. Hill is quite sick.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+    J.H. HILL.
+
+    P.S.--I have not received the Anti-Slavery Standard for several
+    weeks. Please forward any news relative to the Capt.
+
+    J.H.H.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE ESCAPE OF HEZEKIAH HILL.
+
+
+(UNCLE OF JOHN HENRY HILL.)
+
+
+Impelled by the love of freedom Hezekiah resolved that he would work no
+longer for nothing; that he would never be sold on the auction block:
+that he no longer would obey the bidding of a master, and that he would
+die rather than be a slave. This decision, however, had only been
+entertained by him a short time prior to his escape. For a number of
+years Hezekiah had been laboring under the pleasing thought that he
+should succeed in obtaining freedom through purchase, having had an
+understanding with his owner with this object in view. At different
+times he had paid on account for himself nineteen hundred dollars, six
+hundred dollars more than he was to have paid according to the first
+agreement. Although so shamefully defrauded in the first instance, he
+concluded to bear the disappointment as patiently as possible and get
+out of the lion's mouth as best he could.
+
+He continued to work on and save his money until he had actually come
+within one hundred dollars of paying two thousand. At this point instead
+of getting his free papers, as he firmly believed that he should, to his
+surprise one day he saw a notorious trader approaching the shop where he
+was at work. The errand of the trader was soon made known. Hezekiah
+simply requested time to go back to the other end of the shop to get his
+coat, which he seized and ran. He was pursued but not captured. This
+occurrence took place in Petersburg, Va., about the first of December,
+1854. On the night of the same day of his escape from the trader,
+Hezekiah walked to Richmond and was there secreted under a floor by a
+friend. He was a tall man, of powerful muscular strength, about thirty
+years of age just in the prime of his manhood with enough pluck for two
+men.
+
+A heavy reward was offered for him, but the hunters failed to find him
+in this hiding-place under the floor. He strongly hoped to get away
+soon; on several occasions he made efforts, but only to be disappointed.
+At different times at least two captains had consented to afford him a
+private passage to Philadelphia, but like the impotent man at the pool,
+some one always got ahead of him. Two or three times he even managed to
+reach the boat upon the river, but had to return to his horrible place
+under the floor. Some were under the impression that he was an
+exceedingly unlucky man, and for a time captains feared to bring him.
+But his courage sustained him unwaveringly.
+
+Finally at the expiration of thirteen months, a private passage was
+procured for him on the steamship Pennsylvania, and with a little slave
+boy, seven years of age, (the son of the man who had secreted him)
+though placed in a very hard berth, he came safely to Philadelphia,
+greatly to the astonishment of the Vigilance Committee, who had waited
+for him so long that they had despaired of his ever coming.
+
+The joy that filled Hezekiah's bosom may be imagined but never
+described. None but one who had been in similar straits could enter into
+his feelings.
+
+He had left his wife Louisa, and two little boys, Henry and Manuel. His
+passage cost one hundred dollars.
+
+Hezekiah being a noted character, a number of the true friends were
+invited to take him by the hand and to rejoice with him over his noble
+struggles and his triumph; needing rest and recruiting, he was made
+welcome to stay, at the expense of the committee, as long as he might
+feel disposed so to do. He remained several days, and then went on to
+Canada rejoicing. After arriving there he returned his acknowledgment
+for favors received, &c., in the following letter:
+
+
+    TORONTO Jan 24th 1856.
+
+    MR. STILL:--this is to inform you that Myself and little boy,
+    arrived safely in this city this day the 24th, at ten o'clock
+    after a very long and pleasant trip. I had a great deal of
+    attention paid to me while on the way.
+
+    I owes a great deel of thanks to yourself and friends. I will
+    just say hare that when I arrived at New York, I found Mr. Gibbs
+    sick and could not be attended to there. However, I have arrived
+    alright.
+
+    You will please to give my respects to your friend that writes
+    in the office with you, and to Mr Smith, also Mr Brown, and the
+    friends, Mrs Still in particular.
+
+    Friend Still you will please to send the enclosed to John Hill
+    Petersburg I want him to send some things to me you will be so
+    kind as to send your direction to them, so that the things to
+    your care. if you do not see a convenient way to send it by
+    hands, you will please direct your letter to Phillip Ubank
+    Petersburg.
+
+    Yours Respectfully
+
+    H HILL.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+JAMES--(BROTHER OF JOHN HENRY HILL).
+
+
+For three years James suffered in a place of concealment, before he
+found the way opened to escape. When he resolved on having his freedom
+he was much under twenty-one years of age, a brave young man, for three
+years, with unfailing spirit, making resistance in the city of Richmond
+to the slave Power!
+
+Such heroes in the days of Slavery, did much to make the infernal system
+insecure, and to keep alive the spirit of freedom in liberty-loving
+hearts the world over, wherever such deeds of noble daring were made
+known. But of his heroism, but little can be reported here, from the
+fact, that such accounts as were in the possession of the Committee,
+were never transferred from the loose slips of paper on which they were
+first written, to the regular record book. But an important letter from
+the friend with whom he was secreted, written a short while before he
+escaped (on a boat), gives some idea of his condition:
+
+
+    RICHMOND, VA., February 16th, 1861.
+
+    DEAR BROTHER STILL:--I received a message from brother Julius
+    anderson, asking me to send the bundle on but I has no way to
+    send it, I have been waiting and truly hopeing that you would
+    make some arrangement with some person, and send for the parcel.
+    I have no way to send it, and I cannot communicate the subject
+    to a stranger there is a Way by the N.y. line, but they are all
+    strangers to me, and of course I could not approach them With
+    this subject for I would be indangered myself greatly. this
+    business is left to you and to you alone to attend to in
+    providing the way for me to send on the parcel, if you only make
+    an arrangement with some person and let me know the said person
+    and the article which they is to be sent on then I can send the
+    parcel. unless you do make an arrangement with some person, and
+    assure them that they will receive the funs for delivering the
+    parcel this Business cannot be accomplished. it is in your power
+    to try to make some provision for the article to be sent but it
+    is not in my power to do so, the bundle has been on my hands now
+    going on 3 years, and I have suffered a great deal of danger,
+    and is still suffering the same. I have understood Sir that
+    there were no difficul about the mone that you had it in your
+    possession Ready for the bundle whenever it is delivered. But
+    Sir as I have said I can do nothing now. Sir I ask you please
+    through sympathy and feelings on my part & his try to provide a
+    way for the bundle to be sent and relieve me of the danger in
+    which I am in. you might succeed in making an arrangement with
+    those on the New york Steamers for they dose such things but
+    please let me know the man that the arrangement is made
+    with--please give me an answer by the bearer.
+
+    yours truly friend
+
+    C.A.
+
+
+At last, the long, dark night passed away, and this young slave safely
+made his way to freedom, and proceeded to Boston, where he now resides.
+While the Committee was looked to for aid in the deliverance of this
+poor fellow, it was painful to feel that it was not in their power to
+answer his prayers--not until after his escape, was it possible so to
+do. But his escape to freedom gave them a satisfaction which no words
+can well express. At present, John Henry Hill is a justice of the peace
+in Petersburg. Hezekiah resides at West Point, and James in Boston,
+rejoicing that all men are free in the United States, at last.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+FROM VIRGINIA, MARYLAND AND DELAWARE.
+
+
+
+
+ARCHER BARLOW, ALIAS EMIT ROBINS.
+
+
+This passenger arrived from Norfolk, Va. in 1853. For the last four
+years previous to escaping, he had been under the yoke of Dr. George
+Wilson. Archer declared that he had been "very badly treated" by the
+Doctor, which he urged as his reason for leaving. True, the doctor had
+been good enough to allow him to hire his time, for which he required
+Archer to pay the moderate sum of $120 per annum. As Archer had been
+"sickly" most of the time, during the last year, he complained that
+there was "no reduction" in his hire on this account. Upon reflection,
+therefore, Archer thought, if he had justice done him, he would be in
+possession of this "one hundred and twenty" himself, and all his other
+rights, instead of having to toil for another without pay; so he looked
+seriously into the matter of master and slave, and pretty soon resolved,
+that if others chose to make no effort to get away, for himself he would
+never be contented, until he was free. When a slave reached this
+decision, he was in a very hopeful state. He was near the Underground
+Rail Road, and was sure to find it, sooner or later. At this thoughtful
+period, Archer was thirty-one years of age, a man of medium size, and
+belonged to the two leading branches of southern humanity, _i.e._, he
+_was_ half white and half colored--a dark mulatto. His arrival in
+Philadelphia, per one of the Richmond steamers, was greeted with joy by
+the Vigilance Committee, who extended to him the usual aid and care, and
+forwarded him on to freedom. For a number of years, he has been a
+citizen of Boston.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SAMUEL BUSH, ALIAS WILLIAM OBLEBEE.
+
+
+This "piece of property" fled in the fall of 1853. As a specimen of this
+article of commerce, he evinced considerable intelligence. He was a man
+of dark color, although not totally free from the admixture of the
+"superior" southern blood in his veins; in stature, he was only
+ordinary. For leaving, he gave the following reasons: "I found that I
+was working for my master, for his advantage, and when I was sick, I had
+to pay just as much as if I were well--$7 a month. But my master was
+cross, and said that he intended to sell me--to do better by me another
+year. Times grew worse and worse, constantly. I thought, as I had heard,
+that if I could raise thirty dollars I could come away." He at once saw
+the value of money. To his mind it meant liberty from that moment.
+Thenceforth he decided to treasure up every dollar he could get hold of
+until he could accumulate at least enough to get out of "Old Virginia."
+He was a married man, and thought he had a wife and one child, but on
+reflection, he found out that they did not actually belong to him, but
+to a carpenter, by the name of Bailey. The man whom Samuel was compelled
+to call master was named Hoyle.
+
+The Committee's interview with Samuel was quite satisfactory, and they
+cheerfully accorded to him brotherly kindness and material aid at the
+same time.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+JOHN SPENCER AND HIS SON WILLIAM, AND JAMES ALBERT.
+
+
+These individuals escaped from the eastern shore of Maryland, in the
+Spring of 1853, but were led to conclude that they could enjoy the
+freedom they had aimed to find, in New Jersey. They procured employment
+in the neighborhood of Haddonfield, some six or eight miles from Camden,
+New Jersey, and were succeeding, as they thought, very well.
+
+Things went on favorably for about three months, when to their alarm
+"slave-hunters were discovered in the neighborhood," and sufficient
+evidence was obtained to make it quite plain that, John, William and
+James were the identical persons, for whom the hunters were in "hot
+pursuit." When brought to the Committee, they were pretty thoroughly
+alarmed and felt very anxious to be safely off to Canada. While the
+Committee always rendered in such cases immediate protection and aid,
+they nevertheless, felt, in view of the imminent dangers existing under
+the fugitive slave law, that persons disposed to thus stop by the way,
+should be very plainly given to understand, that if they were captured
+they would have themselves the most to blame. But the dread of Slavery
+was strong in the minds of these fugitives, and they very fully realized
+their folly in stopping in New Jersey. The Committee procured their
+tickets, helped them to disguise themselves as much as possible, and
+admonished them not to stop short of Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+HETTY SCOTT ALIAS MARGARET DUNCANS AND DAUGHTER PRISCILLA.
+
+
+This mother and daughter had been the "chattels personal" of Daniel
+Coolby of Harvard, Md. Their lot had been that of ordinary slaves in the
+country, on farms, &c. The motive which prompted them to escape was the
+fact that their master had "threatened to sell" them. He had a right to
+do so; but Hetty was a little squeamish on this point and took great
+umbrage at her "kind master." In this "disobedient" state of mind, she
+determined, if hard struggling would enable her, to defeat the threats
+of Mr. Daniel Coolby, that he should not much longer have the
+satisfaction of enjoying the fruit of the toil of herself and offspring.
+She at once began to prepare for her journey.
+
+She had three children of her own to bring, besides she was intimately
+acquainted with a young man and a young woman, both slaves, to whom she
+felt that it would be safe to confide her plans with a view of inviting
+them to accompany her. The young couple were ready converts to the
+eloquent speech delivered to them by Hetty on Freedom, and were quite
+willing to accept her as their leader in the emergency. Up to the hour
+of setting out on their lonely and fatiguing journey, arrangements were
+being carefully completed, so that there should be no delay of any kind.
+At the appointed hour they were all moving northward in good order.
+
+Arriving at Quakertown, Pa., they found friends of the slave, who
+welcomed them to their homes and sympathy, gladdening the hearts of all
+concerned. For prudential reasons it was deemed desirable to separate
+the party, to send some one way and some another. Thus safely, through
+the kind offices and aid of the friends at Quakertown, they were duly
+forwarded on to the Committee in Philadelphia. Here similar acts of
+charity were extended to them, and they were directed on to Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT FISHER.
+
+
+THIS PASSENGER AVAILS HIMSELF OF HOLIDAY WEEK, BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW
+YEAR'S, TO MAKE HIS NORTHERN TRIP. Robert was about thirty years of age,
+dark color, quite tall, and in talking with him a little while, it was
+soon discovered that Slavery had not crushed all the brains out of his
+head by a good deal. Nor was he so much attached to his "kind-hearted
+master," John Edward Jackson, of Anne Arundel, Md., or his old fiddle,
+that he was contented and happy while in bondage. Far from it. The fact
+was, that he hated Slavery so decidedly and had such a clear common
+sense-like view of the evils and misery of the system, that he declared
+he had as a matter of principle refrained from marrying, in order that
+he might have no reason to grieve over having added to the woes of
+slaves. Nor did he wish to be encumbered, if the opportunity offered to
+escape. According to law he was entitled to his freedom at the age of
+twenty-five.
+
+But what right had a negro, which white slave-holders were "bound to
+respect?" Many who had been willed free, were held just as firmly in
+Slavery, as if no will had ever been made. Robert had too much sense to
+suppose that he could gain anything by seeking legal redress. This
+method, therefore, was considered out of the question. But in the
+meantime he was growing very naturally in favor of the Underground Rail
+Road. From his experience Robert did not hesitate to say that his master
+was "mean," "a very hard man," who would work his servants early and
+late, without allowing them food and clothing sufficient to shield them
+from the cold and hunger. Robert certainly had unmistakable marks about
+him, of having been used roughly. He thought very well of Nathan Harris,
+a fellow-servant belonging to the same owner, and he made up his mind,
+if Nathan would join him, neither the length of the journey, the
+loneliness of night travel, the coldness of the weather, the fear of the
+slave-hunter, nor the scantiness of their means should deter him from
+making his way to freedom. Nathan listened to the proposal, and was
+suddenly converted to freedom, and the two united during Christmas week,
+1854, and set out on the Underground Rail Road. It is needless to say
+that they had trying difficulties to encounter. These they expected, but
+all were overcome, and they reached the Vigilance Committee, in
+Philadelphia safely, and were cordially welcomed. During the interview,
+a full interchange of thought resulted, the fugitives were well cared
+for, and in due time both were forwarded on, free of cost.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+HANSEL WAPLES.
+
+
+This traveler arrived from Millsboro, Indian River, Delaware, where he
+was owned by Wm. E. Burton. While Hansel did not really own himself, he
+had the reputation of having a wife and six children. In June, some six
+months prior to her husband's arrival, Hansel's wife had been allowed by
+her mistress to go out on a begging expedition, to raise money to buy
+herself; but contrary to the expectation of her mistress she never
+returned. Doubtless the mistress looked upon this course as a piece of
+the most highhanded stealing. Hansel did not speak of his owner as being
+a hard man, but on the contrary he thought that he was about as "good"
+as the best that he was acquainted with. While this was true, however,
+Hansel had quite good ground for believing that his master was about to
+sell him. Dreading this fate he made up his mind to go in pursuit of his
+wife to a Free state. Exactly where to look or how to find her he could
+not tell.
+
+The Committee advised him to "search in Canada." And in order to enable
+him to get on quickly and safely, the Committee aided him with money,
+&c., in 1853.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ROSE ANNA TONNELL ALIAS MARIA HYDE.
+
+
+She fled from Isaac Tonnell of Georgetown, Delaware, in Christmas week,
+1853. A young woman with a little boy of seven years of age accompanied
+Rose Anna. Further than the simple fact of their having thus safely
+arrived, except the expense incurred by the Committee, no other
+particulars appear on the records.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+MARY ENNIS ALIAS LICIA HEMMIN.
+
+
+Mary arrived with her two children in the early Spring of 1854.
+
+The mother was a woman of about thirty-three years of age, quite tall,
+with a countenance and general appearance well fitted to awaken sympathy
+at first sight. Her oldest child was a little girl seven years of age,
+named Lydia; the other was named Louisa Caroline, three years of age,
+both promising in appearance. They were the so called property of John
+Ennis, of Georgetown, Delaware. For their flight they chose the dead of
+Winter. After leaving they made their way to West Chester, and there
+found friends and security for several weeks, up to the time they
+reached Philadelphia. Probably the friends with whom they stopped
+thought the weather too inclement for a woman with children dependent on
+her support to travel. Long before this mother escaped, thoughts of
+liberty filled her heart. She was ever watching for an opportunity, that
+would encourage her to hope for safety, when once the attempt should be
+made. Until, however, she was convinced that her two children were to be
+sold, she could not quite muster courage to set out on the journey. This
+threat to sell proved in multitudes of instances, "the last straw on the
+camel's back." When nothing else would start them this would. Mary and
+her children were the only slaves owned by this Ennis, consequently her
+duties were that of "Jack of all trades;" sometimes in the field and
+sometimes in the barn, as well as in the kitchen, by which, it is
+needless to say, that her life was rendered servile to the last degree.
+
+To bind up the broken heart of such a poor slave mother, and to aid such
+tender plants as were these little girls, from such a wretched state of
+barbarism as existed in poor little Delaware, was doubly gratifying to
+the Committee.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+"SAM," "ISAAC," "PERRY," "CHARLES," AND "GREEN."
+
+
+
+    ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD.--Ran away on Saturday night, the
+    20th September, 1856, from the subscriber, living in the ninth
+    district of Carroll county, Maryland, two Negro Men, SAM and
+    ISAAC. Sam calls himself Samuel Sims; he is very black; shows
+    his teeth very much when he laughs; no perceptible marks; he is
+    5 feet 8 inches high, and about thirty years of age, but has the
+    appearance of being much older.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    Isaac calls himself Isaac Dotson he is about nineteen years of
+    age, stout made, but rather chunky; broad across his shoulders,
+    he is about five feet five or six inches high, always appears to
+    be in a good humor; laughs a good deal, and runs on with a good
+    deal of foolishness; he is of very light color, almost yellow,
+    might be called a yellow boy; has no perceptible marks.
+
+    They have such a variety of clothing that it is almost useless
+    to say anything about them. No doubt they will change their
+    names.
+
+    I will give the above reward for them, of one thousand dollars,
+    or five hundred dollars for either of them, if taken and lodged
+    in any jail in Maryland, so that I get them again.
+
+    Also two of Mr. Dade's, living in the neighborhood, went the
+    same time; no doubt they are all in company together.  THOMAS B.
+    OWINGS.
+
+    s24-6tWit*||
+
+
+These passengers reached the Philadelphia station, about the 24th of
+September, 1856, five days after they escaped from Carroll county. They
+were in fine spirits, and had borne the fatigue and privation of travel
+bravely. A free and interesting interview took place, between these
+passengers and the Committee, eliciting much information, especially
+with regard to the workings of the system on the farms, from which they
+had the good luck to flee. Each of the party was thoroughly questioned,
+about how time had passed with them at home, or rather in the prison
+house, what kind of men their masters were, how they fed and clothed, if
+they whipped, bought or sold, whether they were members of church, or
+not, and many more questions needless to enumerate bearing on the
+domestic relation which had existed between themselves and their
+masters. These queries they answered in their own way, with
+intelligence. Upon the whole, their lot in Slavery had been rather more
+favorable than the average run of slaves.
+
+No record was made of any very severe treatment. In fact, the notices
+made of them were very brief, and, but for the elaborate way in which
+they were described in the "Baltimore Sun," by their owners, their
+narratives would hardly be considered of sufficient interest to record.
+The heavy rewards, beautiful descriptions, and elegant illustrations in
+the "Sun," were very attractive reading. The Vigilance Committee took
+the "Sun," for nothing else under the sun but for this special
+literature, and for this purpose they always considered the "Sun" a
+cheap and reliable paper.
+
+A slave man or woman, running for life, he with a bundle on his back or
+she with a babe in her arms, was always a very interesting sight, and
+should always be held in remembrance. Likewise the descriptions given by
+slave-holders, as a general rule, showed considerable artistic powers
+and a most thorough knowledge of the physical outlines of this peculiar
+property. Indeed, the art must have been studied attentively for
+practical purposes. When the advertisements were received in advance of
+arrivals, which was always the case, the descriptions generally were
+found so lifelike, that the Committee preferred to take them in
+preference to putting themselves to the labor of writing out new ones,
+for future reference. This we think, ought not to be complained of by
+any who were so unfortunate as to lose wayward servants, as it is but
+fair to give credit to all concerned. True, sometimes some of these
+beautiful advertisements were open to gentle criticism. The one at the
+head of this report, is clearly of this character. For instance, in
+describing Isaac, Mr. Thomas B. Owings, represents him as being of a
+"very light color," "almost yellow," "might be called a yellow boy." In
+the next breath he has no perceptible marks. Now, if he is "very light,"
+that is a well-known southern mark, admitted everywhere. A hint to the
+wise is sufficient. However, judging from what was seen of Isaac in
+Philadelphia, there was more cunning than "foolishness" about him.
+Slaves sometimes, when wanting to get away, would make their owners
+believe that they were very happy and contented. And, in using this kind
+of foolishness, would keep up appearances until an opportunity offered
+for an escape. So Isaac might have possessed this sagacity, which
+appeared like nonsense to his master. That slave-holders, above all
+others, were in the habit of taking special pains to encourage
+foolishness, loud laughing, banjo playing, low dancing, etc., in the
+place of education, virtue, self-respect and manly carriage,
+slave-holders themselves are witnesses.
+
+As Mr. Robert Dade was also a loser, equally with Mr. Thomas B. Owings,
+and as his advertisement was of the same liberality and high tone, it
+seems but fitting that it should come in just here, to give weight and
+completeness to the story. Both Owings and Dade showed a considerable
+degree of southern chivalry in the liberality of their rewards.
+Doubtless, the large sums thus offered awakened a lively feeling in the
+breasts of old slave-hunters. But it is to be supposed that the artful
+fugitives safely reached Philadelphia before the hunters got even the
+first scent on their track. Up to the present hour, with the owners all
+may be profound mystery; if so, it is to be hoped, that they may feel
+some interest in the solution of these wonders. The articles so
+accurately described must now be permitted to testify in their own
+words, as taken from the records.
+
+Green Modock acknowledges that he was owned by William Dorsey, Perry by
+Robert Dade, Sam and Isaac by Thomas Owings, all farmers, and all
+"tough" and "pretty mean men." Sam and Isaac had other names with them,
+but not such a variety of clothing as their master might have supposed.
+Sam said he left because his master threatened to sell him to Georgia,
+and he believed that he meant so to do, as he had sold all his brothers
+and sisters to Georgia some time before he escaped.
+
+But this was not all. Sam declared his master had threatened to shoot
+him a short while before he left. This was the last straw on the camel's
+back. Sam's heart was in Canada ever after that. In traveling he
+resolved that nothing should stop him. Charles offered the same excuse
+as did Sam. He had been threatened with the auction-block. He left his
+mother free, but four sisters he left in chains. As these men spoke of
+their tough owners and bad treatment in Slavery, they expressed their
+indignation at the idea that Owings, Dade and Dorsey had dared to rob
+them of their God-given rights. They were only ignorant farm hands. As
+they drank in the free air, the thought of their wrongs aroused all
+their manhood. They were all young men, hale and stout, with strong
+resolutions to make Canada their future home. The Committee encouraged
+them in this, and aided them for humanity's sake.--Mr. Robert Dade's
+advertisement speaks for itself as follows:
+
+
+    RAN AWAY--On Saturday night, 20th inst., from the subscriber,
+    living near Mount Airy P.O., Carroll county, two Negro men,
+    PERRY and CHARLES. Perry is quite dark, full face; is about 5
+    feet 8 or 9 inches high; has a scar on one of his hands, and one
+    on his legs, caused by a cut from a scythe; 25 years old.
+    Charles is of a copper color, about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high;
+    round shouldered, with small whiskers; has one crooked finger
+    that he cannot straighten, and a scar on his right leg, caused
+    by the cut of a scythe; 22 years old. I will give two hundred
+    and fifty dollars each, if taken in the State and returned to
+    me, or secured in some jail so that I can get them again, or a
+    $1,000 for the two, or $500 each, if taken out of the State, and
+    secured in some jail in this State so that I can get them again.
+    ROBERT DADE.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    s23-3f.
+
+
+
+
+FROM RICHMOND AND NORFOLK, VA.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM B. WHITE, SUSAN BROOKS AND WILLIAM HENRY ATKINS.--STOWED AWAY IN
+THE STEAMSHIP CITY OF RICHMOND.
+
+
+But for their hope of liberty, their uncomfortable position could hardly
+have been endured by these fugitives. William had been compelled to dig
+and delve, to earn bread and butter, clothing and luxuries, houses and
+land, education and ease for H.B. Dickinson, of Richmond. William
+smarted frequently; but what could he do? Complaint from a slave was a
+crime of the deepest dye. So William dug away mutely, but continued to
+think, nevertheless. He was a man of about thirty-six years of age, of
+dark chestnut color, medium size, and of pleasant manners to say the
+least. His owner was a tobacco manufacturer, who held some thirty slaves
+in his own right, besides hiring a great many others. William was
+regularly employed by day in his master's tobacco factory. He was
+likewise employed, as one of the carriers of the Richmond Dispatch; the
+time allotted to fill the duties of this office, was however, before
+sunrise in the morning. It is but just to state, in favor of his master,
+that William was himself the receiver of a part of the pay for this
+night work. It was by this means William procured clothing and certain
+other necessaries.
+
+From William's report of his master, he was by no means among the worst
+of slave-holders in Richmond; he did not himself flog, but the overseer
+was allowed to conduct this business, when it was considered necessary.
+For a long time William had cherished a strong desire to be free, and
+had gone so far on several occasions as to make unsuccessful attempts to
+accomplish this end. At last he was only apprised of his opportunity to
+carry his wishes into practice a few moments before the hour for the
+starting of the Underground Rail Road train.
+
+Being on the watch, he hailed the privilege, and left without looking
+back.
+
+True he left his wife and two children, who were free, and a son also
+who was owned by Warner Toliver, of Gloucester county, Va. We leave the
+reader to decide for himself, whether William did right or wrong, and
+who was responsible for the sorrow of both husband and wife caused by
+the husband's course. The Committee received him as a true and honest
+friend of freedom, and as such aided him.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUSAN BROOKS.
+
+
+Susan was also a passenger on the same ship that brought Wm. B. White.
+She was from Norfolk. Her toil, body and strength were claimed by Thomas
+Eckels, Esq., a man of wealth and likewise a man of intemperance. With
+those who regarded Slavery as a "divine institution," intemperance was
+scarcely a mote, in the eyes of such. For sixteen years, Susan had been
+in the habit of hiring her time, for which she was required to pay five
+dollars per month. As she had the reputation of being a good cook and
+chambermaid, she was employed steadily, sometimes on boats. This sum may
+therefore be considered reasonable.
+
+Owing to the death of her husband, about a year previous to her escape,
+she had suffered greatly, so much so, that on two or three occasions,
+she had fallen into alarming fits,--a fact by no means agreeable to her
+owner, as he feared that the traders on learning her failing health
+would underrate her on this account. But Susan was rather thankful for
+these signs of weakness, as she was thereby enabled to mature her plans
+and thus to elude detection.
+
+Her son having gone on ahead to Canada about six months in advance of
+her, she felt that she had strong ties in the goodly land. Every day she
+remained in bondage, the cords bound her more tightly, and "weeks seemed
+like months, and months like years," so abhorrent had the peculiar
+institution become to her in every particular. In this state of mind,
+she saw no other way, than by submitting to be secreted, until an
+opportunity should offer, via the Underground Rail Road.
+
+So for four months, like a true and earnest woman, she endured a great
+"fight of affliction," in this horrible place. But the thought of
+freedom enabled her to keep her courage up, until the glad news was
+conveyed to her that all things were ready, providing that she could get
+safely to the boat, on which she was to be secreted. How she succeeded
+in so doing the record book fails to explain.
+
+One of the methods, which used to succeed very well, in skillful and
+brave hands, was this: In order to avoid suspicion, the woman intending
+to be secreted, approached the boat with a clean ironed shirt on her
+arm, bare headed and in her usual working dress, looking good-natured of
+course, and as if she were simply conveying the shirt to one of the men
+on the boat. The attention of the officer on the watch would not for a
+moment be attracted by a custom so common as this. Thus safely on the
+boat, the man whose business it was to put this piece of property in the
+most safe Underground Rail Road place, if he saw that every thing looked
+favorable, would quickly arrange matters without being missed from his
+duties. In numerous instances, officers were outwitted in this way.
+
+As to what Susan had seen in the way of hardships, whether in relation
+to herself or others, her story was most interesting; but it may here be
+passed in order to make room for others. She left one sister, named Mary
+Ann Tharagood, who was wanting to come away very much. Susan was a woman
+of dark color, round built, medium height, and about forty years of age
+when she escaped in 1854.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM HENRY ATKINS.
+
+
+William Henry was also a fellow-passenger on the same boat with William
+B. White and Susan Cooke. These might be set down, as first-class
+Underground Rail Road travelers.
+
+Henry was a very likely-looking article. He was quite smart, about six
+feet high, a dark mulatto, and was owned by a Baptist minister.
+
+For some cause not stated on the books, not long before leaving, Henry
+had received a notice from his owner, (the Baptist Minister) that he
+might hunt himself a new master as soon as possible. This was a business
+that Henry had no relish for. The owner he already had, he concluded bad
+enough in all conscience, and it did not occur to him that hunting
+another would mend the matter much. So in thinking over the situation,
+he was "taken sick." He felt the need of a little time to reflect upon
+matters of very weighty moment involving his freedom. So when he was
+called upon one day to go to his regular toil, the answer was, "I am
+sick, I am not able to budge hardly." The excuse took and Henry attended
+faithfully to his "sick business," for the time being, while on the
+other hand, the Baptist Minister waited patiently all the while for
+William to get well enough for hunting a new master. What had to be
+done, needed to be done quickly, before his master's patience was
+exhausted. William soon had matters arranged for traveling North. He had
+a wife, Eliza, for whom he felt the greatest affection; but as he viewed
+matters at that time, he concluded that he could really do more for her
+in Canada than he could in Norfolk. He saw no chance, either under the
+Baptist minister, or under a new master. His wife was owned by Susan
+Langely. When the hour arrived to start, as brave men usually do, Henry,
+having counted all the cost, was in his place on the boat with his face
+towards Canada.
+
+How he looked at matters on John Bull's side of the house, letters from
+Henry will abundantly reveal as follows:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, August 4, 1854.
+
+    MY DEAR SIR:--It is with plesure that I now take my pen to
+    inform you that I am well at present and I hope that these few
+    lines may find you injoying good health, and will you plese to
+    be so kind as to send a leter down home for me if you plese to
+    my wife, the reason that I beg the favor of you I have written
+    to you several times and never recieve no answer, she don't no
+    whar I am at I would like her to no, if it is posible elizeran
+    Actkins, and when you write will you plese to send me all the
+    news, give my respect to all the fambley and allso to Mr lundey
+    and his fambley and tell him plese to send me those books if you
+    plese the first chance you can git. Mrs. Wood sends her love to
+    Mr. Still answer this as soon as on hand, the boys all send
+    their love to all, the reason why i sends for a answer write
+    away i expect to live this and go up west nex mounth not to stay
+    to git some land, i have no more at present, i remain your
+    friend.
+
+    W.H. ACTKINS.
+
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, C.W., October 5th, 1854.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL:--_Dear Friend_:--I take the liberty to
+    address to you a few lines in behalf of my wife, who is still at
+    Norfolk, Va. I have heard by my friend Richmond Bohm, who
+    arrived lately, that she was in the hands of my friend Henry
+    Lovey (the same who had me in hand at the time I started). I
+    understood that she was about to make her start this month, and
+    that she was only waiting for me to send her some means. I would
+    like for you to communicate the substance of this letter to my
+    wife, through my friend Henry Lovey, and for her to come on as
+    soon as she can. I would like to have my wife write to me a few
+    lines by the first opportunity. She could write to you in
+    Philadelphia, 31 North Fifth street. I wish to send my love to
+    you & your family & would like for you to answer this letter
+    with the least possible delay in the care of Hiram Wilson.
+
+    Very respectfully yours,
+
+    W.H. ATKINS.
+
+    P.S. I would like for my friend Henry Lovey to send my wife
+    right on to Philadelphia; not to stop for want of means, for I
+    will forward means on to my friend Wm Still. My love to my
+    father & mother, my friend Lovey & to all my inquiring friends.
+    If you cannot find it convenient to write, please forward this
+    by the Boat. H.W.A.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+FOUR ARRIVALS.
+
+
+CHARLOTTE AND HARRIET ESCAPE IN DEEP MOURNING--MASTER IN THE SAME CAR
+HUNTING FOR THEM, SEES THEM, BUT DOES NOT KNOW THEM--WHITE LADY AND
+CHILD WITH A COLORED COACHMAN, TRAVELING--AT CHAMBERSBUEG AT A HOTEL,
+THE PROPRIETOR DETECTS THEM AS U.G.R.R. PASSENGERS--THREE "LIKELY" YOUNG
+MEN FROM BALTIMORE--"FOUR LARGE AND TWO SMALL HAMS"--POLICE OFFICES
+IMPARTING INFORMATION AT THE ANTI-SLAVERY OFFICE--U.G.R.R. PASSENGERS
+TRAVELING WITH THEIR MASTERS' HORSES AND CARRIAGES--"BREAK
+DOWN"--CONFLICT WITH WHITE MEN--SIX PASSENGERS RIDING TWO HORSES, &c.
+About the 31st of May, 1856, an exceedingly anxious state of feeling
+existed with the active Committee in Philadelphia. In the course of
+twenty-four hours four arrivals had come to hand from different
+localities. The circumstances connected with the escape of each party,
+being so unusual, there was scarcely ground for any other conclusion
+than that disaster was imminent, if not impossible to be averted.
+
+It was a day long to be remembered. Aside from the danger, however, a
+more encouraging hour had never presented itself in the history of the
+Road. The courage, which had so often been shown in the face of great
+danger, satisfied the Committee that there were heroes and heroines
+among these passengers, fully entitled to the applause of the
+liberty-loving citizens of Brotherly Love. The very idea of having to
+walk for days and nights in succession, over strange roads, through
+by-ways, and valleys, over mountains, and marshes, was fitted to appal
+the bravest hearts, especially where women and children were concerned.
+
+Being familiar with such cases, the Committee was delighted beyond
+measure to observe how wisely and successfully each of these parties had
+managed to overcome these difficulties.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+
+
+Party No. 1 consisted of Charlotte Giles and Harriet Eglin, owned by
+Capt. Wm. Applegarth and John Delahay. Neither of these girls had any
+great complaint to make on the score of ill-treatment endured.
+
+So they contrived each to get a suit of mourning, with heavy black
+veils, and thus dressed, apparently absorbed with grief, with a friend
+to pass them to the Baltimore depot (hard place to pass, except aided by
+an individual well known to the R.R. company), they took a direct course
+for Philadelphia.
+
+While seated in the car, before leaving Baltimore (where slaves and
+masters both belonged), who should enter but the master of one of the
+girls! In a very excited manner, he hurriedly approached Charlotte and
+Harriet, who were apparently weeping. Peeping under their veils, "What
+is your name," exclaimed the excited gentleman. "Mary, sir," sobbed
+Charlotte. "What is your name?" (to the other mourner) "Lizzie, sir,"
+was the faint reply. On rushed the excited gentleman as if moved by
+steam--through the cars, looking for his property; not finding it, he
+passed out of the cars, and to the delight of Charlotte and Harriet soon
+disappeared. Fair business men would be likely to look at this conduct
+on the part of the two girls in the light of a "sharp practice." In
+military parlance it might be regarded as excellent strategy. Be this as
+it may, the Underground Rail Road passengers arrived safely at the
+Philadelphia station and were gladly received.
+
+A brief stay in the city was thought prudent lest the hunters might be
+on the pursuit. They were, therefore, retained in safe quarters.
+
+
+
+In the meantime, Arrival No. 2 reached the Committee. It consisted of a
+colored man, a white woman and a child, ten years old. This case created
+no little surprise. Not that quite a number of passengers, fair enough
+to pass for white, with just a slight tinge of colored blood in their
+veins, even sons and daughters of some of the F.F.V., had not on various
+occasions come over the U.G.R.R. But this party was peculiar. An
+explanation was sought, which resulted in ascertaining that the party
+was from Leesburg, Virginia; that David, the colored man, was about
+twenty-seven years of age, intelligent, and was owned, or claimed by
+Joshua Pusey. David had no taste for Slavery, indeed, felt that it would
+be impossible for him to adapt himself to a life of servitude for the
+special benefit of others; he had, already, as he thought, been dealt
+with very wrongfully by Pusey, who had deprived him of many years of the
+best part of his life, and would continue thus to wrong him, if he did
+not make a resolute effort to get away. So after thinking of various
+plans, he determined not to run off as a slave with his "budget on his
+back," but to "travel as a coachman," under the "protection of a white
+lady." In planning this pleasant scheme, David was not blind to the fact
+that neither himself nor the "white lady," with whom he proposed to
+travel, possessed either horse or carriage.
+
+But his master happened to have a vehicle that would answer for the
+occasion. David reasoned that as Joshua, his so called master, had
+deprived him of his just dues for so many years, he had a right to
+borrow, or take without borrowing, one of Joshua's horses for the
+expedition. The plan was submitted to the lady, and was approved, and a
+mutual understanding here entered into, that she should hire a carriage,
+and take also her little girl with them. The lady was to assume the
+proprietorship of the horse, carriage and coachman. In so doing all
+dangers would be, in their judgment, averted. The scheme being all ready
+for execution, the time for departure was fixed, the carriage hired,
+David having secured his master Joshua's horse, and off they started in
+the direction of Pennsylvania. White people being so accustomed to
+riding, and colored people to driving, the party looked all right. No
+one suspected them, that they were aware of, while passing through
+Virginia.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+On reaching Chambersburg, Pa., in the evening, they drove to a hotel,
+the lady alighted, holding by the hand her well dressed and nice-looking
+little daughter, bearing herself with as independent an air as if she
+had owned twenty such boys as accompanied her as coachman. She did not
+hesitate to enter and request accommodations for the night, for herself,
+daughter, coachman, and horse. Being politely told that they could be
+accommodated, all that was necessary was, that the lady should show off
+to the best advantage possible. The same duty also rested with weight
+upon the mind of David.
+
+The night passed safely and the morning was ushered in with bright hopes
+which were overcast but only for a moment, however. Breakfast having
+been ordered and partaken of, to the lady's surprise, just as she was in
+the act of paying the bill, the proprietor of the hotel intimated that
+he thought that matters "looked a little suspicious," in other words, he
+said plainly, that he "believed that it was an Underground Rail Road
+movement;" but being an obliging hotel-keeper, he assured her at the
+same time, that he "would not betray them." Just here it was with them
+as it would have been on any other rail road when things threaten to
+come to a stand; they could do nothing more than make their way out of
+the peril as best they could. One thing they decided to do immediately,
+namely, to "leave the horse and carriage," and try other modes of
+travel. They concluded to take the regular passenger cars. In this way
+they reached Philadelphia. In Harrisburg, they had sought and received
+instructions how to find the Committee in Philadelphia.
+
+What relations had previously existed between David and this lady in
+Virginia, the Committee knew not. It looked more like the time spoken of
+in Isaiah, where it is said, "And a little child shall lead them," than
+any thing that had ever been previously witnessed on the Underground
+Rail Road. The Underground Rail Road never practised the proscription
+governing other roads, on account of race, color, or previous condition.
+All were welcome to its immunities, white or colored, when the object to
+be gained favored freedom, or weakened Slavery. As the sole aim apparent
+in this case was freedom for the slave the Committee received these
+travellers as Underground Rail Road passengers.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 3. Charles H. Ringold, Robert Smith, and John Henry
+Richards, all from Baltimore. Their ages ranged from twenty to
+twenty-four years. They were in appearance of the class most inviting to
+men who were in the business of buying and selling slaves. Charles and
+John were owned by James Hodges, and Robert by Wm. H. Normis, living in
+Baltimore. This is all that the records contain of them. The exciting
+and hurrying times when they were in charge of the Committee probably
+forbade the writing out of a more detailed account of them, as was often
+the case.
+
+With the above three arrivals on hand, it may be seen how great was the
+danger to which all concerned were exposed on account of the bold and
+open manner in which these parties had escaped from the land of the
+peculiar institution. Notwithstanding, a feeling of very great
+gratification existed in view of the success attending the new and
+adventurous modes of traveling. Indulging in reflections of this sort,
+the writer on going from his dinner that day to the anti-slavery office,
+to his surprise found an officer awaiting his coming. Said officer was
+of the mayor's police force. Before many moments had been allowed to
+pass, in which to conjecture his errand, the officer, evidently burdened
+with the importance of his mission, began to state his business
+substantially as follows:
+
+"I have just received a telegraphic despatch from a slave-holder living
+in Maryland, informing me that six slaves had escaped from him, and that
+he had reason to believe that they were on their way to Philadelphia,
+and would come in the regular train direct from Harrisburg; furthermore
+I am requested to be at the depot on the arrival of the train to arrest
+the whole party, for whom a reward of $1300 is offered. Now I am not the
+man for this business. I would have nothing to do with the contemptible
+work of arresting fugitives. I'd rather help them off. What I am telling
+you is confidential. My object in coming to the office is simply to
+notify the Vigilance Committee so that they may be on the look-out for
+them at the depot this evening and get them out of danger as soon as
+possible. This is the way I feel about them; but I shall telegraph back
+that I will be on the look-out."
+
+While the officer was giving this information he was listened to most
+attentively, and every word he uttered was carefully weighed. An air of
+truthfulness, however, was apparent; nevertheless he was a stranger and
+there was cause for great cautiousness. During the interview an unopened
+telegraphic despatch which had come to hand during the writer's absence,
+lay on the desk. Impressed with the belief that it might shed light on
+the officer's story, the first opportunity that offered, it was seized,
+opened, and it read as follows: (Copied from the original.)
+
+
+
+
+    HARRISBURG, May 31st, 1856.
+
+    WM. STILL, N. 5th St.:--I have sent via at two o'clock four
+    large and two small hams.
+
+    JOS. C. BUSTILL.
+
+
+Here there was no room for further doubt, but much need for vigilance.
+Although the despatch was not read to the officer, not that his story
+was doubted, but purely for prudential reasons, he was nevertheless
+given to understand, that it was about the same party, and that they
+would be duly looked after. It would hardly have been understood by the
+officer, had he been permitted to read it so guardedly was it worded, it
+was indeed dead language to all save the initiated. In one particular
+especially, relative to the depot where they were expected to arrive,
+the officer was in the dark, as his despatch pointed to the regular
+train, and of course to the depot at Eleventh and Market streets. The
+Underground Rail Road despatch on the contrary pointed to Broad and
+Callowhill streets "Via," _i.e._ Reading.
+
+As notified, that evening the "four large and two small hams" arrived,
+and turned out to be of the very finest quality, just such as any trader
+would have paid the highest market price for. Being mindful of the great
+danger of the hour, there was felt to be more occasion just then for
+anxiety and watchfulness, than for cheering and hurrahing over the brave
+passengers. To provide for them in the usual manner, in view of the
+threatening aspect of affairs, could not be thought of. In this critical
+hour it devolved upon a member of the Committee, for the safety of all
+parties, to find new and separate places of accommodation, especially
+for the six known to be pursued. To be stored in other than private
+families would not answer. Three or four such were visited at once;
+after learning of the danger much sympathy was expressed, but one after
+another made excuses and refused. This was painful, for the parties had
+plenty of house room, were identified with the oppressed race, and on
+public meeting occasions made loud professions of devotion to the cause
+of the fugitive, &c. The memory of the hour and circumstances is still
+fresh.
+
+Accommodations were finally procured for a number of the fugitives with
+a widow woman, (Ann Laws) whose opportunities for succor were far less
+than at the places where refusals had been met with. But Mrs. L. was
+kind-hearted, and nobly manifested a willingness to do all that she
+could for their safety. Of course the Committee felt bound to bear
+whatever expense might necessarily be incurred. Here some of the
+passengers were kept for several days, strictly private, long enough to
+give the slave-hunters full opportunity to tire themselves, and give up
+the chase in despair. Some belonging to the former arrivals had also to
+be similarly kept for the same reasons. Through careful management all
+were succored and cared for. Whilst much interesting information was
+obtained from these several arrivals: the incidents connected with their
+lives in Slavery, and when escaping were but briefly written out. Of
+this fourth arrival, however, the following intelligence will doubtless
+be highly gratifying to the friends of freedom, wherever the labors of
+the Underground Rail Road may be appreciated. The people round about
+Hagerstown, Maryland, may like to know how these "articles" got off so
+successfully, the circumstances of their escape having doubtless created
+some excitement in that region of the country.
+
+Arrival No. 4. Charles Bird, George Dorsey, Angeline Brown, Albert
+Brown, Charles Brown and Jane Scott.
+
+Charles was twenty-four years of age, quite dark, of quick motion, and
+ready speech, and in every way appearing as though he could take care of
+himself. He had occupied the condition of a farm laborer. This calling
+he concluded to forsake, not because he disliked farming, but simply to
+get rid of David Clargart, who professed to own him, and compelled him
+to work without pay, "for nothing." While Charles spoke favorably of
+Clargart as a man, to the extent, at all events, of testifying that he
+was not what was called a hard man, nevertheless Charles was so
+decidedly opposed to Slavery that he felt compelled to look out for
+himself. Serving another man on the no pay principle, at the same time
+liable to be flogged, and sold at the pleasure of another, Charles felt
+was worse than heathenish viewed in any light whatsoever. He was
+prepared therefore, to leave without delay. He had four sisters in the
+hands of Clargart, but what could he do for them but leave them to
+Providence.
+
+The next on the list was George Dorsey, a comrade of Charles. He was a
+young man, of medium size, mixed blood, intelligent, and a brave fellow
+as will appear presently.
+
+This party in order to get over the road as expeditiously as possible,
+availed themselves of their master's horses and wagon and moved off
+civilly and respectably. About nine miles from home on the road, a
+couple of white men, finding their carriage broken down approached them,
+unceremoniously seized the horses by the reins and were evidently about
+to assume authority, supposing that the boys would surrender at once.
+But instead of so doing, the boys struck away at them with all their
+might, with their large clubs, not even waiting to hear what these
+superior individuals wanted. The effect of the clubs brought them
+prostrate in the road, in an attitude resembling two men dreaming, (it
+was in the night.) The victorious passengers, seeing that the smashed up
+carriage could be of no further use to them, quickly conceived the idea
+of unhitching and attempting further pursuit on horseback. Each horse
+was required to carry three passengers. So up they mounted and off they
+galloped with the horses' heads turned directly towards Pennsylvania. No
+further difficulty presented itself until after they had traveled some
+forty miles. Here the poor horses broke down, and had to be abandoned.
+The fugitives were hopeful, but of the difficulties ahead they wot not;
+surely no flowery beds of ease awaited them. For one whole week they
+were obliged to fare as they could, out in the woods, over the
+mountains, &c. How they overcame the trials in this situation we cannot
+undertake to describe. Suffice it to say, at the end of the time above
+mentioned they managed to reach Harrisburg and found assistance as
+already intimated.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+George and Angeline, (who was his sister) with her two boys had a
+considerable amount of white blood in their veins, and belonged to a
+wealthy man by the name of George Schaeffer, who was in the milling
+business. They were of one mind in representing him as a hard man. "He
+would often threaten to sell, and was very hard to please." George and
+Angeline left their mother and ten brothers and sisters.
+
+Jane was a well-grown girl, smart, and not bad-looking, with a fine
+brown skin, and was also owned by Schaeffer.
+
+Letters from the enterprising Charlotte and Harriet (arrival No. 1),
+brought the gratifying intelligence, that they had found good homes in
+Western New York, and valued their freedom highly. Three out of quite a
+number of letters received from them from time to time are subjoined.
+
+
+    SENNETT, June, 1856.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL:--_Dear Sir_:--I am happy to tell you that
+    Charlotte Gildes and myself have got along thus far safely. We
+    have had no trouble and found friends all the way along, for
+    which we feel very thankful to you and to all our friends on the
+    road since we left. We reached Mr. Loguen's in Syracuse, on last
+    Tuesday evening & on Wednesday two gentlemen from this community
+    called and we went with them to work in their families. What I
+    wish you would do is to be so kind as to send our clothes to
+    this place if they should fall into your hands. We hope our
+    uncle in Baltimore will get the letter Charlotte wrote to him
+    last Sabbath, while we were at your house, concerning the
+    clothes. Perhaps the best would be to send them to Syracuse to
+    the _care of Mr. Loguen_ and he will send them to us. This will
+    more certainly ensure our getting them. If you hear anything
+    that would be interesting to Charlotte or me from Baltimore,
+    please direct a letter to us to this place, to the care of Revd.
+    Chas. Anderson, Sennett, Cayuga Co., N.Y. Please give my love
+    and Charlotte's to Mrs. Still and thank her for her kindness to
+    us while at your house.
+
+    Your affectionate friend,
+
+    HARRIET EGLIN.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND LETTER.
+
+
+
+    SENNETT, July 31st, 1856.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL:--_My Dear Friend_:--I have just received your
+    note of 29th inst. and allow me dear sir, to assure you that the
+    only letter I have written, is the one you received, an answer
+    to which you sent me. I never wrote to Baltimore, nor did any
+    person write for me there, and it is with _indescribable grief_,
+    that I hear what your letter communicates to me, of those who
+    you say have gotten into difficulty on my account. My Cousin
+    Charlotte who came with me, got into a good place in this
+    vicinity, but she could not content herself to stay here but
+    just _one week_--she then went to Canada--and she is the one who
+    by writing (if any one), has brought this trouble upon those to
+    whom you refer in Baltimore.
+
+    She has written me two letters from Canada, and by neither of
+    them can I ascertain _where she lives_--her letters are mailed
+    at Suspension Bridge, but she does not live there as her letters
+    show. In the first she does not even sign her name. She has
+    evidently employed some person to write, who is nearly as
+    ignorant as herself. If I knew where to find her I would find
+    out _what_ she has written.
+
+    I don't know but she has told where I live, and may yet get me
+    and my friends here, in trouble too, as she has some in other
+    places. I don't wish to have you trouble yourself about my
+    clothes, I am in a place where I can get all the clothes I want
+    or need. Will you please write me when convenient and tell me
+    what you hear about those who I fear are suffering as the result
+    of their kindness to me? May God, in some way, grant them
+    deliverance. Oh the misery, the sorrow, which this cursed system
+    of Slavery is constantly bringing upon millions in this land of
+    boasted freedom!
+
+    Can you tell me where Sarah King is, who was at your house when
+    I was there? She was going to Canada to meet her husband. Give
+    my love to Mrs. Still & accept the same yourself. Your much
+    indebted & obliged friend,
+
+    HARRIET EGLIN.
+
+
+The "difficulty" about which Harriet expressed so much regret in the
+above letter, had reference to a letter supposed to have been written by
+her friend Charlotte to Baltimore, about her clothing. It had been
+intercepted, and in this way, a clue was obtained by one of the owners
+as to how they escaped, who aided them, etc. On the strength of the
+information thus obtained, a well-known colored man, named Adams, was
+straightway arrested and put in prison at the instance of one of the
+owners, and also a suit was at the same time instituted against the Rail
+Road Company for damages--by which steps quite a huge excitement was
+created in Baltimore. As to the colored man Adams, the prospect looked
+simply hopeless. Many hearts were sad in view of the doom which they
+feared would fall upon him for obeying a humane impulse (he had put the
+girls on the cars). But with the Rail Road Company it was a different
+matter; they had money, power, friends, etc., and could defy the courts.
+In the course of a few months, when the suit against Adams and the Rail
+Road Company came up, the Rail Road Company proved in court, in defense,
+that the prosecutor entered the cars in search of his runaway, and went
+and spoke to the two young women in "mourning" the day they escaped,
+looking expressly for the identical parties, for which he was seeking
+damages before the court, and that he declared to the conductor, on
+leaving the cars, that the said "two girls in mourning, were not the
+ones he was looking after," or in other words, that "neither" belonged
+to him. This positive testimony satisfied the jury, and the Rail Road
+Company and poor James Adams escaped by the verdict not guilty. The
+owner of the lost property had the costs to pay of course, but whether
+he was made a wiser or better man by the operation was never
+ascertained.
+
+
+
+THIRD LETTER.
+
+
+
+    SENNETT, October 28th, 1856.
+
+    DEAR MR. STILL:--I am happy to tell you that I am well and
+    happy. I still live with Rev. Mr. Anderson in this place, I am
+    learning to read and write. I do not like to trouble you too
+    much, but I would like to know if you have heard anything more
+    about my friends in Baltimore who got into trouble on our
+    account. Do be pleased to write me if you can give me any
+    information about them. I feel bad that they should suffer for
+    me. I wish all my brethren and sisters in bondage, were as well
+    off as I am. The girl that came with me is in Canada, near the
+    Suspension Bridge. I was glad to see Green Murdock, a colored
+    young man, who stopped at your house about six weeks ago, he
+    knew my folks at the South. He has got into a good place to work
+    in this neighborhood. Give my love to Mrs Still, and believe me
+    your obliged friend,
+
+    HARRIET EGLIN.
+
+    P.S. I would like to know what became of Johnson,[A] the man
+    whose foot was smashed by jumping off the cars, he was at your
+    house when I was there.
+
+    [Footnote A: Johnson was an unfortunate young fugitive, who,
+    while escaping, beheld his master or pursuer in the cars, and
+    jumped therefrom, crushing his feet shockingly by the bold act.]
+
+    H.E.
+
+
+
+
+FROM VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, NORTH CAROLINA, WASHINGTON, D.C., AND
+SOUTH CAROLINA.
+
+JAMES BURRELL,  DANIEL WIGGINS, WM. ROBINSON, EDWARD PEADEN, AND WIFE,
+ALEX BOGGS, SAMUEL STATER, HARRISON BELL AND DAUGHTER, HARRIET
+ANN,DANIEL DAVIS, _alias_ DAVID SMITH, JAMES STEWART, _alias_ WILLIAM
+JACKSON, HARRIET HALEY, _alias_ ANN RICHARDSON, BENJ. DUNCANS, _alias_
+GEORGE SCOTT, MOSES WINES, SARAH SMITH, _alias_ MILDRETH PAGE, LUCY
+GARRETT, _alias_ JULIA WOOD, ELLEN FORMAN, _alias_ ELIZABETH YOUNG,  WM.
+WOODEN, _alias_ WM. NELSON, JAMES EDWARD HANDY, _alias_ DENNIS CANNON,
+JAMES HENRY DELANY _alias_ SMART STANLEY, JAMES HENRY BLACKSON, GEORGE
+FREELAND, MILES WHITE, LOUISA CLAYTON, LEWIS SNOWDEN, _alias_ LEWIS
+WILLIAMS, WM. JOHNSON, JOHN HALL _alias_ JOHN SIMPSON. In order to keep
+this volume within due limits, in the cases to be noticed in this
+chapter, it will be impossible to state more than a few of the
+interesting particulars that make up these narratives. While some of
+these passengers might not have been made in the prison house to drink
+of the bitter cup as often as others, and in their flight might not have
+been called upon to pass through as severe perils as fell to the lot of
+others, nevertheless justice seems to require, that, as far as possible,
+all the passengers passing over the Philadelphia Underground Rail Road
+shall be noticed.
+
+
+
+James Burrell. James was certainly justifiable in making his escape, if
+for no other reason than on the score of being nearly related to the
+chivalry of the South. He was a mulatto (the son of a white man
+evidently), about thirty-two years of age, medium size, and of an
+agreeable appearance. He was owned by a maiden lady, who lived at
+Williamsburg, but not requiring his services in her own family, she
+hired him out by the year to a Mr. John Walker, a manufacturer of
+tobacco, for which she received $120 annually. This arrangement was not
+satisfactory to James. He could not see why he should be compelled to
+wear the yoke like an ox. The more he thought over his condition, the
+more unhappy was his lot, until at last he concluded, that he could not
+stand Slavery any longer. He had witnessed a great deal of the hardships
+of the system of Slavery, and he had quite enough intelligence to
+portray the horrors thereof in very vivid colors. It was the
+auction-block horror that first prompted him to seek freedom. While
+thinking how he would manage to get away safely, his wife and children
+were ever present in his mind. He felt as a husband should towards his
+"wife Betsy," and likewise loved his "children, Walter and Mary;" but
+these belonged to another man, who lived some distance in the country,
+where he had permission to see them only once a week. This had its
+pleasure, it also had its painful influence. The weekly partings were a
+never-failing source of unhappiness. So when James' mind was fully made
+up to escape from Slavery, he decided that it would not be best to break
+the secret to his poor wife and children, but to get off to Canada, and
+afterwards to try and see what he could do for their deliverance. The
+hour fixed to leave Virginia arrived, and he started and succeeded in
+reaching Philadelphia, and the Committee. On arriving he needed
+medicine, clothing, food, and a carriage for his accommodation, all
+which were furnished freely by the Committee, and he was duly forwarded
+to Canada. From Canada, with his name changed, he wrote as follows:
+
+
+    TORONTO, March 28th, 1854.
+
+    SIR, MR. STILL--It does me pleasure to forward you this letter
+    hopeing when this comes to hand it may find your family well, as
+    they leaves me at present. I will also say that the friends are
+    well. Allow me to say to you that I arrived in this place on
+    Friday last safe and sound, and feeles well under my safe
+    arrival. Its true that I have not been employed as yet but I
+    lives hopes to be at work very shortly. I likes this city very
+    well, and I am in hopes that there a living here for me as much
+    so as there for any one else. You will be please to write. I am
+    bording at Mr. Phillip's Centre Street.
+
+    I have nothing more at present. Yours most respectfull.
+
+    W. BOURAL.
+
+
+
+
+DANIEL WIGGINS, _alias_ DANIEL ROBINSON. Daniel fled from Norfolk, Va.,
+where he had been owned by the late Richard Scott. Only a few days
+before Daniel escaped, his so-called owner was summoned to his last
+account. While ill, just before the close of his career, he often
+promised D. his freedom and also promised, if restored, that he would
+make amends for the past, by changing his ways of living. His son, who
+was very reckless, he would frequently allude to and declared, "that
+he," the son, "should not have his 'property.'" These dying sentiments
+filled Daniel with great hopes that the day of his enslavement was
+nearly at an end. Unfortunately, however, death visited the old master,
+ere he had made provision for his slaves. At all events, no will was
+found. That he might not fall a prey to the reckless son, he felt, that
+he must nerve himself for a desperate struggle to obtain his freedom in
+some other way, by traveling on the Underground Rail Road. While he had
+always been debarred from book learning, he was, nevertheless, a man of
+some intelligence, and by trade was a practical Corker.
+
+He was called upon in this trying hour to leave his wife with three
+children, but they were, fortunately, free. Coming to the Committee in
+want, they cheerfully aided him, and forwarded him on to Canada. Thence,
+immediately on his arrival, he returned the following grateful letter:
+
+
+    NEW BEDFORD, Mass., March 22d, 1854.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I am happy to inform you that I arrived in this place
+    this morning well and cheerful. I am, sir, to you and others
+    under more obligations for your kindly protection of me than I
+    can in any way express at present. May the Lord preserve you
+    unto eternal life. Remember my respects to Mr. Lundy and family.
+    Should the boat lay up please let me know.
+
+    Yours respectfully,
+
+    DAVID ROBINSON.
+
+    Please forward to Dr. H. Lundy, after you have gotten through.
+    With respects, &c.
+
+    D.R.
+
+
+
+
+WM. ROBINSON, _alias_ THOS. HARRED. William gave satisfactory evidence,
+at first sight, that he was opposed to the unrequited labor system _in
+toto_, and even hated still more the flogging practices of the chivalry.
+Although he had reached his twenty-eighth year, and was a truly fair
+specimen of his race, considering his opportunities, a few days before
+William left, the overseer on the plantation attempted to flog him, but
+did not succeed. William's manhood was aroused, and he flogged the
+overseer soundly, if what he averred was true. The name of William's
+owner was John G. Beale, Esq., of Fauquier county, Va. Beale was
+considered to be a man of wealth, and had invested in Slave stock to the
+number of seventy head. According to William's account of Beale, he was
+a "hard man and thought no more of his black people than he did of
+dogs." When William entered upon the undertaking of freeing himself from
+Beale's barbarism, he had but one dollar and twenty-five cents in his
+possession; but he had physical strength and a determined mind, and
+being heartily sick of Slavery, he was willing to make the trial, even
+at the cost of life. Thus hopeful, he prosecuted his journey with
+success through strange regions of country, with but little aid or
+encouragement before reaching Philadelphia. This feat, however, was not
+performed without getting lost by the way. On arriving, his shoes were
+gone, and his feet were severely travel-worn. The Committee rendered
+needed aid, etc., and sent William on to Canada to work for himself, and
+to be recognized as a subject of Great Britain.
+
+
+
+EDWARD PEADEN AND WIFE HARRIET, AND SISTER CELIA. This man and his wife
+and wife's sister were a nice-looking trio, but they brought quite a sad
+story with them: the sale of their children, six in number. The auction
+block had made such sad havoc among them, that no room was left to hope,
+that their situation would ever be improved by remaining. Indeed they
+had been under a very gloomy cloud for some time previous to leaving,
+fearing that the auction block was shortly to be their doom. To escape
+this fate, they were constrained to "secrete themselves for one month,"
+until an opportunity offered them to secure a passage on a boat coming
+to Philadelphia. Edward (the husband), was about forty-four years of
+age, of a dark color, well made, full face, pleasant countenance, and
+talked fluently. Dr. Price claimed him as his personal property, and
+exacted all his hire and labor. For twelve years he had been hired out
+for $100 per annum. Harriet, the wife of Edward, belonged to David
+Baines, of Norfolk. Her general appearance indicated, that nature had
+favored her physically and mentally, although being subjected to the
+drudgery of Slave life, with no advantages for development, she was
+simply a living testimony to the crushing influence of Slavery--with a
+heart never free from the saddened recollection of the auction block, on
+which all of her children had been sacrificed, "one by one." Celia, the
+sister, also belonged to D. Baines, and was kept hired out--was last in
+the service of the Mayor of Norfolk. Of her story nothing of any moment
+was recorded. On their arrival in Philadelphia, as usual they were
+handed over to the Committee, and their wants were met.
+
+
+
+WILLIAM DAVIS. All that the records contain of William is as follows: He
+left Emmitsburg, Md., the previous Friday night, where he had been held
+by Dr. James Shoul. William is thirty-two years of age, dark color,
+rather below medium stature. With regard to his slave life, he declared
+that he had been "roughly used." Besides, for some time before escaping,
+he felt that his owner was in the "notion of trading" him off. The fear
+that this apprehended notion would be carried into execution, was what
+prompted him to leave his master.
+
+
+
+ALEXANDER BOGGS, alias JOHNSON HENSON. This subject was under the
+ownership of a certain John Ernie, who lived about three miles from
+Baltimore. Mr. Ernie had only been in possession of the wayward
+Alexander three weeks, having purchased him of a trader named Dennit,
+for $550. This was not the first time, however, that he had experienced
+the trouble of changing masters, in consequence of having been sold.
+Previously to his being disposed of by the trader Dennit, he had been
+owned by Senator Merrick, who had the misfortune to fail in business, in
+consequence whereof, his slaves had all to be sold and Alexander with
+the rest, away from his wife, Caroline, and two children, James and
+Eliezer.
+
+This was a case that appealed for sympathy and aid, which were
+cheerfully rendered by the Committee. Alexander was about fifty years of
+age, of dark color. On the Records no account of cruel treatment is
+found, other than being sold, &c.
+
+
+
+JOHN BROWN, alias JACOB WILLIAMS, arrived from Fredericktown, Md., where
+he had been working under the yoke of Joseph Postly. John was a young
+man of twenty-nine years of age. Up to the hour of his escape, his lot
+had been that of an ordinary slave. Indeed, he had much less to complain
+of with reference to usage than most slaves; the only thing in this
+respect the records contain, is simply a charge, that his master
+threatened to sell him. But this did not seem to have been the motive
+which prompted John to take leave of his master. Although untutored, he
+had mind enough to comprehend that Postly had no right to oppress him,
+and wrong him out of his hire. John concluded that he would not stand
+such treatment any longer, and made up his mind to leave for Canada.
+After due examination the Committee, finding his story reasonable, gave
+him the usual assistance, advice and instruction, and sent him on
+Canada-ward.
+
+
+
+SAMUEL SLATER, alias PATTERSON SMITH, came from a place called Power
+Bridge, Md. He gave a satisfactory account of himself, and was commended
+for having wisely left his master, William Martin, to earn his bread by
+the sweat of his own brow. Martin had held up the vision of the
+auction-block before Sam; this was enough. Sam saw that it was time for
+him to be getting out of danger's way without delay, so he presumed, if
+others could manage to escape, he could too. And he succeeded. He was a
+stout man, about twenty-nine years of age, of dark complexion. No
+particular mention of ill treatment is found on the Records.
+
+After arriving in Canada, his heart turned with deep interest and
+affection to those left in the prison-house, as the following letter
+indicates.
+
+
+    ST. CATHRINES Oct 29th.
+
+    MY DEAR FRIEND:--yours of the 15th came to hand and I was glad
+    to hea from you and your dear family were well and the reason
+    that I did not write sooner I expected get a letter from my
+    brother in pennsylvania but I have not received any as yet when
+    I wrote last I directed my letter to philip scott minister of
+    the asbury church baltimore and that was the reason that I
+    thought it strange I did not get an answer but I did not put my
+    brother name to it I made arrangements before I left home with a
+    family of smiths that I was to write to and the letter that I
+    enclose in this I want you to direct it to D Philip scott in his
+    care for mrs cassey Jackson Duke Jacksons wife and she will give
+    to Priana smith or Sarah Jane Smith those are the persons I wish
+    to write to I wish you to write on as quick as you can and let
+    them know that there is a lady coming on by the name of mrs
+    Holonsworth and she will call and see you and you will find her
+    a very interesting and inteligent person one worthy of respect
+    and esteem and a high reputation I must now bring my letter to a
+    close no more at present but remain your humble servant
+
+    PATTERSON SMITH
+
+    In my letters I did not write to my friends how they shall write
+    to me but in the letter that you write you will please to tell
+    them how they shall write to me.
+
+
+
+
+HARRISON BELL AND DAUGHTER HARRIET ANN. Father and daughter were
+fortunate enough to escape together from Norfolk, Va.
+
+Harrison was just in the prime of life, forty years of age, stout made,
+good features, but in height was rather below medium, was a man of more
+than ordinary shrewdness, by trade he was a chandler. He alleged that he
+had been used hard.
+
+Harriet Ann was a well-grown girl of pleasant appearance, fourteen years
+of age. Father and daughter had each different owners, one belonged to
+James Snyder, the other to John G. Hodgson.
+
+Harrison had been informed that his children were to be sold; to prevent
+this shocking fate, he was prompted to escape. Several months previous
+to finding a chance to make a safe flight, he secreted himself with his
+children in Norfolk, and so remained up to the day he left, a passage
+having been secured for them on one of the boats coming to Philadelphia.
+While the records contain no definite account of other children, it is
+evident that there were others, but what became of them is not known.
+
+If at the time of their arrival, it had been imagined that the glorious
+day of universal freedom was only about eight years off, doubtless much
+fuller records would have been made of these struggling Underground Rail
+Road passengers. If Harrison's relatives and friends, who suddenly
+missed him and his daughter Harriet Ann, in the Spring of 1854, are
+still ignorant of his whereabouts, this very brief account of their
+arrival in Philadelphia, may be of some satisfaction to all concerned,
+not excepting his old master, whom he had served so faithfully.
+
+The Committee finding them in need, had the pleasure of furnishing them
+with food, material aid and a carriage, with cheering words and letters
+of introduction to friends on the road to Canada.
+
+
+
+DANIEL DAVIS, ALIAS DAVID SMITH, ADAM NICHOLSON, ALIAS JOHN WYNKOOP,
+REUBEN BOWLES, ALIAS CUNNIGAN, ARRIVED FROM HEDGEVILLE, VA.
+
+Daniel was only about twenty, just at a capital age to make a bold
+strike for freedom. The appearance and air of this young aspirant for
+liberty indicated that he was not of the material to be held in chains.
+He was a man of medium size, well-built, dark color, and intelligent.
+Hon. Charles J. Fortner, M.C. was the reputed owner of this young
+fugitive, but the honorable gentleman having no use for his services, or
+because he may have profited more by hiring him out, Daniel was placed
+in the employ of a farmer, by the name of Adam Quigley. It was at this
+time he resolved that he would not be a slave any longer. He declared
+that Quigley was a "very mean man," one for whom he had no respect
+whatever. Indeed he felt that the system of Slavery was an abomination
+in any form it might be viewed. While he was yet so young, he had pretty
+clear views with regard to Slavery, and remembered with feelings of deep
+indignation, how his father had been sold when he himself was a boy,
+just as a horse might have been sold; and how his mother was dragging
+her chains in Slavery, up to the hour he fled. Thus in company with his
+two companions he was prepared for any sacrifice.
+
+Adam'S tale is soon told; all that is on the old record in addition to
+his full name, is in the following words: "Adam is dark, rugged and
+sensible, and was owned by Alexander Hill, a drunkard, gambler, &c."
+
+Reuben had been hired out to John Sabbard near Hedgeville. Startled at
+hearing that he was to be sold, he was led to consider the propriety of
+seeking flight via the Underground Rail Road. These three young men were
+all fine specimens of farm hands, and possessed more than average common
+sense, considering the oppression they had to labor under. They walked
+the entire distance from Hedgeville, Va., to Greenville, Pa. There they
+took the cars and walked no more. They appeared travel-worn, garments
+dirty, and forlorn; but the Committee had them cleanly washed, hair cut
+and shaved, change of clothing furnished, &c., which at once made them
+look like very different men. Means were appropriated to send them on
+free of cost.
+
+
+
+JAMES STEWART, _alias_ WM. JACKSON. James had been made acquainted with
+the Peculiar Institution in Fauquier county, Va. Being of sound judgment
+and firm resolution, he became an enemy to Slavery at a very early age;
+so much so, that by the time he was twenty-one he was willing to put
+into practice his views of the system by leaving it and going where all
+men are free. Very different indeed were these notions, from those held
+by his owner, Wm. Rose, who believed in Slavery for the black man. So as
+James could neither enjoy his freedom nor express his opinion in
+Virginia, he determined, that he had better get a passage on the
+Underground Rail Road, and leave the land of Slavery and the obnoxious
+sentiments of his master. He, of course, saw formidable difficulties to
+be encountered all the way along in escaping, but these, he considered,
+would be more easy for him to overcome than it would be for him to learn
+the lesson--"Servants, obey your masters." The very idea made James
+sick. This, therefore, was the secret of his escape.
+
+
+
+HARRIET HALEY, _alias_ ANN RICHARDSON, AND ELIZABETH HALEY, _alias_
+SARAH RICHARDSON. These travelers succeeded in escaping from Geo. C.
+Davis, of Harford county, Md. In order to carry out their plans, they
+took advantage of Whitsuntide, a holiday, and with marked ingenuity and
+perseverance, they managed to escape and reach Quakertown Underground
+Rail Road Station without obstruction, where protection and assistance
+were rendered by the friends of the cause. After abiding there for a
+short time, they were forwarded to the Committee in Philadelphia. Their
+ages ranged from nineteen to twenty-one, and they were apparently
+"servants" of a very superior order. The pleasure it afforded to aid
+such young women in escaping from a condition so loathsome as that of
+Slavery in Maryland, was unalloyed.
+
+
+
+BENJAMIN DUNCANS, _alias_ GEORGE SCOTT. This individual was in bonds
+under Thomas Jeffries, who was a firm believer in the doctrine:
+"Servants, obey your masters," and, furthermore, while laboring "pretty
+hard" to make Benjamin a convert to this idea, he had made Benjamin's
+lot anything else than smooth. This treatment on the part of the master
+made a wise and resolute man of the Slave. For as he looked earnestly
+into the fact, that he was only regarded by his owner in the light of an
+ox, or an ass, his manhood rebelled straightway, and the true light of
+freedom told him, that he must be willing to labor, and endure suffering
+for the great prize, liberty. So, in company with five others, at an
+appointed time, he set out for freedom, and succeeded. The others,
+alluded to, passed on to Canada direct. Benjamin was induced to stop a
+few months in Pennsylvania, during which time he occupied himself in
+farming. He looked as if he was well able to do a full day's work at
+this occupation. He was about twenty-five years of age, of unmixed
+blood, and wore a pleasant countenance.
+
+
+
+MOSES WINES. Portsmouth, Va., lost one of her most substantial laborers
+in the person of Moses, and Madam Abigail Wheeler, a very "likely
+article" of merchandise. "No complaint" as to "ill treatment" was made
+by Moses against "Miss Abigail." The truth was, he admitted, that he had
+been used in a "mild way." With some degree of pride, he stated that he
+"had never been flogged." But, for the "last fifteen years, he had been
+favored with the exalted privilege of 'hiring' his time at the
+'reasonable' sum of $12 per month." As he stood pledged to have this
+amount always ready, "whether sick or well," at the end of the month,
+his mistress "never neglected to be in readiness to receive it" to the
+last cent. In this way Moses was taught to be exceedingly punctual. Who
+would not commend such a mistress for the punctuality, if nothing more?
+But as smoothly as matters seemed to be going along, the mischievous
+idea crept into Moses' head, that he ought to have some of the money
+claimed by his "kind" mistress, and at the same time, the thought would
+often forcibly press upon his mind that he might any day be sold. In
+addition to this unpleasant prospect, Virginia had just about that time
+passed a law "prohibiting Slaves from hiring their time"--also, a number
+of "new Police rules with reference to Slaves and free colored people,"
+all of which, the "humane Slave-holders" of that "liberal State,"
+regarded as highly essential both for the "protection and safety of
+Master and Slave." But the stupid-headed Moses was not pleased with
+these arrangements. In common with many of the Slaves, he smarted
+severely under his heavy oppression, and felt that it was similar to an
+old rule, which had been once tried under Pharaoh--namely, when the
+children of Israel were required to "make bricks without straw." But
+Moses was not a fit subject to submit to be ruled so inhumanly.
+
+Despite the beautiful sermons he had often listened to in favor of
+Slavery, and the many wise laws, above alluded to, he could not
+reconcile himself to his condition. The laws and preaching were alike as
+"sounding brass, and tinkling cymbals" to him. He made up his mind,
+therefore, that he must try a free country; that his manhood required
+him to make the effort at once, even at the risk of life. Father and
+husband, as he was, and loving his wife, Grace, and son, Alphonso,
+tenderly as he did, he nevertheless felt himself to be in chains, and
+that he could do but little for them by remaining. He conceived that, if
+he could succeed in gaining his freedom, he might possibly aid them away
+also. With this hope in him, he contrived to secure a private passage on
+the steamship City of Richmond, and in this way reached Philadelphia,
+but not without suffering fearfully the entire journey through, owing to
+the narrowness of the space into which he was obliged to be stowed in
+order to get away.
+
+Moses was a man of medium size, quite dark, and gave promise of being
+capable of taking care of himself in freedom. He had seen much of the
+cruelties of Slavery inflicted upon others in various forms, which he
+related in a way to make one shudder; but these incidents were not
+recorded in the book at the time.
+
+
+
+SARAH SMITH, alias MILDRETH PAGE, and her daughter, nine years of age.
+Sarah and her child were held to service by the Rev. A.D. Pollock, a
+resident of Wilmington, Del. Until about nine months before she escaped
+from the Reverend gentleman, she was owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Lee of
+Fauquier Co., Va., who had moved with Sarah to Wilmington. How Mr.
+Pollock came by Sarah is not stated on the records; perhaps by marriage;
+be that as it may, it was owing to ill treatment from her mistress that
+Sarah "took out" with her child. Sarah was a woman of becoming manners,
+of a dark brown complexion, and looked as though she might do a fair
+share of housework, if treated well. As it required no great effort to
+escape from Wilmington, where the watchful Garrett lived, she reached
+the Committee in Philadelphia without much difficulty, received
+assistance and was sent on her way rejoicing.
+
+
+
+LUCY GARRETT, alias JULIA WOOD. John Williams, who was said to be a
+"very cruel man," residing on the Western Shore of Va., claimed Lucy as
+his chattel personal. Julia, having a lively sense of his meanness stood
+much in fear of being sold; having seen her father, three sisters, and
+two brothers, disposed of at auction, she was daily on the look-out for
+her turn to come next. The good spirit of freedom made the way plain to
+her by which an escape could be effected. Being about nineteen years of
+age, she felt that she had served in Slavery long enough. She resolved
+to start immediately, and did so, and succeeded in reaching
+Pennsylvania. Her appearance recommended her so well, that she was
+prevailed upon to remain and accept a situation in the family of Joseph
+A. Dugdale, so well known in reformatory circles, as an ardent friend of
+humanity. While in his family she gave great satisfaction, and was much
+esteemed for uprightness and industry. But this place was not Canada,
+so, when it was deemed best, she was sent on.
+
+
+
+ELLEN FORMAN, alias ELIZABETH YOUNG. Ellen had formerly been owned by
+Dr. Thomas, of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but about one year before
+escaping, she was bought by a lady living in Baltimore known by the name
+of Mrs. Johnson. Ellen was about thirty years of age, of slender
+stature, and of a dark brown complexion. The record makes no mention of
+cruel treatment or very hard usage, as a slave. From traveling,
+probably, she had contracted a very heavy cold, which threatened her
+with consumption. The Committee cheerfully rendered her assistance.
+
+
+
+WILLIAM WOODEN, alias WILLIAM NELSON. While Delaware was not far from
+freedom, and while Slavery was considered to exist there comparatively
+in a mild form, nevertheless, what with the impenetrable ignorance in
+which it was the wont of pro-slavery whites to keep the slaves, and the
+unwillingness on the part of slave-holders generally to conform to the
+spirit of progress going on in the adjacent State of Pennsylvania, it
+was wonderful how the slaves saw through the thick darkness thus
+prevailing, and how wide-awake they were to escape.
+
+It was from this State, that William Wooden fled. True, William was said
+to belong to Judge Wooden, of Georgetown, Del., but, according to the
+story of his "chattel," the Judge was not of the class who judged
+righteously. He had not only treated William badly, but he had
+threatened to sell him. This was the bitter pill which constrained
+William to "take out." The threat seemed hard at first, but its effect
+was excellent for this young man; it was the cause of his obtaining his
+freedom at the age of twenty-three. William was a tall, well-built man,
+of dark complexion and promising. No further particulars concerning him
+are on the records.
+
+
+
+JAMES EDWARD HANDY, _alias_ DANIEL CANON. At Seaford, Delaware, James
+was held in bonds under a Slave-holder called Samuel Lewis, who followed
+farming. Lewis was not satisfied with working James hard and keeping all
+his earnings, but would insolently talk occasionally of handing him
+"over to the trader." This "stirred James' blood" and aroused his
+courage to the "sticking point." Nothing could induce him to remain. He
+had the name of having a wife and four children, but according to the
+Laws of Delaware, he only had a nominal right in them. They were
+"legally the property of Capt. Martin." Therefore they were all left in
+the hands of Capt. Martin. The wife's name was Harriet Delaney, _alias_
+Smart Stanley. James Henry Delaney came as a fellow-traveler with James
+Edward. He had experienced oppression under Capt. Martin, and as a
+witness, was prepared to testify, that Martin "ill-treated his Slaves,
+especially with regard to the diet, which was very poor." Nevertheless
+James was a stout, heavy-built young man of twenty-six years of age, and
+looked as if he might have a great deal of valuable work in him. He was
+a single man.
+
+
+
+JAMES HENRY BLACKSON. James Henry had only reached twenty-five, when he
+came to the "conclusion, that he had served long enough under bondage
+for the benefit of Charles Wright." This was about all of the excuse he
+seemed to have for escaping. He was a fine specimen of a man, so far as
+physical strength and muscular power were concerned. Very little was
+recorded of him.
+
+
+
+GEORGE FREELAND. It was only by the most indomitable resolution and
+perseverance, that Freeland threw off the yoke. Capt. John Pollard of
+Petersburg, Va., held George to service. As a Slave-holder, Pollard
+belonged to that class, who did not believe in granting favors to
+Slaves. On the contrary, he was practically in favor of wringing every
+drop of blood from their bodies.
+
+George was a spare-built man, about twenty-five years of age, quite
+dark, but had considerable intelligence. He could read and write very
+well, but how he acquired these arts is not known. In testifying against
+his master, George used very strong language. He declared that Pollard
+"thought no more of his servants than if they had been dogs. He was very
+mean. He gave nothing to his servants. He has given me only one pair of
+shoes the last ten years." After careful inquiry, George learned that he
+could get a private passage on the City of Richmond, if he could raise
+the passage money. This he could do cheerfully. He raised "sixty
+dollars" for the individual who was to "secrete him on the boat." In
+leaving the land of Slave auctions, whips and chains, he was obliged to
+leave his mother and father and two brothers in Petersburg. Pollard had
+been offered $1,500 for George. Doubtless he found, when he discovered
+George had gone, that he had "overstood the market." This was what
+produced action prompt and decisive on the part of George. So the old
+adage, in this case, was verified--"It's an ill wind that blows nobody
+any good."
+
+On arriving in Canada, George did not forget to express gratitude to
+those who aided him on his road there, as the following note will show:
+
+
+    SINCATHANS, canada west.
+
+    Brother Still:--I im brace this opportunity of pening you a few
+    lines to in form you that I am well at present & in hopes to
+    find you & family well also I hope that god Will Bless you & and
+    your family & if I never should meet you in this world I hope to
+    meet you in glory  Remember my love to Brother Brown & tell him
+    that I am well & hearty tell him to writ Thomas word that I am
+    well at present you must excuse me I will Rite when I return
+    from the west.
+
+    GEORGE W. FREELAND
+
+    Send your Letters in the name of John Anderson.
+
+
+
+
+MILES WHITE. This passenger owed service to Albert Kern, of Elizabeth
+City, N.C. At least Kern, through the oppressive laws of that State,
+claimed Miles as his personal property. Miles, however, thought
+differently, but he was not at liberty to argue the case with Kern; for
+on the "side of the oppressor there was strength." So he resolved, that
+he would adopt the Underground Rail Road plan. As he was only about
+twenty-one years of age, he found it much easier to close his affairs
+with North Carolina, than it would have been had he been encumbered with
+a family. In fact, the only serious difficulty he had to surmount was to
+find a captain with whom he could secure a safe passage North. To his
+gratification it was not long before his efforts in this direction were
+crowned with success. A vessel was being loaded with shingles, the
+captain of which was kind enough to allow Miles to occupy a very secure
+hiding-place thereon. In course of time, having suffered to the extent
+usual when so closely conveyed, he arrived in Philadelphia, and being
+aided, was duly forwarded by the Committee.
+
+
+
+JOHN HALL, _alias_ JOHN SIMPSON. John fled from South Carolina. In this
+hot-bed of Slavery he labored and suffered up to the age of thirty-two.
+For a length of time before he escaped, his burdens were intolerable;
+but he could see no way to rid himself of them, except by flight. Nor
+was he by any means certain that an effort in this direction would prove
+successful. In planning the route which he should take to travel North
+he decided, that if success was for him, his best chance would be to
+wend his way through North Carolina and Virginia. Not that he hoped to
+find friends or helpers in these States. He had heard enough of the
+cruelties of Slavery in these regions to convince him, that if he should
+be caught, there would be no sympathy or mercy shown. Nevertheless the
+irons were piercing him so severely, that he felt constrained to try his
+luck, let the consequences be what they might, and so he set out for
+freedom or death. Mountains of difficulties, and months of suffering and
+privations by land and water, in the woods, and swamps of North Carolina
+and Virginia, were before him, as his experience in traveling proved.
+But the hope of final victory and his daily sufferings before he
+started, kept him from faltering, even when starvation and death seemed
+to be staring him in the face. For several months he was living in dens
+and caves of the earth.
+
+Ultimately, however, the morning of his ardent hopes dawned. How he
+succeeded in finding a captain who was kind enough to afford him a
+secret hiding-place on his boat, was not noted on the records. Indeed
+the incidents of his story were but briefly written out. Similar cases
+of thrilling interest seemed almost incredible, and the Committee were
+constrained to doubt the story altogether until other testimony could be
+obtained to verify the statement. In this instance, before the Committee
+were fully satisfied, they felt it necessary to make inquiry of
+trustworthy Charlestonians to ascertain if John were really from
+Charleston, and if he were actually owned by the man that he represented
+as having owned him, Dr. Philip Mazyck, by name; and furthermore, to
+learn if the master was really of the brutal character given him. The
+testimony of thoroughly reliable persons, who were acquainted with
+master and slave, so far as this man's bondage in Charleston was
+concerned, fully corroborated his statement, and the Committee could not
+but credit his story; indeed they were convinced, that he had been one
+of the greatest of sufferers and the chief of heroes. Nevertheless his
+story was not written out, and can only be hinted at. Perhaps more time
+was consumed in its investigation and in listening to a recital of his
+sufferings than could well be spared; perhaps it was thought, as was
+often the case, unless full justice could be given him, the story would
+be spoiled; or perhaps the appalling nature of his sufferings rendered
+the pen powerless, and made the heart too sick for the task. Whether it
+was so or not in this case, it was not unfrequently so in other
+instances, as is well remembered. It will be necessary, in the
+subsequent pages of this work, to omit the narratives of a great many
+who, unfortunately, were but briefly noted on the books at the time of
+their arrival. In the eyes of some, this may prove disappointing,
+especially in instances where these pages are turned to with the hope of
+gaining a clue to certain lost ones. As all, however, cannot be
+mentioned, and as the general reader will look for incidents and facts
+which will most fittingly bring out the chief characteristics in the
+career and escape of bondmen, the reasonableness of this course must be
+obvious to all.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHARLES GILBERT.
+
+
+FLEEING FROM DAVIS A NEGRO TRADER, SECRETED UNDER A HOTEL, UP A TREE,
+UNDER A FLOOR, IN A THICKET, ON A STEAMER. In 1854 Charles was owned in
+the city of Richmond by Benjamin Davis, a notorious negro trader.
+Charles was quite a "likely-looking article," not too black or too
+white, but rather of a nice "ginger-bread color." Davis was of opinion
+that this "article" must bring him a tip-top price. For two or three
+months the trader advertised Charles for sale in the papers, but for
+some reason or other Charles did not command the high price demanded.
+
+While Davis was thus daily trying to sell Charles, Charles was
+contemplating how he might escape. Being uncommonly shrewd he learned
+something about a captain of a schooner from Boston, and determined to
+approach him with regard to securing a passage. The captain manifested a
+disposition to accommodate him for the sum of ten dollars, provided
+Charles could manage to get to Old Point Comfort, there to embark. The
+Point was about one hundred and sixty miles distant from Richmond.
+
+A man of ordinary nerve would have declined this condition
+unhesitatingly. On the other hand it was not Charles' intention to let
+any offer slide; indeed he felt that he must make an effort, if he
+failed. He could not see how his lot could be made more miserable by
+attempting to flee. In full view of all the consequences he ventured to
+take the hazardous step, and to his great satisfaction he reached Old
+Point Comfort safely. In that locality he was well known, unfortunately
+too well known, for he had been raised partly there, and, at the same
+time, many of his relatives and acquaintances were still living there.
+These facts were evidently well known to the trader, who unquestionably
+had snares set in order to entrap Charles should he seek shelter among
+his relatives, a reasonable supposition. Charles had scarcely reached
+his old home before he was apprised of the fact that the hunters and
+watch dogs of Slavery were eagerly watching for him. Even his nearest
+relatives, through fear of consequences had to hide their faces as it
+were from him. None dare offer him a night's lodging, scarcely a cup of
+water, lest such an act might be discovered by the hunters, whose
+fiendish hearts would have found pleasure in meting out the most dire
+punishments to those guilty of thus violating the laws of Slavery. The
+prospect, if not utterly hopeless, was decidedly discouraging. The way
+to Boston was entirely closed. A "reward of $200" was advertised for his
+capture. For the first week after arriving at Old Point he entrusted
+himself to a young friend by the name of E.S. The fear of the pursuers
+drove him from his hiding-place at the expiration of the week. Thence he
+sought shelter neither with kinfolks, Christians, nor infidels, but in
+this hour of his calamity he made up his mind that he would try living
+under a large hotel for a while. Having watched his opportunity, he
+managed to reach Higee hotel, a very large house without a cellar,
+erected on pillars three or four feet above the ground. One place alone,
+near the cistern, presented some chance for a hiding-place, sufficient
+to satisfy him quite well under the circumstances. This dark and gloomy
+spot he at once willingly occupied rather than return to Slavery. In
+this refuge he remained four weeks. Of course he could not live without
+food; but to communicate with man or woman would inevitably subject him
+to danger. Charles' experience in the neighborhood of his old home left
+no ground for him to hope that he would be likely to find friendly aid
+anywhere under the shadow of Slavery. In consequence of these fears he
+received his food from the "slop tub," securing this diet in the
+darkness of night after all was still and quiet around the hotel. To use
+his own language, the meals thus obtained were often "sweet" to his
+taste.
+
+One evening, however, he was not a little alarmed by the approach of an
+Irish boy who came under the hotel to hunt chickens. While prowling
+around in the darkness he appeared to be making his way unconsciously to
+the very spot where Charles was reposing. How to meet the danger was to
+Charles' mind at first very puzzling, there was no time now to plan. As
+quick as thought he feigned the bark of a savage dog accompanied with a
+furious growl and snarl which he was confident would frighten the boy
+half out of his senses, and cause him to depart quickly from his private
+apartment. The trick succeeded admirably, and the emergency was
+satisfactorily met, so far as the boy was concerned, but the boy's
+father hearing the attack of the dog, swore that he would kill him.
+Charles was a silent listener to the threat, and he saw that he could no
+longer remain in safety in his present quarter. So that night he took
+his departure for Bay Shore; here he decided to pass a day in the woods,
+but the privacy of this place was not altogether satisfactory to
+Charles' mind; but where to find a more secure retreat he could
+not,--dared not venture to ascertain that day. It occurred to him,
+however, that he would be much safer up a tree than hid in the bushes
+and undergrowth. He therefore climbed up a large acorn tree and there
+passed an entire day in deep meditation.  No gleam of hope appeared, yet
+he would not suffer himself to think of returning to bondage. In this
+dilemma he remembered a poor washer-woman named Isabella, a slave who
+had charge of a wash-house. With her he resolved to seek succor. Leaving
+the woods he proceeded to the wash-house and was kindly received by
+Isabella, but what to do with him or how to afford him any protection
+she could see no way whatever. The schooling which Charles had been
+receiving a number of weeks in connection with the most fearful
+looking-for of the threatened wrath of the trader made it much easier
+for him than for her to see how he could be provided for. A room and
+comforts he was not accustomed to. Of course he could not expect such
+comforts now. Like many another escaping from the relentless tyrant,
+Charles could contrive methods which to his venturesome mind would
+afford hope, however desperate they might appear to others. He thought
+that he might be safe under the floor. To Isabella the idea was new, but
+her sympathies were strongly with Charles, and she readily consented to
+accommodate him under the floor of the wash-house. Isabella and a friend
+of Charles, by the name of John Thomas, were the only persons who were
+cognizant of this arrangement. The kindness of these friends, manifested
+by their willingness to do anything in their power to add to the comfort
+of Charles, was proof to him that his efforts and sufferings had not
+been altogether in vain. He remained under the floor two weeks,
+accessible to kind voices and friendly ministrations. At the end of this
+time his repose was again sorely disturbed by reports from without that
+suspicion had been awakened towards the wash-house. How this happened
+neither Charles nor his friends could conjecture. But the arrival of six
+officers whom he could hear talking very plainly in the house, whose
+errand was actually to search for him, convinced him that he had never
+for a single moment been in greater danger. The officers not only
+searched the house, but they offered his friend John Thomas $25 if he
+would only put them on Charles' track. John professed to know nothing;
+Isabella was equally ignorant. Discouraged with their efforts on this
+occasion, the officers gave up the hunt and left the house. Charles,
+however, had had enough of the floor accommodations. He left that night
+and returned to his old quarters under the hotel. Here he stayed one
+week, at the expiration of which time the need of fresh air was so
+imperative, that he resolved to go out at night to Allen's cottage and
+spend a day in the woods. He had knowledge of a place where the
+undergrowth and bushes were almost impenetrable. To rest and refresh
+himself in this thicket he felt would be a great comfort to him. Without
+serious difficulty he reached the thicket, and while pondering over the
+all-absorbing matter as to how he should ever manage to make his escape,
+an old man approached. Now while Charles had no reason to think that he
+was sought by the old intruder, his very near approach admonished him
+that it would neither be safe nor agreeable to allow him to come nearer.
+Charles remembering that his trick of playing the dog, when previously
+in danger under the hotel, had served a good end, thought that it would
+work well in the thicket. So he again tried his power at growling and
+barking hideously for a moment or two, which at once caused the man to
+turn his course. Charles could hear him distinctly retreating, and at
+the same time cursing the dog. The owner of the place had the reputation
+of keeping "bad dogs," so the old man poured out a dreadful threat
+against "Stephens' dogs," and was soon out of the reach of the one in
+the thicket.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+Notwithstanding his success in frightening off the old man, CHARLES felt
+that the thicket was by no means a safe place for him. He concluded to
+make another change. This time he sought a marsh; two hours' stay there
+was sufficient to satisfy him, that that too was no place to tarry in,
+even for a single night. He, therefore, left immediately. A third time,
+he returned to the hotel, where he remained only two days. His appeals
+had at last reached the heart of his mother--she could no longer bear to
+see him struggling, and suffering, and not render him aid, whatever the
+consequences might be. If she at first feared to lend him a helping
+hand, she now resolutely worked with a view of saving money to succor
+him. Here the prospect began to brighten.
+
+A passage was secured for him on a steamer bound for Philadelphia. One
+more day, and night must elapse, ere he could be received on board. The
+joyful anticipations which now filled his breast left no room for fear;
+indeed, he could scarcely contain himself; he was drunk with joy. In
+this state of mind he concluded that nothing would afford him more
+pleasure before leaving, than to spend his last hours at the wash house,
+"under the floor." To this place he went with no fear of hunters before
+his eyes. Charles had scarcely been three hours in this place, however,
+before three officers came in search of him. Two of them talked with
+Isabella, asked her about her "boarders," etc.; in the meanwhile, one of
+them uninvited, made his way up stairs. It so happened, that Charles was
+in this very portion of the house. His case now seemed more hopeless
+than ever. The officer up stairs was separated from him simply by a thin
+curtain. Women's garments hung all around. Instead of fainting or
+surrendering, in the twinkling of an eye, Charles' inventive intellect,
+led him to enrobe himself in female attire. Here, to use his own
+language, a "thousand thoughts" rushed into his mind in a minute. The
+next instant he was going down stairs in the presence of the officers,
+his old calico dress, bonnet and rig, attracting no further attention
+than simply to elicit the following simple questions: "Whose gal are
+you?" "Mr. Cockling's, sir." "What is your name?" "Delie, sir." "Go on
+then!" said one of the officers, and on Charles went to avail himself of
+the passage on the steamer which his mother had procured for him for the
+sum of thirty dollars.
+
+In due time, he succeeded in getting on the steamer, but he soon
+learned, that her course was not direct to Philadelphia, but that some
+stay would be made in Norfolk, Va. Although disappointed, yet this being
+a step in the right direction, he made up his mind to be patient. He was
+delayed in Norfolk four weeks. From the time Charles first escaped, his
+owner (Davis the negro trader), had kept a standing reward of $550
+advertised for his recovery. This showed that Davis was willing to risk
+heavy expenses for Charles as well as gave evidence that he believed him
+still secreted either about Richmond, Petersburg, or Old Point Comfort.
+In this belief he was not far from being correct, for Charles spent most
+of his time in either of these three places, from the day of his escape
+until the day that he finally embarked. At last, the long looked-for
+hour arrived to start for Philadelphia.
+
+He was to leave his mother, with no hope of ever seeing her again, but
+she had purchased herself and was called free. Her name was Margaret
+Johnson. Three brothers likewise were ever in his thoughts, (in chains),
+"Henry," "Bill," and "Sam," (half brothers). But after all the hope of
+freedom outweighed every other consideration, and he was prepared to
+give up all for liberty. To die rather than remain a slave was his
+resolve.
+
+Charles arrived per steamer, from Norfolk, on the 11th day of November,
+1854. The Richmond papers bear witness to the fact, that Benjamin Davis
+advertised Charles Gilbert, for mouths prior to this date, as has been
+stated in this narrative. As to the correctness of the story, all that
+the writer has to say is, that he took it down from the lips of Charles,
+hurriedly, directly after his arrival, with no thought of magnifying a
+single incident. On the contrary, much that was of interest in the story
+had to be omitted. Instead of being overdrawn, not half of the
+particulars were recorded. Had the idea then been entertained, that the
+narrative of this young slave-warrior was to be brought to light in the
+manner and time that it now is, a far more thrilling account of his
+adventures might have been written. Other colored men who knew both
+Davis and Charles, as well as one man ordinarily knows another, rejoiced
+at seeing Charles in Philadelphia, and they listened with perfect faith
+to his story. So marvellous were the incidents of his escape, that his
+sufferings in Slavery, previous to his heroic struggles to throw off the
+yoke, were among the facts omitted from the records. While this may be
+regretted it is, nevertheless, gratifying on the whole to have so good
+an account of him as was preserved. It is needless to say, that the
+Committee took especial pleasure in aiding him, and listening to so
+remarkable a story narrated so intelligently by one who had been a
+slave.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+LIBERTY OR DEATH.
+
+
+JIM BOW-LEGS, _alias_ BILL PAUL.
+
+In 1855 a traveler arrived with the above name, who, on examination, was
+found to possess very extraordinary characteristics. As a hero and
+adventurer some passages of his history were most remarkable. His
+schooling had been such as could only be gathered on plantations under
+brutal overseers;--or while fleeing,--or in swamps,--in prisons,--or on
+the auction-block, etc.; in which condition he was often found.
+Nevertheless in these circumstances his mind got well stored with
+vigorous thoughts--neither books nor friendly advisers being at his
+command. Yet his native intelligence as it regarded human nature, was
+extraordinary. His resolution and perseverance never faltered. In all
+respects he was a remarkable man. He was a young man, weighing about one
+hundred and eighty pounds, of uncommon muscular strength. He was born in
+the State of Georgia, Oglethorpe county, and was owned by Dr. Thomas
+Stephens, of Lexington. On reaching the Vigilance Committee in
+Philadelphia, his story was told many times over to one and another.
+Hour after hour was occupied by friends in listening to the simple
+narrative of his struggles for freedom. A very full account of "Jim,"
+was forwarded in a letter to M.A. Shadd, the then Editress of the
+"Provincial Freeman." Said account has been carefully preserved, and is
+here annexed as it appeared in the columns of the above named paper:
+
+
+    "I must now pass to a third adventurer. The one to whom I
+    allude, is a young man of twenty-six years of age, by the name
+    of 'Jim,' who fled from near Charleston, S.C. Taking all the
+    facts and circumstances into consideration respecting the
+    courageous career of this successful adventurer for freedom, his
+    case is by far more interesting than any I have yet referred to.
+    Indeed, for the good of the cause, and the honor of one who
+    gained his liberty by periling his life so frequently:--shot
+    several times,--making six unsuccessful attempts to escape from
+    the far South,--numberless times chased by
+    bloodhounds,--captured, imprisoned and sold repeatedly,--living
+    for months in the woods, swamps and caves, subsisting mainly on
+    parched corn and berries, &c., &c., his narrative ought, by all
+    means, to be published, though I doubt very much whether many
+    could be found who could persuade themselves to believe
+    one-tenth part of this marvellous story.
+
+    Though this poor Fugitive was utterly ignorant of letters, his
+    natural good sense and keen perception qualified him to arrest
+    the attention and interest the heart in a most remarkable
+    degree.
+
+    His master finding him not available, on account of his
+    absconding propensities, would gladly have offered him for sale.
+    He was once taken to Florida, for that purpose; but, generally,
+    traders being wide awake, on inspecting him, would almost
+    invariably pronounce him a 'd----n rascal,' because he would
+    never fail to eye them sternly, as they inspected him. The
+    obedient and submissive slave is always recognized by hanging
+    his head and looking on the ground, when looked at by a
+    slave-holder. This lesson Jim had never learned, hence he was
+    not to be trusted.
+
+    His head and chest, and indeed his entire structure, as solid as
+    a rock, indicated that he was physically no ordinary man; and
+    not being under the influence of the spirit of "non-resistance,"
+    he had occasionally been found to be a rather formidable
+    customer.
+
+    His father was a full-blooded Indian, brother to the noted
+    Indian Chief, Billy Bowlegs; his mother was quite black and of
+    unmixed blood.
+
+    For five or six years, the greater part of Jim's time was
+    occupied in trying to escape, and in being in prison for sale,
+    to punish him for running away.
+
+    His mechanical genius was excellent, so were his geographical
+    abilities. He could make shoes or do carpenter's work very
+    handily, though he had never had the chance to learn. As to
+    traveling by night or day, he was always road-ready and having
+    an uncommon memory, could give exceedingly good accounts of what
+    he saw, etc.
+
+    When he entered a swamp, and had occasion to take a nap he took
+    care first to decide upon the posture he must take, so that if
+    come upon unexpectedly by the hounds and slave-hunters, he might
+    know in an instant which way to steer to defeat them. He always
+    carried a liquid, which he had prepared, to prevent hounds from
+    scenting him, which he said had never failed. As soon as the
+    hounds came to the place where he had rubbed his legs and feet
+    with said liquid, they could follow him no further, but howled
+    and turned immediately.
+
+    Quite a large number of the friends of the slave saw this
+    noble-hearted fugitive, and would sit long and listen with the
+    most undivided attention to his narrative--none doubting for a
+    moment, I think, the entire truthfulness of his story. Strange
+    as his story was, there was so much natural simplicity in his
+    manner and countenance, one could not refrain from believing
+    him."
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SALT-WATER FUGITIVE.
+
+
+This was an exceptional case, as this passenger did not reach the
+Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia, yet to exclude him on this account,
+would be doing an injustice to history.
+
+The facts in his case were incontestably established in the Philadelphia
+Register in April, 1854, from which the following thrilling account is
+taken:
+
+
+    The steamship, Keystone State, which arrived at this port on
+    Saturday morning, had just entered Delaware Bay, when a man was
+    discovered secreted outside of the vessel and under the guards.
+    When brought from his hiding-place, he was found to be a
+    Fugitive Slave, who had secreted himself there before the vessel
+    left Savannah on Wednesday, and had remained in that place from
+    the time of starting!
+
+    His position was such, that the water swept over and around him
+    almost constantly. He had some bread in his pocket, which he had
+    intended for subsistence until he could reach a land of liberty.
+    It was saturated with sea-water and dissolved to a pulp.
+
+    When our readers remember the high winds of Friday, and the
+    sudden change to cold during that night, and the fact that the
+    fugitive had remained in that situation for three days and
+    nights, we think it will be conceded that he fully earned his
+    liberty, and that the "institution," which was so intolerable
+    that he was willing to run the risk of almost certain death to
+    escape from it had no very great attractions for him. But the
+    poor man was doomed to disappointment. The captain ordered the
+    vessel to put into Newcastle, where, the fugitive, hardly able
+    to stand, was taken on shore and incarcerated, and where he now
+    awaits the order of his owner in Savannah. The following
+    additional particulars are from the same paper of the 21st.
+
+
+
+
+
+    The Keystone State case.--Our article yesterday morning brought
+    us several letters of inquiry and offers of contributions to aid
+    in the purchase from his master of the unfortunate inmate of
+    Newcastle jail. In answer to the former, we would say, that the
+    steamer Keystone State, left Savannah, at 9 A.M., last
+    Wednesday. It was about the same hour next morning that the men
+    engaged in heaving lead, heard a voice from under the guards
+    imploring help. A rope was procured, and the man relieved from
+    his dangerous and suffering situation. He was well cared for
+    immediately; a suit of dry clothes was furnished him, and he was
+    given his share of the contents of the boat pantry. On arriving
+    at Newcastle, the captain had him placed in jail, for the
+    purpose, as we are informed, of taking him back to Savannah.
+
+    To those who have offered contributions so liberally, we answer,
+    that the prospect is, that only a small amount will be
+    needed--enough to fee a lawyer to sue out a writ of habeas
+    corpus. The salt water fugitive claims to be a free man, and a
+    native of Philadelphia. He gives his name as Edward Davis, and
+    says that he formerly lived at No. 5 Steel's court, that he was
+    a pupil in Bird's school, on Sixth St. above Lombard, and that
+    he has a sister living at Mr. Diamond's, a distiller, on South
+    St. We are not informed why he was in Georgia, from which he
+    took such an extraordinary means to effect his escape. If the
+    above assertion be true, we apprehend little trouble in
+    restoring the man to his former home. The claim of the captain
+    to take him back to Savannah, will not be listened to for a
+    moment by any court. The only claim the owners of the "Keystone
+    State" or the captain can have on salt water Davis, is for half
+    passenger fare; he came half the way as a fish. A gentleman who
+    came from Wilmington yesterday, assures us that the case is in
+    good hands at Newcastle.
+
+
+
+
+FULL PARTICULARS OF THE ABDUCTION, ENSLAVING AND ESCAPE OF DAVIS.
+ATTEMPT TO SEDUCE HIM TO SLAVERY AGAIN.
+
+
+
+    The case of the colored man Davis, who made such a bold stroke
+    to regain his liberty, by periling his life on board the steamer
+    Keystone State, has excited very general attention. He has given
+    a detailed account of his abduction and sale as a slave in the
+    State of Maryland and Georgia, and some of his adventures up to
+    the time of reaching Delaware. His own story is substantially as
+    follows:
+
+    He left Philadelphia on the 15th of September, 1851, and went to
+    Harrisburg, intending to go to Hollidaysburg; took a canal boat
+    for Havre de Grace, where he arrived next day. There he hired on
+    board the schooner Thomas and Edward (oyster boat), of
+    Baltimore. Went from Havre de Grace to St. Michael's, for
+    oysters, thence to Baltimore, and thence to Havre de Grace
+    again.
+
+    He then hired to a Mr. Sullivan, who kept a grocery store, to do
+    jobs. While there, a constable, named Smith, took him before a
+    magistrate named Graham, who fined him fifteen or twenty dollars
+    for violating the law in relation to free negroes coming into
+    the State. This fine he was not able to pay, and Smith took him
+    to Bell Air prison. Sheriff Gaw wrote to Mr. Maitland in
+    Philadelphia, to whom he referred, and received an answer that
+    Mr. Maitland was dead and none of the family knew him. He
+    remained in that prison nearly two months. He then had a trial
+    in court before a Judge Grier (most unfortunate name), who
+    sentenced him to be sold to pay his fine and expenses, amounting
+    to fifty dollars.
+
+    After a few days and _without being offered at public sale_, he
+    was taken out of jail at two o'clock in the morning and carried
+    to Campbell's slave pen, in Baltimore, where he remained several
+    months. While there, he was employed to cook for some fifty or
+    sixty slaves, being told that he was working out his fine and
+    jail fees. After being there about six months, he was taken out
+    of prison, handcuffed by one Winters, who took him and two or
+    three others to Washington and thence to Charleston, S.C. Here
+    Winters left them, and they were taken by steamboat to Savannah.
+    While on board the boat, he learned that himself and the other
+    two had been sold to Mr. William Dean, of Macon, where he stayed
+    two days, and was taken from that place to the East Valley
+    Railroad.
+
+    Subsequently he was sent to work on the Possum Tail Railroad.
+    Here he was worked so hard, that in one month he lost his
+    health. The other two men taken on with him, failed before he
+    did. He was then sent to Macon, and thence to the cotton
+    plantation again.
+
+    During the time he worked on the railroad he had allowed him for
+    food, one peck of corn meal, four pounds of bacon, and one quart
+    of molasses per week. He cooked it himself at night, for the
+    next day's use. He worked at packing cotton for four or five
+    months, and in the middle of November, 1852, was sent back to
+    the railroad, where he was again set to wheeling.
+
+    He worked at "task work" two months, being obliged to wheel
+    _sixteen_ square yards per day. At the end of two months he
+    broke down again, and was sick. They tried one month to cure
+    him, but did not succeed. In July, 1853, he was taken to an
+    infirmary in Macon. Dr. Nottinghan and Dr. Harris, of that
+    institution, both stated that his was the worst case of the kind
+    they ever had. He remained at the infirmary two months and
+    partially recovered. He told the story of his wrongs to these
+    physicians, who tried to buy him. One of his legs was drawn up
+    so that he could not walk well, and they offered four hundred
+    dollars for him, which his master refused. The doctors wanted
+    him to attend their patients, (mostly slaves). While in Georgia
+    he was frequently asked where he came from, being found more
+    intelligent than the common run of slaves.
+
+    On the 12th of March he ran away from Macon and went to
+    Savannah. There he hid in a stable until Tuesday afternoon at
+    six o'clock, when he secreted himself on board the Keystone
+    State. At 9 o'clock the next morning the Keystone State left
+    with Davis secreted, as we have before stated. With his
+    imprisonment in Newcastle, after being pronounced free, our
+    readers are already familiar. We subjoin the documents on which
+    he was discharged from his imprisonment in Newcastle, and his
+    subsequent re-committal on the oath of Capt. Hardie.
+
+
+
+
+COPY OF FIRST ORDER OF COMMITMENT.
+
+
+
+    New Castle county, ss., State of Delaware.--To Wm. R. Lynam,
+    Sheriff of said county. ---- Davis (Negro) is delivered to your
+    custody for further examination and hearing for traveling
+    without a pass, and supposed to be held a Slave to some person
+    in the State of Georgia.
+
+    [Seal]. Witness the hand and seal of John Bradford, one of the
+    Justices of the Peace for the county of Newcastle, the 17th day
+    of March, 1854.
+
+    JOHN BRADFORD, J.P.
+
+
+
+
+COPY OF DISCHARGE.
+
+
+
+    To Wm. R. Lynam, Sheriff of Newcastle county: You will discharge
+    ---- Davis from your custody, satisfactory proof having been
+    made before me that he is a free man.  JOHN BRADFORD, J.P.
+
+    Witnesses--Joanna Diamond, John H. Brady, Martha C. Maguire.
+
+
+
+
+COPY OF ORDER OF RE-COMMITMENT.
+
+
+
+    New Castle county, ss., the State of Delaware to Wm. R. Lynam,
+    and to the Sheriff or keeper of the Common Jail of said county,
+    Whereas ---- Davis hath this day been brought before me, the
+    subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace, in and for the
+    said county, charged upon the oath of Robert Hardie with being a
+    runaway slave, and also as a suspicious person, traveling
+    without a pass, these are therefore to command you, the said Wm.
+    R. Lynam, forthwith to convey and deliver into the custody of
+    the said Sheriff, or keeper of the said jail, the body of the
+    said Davis, and you the said Sheriff or receiver of the body of
+    the said Davis into your custody in the said jail, and him there
+    safely keep until he be thence delivered by due course of the
+    law.
+
+    Given under my hand and seal at New Castle this 21st day of
+    March, A.D., 1854.
+
+    JOHN BRADFORD, J.P.
+
+
+On the fourth of April, the Marshal of Macon called at the jail in
+Newcastle, and demanded him as a fugitive slave, but the Sheriff refused
+to give him up until a fair hearing could be had according to the laws
+of the State of Delaware. The Marshal has returned to Georgia, and will
+probably bring the claimant on the next trip of the Keystone State. The
+authorities of Delaware manifest no disposition to deliver up a man
+whose freedom has been so clearly proved; but every effort will be made
+to reduce him again to slavery by the man who claims him, in which, it
+seems, he has the hearty co-operation of Capt. Hardie. A trial will be
+had before U.S. Commissioner Guthrie, and we have every reason to
+suppose it will be a fair one. The friends of right and justice should
+remember that such a trial will be attended with considerable expense,
+and that the imprisoned man has been too long deprived of his liberty to
+have money to pay for his own defence.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SAMUEL GREEN ALIAS WESLEY KINNARD, AUGUST 28th, 1854.
+
+
+TEN YEARS IN THE PENITENTIARY FOR HAVING A COPY OF UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.
+
+
+The passenger answering to the above name, left Indian Creek, Chester
+Co., Md., where he had been held to service or labor, by Dr. James Muse.
+One week had elapsed from the time he set out until his arrival in
+Philadelphia. Although he had never enjoyed school privileges of any
+kind, yet he was not devoid of intelligence. He had profited by his
+daily experience as a slave, and withal, had managed to learn to read
+and write a little, despite law and usage to the contrary. Sam was about
+twenty-five years of age and by trade, a blacksmith. Before running
+away, his general character for sobriety, industry, and religion, had
+evidently been considered good, but in coveting his freedom and running
+away to obtain it, he had sunk far below the utmost limit of forgiveness
+or mercy in the estimation of the slave-holders of Indian Creek.
+
+During his intercourse with the Vigilance Committee, while rejoicing
+over his triumphant flight, he gave, with no appearance of excitement,
+but calmly, and in a common-sense like manner, a brief description of
+his master, which was entered on the record book substantially as
+follows: "Dr. James Muse is thought by the servants to be the worst man
+in Maryland, inflicting whipping and all manner of cruelties upon the
+servants."
+
+While Sam gave reasons for this sweeping charge, which left no room for
+doubt, on the part of the Committee, of his sincerity and good judgment,
+it was not deemed necessary to make a note of more of the doctor's
+character than seemed actually needed, in order to show why "Sam" had
+taken passage on the Underground Rail Road. For several years, "Sam" was
+hired out by the doctor at blacksmithing; in this situation, daily
+wearing the yoke of unrequited labor, through the kindness of Harriet
+Tubman (sometimes called "Moses"), the light of the Underground Rail
+Road and Canada suddenly illuminated his mind. It was new to him, but he
+was quite too intelligent and liberty-loving, not to heed the valuable
+information which this sister of humanity imparted. Thenceforth he was
+in love with Canada, and likewise a decided admirer of the U.R. Road.
+Harriet was herself, a shrewd and fearless agent, and well understood
+the entire route from that part of the country to Canada. The spring
+previous, she had paid a visit to the very neighborhood in which "Sam"
+lived, expressly to lead her own brothers out of "Egypt." She succeeded.
+To "Sam" this was cheering and glorious news, and he made up his mind,
+that before a great while, Indian Creek should have one less slave and
+that Canada should have one more citizen. Faithfully did he watch an
+opportunity to carry out his resolution. In due time a good Providence
+opened the way, and to "Sam's" satisfaction he reached Philadelphia,
+having encountered no peculiar difficulties. The Committee, perceiving
+that he was smart, active, and promising, encouraged his undertaking,
+and having given him friendly advice, aided him in the usual manner.
+Letters of introduction were given him, and he was duly forwarded on his
+way. He had left his father, mother, and one sister behind. Samuel and
+Catharine were the names of his parents. Thus far, his escape would seem
+not to affect his parents, nor was it apparent that there was any other
+cause why the owner should revenge himself upon them.
+
+The father was an old local preacher in the Methodist Church--much
+esteemed as an inoffensive, industrious man; earning his bread by the
+sweat of his brow, and contriving to move along in the narrow road
+allotted colored people bond or free, without exciting a spirit of ill
+will in the pro-slavery power of his community. But the rancor awakened
+in the breast of slave-holders in consequence of the high-handed step
+the son had taken, brought the father under suspicion and hate. Under
+the circumstances, the eye of Slavery could do nothing more than watch
+for an occasion to pounce upon him. It was not long before the desired
+opportunity presented itself. Moved by parental affection, the old man
+concluded to pay a visit to his boy, to see how he was faring in a
+distant land, and among strangers. This resolution he quietly carried
+into effect. He found his son in Canada, doing well; industrious; a man
+of sobriety, and following his father's footsteps religiously. That the
+old man's heart was delighted with what his eyes saw and his ears heard
+in Canada, none can doubt. But in the simplicity of his imagination, he
+never dreamed that this visit was to be made the means of his
+destruction. During the best portion of his days he had faithfully worn
+the badge of Slavery, had afterwards purchased his freedom, and thus
+become a free man. He innocently conceived the idea that he was doing no
+harm in availing himself not only of his God-given rights, but of the
+rights that he had also purchased by the hard toil of his own hands. But
+the enemy was lurking in ambush for him--thirsting for his blood. To his
+utter consternation, not long after his return from his visit to his son
+"a party of gentlemen from the New Market district, went at night to
+Green's house and made search, whereupon was found a copy of Uncle Tom's
+Cabin, etc." This was enough--the hour had come, wherein to wreak
+vengeance upon poor Green. The course pursued and the result, may be
+seen in the following statement taken from the Cambridge (Md.),
+"Democrat," of April 29th, 1857, and communicated by the writer to the
+"Provincial Freeman."
+
+
+    SAM GREEN.
+
+    The case of the State against Sam Green (free negro) indicted
+    for having in his possession, papers, pamphlets and pictorial
+    representations, having a tendency to create discontent, etc.,
+    among the people of color in the State, was tried before the
+    court on Friday last.
+
+    This case was of the utmost importance, and has created in the
+    public mind a great deal of interest--it being the first case of
+    the kind ever having occurred in our country.
+
+    It appeared, in evidence, that this Green has a son in Canada,
+    to whom Green made a visit last summer. Since his return to this
+    county, suspicion has fastened upon him, as giving aid and
+    assisting slaves who have since absconded and reached Canada,
+    and several weeks ago, a party of gentlemen from New Market
+    district, went at night, to Green's house and made search,
+    whereupon was found a volume of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," a map of
+    Canada, several schedules of routes to the North, and a letter
+    from his son in Canada, detailing the pleasant trip he had, the
+    number of friends he met with on the way, with plenty to eat,
+    drink, etc., and concludes with a request to his father, that he
+    shall tell certain other slaves, naming them, to come on, which
+    slaves, it is well known, did leave shortly afterwards, and have
+    reached Canada. The case was argued with great ability, the
+    counsel on both sides displaying a great deal of ingenuity,
+    learning and eloquence. The first indictment was for the having
+    in possession the letter, map and route schedules.
+
+    Notwithstanding the mass of evidence given, to show the
+    prisoner's guilt, in unlawfully having in his possession these
+    documents, and the nine-tenths of the community in which he
+    lived, believed that he had a hand in the running away of
+    slaves, it was the opinion of the court, that the law under
+    which he was indicted, was not applicable to the case, and that
+    he must, accordingly, render a verdict of not guilty.
+
+    He was immediately arraigned upon another indictment, for having
+    in possession "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and tried; in this case the
+    court has not yet rendered a verdict, but holds it under _curia_
+    till after the Somerset county court. It is to be hoped, the
+    court will find the evidence in this case sufficient to bring it
+    within the scope of the law under which the prisoner is indicted
+    (that of 1842, chap. 272), and that the prisoner may meet his
+    due reward--be that what it may.
+
+    That there is something required to be done by our Legislators,
+    for the protection of slave property, is evident from the
+    variety of constructions put upon the statute in this case, and
+    we trust, that at the next meeting of the Legislature there will
+    be such amendments, as to make the law on this subject,
+    perfectly clear and comprehensible to the understanding of every
+    one.
+
+    In the language of the assistant counsel for the State, "Slavery
+    must be protected or it must be abolished."
+
+
+From the same sheet, of May 20th, the terrible doom of Samuel Green, is
+announced in the following words:
+
+
+    In the case of the State against Sam Green, (free negro) who was
+    tried at the April term of the Circuit Court of this county, for
+    having in his possession abolition pamphlets, among which was
+    "Uncle Tom's Cabin," has been found guilty by the court, and
+    sentenced to the penitentiary for the term of ten years--until
+    the 14th of May, 1867.
+
+
+The son, a refugee in Canada, hearing the distressing news of his
+father's sad fate in the hands of the relentless "gentlemen," often
+wrote to know if there was any prospect of his deliverance. The
+subjoined letter is a fair sample of his correspondence:
+
+
+    SALFORD, 22,1857.
+
+    Dear Sir I take my pen in hand to Request a faver of you if you
+    can by any means without duin InJestus to your self or your
+    Bisness to grant it as I Bleve you to be a man that would
+    Sympathize in such a ones Condition as my self I Reseved a
+    letter that Stats to me that my Fater has ben Betraed in the act
+    of helping sum frend to Canada and the law has Convicted and
+    Sentanced him to the Stats prison for 10 yeares his White Frands
+    ofered 2 thousen Dollers to Redem him but they would not short
+    three thousen. I am in Canada and it is a Dificult thing to get
+    a letter to any of my Frands in Maryland so as to get prop per
+    infermation abot it--if you can by any means get any in
+    telligence from Baltimore City a bot this Event Plese do so and
+    Rit word and all so all the inform mation that you think prop
+    per as Regards the Evant and the best mathod to Redeme him and
+    so Plese Rite soon as you can You will oblige your sir Frand and
+    Drect your letter to Salford P. office C.W.
+
+    SAMUEL GREEN.
+
+
+In this dark hour the friends of the Slave could do but little more than
+sympathize with this heart-stricken son and grey-headed father. The aged
+follower of the Rejected and Crucified had like Him to bear the
+"reproach of many," and make his bed with the wicked in the
+Penitentiary. Doubtless there were a few friends in his neighborhood who
+sympathized with him, but they were powerless to aid the old man. But
+thanks to a kind Providence, the great deliverance brought about during
+the Rebellion by which so many captives were freed, also unlocked Samuel
+Green's prison-doors and he was allowed to go free.
+
+After his liberation from the Penitentiary, we had from his own lips
+narrations of his years of suffering--of the bitter cup, that he was
+compelled to drink, and of his being sustained by the Almighty Arm--but
+no notes were taken at the time, consequently we have nothing more to
+add concerning him, save quite a faithful likeness.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+AN IRISH GIRL'S DEVOTION TO FREEDOM.
+
+
+IN LOVE WITH A SLAVE--GETS HIM OFF TO CANADA--FOLLOWS HIM--MARRIAGE, &C.
+Having dwelt on the sad narratives of Samuel Green and his son in the
+preceding chapter, it is quite a relief to be able to introduce a
+traveler whose story contains incidents less painful to contemplate.
+From the record book the following brief account is taken:
+
+"April 27, 1855. John Hall arrived safely from Richmond, Va., per
+schooner, (Captain B). One hundred dollars were paid for his passage."
+In Richmond he was owned by James Dunlap, a merchant. John had been sold
+several times, in consequence of which, he had possessed very good
+opportunities of experiencing the effect of change of owners. Then, too,
+the personal examination made before sale, and the gratification
+afforded his master when he (John), brought a good price--left no very
+pleasing impressions on his mind.
+
+By one of his owners, named Burke, John alleged that he had been
+"cruelly used." When quite young, both he and his sister, together with
+their mother, were sold by Burke. From that time he had seen neither
+mother nor sister--they were sold separately. For three or four years
+the desire to seek liberty had been fondly cherished, and nothing but
+the want of a favorable opportunity had deterred him from carrying out
+his designs.  He considered himself much "imposed upon" by his master,
+particularly as he was allowed "no choice about living" as he "desired."
+This was indeed ill-treatment as John viewed the matter. John may have
+wanted too much. He was about thirty-five years of age, light
+complexion--tall--rather handsome-looking, intelligent, and of good
+manners. But notwithstanding these prepossessing features, John's owner
+valued him at only $1,000. If he had been a few shades darker and only
+about half as intelligent as he was, he would have been worth at least
+$500 more. The idea of having had a white father, in many instances,
+depreciated the pecuniary value of male slaves, if not of the other sex.
+John emphatically was one of this injured class; he evidently had blood
+in his veins which decidedly warred against submitting to the yoke. In
+addition to the influence which such rebellious blood exerted over him,
+together with a considerable amount of intelligence, he was also under
+the influence and advice of a daughter of old Ireland. She was heart and
+soul with John in all his plans which looked Canada-ward. This it was
+that "sent him away."
+
+It is very certain, that this Irish girl was not annoyed by the kinks in
+John's hair. Nor was she overly fastidious about the small percentage of
+colored blood visible in John's complexion. It was, however, a strange
+occurrence and very hard to understand. Not a stone was left unturned
+until John was safely on the Underground Rail Road. Doubtless she helped
+to earn the money which was paid for his passage. And when he was safe
+off, it is not too much to say, that John was not a whit more delighted
+than was his intended Irish lassie, Mary Weaver. John had no sooner
+reached Canada than Mary's heart was there too. Circumstances, however,
+required that she should remain in Richmond a number of months for the
+purpose of winding up some of her affairs. As soon as the way opened for
+her, she followed him. It was quite manifest, that she had not let a
+single opportunity slide, but seized the first chance and arrived partly
+by means of the Underground Rail Road and partly by the regular train.
+Many difficulties were surmounted before and after leaving Richmond, by
+which they earned their merited success. From Canada, where they
+anticipated entering upon the matrimonial career with mutual
+satisfaction, it seemed to afford them great pleasure to write back
+frequently, expressing their heartfelt gratitude for assistance, and
+their happiness in the prospect of being united under the favorable
+auspices of freedom! At least two or three of these letters, bearing on
+particular phases of their escape, etc., are too valuable not to be
+published in this connection:
+
+
+
+FIRST LETTER.
+
+
+
+    HAMILTON, March 25th, 1856.
+
+    Mr. Still:--Sir and Friend--I take the liberty of addressing you
+    with these few lines hoping that you will attend to what I shall
+    request of you.
+
+    I have written to Virginia and have not received an answer yet.
+    I want to know if you can get any one of your city to go to
+    Richmond for me. If you can, I will pay the expense of the
+    whole. The person that I want the messenger to see is a white
+    girl. I expect you know who I allude to, it is the girl that
+    sent me away. If you can get any one to go, you will please
+    write right away and tell me the cost, &c. I will forward the
+    money and a letter. Please use your endeavors.
+
+    Yours Respectfuliy,
+
+    JOHN HALL.
+
+    Direct yours to Mr. Hill.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND LETTER.
+
+
+
+    HAMILTON, Sept. 15th, 1856.
+
+    To Mr. Still, Dear Sir:--I take this opportunity of addressing
+    these few lines to you hoping to find you in good health I am
+    happy to inform you that Miss Weaver arrived here on Tuesday
+    last, and I can assure you it was indeed a happy day. As for
+    your part that you done I will not attempt to tell you how
+    thankful I am, but I hope that you can imagine what my feelings
+    are to you. I cannot find words sufficient to express my
+    gratitude to you, I think the wedding will take place on Tuesday
+    next, I have seen some of the bread from your house, and she
+    says it is the best bread she has had since she has been in
+    America. Sometimes she has impudence enough to tell me she would
+    rather be where you are in Philadelphia than to be here with me.
+    I hope this will be no admiration to you for no honest hearted
+    person ever saw you that would not desire to be where you are,
+    No flattery, but candidly speaking, you are worthy all the
+    praise of any person who has ever been with you, I am now like a
+    deserted Christian, but yet I have asked so much, and all has
+    been done yet I must ask again, My love to Mrs. Still. Dear Mr.
+    Still I now ask you please to exercise all your influence to get
+    this young man Willis Johnson from Richmond for me It is the
+    young man that Miss Weaver told you about, he is in Richmond I
+    think he is at the corner of Fushien Street, & Grace in a house
+    of one Mr. Rutherford, there is several Rutherford in the
+    neighborhood, there is a church call'd the third Baptist Church,
+    on the R.H. side going up Grace street, directly opposite the
+    Baptist church at the corner, is Mrs. Meads Old School at one
+    corner, and Mr. Rutherfords is at the other corner. He can be
+    found out by seeing Fountain Tombs who belongs to Mr. Rutherford
+    and if you should not see him, there is James Turner who lives
+    at the Governors, Please to see Captain Bayliss and tell him to
+    take these directions and go to John Hill, in Petersburgh, and
+    he may find him. Tell Captain Bayliss that if he ever did me a
+    friendly thing in his life which he did do one friendly act, if
+    he will take this on himself, and if money should be lacking I
+    will forward any money that he may require, I hope you will
+    sympathize with the poor young fellow, and tell the captain to
+    do all in his power to get him and the costs shall be paid. He
+    lies now between death or victory, for I know the man he belongs
+    to would just as soon kill him as not, if he catches him, I here
+    enclose to you a letter for Mr. Wm. C. Mayo, and please to send
+    it as directed. In this letter I have asked him to send a box to
+    you for me, which you will please pay the fare of the express
+    upon it, when you get it please to let me know, and I will send
+    you the money to pay the expenses of the carriage clear through.
+    Please to let Mr. Mayo know how to direct a box to you, and the
+    best way to send it from Richmond to Philadelphia. You will
+    greatly oblige me by so doing. In this letter I have enclosed a
+    trifle for postage which you will please to keep on account of
+    my letters I hope you wont think hard of me but I simply send it
+    because I know you have done enough, and are now doing more,
+    without imposing in the matter I have done it a great many more
+    of our people who you have done so much fore. No more from your
+    humble and oldest servant.
+
+    JOHN HALL, Norton's Hotel, Hamilton.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD LETTER.
+
+
+
+    MONDAY, Sept. 29, 56.
+
+    Sir:--I take this opportunity of informing you that we are in
+    excellent health, and hope you are the same, I wrote a letter to
+    you about 2 weeks ago and have not yet had an answer to it I
+    wish to inform you that the wedding took place on Tuesday last,
+    and Mrs. Hall now sends her best love to you, I enclose a letter
+    which I wish you to forward to Mr. Mayo, you will see in his
+    letter what I have said to him and I wish you would furnish him
+    with such directions as it requires for him to send them things
+    to you. I have told him not to pay for them but to send them to
+    you so when you get them write me word what the cost of them
+    are, and I will send you the money for them. Mary desires you to
+    give her love to Mrs. Still. If any letters come for me please
+    to send to me at Nortons Hotel, Please to let me know if you had
+    a letter from me about 12 days ago. You will please Direct the
+    enclosed to Mr. W.C. Mayo, Richmond, Va. Let me know if you have
+    heard anything of Willis Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Hill send their kind
+    love to you, they are all well, no more at present from your
+    affect.,
+
+    JOHN HALL
+
+    Nortons Hotel.
+
+
+
+
+FOURTH LETTER.
+
+
+
+    HAMILTON, December 23d, 1856.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I am happy to inform you that we are both enjoying
+    good health and hope you are the same. I have been expecting a
+    letter from you for some time but I suppose your business has
+    prevented you from writing. I suppose you have not heard from
+    any of my friends at Richmond. I have been longing to hear some
+    news from that part, you may think "Out of sight and out of
+    mind," but I can assure you, no matter how far I may be, or in
+    what distant land, I shall never forget you, if I can never
+    reach you by letters you may be sure I shall always think of
+    you. I have found a great many friends in my life, but I must
+    say you are the best one I ever met with, except one, you must
+    know who that is, 'tis one who if I did not consider a friend, I
+    could not consider any other person a friend, and that is Mrs.
+    Hall. Please to let me know if the navigation between New York &
+    Richmond is closed. Please to let me know whether it would be
+    convenient to you to go to New York if it is please let me know
+    what is the expense. Tell Mrs Still that my wife would be very
+    happy to receive a letter from her at some moment when she is at
+    leisure, for I know from what little I have seen of domestic
+    affairs it keeps her pretty well employed, And I know she has
+    not much time to write but if it were but two lines, she would
+    be happy to receive it from her, my reason for wanting you to go
+    to New York, there is a young man named Richard Myers and I
+    should like for you to see him. He goes on board the Orono to
+    Richmond and is a particular friend of mine and by seeing him I
+    could get my clothes from Richmond, I expect to be out of employ
+    in a few days, as the hotel is about to close on the 1st January
+    and I hope you will write to me soon I want you to send me word
+    how you and all the family are and all the news you can, you
+    must excuse my short letter, as it is now near one o'clock and I
+    must attend to business, but I have not written half what I
+    intended to, as time is short, hoping to hear from you soon I
+    remain yours sincerely,
+
+    JOHN HALL.
+
+    Mr. and Mrs. Hill desire their best respects to you and Mrs.
+    Still.
+
+
+It cannot be denied that this is a most extraordinary occurrence. In
+some respects it is without a parallel. It was, however, no uncommon
+thing for white men (slave-holders) in the South to have colored wives
+and children whom, they did not hesitate to live with and acknowledge by
+their actions, with their means, and in their wills as the rightful
+heirs of their substance. Probably there is not a state in the Union
+where such relations have not existed. Seeing such usages, Mary might
+have reasoned that she had as good a right to marry the one she loved
+most as anybody else, particularly as she was in a "free country."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+"SAM" NIXON ALIAS DR. THOMAS BAYNE.
+
+
+THE ESCAPE OF A DENTIST ON THE U.G.R.R.--HE IS TAKEN FOR AN
+IMPOSTOR--ELECTED A MEMBER OF CITY COUNCIL IN NEW BEDFORD--STUDYING
+MEDICINE, ETC. But few could be found among the Underground Rail Road
+passengers who had a stronger repugnance to the unrequited labor system,
+or the recognized terms of "master and slave," than Dr. Thomas Bayne.
+Nor were many to be found who were more fearless and independent in
+uttering their sentiments. His place of bondage was in the city of
+Norfolk, Va., where he was held to service by Dr. C.F. Martin, a dentist
+of some celebrity. While with Dr. Martin, "Sam" learned dentistry in all
+its branches, and was often required by his master, the doctor, to
+fulfil professional engagements, both at home and at a distance, when it
+did not suit his pleasure or convenience to appear in person. In the
+mechanical department, especially, "Sam" was called upon to execute the
+most difficult tasks. This was not the testimony of "Sam" alone; various
+individuals who were with him in Norfolk, but had moved to Philadelphia,
+and were living there at the time of his arrival, being invited to see
+this distinguished professional piece of property, gave evidence which
+fully corroborated his. The master's professional practice, according to
+"Sam's" calculation, was worth $3,000 per annum. Full $1,000 of this
+amount in the opinion of "Sam" was the result of his own fettered hands.
+Not only was "Sam" serviceable to the doctor in the mechanical and
+practical branches of his profession, but as a sort of ready reckoner
+and an apt penman, he was obviously considered by the doctor, a valuable
+"article." He would frequently have "Sam" at his books instead of a
+book-keeper. Of course, "Sam" had never received, from Dr. M., an hour's
+schooling in his life, but having perceptive faculties naturally very
+large, combined with much self-esteem, he could hardly help learning
+readily. Had his master's design to keep him in ignorance been ever so
+great, he would have found it a labor beyond his power. But there is no
+reason to suppose that Dr. Martin was opposed to Sam's learning to read
+and write. We are pleased to note that no charges of ill-treatment are
+found recorded against Dr. M. in the narrative of "Sam."
+
+True, it appears that he had been sold several times in his younger
+days, and had consequently been made to feel keenly, the smarts of
+Slavery, but nothing of this kind was charged against Dr. M., so that he
+may be set down as a pretty fair man, for aught that is known to the
+contrary, with the exception of depriving "Sam" of the just reward of
+his labor, which, according to St. James, is pronounced a "fraud." The
+doctor did not keep "Sam" so closely confined to dentistry and
+book-keeping that he had no time to attend occasionally to outside
+duties. It appears that he was quite active and successful as an
+Underground Rail Road agent, and rendered important aid in various
+directions. Indeed, Sam had good reason to suspect that the
+slave-holders were watching him, and that if he remained, he would most
+likely find himself in "hot water up to his eyes." Wisdom dictated that
+he should "pull up stakes" and depart while the way was open. He knew
+the captains who were then in the habit of taking similar passengers,
+but he had some fears that they might not be able to pursue the business
+much longer. In contemplating the change which he was about to make,
+"Sam" felt it necessary to keep his movements strictly private. Not even
+was he at liberty to break his mind to his wife and child, fearing that
+it would do them no good, and might prove his utter failure. His wife's
+name was Edna and his daughter was called Elizabeth; both were slaves
+and owned by E.P. Tabb, Esq., a hardware merchant of Norfolk.
+
+No mention is made on the books, of ill-treatment, in connection with
+his wife's servitude; it may therefore be inferred, that her situation
+was not remarkably hard. It must not be supposed that "Sam" was not
+truly attached to his wife. He gave abundant proof of true matrimonial
+devotion, notwithstanding the secrecy of his arrangements for flight.
+Being naturally hopeful, he concluded that he could better succeed in
+securing his wife after obtaining freedom himself, than in undertaking
+the task beforehand.
+
+The captain had two or three other Underground Rail Road male passengers
+to bring with him, besides "Sam," for whom, arrangements had been
+previously made--no more could be brought that trip. At the appointed
+time, the passengers were at the disposal of the captain of the schooner
+which was to bring them out of Slavery into freedom. Fully aware of the
+dangerous consequences should he be detected, the captain, faithful to
+his promise, secreted them in the usual manner, and set sail northward.
+Instead of landing his passengers in Philadelphia, as was his intention,
+for some reason or other (the schooner may have been disabled), he
+landed them on the New Jersey coast, not a great distance from Cape
+Island. He directed them how to reach Philadelphia. Sam knew of friends
+in the city, and straightway used his ready pen to make known the
+distress of himself and partners in tribulation. In making their way in
+the direction of their destined haven, they reached Salem, New Jersey,
+where they were discovered to be strangers and fugitives, and were
+directed to Abigail Goodwin, a Quaker lady, an abolitionist, long noted
+for her devotion to the cause of freedom, and one of the most liberal
+and faithful friends of the Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia.
+
+This friend's opportunities of witnessing fresh arrivals had been rare,
+and perhaps she had never before come in contact with a "chattel" so
+smart as "Sam." Consequently she was much embarrassed when she heard his
+story, especially when he talked of his experience as a "Dentist." She
+was inclined to suspect that he was a "shrewd impostor" that needed
+"watching" instead of aiding. But her humanity forbade a hasty decision
+on this point. She was soon persuaded to render him some assistance,
+notwithstanding her apprehensions. While tarrying a day or two in Salem,
+"Sam's" letter was received in Philadelphia. Friend Goodwin was written
+to in the meantime, by a member of the Committee, directly with a view
+of making inquires concerning the stray fugitives, and at the same time
+to inform her as to how they happened to be coming in the direction
+found by her. While the mind of the friend was much relieved by the
+letter she received, she was still in some doubt, as will be seen by the
+appended extract from a letter on the subject:
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM A. GOODWIN.
+
+
+
+    SALEM, 3 mo., 25, '55.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND:--Thine of the 22d came to hand yesterday noon.
+
+    I do not believe that any of them are the ones thee wrote about,
+    who wanted Dr. Lundy to come for them, and promised they would
+    pay his expenses. They had no money, the minister said, but were
+    pretty well off for clothes. I gave him all I had and more, but
+    it seemed very little for four travelers--only a dollar for
+    each--but they will meet with friends and helpers on the way. He
+    said they expected to go away to-morrow. I am afraid, it's so
+    cold, and one of them had a sore foot, they will not get
+    away--it's dangerous staying here. There has been a slave-hunter
+    here lately, I was told yesterday, in search of a woman; he
+    tracked her to our Alms-house--she had lately been confined and
+    was not able to go--he will come back for her and his
+    infant--and will not wait long I expect. I want much to get her
+    away first--and if one had a C.C. Torney here no doubt it would
+    be done; but she will be well guarded. How much I wish the poor
+    thing could be secreted in some safe place till she is able to
+    travel Northward; but where that could be it's not easy to see.
+    I presume the Carolina freed people have arrived ere now. I hope
+    they will meet many friends, and be well provided for. Mary
+    Davis will be then paid--her cousins have sent her twenty-four
+    dollars, as it was not wanted for the purchase money--it was to
+    be kept for them when they arrive. I am glad thee did keep the
+    ten for the fugitives.
+
+    Samuel Nixon is now here, just come--a smart young man--they
+    will be after him soon. I advise him to hurry on to Canada; he
+    will leave here to-morrow, but don't say that he will go
+    straight to the city. I would send this by him if he did. I am
+    afraid he will loiter about and be taken--do make them go on
+    fast--he has left. I could not hear much he said--some who did
+    don't like him at all--think him an impostor--a great brag--said
+    he was a dentist ten years. He was asked where he came from, but
+    would not tell till he looked at the letter that lay on the
+    table and that he had just brought back. I don't feel much
+    confidence in him--don't believe he is the one thee alluded to.
+    He was asked his name--he looked at the letter to find it out.
+    Says nobody can make a better set of teeth than he can. He said
+    they will go on to-morrow in the stage--he took down the number
+    and street of the Anti-slavery office--you will be on your guard
+    against imposition--he kept the letter thee sent from Norfolk. I
+    had then no doubt of him, and had no objection to it. I now
+    rather regret it. I would send it to thee if I had it, but
+    perhaps it is of no importance.
+
+    He wanted the names taken down of nine more who expected to get
+    off soon and might come here. He told us to send them to him,
+    but did not seem to know where he was going to. He was well
+    dressed in fine broad-cloth coat and overcoat, and has a very
+    active tongue in his head.
+
+    But I have said enough--don't want to prejudice thee against
+    him, but only be on thy guard, and do not let him deceive thee,
+    as I fear he has some of us here.
+
+    With kind regards,
+
+    A. GOODWIN.
+
+
+In due time Samuel and his companions reached Philadelphia, where a
+cordial welcome awaited them. The confusion and difficulties into which
+they had fallen, by having to travel an indirect route, were fully
+explained, and to the hearty merriment of the Committee and strangers,
+the dilemma of their good Quaker friend Goodwin at Salem was alluded to.
+After a sojourn of a day or two in Philadelphia, Samuel and his
+companions left for New Bedford. Canada was named to them as the safest
+place for all Refugees; but it was in vain to attempt to convince "Sam"
+that Canada or any other place on this Continent, was quite equal to New
+Bedford. His heart was there, and there he was resolved to go--and there
+he did go too, bearing with him his resolute mind, determined, if
+possible, to work his way up to an honorable position at his old trade,
+Dentistry, and that too for his own benefit.
+
+Aided by the Committee, the journey was made safely to the desired
+haven, where many old friends from Norfolk were found. Here our hero was
+known by the name of Dr. Thomas Bayne--he was no longer "Sam." In a
+short time the Dr. commenced his profession in an humble way, while, at
+the same time, he deeply interested himself in his own improvement, as
+well as the improvement of others, especially those who had escaped from
+Slavery as he himself had. Then, too, as colored men were voters and,
+therefore, eligible to office in New Bedford, the Doctor's naturally
+ambitious and intelligent, turn of mind led him to take an interest in
+politics, and before he was a citizen of New Bedford four years, he was
+duly elected a member of the City Council. He was also an outspoken
+advocate of the cause of temperance, and was likewise a ready speaker at
+Anti-slavery meetings held by his race. Some idea of his abilities, and
+the interest he took in the Underground Rail Road, education, etc., may
+be gathered from the appended letters:
+
+
+    NEW BEDFORD, June 23d, 1855.
+
+    W. Still:--Sir--I write you this to inform you that I has
+    received my things and that you need not say any thing to Bagnul
+    about them--I see by the Paper that the under ground Rail Road
+    is in operation. Since 2 weeks a go when Saless Party was
+    betrayed by that Capt whom we in mass. are so anxious to Learn
+    his name--There was others started last Saturday night--They are
+    all my old friends and we are waiting their arrival, we hope you
+    will look out for them they may come by way of Salem, N.J. if
+    they be not overtaken. They are from Norfolk--Times are very
+    hard in Canada 2 of our old friends has left Canada and come to
+    Bedford for a living. Every thing are so high and wages so low
+    They cannot make a living (owing to the War) others are Expected
+    shortly--let me hear from Sales and his Party. Get the Name of
+    the Capt. that betrayed him let me know if Mrs. Goodwin of Salem
+    are at the same place yet--John Austin are with us. C. Lightfoot
+    is well and remembers you and family. My business increases more
+    since I has got an office. Send me a Norfolk Paper or any other
+    to read when convenient.
+
+    Let me hear from those People as soon as possible. They consist
+    of woman and child 2 or 3 men belonging to Marsh Bottimore, L.
+    Slosser and Herman & Co--and Turner--all of Norfolk, Va.
+
+    Truly yours,
+
+    THOS. BAYNE.
+
+    Direct to Box No. 516, New Bedford, Mass. Don't direct my
+    letters to my office. Direct them to my Box 516. My office is
+    66-1/2 William St. The same street the Post office is near the
+    city market.
+
+
+The Doctor, feeling his educational deficiency in the enlightened city
+of New Bedford, did just what every uncultivated man should, devoted
+himself assiduously to study, and even applied himself to abstruse and
+hard subjects, medicine, etc., as the following letters will show:
+
+
+    NEW BEDFORD, Jan., 1860.
+
+    No. 22, Cheapside, opposite City Hall.
+
+    My Dear Friend:--Yours of the 3d inst. reached me safely in the
+    midst of my misfortune. I suppose you have learned that my
+    office and other buildings burned down during the recent fire.
+    My loss is $550, insured $350.
+
+    I would have written you before, but I have been to R.I. for
+    some time and soon after I returned before I examined the books,
+    the fire took place, and this accounts for my delay. In regard
+    to the books I am under many obligations to you and all others
+    for so great a piece of kindness, and shall ever feel indebted
+    to you for the same. I shall esteem them very highly for two
+    reasons, first, The way in which they come, that is through and
+    by your Vigilance as a colored man helping a colored man to get
+    such knowledge as will give the lie to our enemies.
+    Secondly--their contents being just the thing I needed at this
+    time. My indebtedness to you and all concerned for me in this
+    direction is inexpressible. There are some books the Doctor says
+    I must have, such as the Medical Dictionary, Physician's
+    Dictionary, and a work on Anatomy. These I will have to get, but
+    any work that may be of use to a student of anatomy or medicine
+    will be thankfully received. You shall hear from me again soon.
+
+    Truly Yours,
+
+    THOS. BAYNE.
+
+
+
+
+
+    NEW BEDFORD, March 18th, 1861.
+
+    Mr. Wm. Still:--Dear Sir--Dr. Powell called to see me and
+    informed me that you had a medical lexicon (Dictionary) for me.
+    If you have such a book for me, it will be very thankfully
+    received, and any other book that pertains to the medical or
+    dental profession. I am quite limited in means as yet and in
+    want of books to prosecute my studies. The books I need most at
+    present is such as treat on midwifery, anatomy, &c. But any book
+    or books in either of the above mentioned cases will be of use
+    to me. You can send them by Express, or by any friend that may
+    chance to come this way, but by Express will be the safest way
+    to send them. Times are quite dull. This leaves me well and hope
+    it may find you and family the same. My regards to your wife and
+    all others.
+
+    Yours, &c.,
+
+    THOMAS BAYNE,
+
+    22 Cheapside, opposite City Hall.
+
+
+Thus the doctor continued to labor and improve his mind until the war
+removed the hideous institution of Slavery from the nation; but as soon
+as the way opened for his return to his old home, New Bedford no longer
+had sufficient attractions to retain him. With all her faults he
+conceived that "Old Virginia" offered decided inducements for his
+return. Accordingly he went directly to Norfolk, whence he escaped. Of
+course every thing was in the utmost confusion and disorder when he
+returned, save where the military held sway. So as soon as the time drew
+near for reorganizing, elections, &c., the doctor was found to be an
+aspirant for a seat in Congress, and in "running" for it, was found to
+be a very difficult candidate to beat. Indeed in the first reports of
+the election his name was amongst the elected; but subsequent counts
+proved him to be among the defeated by only a very slight majority.
+
+At the time of the doctor's escape, in 1855, he was thirty-one years of
+age, a man of medium size, and about as purely colored, as could readily
+be found, with a full share of self-esteem and pluck.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS
+
+
+FROM LOUDON CO., VA., NORFOLK, BALTIMORE, MD., PETERSBURG, VA., &C.,
+ABOUT THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1855.
+Arrival 1st.  David Bennett and family.
+Arrival 2d.   Henry Washington, alias Anthony Hanly, and Henry Stewart.
+Arrival 3d.   William Nelson and wife, William Thomas, Louisa Bell, and
+Elias Jasper.
+Arrival 4th.  Maria Joiner.
+Arrival 5th.  Richard Green and his brother George.
+Arrival 6th.  Henry Cromwell.
+Arrival 7th.  Henry Bohm.
+Arrival 8th.  Ralph Whiting, James H. Forman, Anthony Atkinson,
+Arthur Jones, Isaiah Nixon, Joseph Harris, John Morris, Henry Hodges.
+Arrival 9th.  Robert Jones and wife.
+
+
+
+
+The first arrival to be here noticed consisted of David Bennett, and his
+wife Martha, with their two children, a little boy named George, and a
+nameless babe one month old. This family journeyed from Loudon county,
+Va. David, the husband, had been in bonds under Captain James Taylor.
+Martha, the wife, and her two children were owned by George Carter.
+Martha's master was represented as a very barbarous and cruel man to the
+slaves. He made a common practice of flogging females when stripped
+naked. This was the emphatic testimony of Martha. Martha declared that
+she had been so stripped, and flogged by him after her marriage. The
+story of this interesting young mother, who was about twenty-seven years
+of age, was painful to the ear, particularly as the earnestness and
+intelligence of this poor, bruised, and mangled soul bore such strong
+evidence to the truthfulness of her statements. During the painful
+interview the mind would involuntarily picture this demon, only as the
+representative of thousands in the South using the same relentless sway
+over men and women; and this fleeing victim and her little ones, before
+escaping, only as sharers of a common lot with many other mothers and
+children, whose backs were daily subjected to the lash. If on such an
+occasion it was hard to find fitting words of sympathy, or adequate
+expressions of indignation, the pleasure of being permitted to give aid
+and comfort to such was in part a compensation and a relief. David, the
+husband of this woman, was about thirty-two years of age. No further
+notice was made of him.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 2 consisted of Henry Washington, alias Anthony Hanly, and
+Henry Stewart. Henry left Norfolk and a "very mild master," known by the
+name of "Seth March," out of sheer disgust for the patriarchal
+institution. Directly after speaking of his master in such flattering
+terms he qualified the "mild," &c. by adding that he was excessively
+close in money matters. In proof of this assertion, Henry declared, that
+out of his hire he was only allowed $1.50 per week to pay his board,
+clothe himself, and defray all other expenses; leaving no room whatever
+for him to provide for his wife. It was, therefore, a never-failing
+source of unhappiness to be thus debarred, and it was wholly on this
+account that he "took out," as he did, and at the time that he did. His
+wife's name was "Sally." She too was a slave, but "had not been treated
+roughly."
+
+For fifty long years Henry had been in the grasp of this merciless
+system--constrained to toil for the happiness of others, to make them
+comfortable, rich, indolent, and tyrannical. To say that he was like a
+bird out of a cage, conveys in no sense whatever the slightest idea of
+his delight in escaping from the prison house. And yet, his pleasure was
+sadly marred by the reflection that his bosom companion was still in
+bondage in the gloomy prison-house. Henry was a man of dark color, well
+made, and of a reflective turn of mind. On arriving in Canada, he
+manifested his gratitude through Rev. H. Wilson, as follows--
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, Aug. 20th, 1855.
+
+    DEAR BR. STILL:--I am requested by Henry Washington to inform
+    you that he got through safe, and is here in good business. He
+    returns to you his sincere thanks for your attention to him on
+    his way. I had the pleasure of receiving seven fugitives last
+    week. Send them on, and may God speed them in the flight. I
+    would like to have a miracle-working power, that I could give
+    wings to them all so that they could come faster than by
+    Railroads either underground or above.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+    HIRAM WILSON.
+
+
+While he was thus hopefully succeeding in Canada, separated from his
+companion by many hundreds of miles, death came and liberated her from
+the yoke, as the subjoined letter indicates--
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, C.W. Nov. 12, 1855.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL:--_Dear Sir_:--I have received a letter from
+    Joseph G. Selden a friend in Norfolk, Va., informing me of the
+    death of my wife, who deceased since I saw you here; he also
+    informs me that my clothing will be forwarded to you by Jupiter
+    White, who now has it in his charge. You will therefore do me a
+    great favor, if you will be so good as to forward them to me at
+    this place St. Catharines, C.W.
+
+    The accompanying letter is the one received from Mr. Selden
+    which I send you, that you may see that it is all right. You
+    will please give my respects to Mrs. Still and family. Most
+    respectfully yours,
+
+    HENRY WASHINGTON.
+
+
+Henry Stewart, who accompanied the above mentioned traveler to Canada,
+had fled a short while before from Plymouth, North Carolina. James
+Monroe Woodhouse, a farmer, claimed Stewart as his property, and "hired
+him out" for $180 per annum. As a master, Woodhouse was considered to be
+of the "moderate" type, according to Stewart's judgment. But respecting
+money matters (when his slaves wanted a trifle), "he was very hard. He
+did not flog, but would not give a slave a cent of money upon any
+consideration."
+
+It was by procuring a pass to Norfolk, that Henry managed to escape.
+Although a father and a husband, having a wife (Martha) and two children
+(Mary Ann and Susan Jane), he felt that his lot as a slave utterly
+debarred him from discharging his duty to them; that he could exercise
+no rights or privileges whatever, save as he might obtain permission
+from his master. In the matter of separation, even although the ties of
+husband and wife, parents and children were most closely knit, his
+reason dictated that he would be justified in freeing himself if
+possible; indeed, he could not endure the pressure of Slavery any
+longer. Although only twenty-three years of age, the burdens that he had
+been called upon to bear, made his naturally intelligent mind chafe to
+an unusual degree, especially when reflecting upon a continued life of
+Slavery. When the time decided upon for his flight arrived, he said
+nothing to his wife on the subject, but secured his pass and took his
+departure for Norfolk. On arriving there, he sought out an Underground
+Rail Road captain, and arranged with him to bring him to Philadelphia.
+Whether the sorrow-stricken wife ever afterwards heard of her husband,
+or the father of his two little children, the writer is unable to say.
+It is possible that this narrative may reveal to the mother and her
+offspring (if they are still living), the first ray of light concerning
+the missing one. Indeed it is not unreasonable to suppose, that
+thousands of anxious wives, husbands and children, who have been
+scattered in every direction by Slavery, will never be able to learn as
+much of their lost ones as is contained in this brief account of Henry
+Stewart.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 3, brought William Nelson, his wife, Susan, and son, William
+Thomas, together with Louisa Bell, and Elias Jasper. These travelers
+availed themselves of the schooner of Captain B. who allowed them to
+embark at Norfolk, despite the search laws of Virginia. It hardly need
+be said, however, that it was no trifling matter in those days, to evade
+the law. Captains and captives, in order to succeed, found that it
+required more than ordinary intelligence and courage, shrewdness and
+determination, and at the same time, a very ardent appreciation of
+liberty, without which, there could be no success. The simple
+announcement then, that a party of this number had arrived from Norfolk,
+or Richmond, or Petersburg, gave the Committee unusual satisfaction. It
+made them quite sure that there was pluck and brain somewhere.
+
+These individuals, in a particularly marked degree, possessed the
+qualities that greatly encouraged the efforts of the Committee. William
+Nelson, was a man of a dark chestnut color, medium size, with more than
+an ordinary degree of what might be termed "mother wit." Apparently,
+William possessed well settled convictions, touching the questions of
+morals and religion, despite the overflowing tide of corruption and
+spurious religious teachings consequent on the existing pro-slavery
+usages all around him. He was a member of the Methodist Church, under
+the charge of the Rev. Mr. Jones. For twenty years, William had served
+in the capacity of a "packer" under Messrs. Turner and White, who held a
+deed for William as their legal property. While he declared that he had
+been very "tightly worked" he nevertheless admitted that he had been
+dealt with in a mild manner in some respects.
+
+For his board and clothing, William had been allowed $1.50 per week.
+Truly a small sum for a hard-working man with a family--yet this was far
+more than many slaves received from their masters. In view of receiving
+this small pittance, he had toiled hard--doing over-work in order to
+make "buckle and strap meet." Once he had been sold on the
+auction-block. A sister of his had also shared the same fate. While
+seriously contemplating his life as a slave, he was soon led to the
+conclusion that it was his duty to bend his entire energies towards
+freeing himself and his family if possible. The idea of not being able
+to properly provide for his family rendered him quite unhappy; he
+therefore resolved to seek a passage North, via the Underground Rail
+Road. To any captain who would aid him in the matter, he resolved to
+offer a large reward, and determined that the amount should only be
+limited by his inability to increase it. Finally, after much anxious
+preparation, agreement was entered into with Captain B., on behalf of
+himself, wife, child, and Louisa Bell, which was mutually satisfactory
+to all concerned, and afforded great hope to William. In due time the
+agreement was carried into effect, and all arrived safely and were
+delivered into the hands of the Committee in Philadelphia. The fare of
+the four cost $240, and William was only too grateful to think, that a
+Captain could be found who would risk his own liberty in thus aiding a
+slave to freedom.
+
+The Committee gladly gave them aid and succor, and agreed with William
+that the Captain deserved all that he received for their deliverance.
+The arrival of William, wife, and child in Canada was duly announced by
+the agent at St. Catharines, Rev. H. Wilson, as follows:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, C.W., June 28th, 1855.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL:--_My Dear Friend_:--I am happy to announce the
+    safe arrival of Thomas Russell with his wife and child. They
+    have just arrived. I am much pleased with their appearance. I
+    shall do what I can for their comfort and encouragement. They
+    stopt at Elmira from Monday night till this morning, hoping that
+    Lucy Bell would come up and join them at that place. They are
+    very anxious to hear from her, as they have failed of meeting
+    with her on the way or finding her here in advance of them. They
+    wish to hear from you as soon as you can write, and would like
+    to know if you have forwarded Lucy on, and if so, what route you
+    sent her. They send their kind respects to you and your family
+    and many thanks for your kindness to them.
+
+    They wish you to inquire after Lucy if any harm has befallen her
+    after her leaving Philadelphia. Please write promptly in my
+    care.
+
+    Yours truly in the love of freedom,
+
+    HIRAM WILSON.
+
+
+The man who came to us as Wm. Nelson, is now known only as "Thomas
+Russell." It may here be remarked, that, owing to the general custom of
+changing names, as here instanced, it is found difficult to tell to whom
+the letters severally refer. Where the old and new names were both
+carefully entered on the book there is no difficulty, of course, but it
+was not always thus.
+
+Susan Bell, the wife of William, was about thirty years of age, of a
+dark color, rather above medium size, well-made, good-looking, and
+intelligent--quite equal to her husband, and appeared to have his
+affections undividedly. She was owned by Thomas Baltimore, with whom she
+had lived for the last seven years. She stated that during a part of her
+life she had been treated in a "mild manner." She had no complaint to
+make until after the marriage of her master. Under the new wife and
+mistress, Susan found a very marked change for the worse. She fared
+badly enough then. The mistress, on every trifling occasion for
+complaint, was disposed to hold the auction-block up to Susan, and would
+likewise influence her husband to do the same. From the fact, that four
+of Susan's sisters had been sold away to "parts unknown," she was not
+prepared to relish these almost daily threats from her irritable
+mistress, so she became as anxious for a trip on the Underground Rail
+Road as was her husband.
+
+About one hundred miles away in the country, her father, mother, three
+brothers, and one sister were living; but she felt that she could not
+remain a slave on their account. Susan's owner had already fixed a price
+on her and her child, twenty-two months old, which was one thousand
+dollars. From this fate she was saved only by her firm resolution to
+seek her freedom.
+
+Louisa Bell was also of Wm. Nelson's party, and a fair specimen of a
+nice-looking, wide awake woman; of a chestnut color, twenty-eight years
+of age. She was the wife of a free man, but the slave of L. Stasson, a
+confectioner. The almost constant ringing in her ears of the
+auction-block, made her most miserable, especially as she had once
+suffered terribly by being sold, and had likewise seen her mother, and
+five sisters placed in the same unhappy situation, the thought of which
+never ceased to be most painful. In reflecting upon the course which she
+was about to pursue in order to free herself from the prison-house, she
+felt more keenly than ever for her little children, and readily imagined
+how sadly she would mourn while thinking of them hundreds of miles
+distant, growing up only to be slaves. And particularly would her
+thoughts dwell upon her boy, six years of age; full old enough to feel
+deeply the loss of his mother, but without hope of ever seeing her
+again.
+
+Heart-breaking as were these reflections, she resolved to leave Robert
+and Mary in the hands of God, and escape, if possible from her terrible
+thraldom. Her plan was submitted to her husband; he acquiesced fully and
+promised to follow her as soon as an opportunity might present itself.
+Although the ordeal that she was called upon to pass through was of the
+most trying nature she bravely endured the journey through to Canada. On
+her arrival there the Rev. H. Wilson wrote on behalf of herself, and the
+cause as follows:
+
+
+    ST. CATHERINES, C.W. July 6th, 1855.
+
+    DEAR BR. STILL:--I have just received your letters touching
+    U.G.R.R. operations. All is right. Jasper and Mrs. Bell got here
+    on Saturday last, and I think I dropt you a line announcing the
+    fact. I write again thus soon because two more by name of Smith,
+    John and Wm., have arrived the present week and were anxious to
+    have me inform you that they are safely landed and free in this
+    refuge land. They wish me to communicate their kind regards to
+    you and others who have aided them. They have found employment
+    and are likely to do well. The 5 of last week have gone over to
+    Toronto. I gave them letters to a friend there after furnishing
+    them as well as I could with such clothing as they required. I
+    am afraid that I am burdening you too much with postage, but
+    can't help doing so unless I fail to write at all, as my means
+    are not half equal to the expenses to which I am subject.
+
+    Faithfully and truly yours,
+
+    HIRAM WILSON.
+
+
+Elias Jasper, who was also a fellow-passenger with Wm. Nelson and Co.,
+was noticed thus on the Underground Rail Road: Age thirty-two years,
+color dark, features good, and gifted both with his tongue and hands. He
+had worked more or less at the following trades: Rope-making,
+carpentering, engineering, and photographing. It was in this latter
+calling that he was engaged when the Underground Rail Road movement
+first arrested his attention, and so continued until his departure.
+
+For several years he had been accustomed to hire his time, for which he
+had been required to pay $10 per month. In acquiring the above trades he
+had been at no expense to his master, as he had learned them solely by
+his own perseverance, endowed as he was with a considerable share of
+genius. Occasionally he paid for lessons, the money being earned by his
+over-work. His master, Bayham, was a "retired gentleman."
+
+Elias had been sold once, and had suffered in various other ways,
+particularly from being flogged. He left his wife, Mary, but no child.
+Of his intention to leave Elias saw not how to impart to his wife, lest
+she should in some way let the "cat out of the bag." She was owned by a
+Miss Portlock, and had been treated "tolerably well," having had the
+privilege of hiring her time. She had $55 to pay for this favor, which
+amount she raised by washing, etc. Elias was a member of the Methodist
+Church, as were all of his comrades, and well did they remember the
+oft-repeated lesson, "Servants obey your masters," etc. They soon
+understood this kind of preaching after breathing free air. The market
+value of Elias was placed at $1200.
+
+
+
+Arrival, No. 4. Maria Joiner. Captain F. arrived, from Norfolk, with the
+above named passenger, the way not being open to risk any other on that
+occasion. This seemed rather slow business with this voyager, for he was
+usually accustomed to bringing more than one. However, as this arrival
+was only one day later than the preceding one noticed, and came from the
+same place, the Committee concluded, that they had much reason for
+rejoicing nevertheless. As in the case of a great number among the
+oppressed of the South, when simply looking at Maria, no visible marks
+of ill usage in any way were discernible. Indeed, as she then appeared
+at the age of thirty-three, a fine, fresh, and healthy-looking mulatto
+woman, nine out of every ten would have been impressed with the idea,
+that she had never been subjected to hard treatment; in other words,
+that she had derived her full share of advantages from the "Patriarchal
+Institution." The appearance of just such persons in Southern cities had
+often led Northerners, when traveling in those parts, to regard the lot
+of slaves as quite comfortable. But the story of Maria, told in an
+earnest and intelligent manner, was at once calculated to dissipate the
+idea of a "comfortable" existence in a state of bondage. She frankly
+admitted, however, that prior to the death of her old master, she was
+favorably treated, compared with many others; but, unfortunately, after
+his death, she had fallen into the hands of one of the old man's
+daughters, from whom, she declared, that she had received continued
+abuse, especially when said daughter was under the influence of liquor.
+At such times she was very violent. Being spirited, Maria could not
+consent to suffer on as a slave in this manner. Consequently she began
+to cogitate how she might escape from her mistress (Catharine Gordon),
+and reach a free State. None other than the usual trying and hazardous
+ways could be devised--which was either to be stowed away in the hold of
+a schooner, or concealed amongst the rubbish of a steamer, where, for
+the time being, the extreme suffering was sure to tax every nerve even
+of the most valiant-hearted men. The daily darkening prospects
+constrained her to decide, that she was willing to suffer, not only in
+adopting this mode of travel, but on the other hand, that she had better
+be dead than remain under so cruel a woman as her mistress. Maria's
+husband and sister (no other relatives are noticed), were naturally
+formidable barriers in the way of her escape. Notwithstanding her
+attachment to them, she fully made up her mind to be free. Immediately
+she took the first prerequisite step, which was to repair to a place of
+concealment with a friend in the city, and there, like the man at the
+pool, wait until her turn came to be conveyed thence to a free State. In
+this place she was obliged to wait eight long months, enduring daily
+suffering in various ways, especially during the winter season. But,
+with martyr-like faith, she endured to the end, and was eventually saved
+from the hell of Slavery. Maria was appraised at $800.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 5. Richard Green, alias Wm. Smith, and his brother George.
+These young brothers fled from George Chambers of Baltimore. The elder
+brother was twenty-five, the younger twenty-three. Both were tall and
+well made and of a chestnut color, and possessed a good degree of
+natural ability. When desiring to visit their parents, their request was
+positively refused by their owner. Taking offence at this step, both
+mutually resolved to run away at the earliest opportunity. Thus in
+accordance with well premeditated plans, they set out and unobstructedly
+arrived in Philadelphia. At first it was simply very pleasant to take
+them by the hand and welcome them; then to listen for a few moments to
+their intelligent narration of how they escaped, the motives that
+prompted them, etc. But further inquiries soon brought out incidents of
+the most thrilling and touching nature--not with regard to hardships
+which they had personally experienced, but in relation to outrages which
+had been perpetrated upon their mother. Such simple facts as were then
+written are substantially as follows: Nearly thirty years prior to the
+escape of Richard and his brother their mother was in very bad health,
+so much so that physicians regarded her incurable. Her owner was
+evidently fully impressed with the belief that instead of being
+profitable to him, she might be an expense, which he could not possibly
+obviate, while he retained her as a slave. Now there was a way to get
+out of this dilemma. He could emancipate her and throw the
+responsibility of her support upon, herself. Accordingly he drew up
+papers, called for his wife's mother to witness them, then formally put
+them into the hands of the invalid slave woman (Dinah), assuring her at
+the same time, that she was free--being fully released as set forth in
+her papers. "Take notice I have no more claim on you nor you on me from
+this time." Marvellous liberality! After working the life out of a
+woman, in order that he should not have her to bury, he becomes hastily
+in favor of freedom. He is, however, justified by the laws of Maryland.
+Complaint, therefore, would simply amount to nothing. In the nature of
+the case Dinah was now free, but she was not wholly alone in the world.
+She had a husband, named Jacob Green, who was owned by Nathan Childs for
+a term of years only, at the expiration of which time he was to be free.
+All lived then in Talbot county, Md. At the appointed time Jacob's
+bondage ended, and he concluded that he might succeed better by moving
+to Baltimore. Indeed the health of his wife was so miserable that
+nothing in his old home seemed to offer any inducement in the way of a
+livelihood. So off they moved to Baltimore. After a time, under careful
+and kind treatment, the faithful Jacob was greatly encouraged by
+perceiving that the health of his companion was gradually
+improving--signs indicated, that she might yet become a well woman. The
+hopes of husband and wife, in this particular, were, in the lapse of
+time, fully realized. Dinah was as well as ever, and became the mother
+of another child--a little boy. Everything seemed to be going on
+happily, and they had no apparent reason to suspect any troubles other
+than such as might naturally have to be encountered in a state of
+poverty and toil.
+
+The unfettered boy was healthy, and made rapid advance in a few years.
+That any one should ever claim him was never for a moment feared.
+
+The old master, however, becoming tired of country life, had also moved
+to Baltimore. How, they knew not, but he had heard of the existence of
+this boy.
+
+That he might satisfy himself on this point, he one day very slyly
+approached the house with George. No sooner was the old man within the
+enclosures than he asked Dinah, "Whose child is that?" pointing to the
+boy. "Ask Jacob," was the reply of the mother. The question was then put
+to Jacob, the father of the boy. "I did not think that you would ask
+such a question, or that you would request anything like that," Jacob
+remarked, naturally somewhat nervous, but he added, "I have the
+privilege of having any one I please in my house." "Where is he from?"
+again demanded the master. The father repeated, "I have a right to
+have," etc., "I am my own man," etc. "I have found out whose he is," the
+hunter said. "I am going presently to take him home with me." At this
+juncture he seized the little fellow, at the same time calling out,
+"Dinah, put his clothes on." By this time the father too had seized hold
+of the child. Mustering courage, the father said, "Take notice that you
+are not in the country, pulling and hauling people about." "I will have
+him or I will leave my heart's blood in the house," was the savage
+declaration of the master. In his rage he threatened to shoot the
+father. In the midst of the excitement George called in two officers to
+settle the trouble. "What are you doing here?" said the officers to the
+slave-holder. "I am after my property--this boy," he exclaimed. "Have
+you ever seen it before?" they inquired. "No," said the slave-holder.
+"Then how do you know that he belongs to you?" inquired the officers. "I
+believe he is mine," replied the slave-holder.
+
+All the parties concerned were then taken by the officers before an
+Alderman. The father owned the child but the mother denied it. The
+Alderman then decided that the child should be given to the father.
+
+The slave-holder having thus failed, was unwilling, nevertheless, to
+relinquish his grasp. Whereupon he at once claimed the mother. Of course
+he was under the necessity of resorting to the Courts in order to
+establish his claim. Fortunately the mother had securely preserved the
+paper given her by her master so many years before, releasing her.
+Notwithstanding this the suit was pending nearly a year before the case
+was decided. Everything was so clear the mother finally gained the suit.
+This decision was rendered only about two months prior to the escape of
+Richard and George.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 6. Henry Cromwell. This passenger fled from Baltimore
+county, Md. The man that he escaped from was a farmer by the name of
+William Roberts, who also owned seven other young slaves. Of his
+treatment of his slaves nothing was recorded.
+
+Henry was about six feet high, quite black, visage thin, age
+twenty-five. He left neither wife, parents, brothers nor sisters to
+grieve after him. In making his way North he walked of nights from his
+home to Harrisburg, Pa., and there availed himself of a passage on a
+freight car coming to Philadelphia.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 7. Henry Bohm. Henry came from near Norfolk, Va. He was
+about twenty-five years of age, and a fair specimen of a stout man,
+possessed of more than ordinary physical strength. As to whom he fled
+from, how he had been treated, or how he reached Philadelphia, the
+record book is silent. Why this is the case cannot now be accounted for,
+unless the hurry of getting him off forbade sufficient delay to note
+down more of the particulars.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 8. Ralph Whiting, James H. Forman, Anthony Atkinson, Arthur
+Jones, Isaiah Nixon, Joseph Harris, John Morris, and Henry Hodges. A
+numerous party like this had the appearance of business. They were all
+young and hopeful, and belonged to the more intelligent and promising of
+their race. They were capable of giving the best of reasons for the
+endeavors they were making to escape to a free country.
+
+They imparted to the Committee much information respecting their several
+situations, together with the characters of their masters in relation to
+domestic matters, and the customs and usages under which they had been
+severally held to service--all of which was listened to with deep
+interest. But it was not an easy matter, after having been thus
+entertained, to write out the narratives of eight such persons. Hundreds
+of pages would hardly have contained a brief account of the most
+interesting portion of their histories. It was deemed sufficient to
+enter their names and their forsaken homes, etc., as follows:
+
+"Ralph was twenty-six years of age, five feet ten inches high, dark,
+well made, intelligent, and a member of the Methodist Church. He was
+claimed by Geo. W. Kemp, Esq., cashier of the Exchange Bank of Norfolk,
+Va. Ralph gave Mr. Kemp the credit of being a 'moderate man' to his
+slaves. Ralph was compelled to leave his wife, Lydia, and two children,
+Anna Eliza, and Cornelius."
+
+"James was twenty-three years of age, dark mulatto, nearly six feet
+high, and of prepossessing appearance. He fled from James Saunders, Esq.
+Nothing, save the desire to be free, prompted James to leave his old
+situation and master. His parents and two sisters he was obliged to
+leave in Norfolk."
+
+Two brief letters from James, one concerning his "sweet-heart," whom he
+left in Norfolk, the other giving an account of her arrival in Canada
+and marriage thereafter will, doubtless, be read with interest. They are
+here given as follows:
+
+
+    NIAGARA FALLS, June 5th, 1856. MR. STILL:--Sir--I take my pen in
+    hand to write you theas few lines to let you know that I am well
+    at present and hope theas few lines may find you the same. Sir
+    my object in writing to you is that I expect a young Lady by the
+    name of Miss Mariah Moore, from Norfolk, Virginia. She will
+    leave Norfolk on the 13th of this month in the Steamship
+    Virginia for Philadelphia you will oblige me very much by seeing
+    her safely on the train of cars that leaves Philadelphia for the
+    Suspension Bridge Niagara Falls pleas to tell the Lady to
+    telegraph to me what time she will leave Philadelphia so i may
+    know what time to meet her at the Suspension Bridge my Brother
+    Isaac Porman send his love also his family to you and your
+    family they are all well at present pleas to give my respects to
+    Mr. Harry Londay, also Miss Margaret Cunigan, no more at
+    present.
+
+    I remain your friend,
+
+    JAMES H. FORMAN.
+
+    When you telegraph to me direct to the International Hotel,
+    Niagara Falls, N.Y.
+
+
+
+
+
+    NIAGARA FALLS, July 24th, 1856.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I take this opportunity of writing these few lines to
+    you hoping that they may find you enjoying good health as these
+    few lines leave me at present. I thank you for your kindness.
+    Miss Moore arrived here on the 30th of June and I was down to
+    the cars to receive her. I thought I would have written to you
+    before, but I thought I would wait till I got married. I got
+    married on the 22d of July in the English Church Canada about 11
+    o'clock my wife sends all her love to you and your wife and all
+    enquiring friends please to kiss your two children for her and
+    she says she is done crying and I am glad to hear she enjoyed
+    herself so well in Philadelphia give my respects to Miss
+    Margaret Cuningham and I am glad to hear her sister arrived my
+    father sends his respects to you no more at present but remain
+    your friend,
+
+    JAMES H. FORMAN.
+
+    Direct your letter to the International Hotel, Niagara Falls.
+
+
+Anthony was thirty-six years of age, and by blood, was quite as nearly
+related to the Anglo-Saxon as the Anglo-African. He was nevertheless,
+physically a fine specimen of a man. He was about six feet high, and
+bore evidence of having picked up a considerable amount of intelligence
+considering his opportunities. He had been sold three times. Anthony was
+decidedly opposed to having to pass through this ordeal a fourth time,
+therefore, the more he meditated over his condition, the more determined
+he became to seek out an Underground Rail Road agent, and make his way
+to Canada.
+
+Concluding that Josiah Wells, who claimed him, had received a thousand
+times too much of his labor already, Anthony was in a fit state of mind
+to make a resolute effort to gain his freedom. He had a wife, but no
+children. His father, one sister, and two brothers were all dear to him,
+but all being slaves "one could not help the other," Anthony reasoned,
+and wisely too. So, at the command of the captain, he was ready to bear
+his part of the suffering consequent upon being concealed in the hold of
+a vessel, where but little air could penetrate.
+
+Arthur was forty-one years of age, six feet high--chestnut color, well
+made, and possessed good native faculties needing cultivation. He
+escaped from a farmer, by the name of John Jones, who was classed, as to
+natural temperament, amongst "moderate slave-holders."
+
+"I wanted my liberty," said Arthur promptly and emphatically, and he
+declared that was the cause of his escape. He left his mother, two
+sisters, and three brothers in Slavery.
+
+Isaiah was about twenty-two, small of stature, but smart, and of a
+substantially black complexion. He had been subjected to very hard
+treatment under Samuel Simmons who claimed him, and on this account he
+was first prompted to leave. His mother and three brothers he left in
+bondage.
+
+Joseph was twenty-three years of age, and was, in every way,
+"likely-looking." According to the laws of Slavery, he was the property
+of David Morris, who was entitled to be ranked amongst the more
+compassionate slave-holders of the South. Yet, Joseph was not satisfied,
+deprived of his freedom. He had not known hardships as many had, but it
+was not in him notwithstanding, to be contented as a slave. In leaving,
+he had to "tear himself away" from his parents, three brothers, and two
+sisters.
+
+Henry escaped from S. Simmons of Plymouth, North Carolina, and was a
+fellow-servant with Isaiah. Simmons was particularly distinguished for
+his tyrannical rule and treatment of his slaves--so Henry and Isaiah had
+the good sense to withdraw from under his yoke, very young in life;
+Henry being twenty-three.
+
+John was about twenty-one years of age, five feet eight inches high,
+dark color, and well-grown for his years. Before embarking, he had
+endured seven months of hard suffering from being secreted, waiting for
+an opportunity to escape. It was to keep his master from selling him,
+that he was thus induced to secrete himself. After he had remained away
+some months, he resolved to suffer on until his friends could manage to
+procure him a passage on the Underground Rail Road. With this determined
+spirit he did not wait in vain.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 9. Robert Jones and wife:--In the majority of cases, in
+order to effect the escape of either, sad separations between husbands
+and wives were unavoidable. Fortunately, it was not so in this case. In
+journeying from the house of bondage, Robert and his wife were united
+both in sympathies and in struggles. Robert had experienced "hard times"
+just in what way, however, was not recorded; his wife had been
+differently treated, not being under the same taskmaster as her husband.
+At the time of their arrival all that was recorded of their bondage is
+as follows--
+
+August 2d, 1855, Robert Jones and wife, arrived from Petersburg, Va.
+Robert is about thirty-five, chestnut color, medium size, of good
+manners, intelligent, had been owned by Thomas N. Lee, "a very hard
+man." Robert left because he "wanted his liberty--always had from a
+boy." Eliza, his wife, is about forty years of age, chestnut color,
+nice-looking, and well-dressed. She belonged to Eliza H. Richie, who was
+called a "moderate woman" towards her slaves. Notwithstanding the
+limited space occupied in noting them on the record book, the Committee
+regarded them as being among the most worthy and brave travelers passing
+over the Underground Rail Road, and felt well satisfied that such
+specimens of humanity would do credit in Canada, not only to themselves,
+but to their race.
+
+Robert had succeeded in learning to read and write tolerably well, and
+had thought much over the condition and wrongs of the race, and seemed
+to be eager to be where he could do something to lift his
+fellow-sufferers up to a higher plane of liberty and manhood. After an
+interview with Robert and his wife, in every way so agreeable, they were
+forwarded on in the usual manner, to Canada. While enjoying the sweets
+of freedom in Canada, he was not the man to keep his light under a
+bushel. He seemed to have a high appreciation of the potency of the pen,
+and a decidedly clear idea that colored men needed to lay hold of many
+enterprises with resolution, in order to prove themselves qualified to
+rise equally with other branches of the human family. Some of his
+letters, embracing his views, plans and suggestions, were so encouraging
+and sensible, that the Committee was in the habit of showing them to
+friendly persons, and indeed, extracts of some of his letters were
+deemed of sufficient importance to publish. One alone, taken from many
+letters received from him, must here suffice to illustrate his
+intelligence and efforts as a fugitive and citizen in Canada.
+
+
+    Hamilton, C.W., August 9th, 1856.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL;--_Dear Friend_:--I take this opportunity of
+    writing you these few lines to inform you of my health, which is
+    good at present, &c. * * * *
+
+    I was talking to you about going to Liberia, when I saw you
+    last, and did intend to start this fall, but I since looked at
+    the condition of the colored people in Canada. I thought I would
+    try to do something for their elevation as a nation, to place
+    them in the proper position to stand where they ought to stand.
+    In order to do this, I have undertaken to get up a military
+    company amongst them. They laughed at me to undertake such a
+    thing; but I did not relax my energies. I went and had an
+    interview with Major J.T. Gilepon, told him what my object was,
+    he encouraged me to go on, saying that he would do all he could
+    for the accomplishment of my object. He referred to _Sir Allan
+    McNab, &c._ * * * * I took with me Mr. J.H. Hill to see him--he
+    told me that it should be done, and required us to write a
+    petition to the _Governor General_, which has been done. * * * *
+    The company is already organized. Mr. Howard was elected
+    Captain; J.H. Hill, 1st Lieutenant; Hezekiah Hill, Ensign;
+    Robert Jones, 1st Sergeant. The company's name is, Queen
+    Victoria's Rifle Guards. You may, by this, see what I have been
+    doing since I have been in Canada. When we receive our
+    appointments by the Government. I will send by express, my
+    daguerreotype in uniform.
+
+    My respects, &c. &c., Robert Jones.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+HEAVY REWARD.
+
+
+
+    Two Thousand Six Hundred Dollars Reward--Ran away from the
+    subscriber, on Saturday night, November 15th, 1856, Josiah and
+    William Bailey, and Peter Pennington. Joe is about 5 feet 10
+    inches in height, of a chestnut color, bald head, with a
+    remarkable scar on one of his cheeks, not positive on which it
+    is, but think it is on the left, under the eye, has intelligent
+    countenance, active, and well-made. He is about 28 years old.
+    Bill is of a darker color, about 5 feet 8 inches in height,
+    stammers a little when confused, well-made, and older than Joe,
+    well dressed, but may have pulled kearsey on over their other
+    clothes. Peter is smaller than either the others, about 25 years
+    of age, dark chestnut color, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    A reward of fifteen hundred dollars will be given to any person
+    who will apprehend the said Joe Bailey, and lodge him safely in
+    the jail at Easton, Talbot Co., Md., and $300 for Bill and $800
+    for Peter.
+
+    W.R. Hughlett
+
+    John C. Henry,
+
+    T. Wright.
+
+
+When this arrival made its appearance, it was at first sight quite
+evident that one of the company was a man of more than ordinary parts,
+both physically and mentally. Likewise, taking them individually, their
+appearance and bearing tended largely to strengthen the idea that the
+spirit of freedom was rapidly gaining ground in the minds of the slaves,
+despite the efforts of the slave-holders to keep them in darkness. In
+company with the three men, for whom the above large reward was offered,
+came a woman by the name of Eliza Nokey.
+
+As soon as the opportunity presented itself, the Active Committee
+feeling an unusual desire to hear their story, began the investigation
+by inquiring as to the cause of their escape, etc., which brought simple
+and homely but earnest answers from each. These answers afforded the
+best possible means of seeing Slavery in its natural, practical
+workings--of obtaining such testimony and representations of the vile
+system, as the most eloquent orator or able pen might labor in vain to
+make clear and convincing, although this arrival had obviously been
+owned by men of high standing. The fugitives themselves innocently
+stated that one of the masters, who was in the habit of flogging adult
+females, was a "moderate man." Josiah Bailey was the leader of this
+party, and he appeared well-qualified for this position. He was about
+twenty-nine years of age, and in no particular physically, did he seem
+to be deficient. He was likewise civil and polite in his manners, and a
+man of good common sense. He was held and oppressed by William H.
+Hughlett, a farmer and dealer in ship timber, who had besides invested
+in slaves to the number of forty head. In his habits he was generally
+taken for a "moderate" and "fair" man, "though he was in the habit of
+flogging the slaves--females as well as males," after they had arrived
+at the age of maturity. This was not considered strange or cruel in
+Maryland. Josiah was the "foreman" on the place, and was entrusted with
+the management of hauling the ship-timber, and through harvesting and
+busy seasons was required to lead in the fields. He was regarded as one
+of the most valuable hands in that part of the country, being valued at
+$2,000. Three weeks before he escaped, Joe was "stripped naked," and
+"flogged" very cruelly by his master, simply because he had a dispute
+with one of the fellow-servants, who had stolen, as Joe alleged, seven
+dollars of his hard earnings. This flogging, produced in Joe's mind, an
+unswerving determination to leave Slavery or die: to try his luck on the
+Underground Rail Road at all hazards. The very name of Slavery, made the
+fire fairly burn in his bones. Although a married man, having a wife and
+three children (owned by Hughlett), he was not prepared to let his
+affection for them keep him in chains--so Anna Maria, his wife, and his
+children Ellen, Anna Maria, and Isabella, were shortly widowed and
+orphaned by the slave lash.
+
+William Bailey was owned by John C. Henry, a large slave-holder, and a
+very "hard" one, if what William alleged of him was true. His story
+certainly had every appearance of truthfulness. A recent brutal flogging
+had "stiffened his back-bone," and furnished him with his excuse for not
+being willing to continue in Maryland, working his strength away to
+enrich his master, or the man who claimed to be such. The memorable
+flogging, however, which caused him to seek flight on the Underground
+Rail Road, was not administered by his master or on his master's
+plantation. He was hired out, and it was in this situation that he was
+so barbarously treated. Yet he considered his master more in fault than
+the man to whom he was hired, but redress there was none, save to
+escape.
+
+The hour for forwarding the party by the Committee, came too soon to
+allow time for the writing of any account of Peter Pennington and Eliza
+Nokey. Suffice it to say, that in struggling through their journey,
+their spirits never flagged; they had determined not to stop short of
+Canada. They truly had a very high appreciation of freedom, but a very
+poor opinion of Maryland.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SLAVE TRADER HALL IS FOILED.
+
+
+ROBERT McCOY _alias_ WILLIAM DONAR.
+
+In October, 1854, the Committee received per steamer, directly from
+Norfolk, Va., Robert McCoy and Elizabeth Saunders. Robert had constantly
+been in the clutches of the negro-trader Hall, for the last sixteen
+years, previous to his leaving, being owned by him. He had, therefore,
+possessed very favorable opportunities for varied observation and
+experience relative to the trader's conduct in his nefarious business,
+as well as for witnessing the effects of the auction-block upon all
+ages--rending asunder the dearest ties, despite the piteous wails of
+childhood or womanhood, parental or conjugal relations. But no attempt
+will be made to chronicle the deeds of this dealer in human flesh. Those
+stories fresh from the lips of one who had just escaped, were painful in
+the extreme, but in the very nature of things some of the statements are
+too revolting to be published. In lieu of this fact, except the above
+allusions to the trader's business, this sketch will only refer to
+Robert's condition as a slave, and finally as a traveler on the
+Underground Rail Road.
+
+Robert was a man of medium size, dark mulatto, of more than ordinary
+intelligence. His duties had been confined to the house, and not to the
+slave pen. As a general thing, he had managed, doubtless through much
+shrewdness, to avoid very severe outrages from the trader. On the whole,
+he had fared "about as well" as the generality of slaves.
+
+Yet, in order to free himself from his "miserable" life, he was willing,
+as he declared, to suffer almost any sacrifice. Indeed, his conduct
+proved the sincerity of this declaration, as he had actually been
+concealed five months in a place in the city, where he could not
+possibly avoid daily suffering of the most trying kind. His resolve to
+be free was all this while maturing. The trader had threatened to sell
+Robert, and to prevent it Robert (thus) "took out." Successfully did he
+elude the keen scent and grasp of the hunters, who made diligent efforts
+to recapture him. Although a young man--only about twenty-eight years of
+age, his health was by no means good. His system had evidently been
+considerably shattered by Slavery, and symptoms of consumption, together
+with chronic rheumatism, were making rapid headway against the physical
+man. Under his various ills, he declared, as did many others from the
+land of bondage, that his faith in God afforded him comfort and hope. He
+was obliged to leave his wife, Eliza, in bonds, not knowing whether they
+should ever meet again on earth, but he was somewhat hopeful that the
+way would open for her escape also.
+
+After reaching Philadelphia, where his arrival had long been anticipated
+by the Vigilance Committee, his immediate wants were met, and in due
+order he was forwarded to New Bedford, where, he was led to feel, he
+would be happy in freedom.
+
+Scarcely had he been in New Bedford one month, before his prayers and
+hopes were realized with regard to the deliverance of his wife. On
+hearing of the good news of her coming he wrote as follows--
+
+
+    NEW BEDFORD, Nov. 3, 1859.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--i embrace this opertunity to inform you that i
+    received your letter with pleasure, i am enjoying good health
+    and hope that these few lines will find you enjoying the same
+    blessing. i rejoise to hear from you i feel very much indetted
+    to you for not writing before but i have been so bissy that is
+    the cause, i rejoise to heare of the arrival of my wife, and
+    hope she is not sick from the roling of the sea and if she is
+    not, pleas to send her on here Monday with a six baral warlian
+    and a rifall to gard her up to my residance i thank you kindly
+    for the good that you have don for me. Give my respects to Mrs.
+    Still, tell her i want to see her very bad and you also i would
+    come but i am afraid yet to venture, i received your letter the
+    second, but about the first of spring i hope to pay you a visit
+    or next summer. i am getting something to do every day. i will
+    write on her arrivall and tell you more. Mr. R. White sends his
+    love to you and your famerly and says that he is very much
+    indetted to you for his not writing and all so he desires to
+    know wheather his cloths has arived yet or not, and if they are
+    please to express them on to him or if at preasant by Mrs.
+    Donar. Not any more at preasent. i remain your affectionate
+    brother,
+
+    WILLIAM DONAR.
+
+
+By the same arrival, and similarly secreted, Elizabeth Frances, alias
+Ellen Saunders, had the good luck to reach Philadelphia. She was a
+single young woman, about twenty-two, with as pleasant a countenance as
+one would wish to see. Her manners were equally agreeable. Perhaps her
+joy over her achieved victory added somewhat to her personal appearance.
+She had, however, belonged to the more favored class of slaves. She had
+neither been over-worked nor badly abused. Elizabeth was the property of
+a lady a few shades lighter than herself, (Elizabeth was a mulatto) by
+the name of Sarah Shephard, of Norfolk. In order the more effectually to
+profit by Elizabeth's labor, the mistress resorted to the plan of hiring
+her out for a given sum per month. Against this usage Elizabeth urged no
+complaint. Indeed the only very serious charge she brought was to the
+effect, that her mistress sold her mother away from her far South, when
+she was a child only ten years old. She had also sold a brother and
+sister to a foreign southern market. The reflections consequent upon the
+course that her mistress had thus pursued, awakened Elizabeth to much
+study relative to freedom, and by the time that she had reached
+womanhood she had very decided convictions touching her duty with regard
+to escaping. Thus growing to hate slavery in every way and manner, she
+was prepared to make a desperate effort to be free. Having saved
+thirty-five dollars by rigid economy, she was willing to give every cent
+of it (although it was all she possessed), to be aided from Norfolk to
+Philadelphia. After reaching the city, having suffered severely while
+coming, she was invited to remain until somewhat recruited. In the
+healthy air of freedom she was soon fully restored, and ready to take
+her departure for New Bedford, which place she reached without
+difficulty and was cordially welcomed. The following letter, expressive
+of her obligations for aid received, was forwarded soon after her
+arrival in New Bedford:
+
+
+    NEW BEDFORD, Mass., October 16th, 1854.
+
+    MR. STILL:--Dear Sir--I now take my pen in my hand to inform you
+    of my health which is good at present all except a cold I have
+    got but I hope when these few lines reach you you may be
+    enjoying good health. I arrived in New Bedford Thursday morning
+    safely and what little I have seen of the city I like it very
+    much my friends were very glad to see me. I found my sister very
+    well. Give my love to Mrs. Still and also your dear little
+    children. I am now out at service. I do not think of going to
+    Canada now. I think I shall remain in this city this winter.
+    Please tell Mrs. Still I have not met any person who has treated
+    me any kinder than she did since I left. I consider you both to
+    have been true friends to me. I hope you will think me the same
+    to you. I feel very thankful to you indeed. It might been
+    supposed, out of sight out of mind, but it is not so. I never
+    forget my friends. Give my love to Florence. If you come to this
+    city I would be very happy to see you. Kiss your dear little
+    children for me. Please to answer this as soon as possible, so
+    that I may know you received this. No more at present. I still
+    remain your friend,
+
+    ELLEN SAUNDERS.
+
+
+
+ELIZA MCCOY--the wife of Robert McCoy, whose narrative has just been
+given--and who was left to wait in hope when her husband escaped--soon
+followed him to freedom. It is a source of great satisfaction to be able
+to present her narrative in so close proximity to her husband's. He
+arrived about the first of October--she about the first of November,
+following. From her lips testimony of much weight and interest was
+listened to by several friends relative to her sufferings as a slave--on
+the auction-block, and in a place of concealment seven months, waiting
+and praying for an opportunity to escape. But it was thought sufficient
+to record merely a very brief outline of her active slave life, which
+consisted of the following noticeable features.
+
+Eliza had been owned by Andrew Sigany, of Norfolk--age about
+thirty-eight--mulatto, and a woman whose appearance would readily
+command attention and respect anywhere outside of the barbarism of
+Slavery. She stated that her experience as a sufferer in cruel hands had
+been very trying, and that in fretting under hardships, she had "always
+wanted to be free." Her language was unmistakable on this point. Neither
+mistress nor servant was satisfied with each other; the mistress was so
+"queer" and "hard to please," that Eliza became heartily sick of trying
+to please her--an angel would have failed with such a woman. So, while
+matters were getting no better, but, on the contrary, were growing worse
+and worse, Eliza thought she would seek a more pleasant atmosphere in
+the North. In fact she felt that it would afford her no little relief to
+allow her place to be occupied by another. When she went into close
+quarters of concealment, she fully understood what was meant and all the
+liabilities thereto. She had pluck enough to endure unto the end without
+murmuring. The martyrs in olden times who dwelt in "dens and caves of
+the earth," could hardly have fared worse than some of these way-worn
+travelers.
+
+After the rest, needed by one who had suffered so severely until her
+arrival in Philadelphia, she was forwarded to her anxiously waiting
+husband in New Bedford, where she was gladly received.
+
+From the frequent arrivals from Virginia, especially in steamers, it may
+be thought that no very stringent laws or regulations existed by which
+offenders, who might aid the Underground Rail Road, could be severely
+punished--that the slave-holders were lenient, indifferent and unguarded
+as to how this property took wings and escaped. In order to enlighten
+the reader with regard to this subject, it seems necessary, in this
+connection, to publish at least one of the many statutes from the slave
+laws of the South bearing directly on the aid and escape of slaves by
+vessels. The following enactment is given as passed by the Legislature
+of Virginia in 1856:
+
+
+
+
+    THE PROTECTION OF SLAVE PROPERTY IN VIRGINIA.
+
+
+    A BILL PROVIDING ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR THE SLAVE PROPERTY OF
+    CITIZENS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.
+
+
+    (1.) Be it enacted, by the General Assembly, that it shall not
+    be lawful for any vessel, of any size or description, whatever,
+    owned in whole, or in part, by any citizen or resident of
+    another State, and about to sail or steam for any port or place
+    in this State, for any port or place north of and beyond the
+    capes of Virginia, to depart from the waters of this
+    commonwealth, until said vessel has undergone the inspection
+    hereinafter provided for in this act, and received a certificate
+    to that effect. If any such vessel shall depart from the State
+    without such certificate of inspection, the captain or owner
+    thereof, shall forfeit and pay the sum of five hundred dollars,
+    to be recovered by any person who will sue for the same, in any
+    court of record in this State, in the name of the Governor of
+    the Commonwealth. Pending said suit, the vessel of said captain
+    or owner shall not leave the State until bond be given by the
+    captain or owner, or other person for him, payable to the
+    Governor, with two or three sureties satisfactory to the court,
+    in the penalty of one thousand dollars, for the payment of the
+    forfeit or fine, together with the cost and expenses incurred in
+    enforcing the same; and in default of such bond, the vessel
+    shall be held liable. Provided that nothing contained in this
+    section, shall apply to vessels belonging to the United States
+    Government, or vessels, American or foreign, bound direct to any
+    foreign country other than the British American Provinces.
+
+    (2.) The pilots licensed under the laws of Virginia, and while
+    attached to a vessel regularly employed as a pilot boat, are
+    hereby constituted inspectors to execute this act, so far as the
+    same may be applicable to the Chesapeake Bay, and the waters
+    tributary thereto, within the jurisdiction of this State,
+    together with such other inspectors as may be appointed by
+    virtue of this act.
+
+    (3.) The branch or license issued to a pilot according to the
+    provisions of the 92d chapter of Code, shall be sufficient
+    evidence that he is authorized and empowered to act as inspector
+    as aforesaid.
+
+    (4.) It shall be the duty of the inspector, or other person
+    authorized to act under this law, to examine and search all
+    vessels hereinbefore described, to see that no slave or person
+    held to service or labor in this State, or person charged with
+    the commission of any crime within the State, shall be concealed
+    on board said vessel. Such inspection shall be made within
+    twelve hours of the time of departure of such vessel from the
+    waters of Virginia, and may be made in any bay, river, creek, or
+    other water-course of the State, provided, however, that
+    steamers plying as regular packets, between ports in Virginia
+    and those north of, and outside of the capes of Virginia, shall
+    be inspected at the port of departure nearest Old Point Comfort.
+
+    (5.) A vessel so inspected and getting under way, with intent to
+    leave the waters of the State, if she returns to an anchorage
+    above Back River Point, or within Old Point Comfort, shall be
+    again inspected and charged as if an original case. If such
+    vessel be driven back by stress of weather to seek a harbor, she
+    shall be exempt from payment of a second fee, unless she holds
+    intercourse with the shore.
+
+    (6.) If, after searching the vessel, the inspector see no just
+    cause to detain her, he shall give to the captain a certificate
+    to that effect. If, however, upon such inspection, or in any
+    other manner, any slave or person held to service or labor, or
+    any person charged with any crime, be found on board of any
+    vessel whatever, for the purpose aforesaid, or said vessel be
+    detected in the act of leaving this commonwealth with any such
+    slave or person on board, or otherwise violating the provisions
+    of this act, he shall attach said vessel, and arrest all persons
+    on board, to be delivered up to the sergeant or sheriff of the
+    nearest port in this commonwealth, to be dealt with according to
+    law.
+
+    (7.) If any inspector or other officer be opposed, or shall have
+    reason to suspect that he will be opposed or obstructed in the
+    discharge of any duty required of him under this act, he shall
+    have power to summon and command the force of any county or
+    corporation to aid him in the discharge of such duty, and every
+    person who shall resist, obstruct, or refuse to aid any
+    inspector or other officer in the discharge of such duty, shall
+    be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof,
+    shall be fined and imprisoned as in other cases of misdemeanor.
+
+    (8.) For every inspection of a vessel under this law, the
+    inspector, or other officer shall be entitled to demand and
+    receive the sum of five dollars; for the payment of which such
+    vessel shall be liable, and the inspector or other officer may
+    seize and hold her until the same is paid, together with all
+    charges incurred in taking care of the vessel, as well as in
+    enforcing the payment of the same. Provided, that steam packets
+    trading regularly between the waters of Virginia and ports north
+    of and beyond the capes of Virginia, shall pay not more than
+    five dollars for each inspection under the provisions of this
+    act; provided, however, that for every inspection of a vessel
+    engaged in the coal trade, the inspector shall not receive a
+    greater sum than two dollars.
+
+    (9.) Any inspector or other person apprehending a slave in the
+    act of escaping from the state, on board a vessel trading to or
+    belonging to a non-slave-holding state, or who shall give
+    information that will lead to the recovery of any slave, as
+    aforesaid, shall be entitled to a reward of One Hundred Dollars,
+    to be paid by the owner of such slave, or by the fiduciary
+    having charge of the estate to which such slave belongs; and if
+    the vessel be forfeited under the provisions of this act, he
+    shall be entitled to one-half of the proceeds arising from the
+    sale of the vessel; and if the same amounts to one hundred
+    dollars, he shall not receive from the owner the above reward of
+    one hundred dollars.
+
+    (10.) An inspector permitting a slave to escape for the want of
+    proper exertion, or by neglect in the discharge of his duty,
+    shall be fined One Hundred Dollars; or if for like causes he
+    permit a vessel, which the law requires him to inspect, to leave
+    the state without inspection, he shall be fined not less than
+    twenty, nor more than fifty dollars, to be recovered by warrant
+    by any person who will proceed against him.
+
+    (11.) No pilot acting under the authority of the laws of the
+    state, shall pilot out of the jurisdiction of this state any
+    such vessel as is described in this act, which has not obtained
+    and exhibited to him the certificate of inspection hereby
+    required; and if any pilot shall so offend, he shall forfeit and
+    pay not less than twenty, or more than fifty dollars, to be
+    recovered in the mode prescribed in the next preceding section
+    of this act.
+
+    (12.) The courts of the several counties or corporations
+    situated on the Chesapeake Bay, or its tributaries, by an order
+    entered on record, may appoint one or more inspectors, at such
+    place or places within their respective districts as they may
+    deem necessary, to prevent the escape or for the recapture of
+    slaves attempting to escape beyond the limits of the state, and
+    to search or otherwise examine all vessels trading to such
+    counties or corporations. The expenses in such cases to be
+    provided for by a levy on negroes now taxed by law; but no
+    inspection by county or corporation officers thus appointed,
+    shall supersede the inspection of such vessels by pilots and
+    other inspectors, as specially provided for in this act.
+
+    (13.) It shall be lawful for the county court of any county,
+    upon the application of five or more slave-holders, residents of
+    the counties where the application is made, by an order of
+    record, to designate one or more police stations in their
+    respective counties, and a captain and three or more other
+    persons as a police patrol on each station, for the recapture of
+    fugitive slaves; which patrol shall be in service at such times,
+    and such stations as the court shall direct by their order
+    aforesaid; and the said court shall allow a reasonable
+    compensation, to be paid to the members of such patrol; and for
+    that purpose, the said court may from time to time direct a levy
+    on negroes now taxed by law, at such rate per capita as the
+    court may think sufficient, to be collected and accounted for by
+    the sheriff as other county levies, and to be called, "The
+    fugitive slave tax." The owner of each fugitive slave in the act
+    of escaping beyond the limits of the commonwealth, to a
+    non-slave-holding state, and captured by the patrol aforesaid,
+    shall pay for each slave over fifteen, and under forty-five
+    years old, a reward of One Hundred dollars; for each slave over
+    five, and under fifteen years old, the sum of sixty dollars; and
+    for all others, the sum of forty dollars. Which reward shall be
+    divided equally among the members of the patrol retaking the
+    slave and actually on duty at the time; and to secure the
+    payment of said reward, the said patrol may retain possession
+    and use of the slave until the reward is paid or secured to
+    them.
+
+    (14.) The executive of this State may appoint one or more
+    inspectors for the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers, if he shall
+    deem it expedient, for the due execution of this act. The
+    inspectors so appointed to perform the same duties, and to be
+    invested with the same powers in their respective districts, and
+    receive the same fees, as pilots acting as inspectors in other
+    parts of the State. A vessel subject to inspection under this
+    law, departing from any of the above-named counties or rivers on
+    her voyage to sea, shall be exempted from the payment of a fee
+    for a second inspection by another officer, if provided with a
+    certificate from the proper inspecting officer of that district;
+    but if, after proceeding on her voyage, she returns to the port
+    or place of departure, or enters any other port, river, or
+    roadstead in the State, the said vessel shall be again
+    inspected, and pay a fee of five dollars, as if she had
+    undergone no previous examination and received no previous
+    certificate.
+
+    If driven by stress of weather to seek a harbor, and she has no
+    intercourse with the shore, then, and in that case, no second
+    fee shall be paid by said vessel.
+
+    (15.) For the better execution of the provisions of this act, in
+    regard to the inspection, of vessels, the executive is hereby
+    authorized and directed to appoint a chief inspector, to reside
+    at Norfolk, whose duty it shall be, to direct and superintend
+    the police, agents, or inspectors above referred to. He shall
+    keep a record of all vessels engaged in the piloting business,
+    together with a list of such persons as may be employed as
+    pilots and inspectors under this law. The owner or owners of
+    each boat shall make a monthly report to him, of all vessels
+    inspected by persons attached to said pilot boats, the names of
+    such vessels, the owner or owners thereof, and the places where
+    owned or licensed, and where trading to or from, and the
+    business in which they are engaged, together with a list of
+    their crews. Any inspector failing to make his report to the
+    chief inspector, shall pay a fine of twenty dollars for each
+    such failure, which fine shall be recovered by warrant, before a
+    justice of the county or corporation. The chief inspector may
+    direct the time and station for the cruise of each pilot boat,
+    and perform such other duty as the Governor may designate, not
+    inconsistent with the other provisions of this act. He shall
+    make a quarterly return to the executive of all the transactions
+    of his department, reporting to him any failure or refusal on
+    the part of inspectors to discharge the duty assigned to them,
+    and the Governor, for sufficient cause, may suspend or remove
+    from office any delinquent inspector. The chief inspector shall
+    receive as his compensation, ten per cent, on all the fees and
+    fines received by the inspectors acting under his authority, and
+    may be removed at the pleasure of the executive.
+
+    (16.) All fees and forfeitures imposed by this act, and not
+    otherwise specially provided for, shall go one half to the
+    informer, and the other be paid into the treasury of the State,
+    to constitute a fund, to be called the "fugitive slave fund,"
+    and to be used for the payment of rewards awarded by the
+    Governor, for the apprehension of runaway slaves, and to pay
+    other expenses incident to the execution of this law, together
+    with such other purposes as may hereafter be determined on by
+    the General Assembly.
+
+    (17.) This act shall be in force from its passage.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ESCAPING IN A CHEST.
+
+
+
+    $150 REWARD. Ran away from the subscriber, on Sunday night, 27th
+    inst., my NEGRO GIRL, Lear Green, about 18 years of age, black
+    complexion, round-featured, good-looking and ordinary size; she
+    had on and with her when she left, a tan-colored silk bonnet, a
+    dark plaid silk dress, a light mouslin delaine, also one watered
+    silk cape and one tan colored cape. I have reason to be
+    confident that she was persuaded off by a negro man named Wm.
+    Adams, black, quick spoken, 5 feet 10 inches high, a large scar
+    on one side of his face, running down in a ridge by the corner
+    of his mouth, about 4 inches long, barber by trade, but works
+    mostly about taverns, opening oysters, &c. He has been missing
+    about a week; he had been heard to say he was going to marry the
+    above girl and ship to New York, where it is said his mother
+    resides. The above reward will be paid if said girl is taken out
+    of the State of Maryland and delivered to me; or fifty dollars
+    if taken in the State of Maryland.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    JAMES NOBLE,
+
+    m26-3t.
+
+    No. 153 Broadway, Baltimore.
+
+
+Lear Green, so particularly advertised in the "Baltimore Sun" by "James
+Noble," won for herself a strong claim to a high place among the heroic
+women of the nineteenth century. In regard to description and age the
+advertisement is tolerably accurate, although her master might have
+added, that her countenance was one of peculiar modesty and grace.
+Instead of being "black," she was of a "dark-brown color." Of her
+bondage she made the following statement: She was owned by "James Noble,
+a Butter Dealer" of Baltimore. He fell heir to Lear by the will of his
+wife's mother, Mrs. Rachel Howard, by whom she had previously been
+owned. Lear was but a mere child when she came into the hands of Noble's
+family. She, therefore, remembered but little of her old mistress. Her
+young mistress, however, had made a lasting impression upon her mind;
+for she was very exacting and oppressive in regard to the tasks she was
+daily in the habit of laying upon Lear's shoulders, with no disposition
+whatever to allow her any liberties. At least Lear was never indulged in
+this respect. In this situation a young man by the name of William Adams
+proposed marriage to her. This offer she was inclined to accept, but
+disliked the idea of being encumbered with the chains of slavery and the
+duties of a family at the same time.
+
+After a full consultation with her mother and also her intended upon the
+matter, she decided that she must be free in order to fill the station
+of a wife and mother. For a time dangers and difficulties in the way of
+escape seemed utterly to set at defiance all hope of success. Whilst
+every pulse was beating strong for liberty, only one chance seemed to be
+left, the trial of which required as much courage as it would to endure
+the cutting off the right arm or plucking out the right eye. An old
+chest of substantial make, such as sailors commonly use, was procured. A
+quilt, a pillow, and a few articles of raiment, with a small quantity of
+food and a bottle of water were put in it, and Lear placed therein;
+strong ropes were fastened around the chest and she was safely stowed
+amongst the ordinary freight on one of the Erricson line of steamers.
+Her intended's mother, who was a free woman, agreed to come as a
+passenger on the same boat. How could she refuse? The prescribed rules
+of the Company assigned colored passengers to the deck. In this instance
+it was exactly where this guardian and mother desired to be--as near the
+chest as possible. Once or twice, during the silent watches of the
+night, she was drawn irresistibly to the chest, and could not refrain
+from venturing to untie the rope and raise the lid a little, to see if
+the poor child still lived, and at the same time to give her a breath of
+fresh air. Without uttering a whisper, that frightful moment, this
+office was successfully performed. That the silent prayers of this
+oppressed young woman, together with her faithful protector's, were
+momentarily ascending to the ear of the good God above, there can be no
+question. Nor is it to be doubted for a moment but that some ministering
+angel aided the mother to unfasten the rope, and at the same time nerved
+the heart of poor Lear to endure the trying ordeal of her perilous
+situation. She declared that she had no fear.
+
+After she had passed eighteen hours in the chest, the steamer arrived at
+the wharf in Philadelphia, and in due time the living freight was
+brought off the boat, and at first was delivered at a house in Barley
+street, occupied by particular friends of the mother. Subsequently chest
+and freight were removed to the residence of the writer, in whose family
+she remained several days under the protection and care of the Vigilance
+Committee.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+Such hungering and thirsting for liberty, as was evinced by Lear Green,
+made the efforts of the most ardent friends, who were in the habit of
+aiding fugitives, seem feeble in the extreme. Of all the heroes in
+Canada, or out of it, who have purchased their liberty by downright
+bravery, through perils the most hazardous, none deserve more praise
+than Lear Green.
+
+She remained for a time in this family, and was then forwarded to
+Elmira. In this place she was married to William Adams, who has been
+previously alluded to. They never went to Canada, but took up their
+permanent abode in Elmira. The brief space of about three years only was
+allotted her in which to enjoy freedom, as death came and terminated her
+career. About the time of this sad occurrence, her mother-in-law died in
+this city. The impressions made by both mother and daughter can never be
+effaced. The chest in which Lear escaped has been preserved by the
+writer as a rare trophy, and her photograph taken, while in the chest,
+is an excellent likeness of her and, at the same time, a fitting
+memorial.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ISAAC WILLIAMS, HENRY BANKS, AND KIT NICKLESS.
+
+
+MONTHS IN A CAVE,--SHOT BY SLAVE-HUNTERS.
+
+
+Rarely were three travelers from the house of bondage received at the
+Philadelphia station whose narratives were more interesting than those
+of the above-named individuals. Before escaping they had encountered
+difficulties of the most trying nature. No better material for dramatic
+effect could be found than might have been gathered from the incidents
+of their lives and travels. But all that we can venture to introduce
+here is the brief account recorded at the time of their sojourn at the
+Philadelphia station when on their way to Canada in 1854. The three
+journeyed together. They had been slaves together in the same
+neighborhood. Two of them had shared the same den and cave in the woods,
+and had been shot, captured, and confined in the same prison; had broken
+out of prison and again escaped; consequently their hearts were
+thoroughly cemented in the hope of reaching freedom together.
+
+Isaac was a stout-made young man, about twenty-six years of age,
+possessing a good degree of physical and mental ability. Indeed his
+intelligence forbade his submission to the requirements of Slavery,
+rendered him unhappy and led him to seek his freedom. He owed services
+to D. Fitchhugh up to within a short time before he escaped. Against
+Fitchhugh he made grave charges, said that he was a "hard, bad man." It
+is but fair to add that Isaac was similarly regarded by his master, so
+both were dissatisfied with each other. But the master had the advantage
+of Isaac, he could sell him. Isaac, however, could turn the table on his
+master, by running off. But the master moved quickly and sold Isaac to
+Dr. James, a negro trader. The trader designed making a good speculation
+out of his investment: Isaac determined that he should be disappointed;
+indeed that he should lose every dollar that he paid for him. So while
+the doctor was planning where and how he could get the best price for
+him, Isaac was planning how and where he might safely get beyond his
+reach. The time for planning and acting with Isaac was, however,
+exceedingly short. He was daily expecting to be called upon to take his
+departure for the South. In this situation he made known his condition
+to a friend of his who was in a precisely similar situation; had lately
+been sold just as Isaac had to the same trader James. So no argument was
+needed to convince his friend and fellow-servant that if they meant to
+be free they would have to set off immediately.
+
+That night Henry Banks and Isaac Williams started for the woods
+together, preferring to live among reptiles and wild animals, rather
+than be any longer at the disposal of Dr. James. For two weeks they
+successfully escaped their pursuers. The woods, however, were being
+hunted in every direction, and one day the pursuers came upon them, shot
+them both, and carried them to King George's Co. jail. The jail being an
+old building had weak places in it; but the prisoners concluded to make
+no attempt to break out while suffering badly from their wounds. So they
+remained one month in confinement. All the while their brave spirits
+under suffering grew more and more daring. Again they decided to strike
+for freedom, but where to go, save to the woods, they had not the
+slightest idea. Of course they had heard, as most slaves had, of cave
+life, and pretty well understood all the measures which had to be
+resorted to for security when entering upon so hazardous an undertaking.
+They concluded, however, that they could not make their condition any
+worse, let circumstances be what they might in this respect. Having
+discovered how they could break jail, they were not long in
+accomplishing their purpose, and were out and off to the woods again.
+This time they went far into the forest, and there they dug a cave, and
+with great pains had every thing so completely arranged as to conceal
+the spot entirely. In this den they stayed three months. Now and then
+they would manage to secure a pig. A friend also would occasionally
+serve them with a meal. Their sufferings at best were fearful; but great
+as they were, the thought of returning to Slavery never occurred to
+them, and the longer they stayed in the woods, the greater was their
+determination to be free. In the belief that their owner had about given
+them up they resolved to take the North Star for a pilot, and try in
+this way to reach free land.
+
+Kit, an old friend in time of need, having proved true to them in their
+cave, was consulted. He fully appreciated their heroism, and determined
+that he would join them in the undertaking, as he was badly treated by
+his master, who was called General Washington, a common farmer, hard
+drinker, and brutal fighter, which Kit's poor back fully evinced by the
+marks it bore. Of course Isaac and Henry were only too willing to have
+him accompany them.
+
+In leaving their respective homes they broke kindred ties of the
+tenderest nature. Isaac had a wife, Eliza, and three children, Isaac,
+Estella, and Ellen, all owned by Fitchhugh. Henry was only nineteen,
+single, but left parents, brothers, and sisters, all owned by different
+slave-holders. Kit had a wife, Matilda, and three children, Sarah Ann,
+Jane Frances, and Ellen, slaves.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SEPTEMBER 28, 1856.
+
+
+ARRIVAL OF FIVE FROM THE EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND.
+
+
+CYRUS MITCHELL, _alias_ JOHN STEEL; JOSHUA HANDY, _alias_ HAMBLETON
+HAMBY; CHARLES DULTON, _alias_ WILLIAM ROBINSON; EPHRAIM HUDSON, _alias_
+JOHN SPRY; FRANCIS MOLOCK, _alias_ THOMAS JACKSON; all in "good order"
+and full of hope.
+
+The following letter from the fearless friend of the slave, Thomas
+Garrett, is a specimen of his manner of dispatching Underground Rail
+Road business. He used Uncle Sam's mail, and his own name, with as much
+freedom as though he had been President of the Pennsylvania Central Rail
+Road, instead of only a conductor and stock-holder on the Underground
+Rail Road.
+
+
+    9 mo. 26th, 1856.
+
+    RESPECTED FRIEND:--WILLIAM STILL, I send on to thy care this
+    evening by Rail Road, 5 able-bodied men, on their way North;
+    receive them as the Good Samaritan of old and oblige thy friend,
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+The "able-bodied men" duly arrived, and were thus recorded on the
+Underground Rail Road books as trophies of the success of the friends of
+humanity.
+
+
+
+Cyrus is twenty-six years of age, stout, and unmistakably dark, and was
+owned by James K. Lewis, a store-keeper, and a "hard master." He kept
+slaves for the express purpose of hiring them out, and it seemed to
+afford him as much pleasure to receive the hard-earned dollars of his
+bondmen as if he had labored for them with his own hands. "It mattered
+not, how mean a man might be," if he would pay the largest price, he was
+the man whom the store-keeper preferred to hire to. This always caused
+Cyrus to dislike him. Latterly he had been talking of moving into the
+State of Virginia. Cyrus disliked this talk exceedingly, but he "said
+nothing to the white people" touching the matter. However, he was not
+long in deciding that such a move would be of no advantage to him;
+indeed, he had an idea if all was true that he had heard about that
+place, he would be still more miserable there, than he had ever been
+under his present owner. At once, he decided that he would move towards
+Canada, and that he would be fixed in his new home before his master got
+off to Virginia, unless he moved sooner than Cyrus expected him to do.
+Those nearest of kin, to whom he felt most tenderly allied, and from
+whom he felt that it would be hard to part, were his father and mother.
+He, however, decided that he should have to leave them. Freedom, he
+felt, was even worth the giving up of parents.
+
+Believing that company was desirable, he took occasion to submit his
+plan to certain friends, who were at once pleased with the idea of a
+trip on the Underground Rail Road, to Canada, etc; and all agreed to
+join him. At first, they traveled on foot; of their subsequent travel,
+mention has already been made in friend Garrett's epistle.
+
+
+
+Joshua is about twenty-seven years of age, quite stout, brown color, and
+would pass for an intelligent farm hand. He was satisfied never to wear
+the yoke again that some one else might reap the benefit of his toil.
+His master, Isaac Harris, he denounced as a "drunkard." His chief excuse
+for escaping, was because Harris had "sold" his "only brother." He was
+obliged to leave his father and mother in the hands of his master.
+
+
+
+Charles is twenty-two years of age, also stout, and well-made, and
+apparently possessed all the qualifications for doing a good day's work
+on a farm. He was held to service by Mrs. Mary Hurley. Charles gave no
+glowing account of happiness and comfort under the rule of the female
+sex, indeed, he was positive in saying that he had "been used rough."
+During the present year, he was sold for $1200.
+
+
+
+Ephraim is twenty-two years of age, stout and athletic, one who appears
+in every way fitted for manual labor or anything else that he might be
+privileged to learn. John Campbell Henry, was the name of the man whom
+he had been taught to address as master, and for whose benefit he had
+been compelled to labor up to the day he "took out." In considering what
+he had been in Maryland and how he had been treated all his life, he
+alleged that John Campbell Henry was a "bad man." Not only had Ephraim
+been treated badly by his master but he had been hired out to a man no
+better than his master, if as good. Ephraim left his mother and six
+brothers and sisters.
+
+
+
+Francis is twenty-one, an able-bodied "article," of dark color, and was
+owned by James A. Waddell. All that he could say of his owner, was, that
+he was a "hard master," from whom he was very glad to escape.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS, ABOUT AUGUST 1ST, 1855.
+
+
+Arrival 1st. Frances Hilliard.
+
+Arrival 2d. Louisa Harding, alias Rebecca Hall.
+
+Arrival 3d. John Mackintosh.
+
+Arrival 4th. Maria Jane Houston.
+
+Arrival 5th.  Miles Hoopes.
+
+Arrival 6th.  Samuel Miles, alias Robert King.
+
+Arrival 7th.  James Henson, alias David Caldwell.
+
+Arrival 8th.  Laura Lewis.
+
+Arrival 9th.  Elizabeth Banks.
+
+Arrival 10th. Simon Hill.
+
+Arrival 11th. Anthony and Albert Brown.
+
+Arrival 12th. George Williams and Charles Holladay.
+
+Arrival 13th. William Govan.
+
+While none in this catalogue belonged to the class whose daring
+adventures rendered their narratives marvellous, nevertheless they
+represented a very large number of those who were continually on the
+alert to get rid of their captivity. And in all their efforts in this
+direction they manifested a marked willingness to encounter perils
+either by land or water, by day or by night, to obtain their God-given
+rights. Doubtless, even among these names, will be found those who have
+been supposed to be lost, and mysteries will be disclosed which have
+puzzled scores of relatives longing and looking many years in vain to
+ascertain the whereabouts of this or that companion, brother, sister, or
+friend. So, if impelled by no other consideration than the hope of
+consoling this class of anxious inquirers, this is a sufficient
+justification for not omitting them entirely, notwithstanding the risk
+of seeming to render these pages monotonous.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 1. First on this record was a young mulatto woman,
+twenty-nine years of age--orange color, who could read and write very
+well, and was unusually intelligent and withal quite handsome. She was
+known by the name of Frances Hilliard, and escaped from Richmond, Va.,
+where she was owned by Beverly Blair. The owner hired her out to a man
+by the name of Green, from whom he received seventy dollars per annum.
+Green allowed her to hire herself for the same amount, with the
+understanding that Frances should find all her own clothes, board
+herself and find her own house to live in. Her husband, who was also a
+slave, had fled nearly one year previous, leaving her widowed, of
+course. Notwithstanding the above mentioned conditions, under which she
+had the privilege of living, Frances said that she "had been used well."
+She had been sold four times in her life. In the first instance the
+failure of her master was given as the reason of her sale. Subsequently
+she was purchased and sold by different traders, who designed to
+speculate upon her as a "fancy article." They would dress her very
+elegantly, in order to show her off to the best advantage possible, but
+it appears that she had too much regard for her husband and her honor,
+to consent to fill the positions which had been basely assigned her by
+her owners.
+
+Frances assisted her husband to escape from his owner--Taits--and was
+never contented until she succeeded in following him to Canada. In
+escaping, she left her mother, Sarah Corbin, and her sister, Maria. On
+reaching the Vigilance Committee she learned all about her husband. She
+was conveyed from Richmond secreted on a steamer under the care of one
+of the colored hands on the boat. From here she was forwarded to Canada
+at the expense of the Committee. Arriving in Toronto, and not finding
+her hopes fully realized, with regard to meeting her husband, she wrote
+back the following letter:
+
+
+    TORONTO, CANADA, U.C., October 15th, 1855.
+
+    MY DEAR MR. STILL:--Sir--I take the opportunity of writing you a
+    few lines to inform you of my health. I am very well at present,
+    and hope that when these few lines reach you they may find you
+    enjoying the same blessing. Give my love to Mrs. Still and all
+    the children, and also to Mr. Swan, and tell him that he must
+    give you the money that he has, and you will please send it to
+    me, as I have received a letter from my husband saying that I
+    must come on to him as soon as I get the money from him. I
+    cannot go to him until I get the money that Mr. Swan has in
+    hand. Please tell Mr. Caustle that the clothes he spoke of my
+    mother did not know anything about them. I left them with Hinson
+    Brown and he promised to give them to Mr. Smith. Tell him to ask
+    Mr. Smith to get them from Mr. Brown for me, and when I get
+    settled I will send him word and he can send them to me. The
+    letters that were sent to me I received them all. I wish you
+    would send me word if Mr. Smith is on the boat yet--if he is
+    please write me word in your next letter. Please send me the
+    money as soon as you possibly can, for I am very anxious to see
+    my husband. I send to you for I think you will do what you can
+    for me. No more at present, but remain Yours truly,
+
+    FRANCES HILLIARD.
+
+    Send me word if Mr. Caustle had given Mr. Smith the money that
+    he promised to give him.
+
+
+For one who had to steal the art of reading and writing, her letter
+bears studying.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 2. Louisa Harding, alias Rebecca Hall. Louisa was a mulatto
+girl, seventeen years of age. She reported herself from Baltimore, where
+she had been owned by lawyer Magill. It might be said that she also
+possessed great personal attractions as an "article" of much value in
+the eye of a trader. All the near kin whom she named as having left
+behind, consisted of a mother and a brother.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 3. John Mackintosh. John's history is short. He represented
+himself as having arrived from Darien, Georgia, where he had seen "hard
+times." Age, forty-four. This is all that was recorded of John, except
+the expenses met by the Committee.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 4. Maria Jane Houston. The little State of Delaware lost in
+the person of Maria, one of her nicest-looking bond-maids. She had just
+arrived at the age of twenty-one, and felt that she had already been
+sufficiently wronged. She was a tall, dark, young woman, from the
+neighborhood of Cantwell's Bridge. Although she had no horrible tales of
+suffering to relate, the Committee regarded her as well worthy of aid.
+
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 5. Miles Hooper. This subject came from North Carolina; he
+was owned by George Montigue, who lived at Federal Mills, was a decided
+opponent to the no-pay system, to flogging, and selling likewise. In
+fact nothing that was auxiliary to Slavery was relished by him.
+Consequently he concluded to leave the place altogether. At the time
+that Miles took this stand he was twenty-three years of age, a
+dark-complexioned man, rather under the medium height, physically, but a
+full-grown man mentally. "My owner was a hard man," said Miles, in
+speaking of his characteristics. His parents, brothers, and sisters were
+living, at least he had reason to believe so, although they were widely
+scattered.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 6. Samuel Miles, alias Robert King. Samuel was a
+representative of Revel's Neck, Somerset Co., Md. His master he regarded
+as a "very fractious man, hard to please." The cause of the trouble or
+unpleasantness, which resulted in Samuel's Underground adventure, was
+traceable to his master's refusal to allow him to visit his wife. Not
+only was Samuel denied this privilege, but he was equally denied all
+privileges. His master probably thought that Sam had no mind, nor any
+need of a wife. Whether this was really so or not, Sam was shrewd enough
+to "leave his old master with the bag to hold," which was sensible.
+Thirty-one years of Samuel's life were passed in Slavery, ere he
+escaped. The remainder of his days he felt bound to have the benefit of
+himself. In leaving home he had to part with his wife and one child,
+Sarah and little Henry, who were fortunately free.
+
+On arriving in Canada Samuel wrote back for his wife, &c., as follows:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, C.W., Aug. 20th, 1855.
+
+    To MR. WM. STILL, DEAR FRIEND:--It gives me pleasure to inform
+    you that I have had the good fortune to reach this northern
+    Canaan. I got here yesterday and am in good health and happy in
+    the enjoyment of Freedom, but am very anxious to have my wife
+    and child here with me.
+
+    I wish you to write to her immediately on receiving this and let
+    her know where I am you will recollect her name Sarah Miles at
+    Baltimore on the corner of Hamburg and Eutaw streets. Please
+    encourage her in making a start and give her the necessary
+    directions how to come. She will please to make the time as
+    short as possible in getting through to Canada. Say to my wife
+    that I wish her to write immediately to the friends that I told
+    her to address as soon as she hears from me. Inform her that I
+    now stop in St. Catharines near the Niagara Falls that I am not
+    yet in business but expect to get into business very soon--That
+    I am in the enjoyment of good health and hoping that this
+    communication may find my affectionate wife the same. That I
+    have been highly favored with friends throughout my journey I
+    wish my wife to write to me as soon as she can and let me know
+    how soon I may expect to see her on this side of the Niagara
+    River. My wife had better call on Dr. Perkins and perhaps he
+    will let her have the money he had in charge for me but that I
+    failed of receiving when I left Baltimore. Please direct the
+    letter for my wife to Mr. George Lister, in Hill street between
+    Howard and Sharp. My compliments to all enquiring friends.
+
+    Very respectfully yours,
+
+    SAMUEL MILES.
+
+    P.S. Please send the thread along as a token and my wife will
+    understand that all is right. S.M.
+
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 7. James Henson, alias David Caldwell. James fled from Cecil
+Co., Md. He claimed that he was entitled to his freedom according to law
+at the age of twenty-eight, but had been unjustly deprived of it. Having
+waited in vain for his free papers for four years, he suspected that he
+was to be dealt with in a manner similar to many others, who had been
+willed free or who had bought their time, and had been shamefully
+cheated out of their freedom. So in his judgment he felt that his only
+hope lay in making his escape on the Underground Rail Road. He had no
+faith whatever in the man who held him in bondage, Jacob Johnson, but no
+other charges of ill treatment, &c., have been found against said
+Johnson on the books, save those alluded to above.
+
+James was thirty-two years of age, stout and well proportioned, with
+more than average intelligence and resolution. He left a wife and child,
+both free.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 8. Laura Lewis. Laura arrived from Louisville, Kentucky. She
+had been owned by a widow woman named Lewis, but as lately as the
+previous March her mistress died, leaving her slaves and other property
+to be divided among her heirs. As this would necessitate a sale of the
+slaves, Laura determined not to be on hand when the selling day came, so
+she took time by the forelock and left. Her appearance indicated that
+she had been among the more favored class of slaves. She was about
+twenty-five years of age, quite stout, of mixed blood, and intelligent,
+having traveled considerably with her mistress. She had been North in
+this capacity. She left her mother, one brother, and one sister in
+Louisville.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 9. Elizabeth Banks, from near Easton, Maryland. Her lot had
+been that of an ordinary slave. Of her slave-life nothing of interest
+was recorded. She had escaped from her owner two and a half years prior
+to coming into the hands of the Committee, and had been living in
+Pennsylvania pretty securely as she had supposed, but she had been
+awakened to a sense of her danger by well grounded reports that she was
+pursued by her claimant, and would be likely to be captured if she
+tarried short of Canada. With such facts staring her in the face she was
+sent to the Committee for counsel and protection, and by them she was
+forwarded on in the usual way. She was about twenty-five years of age,
+of a dark, and spare structure.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 10. Simon Hill. This fugitive had escaped from Virginia. The
+usual examination was made, and needed help given him by the Committee
+who felt satisfied that he was a poor brother who had been shamefully
+wronged, and that he richly deserved sympathy. He was aided and directed
+Canada-ward. He was a very humble-looking specimen of the peculiar
+institution, about twenty-five years of age, medium size, and of a dark
+hue.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 11. Anthony and Albert Brown (brothers), Jones Anderson and
+Isaiah.
+
+This party escaped from Tanner's Creek, Norfolk, Virginia, where they
+had been owned by John and Henry Holland, oystermen. As slaves they
+alleged that they had been subjected to very brutal treatment from their
+profane and ill-natured owners. Not relishing this treatment, Albert and
+Anthony came to the conclusion that they understood boating well enough
+to escape by water. They accordingly selected one of their master's
+small oyster-boats, which was pretty-well rigged with sails, and off
+they started for a Northern Shore. They proceeded on a part of their
+voyage merely by guess work, but landed safely, however, about
+twenty-five miles north of Baltimore, though, by no means, on free soil.
+They had no knowledge of the danger that they were then in, but they
+were persevering, and still determined to make their way North, and
+thus, at last, success attended their efforts. Their struggles and
+exertions having been attended with more of the romantic and tragical
+elements than had characterized the undertakings of any of the other
+late passengers, the Committee felt inclined to make a fuller notice of
+them on the book, yet failed to do them justice in this respect.
+
+The elder brother was twenty-nine, the younger twenty-seven. Both were
+mentally above the average run of slaves. They left wives in Norfolk,
+named Alexenia and Ellen. While Anthony and Albert, in seeking their
+freedom, were forced to sever their connections with their companions,
+they did not forget them in Canada.
+
+How great was their delight in freedom, and tender their regard for
+their wives, and the deep interest they felt for their brethren and
+friends generally, may be seen from a perusal of the following letters
+from them:
+
+
+    HAMELTON, March 7th 1856.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL--_Sir_--I now take the opportunity of writing you
+    a few lins hoping to find yourself and famly well as thes lines
+    leves me at present, myself and brother, Anthony & Albert
+    brown's respects. We have spent quite agreeable winter, we ware
+    emploied in the new hotel, name Anglo american, wheare we
+    wintered and don very well, we also met with our too frends ho
+    came from home with us, Jonas anderson and Izeas, now we are all
+    safe in hamilton, I wish to cale you to youre prommos, if
+    convenient to write to Norfolk, Va, for me, and let my wife mary
+    Elen Brown, no where I am, and my brothers wife Elickzener
+    Brown, as we have never heard a word from them since we left,
+    tel them that we found our homes and situation in canady much
+    better than we expected, tel them not to think hard of us, we
+    was boun to flee from the rath to come, tel them we live in the
+    hopes of meting them once more this side of the grave, tel them
+    if we never more see them, we hope to meet them in the kingdom
+    of heaven in pece, tel them to remember my love to my cherch and
+    brethren, tel them I find there is the same prayer-hearing God
+    heare as there is in old Va; tel them to remember our love to
+    all the enquiring frends, I have written sevrel times but have
+    never reseived no answer, I find a gret meny of my old
+    accuiantens from Va, heare we are no ways lonesom, Mr. Still, I
+    have written to you once before, but reseve no answer. Pleas let
+    us hear from you by any means. Nothing more at present, but
+    remane youre frends,
+
+    ANTHONY & ALBERT BROWN.
+
+
+
+
+
+    HAMILTON June 26th, 1856,
+
+    MR. WM. STILL:--_kine Sir_:--I am happy to say to you that I
+    have jus reseved my letter dated 5 of the present month, but
+    previeously had bin in form las night by Mr. J.H. Hall, he had
+    jus reseved a letter from you stating that my wife was with you,
+    oh my I was so glad it case me to shed tears.
+
+    Mr. Still, I cannot return you the thanks for the care of my
+    wife, for I am so Glad that I don't now what to say, you will
+    pleas start her for canaday. I am yet in hamilton, C.W., at the
+    city hotel, my brother and Joseph anderson is at the angle
+    american hotel, they send there respects to you and family my
+    self also, and a greater part to my wife. I came by the way of
+    syracruse remember me to Mrs. logins, tel her to writ back to my
+    brothers wife if she is living and tel her to com on tel her to
+    send Joseph Andersons love to his mother.
+
+    i now send her 10 Dollers and would send more but being out of
+    employment some of winter it pulls me back, you will be so kine
+    as to forward her on to me, and if life las I will satisfie you
+    at some time, before long. Give my respects and brothers to Mr.
+    John Dennes, tel him Mr. Hills famly is wel and send there love
+    to them, I now bring my letter to a close, And am youre most
+    humble Servant,
+
+    ANTHONY BROWN.
+
+    P.S. I had given out the notion of ever seeing my wife again, so
+    I have not been attending the office, but am truly sorry I did
+    not, you mention in yours of Mr. Henry lewey, he has left this
+    city for Boston about 2 weeks ago, we have not herd from him
+    yet.
+
+    A. BROWN.
+
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 12. George Williams and Charles Holladay. These two
+travelers were about the same age. They were not, however, from the same
+neighborhood--they happened to meet each other as they were traveling
+the road. George fled from St. Louis, Charles from Baltimore. George
+"owed service" to Isaac Hill, a planter; he found no special fault with
+his master's treatment of him; but with Mrs. Hill, touching this point,
+he was thoroughly dissatisfied. She had treated him "cruelly," and it
+was for this reason that he was moved to seek his freedom.
+
+Charles, being a Baltimorean, had not far to travel, but had pretty
+sharp hunters to elude.
+
+His claimant, F. Smith, however, had only a term of years claim upon
+him, which was within about two years of being out. This contract for
+the term of years, Charles felt was made without consulting him,
+therefore he resolved to break it without consulting his master. He also
+declined to have anything to do with the Baltimore and Wilmington R.R.
+Co., considering it a prescriptive institution, not worthy of his
+confidence. He started on a fast walk, keeping his eyes wide open,
+looking out for slave-hunters on his right and left. In this way, like
+many others, he reached the Committee safely and was freely aided,
+thenceforth traveling in a first class Underground Rail Road car, till
+he reached his journey's end.
+
+
+
+Arrival No. 13. William Govan. Availing himself of a passage on the
+schooner of Captain B., William left Petersburg, where he had been owned
+by "Mark Davis, Esq., a retired gentleman," rather, a retired negro
+trader.
+
+William was about thirty-three years of age, and was of a bright orange
+color. Nothing but an ardent love of liberty prompted him to escape. He
+was quite smart, and a clever-looking man, worth at least $1,000.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+DEEP FURROWS ON THE BACK.
+
+
+THOMAS MADDEN.
+
+
+Of all the passengers who had hitherto arrived with bruised and mangled
+bodies received at the hands of slave-holders, none brought a back so
+shamefully lacerated by the lash as Thomas Madden. Not a single spot had
+been exempted from the excoriating cow-hide. A most bloody picture did
+the broad back and shoulders of Thomas present to the eye as he bared
+his wounds for inspection. While it was sad to think, that millions of
+men, women, and children throughout the South were liable to just such
+brutal outrages as Thomas had received, it was a satisfaction to think,
+that this outrage had made a freeman of him.
+
+He was only twenty-two years of age, but that punishment convinced him
+that he was fully old enough to leave such a master as E. Ray, who had
+almost murdered him. But for this treatment, Thomas might have remained
+in some degree contented in Slavery. He was expected to look after the
+fires in the house on Sunday mornings. In a single instance desiring to
+be absent, perhaps for his own pleasure, two boys offered to be his
+substitute. The services of the boys were accepted, and this gave
+offence to the master. This Thomas declared was the head and front of
+his offending. His simple narration of the circumstances of his slave
+life was listened to by the Committee with deep interest and a painful
+sense of the situation of slaves under the despotism of such men as Ray.
+
+After being cared for by the Committee he was sent on to Canada. When
+there he wrote back to let the Committee know how he was faring, the
+narrow escape he had on the way, and likewise to convey the fact, that
+one named "Rachel," left behind, shared a large place in his affections.
+The subjoined letter is the only correspondence of his preserved:
+
+
+    STANFORD, June 1st, 1855, Niagara districk.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I set down to inform you that I take the liberty to
+    rite for a frend to inform you that he is injoying good health
+    and hopes that this will finde you the same he got to this
+    cuntry very well except that in Albany he was vary neig taking
+    back to his oald home but escaped and when he came to the
+    suspention bridg he was so glad that he run for freadums shore
+    and when he arived it was the last of October and must look for
+    sum wourk for the winter he choped wood until Feruary times are
+    good but money is scarce he thinks a great deal of the girl he
+    left behind him he thinks that there is non like her here non so
+    hansom as his Rachel right and let him hear from you as soon as
+    convaniant no more at presant but remain yours,
+
+    ALBERT METTER.
+
+
+
+
+"PETE MATTHEWS," ALIAS SAMUEL SPARROWS.
+
+
+"I MIGHT AS WELL BE IN THE PENITENTIARY, &C."
+
+
+Up to the age of thirty-five "Pete" had worn the yoke steadily, if not
+patiently under William S. Matthews, of Oak Hall, near Temperanceville,
+in the State of Virginia. Pete said that his "master was not a hard
+man," but the man to whom he "was hired, George Matthews, was a very
+cruel man." "I might as well be in the penitentiary as in his hands,"
+was his declaration.
+
+One day, a short while before Pete "took out," an ox broke into the
+truck patch, and helped himself to choice delicacies, to the full extent
+of his capacious stomach, making sad havoc with the vegetables
+generally. Peter's attention being directed to the ox, he turned him
+out, and gave him what he considered proper chastisement, according to
+the mischief he had done. At this liberty taken by Pete, the master
+became furious. "He got his gun and threatened to shoot him," "Open your
+mouth if you dare, and I will pat the whole load into you," said the
+enraged master. "He took out a large dirk-knife, and attempted to stab
+me, but I kept out of his way," said Pete. Nevertheless the violence of
+the master did not abate until he had beaten Pete over the head and body
+till he was weary, inflicting severe injuries. A great change was at
+once wrought in Pete's mind. He was now ready to adopt any plan that
+might hold out the least encouragement to escape. Having capital to the
+amount of four dollars only, he felt that he could not do much towards
+employing a conductor, but he had a good pair of legs, and a heart stout
+enough to whip two or three slave-catchers, with the help of a pistol.
+Happening to know a man who had a pistol for sale, he went to him and
+told him that he wished to purchase it. For one dollar the pistol became
+Pete's property. He had but three dollars left, but he was determined to
+make that amount answer his purposes under the circumstances. The last
+cruel beating maddened him almost to desperation, especially when he
+remembered how he had been compelled to work hard night and day, under
+Matthews. Then, too, Peter had a wife, whom his master prevented him
+from visiting; this was not among the least offences with which Pete
+charged his master. Fully bent on leaving, the following Sunday was
+fixed by him on which to commence his journey.
+
+The time arrived and Pete bade farewell to Slavery, resolved to follow
+the North Star, with his pistol in hand ready for action. After
+traveling about two hundred miles from home he unexpectedly had an
+opportunity of using his pistol. To his astonishment he suddenly came
+face to face with a former master, whom he had not seen for a long time.
+Pete desired no friendly intercourse with him whatever; but he perceived
+that his old master recognized him and was bent upon stopping him. Pete
+held on to his pistol, but moved as fast as his wearied limbs would
+allow him, in an opposite direction. As he was running, Pete cautiously,
+cast his eye over his shoulder, to see what had become of his old
+master, when to his amazement, he found that a regular chase was being
+made after him. Need of redoubling his pace was quite obvious. In this
+hour of peril, Pete's legs saved him.
+
+After this signal leg-victory, Pete had more confidence in his
+"understandings," than he had in his old pistol, although he held on to
+it until he reached Philadelphia, where he left it in the possession of
+the Secretary of the Committee. Considering it worth saving simply as a
+relic of the Underground Rail Road, it was carefully laid aside. Pete
+was now christened Samuel Sparrows. Mr. Sparrows had the rust of Slavery
+washed off as clean as possible and the Committee furnishing him with
+clean clothes, a ticket, and letters of introduction, started him on
+Canada-ward, looking quite respectable. And doubtless he felt even more
+so than he looked; free air had a powerful effect on such passengers as
+Samuel Sparrows.
+
+The unpleasantness which grew out of the mischief done by the ox on
+George Matthews' farm took place the first of October, 1855. Pete may be
+described as a man of unmixed blood, well-made, and intelligent.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+"MOSES" ARRIVES WITH SIX PASSENGERS.
+
+
+"NOT ALLOWED TO SEEK A MASTER;"--"VERY DEVILISH;"--FATHER "LEAVES TWO
+LITTLE SONS;"--"USED HARD;"--"FEARED FALLING INTO THE HANDS OF YOUNG
+HEIRS," ETC. JOHN CHASE, ALIAS DANIEL FLOYD; BENJAMIN ROSS, ALIAS JAMES
+STEWART; HENRY ROSS, ALIAS LEVIN STEWART; PETER JACKSON, ALIAS STAUNCH
+TILGHMAN; JANE KANE, ALIAS CATHARINE KANE, AND ROBERT ROSS.
+
+The coming of these passengers was heralded by Thomas Garrett as
+follows:
+
+
+
+THOMAS GARRETT'S LETTER.
+
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 12 mo. 29th, 1854.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND, J. MILLER MCKIM:--We made arrangements last
+    night, and sent away Harriet Tubman, with six men and one woman
+    to Allen Agnew's, to be forwarded across the country to the
+    city. Harriet, and one of the men had worn their shoes off their
+    feet, and I gave them two dollars to help fit them out, and
+    directed a carriage to be hired at my expense, to take them out,
+    but do not yet know the expense. I now have two more from the
+    lowest county in Maryland, on the Peninsula, upwards of one
+    hundred miles. I will try to get one of our trusty colored men
+    to take them to-morrow morning to the Anti-slavery office. You
+    can then pass them on.
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+HARRIET TUBMAN had been their "Moses," but not in the sense that Andrew
+Johnson was the "Moses of the colored people." She had faithfully gone
+down into Egypt, and had delivered these six bondmen by her own heroism.
+Harriet was a woman of no pretensions, indeed, a more ordinary specimen
+of humanity could hardly be found among the most unfortunate-looking
+farm hands of the South. Yet, in point of courage, shrewdness and
+disinterested exertions to rescue her fellow-men, by making personal
+visits to Maryland among the slaves, she was without her equal.
+
+Her success was wonderful. Time and again she made successful visits to
+Maryland on the Underground Rail Road, and would be absent for weeks, at
+a time, running daily risks while making preparations for herself and
+passengers. Great fears were entertained for her safety, but she seemed
+wholly devoid of personal fear. The idea of being captured by
+slave-hunters or slave-holders, seemed never to enter her mind. She was
+apparently proof against all adversaries. While she thus manifested such
+utter personal indifference, she was much more watchful with regard to
+those she was piloting. Half of her time, she had the appearance of one
+asleep, and would actually sit down by the road-side and go fast asleep
+when on her errands of mercy through the South, yet, she would not
+suffer one of her party to whimper once, about "giving out and going
+back," however wearied they might be from hard travel day and night. She
+had a very short and pointed rule or law of her own, which implied death
+to any who talked of giving out and going back. Thus, in an emergency
+she would give all to understand that "times were very critical and
+therefore no foolishness would be indulged in on the road." That several
+who were rather weak-kneed and faint-hearted were greatly invigorated by
+Harriet's blunt and positive manner and threat of extreme measures,
+there could be no doubt.
+
+After having once enlisted, "they had to go through or die." Of course
+Harriet was supreme, and her followers generally had full faith in her,
+and would back up any word she might utter. So when she said to them
+that "a live runaway could do great harm by going back, but that a dead
+one could tell no secrets," she was sure to have obedience. Therefore,
+none had to die as traitors on the "middle passage." It is obvious
+enough, however, that her success in going into Maryland as she did, was
+attributable to her adventurous spirit and utter disregard of
+consequences. Her like it is probable was never known before or since.
+On examining the six passengers who came by this arrival they were thus
+recorded:
+
+
+
+December 29th, 1854--John is twenty years of age, chestnut color, of
+spare build and smart. He fled from a farmer, by the name of John
+Campbell Henry, who resided at Cambridge, Dorchester Co., Maryland. On
+being interrogated relative to the character of his master, John gave no
+very amiable account of him. He testified that he was a "hard man" and
+that he "owned about one hundred and forty slaves and sometimes he would
+sell," etc. John was one of the slaves who were "hired out." He "desired
+to have the privilege of hunting his own master." His desire was not
+granted. Instead of meekly submitting, John felt wronged, and made this
+his reason for running away. This looked pretty spirited on the part of
+one so young as John. The Committee's respect for him was not a little
+increased, when they heard him express himself.
+
+
+
+Benjamin was twenty-eight years of age, chestnut color, medium size, and
+shrewd. He was the so-called property of Eliza Ann Brodins, who lived
+near Buckstown, in Maryland. Ben did not hesitate to say, in unqualified
+terms, that his mistress was "very devilish." He considered his charges,
+proved by the fact that three slaves (himself one of them) were required
+to work hard and fare meagerly, to support his mistress' family in
+idleness and luxury. The Committee paid due attention to his ex parte
+statement, and was obliged to conclude that his argument, clothed in
+common and homely language, was forcible, if not eloquent, and that he
+was well worthy of aid. Benjamin left his parents besides one sister,
+Mary Ann Williamson, who wanted to come away on the Underground Rail
+Road.
+
+
+
+Henry left his wife, Harriet Ann, to be known in future by the name of
+"Sophia Brown." He was a fellow-servant of Ben's, and one of the
+supports of Eliza A. Brodins.
+
+Henry was only twenty-two, but had quite an insight into matters and
+things going on among slaves and slave-holders generally, in country
+life. He was the father of two small children, whom he had to leave
+behind.
+
+
+
+Peter was owned by George Wenthrop, a farmer, living near Cambridge, Md.
+In answer to the question, how he had been used, he said "hard." Not a
+pleasant thought did he entertain respecting his master, save that he
+was no longer to demand the sweat of Peter's brow. Peter left parents,
+who were free; he was born before they were emancipated, consequently,
+he was retained in bondage.
+
+
+
+Jane, aged twenty-two, instead of regretting that she had unadvisedly
+left a kind mistress and indulgent master, who had afforded her
+necessary comforts, affirmed that her master, "Rash Jones, was the worst
+man in the country." The Committee were at first disposed to doubt her
+sweeping statement, but when they heard particularly how she had been
+treated, they thought Catharine had good ground for all that she said.
+Personal abuse and hard usage, were the common lot of poor slave girls.
+
+
+
+Robert was thirty-five years of age, of a chestnut color, and well made.
+His report was similar to that of many others. He had been provided with
+plenty of hard drudgery--hewing of wood and drawing of water, and had
+hardly been treated as well as a gentleman would treat a dumb brute. His
+feelings, therefore, on leaving his old master and home, were those of
+an individual who had been unjustly in prison for a dozen years and had
+at last regained his liberty.
+
+The civilization, religion, and customs under which Robert and his
+companions had been raised, were, he thought, "very wicked." Although
+these travelers were all of the field-hand order, they were,
+nevertheless, very promising, and they anticipated better days in
+Canada. Good advice was proffered them on the subject of temperance,
+industry, education, etc. Clothing, food and money were also given them
+to meet their wants, and they were sent on their way rejoicing.
+
+
+
+ESCAPED FROM "A WORTHLESS SOT."
+
+
+JOHN ATKINSON.
+
+
+John was a prisoner of hope under James Ray, of Portsmouth, Va., whom he
+declared to be "a worthless sot." This character was fully set forth,
+but the description is too disgusting for record. John was a dark
+mulatto, thirty-one years of age, well-formed and intelligent. For some
+years before escaping he had been in the habit of hiring his time for
+$120 per annum. Daily toiling to support his drunken and brutal master,
+was a hardship that John felt keenly, but was compelled to submit to up
+to the day of his escape.
+
+A part of John's life he had suffered many abuses from his oppressor,
+and only a short while before freeing himself, the auction-block was
+held up before his troubled mind. This caused him to take the first
+daring step towards Canada,--to leave his wife, Mary, without bidding
+her good-bye, or saying a word to her as to his intention of fleeing.
+
+John came as a private passenger on one of the Richmond steamers, and
+was indebted to the steward of the boat for his accommodations. Having
+been received by the Committee, he was cared for and sent on his journey
+Canada-ward. There he was happy, found employment and wanted for nothing
+but his wife and clothing left in Virginia. On these two points he wrote
+several times with considerable feeling.
+
+Some slaves who hired their time in addition to the payment of their
+monthly hire, purchased nice clothes for themselves, which they usually
+valued highly, so much so, that after escaping they would not be
+contented until they had tried every possible scheme to secure them.
+They would write back continually, either to their friends in the North
+or South, hoping thus to procure them.
+
+Not unfrequently the persons who rendered them assistance in the South,
+would be entrusted with all their effects, with the understanding, that
+such valuables would be forwarded to a friend or to the Committee at the
+earliest opportunity. The Committee strongly protested against fugitives
+writing back to the South (through the mails) on account of the
+liability of getting parties into danger, as all such letters were
+liable to be intercepted in order to the discovery of the names of such
+as aided the Underground Rail Road. To render needless this writing to
+the South the Committee often submitted to be taxed with demands to
+rescue clothing as well as wives, etc., belonging to such as had been
+already aided.
+
+The following letters are fair samples of a large number which came to
+the Committee touching the matter of clothing, etc.:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, Sept. 4th.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I now embrace this favorable opportunity of writing
+    you a few lines to inform you that I am quite well and arrived
+    here safe, and I hope that these few lines may find you and your
+    family the same. I hope you will intercede for my clothes and as
+    soon as they come please to send them to me, and if you have not
+    time, get Dr. Lundy to look out for them, and when they come be
+    very careful in sending them. I wish you would copy off this
+    letter and give it to the Steward, and tell him to give it to
+    Henry Lewy and tell him to give it to my wife. Brother sends his
+    love to you and all the family and he is overjoyed at seeing me
+    arrive safe, he can hardly contain himself; also he wants to see
+    his wife very much, and says when she comes he hopes you will
+    send her on as soon as possible. Jerry Williams' love, together
+    with all of us. I had a message for Mr. Lundy, but I forgot it
+    when I was there. No more at present, but remain your ever
+    grateful and sincere friend,
+
+    JOHN ATKINSON.
+
+
+
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, C.W., Oct. 5th, 1854.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL:--Dear Sir--I have learned of my friend, Richmond
+    Bohm, that my clothes were in Philadelphia. Will you have the
+    kindness to see Dr. Lundy and if he has my clothes in charge, or
+    knows about them, for him to send them on to me immediately, as
+    I am in great need of them. I would like to have them put in a
+    small box, and the overcoat I left at your house to be put in
+    the box with them, to be sent to the care of my friend, Hiram
+    Wilson. On receipt of this letter, I desire you to write a few
+    lines to my wife, Mary Atkins, in the care of my friend, Henry
+    Lowey, stating that I am well and hearty and hoping that she is
+    the same. Please tell her to remember my love to her mother and
+    her cousin, Emelin, and her husband, and Thomas Hunter; also to
+    my father and mother. Please request her to write to me
+    immediately, for her to be of good courage, that I love her
+    better than ever. I would like her to come on as soon as she
+    can, but for her to write and let me know when she is going to
+    start.
+
+    Affectionately Yours,
+
+    JOHN ATKINS.
+
+    W.H. ATKINSON, Fugitive, Oct., 1854.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM BUTCHER, ALIAS WILLIAM T. MITCHELL.
+
+
+"HE WAS ABUSEFUL."
+
+
+This passenger reported himself from Massey's Cross-Roads, near
+Georgetown, Maryland. William gave as his reason for being found
+destitute, and under the necessity of asking aid, that a man by the name
+of William Boyer, who followed farming, had deprived him of his hard
+earnings, and also claimed him as his property; and withal that he had
+abused him for years, and recently had "threatened to sell" him. This
+threat made his yoke too intolerable to be borne.
+
+He here began to think and plan for the future as he had never done
+before. Fortunately he was possessed with more than an average amount of
+mother wit, and he soon comprehended the requirements of the Underground
+Rail Road. He saw exactly that he must have resolution and
+self-dependence, very decided, in order to gain the victory over Boyer.
+In his hour of trial his wife, Phillis, and child, John Wesley, who were
+free, caused him much anxiety; but his reason taught him that it was his
+duty to throw off the yoke at all hazards, and he acted accordingly. Of
+course he left behind his wife and child. The interview which the
+Committee held with William was quite satisfactory, and he was duly
+aided and regularly despatched by the name of William T. Mitchell. He
+was about twenty-eight years of age, of medium size, and of quite a dark
+hue.
+
+
+
+"WHITE ENOUGH TO PASS."
+
+
+John Wesley Gibson represented himself to be not only the slave, but
+also the son of William Y. Day, of Taylor's Mount, Maryland. The
+faintest shade of colored blood was hardly discernible in this
+passenger. He relied wholly on his father's white blood to secure him
+freedom. Having resolved to serve no longer as a slave, he concluded to
+"hold up his head and put on airs." He reached Baltimore safely without
+being discovered or suspected of being on the Underground Rail Road, as
+far as he was aware of. Here he tried for the first time to pass for
+white; the attempt proved a success beyond his expectation. Indeed he
+could but wonder how it was that he had never before hit upon such an
+expedient to rid himself of his unhappy lot. Although a man of only
+twenty-eight years of age, he was foreman of his master's farm, but he
+was not particularly favored in any way on this account. His master and
+father endeavored to hold the reins very tightly upon him. Not even
+allowing him the privilege of visiting around on neighboring
+plantations. Perhaps the master thought the family likeness was rather
+too discernible. John believed that on this account all privileges were
+denied him, and he resolved to escape. His mother, Harriet, and sister,
+Frances, were named as near kin whom he had left behind. John was quite
+smart, and looked none the worse for having so much of his master's
+blood in his veins. The master was alone to blame for John's escape, as
+he passed on his (the master's) color.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+ESCAPING WITH MASTER'S CARRIAGES AND HORSES.
+
+
+HARRIET SHEPHARD, AND HER FIVE CHILDREN, WITH FIVE OTHER PASSENGERS.
+
+
+One morning about the first of November, in 1855, the sleepy,
+slave-holding neighborhood of Chestertown, Maryland, was doubtless
+deeply excited on learning that eleven head of slaves, four head of
+horses, and two carriages were missing. It is but reasonable to suppose
+that the first report must have produced a shock, scarcely less stunning
+than an earthquake. Abolitionists, emissaries, and incendiaries were
+farther below par than ever. It may be supposed that cursings and
+threatenings were breathed out by a deeply agitated community for days
+in succession.
+
+Harriet Shephard, the mother of five children, for whom she felt of
+course a mother's love, could not bear the thought of having her
+offspring compelled to wear the miserable yoke of Slavery, as she had
+been compelled to do. By her own personal experience, Harriet could very
+well judge what their fate would be when reaching man and womanhood. She
+declared that she had never received "kind treatment." It was not on
+this account, however, that she was prompted to escape. She was actuated
+by a more disinterested motive than this. She was chiefly induced to
+make the bold effort to save her children from having to drag the chains
+of Slavery as she herself had done.
+
+Anna Maria, Edwin, Eliza Jane, Mary Ann, and John Henry were the names
+of the children for whom she was willing to make any sacrifice. They
+were young; and unable to walk, and she was penniless, and unable to
+hire a conveyance, even if she had known any one who would have been
+willing to risk the law in taking them a night's journey. So there was
+no hope in these directions. Her rude intellect being considered, she
+was entitled to a great deal of credit for seizing the horses and
+carriages belonging to her master, as she did it for the liberation of
+her children.
+
+Knowing others at the same time, who were wanting to visit Canada, she
+consulted with five of this class, males and females, and they mutually
+decided to travel together.
+
+It is not likely that they knew much about the roads, nevertheless they
+reached Wilmington, Delaware, pretty direct, and ventured up into the
+heart of the town in carriages, looking as innocent as if they were
+going to meeting to hear an old-fashioned Southern sermon--"Servants,
+obey your masters." Of course, the distinguished travelers were
+immediately reported to the noted Thomas Garrett, who was accustomed to
+transact the affairs of the Underground Rail Road in a cool masterly
+way. But, on this occasion, there was but little time for deliberation,
+but much need of haste to meet the emergency. He at once decided, that
+they must immediately be separated from the horses and carriages, and
+got out of Wilmington as quickly as possible. With the courage and
+skill, so characteristic of Garrett, the fugitives, under escort, were
+soon on their way to Kennett Square (a hot-bed of abolitionists and
+stock-holders of the Underground Rail Road), which place they reached
+safely. It so happened, that they reached Long Wood meeting-house in the
+evening, at which place a fair circle had convened. Being invited, they
+stayed awhile in the meeting, then, after remaining all night with one
+of the Kennett friends, they were brought to Downingtown early in the
+morning and thence, by daylight, within a short distance of Kimberton,
+and found succor with friend Lewis, at the old headquarters of the
+fugitives.
+
+[A letter may be found from Miss G.A. Lewis, on page thirty-nine,
+throwing much light on this arrival]. After receiving friendly aid and
+advice while there, they were forwarded to the Committee in
+Philadelphia. Here further aid was afforded them, and as danger was
+quite obvious, they were completely divided and disguised, so that the
+Committee felt that they might safely be sent on to Canada in one of the
+regular trains considered most private.
+
+Considering the condition of the slave mother and her children and
+friends, all concerned rejoiced, that they had had the courage to use
+their master's horses and vehicles as they did.
+
+
+
+EIGHT AND A HALF MONTHS SECRETED.
+
+
+WASHINGTON SOMLOR, ALIAS JAMES MOORE.
+
+
+But few could tell of having been eye-witnesses to outrages more
+revolting and disgraceful than Washington Somlor. He arrived per steamer
+Pennsylvania (secreted), directly from Norfolk, Virginia, in 1855. He
+was thirty-two years of age--a man of medium size and quite intelligent.
+A merchant by the name of Smith owned Washington.
+
+Eight and a half months before escaping, Washington had been secreted in
+order to shun both master and auction-block. Smith believed in selling,
+flogging, cobbing, paddling, and all other kinds of torture, by which he
+could inflict punishment in order to make the slaves feel his power. He
+thus tyrannized over about twenty-five head.
+
+Being naturally passionate, when in a brutal mood, he made his slaves
+suffer unmercifully. Said Washington, "On one occasion, about two months
+before I was secreted, he had five of the slaves (some of them women)
+tied across a barrel, lashed with the cow-hide and then cobbed--this was
+a common practice."
+
+Such treatment was so inhuman and so incredible, that the Committee
+hesitated at first to give credence to the statement, and only yielded
+when facts and evidences were given which seemed incontestible.
+
+The first effort to come away was made on the steamship City of
+Richmond. Within sixty miles of Philadelphia, in consequence of the ice
+obstruction in the river, the steamer had to go back. How sad Washington
+felt at thus having his hopes broken to pieces may be imagined but
+cannot be described. Great as was his danger, when the steamer returned
+to Norfolk, he was safely gotten off the boat and under the eye of
+officers walked away. Again he was secreted in his old doleful quarters,
+where he waited patiently for the Spring. It came. Again the opportunity
+for another trial was presented, and it was seized unhesitatingly. This
+time, his tried faith was rewarded with success. He came through safely
+to the Committee's satisfaction as well as his own. The recital of his
+sufferings and experience had a very inspiring effect on those who had
+the pleasure of seeing Wash. in Philadelphia.
+
+Although closely secreted in Norfolk, he had, through friends, some
+little communication with the outside world. Among other items of
+information which came to his ears, was a report that his master was
+being pressed by his creditors, and had all his slaves advertised for
+sale. An item still more sad also reached his ear, to the effect that
+his wife had been sold away to North Carolina, and thus separated from
+her child, two years old. The child was given as a present to a niece of
+the master. While this is only a meagre portion of his interesting
+story, it was considered at the time sufficient to identify him should
+the occasion ever require it. We content ourselves, therefore, simply
+with giving what was recorded on the book. Wash. spent a short while in
+Philadelphia in order to recruit, after which, he went on North, where
+colored men were free.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARTHUR FOWLER, ALIAS BENJAMIN JOHNSON.
+
+
+Arthur came from Spring Hill, Maryland. Edward Fowler held Arthur in
+fetters and usurped authority over him as his lord and master. Arthur
+saw certain signs connected with his master's family which presaged to
+him that the day was not far distant, when somebody would have to be
+sold to raise money to pamper the appetites of some of the superior
+members of the patriarchal institution. Among these provocations were
+indulgence in a great deal of extravagance, and the growing up of a
+number of young masters and mistresses. Arthur would often look at the
+heirs, and the very thought of their coming into possession, would make
+him tremble. Nothing so affected Arthur's mind so much in moving him to
+make a bold stroke for freedom as these heirs.
+
+Under his old master, the usage had been bad enough, but he feared that
+it would be a great deal worse under the sons and daughters. He
+therefore wisely concluded to avoid the impending danger by availing
+himself of the Underground Rail Road. After completing such arrangements
+as he deemed necessary, he started, making his way along pretty
+successfully, with the exception of a severe encounter with Jack Frost,
+by which his feet were badly bitten. He was not discouraged, however,
+but was joyful over his victory and hopeful in view of his prospects in
+Canada. Arthur was about thirty years of age, medium size, and of a dark
+color. The Committee afforded him needed assistance, and sent him off.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS.
+
+
+About the 1st of June, 1855, the following arrivals were noted in the
+record book:
+
+EMORY ROBERTS, _alias_ WILLIAM KEMP, Talbot Co., Maryland; DANIEL PAYNE,
+Richmond, Virginia; HARRIET MAYO, JOHN JUDAH, and RICHARD BRADLEY,
+Petersburg and Richmond; JAMES CRUMMILL, SAMUEL JONES, TOLBERT JONES,
+and HENRY HOWARD, Haverford Co., Maryland; LEWIS CHILDS, Richmond,
+DANIEL BENNETT, _alias_ HENRY WASHINGTON, and wife (MARTHA,) and two
+children (GEORGE and a nameless babe).
+
+The road at this time, was doing a fair business, in a quiet way.
+Passengers were managing to come, without having to suffer in any very
+violent manner, as many had been called upon to do in making similar
+efforts. The success attending some of these passengers was partly
+attributable to the intelligence of individuals, who, for years, had
+been planning and making preparations to effect the end in view.
+Besides, the favorableness of the weather tended also to make travel
+more pleasant than in colder seasons of the year.
+
+While matters were thus favorable, the long stories of individual
+suffering and of practices and customs among young and old masters and
+mistresses, were listened to attentively, although the short summer
+nights hardly afforded sufficient opportunity for writing out details.
+
+
+
+Emory arrived safely from Talbot county. As a slave, he had served
+Edward Lloyd. He gave his master the character of treating his slaves
+with great severity. The "lash" was freely used "on women as well as
+men, old and young." In this kind of property Lloyd had invested to the
+extent of "about five hundred head," so Emory thought. Food and clothing
+for this large number were dealt out very stintedly, and daily suffering
+was the common lot of slaves under Lloyd.
+
+Emory was induced to leave, to avoid a terrible flogging, which had been
+promised him for the coming Monday. He was a married man, but exercised
+no greater control over his wife than over himself. She was hired on a
+neighboring plantation; the way did not seem open for her to accompany
+him, so he had to leave her behind. His mother, brothers, and sisters
+had to be left also. The ties of kindred usually strong in the breasts
+of slaves, were hard for Emory to break, but, by a firm resolution, that
+he would not stay on Lloyd's plantation to endure the impending
+flogging, he was nerved to surmount every obstacle in the way of
+carrying his intention into execution. He came to the Committee hungry
+and in want of clothing, and was aided in the usual way.
+
+
+
+Daniel Payne. This traveler was a man who might be said to be full of
+years, infirm, and well-nigh used up under a Virginia task-master. But
+within the old man's breast a spark was burning for freedom, and he was
+desirous of reaching free land, on which to lay his body when life's
+toil ended. So the Committee sympathized with him, aided him and sent
+him on to Canada. He was owned by a man named M.W. Morris, of Richmond,
+whence he fled.
+
+
+
+Harriet Mayo, John Judah, and Richard Bradley were the next who brought
+joy and victory with them.
+
+Harriet was a tall, well-made, intelligent young woman, twenty-two years
+of age. She spoke with feelings of much bitterness against her master,
+James Cuthbert, saying that he was a "very hard man," at the same time,
+adding that his "wife was still worse." Harriet "had been sold once."
+She admitted however, having been treated kindly a part of her life. In
+escaping, she had to leave her "poor old mother" with no hope of ever
+seeing her again; likewise she regretted having to leave three brothers,
+who kindly aided her to escape. But having her heart bent on freedom,
+she resolved that nothing should deter her from putting forth efforts to
+get out of Slavery.
+
+John was a mulatto, of genteel address, well clothed, and looked as if
+he had been "well fed." Miss Eliza Lambert had the honor of owning John,
+and was gracious enough to allow him to hire his time for one hundred
+and ten dollars per annum. After this sum was punctually paid, John
+could do what he pleased with any surplus earnings. Now, as he was fond
+of nice clothing, he was careful to earn a balance sufficient to gratify
+this love. By similar means, many slaves were seen in southern cities
+elegantly dressed, and, strangers and travelers from the North gave all
+the credit to "indulgent masters," not knowing the facts in the case.
+
+John accused his mistress of being hard in money matters, not caring how
+the servants fared, so she got "plenty of money out of them." For
+himself, however, he admitted that he had never experienced as great
+abuses as many had. He was fortunate in being wedded to a free wife, who
+was privy to all his plans and schemes looking forth to freedom, and
+fully acquiesced in the arrangement of matters, promising to come on
+after he should reach Canada. This promise was carried out in due time,
+and they were joyfully re-united under the protection of the British
+Lion.
+
+Richard was about twenty-seven. For years the hope of freedom had
+occupied his thoughts, and many had been the longing desires to see the
+way open by which he could safely get rid of oppression. He was
+sufficiently intelligent to look at Slavery in all its bearings, and to
+smart keenly under even ordinarily mild treatment. Therefore, he was
+very happy in the realization of his hopes. In the recital of matters
+touching his slave life, he alluded to his master, Samuel Ball, as a
+"very hard man," utterly unwilling to allow his servants any chance
+whatever. For reasons which he considered judicious, he kept the matter
+of his contemplated escape wholly private, not even revealing it to his
+wife. Probably he felt that she would not be willing to give him up, not
+even for freedom, as long as she could not go too. Her name was Emily,
+and she belonged to William Bolden. How she felt when she learned of her
+husband's escape is for the imagination to picture. These three
+interesting passengers were brought away snugly secreted in Captain B's.
+schooner.
+
+
+
+JAMES CRUMMILL, SAMUAL and TOLBERT JONES and HENRY HOWARD.
+
+
+This party united to throw off the yoke in Haverford county, Md.
+
+James, Samuel and Tolbert had been owned by William Hutchins. They
+agreed in giving Hutchins the character of being a notorious
+"frolicker," and a "very hard master." Under him, matters were growing
+"worse and worse." Before the old master's death times were much better.
+
+Henry did not live under the same authority that his three companions
+were subjected to, but belonged to Philip Garrison. The continual threat
+to sell harassed Henry so much, that he saw no chance of peace or
+happiness in the future. So one day the master laid the "last straw on
+the camel's back," and not another day would Henry stay. Many times it
+required a pretty heavy pressure to start off a number of young men, but
+in this instance they seemed unwilling to wait to be worn out under the
+yoke and violent treatment, or to become encumbered with wives and
+children before leaving. All were single, with the exception of James,
+whose wife was free, and named Charlotte; she understood about his going
+to Canada, and, of course, was true to him.
+
+These young men had of course been reared under circumstances altogether
+unfavorable to mental development. Nevertheless they had fervent
+aspirations to strike for freedom.
+
+
+
+Lewis Giles belonged, in the prison-house of bondage, in the city of
+Richmond, and owed service to a Mr. Lewis Hill, who made it a business
+to keep slaves expressly to hire out, just as a man keeps a livery
+stable. Lewis was not satisfied with this arrangement; he could see no
+fair play in it. In fact, he was utterly at variance with the entire
+system of Slavery, and, a long time before he left, had plans laid with
+a view of escaping. Through one of the Underground Rail Road Agents the
+glad tidings were borne to him that a passage might be procured on a
+schooner for twenty-five dollars. Lewis at once availed himself of this
+offer, and made his arrangements accordingly. He, however, made no
+mention of this contemplated movement to his wife, Louisa; and, to her
+astonishment, he was soon among the missing. Lewis was a fine-looking
+"article," six feet high, well proportioned, and of a dark chestnut
+color, worth probably $1200, in the Richmond market. Touching his slave
+life, he said that he had been treated "pretty well," except that he
+"had been sold several times." Intellectually he was above the average
+run of slaves. He left on the twenty-third of April, and arrived about
+the second of June, having, in the meantime, encountered difficulties
+and discouragements of various kinds. His safe arrival, therefore, was
+attended with unusual rejoicing.
+
+
+
+Daniel Bennett and his wife and children were the next in order. A woman
+poorly clad with a babe just one month old in her arms, and a little boy
+at her side, who could scarcely toddle, together with a husband who had
+never dared under penalty of the laws to protect her or her little ones,
+presented a most painfully touching picture. It was easy enough to see,
+that they had been crushed. The husband had been owned by Captain James
+Taylor--the wife and children by George Carter.
+
+The young mother gave Carter a very bad character, affirming, that it
+was a "common practice with him to flog the slaves, stripped entirely
+naked"--that she had herself been so flogged, since she had been a
+married woman. How the husband was treated, the record book is silent.
+He was about thirty-two--the wife about twenty-seven. Especial pains
+were taken to provide aid and sympathy to this family in their
+destitution, fleeing under such peculiarly trying circumstances and from
+such loathsome brutality. They were from Aldie P.O., London County,
+Virginia, and passed through the hands of the Committee about the 11th
+of June. What has been their fate since is not known.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS ABOUT JANUARY FIRST, 1855.
+
+
+
+
+VERENEA MERCER.
+
+
+The steamship Pennsylvania, on one of her regular trips from Richmond,
+brought one passenger, of whom the Captain had no knowledge; no
+permission had been asked of any officer of the boat. Nevertheless,
+Verenea Mercer managed, by the most extraordinary strategy, to secrete
+herself on the steamer, and thus succeeded in reaching Philadelphia. She
+was following her husband, who escaped about nine months before her.
+
+Verenea was about forty-one years of age, of a dark chestnut color,
+prepossessing in manners, intelligent and refined. She belonged to the
+slave population of Richmond, and was owned by Thomas W. Quales.
+According to her testimony, she had not received severe treatment during
+the eight and a half years that she had been in his hands. Previous to
+his becoming the owner of Verenea, it might have been otherwise,
+although nothing is recorded in proof of this inference, except that she
+had the misfortune to lose her first husband by a sale. Of course she
+was left a widow, in which state she remained nine years, at the
+expiration of which period, she married a man by the name of James
+Mercer, whose narrative may be found on p. 54.
+
+How James got off, and where he went, Verenea knew quite well;
+consequently, in planning to reach him, she resorted to the same means
+by which he achieved success. The Committee rendered her the usual aid,
+and sent her on direct to her husband in Canada. Without difficulty of
+any kind she reached there safely, and found James with arms wide open
+to embrace her. Frequent tidings reached the Committee, that they were
+getting along quite well in Toronto.
+
+
+
+On the same day (January 1st), PETER DERRICKSON and CHARLES PURNELL
+arrived from Berlin, Worcester county, Maryland. Both were able-bodied
+young men, twenty-four and twenty-six years of age, just the kind that a
+trader, or an experienced slave-holder in the farming business, would be
+most likely to select for doing full days' work in the field, or for
+bringing high prices in the market.
+
+Peter toiled and toiled, with twenty others, on John Derrickson's farm.
+And although Derrickson was said to be a "mild master," Peter decidedly
+objected to working for him for nothing. He thought over his situation a
+great deal, and finally came to the conclusion, that he must get from
+under the yoke, if possible, before entering another New Year. His
+friend Charles he felt could be confided in, therefore he made up his
+mind, that he would broach the question of Canada and the Underground
+Rail Road to him. Charles was equally ready and willing to enter into
+any practical arrangements by which he could get rid of his no-pay
+task-master, and be landed safely in Canada. After taking into account
+the dangers likely to attend such a struggle, they concluded that they
+would risk all and try their luck, as many had done before them.
+
+"What made you leave, Charles?" said a member of the Committee.
+
+"I left because I wanted my time and money for myself."
+
+No one could gainsay such a plain common-sense answer as that. The fact,
+that he had to leave his parents, three brothers, and five sisters, all
+in slavery, brought sad reflections.
+
+
+
+LLOYD HACKET, alias Perry Watkins and WILLIAM HENRY JOHNSON, alias John
+Wesley.
+
+No weather was too cold for travel, nor way too rough, when the slave
+was made to feel by his heartless master, that he was going to sell him
+or starve him to death.
+
+Lloyd had toiled on until he had reached fifty-five, before he came to
+the conclusion, that he could endure the treatment of his master, John
+Griffin, no longer, simply because "he was not good to feed and clothe,"
+and was a "great fighter." Moreover, he would "never suffer his slaves
+to stop work on account of bad weather." Not only was his master cruel
+in these particulars, but he was equally cruel with regard to selling.
+Georgia was continually held up to the slaves with a view of producing a
+wholesome fear, but in this instance, as in many similar ones, it only
+awakened desires to seek flight via the Underground Rail Road.
+
+Lloyd, convinced by experience, that matters with him would be no
+better, but worse and worse, resolved that he would start with the
+opening of the New Year to see if he could not find a better country
+than the one that he was then in.
+
+He consulted William, who, although a young man of only twenty-four
+years of age, had the hate of slavery exceedingly strong in his heart,
+and was at once willing to accompany Lloyd--ready to face cold weather
+and start on a long walk if freedom could be thus purchased, and his
+master, John Hall, thus defeated. So Lloyd took a heroic leave of his
+wife, Mary Ann, and their little boy, one brother, one sister, and two
+nieces, and at once set out with William, like pilgrims and strangers
+seeking a better country--where they would not have to go "hungry" and
+be "worked hard in all weather," threatened with the auction-block, and
+brutally flogged if they merely seemed unwilling to endure a yoke too
+grievous to be borne. Both these travelers were mulattoes, and but for
+the crushing influences that they had lived under would have made smart
+men--as it was they showed plainly, that they were men of shrewd sense.
+
+Inadvertently at the time of their arrival, the names of the State and
+place whence they fled were not entered on the book.
+
+In traveling they suffered severely from hunger and the long distance
+they had to walk, but having succeeded victoriously they were prepared
+to rejoice all the more.
+
+
+
+DAVID EDWARDS. John J. Slater, coachmaker of Petersburg, Virginia, if he
+is still living, and should see these items, may solve what may have
+been for years a great mystery to him--namely, that David, his
+man-servant, was enjoying himself in Philadelphia about the first week
+in January, 1855, receiving free accommodations and obtaining letters of
+introduction to friends in Canada. Furthermore, that David alleged that
+he was induced to escape because he (the coachmaker) was a very hard
+man, who took every dollar of his earnings, from which he would dole out
+to him only one dollar a week for board, etc., a sum less than David
+could manage to get along with.
+
+David was thirty years of age, black, weighed one hundred and forty-five
+pounds, and was worth one thousand dollars. He left his wife behind.
+
+
+
+BEVERLY GOOD and GEORGE WALKER, alias Austin Valentine. These passengers
+came from Petersburg, per steamship Pennsylvania. Richard Perry was
+lording it over Beverly, who was a young man of twenty-four years of
+age, dark, medium size, and possessed of a quick intellect--just the man
+that an Underground Rail Road agent in the South could approach with
+assurance with questions such as these--"What do you think of Slavery?"
+"Did you ever hear of the Underground Rail Road?" "How would you like to
+be free?" "Would you be willing to go to Canada if you could get off
+safely," etc., etc.
+
+Such questions at once kindled into a flame the sparks of freedom lying
+dormant in the heart. Although uttered in a whisper, they had a wondrous
+ring about them, and a wide-awake bondman instantly grasped their
+meaning. Beverly was of this class; he needed no arguments to prove that
+he was daily robbed of his rights--that Slavery was merciless and
+freedom the God-given right of all mankind. Of him, therefore, there was
+no fear that he would betray his trust or flinch too soon when cramped
+up in his hiding-place on the steamer.
+
+His comrade, George, was likewise of the same mettle, and was aided in
+the same way. George, however, had more age on his side, being about
+forty-three. He was about six feet high, with marked physical and mental
+abilities, but Slavery had had its heel upon his neck. And who could
+then have risen?
+
+Eliza Jones held the deed for George, and by her he was hired as foreman
+in a tobacco factory, in which position his duties were
+onerous--especially to one with a heavy, bleeding heart, throbbing daily
+for freedom, while, at the same time, mournfully brooding over past
+wrongs. Of these wrongs one incident must suffice. He had been married
+twice, and had been the father of six children by his first wife; at the
+command of his owner the wedded relations were abruptly broken, and he
+was obliged to seek another wife. In entering this story on the book at
+the time of the arrival, the concluding words were written thus: "This
+story is thrilling, but time will not allow its being penned."
+
+Although safely under the protection of the British Lion, George's heart
+was in Virginia, where his wife was retained. As he could not return for
+her deliverance, he was wise enough to resort to the pen, hoping in this
+way to effect his grand object, as the following letter will show:
+
+
+    TORONTO, January 25th, 1855.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND STILL:--George Walker, of Petersburg, Va., is now in
+    my office, and requests me to write a letter to you, and request
+    you to write to his wife, after or according to the instructions
+    he gave to his friend, John Brown, in your city, with whom he
+    says you are acquainted. You will understand, of course, his
+    reason for wanting the letter wrote and posted at Philadelphia.
+    You will please attend to it and address a letter to him
+    (Walker) in my care. He and Beverly Good, his comrade, tender
+    much love to you. Send them on; we are prepared for them. Yours
+    in great haste, J.B. SMITH.
+
+    P.S.--Be sure and follow the directions given to Brown.
+
+
+
+
+ADAM BROOKS, alias William Smith. Hardtown, Montgomery county, Maryland,
+lost a rather promising "article of merchandise," in the person of Adam.
+The particulars of his going are on this wise: John Phillips, his
+so-called master, believed in selling, and practiced accordinglv, to the
+extent at least of selling Adam's mother, brother, and sister only two
+years before his escape.
+
+If Adam had known nothing else against Phillips, this was enough in all
+conscience to have awakened his deadly hate; but, added to this,
+Phillips was imprudent in his habit of threatening to "sell," etc. This
+kept the old wound in Adam's heart continually bleeding and forced him
+to the conclusion, that his master was not only a hard man, as a driver
+on the farm, but that at heart he was actually a bad man. Furthermore,
+that it was his duty to break his fetters and seek his freedom in
+Canada.
+
+In thus looking at his situation, his mind was worked up to fever heat,
+and he resolved that, let the consequences be what they might, go he
+must. In this promising state of mind he started, at an appointed time,
+for Pennsylvania, and, sure enough, he succeeded. Having the appearance
+of a desirable working-hand, a Pennsylvania farmer prevailed on him to
+stop for a time. It was not long before the folly of this halt was
+plainly discernible, as his master had evidently got wind of his
+whereabouts, and was pretty hot in pursuit. Word reached Adam, however,
+barely in time for him to make his escape through the aid of friends.
+
+In coming into the hands of the Committee he needed no persuading to go
+to Canada; he was occupied with two interesting problems, to go back or
+to go forward. But he set his face hopefully towards Canada, and had no
+thought of stopping short thereof. In stature, he was small; color,
+black; countenance, pleasant, and intellect, medium. As to his fitness
+for making a good citizen in Canada the Committee had no doubt.
+
+
+
+SARAH A. DUNAGAN. Having no one to care for her, and, having been
+threatened with the auction-block, Sarah mustered pluck and started out
+in search of a new home among strangers beyond the borders of slave
+territory. According to her story, she "was born free" in the State of
+Delaware, but had been "bound out" to a man by the name of George
+Churchman, living in Wilmington. Here she averred, that she "had been
+flogged repeatedly," and had been otherwise ill-treated, while no one
+interfered to take her part. Consequently she concluded, that although
+she was born free, she would not be likely to be benefited thereby
+unless she made her escape on the Underground Rail Road. This idea of
+freedom continued to agitate Sarah's mind until she decided to leave
+forthwith. She was a young mulatto woman, single, and told her story of
+hardships and of the dread of being sold, in a manner to elicit much
+sympathy. She had a mother living in New Castle, named Ann Eliza
+Kingslow. It was no uncommon thing for free-born persons in slave States
+to lose their birth-right in a manner similar to that by which Sarah
+feared that she had lost hers.
+
+
+
+"Arrived JOSEPH HALL, JR., son of Joseph Hall, of Norfolk, Virginia."
+This is all that is recorded of this passenger, yet it is possible that
+this item of news may lead to the recognition of Joseph, should he still
+happen to be of the large multitude of fugitives scattered over the land
+amongst the living.
+
+
+
+ISAAC D. DAVIS. In fleeing from bondage, in Maryland, Davis was induced
+to stop, as many others were, in Pennsylvania. Not comprehending the
+Fugitive Slave Law he fancied that he would be safe so long as he kept
+matters private concerning his origin. But in this particular he labored
+under a complete delusion--when he least dreamed of danger the
+slave-catchers were scenting him close. Of their approach, however, he
+was fortunate enough to be notified in time to place himself in the
+hands of the Committee, who soon held out Canada to him, as the only
+sure refuge for him, and all others similarly situated. His fears of
+being carried back opened his eyes, and understanding, so that he could
+readily see the force of this argument, and accepting the proffered aid
+of the Committee was sent on his way rejoicing. He had been away from
+his master eighteen months, and in the meanwhile had married a wife in
+Pennsylvania. What became of them after this flight the book contains no
+record.
+
+
+
+JACOB MATTHIAS BOYER left at about the age of twenty. He had no idea of
+working in the condition of a slave, but if he had not been threatened
+with the auction-block, he might have remained much longer than he did.
+He had been owned by Richard Carman, cashier of one of the Annapolis
+banks, and who had recently died. Jacob fled from Annapolis. Very little
+record was made of either master or slave. Probably no incidents were
+related of sufficient importance, still the Committee felt pleased to
+receive one so young. Indeed, it always afforded the Committee especial
+satisfaction to see children, young people, and females escaping from
+the prison-house. Jacob was of a dark hue, a little below medium
+stature.
+
+
+
+ZECHARIAH MEAD, alias John Williams. This traveler had been in the house
+of bondage in Maryland, doing service for Charles C. Owens, to whom he
+belonged. According to Zechariah's statement, his mistress had been very
+unfortunate with her slave property, having lost fifteen head out of
+twenty in a similar manner to that by which she lost Zechariah. Thus she
+had been considerably reduced in circumstances. But Zechariah had no
+compassion on her whatever, but insisted that she was a hard mistress.
+Doubtless Zechariah was prompted to flee by the "bad" example of others
+who had succeeded in making good their escape, before he had made up his
+mind to leave. He was not yet quite twenty-one, but was wide-awake, and
+it appeared from his conversation, that he had done some close thinking
+before he started for freedom. He left his father, mother, and three
+brothers, all slaves except his father.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SLAVE-HOLDER IN MARYLAND WITH THREE COLORED WIVES.
+
+
+JAMES GRIFFIN ALIAS THOMAS BROWN.
+
+
+James was a tiller of the soil under the yoke of Joshua Hitch, who lived
+on a farm about seventeen miles from Baltimore. James spoke rather
+favorably of him; indeed, it was through a direct act of kindness on the
+part of his master that he procured the opportunity to make good his
+escape. It appeared from his story, that his master's affairs had become
+particularly embarrassed, and the Sheriff was making frequent visits to
+his house. This sign was interpreted to mean that James, if not others,
+would have to be sold before long. The master was much puzzled to decide
+which way to turn. He owned but three other adult slaves besides James,
+and they were females. One of them was his chief housekeeper, and with
+them all his social relations were of such a nature as to lead James and
+others to think and say that they "were all his wives." Or to use
+James's own language, "he had three slave women; two were sisters, and
+he lived with them all as his wives; two of them he was very fond of,"
+and desired to keep them from being sold if possible. The third, he
+concluded he could not save, she would have to be sold. In this dilemma,
+he was good enough to allow James a few days' holiday, for the purpose
+of finding him a good master. Expressing his satisfaction and
+gratification, James, armed with full authority from his master to
+select a choice specimen, started for Baltimore.
+
+On reaching Baltimore, however, James carefully steered clear of all
+slave-holders, and shrewdly turned his attention to the matter of
+getting an Underground Rail Road ticket for Canada. After making as much
+inquiry as he felt was safe, he came to the conclusion to walk of nights
+for a long distance. He examined his feet and legs, found that they were
+in good order, and his faith and hope strong enough to remove a
+mountain. Besides several days still remained in which he was permitted
+to look for a new master, and these he decided could be profitably spent
+in making his way towards Canada. So off he started, at no doubt a very
+diligent pace, for at the end of the first night's journey, he had made
+much headway, but at the expense of his feet.
+
+His faith was stronger than ever. So he rested next day in the woods,
+concealed, of course, and the next evening started with fresh courage
+and renewed perseverance. Finally, he reached Columbia, Pennsylvania,
+and there he had the happiness to learn, that the mountain which at
+first had tried his faith so severely, was removed, and friendly hands
+were reached out and a more speedy and comfortable mode of travel
+advised. He was directed to the Vigilance Committee in Philadelphia,
+from whom he received friendly aid, and all necessary information
+respecting Canada and how to get there.
+
+James was thirty-one years of age, rather a fine-looking man, of a
+chestnut color, and quite intelligent. He had been a married man, but
+for two years before his escape, he had been a widower--that is, his
+wife had been sold away from him to North Carolina, and in that space of
+time he had received only three letters from her; he had given up all
+hope of ever seeing her again. He had two little boys living in
+Baltimore, whom he was obliged to leave. Their names were Edward and
+William. What became of them afterwards was never known at the
+Philadelphia station.
+
+James's master was a man of about fifty years of age--who had never been
+lawfully married, yet had a number of children on his place who were of
+great concern to him in the midst of other pressing embarrassments. Of
+course, the Committee never learned how matters were settled after James
+left, but, in all probability, his wives, Nancy and Mary (sisters), and
+Lizzie, with all the children, had to be sold.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN F. ARRIVES WITH NINE PASSENGERS.
+
+
+
+
+NAMES OF PASSENGERS.
+
+
+PETER HEINES, Eatontown, North Carolina; MATTHEW BODAMS, Plymouth, North
+Carolina; JAMES MORRIS, South End, North Carolina; CHARLES THOMPSON,
+CHARITY THOMPSON, NATHANIEL BOWSER, and THOMAS COOPER, Portsmouth,
+Virginia; GEORGE ANDERSON, Elkton, Maryland.
+
+Their arrival was announced by Thomas Garrett as follows:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 7th mo., 19th, 1856.
+
+    RESPECTED FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:--I now have the pleasure of
+    consigning to thy care four able-bodied human beings from North
+    Carolina, and five from Virginia, one of which is a girl twelve
+    or thirteen years of age, the rest all men. After thee has seen
+    and conversed with them, thee can determine what is best to be
+    done with them. I am assured they are such as can take good care
+    of themselves. Elijah Pennypacker, some time since, informed me
+    he could find employment in his neighborhood for two or three
+    good hands. I should think that those from Carolina would be
+    about as safe in that neighborhood as any place this side of
+    Canada. Wishing our friends a safe trip, I remain thy sincere
+    friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+    After conferring with Harry Craige, we have concluded to send
+    five or six of them tonight in the cars, and the balance, if
+    those go safe, to-morrow night, or in the steam-boat on Second
+    day morning, directed to the Anti-Slavery office.
+
+
+There was much rejoicing over these select passengers, and very much
+interesting information was elicited from them.
+
+
+
+Peter was only twenty-one years of age, composed of equal parts of
+Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-African blood--rather a model-looking "article,"
+with a fair share of intelligence. As a slave, he had fared pretty
+well--he had neither been abused nor stinted of food or clothing, as
+many others had been. His duties had been to attend upon his master (and
+reputed father), Elias Heines, Esq., a lawyer by profession in North
+Carolina.
+
+No charges whatever appear to have been made against Mr. Heines,
+according to the record book; but Peter seemed filled with great delight
+at the prospects ahead, as well as with the success that had attended
+his efforts thus far in striking for freedom.
+
+
+
+James was twenty-seven years of age. His experience had been quite
+different from that of Peter's. The heel of a woman, by the name of Mrs.
+Ann McCourt, had been on James's neck, and she had caused him to suffer
+severely. As James recounted his grievances, while under the rule, he by
+no means gave her a very flattering character, but, on the contrary, he
+plainly stated, that she was a "desperate woman"--that he had "never
+known any good of her," and that he was moved to escape to get rid of
+her. In other words she had threatened to sell him; this well nigh
+produced frenzy in James's mind, for too well did he remember, that he
+had already been sold three times, and in different stages of his
+bondage had been treated quite cruelly. In the change of masters he was
+positive in saying, that he had not found a good one, and, besides, he
+entertained the belief that such personages were very rare.
+
+Those of the Committee who listened to James were not a little amazed at
+his fluency, intelligence and earnestness, and acknowledged that he
+dealt unusually telling blows against the Patriarchal Institution.
+
+
+
+Matthew was twenty-three years of age, very stout--no fool--a man of
+decided resolution, and of the very best black complexion produced in
+the South. Matthew had a very serious bill of complaints against Samuel
+Simmons, who professed to own him (Matthew), both body and mind, while
+in this world at least. Among these complaints was the charge of
+ill-treatment. Nevertheless Matthew's joy and pleasure were matchless
+over his Underground Rail Road triumph, and the prospect of being so
+soon out of the land and reach of Slavery, and in a land where he could
+enjoy his freedom as others enjoyed theirs. Indeed the entire band
+evinced similar feelings. Matthew left a brother in Martin county.
+
+Further sketches of this interesting company were not entered on the
+book at the time, perhaps on account of the great press of Underground
+Rail Road business which engaged the attention of the acting Committee.
+However, they were all duly cared for, and counselled to go to Canada,
+where their rights would be protected by a strong and powerful
+government, and they could enjoy all the rights of citizenship in common
+with "all the world and the rest of mankind." And especially were they
+advised to get education; to act as men, and remember those still in
+bonds as bound with them, and that they must not forget to write back,
+after their arrival in Canada, to inform their friends in Philadelphia
+of their prospects, and what they thought of the "goodly land." Thus,
+with the usual Underground Rail Road passports, they were again started
+Canada-ward. Without difficulty of any kind they duly reached Canada,
+and a portion of them wrote back as follows:
+
+
+    "TORONTO, C.W., Aug. 17th, 1856.
+
+    MR, STILL:--Dear Sir--These few lines may find you as they leave
+    us, we are well at present and arrived safe in Toronto. Give our
+    respects to Mrs. S.---- and daughter. Toronto is a very
+    extensive place. We have plenty of pork, beef and mutton. There
+    are five market houses and many churches. Female wages is 62-1/2
+    cents per day, men's wages is $1 and york shilling. We are now
+    boarding at Mr. George Blunt's, on Centre street, two doors from
+    Elm, back of Lawyer's Hall, and when you write to us, direct
+    your letter to the care of Mr. George Blunt, &c. (Signed), James
+    Monroe, Peter Heines, Henry James Morris, and Matthew Bodame."
+
+
+This intelligence was very gratifying, and most assuredly added to the
+pleasurable contemplation of having the privilege of holding out a
+helping hand to the fleeing bondman. From James Morris, one of this
+company, however, letters of a painful nature were received, touching
+his wife in bonds, setting forth her "awful" situation and appealing to
+the Committee to use their best endeavors to rescue her, with her child,
+from Slavery. One of these letters, so full of touching sentiments of
+affection and appeal on behalf of his wife, is as follows:
+
+
+    TORONTO, Canada West, upper, 18th day of the 9th mo., 1856.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL:--Dear Sir--I hope these lines may find you
+    and your family as they leave me give my respects to little
+    Caroline and her mother.
+
+    Dear Sir, I have received two letters from my wife since I saw
+    you, and the second was awful. I am sorry to say she says she
+    has been treated awful since I left, and she told the lady she
+    thought she was left free and she told her she was as much slave
+    as ever she was that the state was not to be settled until her
+    death and it would be a meracle if she and her child got it then
+    and that her master left a great many relations and she diden no
+    what they would do. Mr. Still dear sir I am very sorry to hear
+    my wife and child are slaves if you please dear sir inform me
+    what to do for my dear wife and child. She said she has been
+    threatened to be put in jail three times since I left also she
+    tells me that she is washing for the captain of a vesel that use
+    to run to Petersburg but now he runs to Baltimore and he has
+    promas to take her to Delaware or New York for 50 dollars and
+    she had not the money, she sent to me and I sent her all I had
+    which was 5 dollars dear sir can you inform me what to do with a
+    case of this kind the captains name is Thomas.
+
+    My wife is name lucy an morris my child is name lot, if you
+    please dear sir answer me as soon as you can posable.
+
+    HENRY JAMES MORRIS, Toronto C.W.
+
+    Henry James Morris in care of Wm. George Blunt, Centre st., 2
+    doors from Elam.
+
+
+This sad letter made a mournful impression, as it was not easy to see
+how her deliverance was to be effected. One feature, however, about this
+epistle afforded much satisfaction, namely, to know, that James did not
+forget his poor wife and child, who were in the prison-house. Many
+months after this first letter came to hand, Mrs. Dr. Willis, one of the
+first ladies in Toronto, wrote on his behalf as follows:
+
+
+    TORONTO, 15th June, Monday morning, 1857.
+
+    To MR. STILL, DEAR SIR:--I write you this letter for a
+    respectable young man (his name is James Morris), he passed
+    through your hands July of last year (1856), and has just had a
+    letter from his wife, whom he left behind in Virginia, that she
+    and her child are likely to be sold. He is very anxious about
+    this and wishful that she could get away by some vessel or
+    otherwise. His wife's name is Lucy Morris; the child's name is
+    Lot Morris; the lady's name she lives with is a Mrs. Hine (I
+    hope I spell her name right, Hine), at the corner of Duke street
+    and Washington street, in Norfolk city, Virginia. She is hired
+    out to this rich old widow lady. James Morris wishes me to write
+    you--he has saved forty dollars, and will send it to you
+    whenever it is required, to bring her on to Toronto, Canada
+    West. It is in the bank ready upon call. Will you please, sir,
+    direct your letter in reply to this, to a Mrs. Ringgold, Centre
+    street, two doors from Elam street, Toronto, Canada West, as I
+    will be out of town. I write this instead of Mr. Thomas Henning,
+    who is just about leaving for England. Hoping you will reply
+    soon, I remain, sir,
+
+    Respectfully yours,
+
+    AGNES WILLIS.
+
+
+Whether James ever succeeded in recovering his wife and child, is not
+known to the writer. Many similarly situated were wont to appeal again
+and again, until growing entirely hopeless, they would conclude to
+marry.
+
+Here it may be remarked, with reference to marrying, that of the great
+number of fugitives in Canada, the male sex was largely in preponderance
+over the female, and many of them were single young men. This class
+found themselves very acceptable to Irish girls, and frequently legal
+alliances were the result. And it is more than likely, that there are
+white women in Canada to-day, who are married to some poor slave woman's
+fugitive husband.
+
+Verily, the romantic and tragic phases of the Underground Rail Road are
+without number, if not past finding out.
+
+Scarcely had the above-mentioned nine left the Philadelphia depot, ere
+the following way-worn travelers came to hand:
+
+
+
+PERRY SHEPHARD, and ISAAC REED, Eastern Shore, Maryland; GEORGE
+SPERRYMAN, _alias_ THOMAS JOHNSON, Richmond; VALENTINE SPIRES, near
+Petersburg; DANIEL GREEN, _alias_ GEORGE TAYLOR, Leesburg, Virginia;
+JAMES JOHNSON, _alias_ WILLIAM GILBERT and wife HARRIET, Prince George's
+county, Maryland; HENRY COOPER, and WILLIAM ISRAEL SMITH, Middletown,
+Delaware; ANNA DORSEY, Maryland.
+
+Although starting from widely separated localities without the slightest
+communication with each other in the South, each separate passenger
+earnestly bent on freedom, had endured suffering, hunger, and perils, by
+land and water, sustained by the hope of ultimate freedom.
+
+
+
+PERRY SHEPHARD and ISAAC REED reported themselves as having fled from
+the Eastern Shore of Maryland; that they had there been held to service
+or Slavery by Sarah Ann Burgess, and Benjamin Franklin Houston, from
+whom they fled. No incidents of slave life or travel were recorded, save
+that Perry left his wife Milky Ann, and two children, Nancy and Rebecca
+(free). Also Isaac left his wife, Hester Ann Louisa, and the following
+named children: Philip Henry, Harriet Ann and Jane Elizabeth.
+
+
+
+GEORGE SPERRYMAN'S lot was cast amongst the oppressed in the city of
+Richmond, Va. Of the common ills of slave life, George could speak from
+experience; but little of his story, however, was recorded at the time.
+He had reached the Committee through the regular channel--was adjudged
+worthy of aid and encouragement, and they gave it to him freely.
+Nickless Templeman was the loser in this instance; how he bore the
+misfortune the Committee was not apprised. Without question, the
+property was delighted with getting rid of the owner.
+
+
+
+VALENTINE SPIRES came a fellow-passenger with George, having "took out"
+the previous Christmas, from a place called Dunwoody, near Petersburg.
+He was held to service in that place by Dr. Jesse Squires. Under his
+oppressive rules and demands, Valentine had been convinced that there
+could be no peace, consequently he turned his attention to one
+idea--freedom and the Underground Rail Road, and with this faith, worked
+his way through to the Committee, and was received, and aided of course.
+
+
+
+DAVID GREEN, fled from Warrington, near Leesburg. Elliott Curlett so
+alarmed David by threatening to sell him, that the idea of liberty
+immediately took possession in David's mind. David had suffered many
+hardships at the hands of his master, but when the auction-block was
+held up to him, that was the worst cut of all. He became a thinker right
+away. Although he had a wife and one child in Slavery, he decided to
+flee for his freedom at all hazards, and accordingly he carried out his
+firm resolution.
+
+
+
+JAMES JOHNSON. This "article" was doing unrequited labor as the slave of
+Thomas Wallace, in Prince George county, Maryland. He was a stout and
+rugged-looking man, of thirty-five years of age. On escaping, he was
+fortunate enough to bring his wife, Harriet with him. She was ten years
+younger than himself, and had been owned by William T. Wood, by whom she
+said that she had "been well treated." But of late, this Wood had taken
+to liquor, and she felt in danger of being sold. She knew that rum
+ruined the best of slave-holders, so she was admonished to get out of
+danger as soon as possible.
+
+
+
+CHARLES HENRY COOPER and WILLIAM ISRAEL SMITH. These passengers were
+representatives of the peculiar Institution of Middletown, Delaware.
+Charles was owned by Catharine Mendine, and William by John P. Cather.
+According to their confession, Charles and William it seemed had been
+thinking a good deal over the idea of "working for nothing," of being
+daily driven to support others, while they were rendered miserable
+thereby. So they made up their minds to try the Underground Rail Road,
+"hit or miss." This resolution was made and carried into effect (on the
+part of Charles at least), at the cost of leaving a mother, three
+brothers, and three sisters in Slavery, without hope of ever seeing them
+again. The ages of Charles and William were respectively twenty-two and
+twenty-one. Both stout and well-made young men, with intellects well
+qualified to make the wilderness of Canada bud and blossom as the rose,
+and thitherward they were dispatched.
+
+
+
+ANNA DORSET became tired of Slavery in Maryland, where she reported that
+she had been held to service by a slave-holder, known by the name of Eli
+Molesworth. The record is silent as to how she was treated. As a slave,
+she had been brought up a seamstress, and was quite intelligent. Age
+twenty-two, mulatto.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+OWEN AND OTHO TAYLOR'S FLIGHT WITH HORSES, ETC.
+
+
+THREE BROTHERS, TWO OF THEM WITH WIVES AND CHILDREN.
+
+
+About the latter part of March, 1856, Owen Taylor and his wife, Mary
+Ann, and their little son, Edward, together with a brother and his wife
+and two children, and a third brother, Benjamin, arrived from near Clear
+Springs, nine miles from Hagerstown, Maryland. They all left their home,
+or rather escaped from the prison-house, on Easter Sunday, and came
+_via_ Harrisburg, where they were assisted and directed to the Vigilance
+Committee in Philadelphia. A more interesting party had not reached the
+Committee for a long time.
+
+The three brothers were intelligent, and heroic, and, in the resolve to
+obtain freedom, not only for themselves, but for their wives and
+children desperately in earnest. They had counted well the cost of this
+struggle for liberty, and had fully made up their minds that if
+interfered with by slave-catchers, somebody would have to bite the dust.
+That they had pledged themselves never to surrender alive, was obvious.
+Their travel-worn appearance, their attachment for each other, the joy
+that the tokens of friendship afforded them, the description they gave
+of incidents on the road, made an impression not soon to be effaced.
+
+In the presence of a group like this Sumner's great and eloquent speech
+on the Barbarism of Slavery, seemed almost cold and dead,--the mute
+appeals of these little ones in their mother's arms--the unlettered
+language of these young mothers, striving to save their offspring from
+the doom of Slavery--the resolute and manly bearing of these brothers
+expressed in words full of love of liberty, and of the determination to
+resist Slavery to the death, in defence of their wives and
+children--this was Sumner's speech enacted before our eyes.
+
+Owen was about thirty-one years of age, but had experienced a deal of
+trouble. He had been married twice, and both wives were believed to be
+living. The first one, with their little child, had been sold in the
+Baltimore market, about three years before, the mother was sent to
+Louisiana, the child to South Carolina. Father, mother, and child,
+parted with no hope of ever seeing each other again in this world. After
+Owen's wife was sent South, he sent her his likeness and a dress; the
+latter was received, and she was greatly delighted with it, but he never
+heard of her having received his likeness. He likewise wrote to her, but
+he was not sure that she received his letters. Finally, he came to the
+conclusion that as she was forever dead to him, he would do well to
+marry again. Accordingly he took to himself another partner, the one who
+now accompanied him on the Underground Rail Road.
+
+Omitting other interesting incidents, a reference to his handiwork will
+suffice to show the ability of Owen. Owen was a born mechanic, and his
+master practically tested his skill in various ways; sometimes in the
+blacksmith shop--at other times as a wheelwright--again at making
+brushes and brooms, and at leisure times he would try his hand in all
+these crafts. This Jack-of-all-trades was, of course, very valuable to
+his master. Indeed his place was hard to fill.
+
+Henry Fiery, a farmer, "about sixty-four years of age, a stout, crusty
+old fellow," was the owner of Owen and his two brothers. Besides slaves,
+the old man was in possession of a wife, whose name was Martha, and
+seven children, who were pretty well grown up. One of the sons owned
+Owen's wife and two children. Owen declared, that they had been worked
+hard, while few privileges had been allowed them. Clothing of the
+poorest texture was only sparingly furnished. Nothing like Sunday
+raiment was ever given them; for these comforts they were compelled to
+do over-work of nights. For a long time the idea of escape had been
+uppermost in the minds of this party. The first of January, past, was
+the time "solemnly" fixed upon to "took out," but for some reason or
+other (not found on the record book), their strategical minds did not
+see the way altogether clear, and they deferred starting until Easter
+Sunday.
+
+On that memorable evening, the men boldly harnessed two of Mr. Fiery's
+steeds and placing their wives and children in the carriage, started off
+_via_ Hagerstown, in a direct line for Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, at a
+rate that allowed no grass to grow under the horses' feet. In this
+manner they made good time, reached Chambersburg safely, and ventured up
+to a hotel where they put up their horses. Here they bade their faithful
+beasts good-bye and "took out" for Harrisburg by another mode of travel,
+the cars. On their arrival they naturally fell into the hands of the
+Committee, who hurried them off to Philadelphia, apprising the Committee
+there of their approach by a dispatch sent ahead. Probably they had
+scarcely reached Philadelphia ere the Fierys were in hot haste after
+them, as far as Harrisburg, if not farther.
+
+It hardly need be hinted, that the community in which the Fierys lived
+was deeply agitated for days after, as indeed it was along the entire
+route to Chambersburg, in consequence of this bold and successful
+movement. The horses were easily captured at the hotel, where they were
+left, but, of course, they were mute as to what had become of their
+drivers. The furious Fierys probably got wind of the fact, that they had
+made their way to Harrisburg. At any rate they made very diligent search
+at this point. While here prosecuting his hunting operations, Fiery
+managed to open communication with at least one member of the Harrisburg
+Committee, to whom his grievances were made known, but derived little
+satisfaction.
+
+After the experience of a few weeks, the pursuers came to the
+conclusion, that there was no likelihood of recovering them through
+these agencies, or through the Fugitive Slave Law. In their despair,
+therefore, they resorted to another "dodge." All at once they became
+"sort-o'-friendly"--indeed more than half disposed to emancipate. The
+member of the Committee in Harrisburg had, it is probable, frequently
+left room for their great delusion, if he did not even go so far as to
+feed their hopes with plausible suggestions, that some assistance might
+be afforded by which an amicable settlement might be made between
+masters and slaves.
+
+The following extract, from the Committee's letter, relative to this
+matter, is open to this inference, and may serve to throw some light on
+the subject:
+
+
+    HARRISBURG, April 28, '56.
+
+    Friend Still:--Your last came to hand in due season, and I am
+    happy to hear of the safe arrival of those gents.
+
+    I have before me the Power of Attorney of Mr. John S. Fiery, son
+    of Mr. Henry Fiery, of Washington county, Md., the owner of
+    those three men, two women and three children, who arrived in
+    your town on the 24th or 25th of March. He graciously
+    condescends to liberate the oldest in a year, and the remainder
+    in proportional time, if they will come back; or to sell them
+    their time for $1300. He is sick of the job, and is ready to
+    make any conditions. Now, if you personally can get word to them
+    and get them to send him a letter, in my charge, informing him
+    of their whereabouts and prospects, I think it will be the best
+    answer I can make him. He will return here in a week or two, to
+    know what can be done. He offers $500 to see them.
+
+    Or if you can send me word where they are, I will endeavor to
+    write to them for his special satisfaction; or if you cannot do
+    either, send me your latest information, for I intend to make
+    him spend a few more dollars, and if possible get a little
+    sicker of this bad job. Do try and send him a few bitter pills
+    for his weak nerves and disturbed mind.
+
+    Yours in great haste,
+
+    Jos. C. Bustill.
+
+
+A subsequent letter from Mr. Bustill contains, besides other interesting
+Underground Rail Road matter, an item relative to the feeling of
+disappointment experienced by Mr. Fiery on learning that his property
+was in Canada.
+
+
+    HARRISBURG, May 26, '56.
+
+    Friend Still:--I embrace the opportunity presented by the visit
+    of our friend, John F. Williams, to drop you a few lines in
+    relation to our future operations.
+
+    The Lightning Train was put on the Road on last Monday, and as
+    the traveling season has commenced and this is the Southern
+    route for Niagara Falls, I have concluded not to send by way of
+    Auburn, except in cases of great danger; but hereafter we will
+    use the Lightning Train, which leaves here at 1-1/2 and arrives
+    in your city at 5 o'clock in the morning, and I will telegraph
+    about 5-1/2 o'clock in the afternoon, so it may reach you before
+    you close. These four are the only ones that have come since my
+    last. The woman has been here some time waiting for her child
+    and her beau, which she expects here about the first of June. If
+    possible, please keep a knowledge of her whereabouts, to enable
+    me to inform him if he comes.
+
+    _I have nothing more to send you, except that John Fiery has
+    visited us again and much to his chagrin received the
+    information of their being in Canada_.
+
+    Yours as ever,
+
+    Jos. C. Bustill.
+
+    Whilst the Fierys were working like beavers to re-enslave these
+    brave fugitives, the latter were daily drinking in more and more
+    of the spirit of freedom and were busy with schemes for the
+    deliverance of other near kin left behind under the galling
+    yoke.
+
+    Several very interesting letters were received from Otho Taylor,
+    relative to a raid he designed making expressly to effect the
+    escape of his family. The two subjoined must suffice, (others,
+    much longer, cannot now be produced, they have probably been
+    loaned and not returned.)
+
+
+        APRIL 15th, 1857.
+
+        SIR--We arrived here safely. Mr. Syrus and his lady is
+        well situated. They have a place for the year round 15
+        dollars per month. We are all well and hope that you are
+        all the same. Now I wish to know whether you would
+        please to send me some money to go after those people.
+        Send it here if you please.
+
+        Yours truly,
+
+        OTHO TAYLOR.
+
+        WILLIAM STILL.
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, Jan. 26, 1857.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL:--Dear Sir--I write at this time in behalf of Otho
+    Taylor. He is very anxious to go and get his family at Clear
+    Spring, Washington county, Md. He would like to know if the
+    Society there would furnish him the means to go after them from
+    Philadelphia, that you will be running no risk in doing this. If
+    the Society can do this, he would not be absent from P. more
+    than three days.
+
+    He is so anxious to get his family from slavery that he is
+    willing to do almost anything to get them to Canada. You may
+    possibly recollect him--he was at your place last August. I
+    think he can be trusted. If you can do something for him, he has
+    the means to take him to your place.
+
+    Please let me know immediately if you can do this.
+
+    Respectfully yours,
+
+    M.A.H. WILSON.
+
+
+Such appeals came very frequently from Canada, causing much sadness, as
+but little encouragement could be held out to such projects. In the
+first place, the danger attendant upon such expeditions was so fearful,
+and in the second place, our funds were so inadequate for this kind of
+work, that, in most cases, such appeals had to be refused. Of course,
+there were those whose continual coming, like the poor widow in the
+Gospel, could not be denied.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+HEAVY REWARD.
+
+
+
+    THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber,
+    residing near Bladensburg, Prince George's county, Maryland, on
+    Saturday night, the 22d of March, 1856, my negro man, Tom
+    Matthews, aged about 25 years, about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high,
+    dark copper color, full suit of bushy hair, broad face, with
+    high cheek bones, broad and square shoulders, stands and walks
+    very erect, though quite a sluggard in action, except in a
+    dance, at which he is hard to beat. He wore away a black coat
+    and brown pantaloons. I will give the above reward if taken and
+    brought home, or secured in jail, so that I get him.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    E.A. JONES, near Bladensburg, Md.
+
+
+As Mr. Jones may be unaware which way his man Tom traveled, this item
+may inform him that his name was entered on the Underground Rail Road
+book April 4th, 1856, at which date he appeared to be in good health and
+full of hope for a safe sojourn in Canada. He was destitute, of course,
+just as anybody else would have been, if robbers had stripped him of
+every dollar of his earnings; but he felt pretty sure, that he could
+take care of himself in her Majesty's dominion.
+
+The Committee, encouraged by his efforts, reached him a helping hand and
+sent him on to swell the goodly number in the promised land--Canada.
+
+On the same day that Tom arrived, the Committee had the pleasure of
+taking JAMES JONES by the hand. He was owned by Dr. William Stewart, of
+King George's Court House, Maryland. He was not, however, in the service
+of his master at the time of his escape but was hired out in Alexandria.
+For some reason, not noticed in the book, James became dissatisfied,
+changed his name to Henry Rider, got an Underground Rail Road pass and
+left the Dr. and his other associations in Maryland. He was one of the
+well-cared for "articles," and was of very near kin to the white people,
+at least a half-brother (mulatto, of course). He was thirty-two years of
+age, medium size, hard-featured and raw-boned, but "no marks about him."
+
+James looked as if he had had pretty good health, still the Committee
+thought that he would have much better in Canada. After hearing a full
+description of that country and of the great number of fugitives there
+from Maryland and other parts of the South, "Jim" felt that that was
+just the place he wanted to find, and was soon off with a free ticket, a
+letter of introduction, etc.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN F. ARRIVES WITH FOURTEEN "PRIME ARTICLES" ON BOARD.
+
+
+Thomas Garrett announced this in the following letter:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 3d mo., 23d, 1856.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:--Captain Fountain has arrived all
+    safe, with the human cargo thee was inquiring for, a few days
+    since. I had men waiting till 12 o'clock till the Captain
+    arrived at his berth, ready to receive them; last night they
+    then learned, that he had landed them at the Rocks, near the old
+    Swedes church, in the care of our efficient Pilot, who is in the
+    employ of my friend, John Hillis, and he has them now in charge.
+    As soon as my breakfast is over, I will see Hillis and determine
+    what is best to be done in their case. My own opinion is, we had
+    better send them to Hook and there put them in the cars to-night
+    and send a pilot to take them to thy house. As Marcus Hook is in
+    Pennsylvania, the agent of the cars runs no risk of the fine of
+    five hundred dollars our State imposes for assisting one of
+    God's poor out of the State by steamboat or cars.
+
+    As ever thy friend,
+
+    THOS. GAREETT.
+
+
+
+
+NAMES OF THE "ARTICLES."
+
+
+Rebecca Jones, and her three daughters, Sarah Frances, Mary, and
+Rebecca; Isaiah Robinson, Arthur Spence, Caroline Taylor, and her two
+daughters, Nancy, and Mary; Daniel Robinson; Thomas Page; Benjamin
+Dickinson; David Cole and wife.
+
+From the tenor of Thomas Garrett's letter, the Committee was prepared
+for a joyful reception, knowing that Captain F. was not in the habit of
+doing things by the halves--that he was not in the habit of bringing
+numbskulls; indeed he brought none but the bravest and most intelligent.
+Yet notwithstanding our knowledge of his practice in this respect, when
+he arrived we were surprised beyond measure. The women outnumbered the
+men. The two young mothers, with their interesting, hearty and
+fine-looking children representing in blood the two races about
+equally--presented a very impressive spectacle.
+
+The men had the appearance of being active, smart, and well disposed,
+much above the generality of slaves; but, compared with those of the
+opposite sex, their claims for sympathy were very faint indeed. No one
+could possibly avoid the conclusion, that these mothers, with their
+handsome daughters, were valued on the Ledger of their owners at
+enormously high prices; that lustful traders and sensualists had already
+gloated over the thought of buying them in a few short years. Probably
+not one of those beautiful girls would have brought less than fifteen
+hundred or two thousand dollars at the age of fifteen. It was therefore
+a great satisfaction to think, that their mothers, who knew full well to
+what a fate such slave girls were destined, had labored so heroically to
+snatch them out of this danger ere the critical hour arrived.
+
+
+
+Rebecca Jones was about twenty-eight years of age; mulatto,
+good-looking, considerably above medium size, very intelligent, and a
+true-born heroine.
+
+The following reward, offered by the notorious negro-trader, Hall,
+proved that Rebecca and her children were not to be allowed to go free,
+if slave-hunters could be induced by a heavy pecuniary consideration to
+recapture them:
+
+
+    $300 REWARD is offered for the apprehension of negro woman,
+    REBECCA JONES and her three children, and man ISAIAH, belonging
+    to W.W. Davidson, who have disappeared since the 20th inst. The
+    above reward will be paid for the apprehension and delivery of
+    the said Negroes to my Jail, by the attorney in fact of the
+    owner, or the sum of $250 for the man alone, or $150 for the
+    woman and three children alone.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    WM. W. HALL, for the Attorney, feb. 1.
+
+
+Years before her escape, her mistress died in England; and as Rebecca
+had always understood, long before this event, that all the slaves were
+to be freed at the death of her mistress, she was not prepared to
+believe any other report. It turned out, however, as in thousands of
+other instances, that no will could be found, and, of course, the
+administrators retained the slave property, regardless of any verbal
+expressions respecting freeing, etc. Rebecca closely watched the course
+of the administrators, and in the meanwhile firmly resolved, that
+neither she nor her children should ever serve another master. Rather
+than submit, she declared that she would take the lives of her children
+and then her own. Notwithstanding her bold and decided stand, the report
+went out that she was to be sold, and that all the slaves were still to
+be held in bondage. Rebecca's sympathizers and friends advised her, as
+they thought for the best, to get a friend or gentleman to purchase her
+for herself. To this she replied: "Not three cents would I give, nor do
+I want any of my friends to buy me, not if they could get me for three
+cents. It would be of no use," she contended, "as she was fully bent on
+dying, rather than remain a slave." The slave-holders evidently
+understood her, and were in no hurry about bringing her case to an
+issue--they rather gave her time to become calm. But Rebecca was
+inflexible.
+
+Six years before her arrival, her husband had escaped, in company with
+the noted fugitive, "Shadrach." For a time after he fled, she frequently
+received letters from him, but for a long while he had ceased to write,
+and of late she had heard nothing from him.
+
+In escaping stowed away in the boat, she suffered terribly, but
+faithfully endured to the end, and was only too happy when the agony was
+over. After resting and getting thoroughly refreshed in Philadelphia,
+she, with others, was forwarded to Boston, for her heart was there.
+Several letters were received from her, respecting her prospects, etc.,
+from which it appears that she had gained some knowledge of her husband,
+although not of a satisfactory nature. At any rate she decided that she
+could not receive him back again. The following letter has reference to
+her prospects, going to California, her husband, etc.:
+
+
+    PARKER HOUSE, School street, Boston, Oct. 18th, '56.
+
+    MY DEAR SIR:--I can hardly express the pleasure I feel at the
+    receipt of your kind letter; but allow me to thank you for the
+    same.
+
+    And now I will tell you my reasons for going to California. Mrs.
+    Tarrol, a cousin of my husband, has sent for me. She says I can
+    do much better there than in Boston. And as I have my children's
+    welfare to look to, I have concluded to go. Of course I shall be
+    just as likely to hear from home _there_ as _here_. Please tell
+    Mr. Bagnale I shall expect one letter from him before I leave
+    here.
+
+    I should like to hear from my brothers and sisters once more,
+    and let me hear every particular. You never can know how anxious
+    I am to hear from them; do please impress this upon their minds.
+
+    I have written two letters to Dr. Lundy and never received an
+    answer. I heard Mrs. Lundy was dead, and thought that might
+    possibly be the reason he had not replied to me. Please tell the
+    Doctor I should take it as a great favor if he would write me a
+    few lines.
+
+    I suppose you think I am going to live with my husband again.
+    Let me assure you 'tis no such thing. My mind is as firm as
+    ever. And believe me, in going away from Boston, I am going away
+    from him, for I have heard he is living somewhere near. He has
+    been making inquiries about me, but that can make no difference
+    in my feelings to him. I hope that yourself, wife and family are
+    all quite well. Please remember me to them all. Do me the favor
+    to give my love to all inquiring friends. I should be most happy
+    to have any letters of introduction you may think me worthy of,
+    and I trust I shall ever remain
+
+    Yours faithfully,
+
+    REBECCA JONES.
+
+    P.S.--I do not know if I shall go this Fall, or in the Spring.
+    It will depend upon the letter I receive from California, but
+    whichever it may be, I shall be happy to hear from you very
+    soon.
+
+
+
+
+Isaiah, who was a fellow-servant with Rebecca, and was included in the
+reward offered by Hall for Rebecca, etc., was a young man about
+twenty-three years of age, a mulatto, intelligent and of prepossessing
+manners. A purely ardent thirst for liberty prompted him to flee;
+although he declared that he had been treated very badly, and had even
+suffered severely from being shamefully "beaten." He had, however, been
+permitted to hire his time by the year, for which one hundred and twenty
+dollars were regularly demanded by his owner. Young as he was, he was a
+married man, with a wife and two children, to whom he was devoted. He
+had besides two brothers and two sisters for whom he felt a warm degree
+of brotherly affection; yet when the hour arrived for him to accept a
+chance for freedom at the apparent sacrifice of these dearest ties of
+kindred, he was found heroic enough for this painful ordeal, and to give
+up all for freedom.
+
+
+
+Caroline Taylor, and her two little children, were also from Norfolk,
+and came by boat. Upon the whole, they were not less interesting than
+Rebecca Jones and her three little girls. Although Caroline was not in
+her person half so stately, nor gave such promise of heroism as
+Rebecca--for Caroline was rather small of stature--yet she was more
+refined, and quite as intelligent as Rebecca, and represented
+considerably more of the Anglo-Saxon blood. She was a mulatto, and her
+children were almost fair enough to pass for white--probably they were
+quadroons, hardly any one would have suspected that they had only one
+quarter of colored blood in their veins. For ten years Caroline had been
+in the habit of hiring her time at the rate of seventy-five dollars per
+year, with the exception of the last year, when her hire was raised to
+eighty-four dollars. So anxious was she to have her older girl (eleven
+years old) at home with her, that she also hired her time by the year,
+for which she was compelled to pay twenty-four dollars. As her younger
+child was not sufficiently grown to hire out for pay, she was permitted
+to have it at home with her on the conditions that she would feed,
+clothe and take good care of it, permitting no expense whatever to fall
+upon the master.
+
+Judging from the appearance and manners of the children, their mother
+had, doubtless, been most faithful to them, for more handsome,
+well-behaved, intelligent and pleasing children could not easily be
+selected from either race or any station of life. The younger, Mary by
+name, nine years of age, attracted very great attention, by the deep
+interest she manifested in a poor fugitive (whom she had never seen
+before), at the Philadelphia station, confined to the bed and suffering
+excruciating pain from wounds he had received whilst escaping. Hours and
+hours together, during the two or three days of their sojourn, she spent
+of her own accord, by his bed-side, manifesting almost womanly sympathy
+in the most devoted and tender manner. She thus, doubtless,
+unconsciously imparted to the sufferer a great deal of comfort. Very
+many affecting incidents had come under the observation of the acting
+Committee, under various circumstances, but never before had they
+witnessed a sight more interesting, a scene more touching.
+
+Caroline and her children were owned by Peter March, Esq., late of
+Norfolk, but at that time, he was living in New York, and was carrying
+on the iron business. He came into possession of them through his wife,
+who was the daughter of Caroline's former master, and almost the only
+heir left, in consequence of the terrible fever of the previous summer.
+Caroline was living under the daily fear of being sold; this, together
+with the task of supporting herself and two children, made her burden
+very grievous. Not a great while before her escape, her New York master
+had been on to Norfolk, expressly with a view of selling her, and asked
+two thousand dollars for her. This, however, he failed to get, and was
+still awaiting an offer.
+
+These ill omens aroused Caroline to think more seriously over the
+condition of herself and children than she had ever done before, and in
+this state of mind she came to the conclusion, that she would strive to
+save herself and children by flight on the Underground Rail Road. She
+knew full well, that it was no faint-hearted struggle that was required
+of her, so she had nerved herself with the old martyr spirit to risk her
+all on her faith in God and Freedom, and was ready to take the
+consequences if she fell back into the hands of the enemy. This noble
+decision was the crowning act in the undertakings of thousands similarly
+situated. Through this faith she gained the liberty of herself and her
+children. Quite a number of the friends of the slave saw these
+interesting fugitives, and wept, and rejoiced with them.
+
+Col. A. Cammings, in those days Publisher of the "Evening Bulletin," for
+the first time, witnessed an Underground Rail Road arrival. Some time
+previous, in conversation with Mr. J.M. McKim, the Colonel had expressed
+views not altogether favorable to the Underground Rail Road; indeed he
+was rather inclined to apologize for slavery, if not to defend the
+Fugitive Slave Law. While endeavoring somewhat tenaciously to maintain
+his ground, Mr. McKim opposed to him not only the now well established
+Anti-Slavery doctrines, but also offered as testimony Underground Rail
+Road facts--the results of personal knowledge from daily proofs of the
+heroic struggles, marvellous faith, and intense earnestness of the
+fugitives.
+
+In all probability the Colonel did not feel prepared to deny wholly Mr.
+McKim's statement, yet, he desired to see "some" for himself. "Well,"
+said Mr. McK., "you shall see some." So when this arrival came to hand,
+true to his promise, Mr. McK. called on the Colonel and invited him to
+accompany him to the Underground Rail Road station. He assured the
+Colonel that he did not want any money from him, but simply wanted to
+convince him of his error in the recent argument that they had held on
+the subject. Accordingly the Colonel accompanied him, and found that
+twenty-two passengers had been on hand within the past twenty-four
+hours, and at least sixteen or seventeen were then in his presence. It
+is needless to say, that such a sight admitted of no contradiction--no
+argument--no doubt. The facts were too self-evident. The Colonel could
+say but little, so complete was his amazement; but he voluntarily
+attested the thoroughness of his conversion by pulling out of his pocket
+and handing to Mr. McK. a twenty dollar gold piece to aid the passengers
+on to freedom.
+
+
+
+In these hours of rest and joyful anticipation the necessities of both
+large and small were administered to according to their needs, before
+forwarding them still further. The time and attention required for so
+many left but little opportunity, however, for the Secretary to write
+their narratives. He had only evening leisure for the work. Ten or
+twelve of that party had to be sent off without having their stories
+recorded. Daniel Robertson was one of this number; his name is simply
+entered on the roll, and, but for letters received from him, after he
+passed on North, no further knowledge would have been obtained. In
+Petersburg, whence he escaped, he left his wife, for whose deliverance
+he felt bound to do everything that lay in his power, as the subjoined
+letters will attest:
+
+
+    HAVANA, August 11, 1856, Schuylkill Co., N.Y.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL--Dear Sir:--I came from Virginia in March, and was
+    at your office the last of March. My object in writing you, is
+    to inquire what I can do, or what can be done to help my wife to
+    escape from the same bondage that I was in. You will know by
+    your books that I was from Petersburg, Va., and that is where my
+    wife now is. I have received two or three letters from a lady in
+    that place, and the last one says, that my wife's mistress is
+    dead, and that she expects to be sold. I am very anxious to do
+    what I can for her before it is too late, and beg of you to
+    devise some means to get her away. Capt. the man that brought me
+    away, knows the colored agent at Petersburg, and knows he will
+    do all he can to forward my wife. The Capt. promised, that when
+    I could raise one hundred dollars for him that he would deliver
+    her in Philadelphia. Tell him that I can now raise the money,
+    and will forward it to you at any day that he thinks that he can
+    bring her. Please see the Captain and find when he will
+    undertake it, and then let me know when to forward the money to
+    you. I am at work for the Hon. Charles Cook, and can send the
+    money any day. My wife's name is Harriet Robertson, and the
+    agent at Petersburg knows her.
+
+    Please direct your answer, with all necessary directions, to N.
+    Coryell, of this village, and he will see that all is right.
+
+    Very respectfully,
+
+    DANIEL ROBERTSON.
+
+
+
+
+
+    HAVANA, Aug. 18, 1856.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL--Dear Sir:--Yours of the 18th, for D. Robertson,
+    was duly received. In behalf of Daniel, I thank you kindly for
+    the interest you manifest in him. The letters that have gone
+    from him to his friends in Virginia, have been written by me,
+    and sent in such a manner as we thought would best ensure
+    safety. Yet I am well aware of the risk of writing, and have
+    restrained him as far as possible, and the last one I wrote was
+    to be the last, till an effort was made to reclaim his wife.
+    Daniel is a faithful, likely man, and is well liked by all who
+    know him. He is industrious and prudent, and is bending his
+    whole energies toward the reclaiming his wife. He can forward to
+    you the one hundred dollars at any day that it may be wanted,
+    and if you can do anything to forward his interests it will be
+    very gratefully received as an additional favor on your part. He
+    asks for no money, but your kindly efforts, which he regards
+    more highly than money.
+
+    Very respectfully, N. CORYELL.
+
+    The letters that have been written for him were dated "Niagara
+    Falls, Canada West," and his friends think he is there--none of
+    them know to the contrary--it is important that they never do
+    know. N.C.
+
+
+
+
+
+    HAVANA, Sept. 29, 1856.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL--Dear Sir:--I enclose herewith a draft on New
+    York, payable to your order, for $100, to be paid on the
+    delivery at Philadelphia of Daniel Robertson's wife.
+
+    You can readily see that it has been necessary for Daniel to
+    work almost night and day to have laid up so large an amount of
+    money, since the first of April, as this one hundred dollars.
+    Daniel is industrious and prudent, and saves all of his
+    earnings, above his most absolute wants. If the Captain is not
+    successful in getting Daniel's wife, you, of course, will return
+    the draft, without charge, as you said. I hope success will
+    attend him, for Daniel deserves to be rewarded, if ever man did.
+    Yours, &c.
+
+    N. CORYELL.
+
+
+
+
+
+    HAVANA, Jan. 2, 1857.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--Your favor containing draft on N. York, for Daniel
+    Robertson, came to hand on the 31st ult. Daniel begs to tender
+    his acknowledgments for your kind interest manifested in his
+    behalf, and says he hopes you will leave no measure untried
+    which has any appearance of success, and that the money shall be
+    forthcoming at a moment's notice. Daniel thinks that since
+    Christmas, the chances for his wife's deliverance are fewer than
+    before, for at that time he fears she was disposed of and
+    possibly went South.
+
+    The paper sent me, with your well-written article, was received,
+    and on reading it to Daniel, he knew some of the parties
+    mentioned in it--he was much pleased to hear it read. Daniel
+    spent New Year's in Elmira, about 18 miles from this place, and
+    there he met two whom he was well acquainted with.
+
+    Yours, &c.,
+
+    N. CORYELL.
+
+    WM. STILL, Esq., Phila.
+
+
+Such devotion to freedom, such untiring labor, such appeals as these
+letters contained awakened deep interest in the breasts of Daniel's new
+friends, which spoke volumes in favor of the Slave and against
+slave-holders. But, alas, nothing could be done to relieve the sorrowing
+mind of poor Daniel for the deliverance of his wife in chains. The
+Committee sympathized deeply with him, but could do no more. What other
+events followed, in Daniel's life as a fugitive, were never made known
+to the Committee.
+
+
+
+Arthur Spence also deserves a notice. He was from North Carolina, about
+twenty-four years of age, and of pleasing appearance, and was heart and
+soul in sympathy with the cause of the Underground Rail Road. In North
+Carolina he declared that he had been heavily oppressed by being
+compelled to pay $175 per annum for his hire. In order to get rid of
+this heavy load, by shrewd management he gained access to the
+kind-hearted Captain and procured an Underground Rail Road ticket. In
+leaving bondage, he was obliged to leave his mother, two brothers and
+one sister. He appeared to be composed of just the kind of material for
+making a good British subject.
+
+
+
+Ben Dickinson. Ben was also a slave in North Carolina--located at
+Eatontown, being the property of "Miss Ann Blunt, who was very hard." In
+slave property Miss Blunt was interested to the number of about "ninety
+head." She was much in the habit of hiring out servants, and in thus
+disposing of her slaves Ben thought she was a great deal more concerned
+in getting good prices for herself than good places for them. Indeed he
+declared that "she did not care how mean the place was, if she could
+only get her price." For three years Ben had Canada and the Underground
+Rail Road in view, having been "badly treated." At last the long-looked
+for time arrived, and he conferred neither with master nor mistress, but
+"picked himself up" and "took out." Age twenty-eight, medium size, quite
+dark, a good carpenter, and generally intelligent. Left two sisters,
+etc.
+
+Of this heroic and promising party we can only mention, in conclusion,
+one more passenger, namely:
+
+
+
+Tom Page. At the time of his arrival, his name only was enrolled on the
+book. Yet he was not a passenger soon to be forgotten--he was but a mere
+boy, probably eighteen years of age; but a more apt, ready-witted,
+active, intelligent and self-reliant fellow is not often seen.
+
+Judging from his smartness, under slavery, with no chances, it was easy
+to imagine how creditably he might with a white boy's chances have
+climbed the hill of art and science. Obviously he had intellect enough,
+if properly cultivated, to fill any station within the ordinary reach of
+intelligent American citizens. He could read and write remarkably well
+for a slave, and well did he understand his advantages in this
+particular; indeed if slave-holders had only been aware of the growing
+tendency of Tom's mind, they would have rejoiced at hearing of his
+departure for Canada; he was a most dangerous piece of property to be
+growing up amongst slaves.
+
+After leaving the Committee and going North his uncaged mind felt the
+need of more education, and at the same time he was eager to make money,
+and do something in life. As he had no one to depend on, parents and
+relatives being left behind in Norfolk, he felt that he must rely upon
+himself, young as he was. He first took up his abode in Boston, or New
+Bedford, where most of the party with whom he escaped went, and where he
+had an aunt, and perhaps some other distant kin. There he worked and was
+a live young man indeed--among the foremost in ideas and notions about
+freedom, etc., as many letters from him bore evidence. After spending a
+year or more in Massachusetts, he had a desire to see how the fugitives
+were doing in Upper and Lower Canada, and if any better chances existed
+in these parts for men of his stamp.
+
+Some of his letters, from different places, gave proof of real thought
+and close observation, but they were not generally saved, probably were
+loaned to be read by friendly eyes. Nevertheless the two subjoined will,
+in a measure, suffice to give some idea of his intelligence, etc.
+
+
+    BOSTON, Mass., Feb. 25th, 1857.
+
+    WILLIAM STILL, Esq.:--Dear Sir--I have not heard from you for
+    some time. I take this opportunity of writing you a few lines to
+    let you and all know that I am well at present and thank God for
+    it. Dear Sir, I hear that the under ground railroad was in
+    operation. I am glad to hear that. Give my best respects to your
+    family and also to Dr. L., Mr. Warrick, Mr. Camp and familys, to
+    Mr. Fisher, Mr. Taylor to all Friends names too numerous to
+    mention. Please to let me know when the road arrived with
+    another cargo. I want to come to see you all before long, if
+    nothing happens and life lasts. Mrs. Gault requested me to learn
+    of you if you ask Mr. Bagnal if he will see father and what he
+    says about the children. Please to answer as soon as possible.
+    No more at present from a friend,
+
+    THOMAS F. PAGE.
+
+
+
+
+
+    NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., Oct. 6th, '58.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I received your kind letter and I was very glad to
+    hear from you and your family. This leaves me well, and I hope
+    when this comes to hand it may find you the same. I have seen a
+    large number of your U.G.R.R. friends in my travels through the
+    Eastern as well as the Western States. Well there are a good
+    many from my own city who I know--some I talk to on private
+    matters and some I wont. Well around here there are so
+    many--Tom, Dick and Harry--that you do not know who your friend
+    is. So it don't hurt any one to be careful. Well, somehow or
+    another, I do not like Canada, or the Provinces. I have been to
+    St. John, N.B., Lower Province, or Lower Canada, also St.
+    Catharines, C.W., and all around the Canada side, and I do not
+    like it at all. The people seem to be so queer--though I suppose
+    if I had of went to Canada when I first came North to live, I
+    might like it by this time. I was home when Aunt had her
+    Ambro-type taken for you. She often speaks of your kindness to
+    her. There are a number of your friends wishes you well. My
+    little brother is going to school in Boston. The lady, Mrs.
+    Hillard, that my Aunt lives with, thinks a good deal of him. He
+    is very smart and I think, if he lives, he may be of some
+    account. Do you ever see my old friend, Capt. Fountain? Please
+    to give my love to him, and tell him to come to Boston, as there
+    are a number of his friends that would like to see him. My best
+    respects to all friends. I must now bring my short epistle to a
+    close, by saying I remain your friend truly,
+
+    THOMAS F. PAGE.
+
+
+While a portion of the party, on hand with him, came as passengers with
+Capt. P., another portion was brought by Capt. B., both parties arriving
+within twelve hours of each other; and both had likewise been frozen up
+on the route for weeks with their respective live freight on board.
+
+The sufferings for food, which they were called upon to endure, were
+beyond description. They happened to have plenty of salt fat pork, and
+perhaps beans, Indian meal and some potatoes for standing dishes; the
+more delicate necessaries did not probably last longer than the first or
+second week of their ice-bondage.
+
+Without a doubt, one of these Captains left Norfolk about the twentieth
+of January, but did not reach Philadelphia till about the twentieth of
+March, having been frozen up, of course, during the greater part of that
+time. Men, women and children were alike sharers in the common struggle
+for freedom--were alike an hungered, in prison, naked, and sick, but it
+was a fearful thing in those days for even women and children to whisper
+their sad lamentations in the city of Philadelphia, except to those
+friendly to the Underground Rail Road.
+
+Doubtless, if these mothers, with their children and partners in
+tribulation, could have been seen as they arrived direct from the boats,
+many hearts would have melted, and many tears would have found their way
+down many cheeks. But at that time cotton was acknowledged to be
+King--the Fugitive Slave Law was supreme, and the notorious decision of
+Judge Taney, that "black men had no rights which white men were bound to
+respect," echoed the prejudices of the masses too clearly to have made
+it safe to reveal the fact of their arrival, or even the heart-rending
+condition of these Fugitives.
+
+Nevertheless, they were not turned away empty, though at a peril they
+were fed, aided, and comforted, and sent away well clothed. Indeed, so
+bountifully were the women and children supplied, that as they were
+being conveyed to the Camden and Amboy station, they looked more like a
+pleasuring party than like fugitives. Some of the good friends of the
+slave sent clothing, and likewise cheered them with their presence.
+
+[Before the close of this volume, such friends and sympathizers will be
+more particularly noticed in an appropriate place.]
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS--LATTER PART OF DECEMBER, 1855, AND BEGINNING OF
+JANUARY, 1856.
+
+
+JOSEPH CORNISH, Dorchester Co., Md.; LEWIS FRANCIS, _alias_ LEWIS
+JOHNSON, Harford Co., Md.; ALEXANDER MUNSON, Chestertown, Md.; SAMUEL
+and ANN SCOTT, Cecil Cross-Roads, Md.; WM. HENRY LAMINSON, Del.; ISAAC
+STOUT, _alias_ GEORGE WASHINGTON, CAROLINE GRAVES, Md.; HENRY and ELIZA
+WASHINGTON, Alexandria, Va.; HENRY CHAMBERS, JOHN CHAMBERS, SAMUEL FALL,
+and THOMAS ANDERSON, Md.
+
+
+
+Joseph Cornish was about forty years of age when he escaped. The heavy
+bonds of Slavery made him miserable. He was a man of much natural
+ability, quite dark, well-made, and said that he had been "worked very
+hard." According to his statement, he had been an "acceptable preacher
+in the African Methodist Church," and was also "respected by the
+respectable white and colored people in his neighborhood." He would not
+have escaped but for fear of being sold, as he had a wife and five
+children to whom he was very much attached, but had to leave them
+behind. Fortunately they were free.
+
+Of his ministry and connection with the Church, he spoke with feelings
+of apparent solemnity, evidently under the impression that the little
+flock he left would be without a shepherd. Of his master, Captain Samuel
+Le Count, of the U.S. Navy, he had not one good word to speak; at least
+nothing of the kind is found on the Record Book; but, on the contrary,
+he declared that "he was very hard on his servants, allowing them no
+chance whatever to make a little ready money for themselves." So in
+turning his face towards the Underground Rail Road, and his back against
+slavery, he felt that he was doing God service.
+
+The Committee regarded him as a remarkable man, and was much impressed
+with his story, and felt it to be a privilege and a pleasure to aid him.
+
+
+
+Lewis Francis was a man of medium size, twenty-seven years of age,
+good-looking and intelligent. He stated that he belonged to Mrs.
+Delinas, of Abingdon, Harford Co., Md., but that he had been hired out
+from a boy to a barber in Baltimore. For his hire his mistress received
+eight dollars per month.
+
+To encourage Lewis, his kind-hearted mistress allowed him out of his own
+wages the sum of two dollars and fifty cents per annum! His clothing he
+got as best he could, but nothing did she allow him for that purpose.
+Even with this arrangement she had been dissatisfied of late years, and
+thought she was not getting enough out of Lewis; she, therefore, talked
+strongly of selling him. This threat was very annoying to Lewis, so much
+so, that he made up his mind that he would one day let her see, that so
+far as he was concerned, it was easier to talk of selling than it would
+be to carry out her threat.
+
+With this growing desire for freedom he gained what little light he
+could on the subject of traveling, Canada, etc., and at a given time off
+he started on his journey and found his way to the Committee, who
+imparted substantial aid as usual.
+
+
+
+Alexander Munson, alias Samuel Garrett. This candidate for Canada was
+only eighteen years of age; a well-grown lad, however, and had the one
+idea that "all men were born free" pretty deeply rooted in his mind. He
+was quite smart, and of a chestnut color. By the will of his original
+owner, the slaves were all entitled to their freedom, but it appeared,
+from Alexander's story, that the executor of the estate did not regard
+this freedom clause in the will. He had already sold some of the slaves,
+and others--he among them--were expecting to be sold before coming into
+possession of their freedom. Two of them had been sold to Alabama,
+therefore, with these evil warnings, young Alexander resolved to strike
+out at once for Canada, despite Maryland slave-holders. With this bold
+and manly spirit he succeeded, of course.
+
+
+
+Anna Scott and husband, Samuel Scott. This couple escaped from Cecil
+Cross-Roads, Md. The wife, in this instance, evidently took the lead,
+and acted the more manly part in striking for freedom; therefore, our
+notice of this arrival will chiefly relate to her..
+
+Anna was owned by a widow, named Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Lushy, who resided
+on a farm of her own. Fifteen slaves, with other stock, were kept on the
+place. She was accustomed to rule with severity, being governed by a
+"high temper," and in nowise disposed to allow her slaves to enjoy even
+ordinary privileges, and besides, would occasionally sell to the
+Southern market. She was calculated to render slave life very unhappy.
+Anna portrayed her mistress's treatment of the slaves with much
+earnestness, especially when referring to the sale of her own brother
+and sister. Upon the whole, the mistress was so hateful to Anna, that
+she resolved not to live in the house with her. During several years
+prior to her escape, Anna had been hired out, where she had been treated
+a little more decently than her mistress was wont to do; on this account
+she was less willing to put up with any subsequent abuse from her
+mistress.
+
+To escape was the only remedy, so she made up her mind, that she would
+leave at all hazards. She gave her husband to understand, that she had
+resolved to seek a home in Canada. Fortunately, he was free, but slavery
+had many ways of putting the yoke on the colored man, even though he
+might be free; it was bound to keep him in ignorance, and at the same
+time miserably abject, so that he would scarcely dare to look up in the
+presence of white people.
+
+Sam, apparently, was one of the number who had been greatly wronged in
+this particular. He had less spirit than his wife, who had been directly
+goaded to desperation. He agreed, however, to stand by her in her
+struggles while fleeing, and did so, for which he deserves credit. It
+must be admitted, that it required some considerable nerve for a free
+man even to join his wife in an effort of this character. In setting
+out, Anna had to leave her father (Jacob Trusty), seven sisters and two
+brothers. The names of the sisters were as follows: Emeline, Susan Ann,
+Delilah, Mary Eliza, Rosetta, Effie Ellender and Elizabeth; the
+brothers--Emson and Perry. For the commencement of their journey they
+availed themselves of the Christmas holidays, but had to suffer from the
+cold weather they encountered. Yet they got along tolerably well, and
+were much cheered by the attention and aid they received from the
+Committee.
+
+
+
+William Henry Laminson came from near Newcastle, Delaware. He was smart
+enough to take advantage of the opportunity to escape at the age of
+twenty-one. As he had given the matter his fullest attention for a long
+time, he was prepared to make rapid progress when he did start, and as
+he had no great distance to travel it is not unlikely, that while his
+master was one night sleeping soundly, this young piece of property
+(worth at least $1,000 in the market), was crossing Mason and Dixon's
+Line, and steering directly for Canada. Francis Harkins was the name of
+the master. William did not give him a very bad character.
+
+
+
+George Washington Gooseberry, alias Isaac Stout, also took advantage of
+the holidays to separate from his old master, Anthony Rybold, a farmer
+living near Newcastle, Delaware. Nothing but the desire to be free moved
+George to escape. He was a young man about twenty-three years of age, of
+a pure black color, in stature, medium size, and well-made. Nothing
+remarkable is noted in the book in any way connected with his life or
+escape.
+
+
+
+Caroline Graves. Caroline was of the bond class belonging to the State
+of Maryland. Having reached the age of forty without being content, and
+seeing no bright prospect in the future, she made up her mind to break
+away from the bonds of Slavery and seek a more congenial atmosphere
+among strangers in Canada. She had had the privilege of trying two
+masters in her life-time; the first she admitted was "kind" to her, but
+the latter was "cruel." After arriving in Canada, she wrote back as
+follows:
+
+
+    TORONTO, Jan. 22, 1856.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--WILLIAM STILL--I have found my company they arrived
+    here on monday eving I found them on tusday evening. Please to
+    be so kind as to send them boxes we are here without close to
+    ware we have some white frendes is goin to pay for them at this
+    end of the road. The reason that we send this note we are afraid
+    the outher one woudent go strait because it wasent derected
+    wright. Please to send them by the express then thay wont be
+    lost. Please to derect these boxes for Carline Graives in the
+    car of mrs. Brittion. Please to send the bil of the boxes on
+    with them. Mrs. Brittion, Lousig street near young street.
+
+
+
+
+George Graham and wife, Jane, alias Henry Washington and Eliza. The cold
+weather of January was preferred, in this instance, for traveling.
+Indeed matters were so disagreeable with them that they could not tarry
+in their then quarters any longer. George was twenty-four years of age,
+quite smart, pleasant countenance, and of dark complexion.
+
+He had experienced "rough usage" all the way along through life, not
+unfrequently from severe floggings. Twice, within the last year, he had
+been sold. In order to prevent a renewal of these inflictions he
+resorted to the Underground Rail Road with his wife, to whom he had only
+been married six months.
+
+In one sense, they appeared to be in a sad condition, it being the dead
+of winter, but their condition in Alexandria, under a brutal master and
+mistress which both had the misfortune to have, was much sadder. To give
+all their due, however, George's wife acknowledged, that she had been
+"well treated under her old mistress," but through a change, she had
+fallen into the hands of a "new one," by whom her life had been rendered
+most "miserable;" so much so, that she was willing to do almost anything
+to get rid of her, and was, therefore, driven to join her husband in
+running away.
+
+
+
+Henry Chambers, John Chambers, Samuel Fall, and Jonathan Fisher. This
+party represented the more promising-looking field-hand slave population
+of Maryland. Henry and John were brothers, twenty-four and twenty-six
+years of age, stout made, chestnut color, good-looking, but in height
+not quite medium. Henry "owed service or labor," to a fellow-man by the
+name of William Rybold, a farmer living near Sassafras Neck, Md. Henry
+evidently felt, that he did master Rybold no injustice in testifying
+that he knew no good of him, although he had labored under him like a
+beast of burden all his days. He had been "clothed meanly," and "poorly
+fed." He also alleged, that his mistress was worse than his master, as
+she would "think nothing of knocking and beating the slave women for
+nothing." John was owned by Thomas Murphy. From that day to this, Thomas
+may have been troubling his brain to know why his man John treated him
+so shabbily as to leave him in the manner that he did. Jack had a good
+reason for his course, nevertheless. In his corn field-phrase he
+declared, that his master Murphy would not give you half clothes, and
+besides he was a "hard man," who kept Jack working out on hire.
+Therefore, feeling his wrongs keenly, Jack decided, with his other
+friends, to run off and be free.
+
+Sam, another comrade, was also owned by William Rybold. Sam had just
+arrived at his maturity (twenty-one), when he was invited to join in the
+plot to escape. At first, it might be thought strange, why one so young
+should seek to escape. A few brief words from Sam soon explained the
+mystery. It was this: his master, as he said, had been in the habit of
+tying him up by the hands and flogging him unmercifully; besides, in the
+allowance of food and clothing, he always "stinted the slaves yet worked
+them very hard." Sam's chances for education had been very unfavorable,
+but he had mind enough to know that liberty was worth struggling for. He
+was willing to make the trial with the other boys. He was of a dark
+chestnut color, and of medium size.
+
+Jonathan belonged to A. Rybold, and was only nineteen years of age. All
+that need be said in relation to his testimony, is, that it agreed with
+his colleague's and fellow-servant's, Samuel. Before starting on their
+journey, they felt the need of new names, and in putting their wits
+together, they soon fixed this matter by deciding to pass in future by
+the following names: James and David Green, John Henry, and Jonathan
+Fisher.
+
+In the brief sketches given in this chapter, some lost ones, seeking
+information of relatives, may find comfort, even if the general reader
+should fail to be interested.
+
+
+
+PART OF THE ARRIVALS IN DECEMBER, 1855.
+
+
+
+
+THOMAS JERVIS GOOSEBERRY and WILLIAM THOMAS FREEMAN, _alias_ EZEKIEL
+CHAMBERS; HENRY HOOPER; JACOB HALL, _alias_ HENRY THOMAS, and wife,
+HENRIETTA and child; Two men from near Chestertown, Md.; FENTON JONES;
+MARY CURTIS; WILLIAM BROWN; CHARLES HENRY BROWN; OLIVER PURNELL and
+ISAAC FIDGET.
+
+
+
+Thomas Jervis Gooseberry and William Thomas Freeman. The coming of this
+party was announced in the subjoined letter:
+
+
+    SCHUYLKILL, 11th Mo., 29th, 1855.
+
+    WILLIAM STILL: DEAR FRIEND:--Those boys will be along by the
+    last Norristown train to-morrow evening. I think the train
+    leaves Norristown at 6 o'clock, but of this inform thyself. The
+    boys will be sent to a friend at Norristown, with instructions
+    to assist them in getting seats in the last train that leaves
+    Norristown to-morrow evening. They are two of the eleven who
+    left some time since, and took with them some of their master's
+    horses; I have told them to remain in the cars at Green street
+    until somebody meets them.
+
+    E.F. PENNYPACKER.
+
+
+Having arrived safely, by the way and manner indicated in E.F.
+Pennypacker's note, as they were found to be only sixteen and seventeen
+years of age, considerable interest was felt by the Acting Committee to
+hear their story. They were closely questioned in the usual manner. They
+proved to be quite intelligent, considering how young they were, and how
+the harrow of Slavery had been upon them from infancy.
+
+They escaped from Chestertown, Md., in company with nine others (they
+being a portion of the eleven who arrived in Wilmington, with two
+carriages, etc., noticed on page 302), but, for prudential reasons they
+were separated while traveling. Some were sent on, but the boys had to
+be retained with friends in the country. Many such separations were
+inevitable. In this respect a great deal of care and trouble had to be
+endured for the sake of the cause.
+
+Thomas Jervis, the elder boy, was quite dark, and stammered somewhat,
+yet he was active and smart. He stated that Sarah Maria Perkins was his
+mistress in Maryland. He was disposed to speak rather favorably of her,
+at least he said that she was "tolerably kind" to her servants. She,
+however, was in the habit of hiring out, to reap a greater revenue for
+them, and did not always get them places where they were treated as well
+as she herself treated them. Tom left his father, Thomas Gooseberry, and
+three sisters, Julia Ann, Mary Ellen, and Katie Bright, all slaves.
+
+Ezekiel, the younger boy, was of a chestnut color, clever-looking,
+smart, and well-grown, just such an one as a father enjoying the
+blessings of education and citizenship, might have felt a considerable
+degree of pride in. He was owned by a man called John Dwa, who followed
+"farming and drinking," and when under the influence of liquor, was
+disposed to ill-treat the slaves. Ezekiel had not seen his mother for
+many years, although she was living in Baltimore, and was known by the
+name of "Dorcas Denby." He left no brothers nor sisters.
+
+The idea of boys, so young and inexperienced as they were, being thrown
+on the world, gave occasion for serious reflection. Still the Committee
+were rejoiced that they were thus early in life, getting away from the
+"Sum of all villanies." In talking with them, the Committee endeavored
+to impress them with right ideas as to how they should walk in life,
+aided them, of course, and sent them off with a double share of advice.
+What has been their destiny since, is not known.
+
+
+
+Henry Hooper, a young man of nineteen years of age, came from Maryland,
+in December, in a subsequent Underground Rail Road arrival. That he came
+in good order, and was aided and sent off, was fully enough stated on
+the book, but nothing else; space, however was left for the writing out
+of his narrative, but it was never filled up. Probably the loose sheet
+on which the items were jotted down, was lost.
+
+
+
+Jacob Hall, alias Henry Thomas, wife Henrietta, and child, were also
+among the December passengers. On the subject of freedom they were
+thoroughly converted. Although Jacob was only about twenty years of age,
+he had seen enough of Slavery under his master, "Major William
+Hutchins," whom he described as a "farmer, commissioner, drunkard, and
+hard master," to know that no hope could be expected from him, but if he
+remained, he would daily have to be under the "harrow." The desire to
+work for himself was so strong, that he could not reconcile his mind to
+the demands of Slavery. While meditating upon freedom, he concluded to
+make an effort with his wife and child to go to Canada.
+
+His wife, Henrietta, who was then owned by a woman named Sarah Ann
+McGough, was as unhappily situated as himself. Indeed Henrietta had come
+to the conclusion, that it was out of the question for a servant to
+please her mistress, it mattered not how hard she might try; she also
+said, that her mistress drank, and that made her "wus."
+
+Besides, she had sold Henrietta's brother and sister, and was then
+taking steps to sell her,--had just had her appraised with this view. It
+was quite easy, therefore, looking at their condition in the light of
+these plain facts, for both husband and wife to agree, that they could
+not make their condition any worse, even if they should be captured in
+attempting to escape. Henrietta also remembered, that years before her
+mother had escaped, and got off to Canada, which was an additional
+encouragement. Thus, as her own faith was strengthened, she could
+strengthen that of her husband.
+
+Their little child they resolved to cling to through thick and thin; so,
+in order that they might not have so far to carry him, father and mother
+each bridled a horse and "took out" in the direction of the first
+Underground Rail Road station. Their faithful animals proved of
+incalculable service, but they were obliged to turn them loose on the
+road without even having the opportunity or pleasure of rewarding them
+with a bountiful feed of oats.
+
+Although they had strange roads, woods and night scenes to pass through,
+yet they faltered not. They found friends and advisers on the road,
+however, and reached the Committee in safety, who was made to rejoice
+that such promising-looking "property" could come out of Ladies' Manor,
+Maryland. The Committee felt that they had acted wisely in taking the
+horses to assist them the first night.
+
+
+
+The next arrival is recorded thus: "Dec. 10, 1855, Arrived, two men from
+near Chestertown, Md. They came to Wilmington in a one horse wagon, and
+through aid of T.G. they were sent on." (Further account at the time,
+written on a loose piece of paper, is among the missing).
+
+
+
+Fenton Jones escaped from Frederick, Md. After arriving in the
+neighborhood of Ereildoun, Pa., he was induced to tarry awhile for the
+purpose of earning means to carry him still farther. But he was soon led
+to apprehend danger, and was advised and directed to apply to the
+Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia for the needed aid, which he did,
+and was dispatched forthwith to Canada.
+
+
+
+About the same time a young woman arrived, calling herself Mary Curtis.
+She was from Baltimore, and was prompted to escape to keep from being
+sold. She was nineteen years of age, small size, dark complexion. No
+special incidents in her life were noted.
+
+
+
+William Brown came next. If others had managed to make their way out of
+the prison-house without great difficulties, it was far from William to
+meet with such good luck, as he had suffered excessively for five weeks
+while traveling. It was an easy matter for a traveler to get lost, not
+knowing the roads, nor was it safe to apply to a stranger for
+information or direction--therefore, in many instances, the journey
+would either have to be given up, or be prosecuted, suffering almost to
+the death.
+
+In the trying circumstances in which William found himself, dark as
+everything looked, he could not consent to return to his master, as he
+felt persuaded, that if he did, there would be no rest on earth for him.
+He well remembered, that, because he had resisted being flogged (being
+high spirited), his master had declined to sell him for the express
+purpose of making an example of him--as a warning to the other slaves on
+the place. William was as much opposed to being thus made use of as he
+was to being flogged. His reflections and his stout heart enabled him to
+endure five weeks of severe suffering while fleeing from oppression. Of
+course, when he did succeed, the triumph was unspeakably joyous.
+Doubtless, he had thought a great deal during this time, and being an
+intelligent fugitive, he interested the Committee greatly.
+
+The man that he escaped from was called William Elliott, a farmer,
+living in Prince George's county, Md. William Elliott claimed the right
+to flog and used it too. William, however, gave him the character of
+being among the moderate slave-holders of that part of the country. This
+was certainly a charitable view. William was of a chestnut color, well
+made, and would have commanded, under the "hammer," a high price, if his
+apparent intelligence had not damaged him. He left his father,
+grand-mother, four sisters and two brothers, all living where he fled
+from.
+
+
+
+Charles Henry Brown. This "chattel" was owned by Dr. Richard Dorsey, of
+Cambridge, Maryland. Up to twenty-seven years of age, he had experienced
+and observed how slaves were treated in his neighborhood, and he made up
+his mind that he was not in favor of the Institution in any form
+whatever. Indeed he felt, that for a man to put his hand in his
+neighbor's pocket and rob him, was nothing compared to the taking of a
+man's hard earnings from year to year. Really Charles reasoned the case
+so well, in his uncultured country phrases, that the Committee was
+rather surprised, and admired his spirit in escaping. He was a man of
+not quite medium size, with marked features of mind and character.
+
+
+
+Oliver Purnell and Isaac Fidget arrived from Berlin, Md. Each had
+different owners. Oliver stated that Mose Purnell had owned him, and
+that he was a tolerably moderate kind of a slave-holder, although he was
+occasionally subject to fractious turns. Oliver simply gave as his
+reason for leaving in the manner that he did, that he wanted his "own
+earnings." He felt that he had as good a right to the fruit of his labor
+as anybody else. Despite all the pro-slavery teachings he had listened
+to all his life, he was far from siding with the pro-slavery doctrines.
+He was about twenty-six years of age, chestnut color, wide awake and a
+man of promise; yet it was sadly obvious that he had been blighted and
+cursed by slavery even in its mildest forms. He left his parents, two
+brothers and three sisters all slaves in the hands of Purnell, the
+master whom he deserted.
+
+Isaac, his companion, was about thirty years of age, dark, and in
+intellect about equal to the average passengers on the Underground Rail
+Road. He had a very lively hope of finding his wife in freedom, she
+having escaped the previous Spring; but of her whereabouts he was
+ignorant, as he had had no tidings of her since her departure. A lady by
+the name of Mrs. Fidget held the deed for Isaac. He spoke kindly of her,
+as he thought she treated her slaves quite as well at least as the best
+of slave-holders in his neighborhood. His view was a superficial one, it
+meant only that they had not been beaten and starved half to death.
+
+
+
+As the heroic adventures and sufferings of Slaves struggling for
+freedom, shall be read by coming generations, were it not for
+unquestioned statutes upholding Slavery in its dreadful heinousness,
+people will hardly be able to believe that such atrocities were enacted
+in the nineteenth century, under a highly enlightened, Christianized,
+and civilized government. Having already copied a statute enacted by the
+State of Virginia, as a sample of Southern State laws, it seems fitting
+that the Fugitive Slave Bill, enacted by the Congress of the United
+States, shall be also copied, in order to commemorate that most infamous
+deed, by which, it may be seen, how great were the bulwarks of
+oppression to be surmounted by all who sought to obtain freedom by
+flight.
+
+
+
+THE FUGITIVE SLAVE BILL OF 1850.
+
+
+"AN ACT RESPECTING FUGITIVES FROM JUSTICE, AND PERSONS ESCAPING FROM THE
+SERVICE OF THEIR MASTERS."
+
+
+
+    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
+    United States of America in Congress assembled:
+
+    That the persons who have been, or may hereafter be appointed
+    commissioners, in virtue of any Act of Congress, by the circuit
+    courts of the United States, and who, in consequence of such
+    appointment, are authorized to exercise the powers that any
+    justice of the peace or other magistrate of any of the United
+    States, may exercise in respect to offenders for any crime or
+    offence against the United States, by arresting, imprisoning, or
+    bailing the same under and by virtue of the thirty-third section
+    of the act of the twenty-fourth of September, seventeen hundred
+    and eighty-nine, entitled, "An act to establish the judicial
+    courts of the United States," shall be, and are hereby
+    authorized and required to exercise and discharge all the powers
+    and duties conferred by this act.
+
+    Sec. 2. And be it further enacted: That the superior court of
+    each organized territory of the United States, shall have the
+    same power to appoint commissioners to take acknowledgments of
+    bail and affidavit, and to take depositions of witnesses in
+    civil causes, which is now possessed by the circuit courts of
+    the United States, and all commissioners, who shall hereafter be
+    appointed for such purposes, by the superior court of any
+    organized territory of the United States, shall possess all the
+    powers, and exercise all the duties conferred by law, upon the
+    commissioners appointed by the circuit courts of the United
+    States for similar purposes, and shall, moreover, exercise and
+    discharge all the powers and duties conferred by this act.
+
+    SEC. 3. And be it further enacted: That the circuit courts of
+    the United States, and the superior courts of each organized
+    territory of the United States, shall, from time to time,
+    enlarge the number of Commissioners, with a view to afford
+    reasonable facilities to reclaim fugitives from labor, and to
+    the prompt discharge of the duties imposed by this act.
+
+    SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, that the commissioners above
+    named, shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the judges of the
+    circuit and district courts of the United States, in their
+    respective circuits and districts within the several States, and
+    the judges of the superior courts of the Territories severally
+    and collectively, in term time and vacation; and shall grant
+    certificates to such claimants, upon satisfactory proof being
+    made, with authority to take and remove such fugitives from
+    service or labor, under the restrictions herein contained, to
+    the State or territory from which such persons may have escaped
+    or fled.
+
+    SEC. 5. And be it further enacted: That it shall be the duty of
+    all marshals and deputy marshals, to obey and execute all
+    warrants and precepts issued under the provisions of this act,
+    when to them directed; and should any marshal or deputy marshal
+    refuse to receive such warrant or other process when tendered,
+    or to use all proper means diligently to execute the same, he
+    shall, on conviction thereof, be fined in the sum of one
+    thousand dollars to the use of such claimant, on the motion of
+    such claimant by the circuit or district court for the district
+    of such marshal; and after arrest of such fugitive by the
+    marshal, or his deputy, or whilst at any time in his custody,
+    under the provisions of this act, should such fugitive escape,
+    whether with or without the assent of such marshal or his
+    deputy, such marshal shall be liable, on his official bond, to
+    be prosecuted, for the benefit of such claimant, for the full
+    value of the service or labor of said fugitive in the State,
+    Territory or district whence he escaped; and the better to
+    enable the said commissioners, when thus appointed, to execute
+    their duties faithfully and efficiently, in conformity with the
+    requirements of the Constitution of the United States, and of
+    this act, they are hereby authorized and empowered, within their
+    counties respectively, to appoint in writing under their hands,
+    any one or more suitable persons, from time to time, to execute
+    all such warrants and other process as may be issued by them in
+    the lawful performance of their respective duties, with an
+    authority to such commissioners, or the persons to be appointed
+    by them, to execute process as aforesaid, to summon and call to
+    their aid the bystanders or posse comitatus, of the proper
+    county, when necessary to insure a faithful observance of the
+    clause of the Constitution referred to, in conformity with the
+    provisions of this act; and all good citizens are hereby
+    commanded to aid and assist in the prompt and efficient
+    execution of this law, whenever their services may be required,
+    as aforesaid, for that purpose; and said warrants shall run and
+    be executed by said officers anywhere in the State within which
+    they are issued.
+
+    SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That when a person held to
+    service or labor in any State or Territory of the United States,
+    has heretofore, or shall hereafter escape into another State or
+    Territory of the United States, the person or persons to whom
+    such service or labor may be due, or his, her or their agent or
+    attorney, duly authorized, by power of attorney, in writing,
+    acknowledged and certified under the seal of some legal office
+    or court of the State or Territory, in which the same may be
+    executed, may pursue and reclaim such fugitive person, either by
+    procuring a warrant from some one of the courts, judges, or
+    commissioners aforesaid, of the proper circuit, district or
+    county, for the apprehension of such fugitive from service or
+    labor, or by seizing and arresting such fugitive, where the same
+    can be done without process, and by taking, or causing such
+    person to be taken, forthwith, before such court, judge or
+    commissioner, whose duty it shall be to hear and determine the
+    case of such claimant in a summary manner, and upon satisfactory
+    proof being made, by deposition or affidavit, in writing, to be
+    taken and certified by such court, judge or commissioner, or by
+    other satisfactory testimony, duly taken and certified by some
+    court, magistrate, justice of the peace, or other legal officer
+    authorized to administer an oath and take depositions under the
+    laws of the State or Territory from which such person owing
+    service or labor may have escaped, with a certificate of such
+    magistrate, or other authority, as aforesaid, with the seal of
+    the proper court or officer thereto attached, which seal shall
+    be sufficient to establish the competency of the proof, and with
+    proof also, by affidavit, of the identity of the person whose
+    service or labor is claimed to be due, as aforesaid, that the
+    person so arrested does in fact owe service or labor to the
+    person or persons claiming him or her, in the State or Territory
+    from which such fugitive may have escaped, as aforesaid, and
+    that said person escaped, to make out and deliver to such
+    claimant, his or her agent or attorney, a certificate setting
+    forth the substantial facts as to the service or labor due from
+    such fugitive to the claimant, and of his or her escape from the
+    State or Territory in which such service or labor was due, to
+    the State or Territory, in which he or she was arrested, with
+    authority to such claimant, or his or her agent or attorney, to
+    use such reasonable force and restraint as may be necessary,
+    under the circumstances of the case, to take and remove such
+    fugitive person back to the State or Territory from whence he or
+    she may have escaped, as aforesaid. In no trial or hearing,
+    under this act, shall the testimony of such alleged fugitives be
+    admitted in evidence, and the certificates in this and the first
+    section mentioned, shall be conclusive of the right of the
+    person or persons in whose favor granted to remove such
+    fugitives to the State or Territory from which they escaped, and
+    shall prevent all molestation of said person or persons by any
+    process issued by any court, judge, magistrate, or other person
+    whomsoever.
+
+    SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That any person who shall
+    knowingly and willfully obstruct, hinder, or prevent such
+    claimant, his agent, or attorney, or any person or persons
+    lawfully assisting him, her or them from arresting such a
+    fugitive from service or labor, either with or without process,
+    as aforesaid, or shall rescue, or attempt to rescue, such
+    fugitive from service or labor, or from the custody of such
+    claimant, his or her agent, or attorney, or other person or
+    persons lawfully assisting, as aforesaid, when so arrested,
+    pursuant to the authority herein given and declared, or shall
+    aid, abet, or assist such person, so owing service or labor, as
+    aforesaid, directly or indirectly, to escape from such claimant,
+    his agent or attorney, or other person or persons legally
+    authorized, as aforesaid, or shall harbor or conceal such
+    fugitive, so as to prevent the discovery and arrest of such
+    person, after notice or knowledge of the fact that such person
+    was a fugitive from service or labor, as aforesaid, shall, for
+    either of said offences, be subject to a fine not exceeding one
+    thousand dollars, and imprisonment not exceeding six months, by
+    indictment and conviction before the District Court of the
+    United States, for the district in which such offence may have
+    been committed, or before the proper court of criminal
+    jurisdiction, if committed within any one of the organized
+    Territories of the United States; and shall, moreover, forfeit
+    and pay, by way of civil damages, to the party injured by such
+    illegal conduct, the sum of one thousand dollars for each
+    fugitive so lost, as aforesaid, to be recovered by action of
+    debt in any of the District or Territorial Courts aforesaid,
+    within whose jurisdiction the said offence may have been
+    committed.
+
+    SEC. 8. And be it further enacted, That the Marshals, their
+    deputies, and the clerks of the said districts and territorial
+    courts, shall be paid for their services the like fees as may be
+    allowed to them for similar services in other cases; and where
+    such services are rendered exclusively in the arrest, custody,
+    and delivery of the fugitives to the claimant, his or her agent,
+    or attorney, or where such supposed fugitive may be discharged
+    out of custody from the want of sufficient proof, as aforesaid,
+    then such fees are to be paid in the whole by such complainant,
+    his agent or attorney, and in all cases where the proceedings
+    are before a Commissioner, he shall be entitled to a fee of ten
+    dollars in full for his services in each case, upon the delivery
+    of the said certificate to the claimant, his or her agent or
+    attorney; or a fee of five dollars in cases where proof shall
+    not, in the opinion of said Commissioner, warrant such
+    certificate and delivery, inclusive of all services incident to
+    such arrest and examination, to be paid in either case, by the
+    claimant, his or her agent or attorney. The person or persons
+    authorized to execute the process to be issued by such
+    Commissioners for the arrest and detention of fugitives from
+    service or labor, as aforesaid, shall also be entitled to a fee
+    of five dollars each for each person he or they may arrest and
+    take before any such Commissioners, as aforesaid, at the
+    instance and request of such claimant, with such other fees as
+    may be deemed reasonable by such Commissioner for such other
+    additional services as may be necessarily performed by him or
+    them; such as attending to the examination, keeping the fugitive
+    in custody, and providing him with food and lodgings during his
+    detention, and until the final determination of such
+    Commissioner; and in general for performing such other duties as
+    may be required by such claimant, his or her attorney or agent
+    or commissioner in the premises; such fees to be made up in
+    conformity with the fees usually charged by the officers of the
+    courts of justice within the proper district or county as far as
+    may be practicable, and paid by such claimants, their agents or
+    attorneys, whether such supposed fugitive from service or labor
+    be ordered to be delivered to such claimants by the final
+    determination of such Commissioners or not.
+
+    SEC. 9. And be it further enacted, That upon affidavit made by
+    the claimant of such fugitive, his agent or attorney, after such
+    certificate has been issued, that he has reason to apprehend
+    that such fugitive will be rescued by force from his or their
+    possession before he can be taken beyond the limits of the State
+    in which the arrest is made, it shall be the duty of the officer
+    making the arrest to retain such fugitive in his custody, and to
+    remove him to the State whence he fled, and there to deliver him
+    to said claimant, his agent or attorney. And to this end the
+    officer aforesaid is hereby authorized and required to employ so
+    many persons as he may deem necessary, to overcome such force,
+    and to retain them in his service so long as circumstances may
+    require; the said officer and his assistants, while so employed,
+    to receive the same compensation, and to be allowed the same
+    expenses as are now allowed by law for the transportation of
+    criminals, to be certified by the judge of the district within
+    which the arrest is made, and paid out of the treasury of the
+    United States.
+
+    SEC. 10. And be it further enacted, That when any person held to
+    service or labor in any State or Territory, or in the District
+    of Columbia, shall escape therefrom, the party to whom such
+    service or labor shall be due, his, her, or their agent, or
+    attorney may apply to any court of record therein, or judge
+    thereof in vacation, and make such satisfactory proof to such
+    court or judge in vacation, of the escape aforesaid, and that
+    the person escaping owed service or labor to such party.
+    Thereupon the court shall cause a record to be made of the
+    matters so proved, and also a personal description of the person
+    so escaping, with such convenient certainty as may be; and a
+    transcript of such record, authenticated by the attestation of
+    the clerk, and of the seal of said court being produced in any
+    other State, Territory or District in which the person so
+    escaping may be found, and being exhibited to any judge,
+    commissioner, or other officer authorized by the law of the
+    United States to cause persons escaping from, service or labor
+    to be delivered up, shall be held and taken to be full and
+    conclusive evidence of the fact of escape, and that the service
+    or labor of the person escaping is due to the party in such
+    record mentioned. And upon the production, by the said party, of
+    other and further evidence, if necessary, either oral or by
+    affidavit, in addition to what is contained in said record of
+    the identity of the person escaping, he or she shall be
+    delivered up to the claimant. And said court, commissioners,
+    judge, or other persons authorized by this act to grant
+    certificates to claimants of fugitives, shall, upon the
+    production of the record and other evidence aforesaid, grant to
+    such claimant a certificate of his right to take any such
+    person, identified and proved to be owing service or labor as
+    aforesaid, which certificate shall authorize such claimant to
+    seize, or arrest, and transport such person to the State or
+    Territory from which he escaped: Provided, That nothing herein
+    contained shall be construed as requiring the production of a
+    transcript of such record as evidence as aforesaid, but in its
+    absence, the claim shall be heard and determined upon other
+    satisfactory proofs competent in law.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE SLAVE-HUNTING TRAGEDY IN LANCASTER COUNTY, IN SEPTEMBER, 1851.
+
+
+"TREASON AT CHRISTIANA."
+
+
+Having inserted the Fugitive Slave Bill in these records of the
+Underground Rail Road, one or two slave cases will doubtless suffice to
+illustrate the effect of its passage on the public mind, and the colored
+people in particular. The deepest feelings of loathing, contempt and
+opposition were manifested by the opponents of Slavery on every hand.
+Anti-slavery papers, lecturers, preachers, etc., arrayed themselves
+boldly against it on the ground of its inhumanity and violation of the
+laws of God.
+
+On the other hand, the slave-holders South, and their pro-slavery
+adherents in the North demanded the most abject obedience from all
+parties, regardless of conscience or obligation to God. In order to
+compel such obedience, as well as to prove the practicability of the
+law, unbounded zeal daily marked the attempt on the part of
+slave-holders and slave-catchers to refasten the fetters on the limbs of
+fugitives in different parts of the North, whither they had escaped.
+
+In this dark hour, when colored men's rights were so insecure, as a
+matter of self-defence, they felt called upon to arm themselves and
+resist all kidnapping intruders, although clothed with the authority of
+wicked law. Among the most exciting cases tending to justify this
+course, the following may be named:
+
+James Hamlet was the first slave case who was summarily arrested under
+the Fugitive Slave Law, and sent back to bondage from New York.
+
+William and Ellen Craft were hotly pursued to Boston by hunters from
+Georgia.
+
+Adam Gibson, a free colored man, residing in Philadelphia, was arrested,
+delivered into the hands of his alleged claimants, by commissioner
+Edward D. Ingraham, and hurried into Slavery.
+
+Euphemia Williams (the mother of six living children),--her case excited
+much interest and sympathy.
+
+Shadrach was arrested and rescued in Boston.
+
+Hannah Dellum and her child were returned to Slavery from Philadelphia.
+
+Thomas Hall and his wife were pounced upon at midnight in Chester
+county, beaten and dragged off to Slavery, etc.
+
+And, as if gloating over their repeated successes, and utterly
+regardless of all caution, about one year after the passage of this
+nefarious bill, a party of slave-hunters arranged for a grand capture at
+Christiana.
+
+One year from the passage of the law, at a time when alarm and
+excitement were running high, the most decided stand was taken at
+Christiana, in the State of Pennsylvania, to defeat the law, and defend
+freedom. Fortunately for the fugitives the plans of the slave-hunters
+and officials leaked out while arrangements were making in Philadelphia
+for the capture, and, information being sent to the Anti-slavery office,
+a messenger was at once dispatched to Christiana to put all persons
+supposed to be in danger on their guard.
+
+Among those thus notified, were brave hearts, who did not believe in
+running away from slave-catchers. They resolved to stand up for the
+right of self-defence. They loved liberty and hated Slavery, and when
+the slave-catchers arrived, they were prepared for them. Of the contest,
+on that bloody morning, we have copied a report, carefully written at
+the time, by C.M. Burleigh, editor of the "Pennsylvania Freeman," who
+visited the scene of battle, immediately after it was over, and
+doubtless obtained as faithful an account of all the facts in the case,
+as could then be had.
+
+
+    "Last Thursday morning, (the 11th inst,), a peaceful
+    neighborhood in the borders of Lancaster county, was made the
+    scene of a bloody battle, resulting from an attempt to capture
+    seven colored men as fugitive slaves. As the reports of the
+    affray which came to us were contradictory, and having good
+    reason to believe that those of the daily press were grossly
+    one-sided and unfair, we repaired to the scene of the tragedy,
+    and, by patient inquiry and careful examination, endeavored to
+    learn the real facts. To do this, from the varying and
+    conflicting statements which we encountered, scarcely two of
+    which agreed in every point, was not easy; but we believe the
+    account we give below, as the result of these inquiries, is
+    substantially correct.
+
+    Very early on the 11th inst. a party of slave-hunters went into
+    a neighborhood about two miles west of Christiana, near the
+    eastern border of Lancaster county, in pursuit of fugitive
+    slaves. The party consisted of Edward Gorsuch, his son,
+    Dickerson Gorsuch, his nephew, Dr. Pearce, Nicholas Hutchins,
+    and others, all from Baltimore county, Md., and one Henry H.
+    Kline, a notorious slave-catching constable from Philadelphia,
+    who had been deputized by Commissioner Ingraham for this
+    business. At about day-dawn they were discovered lying in an
+    ambush near the house of one William Parker, a colored man, by
+    an inmate of the house, who had started for his work. He fled
+    back to the house, pursued by the slave-hunters, who entered the
+    lower part of the house, but were unable to force their way into
+    the upper part, to which the family had retired. A horn was
+    blown from an upper window; two shots were fired, both, as we
+    believe, though we are not certain, by the assailants, one at
+    the colored man who fled into the house, and the other at the
+    inmates, through the window. No one was wounded by either. A
+    parley ensued. The slave-holder demanded his slaves, who he said
+    were concealed in the house. The colored men presented
+    themselves successively at the window, and asked if they were
+    the slaves claimed; Gorsuch said, that neither of them was his
+    slave. They told him that they were the only colored men in the
+    house, and were determined never to be taken alive as slaves.
+    Soon the colored people of the neighborhood, alarmed by the
+    horn, began to gather, armed with guns, axes, corn-cutters, or
+    clubs. Mutual threatenings were uttered by the two parties. The
+    slave-holders told the blacks that resistance would be useless,
+    as they had a party of thirty men in the woods near by. The
+    blacks warned them again to leave, as they would die before they
+    would go into Slavery.
+
+    From an hour to an hour and a half passed in these parleyings,
+    angry conversations, and threats; the blacks increasing by new
+    arrivals, until they probably numbered from thirty to fifty,
+    most of them armed in some way. About this time, Castner
+    Hanaway, a white man, and a Friend, who resided in the
+    neighborhood, rode up, and was soon followed by Elijah Lewis,
+    another Friend, a merchant, in Cooperville, both gentlemen
+    highly esteemed as worthy and peaceable citizens. As they came
+    up, Kline, the deputy marshal, ordered them to aid him, as a
+    United States officer, to capture the fugitive slaves. They
+    refused of course, as would any man not utterly destitute of
+    honor, humanity, and moral principle, and warned the assailants
+    that it was madness for them to attempt to capture fugitive
+    slaves there, or even to remain, and begged them if they wished
+    to save their own lives, to leave the ground. Kline replied, "Do
+    you really think so?" "Yes," was the answer, "the sooner you
+    leave, the better, if you would prevent bloodshed." Kline then
+    left the ground, retiring into a very safe distance into a
+    cornfield, and toward the woods. The blacks were so exasperated
+    by his threats, that, but for the interposition of the two white
+    Friends, it is very doubtful whether he would have escaped
+    without injury. Messrs. Hanaway and Lewis both exerted their
+    influence to dissuade the colored people from violence, and
+    would probably have succeeded in restraining them, had not the
+    assailing party fired upon them. Young Gorsuch asked his father
+    to leave, but the old man refused, declaring, as it is said and
+    believed, that he would "go to hell, or have his slaves."
+
+    Finding they could do nothing further, Hanaway and Lewis both
+    started to leave, again counselling the slave-hunters to go
+    away, and the colored people to peace, but had gone but a few
+    rods, when one of the inmates of the house attempted to come out
+    at the door. Gorsuch presented his revolver, ordering him back.
+    The colored man replied, "You had better go away, if you don't
+    want to get hurt," and at the same time pushed him aside and
+    passed out. Maddened at this, and stimulated by the question of
+    his nephew, whether he would "take such an insult from a d----d
+    nigger," Gorsuch fired at the colored man, and was followed by
+    his son and nephew, who both fired their revolvers. The fire was
+    returned by the blacks, who made a rush upon them at the same
+    time. Gorsuch and his son fell, the one dead the other wounded.
+    The rest of the party after firing their revolvers, fled
+    precipitately through the corn and to the woods, pursued by some
+    of the blacks. One was wounded, the rest escaped unhurt. Kline,
+    the deputy marshal, who now boasts of his miraculous escape from
+    a volley of musket-balls, had kept at a safe distance, though
+    urged by young Gorsuch to stand by his father and protect him,
+    when he refused to leave the ground. He of course came off
+    unscathed. Several colored men were wounded, but none severely.
+    Some had their hats or their clothes perforated with bullets;
+    others had flesh wounds. They said that the Lord protected them,
+    and they shook the bullets from their clothes. One man found
+    several shot in his boot, which seemed to have spent their force
+    before reaching him, and did not even break the skin. The
+    slave-holders having fled, several neighbors, mostly Friends and
+    anti-slavery men, gathered to succor the wounded and take charge
+    of the dead. We are told that Parker himself protected the
+    wounded man from his excited comrades, and brought water and a
+    bed from his own house for the invalid, thus showing that he was
+    as magnanimous to his fallen enemy as he was brave in the
+    defence of his own liberty. The young man was then removed to a
+    neighboring house, where the family received him with the
+    tenderest kindness and paid him every attention, though they
+    told him in Quaker phrase, that "they had no unity with his
+    cruel business," and were very sorry to see him engaged in it.
+    He was much affected by their kindness, and we are told,
+    expressed his regret that he had been thus engaged, and his
+    determination, if his life was spared, never again to make a
+    similar attempt. His wounds are very severe, and it is feared
+    mortal. All attempts to procure assistance to capture the
+    fugitive slaves failed, the people in the neighborhood either
+    not relishing the business of slave-catching, or at least, not
+    choosing to risk their lives in it. There was a very great
+    reluctance felt to going even to remove the body and the wounded
+    man, until several abolitionists and Friends had collected for
+    that object, when others found courage to follow on. The
+    excitement caused by this most melancholy affair is very great
+    among all classes. The abolitionists, of course, mourn the
+    occurrence, while they see in it a legitimate fruit of the
+    Fugitive Slave Law, just such a harvest of blood as they had
+    long feared that the law would produce, and which they had
+    earnestly labored to prevent. We believe that they alone, of all
+    classes of the nation, are free from responsibility for its
+    occurrence, having wisely foreseen the danger, and faithfully
+    labored to avert it by removing its causes, and preventing the
+    inhuman policy which has hurried on the bloody convulsion.
+
+    The enemies of the colored people, are making this the occasion
+    of fresh injuries, and a more bitter ferocity toward that
+    defenceless people, and of new misrepresentation and calumnies
+    against the abolitionists.
+
+    The colored people, though the great body of them had no
+    connection with this affair, are hunted like partridges upon the
+    mountains, by the relentless horde which has been poured forth
+    upon them, under the pretense of arresting the parties concerned
+    in the fight. When we reached Christiana, on Friday afternoon,
+    we found that the Deputy-Attorney Thompson, of Lancaster, was
+    there, and had issued warrants, upon the depositions of Kline
+    and others, for the arrest of all suspected persons. A company
+    of police were scouring the neighborhood in search of colored
+    people, several of whom were seized while at their work near by,
+    and brought in.
+
+    CAstner Hanaway and Elijah Lewis, hearing that warrants were
+    issued against them, came to Christiana, and voluntarily gave
+    themselves up, calm and strong in the confidence of their
+    innocence. They, together with the arrested colored men, were
+    sent to Lancaster jail that night.
+
+    The next morning we visited the ground of the battle, and the
+    family where young Gorsuch now lives, and while there, we saw a
+    deposition which he had just made, that he believed no white
+    persons were engaged in the affray, beside his own party. As he
+    was on the ground during the whole controversy, and deputy
+    Marshall Kline had discreetly run off into the corn-field,
+    before the fighting began, the hireling slave-catcher's eager
+    and confident testimony against our white friends, will, we
+    think, weigh lightly with impartial men.
+
+    On returning to Christiana, we found that the United States
+    Marshal from the city, had arrived at that place, accompanied by
+    Commissioner Ingraham, Mr. Jones, a special commissioner of the
+    United States, from Washington, the U.S. District Attorney
+    Ashmead, with forty-five U.S. Marines from the Navy Yard, and a
+    posse of about forty of the City Marshal's police, together with
+    a large body of special constables, eager for such a manhunt,
+    from Columbia and Lancaster and other places. This crowd divided
+    into parties, of from ten to twenty-five, and scoured the
+    country, in every direction, for miles around, ransacking the
+    houses of the colored people, and captured every colored man
+    they could find, with several colored women, and two other white
+    men. Never did our heart bleed with deeper pity for the peeled
+    and persecuted colored people, than when we saw this troop let
+    loose upon them, and witnessed the terror and distress which its
+    approach excited in families, wholly innocent of the charges
+    laid against them."
+
+
+On the other hand, a few extracts from the editorials of some of the
+leading papers, will suffice to show the state of public feeling at that
+time, and the dreadful opposition abolitionists and fugitives had to
+contend with.
+
+From one of the leading daily journals of Philadelphia, we copy as
+follows:
+
+
+    "There can be no difference of opinion concerning the shocking
+    affair which occurred at Christiana, on Thursday, the resisting
+    of a law of Congress by a band of armed negroes, whereby the
+    majesty of the Government was defied and life taken in one and
+    the same act. There is something more than a mere ordinary,
+    something more than even a murderous, riot in all this. It is an
+    act of insurrection, we might, considering the peculiar class
+    and condition of the guilty parties, almost call it a servile
+    insurrection--if not also one of treason. Fifty, eighty, or a
+    hundred persons, whether white or black, who are deliberately in
+    arms for the purpose of resisting the law, even the law for the
+    recovery of fugitive slaves, are in the attitude of levying war
+    against the United States; and doubly heavy becomes the crime of
+    murder in such a case, and doubly serious the accountability of
+    all who have any connection with the act as advisers,
+    suggesters, countenancers, or accessories in any way whatever."
+
+
+In those days, the paper from which this extract is taken, represented
+the Whig party and the more moderate and respectable class of citizens.
+
+The following is an extract from a leading democratic organ of
+Philadelphia:
+
+
+    "We will not, however, insult the reader by arguing that which
+    has not been heretofore doubted, and which is not doubted now,
+    by ten honest men in the State, and that is that the
+    abolitionists are implicated in the Christiana murder. All the
+    ascertained facts go to show that they were the real, if not the
+    chief instigators. White men are known to harbor fugitives, in
+    the neighborhood of Christiana, and these white men are known to
+    be abolitionists, known to be opposed to the Fugitive Slave Law,
+    and _known_ to be the warm friends of William F. Johnston,
+    (Governor of the State of Pennsylvania). And, as if to clinch
+    the argument, no less than three white men are now in the
+    Lancaster prison, and were arrested as accomplices in the
+    dreadful affair on the morning of the eleventh. And one of these
+    white men was committed on a charge of high treason, on Saturday
+    last, by United States Commissioner Ingraham."
+
+
+Another daily paper of opposite politics thus spake:
+
+
+    "The unwarrantable outrage committed last week, at Christiana,
+    Lancaster county, is a foul stain upon the fair name and fame of
+    our State. We are pleased to see that the officers of the
+    Federal and State Governments are upon the tracks of those who
+    were engaged in the riot, and that several arrests have been
+    made.
+
+    We do not wish to see the poor misled blacks who participated in
+    the affair, suffer to any great extent, for they were but tools.
+    The men who are really chargeable with treason against the
+    United States Government, and with the death of Mr. Gorsuch, an
+    estimable citizen of Maryland, are unquestionably _white_, with
+    hearts black enough to incite them to the commission of any
+    crime equal in atrocity to that committed in Lancaster county.
+    Pennsylvania has now but one course to pursue, and that is to
+    aid, and warmly aid, the United States in bringing to condign
+    punishment, every man engaged in the riot. She owes it to
+    herself and to the Union. Let her in this resolve, be just and
+    fearless."
+
+
+From a leading neutral daily paper the following is taken: "One would
+suppose from the advice of forcible resistance, so familiarly given by
+the abolitionists, that they are quite unaware that there is any such
+crime as treason recognized by the Constitution, or punished with death
+by the laws of the United States. We would remind them, that not only is
+there such a crime, but that there is a solemn decision of the Supreme
+Court, that all who are concerned in a conspiracy which ripens into
+treason, whether present or absent from the scene of actual violence,
+are involved in the same liabilities as the immediate actors. If they
+engage in the conspiracy and stimulate the treason, they may keep their
+bodies from the affray without saving their necks from a halter.
+
+It would be very much to the advantage of society, if an example could
+be made of some of these persistent agitators, who excite the ignorant
+and reckless to treasonable violence, from which they themselves shrink,
+but who are, not only in morals, but in law, equally guilty and equally
+amenable to punishment with the victims of their inflammatory counsels."
+
+A number of the most influential citizens represented the occurrence to
+the Governor as follows:
+
+
+    "To the Governor of Pennsylvania:
+
+    The undersigned, citizens of Pennsylvania, respectfully
+    represent:
+
+    That citizens of a neighboring State have been cruelly
+    assassinated by a band of armed outlaws at a place not more than
+    three hours' journey distant from the seat of Government and
+    from the commercial metropolis of the State:
+
+    That this insurrectionary movement in one of the most populous
+    parts of the State has been so far successful as to overawe the
+    local ministers of justice and paralyze the power of the law:
+
+    That your memorialists are not aware that 'any military force'
+    has been sent to the seat of insurrection, or that the civil
+    authority has been strengthened by the adoption of any measures
+    suited to the momentous crisis.
+
+    They, therefore, respectfully request the chief executive
+    magistrate of Pennsylvania to take into consideration the
+    necessity of vindicating the outraged laws, and sustaining the
+    dignity of the Commonwealth on this important and melancholy
+    occasion."
+
+
+Under this high pressure of public excitement, threatening and alarm
+breathed so freely on every hand, that fugitive slaves and their friends
+in this region of Pennsylvania at least, were compelled to pass through
+an hour of dreadful darkness--an ordeal extremely trying. The
+authorities of the United States, as well as the authorities of the
+State of Pennsylvania and Maryland, were diligently making arrests
+wherever a suspected party could be found, who happened to belong in the
+neighborhood of Christiana.
+
+In a very short time the following persons were in custody: J. Castner
+Hanaway, Elijah Lewis, Joseph Scarlett, Samuel Kendig, Henry Spins,
+George Williams, Charles Hunter, Wilson Jones, Francis Harkins, Benjamin
+Thomson, William Brown (No. 1), William Brown (No. 2), John Halliday,
+Elizabeth Mosey, John Morgan, Joseph Berry, John Norton, Denis Smith,
+Harvey Scott, Susan Clark, Tansy Brown, Eliza Brown, Eliza Parker,
+Hannah Pinckney, Robert Johnson, Miller Thompson, Isaiah Clark, and
+Jonathan Black.
+
+These were not all, but sufficed for a beginning; at least it made an
+interesting entertainment for the first day's examination; and although
+there were two or three non-resistant Quakers, and a number of poor
+defenceless colored women among those thus taken as prisoners, still it
+seemed utterly impossible for the exasperated defenders of Slavery to
+divest themselves of the idea, that this heroic deed, in self-defence,
+on the part of men who felt that their liberties were in danger, was
+anything less than actually levying war against the United States.
+
+Accordingly, therefore, the hearing gravely took place at Lancaster. On
+the side of the Commonwealth, the following distinguished counsel
+appeared on examination: Hon. John L. Thompson, District Attorney; Wm.
+B. Faulney, Esq.; Thos. E. Franklin, Esq., Attorney-General of Lancaster
+county; George L. Ashmead, Esq., of Philadelphia, representative of the
+United States authorities; and Hon. Robert Brent, Attorney-General of
+Maryland.
+
+For the defence--Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, Reah Frazer, Messrs. Ford,
+Cline, and Dickey, Esquires.
+
+From a report of the first day's hearing we copy a short extract, as
+follows:
+
+
+    "The excitement at Christiana, during yesterday, was very great.
+    Several hundred persons were present, and the deepest feeling
+    was manifested against the perpetrators of the outrage. At two
+    o'clock yesterday afternoon, the United States Marshal, Mr.
+    Roberts, United States District Attorney, J.H. Ashmead, Esq.,
+    Mr. Commissioner Ingraham, and Recorder Lee, accompanied by the
+    United States Marines, returned to the city. Lieut. Johnson, and
+    officers Lewis S. Brest, Samuel Mitchell, Charles McCully,
+    Samuel Neff, Jacob Albright, Robert McEwen, and ---- Perkenpine,
+    by direction of the United States Marshal, had charge of the
+    following named prisoners, who were safely lodged in Moyamensing
+    prison, accompanied by the Marines:--Joseph Scarlett, (white),
+    William Brown, Ezekiel Thompson, Isaiah Clarkson, Daniel
+    Caulsberry, Benjamin Pendergrass, Elijah Clark, George W.H.
+    Scott, Miller Thompson, and Samuel Hanson, all colored. The last
+    three were placed in the debtors' apartment, and the others in
+    the criminal apartment of the Moyamensing prison to await their
+    trial for treason, &c."
+
+
+In alluding to the second day's doings, the Philadelphia Ledger thus
+represented matters at the field of battle:
+
+
+    "The intelligence received last evening, represents the country
+    for miles around, to be in as much excitement as at any time
+    since the horrible deed was committed. The officers sent there
+    at the instance of the proper authorities are making diligent
+    search in every direction, and securing every person against
+    whom the least suspicion is attached. The police force from this
+    city, amounting to about sixty men, are under the marshalship of
+    Lieut. Ellis. Just as the cars started east, in the afternoon,
+    five more prisoners who were secured at a place called the Welsh
+    Mountains, twelve miles distant, were brought into Christiana.
+    They were placed in custody until such time as a hearing will
+    take place."
+
+
+Although the government had summoned its ablest legal talent and the
+popular sentiment was as a hundred to one against William Parker and his
+brave comrades who had made the slave-hunter "bite the dust," most nobly
+did Thaddeus Stevens prove that he was not to be cowed, that he believed
+in the stirring sentiment so much applauded by the American people,
+"Give me liberty, or give me death," not only for the white man but for
+all men. Thus standing upon such great and invulnerable principles, it
+was soon discovered that one could chase a thousand, and two put ten
+thousand to flight in latter as well as in former times.
+
+At first even the friends of freedom thought that the killing of Gorsuch
+was not only wrong, but unfortunate for the cause. Scarcely a week
+passed, however, before the matter was looked upon in a far different
+light, and it was pretty generally thought that, if the Lord had not a
+direct hand in it, the cause of Freedom at least would be greatly
+benefited thereby.
+
+And just in proportion as the masses cried, Treason! Treason! the hosts
+of freedom from one end of the land to the other were awakened to
+sympathize with the slave. Thousands were soon aroused to show sympathy
+who had hitherto been dormant. Hundreds visited the prisoners in their
+cells to greet, cheer, and offer them aid and counsel in their hour of
+sore trial.
+
+The friends of freedom remained calm even while the pro-slavery party
+were fiercely raging and gloating over the prospect, as they evidently
+thought of the satisfaction to be derived from teaching the
+abolitionists a lesson from the scaffold, which would in future prevent
+Underground Rail Road passengers from killing their masters when in
+pursuit of them.
+
+Through the efforts of the authorities three white men, and twenty-seven
+colored had been safely lodged in Moyamensing prison, under the charge
+of treason. The authorities, however, had utterly failed to catch the
+hero, William Parker, as he had been sent to Canada, _via_ the
+Underground Rail Road, and was thus "sitting under his own vine and fig
+tree, where none dared to molest, or make him afraid."
+
+As an act of simple justice it may here be stated that the abolitionists
+and prisoners found a true friend and ally at least in one United States
+official, who, by the way, figured prominently in making arrests, etc.,
+namely: the United States Marshal, A.E. Roberts. In all his intercourse
+with the prisoners and their friends, he plainly showed that all his
+sympathies were on the side of Freedom, and not with the popular
+pro-slavery sentiment which clamored so loudly against traitors and
+abolitionists.
+
+Two of his prisoners had been identified in the jail as fugitive slaves
+by their owners. When the trial came on these two individuals were among
+the missing. How they escaped was unknown; the Marshal, however, was
+strongly suspected of being a friend of the Underground Rail Road, and
+to add now, that those suspicions were founded on fact, will, doubtless,
+do him no damage.
+
+In order to draw the contrast between Freedom and Slavery, simply with a
+view of showing how the powers that were acted and judged in the days of
+the reign of the Fugitive Slave Law, unquestionably nothing better could
+be found to meet the requirements of this issue than the charge of Judge
+Kane, coupled with the indictment of the Grand Jury. In the light of the
+Emancipation and the Fifteenth Amendment, they are too transparent to
+need a single word of comment. Judge and jury having found the accused
+chargeable with Treason, nothing remained, so far as the men were
+concerned, but to bide their time as best they could in prison. Most of
+them were married, and had wives and children clinging to them in this
+hour of fearful looking for of judgment.
+
+
+
+THE LAW OF TREASON, AS LAID DOWN BY JUDGE KANE.
+
+
+The following charge to the Grand Jury of the United States District
+Court, in reference to the Slave-hunting affray in Lancaster county, and
+preparatory to their finding bills of indictment against the prisoners,
+was delivered on Monday, September 28, by Judge Kane:
+
+
+    "Gentlemen of the Grand Jury:--It has been represented to me,
+    that since we met last, circumstances have occurred in one of
+    the neighboring counties in our District, which should call for
+    your prompt scrutiny, and perhaps for the energetic action of
+    the Court. It is said, that a citizen of the State of Maryland,
+    who had come into Pennsylvania to reclaim a fugitive from labor,
+    was forcibly obstructed in the attempt by a body of armed men,
+    assaulted, beaten and murdered; that some members of his family,
+    who had accompanied him in the pursuit, were at the same time,
+    and by the same party maltreated and grievously wounded; and
+    that an officer of justice, constituted under the authority of
+    this Court, who sought to arrest the fugitive, was impeded and
+    repelled by menaces and violence, while proclaiming his
+    character, and exhibiting his warrant. It is said, too, that the
+    time and manner of these outrages, their asserted object, the
+    denunciations by which they were preceded, and the simultaneous
+    action of most of the guilty parties, evinced a combined purpose
+    forcibly to resist and make nugatory a constitutional provision,
+    and the statutes enacted in pursuance of it: and it is added, in
+    confirmation of this, that for some months back, gatherings of
+    people, strangers, as well as citizens, have been held from time
+    to time in the vicinity of the place of the recent outbreaks, at
+    which exhortations were made and pledges interchanged to hold
+    the law for the recovery of fugitive slaves as of no validity,
+    and to defy its execution. Such are some of the representations
+    that have been made in my hearing, and in regard to which, it
+    has become your duty, as the Grand Inquest of the District, to
+    make legal inquiry. Personally, I know nothing of the facts, or
+    the evidence relating to them. As a member of the Court, before
+    which the accused persons may hereafter be arraigned and tried,
+    I have sought to keep my mind altogether free from any
+    impressions of their guilt or innocence, and even from an
+    extra-judicial knowledge of the circumstances which must
+    determine the legal character of the offence that has thus been
+    perpetrated. It is due to the great interests of public justice,
+    no less than to the parties implicated in a criminal charge,
+    that their cause should be in no wise and in no degree
+    prejudged. And in referring, therefore, to the representations
+    which have been made to me, I have no other object than to point
+    you to the reasons for my addressing you at this advanced period
+    of our sessions, and to enable you to apply with more facility
+    and certainty the principles and rules of law, which I shall
+    proceed to lay before you.
+
+    If the circumstances, to which I have adverted, have in fact
+    taken place, they involve the highest crime known to our laws.
+    Treason against the United States is defined by the
+    Constitution, Art. 3, Sec. 3, cl. 1, to consist in "levying war
+    against them, or adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and
+    comfort." This definition is borrowed from the ancient Law of
+    England, Stat. 25, Edw. 3, Stat. 5, Chap. 2, and its terms must
+    be understood, of course, in the sense which they bore in that
+    law, and which obtained here when the Constitution was adopted.
+    The expression, "levying war," so regarded, embraces not merely
+    the act of formal or declared war, but any combination forcibly
+    to prevent or oppose the execution or enforcement of a provision
+    of the Constitution, or of a public Statute, if accompanied or
+    followed by an act of forcible opposition in pursuance of such
+    combination. This, in substance, has been the interpretation
+    given to these words by the English Judges, and it has been
+    uniformly and fully recognized and adopted in the Courts of the
+    United States. (See Foster, Hale, and Hawkins, and the opinions
+    of Iredell, Patterson, Chase, Marshall, and Washington, J.J., of
+    the Supreme Court, and of Peters, D.J., in U.S. vs. Vijol, U.S.
+    vs. Mitchell, U.S. vs. Fries, U.S. vs. Bollman and Swartwout,
+    and U.S. vs. Burr).
+
+    The definition, as you will observe, includes two particulars,
+    both of them indispensable elements of the offence. There must
+    have been a combination or conspiring together to oppose the law
+    by force, and some actual force must have been exerted, or the
+    crime of treason is not consummated. The highest, or at least
+    the direct proof of the combination may be found in the declared
+    purposes of the individual party before the actual outbreak; or
+    it may be derived from the proceedings of meetings, in which he
+    took part openly; or which he either prompted, or made effective
+    by his countenance or sanction,--commending, counselling and
+    instigating forcible resistance to the law. I speak, of course,
+    of a conspiring to resist a law, not the more limited purpose to
+    violate it, or to prevent its application and enforcement in a
+    particular case, or against a particular individual. The
+    combination must be directed against the law itself. But such
+    direct proof of this element of the offence is not legally
+    necessary to establish its existence. The concert of purpose may
+    be deduced from the concerted action itself, or it may be
+    inferred from facts occurring at the time, or afterwards, as
+    well as before. Besides this, there must be some act of
+    violence, as the result or consequence of the combining.
+
+    But here again, it is not necessary to prove that the individual
+    accused was a direct, personal actor in the violence. If he was
+    present, directing, aiding, abetting, counselling, or
+    countenancing it, he is in law guilty of the forcible act. Nor
+    is even his personal presence indispensable. Though he be absent
+    at the time of its actual perpetration, yet, if he directed the
+    act, devised, or knowingly furnished the means for carrying it
+    into effect, instigated others to perform it, he shares their
+    guilt.
+
+    In treason there are no accessories. There has been, I fear, an
+    erroneous impression on this subject, among a portion of our
+    people. If it has been thought safe, to counsel and instigate
+    others to acts of forcible oppugnation to the provisions of a
+    statute, to inflame the minds of the ignorant by appeals to
+    passion, and denunciations of the law as oppressive, unjust,
+    revolting to the conscience, and not binding on the actions of
+    men, to represent the constitution of the land as a compact of
+    iniquity, which it were meritorious to violate or subvert, the
+    mistake has been a grievous one; and they who have fallen into
+    it may rejoice, if peradventure their appeals and their counsels
+    have been hitherto without effect. The supremacy of the
+    constitution, in all its provisions, is at the very basis of our
+    existence as a nation. He, whose conscience, or whose theories
+    of political or individual right, forbid him to support and
+    maintain it in its fullest integrity, may relieve himself from
+    the duties of citizenship, by divesting himself of its rights.
+    But while he remains within our borders, he is to remember, that
+    successfully to instigate treason, is to commit it. I shall not
+    be supposed to imply in these remarks, that I have doubts of the
+    law-abiding character of our people. No one can know them well,
+    without the most entire reliance on their fidelity to the
+    constitution. Some of them may differ from the mass, as to the
+    rightfulness or the wisdom of this or the other provision that
+    is found in the federal compact, they may be divided in
+    sentiment as to the policy of a particular statute, or of some
+    provision in a statute; but it is their honest purpose to stand
+    by the engagements, all the engagements, which bind them to
+    their brethren of the other States. They have but one country;
+    they recognize no law of higher social obligation than its
+    constitution and the laws made in pursuance of it; they
+    recognize no higher appeal than to the tribunals it has
+    appointed; they cherish no patriotism that looks beyond the
+    union of the States. That there are men here, as elsewhere, whom
+    a misguided zeal impels to violations of law; that there are
+    others who are controlled by false sympathies, and some who
+    yield too readily and too fully to sympathies not always false,
+    or if false, yet pardonable, and become criminal by yielding,
+    that we have, not only in our jails and almshouses, but
+    segregated here and there in detached portions of the State,
+    ignorant men, many of them without political rights, degraded in
+    social position, and instinctive of revolt, all this is true. It
+    is proved by the daily record of our police courts, and by the
+    ineffective labors of those good men among us, who seek to
+    detach want from temptation, passion from violence, and
+    ignorance from crime.
+
+    But it should not be supposed that any of these represent the
+    sentiment of Pennsylvania, and it would be to wrong our people
+    sorely, to include them in the same category of personal,
+    social, or political morals. It is declared in the article of
+    the constitution, which I have already cited, that 'no person
+    shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two
+    witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open
+    court.' This and the corresponding language in the act of
+    Congress of the 30th of April, 1790, seem to refer to the proofs
+    on the trial, and not to the preliminary hearing before the
+    committing magistrate, or the proceeding before the grand
+    inquest. There can be no conviction until after arraignment on
+    bill found. The previous action in the case is not a trial, and
+    cannot convict, whatever be the evidence or the number of
+    witnesses. I understand this to have been the opinion
+    entertained by Chief Justice Marshall, 1 Burr's Trial, 195, and
+    though it differs from that expressed by Judge Iredell on the
+    indictment of Fries, (1 Whart. Am. St. Tr. 480), I feel
+    authorized to recommend it to you, as within the terms of the
+    Constitution, and involving no injustice to the accused. I have
+    only to add that treason against the United States, may be
+    committed by any one resident or sojourning within its
+    territory, and under the protection of its laws, whether he be a
+    citizen or an alien. (Fost. C.L. 183, 5.--1 Hale 59, 60, 62. 1
+    Hawk. ch. 17, Sec. 5, Kel. 38).
+
+    Besides the crime of treason, which I have thus noticed, there
+    are offences of minor grades, against the Constitution and the
+    State, some or other of which may be apparently established by
+    the evidence that will come before you. These are embraced in
+    the act of Congress, on the 30th of Sept., 1790, Ch. 9, Sec. 22,
+    on the subject of obstructing or resisting the service of legal
+    process,--the act of the 2d of March, 1831, Chap. 99, Sec. 2,
+    which secures the jurors, witnesses, and officers of our Courts
+    in the fearless, free, and impartial administration of their
+    respective functions,--and the act of the 18th of September,
+    1850, Ch. 60, which relates more particularly to the rescue, or
+    attempted rescue of a fugitive from labor. These Acts were made
+    the subject of a charge to the Grand Jury of this Court in
+    November last, of which I shall direct a copy to be laid before
+    you; and I do not deem it necessary to repeat their provisions
+    at this time.
+
+    Gentlemen of the Grand Jury: You are about to enter upon a most
+    grave and momentous duty. You will be careful in performing it,
+    not to permit your indignation against crime, or your just
+    appreciation of its perilous consequences, to influence your
+    judgment of the guilt of those who may be charged before you
+    with its commission. But you will be careful, also, that no
+    misguided charity shall persuade you to withhold the guilty from
+    the retributions of justice. You will inquire whether an offence
+    has been committed, what was its legal character, and who were
+    the offenders,--and this done, and this only, you will make your
+    presentments according to the evidence and the law. Your
+    inquiries will not be restricted to the conduct of the people
+    belonging to our own State. If in the progress of them, you
+    shall find, that men have been among us, who, under whatever
+    mask of conscience or of peace, have labored to incite others to
+    treasonable violence, and who, after arranging the elements of
+    the mischief, have withdrawn themselves to await the explosion
+    they had contrived, you will feel yourselves bound to present
+    the fact to the Court,--and however distant may be the place in
+    which the offenders may have sought refuge, we give you the
+    pledge of the law, that its far-reaching energies shall be
+    exerted to bring them up for trial,--if guilty, to punishment.
+    The offence of treason is not triable in this Court; but by an
+    act of Congress, passed on the 8th of August, 1845, Chap. 98, it
+    is made lawful for the Grand Jury, empanelled and sworn in the
+    District Court, to take cognizance of all the indictments for
+    crimes against the United States within the jurisdiction of
+    either of the Federal Courts of the District. There being no
+    Grand Jury in attendance at this time in the Circuit Court, to
+    pass upon the accusations I have referred to in the first
+    instance, it has fallen to my lot to assume the responsible
+    office of expounding to you the law in regard to them. I have
+    the satisfaction of knowing, that if the views I have expressed
+    are in any respect erroneous, they must undergo the revision of
+    my learned brother of the Supreme Court, who presides in this
+    Circuit, before they can operate to the serious prejudice of any
+    one; and that if they are doubtful even, provision exists for
+    their re-examination in the highest tribunal of the country."
+
+
+On the strength of Judge Kane's carefully-drawn up charge the Grand Jury
+found true bills of indictment against forty of the Christiana
+offenders, charged with treason. James Jackson, an aged member of the
+Society of Friends (a Quaker), and a well-known non-resistant
+abolitionist, was of this number. With his name the blanks were filled
+up; the same form (with regard to these bills) was employed in the case
+of each one of the accused. The following is a
+
+
+
+COPY OF THE INDICTMENT.
+
+
+
+    Eastern District of Pennsylvania, ss.:
+
+    The Grand Inquest of the United States of America, inquiring for
+    the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, on their oaths and
+    affirmations, respectfully do present, that James Jackson,
+    yeoman of the District aforesaid, owing allegiance to the United
+    States of America, wickedly devising and intending the peace and
+    tranquility of said United States, to disturb, and prevent the
+    execution of the laws thereof within the same, to wit, a law of
+    the United States, entitled "An act respecting fugitives from
+    justice and persons escaping from the service of their masters,"
+    approved February twelfth, one thousand seven hundred and
+    ninety-three, and also a law of the United States, entitled "An
+    act to amend, and supplementary to, the act entitled, An act
+    respecting fugitives from justice and persons escaping from the
+    service of their masters, approved February the twelfth, one
+    thousand seven hundred and ninety-three," which latter
+    supplementary act was approved September eighteenth, one
+    thousand eight hundred and fifty, on the eleventh day of
+    September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred
+    and fifty-one, in the county of Lancaster, in the State of
+    Pennsylvania and District aforesaid, and within the jurisdiction
+    of this Court, wickedly and traitorously did intend to levy war
+    against the United States within the same. And to fulfill and
+    bring to effect the said traitorous intention of him, the said
+    James Jackson, he, the said James Jackson afterward, to wit, on
+    the day and year aforesaid, in the State, District and County
+    aforesaid, and within the jurisdiction of this Court, with a
+    great multitude of persons, whose names, to this Inquest are as
+    yet unknown, to a great number, to wit, to the number of one
+    hundred persons and upwards, armed and arrayed in a warlike
+    manner, that is to say, with guns, swords, and other warlike
+    weapons, as well offensive as defensive, being then and there
+    unlawfully and traitorously assembled, did traitorously assemble
+    and combine against the said United States, and then and there,
+    with force and arms, wickedly and traitorously, and with the
+    wicked and traitorous intention to oppose and prevent, by means
+    of intimidation and violence, the execution of the said laws of
+    the United States within the same, did array and dispose
+    themselves in a warlike and hostile manner against the said
+    United States, and then and there, with force and arms, in
+    pursuance of such their traitorous intention, he, the said James
+    Jackson, with the said persons so as aforesaid, wickedly and
+    traitorously did levy war against the United States.
+
+    And further, to fulfill and bring to effect the said traitorous
+    intention of him, the said James Jackson, and in pursuance and
+    in execution of the said wicked and traitorous combination to
+    oppose, resist and prevent the said laws of the United States
+    from being carried into execution, he, the said James Jackson,
+    afterwards, to wit, on the day and year first aforesaid, in the
+    State, District and county aforesaid, and within the
+    jurisdiction aforesaid, with the said persons whose names to
+    this Inquest are as yet unknown, did, wickedly and traitorously
+    assemble against the said United States, with the avowed
+    intention by force of arms and intimidation to prevent the
+    execution of the said laws of the United States within the same;
+    and in pursuance and execution of such their wicked and
+    traitorous combination, he, the said James Jackson, then and
+    there with force and arms, with the said persons to a great
+    number, to wit, the number of one hundred persons and upwards,
+    armed and arrayed in a warlike manner, that is to say, with
+    guns, swords, and other warlike weapons, as well offensive as
+    defensive, being then and there, unlawfully and traitorously
+    assembled, did wickedly, knowingly, and traitorously resist and
+    oppose one Henry H. Kline, an officer, duly appointed by Edward
+    D. Ingraham, Esq., a commissioner, duly appointed by the Circuit
+    Court of the United States, for the said district, in the
+    execution of the duty of the office of the said Kline, he, the
+    said Kline, being appointed by the said Edward Ingraham, Esq.,
+    by writing under his hand, to execute warrants and other process
+    issued by him, the said Ingraham, in the performance of his
+    duties as Commissioner, under the said laws of the United
+    States, and then and there, with force and arms, with the said
+    great multitude of persons, so as, aforesaid, unlawfully and
+    traitorously assembled, and armed and arrayed in manner as
+    aforesaid, he, the said, James Jackson, wickedly and
+    traitorously did oppose and resist, and prevent the said Kline,
+    from executing the lawful process to him directed and delivered
+    by the said commissioner against sundry persons, then residents
+    of said county, who had been legally charged before the said
+    commissioner as being persons held to service or labor in the
+    State of Maryland, and owing such service or labor to a certain
+    Edward Gorsuch, under the laws of the said State of Maryland,
+    had escaped therefrom, into the said Eastern district of
+    Pennsylvania; which process, duly issued by the said
+    commissioner, the said Kline then and there had in his
+    possession, and was then and there proceeding to execute, as by
+    law he was bound to do; and so the grand inquest, upon their
+    respective oaths and affirmations aforesaid, do say, that the
+    said James Jackson, in manner aforesaid, as much as in him lay,
+    wickedly and traitorously did prevent, by means of force and
+    intimidation, the execution of the said laws of the United
+    States, in the said State and District. And further, to fulfill
+    and bring to effect, the said traitorous intention of him, the
+    said James Jackson, and in further pursuance, and in the
+    execution of the said wicked and traitorous combination to
+    expose, resist, and prevent the execution of the said laws of
+    the said United States, in the State and District aforesaid, he,
+    the said James Jackson, afterwards, to wit, on the day and year
+    first aforesaid, in the State, county, and district aforesaid,
+    and within the jurisdiction of this court, with the said persons
+    whose names to the grand inquest aforesaid, are as yet unknown,
+    did, wickedly and traitorously assemble against the said United
+    States with the avowed intention, by means of force and
+    intimidation, to prevent the execution of the said laws of the
+    United States in the State and district aforesaid, and in
+    pursuance and execution of such, their wicked and traitorous
+    combination and intention, then and there to the State,
+    district, and county aforesaid, and within the jurisdiction of
+    this court, with force and arms, with a great multitude of
+    persons, to wit, the number of one hundred persons and upwards,
+    armed and arrayed in a warlike manner, that is to say, with
+    guns, swords, and other warlike weapons, as well offensive as
+    defensive, being then and there unlawfully and traitorously
+    assembled, he, the said James Jackson, did, knowingly, and
+    unlawfully assault the said Henry H. Kline, he, the said Kline,
+    being an officer appointed by writing, under the hand of the
+    said Edward D. Ingraham, Esq., a commissioner under said laws,
+    to execute warrants and other process, issued by the said
+    commissioner in the performance of his duties as such; and he,
+    the said James Jackson, did, then and there, traitorously, with
+    force and arms, against the will of the said Kline, liberate and
+    take out of his custody, persons by him before that time
+    arrested, and in his lawful custody, then and there being, by
+    virtue of lawful process against them issued by the said
+    commissioner, they being legally charged with being persons held
+    to service or labor in the State of Maryland, and owing such
+    service or labor to a certain Edward Gorsuch, under the laws of
+    the said State of Maryland, who had escaped therefrom into the
+    said district; and so the grand inquest aforesaid, upon their
+    oaths and affirmations, aforesaid, do say, that he, the said
+    James Jackson, as much as in him lay, did, then and there, in
+    pursuance and in execution of the said wicked and traitorous
+    combination and intention, wickedly and traitorously, by means
+    of force and intimidation, prevent the execution of the said
+    laws of the United States, in the said State and district.
+
+    And further to fulfill and bring to effect, the said traitorous
+    intention of him, the said James Jackson, and in pursuance and
+    in execution of the said wicked and traitorous combination to
+    oppose, resist and prevent the said laws of the United States
+    from being carried into execution, he, the said James Jackson,
+    afterwards, to wit, on the day and year first aforesaid, and on
+    divers other days, both before and afterwards in the State and
+    district aforesaid, and within the jurisdiction of this court,
+    with the said persons to this inquest as yet unknown,
+    maliciously and traitorously did meet, conspire, consult, and
+    agree among themselves, further to oppose, resist, and prevent,
+    by means of force and intimidation, the execution of the said
+    laws herein before specified.
+
+    And further to fulfill, perfect, and bring to effect the said
+    traitorous intention of him the said James Jackson, and in
+    pursuance and execution of the said wicked and traitorous
+    combination to oppose and resist the said laws of the United
+    States from being carried into execution, in the State and
+    district aforesaid, he, the said James Jackson, together with
+    the other persons whose names are to this inquest as yet
+    unknown, on the day and year first aforesaid, and on divers
+    other days and times, as well before and after, at the district
+    aforesaid, within the jurisdiction of said court, with force and
+    arms, maliciously and traitorously did prepare and compose, and
+    did then and there maliciously and traitorously cause and
+    procure to be prepared and composed, divers books, pamphlets,
+    letters, declarations, resolutions, addresses, papers and
+    writings, and did then and there maliciously and traitorously
+    publish and disperse and cause to be published and dispersed,
+    divers other books and pamphlets, letters, declarations,
+    resolutions, addresses, papers and writings; the said books,
+    pamphlets, letters, declarations, resolutions, addresses, papers
+    and writings, so respectively prepared, composed, published and
+    dispersed, as last aforesaid, containing therein, amongst other
+    things, incitements, encouragements, and exhortations, to move,
+    induce and persuade persons held to service in any of the United
+    States, by the laws thereof, who had escaped into the said
+    district, as well as other persons, citizens of said district,
+    to resist, oppose, and prevent, by violence and intimidation,
+    the execution of the said laws, and also containing therein,
+    instructions and directions how and upon what occasion, the
+    traitorous purposes last aforesaid, should and might be carried
+    into effect, contrary to the form of the act of Congress in such
+    case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the
+    United States.
+
+    JOHN W. ASHMEAD,
+
+    Attorney of the U.S. for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
+
+
+The abolitionists were leaving no stone unturned in order to
+triumphantly meet the case in Court. During the interim many tokens of
+kindness and marks of Christian benevolence were extended to the
+prisoners by their friends and sympathizers; among these none deserve
+more honorable mention than the noble act of Thomas L. Kane (son of
+Judge Kane, and now General), in tendering all the prisoners a sumptuous
+Thanksgiving dinner, consisting of turkey, etc., pound cake, etc., etc.
+The dinner for the white prisoners, Messrs. Hanaway, Davis, and
+Scarlett, was served in appropriate style in the room of Mr. Morrison,
+one of the keepers. The U.S. Marshal, A.E. Roberts, Esq., several of the
+keepers, and Mr. Hanes, one of the prison officers, dined with the
+prisoners as their guests. Mayor Charles Gilpin was also present and
+accepted an invitation to test the quality of the luxuries, thus
+significantly indicating that he was not the enemy of Freedom.
+
+Mrs. Martha Hanaway, the wife of the "traitor" of that name, and who had
+spent most of her time with her husband since his incarceration, served
+each of the twenty-seven colored "traitors" with a plate of the
+delicacies, and the supply being greater than the demand, the balance
+was served to outsiders in other cells on the same corridor.
+
+The pro-slavery party were very indignant over the matter, and the Hon.
+Mr. Brent thought it incumbent upon him to bring this high-handed
+procedure to the notice of the Court, where he received a few crumbs of
+sympathy, from the pro-slavery side, of course. But the dinner had been
+so handsomely arranged, and coming from the source that it did, it had a
+very telling effect. Long before this, however, Mr. T.L. Kane had given
+abundant evidence that he approved of the Underground Rail Road, and was
+a decided opponent of the Fugitive Slave Law; in short, that he believed
+in freedom for all men, irrespective of race or color.
+
+Castnor Hanaway was first to be tried; over him, therefore, the great
+contest was to be made. For the defence of this particular case, the
+abolitionists selected J.M. Read, Thaddeus Stevens, Joseph S. Lewis and
+Theodore Cuyler, Esqs. On the side of the Fugitive Slave Law, and
+against the "traitors," were U.S. District Attorney, John W. Ashmead,
+Hon. James Cooper, James R. Ludlow, Esq., and Robert G. Brent, Attorney
+General of Maryland. Mr. Brent was allowed to act as "overseer" in
+conducting matters on the side of the Fugitive Slave Law. On this
+infamous enactment, combined with a corrupted popular sentiment, the
+pro-slavery side depended for success. The abolitionists viewed matters
+in the light of freedom and humanity, and hopefully relied upon the
+justice of their cause and the power of truth to overcome and swallow up
+all the Pharaoh's rods of serpents as fast as they might be thrown down.
+
+The prisoners having lain in their cells nearly three months, the time
+for their trial arrived. Monday morning, November 24th, the contest
+began. The first three days were occupied in procuring jurors. The
+pro-slavery side desired none but such as believed in the Fugitive Slave
+law and in "Treason" as expounded in the Judge's charge and the finding
+of the Grand Jury.
+
+The counsel for the "Traitors" carefully weighed the jurors, and when
+found wanting challenged them; in so doing, they managed to get rid of
+most all of that special class upon whom the prosecution depended for a
+conviction. The jury having been sworn in, the battle commenced in good
+earnest, and continued unabated for nearly two weeks. It is needless to
+say, that the examinations and arguments would fill volumes, and were of
+the most deeply interesting nature.
+
+No attempt can here be made to recite the particulars of the trial other
+than by a mere reference. It was, doubtless, the most important trial
+that ever took place in this country relative to the Underground Rail
+Road passengers, and in its results more good was brought out of evil
+than can easily be estimated. The pro-slavery theories of treason were
+utterly demolished, and not a particle of room was left the advocates of
+the peculiar institution to hope, that slave-hunters in future, in quest
+of fugitives, would be any more safe than Gorsuch. The tide of public
+sentiment changed--Hanaway, and the other "traitors," began to be looked
+upon as having been greatly injured, and justly entitled to public
+sympathy and honor, while confusion of face, disappointment and chagrin
+were plainly visible throughout the demoralized ranks of the enemy.
+Hanaway was victorious.
+
+An effort was next made to convict Thompson, one of the colored
+"traitors." To defend the colored prisoners, the old Abolition Society
+had retained Thaddeus Stevens, David Paul Brown, William S. Pierce, and
+Robert P. Kane, Esqs., (son of Judge Kane). Stevens, Brown and Pierce
+were well-known veterans, defenders of the slave wherever and whenever
+called upon so to do. In the present case, they were prepared for a
+gallant stand and a long siege against opposing forces. Likewise, R.P.
+Kane, Esq., although a young volunteer in the anti-slavery war, brought
+to the work great zeal, high attainments, large sympathy and true pluck,
+while, in view of all the circumstances, the committee of arrangements
+felt very much gratified to have him in their ranks.
+
+By this time, however, the sandy foundations of "overseer" Brent and
+Co., (on the part of slavery), had been so completely swept away by the
+Hon. J.M. Read and Co., on the side of freedom, that there was but
+little chance left to deal heavy blows upon the defeated advocates of
+the Fugitive Slave Law. Thompson was pronounced "not guilty." The other
+prisoners, of course, shared the same good luck. The victory was then
+complete, equally as much so as at Christiana. Underground Rail Road
+stock arose rapidly and a feeling of universal rejoicing pervaded the
+friends of freedom from one end of the country to the other.
+
+Especially were slave-holders taught the wholesome lesson, that the
+Fugitive Slave Law was no guarantee against "red hot shot," nor the
+charges of U.S. Judges and the findings of Grand Juries, together with
+the superior learning of counsel from slave-holding Maryland, any
+guarantee that "traitors" would be hung. In every respect, the
+Underground Rail Road made capital by the treason. Slave-holders from
+Maryland especially were far less disposed to hunt their runaway
+property than they had hitherto been. The Deputy Marshal likewise
+considered the business of catching slaves very unsafe.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM AND ELLEN CRAFT.
+
+
+FEMALE SLAVE IN MALE ATTIRE, FLEEING AS A PLANTER, WITH HER HUSBAND AS
+HER BODY SERVANT.
+
+
+A quarter of a century ago, William and Ellen Craft were slaves in the
+State of Georgia. With them, as with thousands of others, the desire to
+be free was very strong. For this jewel they were willing to make any
+sacrifice, or to endure any amount of suffering. In this state of mind
+they commenced planning. After thinking of various ways that might be
+tried, it occurred to William and Ellen, that one might act the part of
+master and the other the part of servant.
+
+Ellen being fair enough to pass for white, of necessity would have to be
+transformed into a young planter for the time being. All that was
+needed, however, to make this important change was that she should be
+dressed elegantly in a fashionable suit of male attire, and have her
+hair cut in the style usually worn by young planters. Her profusion of
+dark hair offered a fine opportunity for the change. So far this plan
+looked very tempting. But it occurred to them that Ellen was beardless.
+After some mature reflection, they came to the conclusion that this
+difficulty could be very readily obviated by having the face muffled up
+as though the young planter was suffering badly with the face or
+toothache; thus they got rid of this trouble. Straightway, upon further
+reflection, several other very serious difficulties stared them in the
+face. For instance, in traveling, they knew that they would be under the
+necessity of stopping repeatedly at hotels, and that the custom of
+registering would have to be conformed to, unless some very good excuse
+could be given for not doing so.
+
+[Illustration: WILLIAM CRAFT]
+
+
+[Illustration: ELLEN CRAFT.]
+
+Here they again, thought much over matters, and wisely concluded that
+the young man had better assume the attitude of a gentleman very much
+indisposed. He must have his right arm placed carefully in a sling; that
+would be a sufficient excuse for not registering, etc. Then he must be a
+little lame, with a nice cane in the left hand; he must have large green
+spectacles over his eyes, and withal he must be very hard of hearing and
+dependent on his faithful servant (as was no uncommon thing with
+slave-holders), to look after all his wants.
+
+William was just the man to act this part. To begin with, he was very
+"likely-looking;" smart, active and exceedingly attentive to his young
+master--indeed he was almost eyes, ears, hands and feet for him. William
+knew that this would please the slave-holders. The young planter would
+have nothing to do but hold himself subject to his ailments and put on a
+bold air of superiority; he was not to deign to notice anybody. If,
+while traveling, gentlemen, either politely or rudely, should venture to
+scrape acquaintance with the young planter, in his deafness he was to
+remain mute; the servant was to explain. In every instance when this
+occurred, as it actually did, the servant was fully equal to the
+emergency--none dreaming of the disguises in which the Underground Rail
+Road passengers were traveling.
+
+They stopped at a first-class hotel in Charleston, where the young
+planter and his body servant were treated, as the house was wont to
+treat the chivalry. They stopped also at a similar hotel in Richmond,
+and with like results.
+
+They knew that they must pass through Baltimore, but they did not know
+the obstacles that they would have to surmount in the Monumental City.
+They proceeded to the depot in the usual manner, and the servant asked
+for tickets for his master and self. Of course the master could have a
+ticket, but "bonds will have to be entered before you can get a ticket,"
+said the ticket master. "It is the rule of this office to require bonds
+for all negroes applying for tickets to go North, and none but gentlemen
+of well-known responsibility will be taken," further explained the
+ticket master.
+
+The servant replied, that he knew "nothing about that"--that he was
+"simply traveling with his young master to take care of him--he being in
+a very delicate state of health, so much so, that fears were entertained
+that he might not be able to hold out to reach Philadelphia, where he
+was hastening for medical treatment," and ended his reply by saying, "my
+master can't be detained." Without further parley, the ticket master
+very obligingly waived the old "rule," and furnished the requisite
+tickets. The mountain being thus removed, the young planter and his
+faithful servant were safely in the cars for the city of Brotherly Love.
+
+Scarcely had they arrived on free soil when the rheumatism departed--the
+right arm was unslung--the toothache was gone--the beardless face was
+unmuffled--the deaf heard and spoke--the blind saw--and the lame leaped
+as an hart, and in the presence of a few astonished friends of the
+slave, the facts of this unparalleled Underground Rail Road feat were
+fully established by the most unquestionable evidence.
+
+The constant strain and pressure on Ellen's nerves, however, had tried
+her severely, so much so, that for days afterwards, she was physically
+very much prostrated, although joy and gladness beamed from her eyes,
+which bespoke inexpressible delight within.
+
+Never can the writer forget the impression made by their arrival. Even
+now, after a lapse of nearly a quarter of a century, it is easy to
+picture them in a private room, surrounded by a few friends--Ellen in
+her fine suit of black, with her cloak and high-heeled boots, looking,
+in every respect, like a young gentleman; in an hour after having
+dropped her male attire, and assumed the habiliments of her sex the
+feminine only was visible in every line and feature of her structure.
+
+Her husband, William, was thoroughly colored, but was a man of marked
+natural abilities, of good manners, and full of pluck, and possessed of
+perceptive faculties very large.
+
+It was necessary, however, in those days, that they should seek a
+permanent residence, where their freedom would be more secure than in
+Philadelphia; therefore they were advised to go to headquarters,
+directly to Boston. There they would be safe, it was supposed, as it had
+then been about a generation since a fugitive had been taken back from
+the old Bay State, and through the incessant labors of William Lloyd
+Garrison, the great pioneer, and his faithful coadjutors, it was
+conceded that another fugitive slave case could never be tolerated on
+the free soil of Massachusetts. So to Boston they went.
+
+On arriving, the warm hearts of abolitionists welcomed them heartily,
+and greeted and cheered them without let or hindrance. They did not
+pretend to keep their coming a secret, or hide it under a bushel; the
+story of their escape was heralded broadcast over the country--North and
+South, and indeed over the civilized world. For two years or more, not
+the slightest fear was entertained that they were not just as safe in
+Boston as if they had gone to Canada. But the day the Fugitive Bill
+passed, even the bravest abolitionist began to fear that a fugitive
+slave was no longer safe anywhere under the stars and stripes, North or
+South, and that William and Ellen Craft were liable to be captured at
+any moment by Georgia slave hunters. Many abolitionists counselled
+resistance to the death at all hazards. Instead of running to Canada,
+fugitives generally armed themselves and thus said, "Give me liberty or
+give me death."
+
+William and Ellen Craft believed that it was their duty, as citizens of
+Massachusetts, to observe a more legal and civilized mode of conforming
+to the marriage rite than had been permitted them in slavery, and as
+Theodore Parker had shown himself a very warm friend of their's, they
+agreed to have their wedding over again according to the laws of a free
+State. After performing the ceremony, the renowned and fearless advocate
+of equal rights (Theodore Parker), presented William with a revolver and
+a dirk-knife, counselling him to use them manfully in defence of his
+wife and himself, if ever an attempt should be made by his owners or
+anybody else to re-enslave them.
+
+But, notwithstanding all the published declarations made by
+abolitionists and fugitives, to the effect, that slave-holders and
+slave-catchers in visiting Massachusetts in pursuit of their runaway
+property, would be met by just such weapons as Theodore Parker presented
+William with, to the surprise of all Boston, the owners of William and
+Ellen actually had the effrontery to attempt their recapture under the
+Fugitive Slave Law. How it was done, and the results, taken from the
+_Old Liberator_, (William Lloyd Garrison's organ), we copy as follows:
+
+
+    From the "Liberator," Nov. 1, 1850.
+
+    SLAVE-HUNTERS IN BOSTON.
+
+    Our city, for a week past, has been thrown into a state of
+    intense excitement by the appearance of two prowling villains,
+    named Hughes and Knight, from Macon, Georgia, for the purpose of
+    seizing William and Ellen Craft, under the infernal Fugitive
+    Slave Bill, and carrying them back to the hell of Slavery. Since
+    the day of '76, there has not been such a popular demonstration
+    on the side of human freedom in this region. The humane and
+    patriotic contagion has infected all classes. Scarcely any other
+    subject has been talked about in the streets, or in the social
+    circle. On Thursday, of last week, warrants for the arrest of
+    William and Ellen were issued by Judge Levi Woodbury, but no
+    officer has yet been found ready or bold enough to serve them.
+    In the meantime, the Vigilance Committee, appointed at the
+    Faneuil Hall meeting, has not been idle. Their number has been
+    increased to upwards of a hundred "good men and true," including
+    some thirty or forty members of the bar; and they have been in
+    constant session, devising every legal method to baffle the
+    pursuing bloodhounds, and relieve the city of their hateful
+    presence. On Saturday placards were posted up in all directions,
+    announcing the arrival of these slave-hunters, and describing
+    their persons. On the same day, Hughes and Knight were arrested
+    on the charge of slander against William Craft. The Chronotype
+    says, the damages being laid at $10,000; bail was demanded in
+    the same sum, and was promptly furnished. By whom? is the
+    question. An immense crowd was assembled in front of the
+    Sheriff's office, while the bail matter was being arranged. The
+    reporters were not admitted. It was only known that Watson
+    Freeman, Esq., who once declared his readiness to hang any
+    number of negroes remarkably cheap, came in, saying that the
+    arrest was a shame, all a humbug, the trick of the damned
+    abolitionists, and proclaimed his readiness to stand bail. John
+    H. Pearson was also sent for, and came--the same John H.
+    Pearson, merchant and Southern packet agent, who immortalized
+    himself by sending back, on the 10th of September, 1846, in the
+    bark Niagara, a poor fugitive slave, who came secreted in the
+    brig Ottoman, from New Orleans--being himself judge, jury and
+    executioner, to consign a fellow-being to a life of bondage--in
+    obedience to the law of a slave State, and in violation of the
+    law of his own. This same John H. Pearson, not contented with
+    his previous infamy, was on hand. There is a story that the
+    slave-hunters have been his table-guests also, and whether he
+    bailed them or not, we don't know. What we know is, that soon
+    after Pearson came out from the back room, where he and Knight
+    and the Sheriff had been closeted, the Sheriff said that Knight
+    was bailed--he would not say by whom. Knight being looked after,
+    was not to be found. He had slipped out through a back door, and
+    thus cheated the crowd of the pleasure of greeting him--possibly
+    with that rough and ready affection which Barclay's brewers
+    bestowed upon Haynau. The escape was very fortunate every way.
+    Hughes and Knight have since been twice arrested and put under
+    bonds of $10,000 (making $30,000 in all), charged with a
+    conspiracy to kidnap and abduct William Craft, a peaceable
+    citizen of Massachusetts, etc. Bail was entered by Hamilton
+    Willis, of Willis & Co., 25 State street, and Patrick Riley,
+    U.S. Deputy Marshal.
+
+    The following (says the Chronotype), is a _verbatim et
+    literatim_ copy of the letter sent by Knight to Craft, to entice
+    him to the U.S. Hotel, in order to kidnap him. It shows, that
+    the school-master owes Knight more "service and labor" than it
+    is possible for Craft to:
+
+
+        BOSTON, Oct. 22, 1850, 11 Oclk P.M.
+
+        Wm. Craft--Sir--I have to leave so Eirley in the moring
+        that I cold not call according to promis, so if you want
+        me to carry a letter home with me, you must bring it to
+        the United States Hotel to morrow and leave it in box
+        44, or come your self to morro eavening after tea and
+        bring it. let me no if you come your self by sending a
+        note to box 44 U.S. Hotel so that I may know whether to
+        wate after tea or not by the Bearer. If your wife wants
+        to see me you cold bring her with you if you come your
+        self.
+
+        JOHN KNIGHT.
+
+        P.S. I shall leave for home eirley a Thursday moring.
+        J.K.
+
+
+    At a meeting of colored people, held in Belknap Street Church,
+    on Friday evening, the following resolutions were unanimously
+    adopted:
+
+
+        _Resolved_, That God willed us free; man willed us
+        slaves. We will as God wills; God's will be done.
+
+        _Resolved_, That our oft repeated determination to
+        resist oppression is the same now as ever, and we pledge
+        ourselves, at all hazards, to resist unto death any
+        attempt upon our liberties.
+
+        _Resolved_, That as South Carolina seizes and imprisons
+        colored seamen from the North, under the plea that it is
+        to prevent insurrection and rebellion among her colored
+        population, the authorities of this State, and city in
+        particular, be requested to lay hold of, and put in
+        prison, immediately, any and all fugitive slave-hunters
+        who may be found among us, upon the same ground, and for
+        similar reasons.
+
+
+    Spirited addresses, of a most emphatic type, were made by
+    Messrs. Remond, of Salem, Roberts, Nell, and Allen, of Boston,
+    and Davis, of Plymouth. Individuals and highly respectable
+    committees of gentlemen have repeatedly waited upon these
+    Georgia miscreants, to persuade them to make a speedy departure
+    from the city. After promising to do so, and repeatedly
+    falsifying their word, it is said that they left on Wednesday
+    afternoon, in the express train for New York, and thus (says the
+    Chronotype), they have "gone off with their ears full of fleas,
+    to fire the solemn word for the dissolution of the Union!"
+
+    Telegraphic intelligence is received, that President Fillmore
+    has announced his determination to sustain the Fugitive Slave
+    Bill, at all hazards. Let him try! The fugitives, as well as the
+    colored people generally, seem determined to carry out the
+    spirit of the resolutions to their fullest extent.
+
+
+Ellen first received information that the slave-hunters from Georgia
+were after her through Mrs. Geo. S. Hilliard, of Boston, who had been a
+good friend to her from the day of her arrival from slavery. How Mrs.
+Hilliard obtained the information, the impression it made on Ellen, and
+where she was secreted, the following extract of a letter written by
+Mrs. Hilliard, touching the memorable event, will be found deeply
+interesting:
+
+
+    "In regard to William and Ellen Craft, it is true that we
+    received her at our house when the first warrant under the act
+    of eighteen hundred and fifty was issued.
+
+    Dr. Bowditch called upon us to say, that the warrant must be for
+    William and Ellen, as they were the only fugitives here known to
+    have come from Georgia, and the Dr. asked what we could do. I
+    went to the house of the Rev. F.T. Gray, on Mt. Vernon street,
+    where Ellen was working with Miss Dean, an upholsteress, a
+    friend of ours, who had told us she would teach Ellen her trade.
+    I proposed to Ellen to come and do some work for me, intending
+    not to alarm her. My manner, which I supposed to be indifferent
+    and calm, _betrayed_ me, and she threw herself into my arms,
+    sobbing and weeping. She, however, recovered her composure as
+    soon as we reached the street, and was _very firm_ ever after.
+
+    My husband wished her, by all means, to be brought to our house,
+    and to remain under his protection, saying 'I am perfectly
+    willing to meet the penalty, should she be found here, but will
+    never give her up.' The penalty, you remember, was six months'
+    imprisonment and a thousand dollars fine. William Craft went,
+    after a time, to Lewis Hayden. He was at first, as Dr. Bowditch
+    told us, 'barricaded in his shop on Cambridge street.' I saw him
+    there, and he said, 'Ellen must not be left at your house.'
+    'Why? William,' said I, 'do you think we would give her up?'
+    'Never,' said he, 'but Mr. Hilliard is not only our friend, but
+    he is a U.S. Commissioner, and should Ellen be found in his
+    house, he must resign his office, as well as incur the penalty
+    of the law, and I will not subject a friend to such a punishment
+    for the sake of our safety.' Was not this noble, when you think
+    how small was the penalty that any one could receive for aiding
+    slaves to escape, compared to the fate which threatened them in
+    case they were captured? William C. made the same objection to
+    having his wife taken to Mr. Ellis Gray Loring's, he also being
+    a friend and a Commissioner."
+
+
+This deed of humanity and Christian charity is worthy to be commemorated
+and classed with the act of the good Samaritan, as the same spirit is
+shown in both cases. Often was Mrs. Hilliard's house an asylum for
+fugitive slaves.
+
+After the hunters had left the city in dismay, and the storm of
+excitement had partially subsided, the friends of William and Ellen
+concluded that they had better seek a country where they would not be in
+daily fear of slave-catchers, backed by the Government of the United
+States. They were, therefore, advised to go to Great Britain. Outfits
+were liberally provided for them, passages procured, and they took their
+departure for a habitation in a foreign land.
+
+Much might be told concerning the warm reception they met with from the
+friends of humanity on every hand, during a stay in England of nearly a
+score of years, but we feel obliged to make the following extract
+suffice:
+
+
+
+EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM WM. FARMER, ESQ., OF LONDON, TO WM. LLOYD
+GARRISON, JUNE 26, 1851--"FUGITIVE SLAVES AT THE GREAT EXHIBITION."
+
+
+
+    Fortunately, we have, at the present moment, in the British
+    Metropolis, some specimens of what were once American "chattels
+    personal," in the persons of William and Ellen Craft, and
+    William W. Brown, and their friends resolved that they should be
+    exhibited under the world's huge glass case, in order that the
+    world might form its opinion of the alleged mental inferiority
+    of the African race, and their fitness or unfitness for freedom.
+    A small party of anti-slavery friends was accordingly formed to
+    accompany the fugitives through the Exhibition. Mr. and Mrs.
+    Estlin, of Bristol, and a lady friend, Mr. and Mrs. Richard
+    Webb, of Dublin, and a son and daughter, Mr. McDonnell, (a most
+    influential member of the Executive Committee of the National
+    Reform Association--one of our unostentatious, but highly
+    efficient workers for reform in this country, and whose public
+    and private acts, if you were acquainted with, you would feel
+    the same esteem and affection for him as is felt towards him by
+    Mr. Thompson, myself and many others)--these ladies and
+    gentlemen, together with myself, met at Mr. Thompson's house,
+    and, in company with Mrs. Thompson, and Miss Amelia Thompson,
+    the Crafts and Brown, proceeded from thence to the Exhibition.
+    Saturday was selected, as a day upon which the largest number of
+    the aristocracy and wealthy classes attend the Crystal Palace,
+    and the company was, on this occasion, the most distinguished
+    that had been gathered together within its walls since its
+    opening day. Some fifteen thousand, mostly of the upper classes,
+    were there congregated, including the Queen, Prince Albert, and
+    the royal children, the anti-slavery Duchess of Sutherland, (by
+    whom the fugitives were evidently favorably regarded), the Duke
+    of Wellington, the Bishops of Winchester and St. Asaph, a large
+    number of peers, peeresses, members of Parliament, merchants and
+    bankers, and distinguished men from almost all parts of the
+    world, surpassing, in variety of tongue, character and costume,
+    the description of the population of Jerusalem on the day of
+    Pentecost--a season of which it is hoped the Great Exhibition
+    will prove a type, in the copious outpouring of the holy spirit
+    of brotherly union, and the consequent diffusion, throughout the
+    world, of the anti-slavery gospel of good will to all men.
+
+    In addition to the American exhibitors, it so happened that the
+    American visitors were particularly numerous, among whom the
+    experienced eyes of Brown and the Crafts enabled them to detect
+    slave-holders by dozens. Mr. McDonnell escorted Mrs. Craft, and
+    Mrs. Thompson; Miss Thompson, at her own request, took the arm
+    of Wm. Wells Brown, whose companion she elected to be for the
+    day; Wm. Craft walked with Miss Amelia Thompson and myself. This
+    arrangement was purposely made in order that there might be no
+    appearance of patronizing the fugitives, but that it might be
+    shown that we regarded them as our equals, and honored them for
+    their heroic escape from Slavery. Quite contrary to the feeling
+    of ordinary visitors, the American department was our chief
+    attraction. Upon arriving at Powers' Greek Slave, our glorious
+    anti-slavery friend, Punch's 'Virginia Slave' was produced. I
+    hope you have seen this production of our great humorous
+    moralist. It is an admirably-drawn figure of a female slave in
+    chains, with the inscription beneath, 'The Virginia Slave, a
+    companion for Powers' Greek Slave.' The comparison of the two
+    soon drew a small crowd, including several Americans, around and
+    near us. Although they refrained from any audible expression of
+    feeling, the object of the comparison was evidently understood
+    and keenly felt. It would not have been prudent in us to have
+    challenged, in words, an anti-slavery discussion in the World's
+    Convention; but everything that we could with propriety do was
+    done to induce them to break silence upon the subject. We had no
+    intention, verbally, of taking the initiative in such a
+    discussion; we confined ourselves to speaking at them, in order
+    that they might be led to speak to us; but our efforts were of
+    no avail. The gauntlet, which was unmistakably thrown down by
+    our party, the Americans were too wary to take up. We spoke
+    among each other of the wrongs of Slavery; it was in vain. We
+    discoursed freely upon the iniquity of a professedly Christian
+    Republic holding three millions of its population in cruel and
+    degrading bondage; you might as well have preached to the winds.
+    Wm. Wells Brown took 'Punch's Virginia Slave' and deposited it
+    within the enclosure by the 'Greek Slave,' saying audibly, 'As
+    an American fugitive slave, I place this 'Virginia Slave' by the
+    side of the 'Greek Slave,' as its most fitting companion.' Not a
+    word, or reply, or remonstrance from Yankee or Southerner. We
+    had not, however, proceeded many steps from the place before the
+    'Virginia Slave' was removed. We returned to the statue, and
+    stood near the American by whom it had been taken up, to give
+    him an opportunity of making any remarks he chose upon the
+    matter. Whatever were his feelings, his policy was to keep his
+    lips closed. If he had felt that the act was wrongful, would he
+    not have appealed to the sense of justice of the British
+    bystanders, who are always ready to resist an insult offered to
+    a foreigner in this country? If it was an insult, why not resent
+    it, as became high-spirited Americans? But no; the chivalry of
+    the South tamely allowed itself to be plucked by the beard; the
+    garrulity of the North permitted itself to be silenced by three
+    fugitive slaves.... We promenaded the Exhibition between six and
+    seven hours, and visited nearly every portion of the vast
+    edifice. Among the thousands whom we met in our perambulations,
+    who dreamed of any impropriety in a gentleman of character and
+    standing, like Mr. McDonnell, walking arm-in-arm with a colored
+    woman; or an elegant and accomplished young lady, like Miss
+    Thompson, (daughter of the Hon. George Thompson, M.C.), becoming
+    the promenading companion of a colored man? Did the English
+    peers or peeresses? Not the most aristocratic among them. Did
+    the representatives of any other country have their notions of
+    propriety shocked by the matter? None but Americans. To see the
+    arm of a beautiful English young lady passed through that of 'a
+    nigger,' taking ices and other refreshments with him, upon terms
+    of the most perfect equality, certainly was enough to 'rile,'
+    and evidently did 'rile' the slave-holders who beheld it; but
+    there was no help for it. Even the New York Broadway bullies
+    would not have dared to utter a word of insult, much less lift a
+    finger against Wm. Wells Brown, when walking with his fair
+    companion in the World's Exhibition. It was a circumstance not
+    to be forgotten by these Southern Bloodhounds. Probably, for the
+    first time in their lives, they felt themselves thoroughly
+    muzzled; they dared not even to bark, much less bite. Like the
+    meanest curs, they had to sneak through the Crystal Palace,
+    unnoticed and uncared for; while the victims who had been
+    rescued from their jaws, were warmly greeted by visitors from
+    all parts of the country.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Brown and the Crafts have paid several other visits to the Great
+Exhibition, in one of which, Wm. Craft succeeded in getting some
+Southerners "out" upon the Fugitive Slave Bill, respecting which a
+discussion was held between them in the American department. Finding
+themselves worsted at every point, they were compelled to have recourse
+to lying, and unblushingly denied that the bill contained the provisions
+which Craft alleged it did. Craft took care to inform them who and what
+he was. He told them that there had been too much information upon that
+measure diffused in England for lying to conceal them. He has
+subsequently met the same parties, who, with contemptible hypocrisy,
+treated "the nigger" with great respect.
+
+In England the Crafts were highly respected. While under her British
+Majesty's protection, Ellen became the mother of several children,
+(having had none under the stars and stripes). These they spared no
+pains in educating for usefulness in the world. Some two years since
+William and Ellen returned with two of their children to the United
+States, and after visiting Boston and other places, William concluded to
+visit Georgia, his old home, with a view of seeing what inducement war
+had opened up to enterprise, as he had felt a desire to remove his
+family thither, if encouraged. Indeed he was prepared to purchase a
+plantation, if he found matters satisfactory. This visit evidently
+furnished the needed encouragement, judging from the fact that he did
+purchase a plantation somewhere in the neighborhood of Savannah, and is
+at present living there with his family.
+
+The portraits of William and Ellen represent them at the present stage
+of life, (as citizens of the U.S.)--of course they have greatly changed
+in appearance from what they were when they first fled from Georgia.
+Obviously the Fugitive Slave Law in its crusade against William and
+Ellen Craft, reaped no advantages, but on the contrary, liberty was
+greatly the gainer.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVALS FROM RICHMOND.
+
+
+LEWIS COBB AND NANCY BRISTER.
+
+
+No one Southern city furnished a larger number of brave, wide-awake and
+likely-looking Underground Rail Road passengers than the city of
+Richmond. Lewis and Nancy were fair specimens of the class of travelers
+coming from that city. Lewis was described as a light yellow man, medium
+size, good-looking, and intelligent. In referring to bondage, he spoke
+with great earnestness, and in language very easily understood;
+especially when speaking of Samuel Myers, from whom he escaped, he did
+not hesitate to give him the character of being a very hard man, who was
+never satisfied, no matter how hard the slaves might try to please him.
+
+Myers was engaged in the commission and forwarding business, and was a
+man of some standing in Richmond. From him Lewis had received very
+severe floggings, the remembrance of which he would not only carry with
+him to Canada, but to the grave. It was owing to abuse of this kind that
+he was awakened to look for a residence under the protection of the
+British Lion. For eight months he longed to get away, and had no rest
+until he found himself on the Underground Rail Road.
+
+His master was a member of the Century Methodist Church, as was also his
+wife and family; but Lewis thought that they were strangers to practical
+Christianity, judging from the manner that the slaves were treated by
+both master and mistress. Lewis was a Baptist, and belonged to the
+second church. Twelve hundred dollars had been offered for him. He left
+his father (Judville), and his brother, John Harris, both slaves. In
+view of his prospects in Canada, Lewis' soul overflowed with pleasing
+anticipations of freedom, and the Committee felt great satisfaction in
+assisting him.
+
+Nancy was also from Richmond, and came in the same boat with Lewis. She
+represented the most "likely-looking female bond servants." Indeed her
+appearance recommended her at once. She was neat, modest, and
+well-behaved--with a good figure and the picture of health, with a
+countenance beaming with joy and gladness, notwithstanding the late
+struggles and sufferings through which she had passed. Young as she was,
+she had seen much of slavery, and had, doubtless, profited by the
+lessons thereof. At all events, it was through cruel treatment, having
+been frequently beaten after she had passed her eighteenth year, that
+she was prompted to seek freedom. It was so common for her mistress to
+give way to unbridled passions that Nancy never felt safe. Under the
+severest infliction of punishment she was not allowed to complain.
+Neither from mistress nor master had she any reason to expect mercy or
+leniency--indeed she saw no way of escape but by the Underground Rail
+Road.
+
+It was true that the master, Mr. William Bears, was a Yankee from
+Connecticut, and his wife a member of the Episcopal Church, but Nancy's
+yoke seemed none the lighter for all that. Fully persuaded that she
+would never find her lot any better while remaining in their hands, she
+accepted the advice and aid of a young man to whom she was engaged; he
+was shrewd enough to find an agent in Richmond, with whom he entered
+into a covenant to have Nancy brought away. With a cheerful heart the
+journey was undertaken in the manner aforesaid, and she safely reached
+the Committee. Her mother, one brother and a sister she had to leave in
+Richmond. One thousand dollars were lost in the departure of Nancy.
+
+Having been accommodated and aided by the Committee, they were forwarded
+to Canada. Lewis wrote back repeatedly and expressed himself very
+gratefully for favors received, as will be seen by the appended letters
+from him:
+
+
+    TORONTO, April 25, 1857.
+
+    To MR. WM. STILL--Dear Sir:--I take this opportunity of
+    addressing these few lines to inform you that I am well and hope
+    that they may find you and your family enjoying the same good
+    health. Please to give my love to you and your family. I had a
+    very pleasant trip from your house that morning. Dear sir, you
+    would oblige me much, if you have not sent that box to Mr.
+    Robinson, to open it and take out the little yellow box that I
+    tied up in the large one and send it on by express to me in
+    Toronto. Lift up a few of the things and you will find it near
+    the top. All the clothes that I have are in that box and I stand
+    in need of them. You would oblige me much by so doing. I stopped
+    at Mr. Jones' in Elmira, and was very well treated by him while
+    there. I am now in Toronto and doing very well at present. I am
+    very thankful to you and your family for the attention you paid
+    to me while at your house. I wish you would see Mr. Ormsted and
+    ask him if he has not some things for Mr. Anthony Loney, and if
+    he has, please send them on with my things, as we are both
+    living together at this time. Give my love to Mr. Anthony, also
+    to Mr. Ormsted and family. Dear sir, we both would be very glad
+    for you to attend to this, as we both do stand very much in need
+    of them at this time. Dear sir, you will oblige me by giving my
+    love to Miss Frances Watkins, and as she said she hoped to be
+    out in the summer, I should like to see her. I have met with a
+    gentleman here by the name of Mr. Truehart, and he sends his
+    best love to you and your family. Mr. Truehart desires to know
+    whether you received the letter he sent to you, and if so,
+    answer it as soon as possible. Please answer this letter as soon
+    as possible. I must now come to a close by saying that I remain
+    your beloved friend,
+
+    LEWIS COBB.
+
+    The young man who was there that morning, Mr. Robinson, got
+    married to that young lady.
+
+
+
+
+
+    TORONTO, June 2d, 1857.
+
+    To MR. WM. STILL--Dear Sir:--I received yours dated May 6th, and
+    was extremely happy to hear from you. You may be surprised that
+    I have not answered you before this, but it was on account of
+    not knowing anything concerning the letter being in the
+    post-office until I was told so by a friend. The box, of which I
+    had been inquiring, I have received, and am infinitely obliged
+    to you for sending it. Mr. and Mrs. Renson are living in
+    Hamilton, C.W. They send their best love to you and your family.
+    I am at present residing in Toronto, C.W. Mr. Anthony Loney has
+    gone on to Boston, and is desirous of my coming on to him; and
+    as I have many acquaintances there, I should like to know from
+    you whether it would be advisable or not. Give, if you please,
+    my best love to your family and accept the same for yourself,
+    and also to Mr. James Ormsted and family. Tell James Ormsted I
+    would be glad if he would send me a pair of thick, heavy boots,
+    for it rains and hails as often out here in the summer, as it
+    does there in the winter. Tell him to send No. 9, and anything
+    he thinks will do me good in this cold country. Please to give
+    to Mr. James Ormsted to give to Mr. Robert Seldon, and tell him
+    to give it to my father. Mr. and Mrs. Truehart send their love
+    to you and your family. If the gentleman, Mr. R.S., is not
+    running on the boat now, you can give directions to Ludwill
+    Cobb, in care of Mr. R. Seldon, Richmond, Va. Tell Mr. Ormsted
+    not to forget my boots and send them by express. No more at
+    present, but remain yours very truly,
+
+    Please write soon.
+
+    LEWIS COBB.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+PASSENGERS FROM NORTH CAROLINA.
+
+
+[BY SCHOONER.]
+
+
+MAJOR LATHAM, WILLIAM WILSON, HENRY GORHAM, WILEY MADDISON, AND ANDREW
+SHEPHERD.
+
+The above named passengers were delivered into the hands of Thomas
+Garrett by the Captain who brought them, and were aided and forwarded to
+the Committee in Philadelphia, as indicated by the subjoined letter:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 11th mo., 6th, 1856.
+
+    RESPECTED FRIEND:--WILLIAM STILL:--Thine of yesterday, came to
+    hand this morning, advising me to forward those four men to
+    thee, which I propose to send from here in the steam boat, at
+    two o'clock, P.M. to day to thy care; one of them thinks he has
+    a brother and cousin in New Bedford, and is anxious to get to
+    them, the others thee can do what thee thinks best with, after
+    consulting with them, we have rigged them up pretty comfortably
+    with clothes, and I have paid for their passage to Philadelphia,
+    and also for the passage of their pilot there and back; he
+    proposed to ask thee for three dollars, for the three days time
+    he lost with them, but that we will raise here for him, as one
+    of them expects to have some money brought from Carolina soon,
+    that belongs to him, and wants thee when they are fixed, to let
+    me know so that I may forward it to them. I will give each of
+    them a card of our firm. Hoping they may get along safe, I
+    remain as ever, thy sincere friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+The passengers by this arrival were above the ordinary plantation or
+farm hand slave, as will appear from a glance at their condition under
+the yoke.
+
+
+
+Major Latham was forty-four years of age, mulatto, very resolute, with
+good natural abilities, and a decided hater of slavery. John Latham was
+the man whom he addressed as "master," which was a very bitter pill for
+him to swallow. He had been married twice, and at the time of his escape
+he was the husband of two wives. The first one, with their three
+children, in consequence of changes incident to slave life, was sold a
+long distance from her old home and husband, thereby ending the
+privilege of living together; he could think of them, but that was all;
+he was compelled to give them up altogether. After a time he took to
+himself another wife, with whom he lived several years. Three more
+children owned him as father--the result of this marriage. During his
+entire manhood Major had been brutally treated by his master, which
+caused him a great deal of anguish and trouble of mind.
+
+Only a few weeks before he escaped, his master, in one of his fits of
+passion, flogged him most cruelly. From that time the resolution was
+permanently grounded in his mind to find the way to freedom, if
+possible, before many more weeks had passed. Day and night he studied,
+worked and planned, with freedom uppermost in his mind. The hour of hope
+arrived and with it Captain F.
+
+
+
+William, a fellow-passenger with Major, was forty-two years of age, just
+in the prime of life, and represented the mechanics in chains, being a
+blacksmith by trade. Dr. Thomas Warren, who followed farming in the
+neighborhood of Eatontown, was the owner of William. In speaking of his
+slave life William said: "I was sold four times; twice I was separated
+from my wives. I was separated from one of my wives when living in
+Portsmouth, Virginia," etc.
+
+In his simple manner of describing the trials he had been called upon to
+endure, it was not to be wondered at that he was willing to forsake all
+and run fearful risks in order to rid himself not only of the "load on
+his back," but the load on his heart. By the very positive character of
+William's testimony against slavery, the Committee felt more than ever
+justified in encouraging the Underground Rail Road.
+
+
+
+Henry Gorham was thirty-four years of age, a "prime," heavy, dark,
+smart, "article," and a good carpenter. He admitted that he had never
+felt the lash on his back, but, nevertheless, he had felt deeply on the
+subject of slavery. For years the chief concern with him was as to how
+he could safely reach a free State. Slavery he hated with a perfect
+hatred. To die in the woods, live in a cave, or sacrifice himself in
+some way, he was bound to do, rather than remain a slave. The more he
+reflected over his condition the more determined he grew to seek his
+freedom. Accordingly he left and went to the woods; there he prepared
+himself a cave and resolved to live and die in it rather than return to
+bondage. Before he found his way out of the prison-house eleven months
+elapsed. His strong impulse for freedom, and intense aversion to
+slavery, sustained him until he found an opportunity to escape by the
+Underground Rail Road.
+
+One of the tried Agents of the Underground Rail Road was alone cognizant
+of his dwelling in the cave, and regarding him as a tolerably safe
+passenger (having been so long secreted), secured him a passage on the
+schooner, and thus he was fortunately relieved from his eleven months'
+residence in his den. No rhetoric or fine scholarship was needed in his
+case to make his story interesting. None but hearts of stone could have
+listened without emotion.
+
+
+
+Andrew, another fellow-passenger, was twenty-six years of age, and a
+decidedly inviting-looking specimen of the peculiar institution. He
+filled the situation of an engineer. He, with his wife and one child,
+belonged to a small orphan girl, who lived at South End, Camden county,
+N.C. His wife and child had to be left behind. While it seemed very hard
+for a husband thus to leave his wife, every one that did so weakened
+slavery and encouraged and strengthened anti-slavery.
+
+
+
+Numbered with these four North Carolina passengers is found the name of
+Wiley Maddison, a young man nineteen years of age, who escaped from
+Petersburg on the cars as a white man. He was of promising appearance,
+and found no difficulty whatever on the road. With the rest, however, he
+concluded himself hardly safe this side of Canada, and it afforded the
+Committee special pleasure to help them all.
+
+
+THOMAS CLINTON, SAUNEY PRY AND BENJAMIN DUCKET.
+
+
+PASSED OVER THE U.G.R.R., IN THE FALL OF 1856.
+
+
+
+
+Thomas escaped from Baltimore. He described the man from whom he fled as
+a "rum drinker" of some note, by the name of Benjamin Walmsly, and he
+testified that under him he was neither "half fed nor clothed," in
+consequence of which he was dissatisfied, and fled to better his
+condition. Luckily Thomas succeeded in making his escape when about
+twenty-one years of age. His appearance and smartness indicated
+resolution and gave promise of future success. He was well made and of a
+chestnut color.
+
+
+
+Sauney Pry came from Loudon Co., Va. He had been one of the "well-cared
+for," on the farm of Nathan Clapton, who owned some sixty or seventy
+slaves. Upon inquiry as to the treatment and character of his master,
+Sauney unhesitatingly described him as a "very mean, swearing,
+blustering man, as hard as any that could be started." It was on this
+account that he was prompted to turn his face against Virginia and to
+venture on the Underground Rail Road. Sauney was twenty-seven years of
+age, chestnut color, medium size, and in intellect was at least up to
+the average.
+
+
+
+Benjamin Ducket came from Bell Mountain, Prince George's Co., Maryland.
+He stated to the Committee that he escaped from one Sicke Perry, a
+farmer. Of his particular master he spoke thus: "He was one of the
+baddest men about Prince George; he would both fight and kill up."
+
+These characteristics of the master developed in Ben very strong desires
+to get beyond his reach. In fact, his master's conduct was the sole
+cause of his seeking the Underground Rail Road. At the time that he came
+to Philadelphia, he was recorded as twenty-three years of age, chestnut
+color, medium size, and wide awake. He left his father, mother, two
+brothers, and three sisters, owned by Marcus Devoe.
+
+About the same time that the passengers just described received succor,
+Elizabeth Lambert, with three children, reached the Committee. The names
+of the children were, Mary, Horace, and William Henry, quite
+marketable-looking articles.
+
+They fled from Middletown, Delaware, where they had been owned by Andrew
+Peterson. The poor mother's excuse for leaving her "comfortable home,
+free board, and kind-hearted master and mistress," was simply because
+she was tired of such "kindness," and was, therefore, willing to suffer
+in order to get away from it.
+
+Hill Jones, a lad of eighteen, accompanied Elizabeth with her children
+from Middletown. He had seen enough of Slavery to satisfy him that he
+could never relish it. His owner was known by the name of John Cochran,
+and followed farming. He was of a chestnut color, and well-grown.
+
+
+
+ARRIVALS IN APRIL, 1856.
+
+
+
+CHARLES HALL, JAMES JOHNSON, CHARLES CARTER,  GEORGE, AND JOHN LOGAN,
+JAMES HENRY WATSON,  ZEBULON GREEN, LEWIS, AND PETER BURRELL,  WILLIAM
+WILLIAMS, AND HIS WIFE--HARRIET TUBMAN, WITH FOUR PASSENGERS.
+
+
+
+
+Charles Hall. This individual was from Maryland, Baltimore Co., where
+"black men had no rights which white men were bound to respect,"
+according to the decision of the late Chief Justice Taney of the Supreme
+Court of the United States.
+
+Charles was owned by Atwood A. Blunt, a farmer, much of whose time was
+devoted to card playing, rum-drinking and fox-hunting, so Charles
+stated. Charles gave him the credit of being as mild a specimen of a
+slaveholder as that region of country could claim when in a sober mood,
+but when drunk every thing went wrong with him, nothing could satisfy
+him.
+
+Charles testified, however, that the despotism of his mistress was much
+worse than that of his master, for she was all the time hard on the
+slaves. Latterly he had heard much talk about selling, and, believing
+that matters would soon have to come to that, he concluded to seek a
+place where colored men had rights, in Canada.
+
+
+
+James Johnson. James fled from Deer Creek, Harford Co., Md., where he
+was owned by William Rautty. "Jim's" hour had come. Within one day of
+the time fixed for his sale, he was handcuffed, and it was evidently
+supposed that he was secure. Trembling at his impending doom he resolved
+to escape if possible. He could not rid himself of the handcuffs. Could
+he have done so, he was persuaded that he might manage to make his way
+along safely. He resolved to make an effort with the handcuffs on.
+
+With resolution his freedom was secured. What Master Rautty said when he
+found his property gone with the handcuffs, we know not.
+
+The next day after Jim arrived, Charles Carter, George and John Logan
+came to hand.
+
+
+
+Charles had been under the yoke in the city of Richmond, held to service
+by Daniel Delaplain, a flour inspector. Charles was hired out by the
+flour inspector for as much as he could command for him, for being a
+devoted lover of money, ordinary wages hardly ever satisfied him. In
+other respects Charles spoke of his master rather favorably in
+comparison with slaveholders generally.
+
+A thirty years' apprenticeship as a slave had not, however, won him over
+to the love of the system; he had long since been convinced that it was
+nonsense to suppose that such a thing as happiness could be found even
+under the best of masters. He claimed to have a wife and four little
+children living in Alexandria Va.; the name of the wife was Lucinda. In
+the estimation of slave-holders, the fact of Charles having a family
+might have offered no cause for unhappiness, but Charles felt
+differently in relation to the matter. Again, for reasons best known to
+the owner, he talked of selling Charles. On this point Charles also felt
+quite nervous, so he began to think that he had better make an attempt
+to get beyond the reach of buyers and sellers. He knew that many others
+similarly situated had got out of bondage simply by hard struggling, and
+he felt that he could do likewise. When he had thus determined the
+object was half accomplished. True, every step that he should take was
+liable to bring trouble upon himself, yet with the hope of freedom
+buoying him up he resolved to run the risk. Charles was about thirty
+years of age, likely-looking, well made, intelligent, and a mulatto.
+
+
+
+George was twenty-three years of age, quite dark, medium size, and bore
+the marks of a man of considerable pluck. He was the slave of Mrs. Jane
+Coultson. No special complaint of her is recorded on the book. She might
+have been a very good mistress, but George was not a very happy and
+contented piece of property, as was proved by his course in escaping.
+The cold North had many more charms for him than the sunny South.
+
+
+
+John has been already described in the person of his brother George. He
+was not, however, the property of Mrs. Coultson, but was owned by Miss
+Cox, near Little Georgetown, Berkeley Co., Va. These three individuals
+were held as slaves by that class of slave-holders, known in the South
+as the most kind-hearted and indulgent, yet they seemed just as much
+delighted with the prospects of freedom as any other passengers.
+
+
+
+The next day following the arrival of the party just noticed James Henry
+Watson reached the Committee. He was in good condition, the spring
+weather having been favorable, and the journey made without any serious
+difficulty.
+
+He was from Snowhill, Worcester county, Md., and had escaped from James
+Purnell, a farmer of whom he did not speak very favorably. Yet James
+admitted that his master was not as hard on his slaves as some others.
+
+For the benefit of James' kinsfolk, who may still perchance be making
+searches for him, not having yet learned whither he went or what became
+of him, we copy the following paragraph as entered on our book April
+11th, 1856:
+
+James Henry is twenty years of age, dark, well-made, modest, and seems
+fearful of apprehension; was moved to escape in order to obtain his
+freedom. He had heard of others who had run away and thus secured their
+freedom; he thought he could do the same. He left his father, mother,
+three brothers and five sisters owned by Purnell. His father's name was
+Ephraim, his mother's name Mahala. The names of his sisters and brothers
+were as follows: Hetty, Betsy, Dinah, Catharine and Harriet; Homer,
+William and James.
+
+
+
+Zebulon Green was the next traveler. He arrived from Duck Creek, Md.
+John Appleton, a farmer, was chargeable with having deprived Zeb of his
+rights. But, as Zeb was only about eighteen years of age when he made
+his exit, Mr. Appleton did not get much the start of him. In answer to
+the question as to the cause of his escape, he replied "bad usage." He
+was smart, and quite dark. In traveling, he changed his name to Samuel
+Hill. The Committee endeavored to impress him thoroughly, with the idea
+that he could do much good in the world for himself and fellow-men, by
+using his best endeavors to acquire education, etc., and forwarded him
+on to Canada.
+
+
+
+Lewis Burrell and his brother Peter arrived safely from Alexandria,
+Virginia, April 21, 1856. Lewis had been owned by Edward M. Clark, Peter
+by Benjamin Johnson Hall. These passengers seemed to be well posted in
+regard to Slavery, and understood full well their responsibilities in
+fleeing from "kind-hearted" masters. All they feared was that they might
+not reach Canada safely, although they were pretty hopeful and quite
+resolute. Lewis left a wife, Winna Ann, and two children, Joseph and
+Mary, who were owned by Pembroke Thomas, at Culpepper, Va., nearly a
+hundred miles distant from him. Once or twice in the year, was the
+privilege allowed him to visit his wife and little ones at this long
+distance. This separation constituted his daily grief and was the cause
+of his escape. Lewis and Peter left their father and mother in bondage,
+also one brother (Reuben), and three sisters, two of whom had been sold
+far South.
+
+After a sojourn in freedom of nearly three years, Lewis wrote on behalf
+of his wife as follows:
+
+
+    TORONTO, C.W., Feb. 2, 1859.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL:
+
+    DEAR SIR:--It have bin two years since I war at your house, at
+    that time I war on my way to cannadia, and I tould you that I
+    had a wife and had to leave her behind, and you promiest me that
+    you would healp me to gait hir if I ever heaird from hir, and I
+    think my dear frend, that the time is come for me to strick the
+    blow, will you healp me, according to your promis. I recived a
+    letter from a frend in Washington last night and he says that my
+    wife is in the city of Baltimore, and she will come away if she
+    can find a frend to healp hir, so I thought I would writ to you
+    as you are acquanted with foulks theare to howm you can trust
+    with such matthas. I could write to Mr Noah davis in Baltimore,
+    who is well acquanted with my wife, but I do not think that he
+    is a trew frend, and I could writ to Mr Samual Maden in the same
+    city, but I am afread that a letter coming from cannada might be
+    dedteced, but if you will writ to soume one that you know, and
+    gait them to see Mr Samual Maden he will give all the
+    information that you want, as he is acquanted with my wife, he
+    is a preacher and belongs to the Baptis church. My wifes name is
+    Winne Ann Berrell, and she is oned by one Dr. Tarns who is on a
+    viset to Baltimore, now Mr Still will you attend to this thing
+    for me, fourthwith, if you will I will pay you four your truble,
+    if we can dow any thing it must be don now, as she will leave
+    theare in the spring, and if you will take the matter in hand,
+    you mous writ me on to reseption of this letter, whether you
+    will or not.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+    LEWIS BURRELL.
+
+    No. 49 Victoria St., Toronto, C.W.
+
+
+As in the case of many others, the way was so completely blocked that
+nothing could be done for the wife's deliverance. Until the day when the
+millions of fetters were broken, nothing gave so much pain to husbands
+and wives as these heart-breaking separations.
+
+
+
+William Williams and his wife were the next who arrived. They came from
+Haven Manor, Md. They had been owned by John Peak, by whom, according to
+their report, they had been badly treated, and the Committee had no
+reason to doubt their testimony.
+
+
+
+The next arrival numbered four passengers, and came under the guidance
+of "Moses" (Harriet Tubman), from Maryland. They were adults, looking as
+though they could take care of themselves very easily, although they had
+the marks of Slavery on them. It was no easy matter for men and women
+who had been ground down all their lives, to appear as though they had
+been enjoying freedom. Indeed, the only wonder was that so many appeared
+to as good advantage as they did, after having been crushed down so
+long.
+
+The paucity of the narratives in the month of April, is quite
+noticeable. Why fuller reports were not written out, cannot now be
+accounted for; probably the feeling existed that it was useless to write
+out narratives, except in cases of very special interest.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+FIVE FROM GEORGETOWN CROSS ROADS.
+
+
+MOTHER AND CHILD FROM NORFOLK, VA., ETC.
+
+
+
+
+ABE FINEER, SAM DAVIS, HENRY SAUNDERS, WM. HENRY THOMPSON and THOMAS
+PARKER arrived safely from the above named place. Upon inquiry, the
+following information was gleaned from them.
+
+
+
+Abe spoke with feelings of some bitterness of a farmer known by the name
+of George Spencer, who had deprived him of the hard earnings of his
+hands. Furthermore, he had worked him hard, stinted him for food and
+clothing and had been in the habit of flogging him whenever he felt like
+it. In addition to the above charges, Abe did not hesitate to say that
+his master meddled too much with the bottle, in consequence of which, he
+was often in a "top-heavy" state. Abe said, however, that he was rich
+and stood pretty high in the neighborhood--stinting, flogging and
+drinking were no great disadvantages to a man in Georgetown, Maryland.
+
+Abe was twenty-three years of age, pure black, ordinary size, and
+spirited, a thorough convert to the doctrine that all men are born free,
+and although he had been held in bondage up to the hour of his escape,
+he gave much reason for believing that he would not be an easy subject
+to manage under the yoke, if ever captured and carried back.
+
+
+
+Sam was about thirty years of age, genuine black, common size, and a
+hater of slavery; he was prepared to show, by the scars he bore about
+his person, why he talked as he did. Forever will he remember James
+Hurst, his so-called master, who was a very blustering man oft-times,
+and in the habit of abusing his slaves. Sam was led to seek the
+Underground Rail Road, in order to get rid of his master and, at the
+same time, to do better for himself than he could possibly do in
+Slavery. He had to leave his wife, Phillis, and one child.
+
+
+
+William Henry was about twenty-four years of age, and of a chestnut
+color. He too talked of slave-holders, and his master in particular,
+just as any man would talk who had been shamefully robbed and wronged
+all his life.
+
+
+
+Tom, likewise, told the same story, and although they used the
+corn-field vernacular, they were in earnest and possessed an abundance
+of mother-wit, so that their testimony was not to be made light of.
+
+The following letter from Thomas Garrett speaks for itself:
+
+
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 5 mo. 11th, 1856.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIENDS--McKim and Still:--I purpose sending to-morrow
+    morning by the steamboat a woman and child, whose husband, I
+    think, went some nine months previous to New Bedford. She was
+    furnished with a free passage by the same line her husband came
+    in. She has been away from the person claiming to be her master
+    some five months; we, therefore, think there cannot be much risk
+    at present. Those four I wrote thee about arrived safe up in the
+    neighborhood of Longwood, and Harriet Tubman followed after in
+    the stage yesterday. I shall expect five more from the same
+    neighborhood next trip. Captain Lambdin is desirous of having
+    sent him a book, or books, with the strongest arguments of the
+    noted men of the South against the institution of slavery, as he
+    wishes to prepare to defend himself, as he has little confidence
+    in his attorney. Cannot you send to me something that will be of
+    benefit to him, or send it direct to him? Would not W. Goodell's
+    book be of use? His friends here think there is no chance for
+    him but to go to the penitentiary. They now refuse to let any
+    one but his attorney see him.
+
+    As ever your friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+The woman and child alluded to were received and noted on the record
+book as follows:
+
+Winnie Patty, and her daughter, Elizabeth, arrived safely from Norfolk,
+Va. The mother is about twenty-two years of age, good-looking and of
+chestnut color, smart and brave. From the latter part of October, 1855,
+to the latter part of March, 1856, this young slave mother, with her
+child, was secreted under the floor of a house. The house was occupied
+by a slave family, friends of Winnie. During the cold winter weather she
+suffered severely from wet and cold, getting considerably frosted, but
+her faith failed not, even in the hour of greatest extremity. She chose
+rather to suffer thus than endure slavery any longer, especially as she
+was aware that the auction-block awaited her. She had already been sold
+three times; she knew therefore what it was to be sold.
+
+Jacob Shuster was the name of the man whom she spoke of as her tormentor
+and master, and from whom she fled. He had been engaged in the farming
+business, and had owned quite a large number of slaves, but from time to
+time he had been selling off, until he had reduced his stock
+considerably.
+
+Captain Lambdin, spoken of in Thomas Garrett's letter, had, in the
+kindness of his heart, brought away in his schooner some Underground
+Rail Road passengers, but unfortunately he was arrested and thrust into
+prison in Norfolk, Va., to await trial. Having no confidence in his
+attorney there he found that he would have to defend himself as best he
+could, consequently he wanted books, etc. He was in the attitude of a
+drowning man catching at a straw. The Committee was powerless to aid
+him, except with some money; as the books that he desired had but little
+effect in the lions' den, in which he was. He had his trial, and was
+sent to the penitentiary, of course.
+
+
+    ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber,
+    living in Rockville. Montgomery county, Md., on Saturday, 31st
+    of May last, NEGRO MAN, ALFRED, about twenty-two years of age;
+    five feet seven inches high; dark copper color, and rather good
+    looking.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    He had on when he left a dark blue and green plaid frock coat,
+    of cloth, and lighter colored plaid pantaloons.
+
+    I will give the above reward if taken out of the county, and in
+    any of the States, or fifty dollars if taken in the county or
+    the District of Columbia, and secured so that I get him again.
+    JOHN W. ANDERSON.
+
+    j6-1wW2.
+
+
+A man calling himself Alfred Homer, answering to the above description,
+came to the Vigilance Committee in June, 1856. As a memorial we
+transferred the advertisement of John W. Anderson to our record book,
+and concluded to let that suffice. Alfred, however, gave a full
+description of his master's character, and the motives which impelled
+him to seek his freedom. He was listened to attentively, but his story
+was not entered on the book.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+PASSENGERS FROM MARYLAND, 1857.
+
+WILLIAM HENRY MOODY, BELINDA BIVANS, ETC.
+
+
+
+
+William was about twenty years of age, black, usual size, and a lover of
+liberty. He had heard of Canada, had formed a very favorable opinion of
+the country and was very desirous of seeing it. The man who had
+habitually robbed him of his hire, was a "stout-built, ill-natured man,"
+a farmer, by the name of William Hyson.
+
+To meet the expenses of an extensive building enterprise which he had
+undertaken, it was apparent that Hyson would have to sell some of his
+property. William and some six others of the servants got wind of the
+fact that they would stand a chance of being in the market soon. Not
+relishing the idea of going further South they unanimously resolved to
+emigrate to Canada. Accordingly they borrowed a horse from Dr. Wise, and
+another from H.K. Tice, and a carriage from F.J. Posey, and Joseph P.
+Mong's buggy (so it was stated in the Baltimore Sun, of May 27th), and
+off they started for the promised land. The horses and carriages were
+all captured at Chambersburg, a day or two after they set out, but the
+rest of the property hurried on to the Committee. How Mr. Hyson raised
+the money to carry out his enterprise, William and his "ungrateful"
+fellow-servants seemed not to be concerned.
+
+
+
+Belinda Bivans. Belinda was a large woman, thirty years of age, wholly
+black, and fled from Mr. Hyson, in company with William, and those above
+referred to, with the idea of reaching Canada, whither her father had
+fled eight years before.
+
+She was evidently pleased with the idea of getting away from her
+ill-natured mistress, from poor fare and hard work without pay. She had
+experienced much hardship, and had become weary of her trial in bondage.
+She had been married, but her husband had died, leaving her with two
+little girls to care for, both of whom she succeeded in bringing away
+with her.
+
+In reference to the church relations of her master and mistress, she
+represented the former as a backslider, and added that money was his
+church; of the latter she said, "she would go and take the sacrament,
+come back and the old boy would be in her as big as a horse." Belinda
+could see but little difference between her master and mistress.
+
+Joseph Winston. In the Richmond Dispatch, of June 9th, the following
+advertisement was found:
+
+
+    ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber,
+    RUNAWAY.--$200 REWARD will be given if taken in the state, and
+    $500 if taken out of the state.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    Run away, my negro boy JOE, sometimes called JOE WINSTON; about
+    23 years old, a little over 5 feet high, rather stout-built,
+    dark ginger-bread color, small moustache, stammers badly when
+    confused or spoken to, took along two or three suits of clothes,
+    one a blue dress coat with brass buttons, black pants, and
+    patent leather shoes, white hat, silver watch with gold chain;
+    was last seen in this city on Tuesday last, had a pass to
+    Hanover county, and supposed to be making his way towards York
+    River, for the purpose of getting on board some coasting vessel.
+
+    SAMUEL ELLIS.
+
+
+The passenger above described reached the Underground Rail Road station,
+June 6th, 1857.
+
+"Why did you leave your master?" said a member of the Committee to Joe.
+"I left because there was no enjoyment in slavery for colored people."
+After stating how the slaves were treated he added, "I was working all
+the time for master and he was receiving all my money for my daily
+labor." "What business did your master follow?" inquired the Committee.
+"He was a carpenter by trade." "What kind of a looking man was he?"
+again inquired the Committee. "He was a large, stout man, don't swear,
+but lies and cheats." Joe admitted that he had been treated very well
+all his life, with the exception of being deprived of his freedom. For
+eight years prior to his escape he had been hired out, a part of the
+time as porter in a grocery store, the remainder as bar-tender in a
+saloon. At the time of his escape he was worth twenty-two dollars per
+month to his master. Joe had to do overwork and thus procure clothing
+for himself.
+
+When a small boy he resolved, that he never would work all his days as a
+slave for the white people. As he advanced in years his desire for
+freedom increased. An offer of fifteen hundred dollars was made for Joe,
+so he was informed a short time before he escaped; this caused him to
+move promptly in the matter of carrying out his designs touching
+liberty.
+
+His parents and three brothers, slaves, were to be left; but when the
+decisive hour came he was equal to the emergency. In company with
+William Naylor secreted in a vessel, he was brought away and delivered
+to the Committee for aid and counsel, which he received, and thus ended
+his bondage. The reward offered by his master, Samuel Ellis, proved of
+no avail.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+
+William Scott. William was about twenty-four years of age, well made,
+though not very heavy--stammered considerably when speaking--wide awake
+and sensible nevertheless. For two years the fear of being sold had not
+been out of his mind. To meet a security agreement, which had been
+contracted by his mistress--about which a law-suit had been pending for
+two years--was what he feared he should be sold for. About the first of
+May he found himself in the hands of the sheriff. On being taken to
+Stafford Court-House Jail, however, the sheriff permitted him to walk a
+"little ways." It occurred to William that then was his only chance to
+strike for freedom and Canada, at all hazards. He soon decided the
+matter, and the sheriff saw no more of him.
+
+Susan Fox was the name of the person he was compelled to call mistress.
+She was described as a "large, portly woman, very gross, with a
+tolerably severe temper, at times." William's mother and one of his
+brothers had been sold by this woman--an outrage to be forever
+remembered. His grandmother, one sister, with two children, and a cousin
+with five children, all attached by the sheriff, for sale, were left in
+the hands of his mistress. He was married the previous Christmas, but in
+the trying hour could do nothing for his wife, but leave her to the
+mercy of slave-holders. The name of the sheriff that he outgeneralled
+was Walter Cox. William was valued at $1,000.
+
+Perhaps, after all, but few appreciated the sorrow that must have filled
+the hearts of most of those who escaped. Though they succeeded in
+gaining their own liberty--they were not insensible to the oppression of
+their friends and relatives left in bondage. On reaching Canada and
+tasting the sweets of freedom, the thought of dear friends in bondage
+must have been acutely painful.
+
+William had many perils to encounter. On one occasion he was hotly
+chased, but proved too fleet-footed for his pursuers. At another time,
+when straitened, he attempted to swim a river, but failed. His faith
+remained strong, nevertheless, and he succeeded in reaching the
+Committee.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, D.C., etc., 1857.
+
+GEORGE CARROLL, RANDOLPH BRANSON, JOHN CLAGART, AND WILLIAM ROYAN.
+
+
+These four journeyed from "Egypt" together--but did not leave the same
+"kind protector."
+
+
+
+George was a full black, ordinary size, twenty-four years of age, and a
+convert to the doctrine that he had a right to himself. For years the
+idea of escape had been daily cherished. Five times he had proposed to
+buy himself, but failed to get the consent of his "master," who was a
+merchant, C.C. Hirara, a man about sixty years of age, and a member of
+the Methodist Church. His property in slaves consisted of two men, two
+women, two girls and a boy.
+
+Three of George's brothers escaped to Canada many years prior to his
+leaving--there he hoped on his arrival to find them in the possession of
+good farms. $1,300 walked off in the person of George.
+
+
+
+Randolph, physically, was a superior man. He was thirty-one years of age
+and of a dark chestnut color. Weary with bondage he came to the
+conclusion that he had served a master long enough "without privileges."
+Against his master, Richard Reed, he had no hard things to say, however.
+He was not a "crabbed, cross man"--had but "little to say," but "didn't
+believe in freedom."
+
+Three of his brothers had been sold South. Left his father, two sisters
+and one brother. Randolph was worth probably $1,700.
+
+
+
+John was a well-made yellow man, twenty-two years of age, who had
+counted the cost of slavery thoroughly, besides having experienced the
+effects of it. Accordingly he resolved to "be free or die," "to kill or
+be killed, in trying to reach free land somewhere!"
+
+Having "always been hired out amongst very hard white people," he was
+"unhappy." His owner, George Coleman, lived near Fairfax, Va., and was a
+member of the Methodist Church, but in his ways was "very sly," and
+"deadly against anything like Freedom." He held fifteen of his
+fellow-men in chains.
+
+For John's hire he received one hundred and fifty dollars a year. He
+was, therefore, ranked with first-class "stock," valued at $1,500.
+
+
+
+William was about thirty-five years of age, neat, and pleasing in his
+manners. He would be the first selected in a crowd by a gentleman or a
+lady, who might want a very neat-looking man to attend to household
+affairs. Though he considered Captain Cunningham, his master, a
+"tolerable fair man," he was not content to be robbed of his liberty and
+earnings. As he felt that he "could take care of himself," he decided to
+let the Captain have the same chance--and so he steered his course
+straight for Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM UNIONVILLE, 1857.
+
+ISRAEL TODD, AND BAZIL ALDRIDGE.
+
+
+
+
+Israel was twenty-three years of age, yellow, tall, well made and
+intelligent. He fled from Frederick county, Md. Through the sweat of his
+brow, Dr. Greenberry Sappington and his family had been living at ease.
+The doctor was a Catholic, owning only one other, and was said to be a
+man of "right disposition." His wife, however, was "so mean that nobody
+could stay with her." Israel was prompted to escape to save his wife,
+(had lately been married) and her brother from being sold south. His
+detestation of slavery in every shape was very decided. He was a
+valuable man, worth to a trader fifteen hundred dollars, perhaps.
+
+
+
+Bazil was only seventeen years of age. About as near a kin to the "white
+folks" as to the colored people, and about as strong an opponent of
+slavery as any "Saxon" going of his age. He was a brother-in-law of
+Israel, and accompanied him on the Underground Rail Road. Bazil was held
+to service or labor by Thornton Pool, a store-keeper, and also farmer,
+and at the same time an ardent lover of the "cretur," so much so that
+"he kept about half-drunk all the time." So Bazil affirmed. The good
+spirit moved two of Bazil's brothers to escape the spring before. A few
+months afterwards a brother and sister were sold south. To manage the
+matter smoothly, previous to selling them, the master pretended that he
+was "only going to hire them out a short distance from home." But
+instead of doing so he sold them south. Bazil might be put down at nine
+hundred dollars.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1857.
+
+ORDEE LEE, AND RICHARD J. BOOCE.
+
+
+
+
+Both of these passengers came from Maryland. Ordee was about thirty-five
+years of age, gingerbread color, well made, and intelligent. Being
+allowed no chances to make anything for himself, was the excuse offered
+for his escape. Though, as will appear presently, other causes also
+helped to make him hate his oppression.
+
+The man who had daily robbed him, and compelled him to call him master,
+was a notorious "gambler," by the name of Elijah Thompson, residing in
+Maryland. "By his bad habits he had run through with his property,
+though in society he stood pretty tolerably high amongst some people;
+then again some didn't like him, he was a mean man, all for himself. He
+was a man that didn't care anything about his servants, except to get
+work out of them. When he came where the servants were working, he would
+snap and bite at them and if he said anything at all, it was to hurry
+the work on."
+
+"He never gave me," said Ordee, "a half a dollar in his life. Didn't
+more than half feed, said that meat and fish was too high to eat. As for
+clothing, he never gave me a new hat for every day, nor a Sunday rag in
+his life." Of his mistress, he said, "She was stingy and close,--made
+him (his master) worse than what he would have been." Two of his
+brothers were sold to Georgia, and his uncle was cheated out of his
+freedom. Left three brothers and two sisters in chains. Elijah Thompson
+had at least fifteen hundred dollars less to sport upon by this bold
+step on the part of Ordee.
+
+
+
+Richard was about twenty-two years of age, well grown, and a very
+likely-looking article, of a chestnut color, with more than common
+intelligence for a slave.
+
+His complaints were that he had been treated "bad," allowed "no
+privileges" to make anything, allowed "no Sunday clothing," &c. So he
+left the portly-looking Dr. Hughes, with no feeling of indebtedness or
+regret. And as to his "cross and ill-natured" mistress, with her four
+children, they might whistle for his services and support. His master
+had, however, some eighteen or twenty others to rob for the support of
+himself and family, so they were in no great danger of starving.
+
+"Would your owner be apt to pursue you?" said a member of the Committee.
+"I don't think he will. He was after two uncles of mine, one time, saw
+them, and talked with them, but was made to run."
+
+Richard left behind his mother, step-father, two sisters, and one
+brother. As a slave, he would have been considered cheap at sixteen
+hundred dollars. He was a fine specimen.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM CAMBRIDGE, 1857.
+
+
+
+
+Silas Long and Solomon Light. Silas and Solomon both left together from
+Cambridge, Md.
+
+Silas was quite black, spare-built and about twenty-seven years of age.
+He was owned by Sheriff Robert Bell, a man about "sixty years of age,
+and had his name up to be the hardest man in the county." "The Sheriff's
+wife was about pretty much such a woman as he was a man--there was not a
+pin's point of difference between them." The fear of having to be sold
+caused this Silas to seek the Underground Rail Road. Leaving his mother,
+one brother and one cousin, and providing himself with a Bowie-knife and
+a few dollars in money, he resolved to reach Canada, "or die on the
+way." Of course, when slaves reached this desperate point, the way to
+Canada was generally found.
+
+Solomon was about twenty-three years of age, a good-natured-looking
+"article," who also left Cambridge, and the protection of a certain
+Willis Branick, described as an "unaccountable mean man." "He never gave
+me any money in his life," said Sol., "but spent it pretty freely for
+liquor." "He would not allow enough to eat, or clothing sufficient." And
+he sold Sol.'s brother the year before he fled, "because he could not
+whip him." The fear of being sold prompted Sol. to flee. The very day he
+escaped he had a serious combat with two of his master's sons. The thumb
+of one of them being "badly bit," and the other used roughly--the ire of
+the master and sons was raised to a very high degree--and the verdict
+went forth that "Sol. should be sold to-morrow." Unhesitatingly, he
+started for the Underground Rail Road and Canada--and his efforts were
+not in vain. Damages, $1,500.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+"THE MOTHER OF TWELVE CHILDREN."
+
+
+OLD JANE DAVIS--FLED TO ESCAPE THE AUCTION-BLOCK.
+
+
+The appended letter, from Thomas Garrett, will serve to introduce one of
+the most remarkable cases that it was our privilege to report or assist:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 6 mo., 9th, 1857.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND--WILLIAM STILL:--We have here in this place, at
+    Comegys Munson's an old colored woman, the mother of twelve
+    children, one half of which has been sold South. She has been so
+    ill used, that she was compelled to leave husband and children
+    behind, and is desirous of getting to a brother who lives at
+    Buffalo. She was nearly naked. She called at my house on 7th day
+    night, but being from home, did not see her till last evening. I
+    have procured her two under garments, one new; two skirts, one
+    new; a good frock with cape; one of my wife's bonnets and
+    stockings, and gave her five dollars in gold, which, if properly
+    used, will put her pretty well on the way. I also gave her a
+    letter to thee. Since I gave them to her she has concluded to
+    stay where she is till 7th day night, when Comegys Munson says
+    he can leave his work and will go with her to thy house. I write
+    this so that thee may be prepared for them; they ought to arrive
+    between 11 and 12 o'clock. Perhaps thee may find some fugitive
+    that will be willing to accompany her. With desire for thy
+    welfare and the cause of the oppressed, I remain thy friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+Jane did not know how old she was. She was probably sixty or seventy.
+She fled to keep from being sold. She had been "whipt right smart,"
+poorly fed and poorly clothed, by a certain Roger McZant, of the New
+Market District, Eastern Shore of Maryland. His wife was a "bad woman
+too." Just before escaping, Jane got a whisper that her "master" was
+about to sell her; on asking him if the rumor was true, he was silent.
+He had been asking "one hundred dollars" for her.
+
+Remembering that four of her children had been snatched away from her
+and sold South, and she herself was threatened with the same fate, she
+was willing to suffer hunger, sleep in the woods for nights and days,
+wandering towards Canada, rather than trust herself any longer under the
+protection of her "kind" owner. Before reaching a place of repose she
+was _three weeks in the woods_, almost wholly without nourishment.
+
+Jane, doubtless, represented thousands of old slave mothers, who, after
+having been worn out under the yoke, were frequently either offered for
+sale for a trifle, turned off to die, or compelled to eke out their
+existence on the most stinted allowance.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+BENJAMIN ROSS, AND HIS WIFE HARRIET.
+
+
+FLED FROM CAROLINE COUNTY, EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND, JUNE, 1857.
+
+
+This party stated that Dr. Anthony Thompson had claimed them as his
+property. They gave the Committee a pretty full report of how they had
+been treated in slavery, especially under the doctor. A few of the
+interesting points were noted as follows: The doctor owned about twenty
+head of slaves when they left; formerly he had owned a much larger
+number, but circumstances had led him to make frequent sales during the
+few years previous to their escape, by which the stock had been reduced.
+As well as having been largely interested in slaves, he had at the same
+time been largely interested in real estate, to the extent of a dozen
+farms at least. But in consequence of having reached out too far,
+several of his farms had slipped out of his hands.
+
+Upon the whole, Benjamin pronounced him a rough man towards his slaves,
+and declared, that he had not given him a dollar since the death of his
+(the master's) father, which had been at least twenty years prior to
+Benjamin's escape. But Ben. did not stop here, he went on to speak of
+the religious character of his master, and also to describe him
+physically; he was a Methodist preacher, and had been "pretending to
+preach for twenty years." Then the fact that a portion of their children
+had been sold to Georgia by this master was referred to with much
+feeling by Ben and his wife; likewise the fact that he had stinted them
+for food and clothing, and led them a rough life generally, which left
+them no room to believe that he was anything else than "a wolf in
+sheep's clothing." They described him as a "spare-built man, bald head,
+wearing a wig."
+
+These two travelers had nearly reached their three score years and ten
+under the yoke. Nevertheless they seemed delighted at the idea of going
+to a free country to enjoy freedom, if only for a short time. Moreover
+some of their children had escaped in days past, and these they hoped to
+find. Not many of those thus advanced in years ever succeeded in getting
+to Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1857.
+
+
+WILLIAM JACKSON.
+
+
+William was about fifty years of age, of usual size, of good address,
+and intelligent. He was born the property of a slaveholder, by the name
+of Daniel Minne, residing in Alexandria in Virginia. His master was
+about eighty-four years of age, and was regarded as kind, though he had
+sold some of his slaves and was in favor of slavery. He had two sons,
+Robert and Albert, "both dissipated, would layabout the tippling
+taverns, and keep low company, so much so that they were not calculated
+to do any business for their father." William had to be a kind of a
+right hand man to his master. The sons seeing that the "property" was
+trusted instead of themselves, very naturally hated it, so the young men
+resolved that at the death of their father, William should be sent as
+far south as possible. Knowing that the old man could not stand it much
+longer, William saw that it was his policy to get away as fast as he
+could. He was the husband of a free wife, who had come on in advance of
+him.
+
+For thirty years William had been foreman on his old master's
+plantation, and but for the apprehension caused by the ill-will of his
+prospective young masters, he would doubtless have remained in servitude
+at least until the death of the old man. But when William reflected, and
+saw what he had been deprived of all his life by being held in bondage,
+and when he began to breathe free air, with the prospect of ending his
+days on free land, he rejoiced that his eyes had been opened to see his
+danger, and that he had been moved to make a start for liberty.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1857.
+
+JOHN WRIGHT AND WIFE, ELIZABETH ANN, AND CHARLES CONNOR.
+
+
+
+
+This party arrived from Sussex county. John was about thirty years of
+age, ordinary size, full black and clear-headed. In physical appearance
+he would have readily passed for a superior laborer. The keenness of his
+eyes and quickness of his perception, however, would doubtless have
+rendered him an object of suspicion in some parts of the South. The
+truth was that the love of liberty was clearly indicated in his
+expressive countenance. William S. Phillips, a farmer, had been
+"sucking" John's blood, and keeping him poor and ignorant for the last
+eight years at least; before that, Phillips' father had defrauded him of
+his hire.
+
+Under the father and son John had found plenty of hard work and bad
+usage, severe and repeated floggings not excepted. Old master and
+mistress and young master and mistress, including the entire family,
+belonged to what was known as the "Farmer church," at Portsville.
+Outwardly they were good Christians. "Occasionally," John said, "the old
+man would have family prayers," and to use John's own words, "in company
+he would try to moralize, but out of company was as great a rowdy as
+ever was." In further describing his old master, he said that he was a
+large man, with a red face and blunt nose, and was very quick and fiery
+in his temper; would drink and swear--and even his wife, with all hands,
+would have to run when he was "raised."
+
+Of his young master he said: "He was quite a long-bodied, thin-faced
+man, weighing over one hundred and fifty pounds. In temper just like his
+father, though he did not drink--that is all the good quality that I can
+recommend in him." John said also that his master, on one occasion, in a
+most terribly angry mood, threatened that he would "wade up to his knees
+in his (John's) blood." It so happened that John's blood was up pretty
+high just at that time; he gave his master to understand that he would
+rather go South (be sold) than submit to the scourging which was
+imminent. John's pluck probably had the effect of allaying the master's
+fire; at any rate the storm subsided after awhile, and until the day
+that he took the Underground Rail Road car the servant managed to put up
+with his master. As John's wife was on the eve of being sold he was
+prompted to leave some time sooner than he otherwise would have done.
+
+
+
+THE WIFE'S STATEMENT
+
+
+She was thirty-two years of age, of good physical proportions, and a
+promising-looking person, above the ordinary class of slaves belonging
+to Delaware. She was owned by Jane Cooper, who lived near Laurel, in
+Sussex county. She had been more accustomed to field labor than
+house-work; ploughing, fencing, driving team, grubbing, cutting wood,
+etc., were well understood by her. During "feeding times" she had to
+assist in the house. In this respect, she had harder times than the men.
+Her mistress was also in the habit of hiring Elizabeth out by the day to
+wash. On these occasions she was required to rise early enough to milk
+the cows, get breakfast, and feed the hogs before sunrise, so that she
+might be at her day's washing in good time.
+
+It is plainly to be seen, that Elizabeth had not met with the "ease" and
+kindness which many claimed for the slave. Elizabeth was sensible of the
+wrongs inflicted by her Delaware mistress, and painted her in very vivid
+colors. Her mistress was a widow, "quite old," but "very frisky," and
+"wore a wig to hide her gray hairs." At the death of her husband, the
+slaves believed, from what they had heard their master say, that they
+would be freed, each at the age of thirty. But no will was found, which
+caused Elizabeth, as well as the rest of the slaves, to distrust the
+mistress more than ever, as they suspected that she knew something of
+its disappearance.
+
+Her mistress belonged to the Presbyterian Church, but would have "family
+prayers only when the minister would stop;" Elizabeth thought that she
+took greater pains to please the minister than her Maker. Elizabeth had
+no faith in such religion.
+
+Both Elizabeth and her husband were members of the Methodist Church.
+Neither had ever been permitted to learn to read or write, but they were
+naturally very smart. John left his mother and one sister in bondage.
+One of his brothers fled to Canada fifteen years before their escape.
+His name was Abraham.
+
+
+
+Charles Connor, the third person in the party, was twenty-seven years of
+age--fast color, and a tough-looking "article," who would have brought
+twelve hundred dollars or more in the hands of a Baltimore trader. The
+man from whom Charles fled was known by the name of John Chipman, and
+was described as "a fleshy man, with rank beard and quick temper, very
+hard--commonly kept full of liquor, though he would not get so drunk
+that he could not go about." For a long time Charles had been the main
+dependence on his master's place, as he only owned two other slaves.
+Charles particularly remarked, that no weather was too bad for them to
+be kept at work in the field. Charles was a fair specimen of the
+"corn-field hand," but thought that he could take care of himself in
+Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM ALEXANDRIA, 1857.
+
+
+OSCAR D. BALL, AND MONTGOMERY GRAHAM.
+
+
+
+    FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.--Ran away from the owner in
+    Alexandria, Va., on the night of the 13th inst., two young negro
+    men, from twenty to twenty-five years of age. MONTGOMERY is a
+    very bright mulatto, about five feet, six inches in height, of
+    polite manners, and smiles much when speaking or spoken to.
+    OSCAR is of a tawny complexion, about six feet high, sluggish in
+    his appearance and movements, and of awkward manners. One
+    hundred dollars each will be paid for the delivery of the above
+    slaves if taken in a slave state, or two hundred dollars each if
+    taken in a free state. One or more slaves belonging to other
+    owners, it is supposed, went in their company.
+
+    Address:  JOHN T. GORDON,
+
+    Alexandria, Va.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+
+Although the name of John T. Gordon appears signed to the above
+advertisement, he was not the owner of Montgomery and Oscar. According
+to their own testimony they belonged to a maiden lady, by the name of
+Miss Elizabeth Gordon, who probably thought that the business of
+advertising for runaway negroes was rather beneath her.
+
+While both these passengers manifested great satisfaction in leaving
+their mistress they did not give her a bad name. On the contrary they
+gave her just such a character as the lady might have been pleased with
+in the main. They described her thus: "Mistress was a spare woman,
+tolerably tall, and very kind, except when sick, she would not pay much
+attention then. She was a member of the Southern Methodist Church, and
+was strict in her religion."
+
+Having a good degree of faith in his mistress, Oscar made bold one day
+to ask her how much she would take for him. She agreed to take eight
+hundred dollars. Oscar wishing to drive a pretty close bargain offered
+her seven hundred dollars, hoping that she would view the matter in a
+religious light, and would come down one hundred dollars. After
+reflection instead of making a reduction, she raised the amount to one
+thousand dollars, which Oscar concluded was too much for himself. It was
+not, however, as much as he was worth according to his mistress'
+estimate, for she declared that she had often been offered fifteen
+hundred dollars for him. Miss Gordon raised Oscar from a child and had
+treated him as a pet. When he was a little "shaver" seven or eight years
+of age, she made it a practice to have him sleep with her, showing that
+she had no prejudice.
+
+Being rather of a rare type of slave-holders she is entitled to special
+credit. Montgomery the companion of Oscar could scarcely be
+distinguished from the white folks. In speaking of his mistress,
+however, he did not express himself in terms quite so complimentary as
+Oscar. With regard to giving "passes," he considered her narrow, to say
+the least. But he was in such perfectly good humor with everybody, owing
+to the fact that he had succeeded in getting his neck out of the yoke,
+that he evidently had no desire to say hard things about her.
+
+Judging from his story he had been for a long time desiring his freedom
+and looking diligently for the Underground Rail Road, but he had had
+many things to contend with when looking the matter of escape in the
+face. Arriving in Philadelphia, and finding himself breathing free air,
+receiving aid and encouragement in a manner that he had never known
+before, he was one of the happiest of creatures.
+
+Oscar left his wife and one child, one brother and two sisters.
+Montgomery left one sister, but no other near kin.
+
+Instead of going to Canada, Oscar and his comrade pitched their tents in
+Oswego, N.Y., where they changed their names, and instead of returning
+themselves to their kind mistress they were wicked enough to be plotting
+as to how some of their friends might get off on the Underground Rail
+Road, as may be seen from the appended letters from Oscar, who was
+thought to be sluggish, etc.
+
+
+    OSWEGO, Oct 25th, 1857.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I take this opportunity of writing you these few
+    lines to inform you that I am well and hope these few lines will
+    find you the same (and your family you must excuse me for not
+    writing to you before. I would have written to you before this
+    but I put away the card you gave me and could not find it until
+    a few days sins). I did not go to Canada for I got work in
+    Oswego, but times are very dull here at present. I have been out
+    of employ about five weeks I would like to go to Australia. Do
+    you know of any gentleman that is going there or any other
+    place, except south that wants a servant to go there with him to
+    wait on him or do any other work, I have a brother that wants to
+    come north. I received a letter from him a few days ago. Can you
+    tell me of any plan that I can fix to get him give my respects
+    to Mrs. Still and all you family. Please let me know if you hear
+    of any berth of that kind. Nothing more at present I remain your
+    obedient servant,
+
+    OSCAR D. BALL
+
+    But my name is now John Delaney. Direct your letter to John
+    Delaney Oswego N.Y. care of R. Oliphant.
+
+
+
+
+
+    OSWEGO, Nov. 21st, 1857.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL, ESQ. DEAR SIR:--Your letter of the 19th came
+    duly to hand I am glad to hear that the Underground Rail Road is
+    doing so well I know those three well that you said come from
+    alex I broke the ice and it seems as if they are going to keep
+    the track open, but I had to stand and beg of those two that
+    started with me to come and even give one of them money and then
+    he did not want to come. I had a letter from my brother a few
+    days ago, and he says if he lives and nothing happens to him he
+    will make a start for the north and there is many others there
+    that would start now but they are afraid of getting frost
+    bitten. there was two left alex about five or six weeks ago.
+    ther names are as follows Lawrence Thornton and Townsend Derrit.
+    have they been to philadelphia from what I can learn they will
+    leave alex in mourning next spring in the last letter I got from
+    my brother he named a good many that wanted to come when he did
+    and the are all sound men and can be trusted. he reads and
+    writes his own letters. William Triplet and Thomas Harper passed
+    through hear last summer from my old home which way did those
+    three that you spoke of go times are very dull here at present
+    and I can get nothing to do. but thank God have a good boarding
+    house and will be sheltered from the weather this winter give my
+    respects to your family Montgomery sends his also Nothing more
+    at presant
+
+    Yours truly JOHN DELANEY.
+
+
+
+
+THE ACTING COMMITTEE
+
+
+[Illustration: N.W. DEPEE.]
+
+[Illustration: JACOB C. WHITE.]
+
+[Illustration: CHARLES WISE,]
+
+[Illustration: EDWIN H. COATES]
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM UNIONVILLE, 1857.
+
+CAROLINE ALDRIDGE AND JOHN WOOD.
+
+
+
+
+Caroline was a stout, light-complexioned, healthy-looking young woman of
+twenty-three years of age. She fled from Thornton Poole, of Unionville,
+Md. She gave her master the character of being a "very mean man; with a
+wife meaner still," "I consider them mean in every respect," said
+Caroline. No great while before she escaped, one of her brothers and a
+sister had been sent to the Southern market. Recently she had been
+apprized that herself and a younger brother would have to go the same
+dreadful road. She therefore consulted with the brother and a particular
+young friend, to whom she was "engaged," which resulted in the departure
+of all three of them. Though the ordinary steps relative to marriage, as
+far as slaves were allowed, had been complied with, nevertheless on the
+road to Canada, they availed themselves of the more perfect way of
+having the ceremony performed, and went on their way rejoicing.
+
+Since the sale of Caroline's brother and sister, just referred to, her
+mother and three children had made good their exit to Canada, having
+been evidently prompted by said sale. Long before that time, however,
+three other brothers fled on the Underground Rail Road. They were
+encouraged to hope to meet each other in Canada.
+
+
+
+JOHN WOOD. John was about twenty-eight years of age, of agreeable
+manners, intelligent, and gave evidence of a strong appreciation of
+liberty. Times with John had "not been very rough," until within the
+last year of his bondage. By the removal of his old master by death, a
+change for the worse followed. The executors of the estate--one of whom
+owed him an old grudge--made him acquainted with the fact, that amongst
+certain others, he would have to be sold. Judge Birch (one of the
+executors), "itching" to see him "broke in," "took particular pains" to
+speak to a notorious tyrant by the name of Boldin, to buy him.
+Accordingly on the day of sale, Boldin was on hand and the successful
+bidder for John. Being familiar with, the customs of this terrible
+Boldin,--of the starving fare and cruel flogging usual on his farm, John
+mustered courage to declare at the sale, that he "_would not serve
+him_." In the hearing of his new master, he said, "_before I will serve
+him I will_ CUT _my throat_!" The master smiled, and simply asked for a
+rope; "had me tied and delivered into the hands of a constable," to be
+sent over to the farm. Before reaching his destination, John managed to
+untie his hands and feet and flee to the woods. For three days he
+remained secreted. Once or twice he secretly managed to get an interview
+with his mother and one of his sisters, by whom he was persuaded to
+return to his master. Taking their advice, he commenced service under
+circumstances, compared with which, the diet, labor and comforts of an
+ordinary penitentiary would have been luxurious. The chief food allowed
+the slaves on the plantation consisted of the pot liquor in which the
+pork was boiled, with Indian-meal bread. The merest glance at what he
+experienced during his brief stay on the plantation must suffice. In the
+field where John, with a number of others was working, stood a hill, up
+which they were repeatedly obliged to ascend, with loads on their backs,
+and the overseer at their heels, with lash in hand, occasionally
+slashing at first one and then another; to keep up, the utmost physical
+endurance was taxed. John, though a stout young man, and having never
+known any other condition than that of servitude, nevertheless found
+himself quite unequal to the present occasion. "I was surprised," said
+he, "to see the expertness with which all flew up the hill." "_One
+woman, quite_ LUSTY, _unfit to be out of the house, on_ RUNNING UP THE
+HILL, fell; in a moment she was up again with her brush on her back, and
+an hour afterwards the overseer was whipping her." "My turn came." "What
+is the reason you can't get up the hill faster?" exclaimed the overseer,
+at the same time he struck me with a cowhide. "I told him I would not
+stand it." "Old Uncle George Washington never failed to get a whipping
+every day."
+
+So after serving at this only a few days, John made his last solemn vow
+to be free or die; and off he started for Canada. Though he had to
+contend with countless difficulties he at last made the desired haven.
+He hailed from one of the lower counties of Maryland.
+
+John was not contented to enjoy the boon alone, but like a true lover of
+freedom he remembered those in bonds as bound with them, and so was
+scheming to make a hazardous "adventure" South, on the express errand of
+delivering his "family," as the subjoined letter will show:
+
+
+    GLANDFORD, August 15th, 1858.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I received your letter and was glad to hear that your
+    wife and family was all well and I hope it will continue so. I
+    am glad to inform you that this leaves me well. Also, Mr. Wm.
+    Still, I want for you to send me your opinion respecting my
+    circumstances. I have made up my mind to make an adventure after
+    my family and I want to get an answer from you and then I shall
+    know how to act and then I will send to you all particulars
+    respecting my starting to come to your house. Mr. Still I should
+    be glad to know whare Abraham Harris is, as I should be as glad
+    to see him as well as any of my own brothers. His wife and my
+    wife's mother is sisters. My wife belongs to Elson Burdel's
+    estate. Abraham's wife belongs to Sam Adams. Mr. Still you must
+    not think hard of me for writing you these few lines as I cannot
+    rest until I release my dear family. I have not the least doubt
+    but I can get through without the least trouble. So no more at
+    present from your humble servant,
+
+    JOHN B. WOODS.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NEW ORLEANS, 1857.
+
+
+JAMES CONNER, SHOT IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BODY.
+
+
+James stated to the Committee that he was about forty-three years of
+age, that he was born a slave in Nelson county, Ky., and that he was
+first owned by a widow lady by the name of Ruth Head. "She (mistress)
+was like a mother to me," said Jim. "I was about sixteen years old when
+she died; the estate was settled and I was sold South to a man named
+Vincent Turner, a planter, and about the worst man, I expect, that ever
+the sun shined on. His slaves he fairly murdered; two hundred lashes
+were merely a promise for him. He owned about three hundred slaves. I
+lived with Turner until he died. After his death I still lived on the
+plantation with his widow, Mrs. Virginia Turner." About twelve years ago
+(prior to Jim's escape) she was married to a Mr. Charles Parlange, "a
+poor man, though a very smart man, bad-hearted, and very barbarous."
+
+Before her second marriage cotton had always been cultivated, but a few
+years later sugar had taken the place of cotton, and had become the
+principal thing raised in that part of the country. Under the change
+sugar was raised and the slaves were made to experience harder times
+than ever; they were allowed to have only from three to three and a half
+pounds of pork a week, with a peck of meal; nothing else was allowed.
+They commenced work in the morning, just when they could barely see;
+they quit work in the evening when they could not see to work longer.
+
+Mistress was a large, portly woman, good-looking, and pretty well liked
+by her slaves. The place where the plantation was located was at Point
+Copee, on Falls River, about one hundred and fifty miles from New
+Orleans. She also owned property and about twenty slaves in the city of
+New Orleans.
+
+"I lived there and hired my time for awhile. I saw some hard times on
+the plantation. Many a time I have seen slaves whipped almost to
+death--well, I tell you I have seen them whipped to death. A slave named
+Sam was whipped to death tied to the ground. Joe, another slave, was
+whipped to death by the overseer: running away was the crime.
+
+"Four times I was shot. Once, before I would be taken, all hands, young
+and old on the plantation were on the chase after me. I was strongly
+armed with an axe, tomahawk, and butcher knife. I expected to be killed
+on the spot, but I got to the woods and stayed two days. At night I went
+back to the plantation and got something to eat. While going back to the
+woods I was shot in the thigh, legs, back and head, was badly wounded,
+my mind was to die rather than be taken. I ran a half mile after I was
+shot, but was taken. I have shot in me now. Feel here on my head, feel
+my back, feel buck shot in my thigh. I shall carry shot in me to my
+grave. I have been shot four different times. I was shot twice by a
+fellow servant; it was my master's orders. Another time by the overseer.
+Shooting was no uncommon thing in Louisiana. At one time I was allowed
+to raise hogs. I had twenty-five taken from me without being allowed the
+first copper.
+
+"My mistress promised me at another time forty dollars for gathering
+honey, but when I went to her, she said, by and by, but the by and by
+never came. In 1853 my freedom was promised; for five years before this
+time I had been overseer; during four years of this time a visit was
+made to France by my owners, but on their return my freedom was not
+given me. My mistress thought I had made enough money to buy myself.
+They asked eleven hundred and fifty dollars for me. I told them that I
+hadn't the money. Then they said if I would go with them to Virginia
+after a number of slaves they wished to purchase, and would be a good
+boy, they would give me my freedom on the return of the trip. We started
+on the 8th of June, 1857. I made fair promises wishing to travel, and
+they placed all confidence in me. I was to carry the slaves back from
+Virginia.
+
+"They came as far as Baltimore, and they began to talk of coming farther
+North, to Philadelphia. They talked very good to me, and told me that if
+they brought me with them to a free State that I must not leave them;
+talked a good deal about giving me my freedom, as had been promised
+before starting, etc. I let on to them that I had no wish to go North;
+that Baltimore was as far North as I wished to see, and that I had
+rather be going home than going North. I told them that I was tired of
+this country. In speaking of coming North, they made mention of the
+Alleghany mountains. I told them that I would like to see that, but
+nothing more. They hated the North, and I made believe that I did too.
+Mistress said, that if I behaved myself I could go with them to France,
+when they went again, after they returned home--as they intended to go
+again.
+
+"So they decided to take me with them to Philadelphia, for a short
+visit, before going into Virginia to buy up their drove of slaves for
+Louisiana. My heart leaped for joy when I found we were going to a free
+State; but I did not let my owners know my feelings.
+
+"We reached Philadelphia and went to the Girard Hotel, and there I made
+up my mind that they should go back without me. I saw a colored man who
+talked with me, and told me about the Committee. He brought me to the
+anti-slavery office," etc., etc., etc.
+
+The Committee told Jim that he could go free immediately, without saying
+a word to anybody, as the simple fact of his master's bringing him into
+the State was sufficient to establish his freedom before the Courts. At
+the same time the Committee assured him if he were willing to have his
+master arrested and brought before one of the Judges of the city to show
+cause why he held him a slave in Pennsylvania, contrary to the laws of
+the State, that he should lack neither friends nor money to aid him in
+the matter; and, moreover, his freedom would be publicly proclaimed.
+
+Jim thought well of both ways, but preferred not to meet his
+"kind-hearted" master and mistress in Court, as he was not quite sure
+that he would have the courage to face them and stand by his charges.
+
+This was not strange. Indeed not only slaves cowed before the eye of
+slave-holders. Did not even Northern men, superior in education and
+wealth, fear to say their souls were their own in the same presence?
+
+Jim, therefore, concluded to throw himself upon the protection of the
+Committee and take an Underground Rail Road ticket, and thereby spare
+himself and his master and mistress the disagreeableness of meeting
+under such strange circumstances. The Committee arranged matters for him
+to the satisfaction of all concerned, and gave him a passport for her
+British majesty's possession, Canada.
+
+The unvarnished facts, as they were then recorded substantially from the
+lips of Jim, and as they are here reproduced, comprise only a very
+meagre part of his sadly interesting story. At the time Jim left his
+master and mistress so unceremoniously in Philadelphia, some excitement
+existed at the attempt of his master to recover him through the Police
+of Philadelphia, under the charge that he (Jim) had been stealing, as
+may be seen from the following letter which appeared in the "National
+Anti-Slavery Standard:"
+
+
+
+ANOTHER SLAVE HUNT IN PHILADELPHIA.
+
+
+
+    _Philadelphia, Monday, July_ 27, 1857.
+
+    Yesterday afternoon a rumor was afloat that a negro man named
+    Jim, who had accompanied his master (Mr. Charles Parlange), from
+    New Orleans to this city, had left his master for the purpose of
+    tasting the sweets of freedom. It was alleged by Mr. Parlange
+    that the said "Jim" had taken with him two tin boxes, one of
+    which contained money. Mr. Parlange went, on his way to New
+    York, _via_ the Camden and Amboy Railroad, and upon his arrival
+    at the Walnut street wharf, with two ladies, "Jim" was missing.
+    Mr. Parlange immediately made application to a Mr. Wallace, who
+    is a Police officer stationed at the Walnut street depot. Mr.
+    Wallace got into a carriage with Mr. Parlange and the two
+    ladies, and, as Mr. Wallace stated, drove back to the Girard
+    House, where "Jim" had not been heard of since he had left for
+    the Walnut street wharf.
+
+    A story was then set afloat to the effect, that a negro of
+    certain, but very particular description (such as a Louisiana
+    nigger-driver only can give), had stolen two boxes as stated
+    above. A notice signed "Clarke," was received at the Police
+    Telegraph Office by the operator (David Wunderly) containing a
+    full description of Jim, also offering a reward of $100 for his
+    capture. This notice was telegraphed to all the wards in every
+    section. This morning Mr. Wunderly found fault with the
+    reporters using the information, and, in presence of some four
+    or five persons, said the notice signed "Clarke," was a private
+    paper, and no reporter had a right to look at it; at the same
+    time asserting, that if he knew where the nigger was he would
+    give him up, as $100 did not come along every day. The
+    policeman, Wallace, expressed the utmost fear lest the name of
+    Mr. Parlange should transpire, and stated, that he was an
+    intimate friend of his. It does not seem that the matter was
+    communicated to the wards by any official authority whatever,
+    and who the "Clarke" is, whose name was signed to the notice,
+    has not yet transpired. Some of the papers noticed it briefly
+    this morning, which has set several of the officers on their
+    tips. There is little doubt, that "Jim" has merely exercised his
+    own judgment about remaining with his master any longer, and
+    took this opportunity to betake himself to freedom. It is
+    assumed, that he was to precede his master to Walnut street
+    wharf with the baggage; but, singular enough to say, no
+    complaint has been made about the baggage being missed, simply
+    the two tin boxes, and particularly the one containing money.
+    This is, doubtless, a ruse to engage the services of the
+    Philadelphia police in the interesting game of nigger hunting.
+    Mr. Parlange, if he is sojourning in your city, will doubtless
+    be glad to learn that the matter of his man "Jim" and the two
+    tin boxes has received ample publicity. W.H.
+
+
+Rev. Hiram Wilson, the Underground Rail Road agent at St. Catharines,
+C.W., duly announced his safe arrival as follows:
+
+
+    BUFFALO, Aug. 12th, 1857.
+
+    MY DEAR FRIEND--WM. STILL:--I take the liberty to inform you,
+    that I had the pleasure of seeing a man of sable brand at my
+    house in St. C. yesterday, by name of James Connor, lately from
+    New Orleans, more recently from the city of Brotherly love,
+    where he took French leave of his French master. He desired me
+    to inform you of his safe arrival in the glorious land of
+    Freedom, and to send his kind regards to you and to Mr.
+    Williamson; also to another person, (the name I have forgotten).
+    Poor Malinda Smith, with her two little girls and young babe is
+    with us doing well.
+
+    Affectionately yours, HIRAM WILSON.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
+
+
+HARRISON CARY.
+
+
+The passenger bearing this name who applied to the Committee for
+assistance, was a mulatto of medium size, with a prepossessing
+countenance, and a very smart talker. With only a moderate education he
+might have raised himself to the "top round of the ladder," as a
+representative of the down-trodden slave. Seeking, as usual, to learn
+his history, the subjoined questions and answers were the result of the
+interview:
+
+
+    Q. "How old are you?"
+
+    A. "Twenty-eight years of age this coming March."
+
+    Q. "To whom did you belong?"
+
+    A. "Mrs. Jane E. Ashley."
+
+    Q. "What kind of a woman was she?"
+
+    A. "She was a very clever woman; never said anything out of the
+    way."
+
+    Q. "How many servants had she?"
+
+    A. "She had no other servants."
+
+    Q. "Did you live with her?"
+
+    A. "No. I hired my time for twenty-two dollars a month."
+
+    Q. "How could you make so much money?"
+
+    A. "I was a bricklayer by trade, and ranked among the first in
+    the city."
+
+
+As Harrison talked so intelligently, the member of the Committee who was
+examining him, was anxious to know how he came to be so knowing, the
+fact that he could read being very evident.
+
+Harrison proceeded to explain how he was led to acquire the art both of
+reading and writing: "Slaves caught out of an evening without passes
+from their master or mistress, were invariably arrested, and if they
+were unable to raise money to buy themselves off, they were taken and
+locked up in a place known as the 'cage,' and in the morning the owner
+was notified, and after paying the fine the unfortunate prisoner had to
+go to meet his fate at the hands of his owner."
+
+Often he or she found himself or herself sentenced to take thirty-nine
+or more lashes before atonement could be made for the violated law, and
+the fine sustained by the enraged owner.
+
+Harrison having strong aversion to both of the "wholesome regulations"
+of the peculiar institution above alluded to, saw that the only remedy
+that he could avail himself of was to learn to write his own passes. In
+possessing himself of this prize he knew that the law against slaves
+being taught, would have to be broken, nevertheless he was so anxious to
+succeed, that he was determined to run the risk. Consequently he grasped
+the boon with but very little difficulty or assistance. Valuing his
+prize highly, he improved more and more until he could write his own
+passes satisfactorily. The "cage" he denounced as a perfect "hog hole,"
+and added, "it was more than I could bear."
+
+He also spoke with equal warmth on the pass custom, "the idea of working
+hard all day and then being obliged to have a pass," etc.,--his feelings
+sternly revolted against. Yet he uttered not a disrespectful word
+against the individual to whom he belonged. Once he had been sold, but
+for what was not noted on the record book.
+
+His mother had been sold several times. His brother, William Henry Gary,
+escaped from Washington, D.C., when quite a youth. What became of him it
+was not for Harrison to tell, but he supposed that he had made his way
+to a free State, or Canada, and he hoped to find him. He had no
+knowledge of any other relatives.
+
+In further conversation with him, relative to his being a single man, he
+said, that he had resolved not to entangle himself with a family until
+he had obtained his freedom.
+
+He had found it pretty hard to meet his monthly hire, consequently he
+was on the look-out to better his condition as soon as a favorable
+opportunity might offer. Harrison's mistress had a son named John James
+Ashley, who was then a minor. On arriving at majority, according to the
+will of this lad's father, he was to have possession of Harrison as his
+portion. Harrison had no idea of having to work for his support--he
+thought that, if John could not take care of himself when he grew up to
+be a man, there was a place for all such in the poor-house.
+
+Harrison was also moved by another consideration. His mistress' sister
+had been trying to influence the mistress to sell him; thus considering
+himself in danger, he made up his mind that the time had come for him to
+change his habitation, so he resolved to try his fortune on the
+Underground Rail Road.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1857.
+
+
+JOE ELLIS.
+
+
+The subject of this sketch was one of two hundred slaves, owned by
+Bolling Ellis, who possessed large plantations at Cabin Point, Surrey
+Co., Va. Joe pictured his master, overseers, and general treatment of
+slaves in no favorable light.
+
+The practice of punishing slaves by putting them in the stocks and by
+flogging, was dwelt upon in a manner that left no room to doubt but that
+Joe had been a very great sufferer under his master's iron rule. As he
+described the brutal conduct of overseers in resorting to their habitual
+modes of torturing men, women, and children, it was too painful to
+listen to with composure, much more to write down.
+
+Joe was about twenty-three years of age, full black, slender, and of
+average intellect, considering the class which he represented. On four
+occasions previous to the final one he had made fruitless efforts to
+escape from his tormentors in consequence of brutal treatment. Although
+he at last succeeded, the severe trials through which he had to pass in
+escaping, came very near costing him his life. The effects he will
+always feel; prostration and sickness had already taken hold upon him in
+a serious degree.
+
+During Joe's sojourn under the care of the Committee, time would not
+admit of the writing out of further details concerning him.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+
+CHRISTOPHER GREEN AND WIFE, ANN MARIA, AND SON NATHAN.
+
+
+Christopher had a heavy debt charged against Clayton Wright, a
+commission merchant, of Baltimore, who claimed him as his property, and
+was in the habit of hiring him out to farmers in the country, and of
+taking all his hire except a single dollar, which was allotted him every
+holiday.
+
+The last item in his charge against Wright, suggested certain questions:
+"How have you been used?" was the first query. "Sometimes right smart,
+and then again bad enough for it," said Christopher. Again he was asked,
+"What kind of a man was your master?" "He was only tolerable, I can't
+say much good for him. I got tired of working and they getting my labor
+and I getting nothing for my labor." At the time of his escape, he was
+employed in the service of a man by the name of Cook. Christopher
+described him as "a dissatisfied man, who couldn't be pleased at nothing
+and his wife was like him."
+
+This passenger was quite black, medium size, and in point of intellect,
+about on a par with ordinary field hands. His wife, Ann, in point of
+go-ahead-ativeness, seemed in advance of him. Indeed, she first prompted
+her husband to escape.
+
+Ann bore witness against one James Pipper, a farmer, whom she had served
+as a slave, and from whom she fled, saying that "he was as mean a man as
+ever walked--a dark-complected old man, with gray hair." With great
+emphasis she thus continued her testimony: "He tried to work me to
+death, and treated me as mean as he could, without killing me; he done
+so much I couldn't tell to save my life. I wish I had as many dollars as
+he has whipped me with sticks and other things. His wife will do
+tolerable." "I left because he was going to sell me and my son to
+Georgia; for years he had been threatening; since the boys ran away,
+last spring, he was harder than ever. One was my brother, Perry, and the
+other was a young man by the name of Jim." "David, my master, drank all
+he could get, poured it down, and when drunk, would cuss, and tear, and
+rip, and beat. He lives near the nine bridges, in Queen Ann county."
+
+Ann was certainly a forcible narrator, and was in every way a wideawake
+woman, about thirty-seven years of age. Among other questions they were
+asked if they could read, etc. "Read," said Ann. "I would like to see
+anybody (slave) that could read our way; to see you with a book in your
+hand they would almost cut your throat."
+
+Ann had one child only, a son, twenty years of age, who came in company
+with his parents. This son belonged to the said Pipper already
+described. When they started from the land of bondage they had large
+hopes, but not much knowledge of the way; however, they managed to get
+safely on the Underground Rail Road track, and by perseverance they
+reached the Committee and were aided in the usual manner.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM GEORGETOWN CROSS-ROADS, 1857.
+
+LEEDS WRIGHT AND ABRAM TILISON.
+
+
+
+
+For three years Leeds had been thirsting for his liberty; his heart was
+fixed on that one object. He got plenty to eat, drink, and wear, but was
+nevertheless dissatisfied.
+
+The name of his master was Rev. John Wesley Pearson, who was engaged in
+school teaching and preaching, and belonged to the more moderate class
+of slave-holders. Once when a boy Leeds had been sold, but being very
+young, he did not think much about the matter.
+
+For the last eight or ten years previous to his escape he had not seen
+his relatives, his father (George Wright) having fled to Canada, and the
+remainder of the family lived some fifty miles distant, beyond the
+possibility of intercourse; therefore, as he had no strong ties to
+break, he could look to the time of leaving the land of bondage without
+regret.
+
+
+
+Abram, the companion of Leeds, had been less comfortably situated. His
+lot in Slavery had been cast under Samuel Jarman, by whom he had been
+badly treated.
+
+Abram described him as a "big, tall, old man, who drank and was a real
+wicked man; he followed farming; had thirteen children. His wife was
+different; she was a pretty fine woman, but the children were all bad;
+the young masters followed playing cards." No chance at all had been
+allowed them to learn to read, although Abram and Leeds both coveted
+this knowledge. As they felt that they would never be able to do
+anything for their improvement by remaining, they decided to follow the
+example of Abram's father and others and go to Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM ALEXANDRIA.
+
+WILLIAM TRIPLETT AND THOMAS HARPER.
+
+
+
+    Ran away from the subscriber, on Saturday night, 22d instant,
+    WILLIAM TRIPLETT, a dark mulatto, with whiskers and mustache, 23
+    to 26 years of age; lately had a burn on the instep of his right
+    foot, but perhaps well enough to wear a boot or shoe. He took
+    with him very excellent clothing, both summer and winter,
+    consisting of a brown suit in cloth, summer coats striped, check
+    cap, silk hat, &c. $50 reward will be paid if taken within
+    thirty miles of Alexandria or in the State of Virginia, and $150
+    and necessary expenses if taken out of the State and secured so
+    that I get him again. He is the property of Mrs. A.B. Fairfax,
+    of Alexandria, and is likely to make his way to Cincinnati,
+    where he has friends, named Hamilton and Hopes, now living.
+    ROBT. W. WHEAT.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+
+
+
+William, answering to the above description, arrived safely in company
+with Thomas Harper, about six days after the date of their departure
+from the house of bondage.
+
+Mrs. A.B. Fairfax was the loser of this "article." William spoke rather
+favorably of her. He said he did not leave because he was treated badly,
+but simply because he wanted to own himself--to be free. He also said
+that he wanted to be able to take care of his family if he should see
+fit to marry.
+
+As to Slavery, he could see no justice in the system; he therefore made
+up his mind no longer to yield submission thereto. Being a smart
+"chattel," he reasoned well on the question of Slavery, and showed very
+conclusively that even under the kindest mistress it had no charms for
+him--that at best, it was robbery and an outrage.
+
+
+
+Thomas Harper, his comrade, fled from John Cowling, who also lived near
+Alexandria. His great trouble was, that he had a wife and family, but
+could do nothing for them. He thought that it was hard to see them in
+want and abused when he was not at liberty to aid or protect them. He
+grew very unhappy, but could see no remedy except in flight.
+
+Cowling, his master, was an Englishman by birth, and followed
+black-smithing for a living. He was a man in humble circumstances,
+trying to increase his small fortune by slave-labor.
+
+He allowed Thomas to hire himself for one hundred dollars a year, which
+amount he was required to raise, sick or well. He did not complain,
+however, of having received any personal abuse from his blacksmith
+master. It was the system which was daily grinding the life out of him,
+that caused him to suffer, and likewise escape. By trade Thomas was also
+a blacksmith. He left a wife and three children.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+
+HARRY WISE.
+
+
+
+    $100 REWARD.--Ran away, on the 11th inst., negro man, Harry
+    Wise. He is about 24 years of age, and 5 feet 4 inches high;
+    muscular, with broad shoulders, and black or deep copper color;
+    roundish, smooth face, and rather lively expression. He came
+    from Harford county, and is acquainted about Belair market,
+    Baltimore. I will pay $50 reward for him, if taken in this or
+    Prince George's county, or $100 if arrested elsewhere.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    ELLIOTT BURWELL,
+
+    a29-eo3t*
+
+    West River, Anne Arundel county.
+
+
+Harry reached the station in Philadelphia, the latter part of August,
+1857. His excuse for leaving and seeking a habitation in Canada, was as
+follows:
+
+"I was treated monstrous bad; my master was a very cross, crabbed man,
+and his wife was as cross as he was. The day I left they had to tie me
+to beat me, what about I could not tell; this is what made me leave. I
+escaped right out of his hands the day he had me; he was going with me
+to the barn to tie me across a hogshead, but I broke loose from him and
+ran. He ran and got the gun to shoot me, but I soon got out of his
+reach, and I have not seen him since."
+
+Harry might never have found the Underground Rail Road, but for this
+deadly onslaught upon him by his master. His mind was wrought up to a
+very high state of earnestness, and he was deemed a very fitting subject
+for Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NORFOLK, VA.
+
+
+ABRAM WOODERS.
+
+
+Although slave-holders had spared no pains to keep Abram in the dark and
+to make him love his yoke, he proved by his actions, that he had no
+faith in their doctrines. Nor did he want for language in which to state
+the reasons for his actions. He was just in the prime of life,
+thirty-five years of age, chestnut color, common size, with a scar over
+the left eye, and another on the upper lip.
+
+Like many others, he talked in a simple, earnest manner, and in answer
+to queries as to how he had fared, the following is his statement:
+
+"I was held as the property of the late Taylor Sewell, but when I
+escaped I was in the service of W.C. Williams, a commission merchant. My
+old master was a very severe man, but he was always very kind to me. He
+had a great many more colored folks, was very severe amongst them, would
+get mad and sell right away. He was a drinking man, dissipated and a
+gambler, a real sportsman. He lived on Newell Creek, about twelve miles
+from Norfolk. For the last eight years I was hired to W.C. Williams, for
+$150 a year--if I had all that money, it might do me some good. I left
+because I wanted to enjoy myself some. I felt if I staid and got old no
+one would care for me, I wouldn't be of no account to nobody."
+
+"But are not the old slaves well cared for by their masters?" a member
+of the Committee here remarked. "Take care of them! no!" Abram replied
+with much earnestness, and then went on to explain how such property was
+left to perish. Said Abram, "There was an old man named Ike, who
+belonged to the same estate that I did, he was treated like a dog; after
+they could get no more work out of him, they said, 'let him die, he is
+of no service; there is no use of getting a doctor for him.' Accordingly
+there could be no other fate for the old man but to suffer and die with
+creepers in his legs."
+
+It was sickening to hear him narrate instances of similar suffering in
+the case of old slaves. Abram left two sisters and one brother in
+bondage.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
+
+GEORGE JOHNSON, THOMAS AND ADAM SMITH.
+
+
+
+
+
+    $300 REWARD.--Ran away from Kalorama, near Washington City,
+    D.C., on Saturday night, the 22d of August, 1857, negro man,
+    George Johnson, aged about 25 years. Height about six feet; of
+    dark copper color; bushy hair; erect in stature and polite in
+    his address.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    I will give the above reward if taken in a free State; $100 if
+    taken within the District of Columbia, or $200 if taken in
+    Maryland. In either case he must be secured so that I get him.
+
+    MISS ELEANOR J. CONWAY, Baltimore, Md.,
+
+    or OLIVER DUFOUR, Washington City, D.C.
+
+    sl-eod 2w.
+
+
+"Polite in his address" as George was, he left his mistress, Eleanor J.
+Conway, without bidding her good-bye, or asking for a pass. But he did
+not leave his young mistress in this way without good reasons for so
+doing.
+
+In his interview with the Committee about five days after his departure
+from his old home, he stated his grievances as follows: "I was born the
+slave of a Mr. Conway, of Washington, D.C." Under this personage George
+admitted that he had experienced slavery in rather a mild form until
+death took the old man off, which event occurred when George was quite
+young. He afterwards served the widow Conway until her death, and lastly
+he fell into the hands of Miss Eleanor J. Conway, who resided in
+Baltimore, and derived her support from the labor of slaves whom she
+kept hired out as was George. Of the dead, George did not utter very
+hard things, but he spoke of his young mistress as having a "very mean
+principle." Said George, "She has sold one of my brothers and one of my
+cousins since last April, and she was very much opposed to freedom."
+
+Judging from the company that she kept she might before a great while
+change her relations in life. George thought, however agreeable to her,
+it might not be to him. So he made up his mind that his chances for
+freedom would not be likely to grow any better by remaining. In the
+neighborhood from which he fled he left his father, mother and two
+sisters, each having different owners. Two brothers had been sold South.
+Whether they ever heard what had become of the runaway George is not
+known.
+
+
+
+Thomas, the companion of George, was of a truly remarkable structure;
+physically and mentally he belonged to the highest order of the bond
+class. His place of chains was in the city of Washington, and the name
+of the man for whom he had been compelled to do unrequited labor was
+William Rowe, a bricklayer, and a "pretty clever fellow,--always used me
+well," said Thomas. "Why did you leave then?" asked a member of the
+Committee. He replied, "I made a proposition to my master to buy myself
+for eight hundred dollars, but he refused, and wanted a thousand. Then I
+made up my mind that I would make less do." Thomas had been hired out at
+the National Hotel for thirty dollars a month.
+
+
+
+Adam was well described in the following advertisement taken from the
+_Baltimore Sun_:
+
+
+    $300 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, near Beltsville,
+    Prince George's county, Md., on Saturday night, the 22d of
+    August, 1857, Negro Man, Adam Smith, aged about 30. Height 5
+    feet 4 or 5 inches; black bushy hair, and well dressed. He has a
+    mother living at Mr. Hamilton's, on Capitol Hill, Washington,
+    D.C.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    I will give the above reward if taken in a free State; $50 if
+    taken in the District of Columbia or counties of Montgomery and
+    Prince George's, or $100 if taken elsewhere and secured so that
+    I get him.
+
+    ISAAC SCAGGS.
+
+    a27-6t*
+
+
+With his fellow-passengers, George and Thomas, he greatly enjoyed the
+hospitalities of the Underground Rail Road in the city of Brotherly
+Love, and had a very high idea of Canada, as he anticipated becoming a
+British subject at an early day. The story which Adam related concerning
+his master and his reasons for escaping ran thus:
+
+"My master was a very easy man, but would work you hard and never allow
+you any chance night or day; he was a farmer, about fifty, stout, full
+face, a real country ruffian; member of no church, a great drinker and
+gambler; will sell a slave as quick as any other slave-holder. He had a
+great deal of cash, but did not rank high in society. His wife was very
+severe; hated a colored man to have any comfort in the world. They had
+eight adult and nine young slaves."
+
+Adam left because he "didn't like the treatment." Twice he had been
+placed on the auction-block. He was a married man and left a wife and
+one child.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+FOUR ABLE-BODIED "ARTICLES" IN ONE ARRIVAL, 1857.
+
+EDWARD, AND JOSEPH HAINES, THOMAS HARRIS, AND JAMES SHELDON.
+
+
+"This certainly is a likely-looking party," are the first words which
+greet the eye, on turning to the record, under which their brief
+narratives were entered at the Philadelphia station, September 7th,
+1857.
+
+
+
+Edward was about forty-four years of age, of unmixed blood, and in point
+of natural ability he would rank among the most intelligent of the
+oppressed class. Without owing thanks to any body he could read and
+write pretty well, having learned by his own exertions.
+
+Tabby and Eliza Fortlock, sisters, and single women, had been deriving
+years of leisure, comfort, and money from the sweat of Edward's brow.
+The maiden ladies owned about eighteen head of this kind of property,
+far more than they understood how to treat justly or civilly. They bore
+the name of being very hard to satisfy. They were proverbially "stingy."
+They were members of the Christ Episcopal Church.
+
+Edward, however, remembered very sensibly that his own brother had been
+sold South by these ladies; and not only he, but others also, had been
+sent to the auction-block, and there made merchandise of. Edward,
+therefore, had no faith in these lambs of the flock, and left them
+because he thought there was reason in all things. "Yearly my task had
+been increased and made heavier and heavier, until I was pressed beyond
+what I could bear." Under this pressure no hope, present, or future,
+could be discerned, except by escaping on the Underground Rail Road.
+
+
+
+Joseph was also one of the chattels belonging to the Misses Portlock. A
+more active and wide-awake young man of twenty years of age, could not
+easily be found among the enslaved; he seemed to comprehend Slavery in
+all its bearings. From a small boy he had been hired out, making money
+for the "pious ladies" who owned him. His experience under these
+protectors had been similar to that of Edward given above. Joseph was of
+a light brown color, (some of his friends may be able to decide by this
+simple fact whether he is a relative, etc.).
+
+
+
+Tom, a full-faced, good-natured-looking young man, was also of this
+party. He was about twenty-seven years of age, and was said to be the
+slave of John Hatten, Esq., Cashier of the Virginia Bank of Portsmouth.
+Tom admitted that he was treated very well by Mr. Hatten and his family,
+except that he was not allowed his freedom; besides he felt a little
+tired of having to pay twelve dollars a month for his hire, as he hired
+his time of his master. Of course he was not insensible to the fact also
+that he was liable to be sold any day.
+
+In pondering over these slight drawbacks, Tom concluded that Slavery was
+no place for a man who valued his freedom, it mattered not how kind
+masters or mistresses might be. Under these considerations he made up
+his mind that he would have to let the cashier look out for himself, and
+he would do the same. In this state of mind he joined the party for
+Canada.
+
+
+
+James was another associate passenger, and the best-looking "article" in
+the party; few slaves showed a greater degree of intelligence and
+shrewdness. He had acquired the art of reading and writing very well,
+and was also a very ready talker. He was owned by Mrs. Maria Hansford of
+New York. When he was quite small he remembered seeing his mistress, but
+not since. He was raised with her sister, who resided in Norfolk, the
+place of James' servitude.
+
+James confessed that he had been treated very kindly, and had been
+taught to read by members of the family. This was an exceptional case,
+worthy of especial note.
+
+Notwithstanding all the kindness that James had received, he hated
+Slavery, and took a deep interest in the Underground Rail Road, and used
+his intelligence and shrewdness to good purpose in acting as an
+Underground Rail Road agent for a time. James was a young man, about
+twenty-five years of age, well made, and of a yellow complexion.
+
+Although none of this party experienced brutal treatment personally,
+they had seen the "elephant" quite to their satisfaction in Norfolk and
+vicinity.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM ARLINGTON, MD. 1857.
+
+JOHN ALEXANDER BUTLER, WILLIAM HENRY HIPKINS, JOHN HENRY MOORE AND
+GEORGE HILL.
+
+
+This party made, at first sight, a favorable impression; they
+represented the bone and sinew of the slave class of Arlington, and upon
+investigation the Committee felt assured that they would carry with them
+to Canada industry and determination such as would tell well for the
+race.
+
+
+
+John Alexander Butler was about twenty-nine years of age, well made,
+dark color, and intelligent. He assured the Committee that he had been
+hampered by Slavery from his birth, and that in consequence thereof he
+had suffered serious hardships. He said that a man by the name of Wm.
+Ford, belonging to the Methodist Church at Arlington, had defrauded him
+of his just rights, and had compelled him to work on his farm for
+nothing; also had deprived him of an education, and had kept him in
+poverty and ignorance all his life.
+
+In going over the manner in which he had been treated, he added that not
+only was his master a hard man, but that his wife and children partook
+of the same evil spirit; "they were all hard." True, they had but three
+slaves to oppress, but these they spared not.
+
+John was a married man, and spoke affectionately of his wife and
+children, whom he had to leave behind at Cross-Roads.
+
+
+
+William Henry, who was heart and soul in earnest with regard to reaching
+Canada, and was one of this party, was twenty-three years of age, and
+was a stout, yellow man with a remarkably large head, and looked as if
+he was capable of enjoying Canada and caring for himself.
+
+In speaking of the fettered condition from which he had escaped, the
+name of Ephraim Swart, "a gambler and spree'r" was mentioned as the
+individual who had wronged him of his liberty most grievously.
+
+Against Swart he expressed himself with much manly feeling, and judging
+from his manner he appeared to be a dangerous customer for master Swart
+to encounter north of Mason and Dixon's line.
+
+William complained that Swart "would come home late at night drunk, and
+if he did not find us awake he would not attempt to wake us, but would
+begin cutting and slashing with a cowhide. He treated his wife very bad
+too; sometimes when she would stand up for the servants he would knock
+her down. Many times at midnight she would have to leave the house and
+go to her mother's for safety; she was a very nice woman, but he was the
+very old Satan himself."
+
+While William Henry was debarred from learning letters under his brutal
+overseer, he nevertheless learned how to plan ways and means by which to
+escape his bondage. He left his old mother and two brothers wholly
+ignorant of his movements.
+
+
+
+John Henry Moore, another one of the Arlington party, was about
+twenty-four years of age, a dark, spare-built man. He named David
+Mitchell, of Havre-de-Grace, as the individual above all others who had
+kept his foot on his neck. Without undertaking to give John Henry's
+description of Mitchell in full, suffice it to give the following facts:
+"Mitchell would go off and get drunk, and come home, and if the slaves
+had not as much work done as he had tasked them with, he would go to
+beating them with clubs or anything he could get in his hand. He was a
+tall, spare-built man, with sandy hair. He had a wife and family, but
+his wife was no better than he was." When charges or statements were
+made by fugitives against those from whom they escaped, particular pains
+were taken to find out if such statements could be verified; if the
+explanation appeared valid, the facts as given were entered on the
+books.
+
+John Henry could not read, but greatly desired to learn, and he looked
+as though he had a good head for so doing. Before he left there had been
+some talk of selling him South. This rumor had a marked effect upon John
+Henry's nervous system; it also expanded his idea touching traveling,
+the Underground Rail Road, etc. As he had brothers and sisters who had
+been sold to Georgia he made up his mind that his master was not to be
+trusted for a single day; he was therefore one of the most
+willing-hearted passengers in the party.
+
+
+
+George Hill, also a fellow-passenger, was about twenty-four years of
+age, quite black, medium size, and of fair, natural mother wit. In
+looking back upon his days of bondage, his mind reverted to Dr.
+Savington, of Harford county, as the person who owed him for years of
+hard and unrequited toil, and at the same time was his so-called owner.
+
+The Doctor, it seemed, had failed to treat George well, for he declared
+that he had never received enough to eat the whole time that he was with
+him. "The clothes I have on I got by overwork of nights. When I started
+I hadn't a shoe on my foot, these were given to me. He was an old man,
+but a very wicked man, and drank very hard."
+
+George had been taught field work pretty thoroughly, but nothing in the
+way of reading and writing.
+
+George explained why he left as follows: "I left because I had got along
+with him as well as I could. Last Saturday a week he was in a great rage
+and drunk. He shot at me. He never went away but what he would come home
+drunk, and if any body made him angry out from home, he would come home
+and take his spite out of his people."
+
+He owned three grown men, two women and six children. Thus hating
+Slavery heartily, George was enthusiastically in favor of Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+FIVE PASSENGERS, 1857.
+
+ELIZA JANE JOHNSON, HARRIET STEWART, AND HER DAUGHTER MARY ELIZA,
+WILLIAM COLE, AND HANSON HALL.
+
+
+
+
+Eliza Jane was a tall, dark, young woman, about twenty-three years of
+age, and had been held to service by a widow woman, named Sally Spiser,
+who was "anything but a good woman." The place of her habitation was in
+Delaware, between Concord and Georgetown.
+
+Eliza Jane's excuse for leaving was this: She charged her mistress with
+trying to work her to death, and with unkind treatment generally. When
+times became so hard that she could not stand her old mistress "Sally"
+any longer, she "took out."
+
+
+
+Harriet did not come in company with Eliza Jane, but by accident they
+met at the station in Philadelphia. Harriet and daughter came from
+Washington, D.C.
+
+Harriet had treasured up a heavy account against a white man known by
+the name of William A. Linton, whom she described as a large, red-faced
+man, who had in former years largely invested in slave property, but
+latterly he had been in the habit of selling off, until only seven
+remained, and among them she and her child were numbered; therefore, she
+regarded him as one who had robbed her of her rights, and daily
+threatened her with sale.
+
+Harriet was a very likely-looking woman, twenty-nine years of age,
+medium size, and of a brown color, and far from being a stupid person.
+Her daughter also was a smart, and interesting little girl of eight
+years of age, and seemed much pleased to be getting out of the reach of
+slave-holders. The mother and daughter, however, had not won their
+freedom thus far, without great suffering, from the long and fatiguing
+distance which they were obliged to walk. Sometimes the hardness of the
+road made them feel as though they would be compelled to give up the
+journey, whether or not; but they added to their faith, patience, and
+thus finally succeeded.
+
+Heavy rewards were offered through advertisements in the Baltimore Sun,
+but they availed naught. The Vigilance Committee received them safely,
+fully cared for them, and safely sent them through to the land of
+refuge. Harriet's daring undertaking obliged her to leave her husband,
+John Stewart, behind; also one sister, a slave in Georgetown. One
+brother had been sold South. Her mother she had laid away in a slave's
+grave: but her father she hoped to find in Canada, he having escaped
+thither when she was a small girl; at least it was supposed that he had
+gone there.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM HOWARD CO., MD., 1857.
+
+
+BILL COLE AND HANSON.
+
+
+
+    $500 REWARD.--Ran away on Saturday night, September 5th, Bill
+    Cole, aged about 37 years, of copper complexion, stout built,
+    ordinary height, walks very erect, earnest but squint look when
+    spoken to.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    Also, Hanson, copper complexion, well made, sickly look, medium
+    height, stoops when walking, quick when spoken to; aged about 30
+    years.
+
+    Three hundred dollars will be paid for the apprehension and
+    delivery of Bill, if caught out of the State, and two hundred if
+    in the State. Two hundred dollars for Hanson if out of the
+    State, and one hundred dollars if in the State.
+
+    W. BAKER DORSEY,
+
+    HAMMOND DORSEY,
+
+    Savage P.O., Howard county, Md.
+
+
+Such notoriety as was given them by the above advertisement, did not in
+the least damage Bill and Hanson in the estimation of the Committee. It
+was rather pleasing to know that they were of so much account as to call
+forth such a public expression from the Messrs. Dorsey. Besides it saved
+the Committee the necessity of writing out a description of them, the
+only fault found with the advertisement being in Reference to their
+ages. Bill, for instance, was put down ten years younger than he claimed
+to be. Which was correct, Bill or his master? The Committee were
+inclined to believe Bill in preference to his master, for the simple
+reason that he seemed to account satisfactorily for his master's making
+him so young: he (the master) could sell him for much more at
+thirty-seven than at forty-seven. Unscrupulous horse-jockies and traders
+in their fellow-men were about on a par as to that kind of sharp
+practice.
+
+Hanson, instead of being only thirty, declared that he was thirty-seven
+the fifteenth of February. These errors are noticed and corrected
+because it is barely possible that Bill and Hanson may still be lost to
+their relatives, who may be inquiring and hunting in every direction for
+them, and as many others may turn to these records with hope, it is,
+therefore, doubly important that these descriptions shall be as far as
+possible, correct, especially as regards ages.
+
+Hanson laughed heartily over the idea that he looked "sickly." While on
+the Underground Rail Road, he looked very far from sickly; on the
+contrary, a more healthy, fat, and stout-looking piece of property no
+one need wish to behold, than was this same Hanson. He confessed,
+however, that for some time previous to his departure, he had feigned
+sickness,--told his master that he was "sick all over." "Ten times a day
+Hanson said they would ask him how he was, but was not willing to make
+his task much lighter." The following description was given of his
+master, and his reason for leaving him:
+
+"My master was a red-faced farmer, severe temper, would curse, and
+swear, and drink, and sell his slaves whenever he felt like it. My
+mistress was a pretty cross, curious kind of a woman too, though she was
+a member of the Protestant Church. They were rich, and had big farms and
+a good many slaves. They didn't allow me any provisions hardly; I had a
+wife, but they did not allow me to go see her, only once in a great
+while."
+
+Bill providentially escaped from a well-known cripple, whom he undertook
+to describe as a "very sneaking-looking man, medium size, smooth face; a
+wealthy farmer, who owned eighteen or twenty head of slaves, and was
+Judge of the Orphans' Court." "He sells slaves occasionally." "My
+mistress was a very large, rough, Irish-looking woman, with a very bad
+disposition; it appeared like as if she hated to see a 'nigger,' and she
+was always wanting her husband to have some one whipped, and she was a
+member of the Methodist Church. My master was a trustee in the Episcopal
+Church."
+
+In consequence of the tribulation Bill had experienced under his
+Christian master and mistress, he had been led to disbelieve in the
+Protestant faith altogether, and declared that he felt persuaded that it
+was all a "pretense," and added that he "never went to Church; no place
+was provided in church for 'niggers' except a little pen for the
+coachmen and waiters."
+
+Bill had been honored with the post of "head man on the place," but of
+this office he was not proud.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD.
+
+
+"JIM BELLE."
+
+
+
+    $100 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber on Saturday night,
+    Negro Man JIM BELLE. Jim is about five feet ten inches high,
+    black color, about 26 years of age has a down look; speaks slow
+    when spoken to; he has large, thick lips, and a mustache. He was
+    formerly owned by Edward Stansbury, late of Baltimore county,
+    and purchased by Edward Worthington, near Reisterstown, in
+    Baltimore county, at the late Stansbury's sale, who sold him to
+    B.M. and W.L. Campbell, of Baltimore city, of whom I purchased
+    Jim on the 13th of June last. His wife lives with her mother,
+    Ann Robertson, in Corn Alley, between Lee and Hill streets,
+    Baltimore city, where he has other relations, and where he is
+    making his way. I will give the above reward, no matter where
+    taken, so he is brought home or secured in jail so I get him
+    again.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    ZACHARIAH BERRY, of W.,
+
+    near Upper Marlboro', Prince George's county, Md.
+
+
+Mr. Zachariah Berry, who manifested so much interest in Jim, may be
+until this hour in ignorance of the cause of his running off without
+asking leave, etc. Jim stated, that he was once sold and flogged
+unmercifully simply for calling his master "Mr.," instead of master, and
+he alleged that this was the secret of his eyes being opened and his
+mind nerved to take advantage of the Underground Rail Road.
+
+While it may not now do Zachariah Berry much good to learn this secret,
+it may, nevertheless, be of some interest to those who were of near kin
+to Jim to glean even so small a ray of light.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY, 1857.
+
+
+PASCAL QUANTENCE.
+
+
+Pascal fled from Virginia, and accused Bannon and Brady of doing
+violence to his liberty. He had, however, been in their clutches only a
+short while before escaping, but that short while seemed almost an age,
+as he was treated so meanly by them compared with the treatment which he
+had experienced under his former master.
+
+According to Pascal's story, which was evidently true, his previous
+master was his own father (John Quantence), who had always acknowledged
+Pascal as his child, whom he did not scruple to tell people he should
+set free; that he did not intend that he should serve anybody else. But,
+while out riding one day, he was thrown from his horse and instantly
+killed. Naturally enough, no will being found, his effects were all
+administered upon and Pascal was sold with the farm. Bannon and Brady
+were the purchasers, at least of Pascal. In their power, immediately the
+time of trouble began with Pascal, and so continued until he could no
+longer endure it. "Hoggishness," according to Pascal's phraseology, was
+the most predominant trait in the character of his new masters. In his
+mournful situation and grief he looked toward Canada and started with
+courage and hope, and thus succeeded. Such deliverances always afforded
+very great joy to the Committee.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NORTH CAROLINA, 1857.
+
+HARRY GRIMES, GEORGE UPSHER, AND EDWARD LEWIS.
+
+
+FEET SLIT FOR RUNNING AWAY, FLOGGED, STABBED, STAYED IN THE HOLLOW OF A
+BIG POPLAR TREE, VISITED BY A SNAKE, ABODE IN A CAVE. The coming of the
+passengers here noticed was announced in the subjoined letter from
+Thomas Garrett:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 11th Mo. 25th, 1857.
+
+    RESPECTED FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:--I write to inform thee, that
+    Captain Fountain has arrived this evening from the South with
+    three men, one of which is nearly naked, and very lousy. He has
+    been in the swamps of Carolina for eighteen months past. One of
+    the others has been some time out. I would send them on
+    to-night, but will have to provide two of them with some clothes
+    before they can be sent by rail road. I have forgotten the
+    number of thy house. As most likely all are more or less lousy,
+    having been compelled to sleep together, I thought best to write
+    thee so that thee may get a suitable place to take them to, and
+    meet them at Broad and Prime streets on the arrival of the cars,
+    about 11 o'clock to-morrow evening. I have engaged one of our
+    men to take them to his house, and go to Philadelphia with them
+    to-morrow evening. Johnson who will accompany them is a man in
+    whom we can confide. Please send me the number of thy house when
+    thee writes.
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+This epistle from the old friend of the fugitive, Thomas Garrett,
+excited unusual interest. Preparation was immediately made to give the
+fugitives a kind reception, and at the same time to destroy their
+plagues, root and branch, without mercy.
+
+They arrived according to appointment. The cleansing process was carried
+into effect most thoroughly, and no vermin were left to tell the tale of
+suffering they had caused. Straightway the passengers were made
+comfortable in every way, and the spirit of freedom seemed to be burning
+like "fire shut up in the bones." The appearance alone of these men
+indicated their manhood, and wonderful natural ability. The examining
+Committee were very desirous of hearing their story without a moment's
+delay.
+
+
+
+As Harry, from having suffered most, was the hero of this party, and
+withal was an intelligent man, he was first called upon to make his
+statement as to how times had been with him in the prison house, from
+his youth up. He was about forty-six years of age, according to his
+reckoning, full six feet high, and in muscular appearance was very
+rugged, and in his countenance were evident marks of firmness. He said
+that he was born a slave in North Carolina, and had been sold three
+times. He was first sold when a child three years of age, the second
+time when he was thirteen years old, and the third and last time he was
+sold to Jesse Moore, from whom he fled. Prior to his coming into the
+hands of Moore he had not experienced any very hard usage, at least
+nothing more severe than fell to the common lot of slave-boys, therefore
+the period of his early youth was deemed of too little interest to
+record in detail. In fact time only could be afforded for noticing very
+briefly some of the more remarkable events of his bondage. The examining
+Committee confined their interrogations to his last taskmaster.
+
+"How did Moore come by you?" was one of the inquiries. "He bought me,"
+said Harry, "of a man by the name of Taylor, nine or ten years ago; he
+was as bad as he could be, couldn't be any worse to be alive. He was
+about fifty years of age, when I left him, a right red-looking man, big
+bellied old fellow, weighs about two hundred and forty pounds. He drinks
+hard, he is just like a rattlesnake, just as cross and crabbed when he
+speaks, seems like he could go through you. He flogged Richmond for not
+ploughing the corn good, that was what he pretended to whip him for.
+Richmond ran away, was away four months, as nigh as I can guess, then
+they cotched him, then struck him a hundred lashes, and then they split
+both feet to the bone, and split both his insteps, and then master took
+his knife and stuck it into him in many places; after he done him that
+way, he put him into the barn to shucking corn. For a long time he was
+not able to work; when he did partly recover, he was set to work again."
+
+We ceased to record anything further concerning Richmond, although not a
+fourth part of what Harry narrated was put upon paper. The account was
+too sickening and the desire to hear Harry's account of himself too
+great to admit of further delay; so Harry confined himself to the
+sufferings and adventures which had marked his own life. Briefly he gave
+the following facts: "I have been treated bad. One day we were grubbing
+and master said we didn't do work enough. 'How came there was no more
+work done that day?' said master to me. I told him I did work. In a more
+stormy manner he 'peated the question. I then spoke up and said: 'Massa,
+I don't know what to say.' At once massa plunged his knife into my neck
+causing me to stagger. Massa was drunk. He then drove me down to the
+black folk's houses (cabins of the slaves). He then got his gun, called
+the overseer, and told him to get some ropes. While he was gone I said,
+'Massa, now you are going to tie me up and cut me all to pieces for
+nothing. I would just as leave you would take your gun and shoot me down
+as to tie me up and cut me all to pieces for nothing.' In a great rage
+he said 'go.' I jumped, and he put up his gun and snapped both barrels
+at me. He then set his dogs on me, but as I had been in the habit of
+making much of them, feeding them, &c. they would not follow me, and I
+kept on straight to the woods. My master and the overseer cotched the
+horses and tried to run me down, but as the dogs would not follow me
+they couldn't make nothing of it. It was the last of August a year ago.
+The devil was into him, and he flogged and beat four of the slaves, one
+man and three of the women, and said if he could only get hold of me he
+wouldn't strike me, 'nary-a-lick,' but would tie me to a tree and empty
+both barrels into me.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+In the woods I lived on nothing, you may say, and something too. I had
+bread, and roasting ears, and 'taters. I stayed in the hollow of a big
+poplar tree for seven months; the other part of the time I stayed in a
+cave. I suffered mighty bad with the cold and for something to eat. Once
+I got me some charcoal and made me a fire in my tree to warm me, and it
+liked to killed me, so I had to take the fire out. One time a snake come
+to the tree, poked its head in the hollow and was coming in, and I took
+my axe and chopped him in two. It was a poplar leaf moccasin, the
+poisonest kind of a snake we have. While in the woods all my thoughts
+was how to get away to a free country."
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+Subsequently, in going back over his past history, he referred to the
+fact, that on an occasion long before the cave and tree existence,
+already noticed, when suffering under this brutal master, he sought
+protection in the woods and abode twenty-seven months in a cave, before
+he surrendered himself, or was captured. His offence, in this instance,
+was simply because he desired to see his wife, and "stole" away from his
+master's plantation and went a distance of five miles, to where she
+lived, to see her. For this grave crime his master threatened to give
+him a hundred lashes, and to shoot him; in order to avoid this
+punishment, he escaped to the woods, etc. The lapse of a dozen years and
+recent struggles for an existence, made him think lightly of his former
+troubles and he would, doubtless, have failed to recall his earlier
+conflicts but for the desire manifested by the Committee to get all the
+information out of him they could.
+
+He was next asked, "Had you a wife and family?" "Yes, sir,". he
+answered, "I had a wife and eight children, belonged to the widow
+Slade." Harry gave the names of his wife and children as follows: Wife,
+Susan, and children, Oliver, Sabey, Washington, Daniel, Jonas, Harriet,
+Moses and Rosetta, the last named he had never seen. "Between my
+mistress and my master there was not much difference."
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+Of his comrades time admitted of writing out only very brief sketches,
+as follows:
+
+
+
+EDWARD LEWIS.
+
+
+
+    $100 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, on the 7th of
+    November, negro slave, EDGAR. He is 36 years old, 6 feet high,
+    of dark brown complexion, very high forehead, is a little bald,
+    and is inclined to stoop in the shoulders. Edgar says he was
+    raised in Norfolk county, has worked about Norfolk several
+    years. I bought him at the Auction house of Messrs. Pulham &
+    Davis, the 20th of July, 1856. The bill of sale was signed by
+    W.Y. Milmer for Jas. A. Bilisoly, administrator of G.W.
+    Chambers, dec'd. He told one of my negroes he was going to
+    Norfolk to sell some plunder he had there, then go to Richmond,
+    steal his wife, get on board a boat about Norfolk, and go to a
+    free State. He can read and write well, and I have no doubt he
+    has provided himself with papers of some kind. He may have
+    purchased the papers of some free negro. I will give the above
+    reward of One Hundred Dollars to any person who will arrest and
+    confine him, so I can get him.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    C.H. GAY.
+
+    My Post office is Laurel, N.C. no. 21.
+
+
+The above advertisement, which was cut from a Southern paper, brought
+light in regard to one of the passengers at least. It was not often that
+a slave was so fortunate as to get such a long sketch of himself in a
+newspaper. The description is so highly complimentary, that we simply
+endorse it as it stands. The sketch as taken for the record book is here
+transcribed as follows:
+
+"Edward reported himself from Franklin county, N.C., where, according to
+statement, a common farmer by the name of Carter Gay owned him, under
+whose oppression his life was rendered most unhappy, who stinted him
+daily for food and barely allowed him clothing enough to cover his
+nakedness, who neither showed justice nor mercy to any under his
+control, the 'weaker vessels' not excepted; therefore Edward was
+convinced that it was in vain to hope for comfort under such a master.
+Moreover, his appetite for liquor, combined with a high temper, rendered
+him a being hard to please, but easy to excite to a terrible degree.
+Scarcely had Edward lived two years with this man (Gay) when he felt
+that he had lived with him long enough. Two years previous to his coming
+into the hands of Gay, he and his wife were both sold; the wife one day
+and he the next. She brought eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars, and
+he eight hundred and thirty-five dollars; thus they were sold and resold
+as a matter of speculation, and husband and wife were parted."
+
+After the fugitives had been well cared for by the Committee, they were
+forwarded on North; but for some reason they were led to stop short of
+Canada, readily finding employment and going to work to take care of
+themselves. How they were received and in what way they were situated,
+the subjoined letter from Edward will explain:
+
+
+    SKANEATELES, Dec. 17, 1857.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--As I promised to let you hear from me as soon as I
+    found a home, I will now fulfill my promise to you and say that
+    I am alive and well and have found a stopping place for the
+    winter.
+
+    When we arrived at Syracuse we found Mr. Loguen ready to receive
+    us, and as times are rather hard in Canada he thought best for
+    us not to go there, so he sent us about twenty miles west of
+    Syracuse to Skaneateles, where George Upshur and myself soon
+    found work. Henry Grimes is at work in Garden about eight miles
+    from this place.
+
+    If you should chance to hear any of my friends inquiring for me,
+    please direct them to Skaneateles, Onondaga county, N.Y.
+
+    If you can inform me of the whereabouts of Miss Alice Jones I
+    shall be very much obliged to you, until I can pay you better. I
+    forgot to ask you about her when I was at your house. She
+    escaped about two years ago.
+
+    Please not to forget to inquire of my wife, Rachel Land, and if
+    you should hear of her, let me know immediately, George Upshur
+    and myself send our best respects to you and your family.
+    Remember us to Mrs. Jackson and Miss Julia. I hope to meet you
+    all again, if not on earth may we so live that we shall meet in
+    that happy land where tears and partings are not known.
+
+    Let me hear from you soon. This from your friend and well
+    wisher,
+
+    EDWARD LEWIS,
+
+    formerly, but now WILLIAM BRADY.
+
+
+
+
+GEORGE UPSHER.--The third in this arrival was also a full man. Slavery
+had robbed him shamefully it is true; nevertheless he was a man of
+superior natural parts, physically and intellectually. Despite the
+efforts of slave-holders to keep him in the dark, he could read and
+write a little. His escape in the manner that he did, implied a direct
+protest against the conduct of Dr. Thomas W. Upsher, of Richmond, Va.,
+whom, he alleged, deprived him of his hire, and threatened him with
+immediate sale. He had lived in North Carolina with the doctor about two
+years. As a slave, his general treatment had been favorable, except for
+a few months prior to his flight, which change on the part of his master
+led him to fear that a day of sale was nigh at hand. In fact the seventh
+of July had been agreed upon when he was to be in Richmond, to take his
+place with others in the market on sale day; his hasty and resolute move
+for freedom originated from this circumstance. He was well-known in
+Norfolk, and had served almost all his days in that city. These
+passengers averaged about six feet, and were of uncommonly
+well-developed physical structure.
+
+The pleasure of aiding such men from the horrors of Carolina Slavery was
+great.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ALFRED HOLLON, GEORGE AND CHARLES N. RODGERS.
+
+
+The loss of this party likewise falls on Maryland. With all the efforts
+exerted by slave-holders, they could not prevent the Underground Rail
+Road from bringing away passengers.
+
+
+
+Alfred was twenty-eight years of age, with sharp features, dark color,
+and of medium size. He charged one Elijah J. Johnson, a commissioner of
+Baltimore Co., with having deprived him of the fruits of his labor. He
+had looked fully into his master's treatment of him, and had come to the
+conclusion that it was wrong in every respect, for one man to make
+another work and then take all his wages from him; thus decided, Alfred,
+desiring liberty, whereby he could do better for himself felt that he
+must "took out" and make his way to Canada. Nevertheless, he admitted
+that he had been "treated pretty well" compared with others. True, he
+had "not been fed very well;" Elijah, his master, was an old man with a
+white head, tall and stout, and the owner of fifteen head of slaves. At
+the same time, a member of St. John's church.
+
+Alfred had treasured up the sad remembrance against him of the sale of
+his mother from him when a little boy, only three years old. While he
+was then too young to have retained her features in his memory, the fact
+had always been a painful one to reflect upon.
+
+
+
+George was twenty-six years of age, stout, long-faced, and of dark
+complexion. He looked as though he might have eagerly grasped education
+if the opportunity had been allowed him. He too belonged to Elijah J.
+Johnson, against whom he entertained much more serious objections than
+Alfred. Indeed, George did not hesitate to say with emphasis, that he
+neither liked his old master, mistress, nor any of the family. Without
+recording his grievances in detail, a single instance will suffice of
+the kind of treatment to which he objected, and which afforded the
+pretext for his becoming a patron of the Underground Rail Road.
+
+It was this, said George: "I went into the corn-field and got some corn.
+This made my master and mistress very mad, and about it Dr. Franklin
+Rodgers, my young mistress' husband, struck me some pretty heavy blows,
+and knocked me with his fist, etc." Thus, George's blood was raised, and
+he at once felt that it was high time to be getting away from such
+patriarchs. It was only necessary to form a strong resolution and to
+start without delay.
+
+There were two others who, he believed, could be trusted, so he made
+known his intentions to them, and finding them sound on the question of
+freedom he was glad of their company. For an emergency, he provided
+himself with a pair of pistols and a formidable-looking knife, and
+started, bent on reaching Canada; determined at least, not to be taken
+back to bondage alive. Charles was twenty-four years of age, a very
+dark-colored individual, and also belonged to said Johnson.
+
+
+
+Charles was well acquainted with his old master and mistress, and made
+very quick work of giving his experience. After hearing him, from the
+manner in which he expressed himself, no one could doubt his earnestness
+and veracity. His testimony ran substantially thus:
+
+"For the last three years I have been treated very hard. In the presence
+of the servants, old Johnson had me tied, stripped, and with his own
+hands, flogged me on the naked back shamefully. The old mistress was
+cross too." It was some time before the smarting ceased, but it was not
+long ere the suffering produced very decided aspirations to get over to
+John Bull's Dominions. He resolved to go, at all hazards. In order that
+he might not be surprised on the Underground Rail Road without any
+weapons of defense, determined as he was to fight rather than be dragged
+back, he provided himself with a heavy, leaden ball and a razor. They
+met, however, with no serious difficulty, save from hard walking and
+extreme hunger. In appearance, courage, and mother-wit, this party was
+of much promise.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM KENT COUNTY, 1857.
+
+SAMUEL BENTON, JOHN ALEXANDER, JAMES HENRY, AND SAMUEL TURNER.
+
+
+These passengers journeyed together from the land of whips and chains.
+
+
+
+Sam Benton was about twenty-six years of age, medium size, pretty dark
+color, and possessed a fair share of intelligence. He understood very
+well how sadly Slavery had wronged him by keeping him in ignorance and
+poverty.
+
+He stated as the cause of his flight that William Campbell had oppressed
+him and kept him closely at hard labor without paying him, and at the
+same time "did not give him half enough to eat, and no clothing."
+
+
+
+John Alexander was about forty-four years of age, a man of ordinary
+size, quite black, and a good specimen of a regular corn-field hand.
+
+"Why did you leave, John?" said a member of the Committee. He coolly
+replied that "Handy (his master was named George Handy) got hold of me
+twice, and I promised my Lord that he should never get hold of me
+another time."
+
+Of course it was the severity of these two visitations that made John a
+thinker and an actor at the same time. The evil practices of the master
+produced the fruits of liberty in John's breast.
+
+
+
+James Henry, the third passenger, was about thirty-two years of age, and
+quite a spirited-looking "article." A few months before he fled he had
+been sold, at which time his age was given as "only twenty." He had
+suffered considerably from various abuses; the hope of Canada however
+tended to make him joyful.
+
+The system of oppression from which these travelers fled had afforded
+them no privileges in the way of learning to read. All that they had
+ever known of civilization was what they perchance picked up in the
+ordinary routine of the field.
+
+Notice of the fourth passenger unfortunately is missing.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE COUNTY, 1857.
+
+
+ELIZABETH WILLIAMS.
+
+
+Elizabeth fled in company with her brother the winter previous to her
+arrival at the Philadelphia station. Although she reached free land the
+severe struggle cost her the loss of all her toes. Four days and nights
+out in the bitter cold weather without the chance of a fire left them a
+prey to the frost, which made sad havoc with their feet
+especially--particularly Elizabeth's. She was obliged to stop on the
+way, and for seven months she was unable to walk.
+
+Elizabeth was about twenty years of age, chestnut color, and of
+considerable natural intellect. Although she suffered so severely as the
+result of her resolution to throw off the yoke, she had no regrets at
+leaving the prison-house; she seemed to appreciate freedom all the more
+in consequence of what it cost her to obtain the prize.
+
+In speaking of the life she had lived, she stated that her mistress was
+"good enough," but her "master was a very bad man." His name was Samuel
+Ward; he lived in Baltimore county, near Wrightstown. Elizabeth left her
+mother, four brothers and one sister under the yoke.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+MARY COOPER AND MOSES ARMSTEAD, 1857.
+
+
+
+
+Mary arrived from Delaware, Moses from Norfolk, Virginia, and happened
+to meet at the station in Philadelphia.
+
+Mary was twenty years of age, of a chestnut color, usual size, and well
+disposed. She fled from Nathaniel Herne, an alderman. Mary did not find
+fault with the alderman, but she could not possibly get along with his
+wife; this was the sole cause of her escape.
+
+
+
+Moses was twenty-four years of age, of a chestnut color, a
+bright-looking young man. He fled from Norfolk, Virginia, having been
+owned by the estate of John Halters. Nothing but the prevailing love of
+liberty in the breast of Moses moved him to seek his freedom. He did not
+make one complaint of bad treatment.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NEAR WASHINGTON, D.C.
+
+JOHN JOHNSON AND LAWRENCE THORNTON.
+
+
+
+
+John escaped from near Washington. He stated that he was owned by an
+engraver, known by the name of William Stone, and added that himself and
+seven others were kept working on the farm of said Stone for nothing.
+John did not, however, complain of having a hard master in this
+hard-named personage, (Stone); for, as a slave, he confessed that he had
+seen good times. Yet he was not satisfied; he felt that he had a right
+to his freedom, and that he could not possibly be contented while
+deprived of it, for this reason, therefore, he dissolved his
+relationship with his kind master.
+
+John was about twenty-seven years of age, smart, possessed good manners,
+and a mulatto.
+
+
+
+Lawrence was about twenty-three years of age, tall and slender, of dark
+complexion, but bright intellectually. With Lawrence times had been
+pretty rough. Dr. Isaac Winslow of Alexandria was accused of defrauding
+Lawrence of his hire. "He was anything else but a gentleman," said
+Lawrence. "He was not a fair man no way, and his wife was worse than he
+was, and she had a daughter worse than herself."
+
+"Last Sunday a week my master collared me, for my insolence he said, and
+told me that he would sell me right off. I was tied and put up stairs
+for safe keeping. I was tied for about eight hours. I then untied
+myself, broke out of prison, and made for the Underground Rail Road
+immediately."
+
+Lawrence gave a most interesting account of his life of bondage, and of
+the doctor and his family. He was overjoyed at the manner in which he
+had defeated the doctor, and so was the Committee.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+HON. L. McLANE'S PROPERTY, SOON AFTER HIS DEATH, TRAVELS _via_ THE
+UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD.--WILLIAM KNIGHT, ESQ., LOSES A SUPERIOR
+"ARTICLE."
+
+JIM SCOTT, TOM PENNINGTON, SAM SCOTT, BILL SCOTT, ABE BACON, AND JACK
+WELLS.
+
+
+An unusual degree of pleasure was felt in welcoming this party of young
+men, not because they were any better than others, or because they had
+suffered more, but simply because they were found to possess certain
+knowledge and experience of slave life, as it existed under the
+government of the chivalry; such information could not always be
+obtained from those whose lot had been cast among ordinary
+slave-holders. Consequently the Committee interviewed them closely, and
+in point of intellect found them to be above the average run of slaves.
+As they were then entered on the record, so in like manner are the notes
+made of them transferred to these pages.
+
+
+
+Jim was about nineteen years of age, well grown, black, and of
+prepossessing appearance. The organ of hope seemed very strong in him.
+Jim had been numbered with the live stock of the late Hon. L. McLane,
+who had been called to give an account of his stewardship about two
+months before Jim and his companions "took out."
+
+As to general usage, he made no particular charge against his
+distinguished master; he had, however, not been living under his
+immediate patriarchal government, but had been hired out to a farmer by
+the name of James Dodson, with whom he experienced life "sometimes hard
+and sometimes smooth," to use his own words. The reason of his leaguing
+with his fellow-servants to abandon the old prison-house, was traceable
+to the rumor, that he and some others were to appear on the stage, or
+rather the auction-block, in Baltimore, the coming Spring.
+
+
+
+Tom, another member of the McLane institution, was about twenty-five
+years of age, of unmixed blood, and a fair specimen of a well-trained
+field-hand. He conceived that he had just ground to bring damages
+against the Hon. L. McLane for a number of years of hard service, and
+for being deprived of education. He had been compelled to toil for the
+Honorable gentleman, not only on his own place, but on the farms of
+others. At the time that Tom escaped, he was hired for one hundred
+dollars per annum (and his clothes found him), which hire McLane had
+withheld from him contrary to all justice and fair dealing; but as Tom
+was satisfied, that he could get no justice through the Maryland courts,
+and knew that an old and intimate friend of his master had already
+proclaimed, that "negroes had no rights which white men are bound to
+respect;" also, as his experience tended to confirm him in the belief,
+that the idea was practically carried out in the courts of Maryland; he
+thought, that it would be useless to put in a plea for justice in
+Maryland. He was not, however, without a feeling of some satisfaction,
+that his old master, in giving an account of his stewardship at the Bar
+of the Just One, would be made to understand the amount of his
+indebtedness to those whom he had oppressed. With this impression, and
+the prospects of equal rights and Canada, under her British Majesty's
+possessions, he manifested as much delight as if he was traveling with a
+half million of dollars in his pocket.
+
+
+
+Sam, another likely-looking member of this party, was twenty-two years
+of age, and a very promising-looking young fugitive, having the
+appearance of being able to take education without difficulty. He had
+fully made up his mind, that slavery was never intended for man, and
+that he would never wear himself out working for the "white people for
+nothing." He wanted to work for himself and enjoy the benefits of
+education, etc.
+
+
+
+Bill Scott, another member of the McLane party, was twenty-one years of
+age, "fat and slick," and fully satisfied, that Canada would agree with
+him in every particular. Not a word did he utter in favor of Maryland,
+but said much against the manner in which slaves were treated, how he
+had felt about the matter, etc.
+
+
+
+Abe was also from the McLane estate. He possessed apparently more
+general intelligence than either of his companions. He was quite
+bright-witted, a ready talker, and with his prospects he was much
+satisfied. He was twenty-two years of age, black, good-looking, and
+possessed very good manners. He represented, that his distinguished
+master died, leaving thirteen head of slaves. His (Abe's) father, Tom's
+mother and the mother of the Scotts were freed by McLane. Strong hopes
+were entertained that before the old man's death he would make provision
+in his will for the freedom of all the other slaves; when he died, the
+contrary was found to be the fact; they were still left in chains. The
+immediate heirs consisted of six sons and five daughters, who moved in
+the first circle, were "very wealthy and aristocratic." Abe was
+conversant with the fact, that his master, the "Hon. L. McLane, was once
+Secretary under President Jackson;" that he had been "sent to England on
+a mission for the Government," and that he had "served two terms in
+Congress." Some of the servants, Abe said, were "treated pretty well,
+but some others could not say anything in the master's favor." Upon the
+whole, however, it was manifest that the McLane slaves had not been
+among the number who had seen severe hardships. They came from his
+plantation in Cecil county, Maryland, where they had been reared.
+
+In order to defend themselves on the Underground Rail Road, they were
+strongly armed. Sam had a large horse pistol and a butcher knife; Jack
+had a revolver; Abe had a double-barrelled pistol and a large knife; Jim
+had a single-barrelled pistol and counted on "blowing a man down if any
+one touched" him. Bill also had a single-barrelled pistol, and when he
+started resolved to "come through or die."
+
+Although this party was of the class said to be well fed, well clothed,
+and not over-worked, yet to those who heard them declare their utter
+detestation of slavery and their determination to use their instruments
+of death, even to the taking of life, rather than again be subjected to
+the yoke, it was evident that even the mildest form of slavery was
+abhorrent. They left neither old nor young masters, whom they desired to
+serve any longer or look up to for care and support.
+
+
+
+Jack, who was not of the McLane party, but who came with them, had been
+kept in ignorance with regard to his age. He was apparently middle-aged,
+medium size, dark color, and of average intelligence. He accused William
+Knight, a farmer, of having enslaved him contrary to his will or wishes,
+and averred that he fled from him because he used him badly and kept
+mean overseers. Jack said that his master owned six farms and kept three
+overseers to manage them. The slaves numbered twenty-one head. The names
+of the overseers were given in the following order: "Alfred King, Jimmy
+Allen, and Thomas Brockston." In speaking of their habits, Jack said,
+that they were "very smart when the master was about, but as soon as he
+was gone they would instantly drop back." "They were all mean, but the
+old boss was meaner than them all," and "the overseers were 'fraider' of
+him than what I was," said Jack.
+
+His master (Mr. Knight), had a wife and seven children, and was a member
+of the Episcopal Church, in "good and regular standing." He was rich,
+and, with his family, moved in good society. "His wife was too stingy to
+live, and if she was to die, she would die holding on to something,"
+said Jack. Jack had once had a wife and three children, but as they
+belonged to a slave-holder ("Jim Price") Jack's rights were wholly
+ignored, and he lost them.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM HARFORD CO., 1857.
+
+
+JOHN MYERS.
+
+
+John fled from under the yoke of Dr. Joshua R. Nelson. Until within two
+years of "Jack's" flight, the doctor "had been a very fine man," with
+whom Jack found no fault. But suddenly his mode of treatment changed; he
+became very severe. Nothing that Jack could do, met the approval of the
+doctor. Jack was constantly looked upon with suspicion.
+
+The very day that Jack fled, four men approached him (the doctor one of
+them), with line in hand; that sign was well understood, and Jack
+resolved that they should not get within tying distance of him. "I
+dodged them," said Jack. Never afterwards was Jack seen in that part of
+the country, at least as long as a fetter remained.
+
+The day that he "dodged" he also took the Underground Rail Road, and
+although ignorant of letters, he battled his way out of Maryland, and
+succeeded in reaching Pennsylvania and the Committee. He was obliged to
+leave four children behind--John, Abraham, Jane and Ellen.
+
+Jack's wife had been freed and had come to Philadelphia two years in
+advance of him. His master evidently supposed that Jack would be mean
+enough to wish to see his wife, even in a free State, and that no slave,
+with such an unnatural desire, could be tolerated or trusted, that the
+sooner such "articles" were turned into cash the better. This in
+substance, was the way Jack accounted for the sudden change which had
+come over his master. In defense of his course, Jack referred to the
+treatment which he had received while in servitude under his old master,
+in something like the following words: "I served under my young master's
+father, thirty-five years, and from him received kind treatment. I was
+his head man on the place, and had everything to look after."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1857.
+
+WILLIAM LEE, SUSAN JANE BOILE AND AMARIAN LUCRETIA RISTER.
+
+
+Although these three passengers arrived in Philadelphia at the same
+time, they did not come from Maryland together.
+
+
+
+William Lee found himself under the yoke on a farm in the possession of
+Zechariah Merica, who, Wm. said, was a "low ignorant man, not above a
+common wood-chopper, and owned no other slave property than William."
+Against him, however, William brought no accusation of any very severe
+treatment; on the contrary, his master talked sometimes "as though he
+wanted to be good and get religion, but said he could not while he was
+trying to be rich." Everything looked hopeless in William's eyes, so far
+as the master's riches and his own freedom were concerned. He concluded
+that he would leave him the "bag to hold alone." William therefore laid
+down "the shovel and the hoe," and, without saying a word to his master,
+he took his departure, under the privacy of the night, for Canada.
+William represented the white and colored races about equally; he was
+about twenty-seven years of age, and looked well fitted for a full day's
+work on a farm.
+
+
+
+Susan Jane came from New Market, near Georgetown Cross-Roads, where she
+had been held to unrequited labor by Hezekiah Masten, a farmer. Although
+he was a man of fair pretensions, and a member of the Methodist Church,
+he knew how to draw the cords very tightly, with regard to his slaves,
+keeping his feet on their necks, to their sore grievance. Susan endured
+his bad treatment as long as she could, then left, destitute and alone.
+Her mother and father were at the time living in Elkton, Md. Whether
+they ever heard what became of their daughter is not known.
+
+
+
+Amarian was twenty-one years of age, a person of light color, medium
+size, with a prepossessing countenance and smart; she could read, write,
+and play on the piano. From a child, Amarian had been owned by Mrs.
+Elizabeth Key Scott, who resided near Braceville, but at the time of her
+flight she was living at Westminster, in the family of a man named
+"Boile," said to be the clerk of the court. In reference to treatment,
+Amarian said: "I have always been used very well; have had it good all
+my life, etc." This was a remarkable case, and, at first, somewhat
+staggered the faith of the Committee, but they could not dispute her
+testimony, consequently they gave her the benefit of the doubt. She
+spoke of having a mother living in Hagerstown, by the name of Amarian
+Ballad, also three sisters who were slaves, and two who were free; she
+also had a brother in chains in Mississippi.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NORFOLK, VA. 1857.
+
+WILLIAM CARNEY AND ANDREW ALLEN.
+
+
+
+
+William was about fifty-one years of age, a man of unmixed blood.
+Physically he was a superior man, and his mental abilities were quite
+above the average of his class.
+
+He belonged to the estate of the late Mrs. Sarah Twyne, who bore the
+reputation of being a lady of wealth, and owned one hundred and twelve
+slaves. Most of her slave property was kept on her plantation not far
+from Old Point Comfort. According to William's testimony "of times Mrs.
+Twyne would meddle too freely with the cup, and when under its influence
+she was very desperate, and acted as though she wanted to kill some of
+the slaves."
+
+After the evil spirit left her and she had regained her wonted
+composure, she would pretend that she loved her "negroes," and would
+make a great fuss over them. Not infrequently she would have very
+serious difficulty with her overseers. Having license to do as they
+pleased, they would of course carry their cruelties to the most extreme
+verge of punishment. If a slave was maimed or killed under their
+correction, it was no loss of theirs. "One of the overseers by the name
+of Bill Anderson once shot a young slave man called Luke and wounded him
+so seriously that he was not expected to live." "At another time one of
+the overseers beat and kicked a slave to death." This barbarity caused
+the mistress to be very much "stirred up," and she declared that she
+would not have any more white overseers; condemned them for everything,
+and decided to change her policy in future and to appoint her overseers
+from her own slaves, setting the property to watch the property. This
+system was organized and times were somewhat better.
+
+William had been hired out almost his entire life. For the last twelve
+or fifteen years he had been accustomed to hire his time for one hundred
+and thirty dollars per annum. In order to meet this demand he commonly
+resorted to oystering. By the hardest toil he managed to maintain
+himself and family in a humble way.
+
+For the last twenty years (prior to his escape) the slaves had
+constantly been encouraged by their mistress' promises to believe that
+at her death all would be free, and transported to Liberia, where they
+would enjoy their liberty and be happy the remainder of their days.
+
+With full faith in her promises year by year the slaves awaited her
+demise with as much patience as possible, and often prayed that her time
+might be shortened for the general good of the oppressed. Fortunately,
+as the slaves thought, she had no children or near relatives to deprive
+them of their just and promised rights.
+
+In November, previous to William's escape, her long looked-for
+dissolution took place. Every bondman who was old enough to realize the
+nature and import of the change felt a great anxiety to learn what the
+will of their old mistress said, whether she had actually freed them or
+not. Alas! when the secret was disclosed, it was ascertained that not a
+fetter was broken, not a bond unloosed, and that no provision whatever
+had been made looking towards freedom. In this sad case, the slaves
+could imagine no other fate than soon to be torn asunder and scattered.
+The fact was soon made known that the High Sheriff had administered on
+the estate of the late mistress; it was therefore obvious enough to
+William and the more intelligent slaves that the auction block was near
+at hand.
+
+The trader, the slave-pen, the auction-block, the coffle gang, the rice
+swamp, the cotton plantation, bloodhounds, and cruel overseers loomed up
+before him, as they had never done before. Without stopping to consider
+the danger, he immediately made up his mind that he would make a
+struggle, cost what it might. He knew of no other way of escape than the
+Underground Rail Road. He was shrewd enough to find an agent, who gave
+him private instructions, and to whom he indicated a desire to travel
+North on said road. On examination he was deemed reliable, and a mutual
+understanding was entered into between. William and one of the
+accommodating Captains running on the Richmond and Philadelphia Line, to
+the effect that he, William, should have a first class Underground Rail
+Road berth, so perfectly private that even the law-officers could not
+find him.
+
+The first ties to be severed were those which bound him to his wife and
+children, and next to the Baptist Church, to which he belonged. His
+family were slaves, and bore the following names: his wife, Nancy, and
+children, Simon Henry, William, Sarah, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Louis, and
+Cornelius. It was no light matter to bid them farewell forever. The
+separation from them was a trial such as rarely falls to the lot of
+mortals; but he nerved himself for the undertaking, and when the hour
+arrived his strength was sufficient for the occasion.
+
+Thus in company with Andrew they embarked for an unknown shore, their
+entire interests entrusted to a stranger who was to bring them through
+difficulties and dangers seen and unseen.
+
+
+
+Andrew was about twenty-four years of age, very tall, quite black, and
+bore himself manfully. He too was of the same estate that William
+belonged to. He had served on the farm as a common farm laborer. He had
+had it "sometimes rough and sometimes smooth," to use his own language.
+The fear of what awaited the slaves prompted Andrew to escape. He too
+was entangled with a wife and one child, with whom he parted only as a
+friend parts with a companion when death separates them. Catharine was
+the name of Andrew's wife; and Anna Clarissa the name of his child left
+in chains.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM HOOPESVILLE, MD., 1857.
+
+JAMES CAIN, "GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON," AND ANNA PERRY.
+
+
+These passengers came from the field where as slaves very few privileges
+had been afforded them.
+
+
+
+Jim was about thirty-five years of age, a dark brown skin with average
+intellect for one in his condition. He had toiled under John Burnham, in
+Dorchester county, from whom he had received hard treatment, but harder
+still from his mistress. He averred that she was the cause of matters
+being so hard with the slaves on the place. Jim contented himself under
+his lot as well as be could until within a short time of his escape when
+he learned that measures were on foot to sell him. The fear of this
+change brought him directly to meditate upon a trip to Canada. Being a
+married man he found it hard to leave his wife, Mary, but as she was
+also a slave, and kept in the employment of her owners at some distance
+from where he lived, he decided to say nothing to her of his plans, but
+to start when ready and do the best he could to save himself, as he saw
+no chance of saving her.
+
+
+
+"GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON." When the above "article" gave the Committee
+his name they were amused and thought that he was simply jesting, having
+done a smart thing in conquering his master by escaping; but on a fuller
+investigation they found that he really bore the name, and meant to
+retain it in Canada. It had been given him when a child, and in Slavery
+he had been familiarly called "Andy," but since he had achieved his
+freedom he felt bound to be called by his proper name.
+
+General Andrew was about twenty-seven years of age, a full black, and a
+man of extraordinary muscular powers, with coarse hard features, such as
+showed signs that it would not be safe for his master to meddle with him
+when the General's blood was up.
+
+He spoke freely of the man who claimed him as a slave, saying that his
+name was Shepherd Houston, of Lewistown, Delaware, and that he owned
+seven head of "God's poor," whom he compelled to labor on his farm
+without a cent of pay, a day's schooling, or an hour's freedom;
+furthermore, that he was a member of the Ebenezer Methodist Church, a
+class-leader, and an exhorter, and in outward show passed for a good
+Christian. But in speaking of his practical dealings with his slaves,
+General said that he worked them hard, stinted them shamefully for food,
+and kept them all the time digging.
+
+Also when testifying with regard to the "weaker vessel," under whose
+treatment he had suffered much, the General said that his master's wife
+had a meaner disposition than he had; she pretended to belong to church
+too, said General, but it was nothing but deceit.
+
+This severe critic could not read, but he had very clear views on the
+ethics of his master and mistress, agreeing with Scripture concerning
+whited sepulchres, etc.
+
+The question of Christian slave-holders, for a great while, seriously
+puzzled the wise and learned, but for the slave it was one of the
+easiest of solution. All the slaves came to the same conclusion,
+notwithstanding the teaching of slave-holders on the one idea, that
+"servants should obey their masters," etc.
+
+General had a brother in Baltimore, known by the name of Josephus, also
+two sisters Anna and Annie; his father was living at Cannon's Ferry.
+
+
+
+Anna Perry was the intended of General. She was about nineteen years of
+age, of a dark brown color, and came from the same neighborhood.
+According to law Anna was entitled to her freedom, but up to the time of
+her escape she had not been permitted to enjoy the favor. She found that
+if she would be free she would have to run for it.
+
+John Smith. A better specimen of one who had been ill treated, and in
+every way uncared for, could not be easily found. In speech, manners,
+and whole appearance he was extremely rude. He was about twenty years of
+age, and in color was of a very dark hue.
+
+That John had received only the poorest kind of "corn-field fare" was
+clearly evidenced both by body and mind. Master George H. Morgan was
+greatly blamed for John's deficiencies; it was on his farms, under mean
+overseers that John had been crushed and kept under the harrow.
+
+His mother, Mary Smith, he stated, his master had sold away to New
+Orleans, some two years before his escape. The sad effect that this
+cruel separation had upon him could only be appreciated by hearing him
+talk of it in his own untutored tongue. Being himself threatened with
+the auction-block, he was awakened to inquire how he could escape the
+danger, and very soon learned that by following the old methods which
+had been used by many before him, resolution and perseverance, he might
+gain the victory over master and overseers. As green as he seemed he had
+succeeded admirably in his undertaking.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1858.
+
+GEORGE RUSSELL AND JAMES HENRY THOMPSON.
+
+
+James, for convenience' sake, was supplied with two other names (Milton
+Brown and John Johnson), not knowing exactly how many he would need in
+freedom or which would be the best adapted to keep his whereabouts the
+most completely veiled from his master.
+
+
+
+George reported that he fled from Henry Harris, who lived near Baltimore
+on the Peach Orchard Road, and that he had lived with said Harris all
+his life. He spoke of him as being a "blustering man, who never liked
+the slaves to make anything for themselves." George bore witness that
+the usage which he had received had been hard; evidently his intellect
+had been seriously injured by what he had suffered under his
+task-master. George was of a very dark hue, but not quite up to medium
+size.
+
+
+
+James Henry Thompson did not accompany George, but met him at the
+station in Philadelphia. He contrasted favorably with George, being
+about twenty-eight years of age, with a countenance indicative of
+intelligence and spirit. He was of a chestnut color and of average size.
+He charged one Dennis Mannard, of Johnsonville, with being his personal
+enemy as an oppressor, and added that he could "say nothing good of
+him." He could say, however, that Mannard was bitterly opposed to a
+slave's learning how to read, would not listen to the idea of giving
+them any privileges, and tried to impress them with the idea that they
+needed to know nothing but simply how to work hard for the benefit of
+their masters and mistresses; in fulfilling these conditions faithfully
+the end for which they had been designed would be accomplished according
+to his doctrine.
+
+Notwithstanding so much pains had been resorted to throughout the South
+to impress these ideas upon the slaves, no converts were made.
+
+James thought that the doctrine was infamous, and that it was dangerous
+to live with such a man as his master; that freedom was as much his
+right as it was his master's; and so he resolved to leave for Canada as
+soon as he could see any chance for escape.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM QUEEN ANN COUNTY, 1858.
+
+CATHARINE JONES AND SON HENRY, ETNA ELIZABETH DAUPHUS, AND GEORGE NELSON
+WASHINGTON.
+
+
+These passengers, although interesting, and manifesting a strong desire
+to be free, had no remarkable tales of personal suffering to relate;
+their lot had evidently been cast among the more humane class of
+slave-holders, who had acted towards their slaves with some moderation.
+
+
+
+Catharine was twenty-four years of age, of a dark chestnut color,
+possessed a fair share of mother wit, and was fitted to make a favorable
+impression. In no degree whatever did she think well of slavery; she had
+had, as she thought, sufficient experience under Joshua Duvall (who
+professed to own her) to judge as to the good or evil of the system.
+While he was by no means considered a hard man, he would now and then
+buy and sell a slave. She had no fault to find with her mistress.
+
+
+
+Etna was about twenty years of age, of a "ginger-bread" color, modest in
+demeanor, and appeared to have a natural capacity for learning. She was
+also from under the Duvall yoke. In setting forth her reasons for
+escaping she asserted that she was tired of slavery and an unbeliever in
+the doctrine that God made colored people simply to be slaves for white
+people; besides, she had a strong desire to "see her friends in Canada."
+
+
+
+George also escaped from Duvall; happily he was only about nineteen
+years of age, not too old to acquire some education and do well by
+himself. He was greatly elated at the prospect of freedom in Canada.
+
+
+
+William Henry was a plump little fellow only two years of age. At the
+old price (five dollars per pound) he was worth something, fat as he
+was. Being in the hands of his mother, the Committee considered him a
+lucky child.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE.
+
+ELIJAH BISHOP AND WILLIAM WILLIAMSON.
+
+
+
+
+Elijah represented to the Committee that he had been held under the
+enthrallment of a common "gambler and drunkard," who called himself by
+the name of Campbell, and carried on his sporting operations in
+Baltimore.
+
+Under this gambler Elijah had been wronged up to the age of twenty-eight
+years, when he resolved to escape. Having had several opportunities of
+traveling through the United States and South America with his sporting
+master, he managed to pick up quite an amount of information. For the
+benefit of Elijah's relatives, if any should have occasion to look for
+particulars concerning this lost individual, we add, that he was a
+spare-built man of a dark color.
+
+
+
+William Williamson fled from Mrs. Rebecca Davidge, of Perrymanville. He
+declared that he had been used badly--had been worked hard and had been
+fed and clothed but poorly. Under such treatment he had reached his
+twenty-fourth year. Being of a resolute and determined mind, and feeling
+considerably galled by the burdens heaped upon him, he resolved that he
+would take his chances on the Underground Rail Road. The only complaint
+that he had to make against his mistress was, that she hired him to a
+man named Smith, a farmer, and a slave-holder of the meanest type, in
+William's opinion. For many a day William will hold her responsible for
+abuses he received from him.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM DUNWOODY COUNTY, 1858.
+
+
+DARIUS HARRIS.
+
+
+One of the most encouraging signs connected with the travel  _via_ the
+Underground Rail Road was, that passengers traveling thereon were, as a
+general thing, young and of determined minds. Darius, the subject of
+this sketch, was only about twenty-one when he arrived. It could be seen
+in his looks that he could not be kept in the prison-house unless
+constantly behind bars. His large head and its formation indicated a
+large brain. He stated that "Thomas H. Hamlin, a hard case, living near
+Dunwoody," had professed to own him. Darius alleged that this same
+Hamlin, who had thus stripped him of every cent of his earnings was
+doing the same thing by sixty others, whom he held in his grasp.
+
+With regard to "feeding and clothing" Darius set Hamlin down as "very
+hoggish;" he also stated that he would sell slaves whenever he could. He
+(Darius), had been hired out in Petersburg from the age of ten; for the
+last three years previous to his escape he had been bringing one hundred
+and fifty dollars a year into the coffers of his owners. Darius had not
+been ignorant of the cruelties of the slave system up to the time of his
+escape, for the fetters had been galling his young limbs for several
+years; especially had the stringent slave laws given him the horrors.
+Loathing the system of slavery with his whole heart, he determined to
+peril his all in escaping therefrom; seeking diligently, he had found
+means by which he could carry his designs into execution.
+
+In the way of general treatment, however, Darius said that bodily he had
+escaped "abuses tolerably well." He left in slavery his father and
+mother, four brothers and one sister. He arrived by one of the Richmond
+boats.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVED FROM ALEXANDRIA, VA., 1857.
+
+
+TOWNSEND DERRIX.
+
+
+The above-named escaped from a "Dutchman" by the name of Gallipappick,
+who was in the confectionery business. For the credit of our German
+citizens, it may be said, that slave-holders within their ranks were
+very few. This was a rare case. The Committee were a little curious to
+know how the German branch of civilization conducted when given
+unlimited control over human beings.
+
+In answering the requisite questions, and in making his statement,
+Townsend gave entire satisfaction. His German master he spoke of as
+being a tolerably fair man, "considering his origin." At least he
+(Townsend), had not suffered much from him; but he spoke of a woman,
+about sixty, who had been used very badly under this Dutchman. He not
+only worked her very hard, but, at the same time, he would beat her over
+the head, and that in the most savage manner. His mistress was also
+"Dutch," a "great swabby, fat woman," with a very ill disposition.
+Master and mistress were both members of the Episcopal Church. "Mistress
+drank, that was the reason she was so disagreeable."
+
+Townsend had been a married man for about seven months only. In his
+effort to obtain his own freedom he sought diligently to deliver his
+young wife. They were united heart and hand in the one great purpose to
+reach free land, but unfortunately the pursuers were on their track; the
+wife was captured and carried back, but the husband escaped. It was
+particularly with a view of saving his poor wife that Townsend was
+induced to peril his life, for she (the wife) was not owned by the same
+party who owned Townsend, and was on the eve of being taken by her
+owners some fifty miles distant into the country, where the chances for
+intercourse between husband and wife would no longer be favorable.
+Rather than submit to such an outrage, Townsend and his wife made the
+attempt aforementioned.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1858.
+
+
+EDWARD CARROLL.
+
+
+Edward, a youthful passenger about twenty-one years of age, slow of
+speech, with a stammering utterance, and apparently crushed in spirits,
+claimed succor and aid of the Committee. At first the Committee felt a
+little puzzled to understand, how one, apparently so deficient, could
+succeed in surmounting the usual difficulties consequent upon traveling,
+via the Underground Rail Road; but in conversing with him, they found
+him possessed of more intelligence than they had supposed; indeed, they
+perceived that he could read and write a little, and that what he lacked
+in aptness of speech, he supplied as a thinker, and although he was slow
+he was sure. He was owned by a man named John Lewis, who also owned
+about seventy head of slaves, whom he kept on farms near the mouth of
+the Sassafras River, in Sussex county.
+
+Lewis had not only held Edward in bondage, but had actually sold him,
+with two of his brothers, only the Saturday before his escape, to a
+Georgia trader, named Durant, who was to start south with them on the
+subsequent Monday. Moved almost to desperation at their master's course
+in thus selling them, the three brothers, after reflection, determined
+to save themselves if possible, and without any definite knowledge of
+the journey, they turned their eyes towards the North Star, and under
+the cover of night they started for Pennsylvania, not knowing whether
+they would ever see the goodly land of freedom. After wandering for
+about two weeks, having been lost often and compelled to lie out in all
+weathers, a party of pursuers suddenly came upon them. Both parties were
+armed; the fugitives therefore resolved to give their enemies battle,
+before surrendering. Edward felt certain that one of the pursuers
+received a cut from his knife, but the extent of the injury was unknown
+to him. For a time the struggle was of a very serious character; by
+using his weapons skillfully, however, Edward managed to keep the
+hand-cuff off of himself, but was at this point separated from his two
+brothers. No further knowledge of them did he possess; nevertheless, he
+trusted that they succeeded in fighting their way through to freedom.
+How any were successful in making their escape under such discouraging
+circumstances is a marvel.
+
+Edward took occasion to review his master's conduct, and said that he
+"could not recommend him," as he would "drink and gamble," both of
+which, were enough to condemn him, in Edward's estimation, even though
+he were passable in other respects. But he held him doubly guilty for
+the way that he acted in selling him and his brothers.
+
+So privately had his master transacted business with the trader, that
+they were within a hair's breadth of being hand-cuffed, ere they knew
+that they were sold. Probably no outrage will be remembered with
+feelings of greater bitterness, than this proceeding on the part of the
+master; yet, when he reflected that he was thereby prompted to strike
+for freedom, Edward was disposed to rejoice at the good which had come
+out of the evil.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM PETERSBURG, 1858.
+
+
+JAMES MASON.
+
+
+This passenger brought rare intelligence respecting the manner in which
+he had been treated in Slavery. He had been owned by a lady named Judith
+Burton, who resided in Petersburg, and was a member of the Baptist
+Church. She was the owner of five other slaves. James said that she had
+been "the same as a mother" to him; and on the score of how he came to
+escape, he said: "I left for no other cause than simply to get my
+liberty." This was an exceptional case, yet he had too much sense to
+continue in such a life in preference to freedom. When he fled he was
+only twenty-four years of age. Had he remained, therefore, he might have
+seen hard times before he reached old age; this fact he had well
+considered, as he was an intelligent young man.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+
+ROBERT CARR.
+
+
+
+    $300 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, on the 26th
+    December, 1857, Negro Man ROBERT CARR. He had on when last seen
+    on West River, a close-bodied blue cloth coat with brass
+    buttons, drab pantaloons, and a low crown and very narrow brim
+    beaver hat; he wore a small goatee, is pleasant when spoken to,
+    and very polite; about five feet ten inches high;
+    copper-colored. I will give $125 if taken in Anne Arundel,
+    Prince George's, Calvert or Montgomery county, $150 if taken in
+    the city of Baltimore; or $300 if taken out of the State and
+    secured so that I get him again.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    THOS. J. RICHARDSON,
+
+    West River, Anne Arundel county, Maryland.
+
+    j13-w&s3w
+
+
+Robert was too shrewd to be entrapped by the above reward. He sat down
+and counted the cost before starting; then with his knowledge of
+slaveholders when traveling he was cautious enough not to expose himself
+by day or night where he was liable to danger.
+
+He had reached the age of thirty, and despite the opposition he had had
+to encounter, unaided he had learned to read, which with his good share
+of native intelligence, he found of service.
+
+Whilst Robert did not publish his mistress, he gave a plain statement of
+where he was from, and why he was found in the city of Brotherly Love in
+the dead of Winter in a state of destitution. He charged the blame upon
+a woman, whose name was Richardson, who, he said, was quite a "fighter,
+and was never satisfied, except when quarreling and fighting with some
+of the slaves." He also spoke of a certain T.J. Richardson, a farmer and
+a "very driving man" who was in the habit of oppressing poor men and
+women by compelling them to work in his tobacco, corn, and wheat fields
+without requiting them for their labor. Robert felt if he could get
+justice out of said Richardson he would be the gainer to the amount of
+more than a thousand dollars in money besides heavy damages for having
+cheated him out of his education.
+
+In this connection, he recalled the fact of Richardson's being a member
+of the church, and in a sarcastic manner added that his "religious
+pretensions might pass among slave-holders, but that it would do him no
+good when meeting the Judge above." Being satisfied that he would there
+meet his deserts Robert took a degree of comfort therefrom.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL OF A PARTY OF SIX, 1858.
+
+PLYMOUTH CANNON, HORATIO WILKINSON, LEMUEL MITCHELL, JOSIAH MITCHELL,
+GEORGE HENRY BALLARD, AND JOHN MITCHELL.
+
+
+Thomas Garrett announced the coming of this party in the subjoined
+letter:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 2 MO. 5th, 1858.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND:--WILLIAM STILL:--I have information of 6
+    able-bodied men that are expected here to-morrow morning; they
+    may, to-morrow afternoon or evening, take the cars at Chester,
+    and most likely reach the city between 11 and 12 at night; they
+    will be accompanied by a colored man that has lived in
+    Philadelphia and is free; they may think it safer to walk to the
+    city than to go in the cars, but for fear of accident it may be
+    best to have some one at the cars to look out for them. I have
+    not seen them yet, and cannot certainly judge what will be best.
+    I gave a man 3 dollars to bring those men 15 miles to-night, and
+    I have been two miles in the country this afternoon, and gave a
+    colored man 2 dollars to get provisions to feed them. Hoping all
+    will be right, I remain thy friend,
+
+    HUMANITAS.
+
+
+Arriving as usual in due time these fugitives were examined, and all
+found to be extra field hands.
+
+
+
+Plymouth was forty-two years of age, of a light chestnut color, with
+keen eyes, and a good countenance, and withal possessed of shrewdness
+enough to lead double the number that accompanied him. He had a strong
+desire to learn to read, but there was no possible way of his gaining
+the light; this he felt to be a great drawback.
+
+The name of the man who had made merchandise of Plymouth was Nat Horsey,
+of Horsey's Cross Roads. The most striking characteristic in Horsey's
+character, according to Plymouth's idea was, that he was very "hard to
+please, did not know when a slave did enough, had no idea that they
+could get tired or that they needed any privileges." He was the owner of
+six slaves, was engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits, and the
+postmaster of the borough in which he lived.
+
+When Plymouth parted with his wife with a "full heart," he bade her
+good-night, without intimating to her that he never expected to see her
+again in this world; she evidently supposed that he was going home to
+his master's place as usual, but instead he was leaving his companion
+and three children to wear the yoke as hitherto. He sympathized with
+them deeply, but felt that he could render them no real good by
+remaining; he could neither live with his wife nor could he have any
+command over one of his children. Slavery demanded all, but allowed
+nothing.
+
+Notwithstanding, Plymouth admitted that he had been treated even more
+favorably than most slaves. The family thus bound consisted of his wife
+Jane, and four children, as follows: Dorsey, William Francis, Mary
+Ellen, and baby.
+
+
+
+Horatio was a little in advance of Plymouth in years, being forty-four
+years of age. His physical outlines gave him a commanding appearance for
+one who had worn the yoke as he had for so many years. He was of a
+yellow complexion, and very tall.
+
+As a slave laborer he had been sweating and toiling to enrich a man by
+the name of Thomas J. Hodgson, a farmer on a large scale, and owning
+about a dozen slaves.
+
+Horatio gave him the character of being "a man of a hidden temper," and
+after the election of Buchanan he considered him a great deal worse than
+ever. Horatio told of a visit which his master made to Canada, and
+which, on his return, he had taken much pains to report to the slaves to
+the effect that he had been there the previous summer, and saw the
+country for himself, adding in words somewhat as follows: "Canada is the
+meanest part of the globe that I ever found or heard of;--did not see
+but one black or colored person in Canada,--inquired at the custom-house
+to know what became of all the blacks from the South, and was told that
+they shipped them off occasionally and sent them round Cape Horn and
+sold them." In addition to this report he said that "the suffering from
+deep snows and starvation was fearful," all of which Horatio believed
+"to be a lie." Of course he concealed this opinion from his master. Many
+such stories were sounded in the ears of slaves but without much effect.
+
+
+
+Lemuel, John and Josiah were brothers. Lemuel was thirty-five, and might
+be called a jet-black. He was uncommonly stout, with a head indicative
+of determination of purpose, just suited to an Underground Rail Road
+passenger. He fled from James R. Lewis, "a tall, stout man, very wealthy
+and close." Lemuel said that he fed and clothed the slaves pretty well.
+He had invested to the extent of twelve head. No money or privileges
+were allowed, and for a small offence the threat to sell was made. It
+was Lemuel's opinion that his master's wife made him worse than he
+otherwise would have been.
+
+
+
+John was twenty-four years of age, of unmixed blood, and of a quiet
+demeanour. He belonged to Miss Catharine Cornwell, of Viana. John
+described her as "tolerable good-looking, but real bad." His sister and
+one other slave besides himself comprised her entire stock (of slaves).
+
+According to John's story, his mistress was in the habit of telling her
+slaves that she did not "intend that any of them should be free if she
+could help it;" this sentiment was uttered so "scornfully" that it
+"insulted" Jack very much. Indeed, it was this that put the idea of
+Canada into his mind. The more she kept the idea of perpetual Slavery
+before the slaves, the more Jack resolved to make her arrogance cost her
+one slave at least.
+
+Miss Cornwell was not only a warm advocate of Slavery, but was likewise
+a member of the Methodist church, under the pastoral charge of the Rev.
+J.C. Gregg. On one occasion, when the minister was visiting Miss C., the
+subject of Slavery was introduced in John's hearing. The reverend
+gentleman took the ground that it was not right to hold slaves,--said
+there were none in Pennsylvania, etc. The young mistress showed little
+or no sign of thinking otherwise while he remained, "but, after he was
+gone, she raved and went on in a great way, and told her brother if he
+(the minister), ever married her, he would have to come out of his
+notions about freedom." It was John's opinion that the subject of
+matrimony was then under consideration between them. For himself, he was
+highly delighted with the minister's "notions of freedom," as he had
+heard so many high notions of Slavery.
+
+In reference to the labor usage under the young mistress, John said that
+they had been "worked very hard, and especially last, and the present
+year." "Last year," he stated, "they had hardly any meat, but were fed
+chiefly on herring. Seeing that it was going to be the same thing this
+year too, I thought that if I could make my escape to Canada, I would do
+it." He had strong parental and kindred ties to break, but resolved to
+break them rather than remain under Miss Cornwell.
+
+
+
+Josiah was twenty-three. A more promising-looking subject to represent
+the fugitives in Canada, was not readily to be found. His appearance
+indicated that he was a young man of extra physical powers, at least,
+one not likely to turn his face again towards Egypt.
+
+Josiah's gain was the loss of Thomas J. Hodgson (above alluded to). For
+full three years this desire and determination to be free had been in
+Josiah's heart. The denial of his manhood nerved him to seek for refuge
+in a foreign clime.
+
+
+
+George, the last named in this party, gave his age as twenty-six. In
+appearance he was not behind any of his comrades. He fled from a farmer,
+(the late William Jackson), who owned, it was said, "sixteen head." He
+had recently died, leaving all his slaves in bondage. Seeing that the
+settlement of the estate might necessitate the sale of some of the
+slaves, George thought that he had better not wait for the division of
+the property or anything else, but push ahead with the first train for
+Canada. Slavery, as he viewed it, was nothing more nor less than
+downright robbery. He left his mother, one sister, and other near kin.
+After George went to Canada, his heart yearned tenderly after his mother
+and sister, and, as the following letter will show, he was prepared to
+make commendable exertions in their behalf:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, JULY 19th, 1858.
+
+    DEAR SIR:--With pleasure I now inform you that I am well, and
+    hope this may find you and yours the same also. I hope kind sir
+    you will please to see Mr. Paul Hammon, to know when he will try
+    to get my Mother and Sister I wish him to send me word when he
+    will go so I may meet him in Philadelphia.
+
+    And I will Endevor to meet him there With some money to assist
+    him in getting them. Let me know when you start for them so I
+    may be able to meet you there, please after this letter passes
+    from you sir, give it to John Camper tell him to give it to his
+    Mother, so that my Mother can get it, be careful and not let no
+    white man get hold of it. I am now living with my cousin Leven
+    Parker, near Saint Catharines, $10 a month. No more at present,
+    from your friend,
+
+    GEORGE BALLARD.
+
+
+The inquiry may arise, as to how such passengers managed to get through
+Maryland and Delaware. But it cannot be expected that the manner in
+which each arrival traveled should be particularly described. It might
+not be prudent even now, to give the names of persons still living in
+the South, who assisted their fellow-men in the dark days of Slavery. In
+order, however, that some idea may be gathered as to the workings of one
+branch of the road in Delaware (with names suppressed) we insert the
+following original letter for what it may be worth.
+
+
+    CAMDEN, June 13, 1858.
+
+    MR. STILL:--I writ to inform you that we stand in need of help
+    if ever we wonted help it is in theas day, we have Bin trying to
+    rais money to By a hors but there is so few here that we can
+    trust our selves with for fear that they may serve us as tom
+    otwell served them when he got them in dover Jail. But he is dun
+    for ever, i wont to no if your friends can help us, we have a
+    Road that more than 100 past over in 1857. it is one we made for
+    them, 7 in march after the lions had them there is no better in
+    the State, we are 7 miles from Delaware Bay. you may understand
+    what i mean. I wrote last december to the anti Slavery Society
+    for James Mot and others concerning of purchasing a horse for
+    this Bisnes if your friends can help us the work must stil go on
+    for ther is much frait pases over this Road, But ther has Ben
+    but 3 conductors for sum time, you may no that there is but few
+    men, sum talks all dos nothing, there is horses owned by Collard
+    peopel but not for this purpose. We wont one for to go when
+    called for, one of our best men was nigh Cut By keeping of them
+    too long, By not having means to convay them tha must Be convad
+    if they pass over this Road safe tha go through in 2 nights to
+    Wilmington, for i went there with 28 in one gang last November,
+    tha had to ride for when thea com to us we go 15 miles, it is
+    hard Road to travel i had sum conversation with mr. Evens and
+    wos down here on a visit, pleas try what you can do for us this
+    is the place we need help, 12 mile i live from mason and Dixson
+    Line. I wod have come but cant have time, as yet there has been
+    some fuss about a boy ho lived near Camden, he has gone away, he
+    ses me and my brother nose about it but he don't.
+
+    There is but 4 slaves near us, never spoke to one of them but
+    wonce she never gos out pleas to tri and help, you can do much
+    if you will it will be the means of saving ourselves and others.
+    Ancer this letter.
+
+    Pleas to writ let me no if you can do anything for us. I still
+    remain your friend.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1858.
+
+
+EBENEZER ALLISON.
+
+
+"Eb" was a bright mulatto, handsome, well-made, and barely twenty years
+of age. He reported that he fled from Mr. John Tilghman Foster, a
+farmer, living in the vicinity of Richmond. His master, Ebenezer
+unhesitatingly declared, was a first-rate man. "I had no right to leave
+him in the world, but I loved freedom better than Slavery." After fully
+setting forth the kind treatment he had been accustomed to receive under
+his master, a member of the Committee desired to know of him if he could
+read, to which he answered that he could, but he admitted that what
+knowledge he had obtained in this direction was the result of efforts
+made stealthily, not through any license afforded by his master. John
+Tilghman Foster held deeds for about one hundred and fifty head of
+slaves, and was a man of influence.
+
+Ebenezer had served his time in the barber's shop. On escaping he
+forsook his parents, and eight brothers and sisters. As he was so
+intelligent, the Committee believed he would make his mark in life some
+time.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1858.
+
+JOHN THOMPSON CARR, ANN MOUNTAIN AND CHILD, AND WILLIAM BOWLER.
+
+
+
+
+John was a sturdy-looking chattel, but possessed far less intelligence
+than the generality of passengers. He was not too old, however, to
+improve. The fact that he had spirit enough to resent the harsh
+treatment of one Albert Lewis, a small farmer, who claimed to own him,
+showed that he was by no means a hopeless case. With all his apparent
+stupidity he knew enough to give his master the name of a "free whiskey
+drinker," likewise of "beating and fighting the slaves." It was on this
+account that John was compelled to escape.
+
+
+
+Ann Mountain arrived from Delaware with her child about the same time
+that John did, but not in company with him; they met at the station in
+Philadelphia. That Slavery had crippled her in every respect was very
+discernible; this poor woman had suffered from cuffing, etc., until she
+could no longer endure her oppression. Taking her child in her arms, she
+sought refuge beyond the borders of slave territory. Ann was about
+twenty-two years of age, her child not quite a year old. They were
+considered entitled to much pity.
+
+
+
+William was forty-one years of age, dark, ordinary size, and
+intelligent. He fled from Richmond, where he had been held by Alexander
+Royster, the owner of fifteen slaves, and a tobacco merchant. William
+said that his master was a man of very savage temper, short, and
+crabbed. As to his social relations, William said that he was "a member
+of nothing now but a liquor barrel."
+
+Knowing that his master and mistress labored under the delusion that he
+was silly enough to look up to them as kind-hearted slave-holders, to
+whom he should feel himself indebted for everything, William thought
+that they would be sadly puzzled to conjecture what had become of him.
+He was sure that they would be slow to believe that he had gone to
+Canada. Until within the last five years he had enjoyed many privileges
+as a slave, but he had since found it not so easy to submit to the
+requirements of Slavery. He left his wife, Nancy, and two children.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE, 1858.
+
+
+ROBERTA TAYLOR.
+
+
+The subject of this sketch was a young mulatto woman, twenty-three years
+of age, who fled from the City of Baltimore. Both before and after her
+escape Roberta appeared to appreciate her situation most fully. Her
+language concerning freedom had in it the ring of common sense, as had
+her remarks touching her slave life.
+
+In making her grievances known to the Committee she charged Mr. and Mrs.
+McCoy with having done great violence to her freedom and degrading her
+womanhood by holding her in bonds contrary to her wishes. Of Mr. McCoy,
+however, she spoke less severely than she did of his "better half."
+Indeed she spoke of some kind traits in his character, but said that his
+wife was one of "the torn down, devilish dispositions, all the time
+quarreling and fighting, and would swear like an old sailor." It was in
+consequence of these evil propensities that her ladyship was intolerable
+to Roberta. Without being indebted to her owners for any privileges, she
+had managed to learn to read a little, which knowledge she valued highly
+and meant to improve in Canada.
+
+Roberta professed to be a Christian, and was a member of the Bethel
+Methodist Church. Her servitude, until within four years of her escape,
+had been passed in Virginia, under Mrs. McCoy's father, when to
+accommodate the daughter she was transferred to Baltimore. Of her
+parentage or relatives no note was made on the book. It was sad to see
+such persons destitute and homeless, compelled to seek refuge among
+strangers, not daring to ask the slightest favor, sympathy or prayer to
+aid her, Christian as she was, from any Christian of Baltimore, wearing
+a fair skin.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM HIGHTSTOWN, 1858.
+
+
+ROBERT THOMPSON (A PREACHER).
+
+
+Slavery exempted from the yoke no man with a colored skin no matter what
+his faith, talent, genius, or worth might be. The person of Christ in a
+black skin would scarcely have caused it to relinquish its tyrannical
+grasp; neither God nor man was regarded by men who dealt in the bodies
+and souls of their fellow-men. Robert stated to the Committee that he
+fled from "John R. Laten, a very harsh kind of a farmer, who drank right
+smart," that on the morning he "took out," while innocent of having
+committed any crime, suddenly in a desperate fit of passion, his master
+took him "by the collar," at the same time calling loudly to "John" for
+"ropes." This alarming assault on the part of his master made the
+preacher feel as though his Satanic majesty had possession of him. In
+such a crisis he evidently felt that preaching would do no good; he was,
+however, constrained to make an effort. To use his own words, he said:
+"I gave a sudden jerk and started off on a trot, leaving my master
+calling, 'stop! stop!' but I kept on running, and was soon out of
+sight."
+
+The more he thought over the brutal conduct of his master the more
+decided he became never to serve him more, and straightway he resolved
+to try to reach Canada. Being in the prime of his life (thirty-nine
+years of age) and having the essential qualifications for traveling over
+the Underground Rail Road, he was just the man to endure the trials
+consequent upon such an undertaking.
+
+Said Robert: "I always thought slavery hard, a very dissipated life to
+live. I always thought we colored people ought to work for ourselves and
+wives and children like other people." The Committee saw that Robert's
+views were in every word sound doctrine, and for further light asked him
+some questions respecting the treatment he had received at the hands of
+his mistress, not knowing but that he had received kindness from the
+"weaker vessel;" while enduring suffering under his master; but Robert
+assured them in answer to this inquiry that his mistress was a very
+"ill, dissipated woman," and "was not calculated to sympathize with a
+poor slave." Robert was next interviewed with regard to religious
+matters, when it was ascertained that he bore the name of being a "local
+preacher of the gospel of the Bethel Methodist denomination." Thus in
+leaving slavery he had to forsake his wife and three children, kinfolks
+and church, which arduous task but for the brutal conduct of the master
+he might have labored in vain for strength to perform.
+
+As he looked calmly back upon the past, and saw how he and the rest of
+the slaves had been deprived of their just rights he could hardly
+realize how Providence could suffer slave-holders to do as they had been
+doing in trampling upon the poor and helpless slaves. Yet he had strong
+faith that the Almighty would punish slave-holders severely for their
+wickedness.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1858.
+
+
+ALFRED S. THORNTON.
+
+
+The subject of this sketch was a young man about twenty-two years of
+age, of dark color, but bright intellectually. Alfred found no fault
+with the ordinary treatment received at the hands of his master; he had
+evidently been on unusually intimate terms with him. Nor was any fault
+found with his mistress, so far as her treatment of him was concerned;
+thus, comparatively, he was "happy and contented," little dreaming of
+trader or a change of owners. One day, to his utter surprise, he saw a
+trader with a constable approaching him. As they drew nearer and nearer
+he began to grow nervous. What further took place will be given, as
+nearly as possible, in Alfred's own words as follows:
+
+
+    "William Noland (a constable), and the trader was making right
+    up to me almost on my heels, and grabbed at me, they were so
+    near. I flew, I took off-my hat and run, took off my jacket and
+    run harder, took off my vest and doubled my pace, the constable
+    and the trader both on the chase hot foot. The trader fired two
+    barrels of his revolver after me, and cried out as loud as he
+    could call, G----d d----n, etc., but I never stopped running,
+    but run for my master. Coming up to him, I cried out, Lord,
+    master, have you sold me? 'Yes,' was his answer. 'To the
+    trader,' I said. 'Yes,' he answered. 'Why couldn't you sold me
+    to some of the neighbors?' I said. 'I don't know,' he said, in a
+    dry way. With my arms around my master's neck, I begged and
+    prayed him to tell me why he had sold me. The trader and
+    constable was again pretty near. I let go my master and took to
+    my heels to save me. I run about a mile off and run into a mill
+    dam up to my head in water. I kept my head just above and hid
+    the rest part of my body for more than two hours. I had not made
+    up my mind to escape until I had got into the water. I run only
+    to have little more time to breathe before going to Georgia or
+    New Orleans; but I pretty soon made up my mind in the water to
+    try and get to a free State, and go to Canada and make the trial
+    anyhow, but I didn't know which way to travel."
+
+
+Such great changes in Alfred's prospects having been wrought in so short
+a while, together with such a fearful looking-for of a fate in the far
+South more horrid than death, suddenly, as by a miracle, he turns his
+face in the direction of the North. But the North star, as it were, hid
+its face from him. For a week he was trying to reach free soil, the rain
+scarcely ceasing for an hour. The entire journey was extremely
+discouraging, and many steps had to be taken in vain, hungry and weary.
+But having the faith of those spoken of in the Scriptures, who wandered
+about in dens and caves of the earth, being destitute, afflicted and
+tormented, he endured to the end and arrived safely to the Committee.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+He left his father and mother, both slaves, living near Middleburg, in
+Virginia, not far from where he said his master lived, who went by the
+name of C.E. Shinn, and followed farming. His master and mistress were
+said to be members of the "South Baptist Church," and both had borne
+good characters until within a year or so previous to Alfred's
+departure. Since then a very serious disagreement had taken place
+between them, resulting in their separation, a heavy lawsuit, and
+consequently large outlays. It was this domestic trouble, in Alfred's
+opinion, that rendered his sale indispensable. Of the merits of the
+grave charges made by his master against his mistress, Alfred professed
+to have formed no opinion; he knew, however, that his master blamed a
+school-master, by the name of Conway, for the sad state of things in his
+household. Time would fail to tell of the abundant joy Alfred derived
+from the fact, that his "heels" had saved him from a Southern market.
+Equally difficult would it be to express the interest felt by the
+Committee in this passenger and his wonderful hair-breadth escape.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM BELLEAIR.
+
+JULIUS SMITH, WIFE MARY, AND BOY JAMES, HENRY AND EDWARD SMITH, AND JACK
+CHRISTY.
+
+
+While this party was very respectable in regard to numbers and enlisted
+much sympathy, still they had no wounds or bruises to exhibit, or very
+hard reports to make relative to their bondage. The treatment that had
+been meted out to them was about as tolerant as Slavery could well
+afford; and the physical condition of the passengers bore evidence that
+they had been used to something better than herring and corn cake for a
+diet.
+
+
+
+Julius, who was successful enough to bring his wife and boy with him,
+was a wonderful specimen of muscular proportions. Although a young man,
+of but twenty-five, he weighed two hundred and twenty-five pounds; he
+was tall and well-formed from the crown of his head to the soles of his
+feet. Nor was he all muscle by a great deal; he was well balanced as to
+mother wit and shrewdness.
+
+In looking back into the pit from whence he had been delivered he could
+tell a very interesting story of what he had experienced, from which it
+was evident that he had not been an idle observer of what had passed
+relative to the Peculiar Institution; especially was it very certain
+that he had never seen anything lovely or of good report belonging to
+the system. So far as his personal relations were concerned, he
+acknowledged that a man named Mr. Robert Hollan, had assumed to impose
+himself upon him as master, and that this same man had also wrongfully
+claimed all his time, denied him all common and special privileges;
+besides he had deprived him of an education, etc., which looked badly
+enough before he left Maryland, but in the light of freedom, and from a
+free State stand-point, the idea that "man's inhumanity to man" should
+assume such gigantic proportions as to cause him to seize his fellow-man
+and hold him in perpetual bondage, was marvellous in the extreme.
+
+Julius had been kept in the dark in Maryland, but on free soil, the
+light rushed in upon his astonished vision to a degree almost
+bewildering. That his master was a man of "means and pretty high
+standing"--Julius thought was not much to his credit since they were
+obtained from unpaid labor. In his review allusion was made not only to
+his master, but also to his mistress, in which he said that she was "a
+quarrelsome and crabbed woman, middling stout." In order to show a
+reason why he left as he did, he stated that "there had been a fuss two
+or three times" previous to the escape, and it had been rumored "that
+somebody would have to be sold soon." This was what did the mischief so
+far as the "running away" was concerned. Julius' color was nearly jet
+black, and his speech was very good considering his lack of book
+learning; his bearing was entirely self-possessed and commendable.
+
+
+
+His wife and boy shared fully in his affections, and seemed well pleased
+to have their faces turned Canada-ward. It is hardly necessary to say
+more of them here.
+
+
+
+Henry was about twenty-three years of age, of an active turn, brown
+skin, and had given the question of freedom his most serious attention,
+as his actions proved. While he could neither read nor write, he could
+think. From the manner in which he expressed himself, with regard to
+Robert Hollan, no man in the whole range of his recollections will be
+longer remembered than he; his enthralment while under Hollan will
+hardly ever be forgotten. Any being who had been thus deprived of his
+rights, could hardly fail to command sympathy; in cases like this,
+however, the sight and language of such an one was extremely impressive.
+
+
+
+Of this party, Edward, a boy of seventeen, called forth much sympathy;
+he too was claimed by Hollan. He was of a good physical make-up, and
+seemed to value highly the great end he had in view, namely, a residence
+in Canada.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1858.
+
+JOHN WESLEY COMBASH, JACOB TAYLOR, AND THOMAS EDWARD SKINNER.
+
+
+The revelations made by these passengers were painful to listen to, and
+would not have been credited if any room had existed for doubt.
+
+
+
+John Wesley was thirty-two years of age, of a lively turn, pleasant
+countenance, dark color, and ordinary size. In unburdening his mind to
+the Committee the all-absorbing theme related to the manner in which he
+had been treated as a slave, and the character of those who had
+oppressed him. He stated that he had been the victim of a man or party,
+named Johnson, in whose family John had been a witness to some of the
+most high-handed phases of barbarism; said he, "these Johnsons were
+notorious for abusing their servants. A few years back one of their
+slaves, a coachman, was kept on the coach box one cold night when they
+were out at a ball until he became almost frozen to death, in fact he
+did die in the infirmary from the effects of the frost about one week
+afterwards."
+
+"Another case was that of a slave woman in a very delicate state, who
+was one day knocked down stairs by Mrs. Johnson herself, and in a few
+weeks after, the poor woman died from the effects of the injury thus
+received. The doctor who attended the injured creature in this case was
+simply told that she slipped and fell down stairs as she was coming
+down. Colored witnesses had no right to testify, and the doctor was
+mute, consequently the guilty escaped wholly unpunished." "Another
+case," said John Wesley, "was a little girl, half-grown, who was washing
+windows up stairs one day, and unluckily fell asleep in the window, and
+in this position was found by her mistress; in a rage the mistress hit
+her a heavy slap, knocked her out of the window, and she fell to the
+pavement, and died in a few hours from the effects thereof. The mistress
+professed to know nothing about it, simply said, 'she went to sleep and
+fell out herself.' As usual nothing was done in the way of punishment."
+
+These were specimens of the inner workings of the peculiar institution.
+John, however, had not only observed Slavery from a domestic
+stand-point, he had also watched master and mistress abroad as visitors
+and guests in other people's houses, noticed not only how they treated
+white people, but also how they treated black people. "These Johnsons
+thought that they were first-rate to their servants. When visiting among
+their friends they were usually very polite, would bow and scrape more
+than a little, even to colored people, knowing that their names were in
+bad odor, on account of their cruelty, for they had been in the papers
+twice about how they abused their colored people."
+
+As to advertising him, John gave it as his opinion that they would be
+ashamed to do it from the fact that they had already rendered themselves
+more notorious than they had bargained for, on account of their cruelty
+towards their slaves; they were wealthy, and courted the good opinion of
+society. Besides they were members of the Presbyterian Church, and John
+thought that they were very willing that people should believe that they
+were great saints. On the score of feeding and clothing John gave them
+credit, saying that "the clothing was good enough, they liked to see the
+house servants dressed;" he spoke too of the eating as being all right,
+but added, that "very often time was not allowed them to finish their
+meals." Respecting work, John bore witness that they were very sharp.
+
+With John's intelligence, large observation, good memory, and excellent
+natural abilities, with the amount of detail that he possessed, nothing
+more would have been needed for a thrilling book than the facts and
+incidents of slave life, as he had been conversant with it under the
+Johnsons in Maryland.
+
+As the other two companions of John Wesley were advertised in the
+_Baltimore Sun_, we avail ourselves of the light thus publicly afforded:
+
+
+    $2000 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, living on the York
+    Turnpike, eight miles from Baltimore city, on Sunday, April
+    11th, my negro man, JACOB, aged 20 years: 5 feet 10 inches high;
+    chestnut color; spare made; good features. I will give $50
+    reward if taken in Baltimore city or county, and $200 if taken
+    out of the State and secured in jail so that I get him again.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    WM. J.B. PARLETT.
+
+    a13-3t*||
+
+
+"Jacob," answering to the description in Mr. Wm. J.B. Parlett's
+advertisement, gave his views of the man who had enslaved him. His
+statement is here transferred from the record book: "My master," said
+Jacob, "was a farmer, a very rough man, hard to satisfy. I never knew of
+but one man who could ever please him. He worked me very hard; he wanted
+to be beating me all the time." This was a luxury which Jacob had no
+appetite for, consequently he could not resist signifying his
+unwillingness to yield, although resistance had to be made at some
+personal risk, as his master had "no more regard for a colored man than
+he had for a stone under his feet." With him the following expression
+was common: "The niggers are not worth a d----n." Nor was his wife any
+better, in Jacob's opinion. "She was a cross woman, and as much of a
+boss as he was." "She would take a club and with both hands would whack
+away as long as you would stand it." "She was a large, homely woman;
+they were common white people, with no reputation in the community."
+Substantially this was Jacob's unvarnished description of his master and
+mistress.
+
+As to his age, and also the name of his master, Jacob's statement varied
+somewhat from the advertisement. For instance, Jacob Taylor was noticed
+on the record book as being twenty-three years of age, and the name of
+his master was entered as "William Pollit;" but as Jacob had never been
+allowed to learn to read, he might have failed in giving a correct
+pronunciation of the name.
+
+When asked what first prompted him to seek his freedom, he replied, "Oh
+my senses! I always had it in my mind to leave, but I was 'jubus',
+(dubious?) of starting. I didn't know the way to come. I was afraid of
+being overtaken on the way." He fled from near Baltimore, where he left
+brothers and other relatives in chains.
+
+
+    $20 REWARD.--Ran way at the same time and in company with the
+    above negro man, a bright mulatto boy named THOMAS SKINNER,
+    about 18 years old, 5 feet 8 inches high and tolerable stout
+    made; he only has a term of years to serve. I will pay $20
+    reward if delivered to me or lodged in jail so I can get him
+    again.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    GEO. H. CARMAN,
+
+    Towsontown, Baltimore county, Md.
+
+    a13-3t*||.
+
+
+About the same time that this advertisement came to hand a certain young
+aspirant for Canada was entered on the Underground Rail Road Book thus:
+"THOMAS EDWARD SKINNER, a bright mulatto, age eighteen years, well
+formed, good-looking, and wide awake; says, that he fled from one G.H.
+Carman, Esq., head Clerk of the County Court." He bore voluntary
+testimony to Carman in the following words: "He was a very good man; he
+fed and clothed well and gave some money too occasionally." Yet Thomas
+had no idea of remaining in Slavery under any circumstances. He hated
+everything like Slavery, and as young as he was, he had already made
+five attempts to escape. On this occasion, with older and wiser heads,
+he succeeded.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NEW MARKET, 1858.
+
+
+ELIJAH SHAW.
+
+
+This "article" reported himself as having been deprived of his liberty
+by Dr. Ephraim Bell, of Baltimore County, Maryland. He had no fault to
+find with the doctor, however; on the contrary, he spoke of him as a
+"very clever and nice man, as much so as anybody need to live with;" but
+of his wife he could not speak so favorably; indeed, he described her as
+a most tyrannical woman. Said Elijah, "she would make a practice of
+rapping the broomstick around the heads of either men, women, or
+children when she got raised, which was pretty often. But she never
+rapped me, for I wouldn't stand it; I shouldn't fared any better than
+the rest if I hadn't been resolute. I declared over and over again to
+her that I would scald her with the tea kettle if she ever took the
+broomstick to me, and I meant it. She took good care to keep the
+broomstick from about my head. She was as mischievous and stingy as she
+could live; wouldn't give enough to eat or wear." These facts and many
+more were elicited from Elijah, when in a calm state of mind and when
+feeling much elated with the idea that his efforts in casting off the
+yoke were met with favor by the Committee, and that the accommodations
+and privileges on the road were so much greater than he had ever dreamed
+of. Such luck on the road was indeed a matter of wonder and delight to
+passengers generally. They were delighted to find that the Committee
+received them and forwarded them on "without money and without price."
+Elijah was capable of realizing the worth of such friendship. He was a
+young man twenty-three years of age, spare made, yellow complexion, of
+quick motion and decidedly collected in his bearing. In short, he was a
+man well adapted to make a good British subject.
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1858.
+
+MARY FRANCES MELVIN, ELIZA HENDERSON, AND NANCY GRANTHAM.
+
+
+
+
+Mary Frances hailed from Norfolk; she had been in servitude under Mrs.
+Chapman, a widow lady, against whom she had no complaint to make;
+indeed, she testified that her mistress was very kind, although fully
+allied to slavery. She said that she left, not on account of bad
+treatment, but simply because she wanted her freedom. Her calling as a
+slave had been that of a dress-maker and house servant. Mary Frances was
+about twenty-three years of age, of mixed blood, refined in her manners
+and somewhat cultivated.
+
+
+
+Eliza Henderson, who happened at the station at the same time that
+Frances was on hand, escaped from Richmond. She was twenty-eight years
+of age, medium size, quite dark color, and of pleasant countenance.
+Eliza alleged that one William Waverton had been wronging her by keeping
+her down-trodden and withholding her hire. Also, that this same Waverton
+had, on a late occasion, brought his heavy fist violently against her
+"jaws," which visitation, however "kindly" intended by her chivalrous
+master, produced such an unfavorable impression on the mind of Eliza
+that she at once determined not to yield submission to him a day longer
+than she could find an Underground Rail Road conductor who would take
+her North.
+
+The blow that she had thus received made her almost frantic; she had
+however thought seriously on the question of her rights before this
+outrage.
+
+In Waverton's household Eliza had become a fixture as it were,
+especially with regard to his children; she had won their affections
+completely, and she was under the impression that in some instances
+their influence had saved her from severe punishment; and for them she
+manifested kindly feelings. In speaking of her mistress she said that
+she was "only tolerable."
+
+It would be useless to attempt a description of the great satisfaction
+and delight evinced by Eliza on reaching the Committee in Philadelphia.
+
+Nancy Grantham also fled from near Richmond, and was fortunate in that
+she escaped from the prison-house at the age of nineteen. She possessed
+a countenance peculiarly mild, and was good-looking and interesting, and
+although evidently a slave her father belonged strictly to the white
+man's party, for she was fully half white. She was moved to escape
+simply to shun her master's evil designs; his brutal purposes were only
+frustrated by the utmost resolution. This chivalric gentleman was a
+husband, the father of nine children, and the owner of three hundred
+slaves. He belonged to a family bearing the name of Christian, and was
+said to be an M.D. "He was an old man, but very cruel to all his
+slaves." It was said that Nancy's sister was the object of his lust, but
+she resisted, and the result was that she was sold to New Orleans. The
+auction-block was not the only punishment she was called upon to endure
+for her fidelity to her womanhood, for resistance to her master, but
+before being sold she was cruelly scourged.
+
+Nancy's sorrows first commenced in Alabama. Five years previous to her
+escape she was brought from a cotton plantation in Alabama, where she
+had been accustomed to toil in the cotton-field. In comparing and
+contrasting the usages of slave-holders in the two States in which she
+had served, she said she had "seen more flogging under old Christian"
+than she had been accustomed to see in Alabama; yet she concluded, that
+she could hardly tell which State was the worst; her cup had been full
+and very bitter in both States.
+
+Nancy said, "the very day before I escaped, I was required to go to his
+(her master's) bed-chamber to keep the flies off of him as he lay sick,
+or pretended to be so. Notwithstanding, in talking with me, he said that
+he was coming to my pallet that night, and with an oath he declared if I
+made a noise he would cut my throat. I told him I would not be there.
+Accordingly he did go to my room, but I had gone for shelter to another
+room. At this his wrath waxed terrible. Next morning I was called to
+account for getting out of his way, and I was beaten awfully." This
+outrage moved Nancy to a death-struggle for her freedom, and she
+succeeded by dressing herself in male attire.
+
+After her harrowing story was told with so much earnestness and
+intelligence, she was asked as to the treatment she had received at the
+hand of Mrs. Christian (her mistress). In relation to her, Nancy said,
+"Mrs. Christian was afraid of him (master); if it hadn't been for that I
+think she would have been clever; but I was often threatened by her, and
+once she undertook to beat me, but I could not stand it. I had to
+resist, and she got the worst of it that time."
+
+All that may now be added, is, that the number of young slave girls
+shamefully exposed to the base lusts of their masters, as Nancy
+was--truly was legion. Nancy was but one of the number who resisted
+influences apparently overpowering. All honor is due her name and
+memory!
+
+She was brought away secreted on a boat, but the record is silent as to
+which one of the two or three Underground Rail Road captains (who at
+that time occasionally brought passengers), helped her to escape. It was
+hard to be definite concerning minor matters while absorbed in the
+painful reflections that her tale of suffering had naturally awakened.
+If one had arisen from the dead the horrors of Slavery could scarcely
+have been more vividly pictured! But in the multitude of travelers
+coming under the notice of the Committee, Nancy's story was soon
+forgotten, and new and marvellous narratives were told of others who had
+shared the same bitter cup, who had escaped from the same hell of
+Slavery, who had panted for the same freedom and won the same prize.
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1858.
+
+
+ORLANDO J. HUNT.
+
+
+When Orlando escaped from Richmond the Underground Rail Road business
+was not very brisk. A disaster on the road, resulting in the capture of
+one or two captains, tended to damp the ardor of some who wanted to
+come, as well as that of sympathizers. The road was not idle, however.
+Orlando's coming was hailed with great satisfaction. He was twenty-nine
+years of age, full black, possessed considerable intelligence, and was
+fluent in speech; fully qualified to give clear statements as to the
+condition of Slavery in Richmond, etc. While the Committee listened to
+his narrations with much interest, they only took note of how he had
+fared, and the character of the master he was compelled to serve. On
+these points the substance of his narrations may be found annexed:
+
+"I was owned by High Holser, a hide sorter, a man said to be rich, a
+good Catholic, though very disagreeable; he was not cruel, but was very
+driving and abusive in his language towards colored people. I have been
+held in bondage about eighteen years by Holser, but have failed, so far,
+to find any good traits in his character. I purchased my mother for one
+hundred dollars, when she was old and past labor, too old to earn her
+hire and find herself; but she was taken away by death, before I had
+finished paying for her; twenty-five dollars only remained to be paid to
+finish the agreement. Owing to her unexpected death, I got rid of that
+much, which was of some consequence, as I was a slave myself, and had
+hard work to raise the money to purchase her."
+
+Thus, finding the usages of Slavery so cruel and outlandish, he resolved
+to leave "old Virginny" and "took out," via the Underground Rail Road.
+He appeared to be of a religious turn of mind and felt that he had "a
+call to preach."
+
+After his arrival in Canada, the following letter was received from him:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, C.W., May 6th, 1858.
+
+    MY DEAR FRIEND:--WM. STILL:--Mr. Orlando J. Hunt, who has just
+    arrived here from Richmond, Va., desires me to address to you a
+    line in his behalf. Mr. Hunt is expecting his clothing to come
+    from Richmond to your care, and if you have received them, he
+    desires you to forward them immediately to St. Catharines, in my
+    care, in the safest and most expeditious way in your power. Mr.
+    Hunt is much pleased with this land of freedom, and I hope he
+    may do well for himself and much good to others. He preached
+    here in the Baptist church, last evening.
+
+    He sends his kind regards and sincere thanks to you and your
+    family, and such friends as have favored him on his way. Very
+    respectfully yours,
+
+    HIRAM WILSON, for ORLANDO HUNT.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NORFOLK, VA., 1858.
+
+
+WILLIAM MACKEY.
+
+
+William made no complaint against his master of a serious nature
+touching himself. True, he said his "master was a frolicker, and fond of
+drink," but he was not particularly unkind to him. His name was Tunis;
+he was a military man, and young; consequently William had not been in
+his hands long. Prior to his being owned by the young master, he had
+lived with old mistress Tunis. Concerning her the following is one of
+William's statements:
+
+"My sister about the first of this month, three weeks after her
+confinement, had word sent to her by her mistress, Mrs. Tunis, that she
+thought it was time for her to come out and go to work, as she had been
+laying by long enough." In reply to this message, William said that "his
+sister sent word to her mistress, that she was not well enough, and
+begged that her mistress would please send her some tea and sugar, until
+she got well enough to go to work. The mistress' answer was to the
+effect that she did not intend to give her anything until she went to
+work, and at the same time she sent word to her, that she had better
+take her baby down to the back of the garden and throw it away, adding
+'I will sell her, etc.'"
+
+It was owing to the cruelty of Mrs. Tunis that William was moved to
+flee. According to his statement, which looked reasonable and appeared
+truthful, he had been willed free by his master, who died at the time
+that the plague was raging in Norfolk. At the same time his mistress
+also had the fever, and was dreadfully frightened, but recovered. Not
+long after this event it was William's belief that the will was made
+away with through the agency of a lawyer, and in consequence thereof the
+slaves were retained in bondage.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NEAR BALTIMORE, 1858.
+
+
+HENRY TUCKER.
+
+
+Henry fled from Baltimore county; disagreement between him and his
+so-called master was the cause of his flight. Elias Sneveley, a farmer,
+known on the Arabella Creek Place as a "hard swearer," an "old
+bachelor," and a common tormentor of all around him, was the name of the
+man that Harry said he fled from. Not willing to be run over at the
+pleasure of Sneveley, on two occasions just before his escape serious
+encounters had arisen between master and slave.
+
+Henry being spirited and hungering for freedom, while his master was old
+and hardened in his habits, very grave results had well nigh happened;
+it was evident, therefore, in Harry's opinion that the sooner he took
+his departure for Canada the better. His father's example was ever
+present to encourage him, for he had escaped when Henry was a little
+boy; (his name was Benjamin Tucker). A still greater incentive, however,
+moved him, which was that his mother had been sold South five years
+prior to his escape, since which time he had heard of her but once, and
+that vaguely.
+
+Although education was denied him, Henry had too much natural ability to
+content himself under the heel of Slavery. He saw and understood the
+extent of the wrongs under which he suffered, and resolved not to abide
+in such a condition, if, by struggling and perseverance, he could avoid
+it. In his resolute attempt he succeeded without any very severe
+suffering. He was not large, rather below the ordinary size, of a brown
+color, and very plucky.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1858.
+
+
+PETER NELSON. (RESEMBLED AN IRISHMAN.)
+
+
+The coming of this strange-looking individual caused much surprise,
+representing, as he did, if not a full-blooded Irishman, a man of Irish
+descent. He was sufficiently fair to pass for white anywhere, with his
+hat on--with it off, his hair would have betrayed him; it was light, but
+quite woolly. Nor was he likely to be called handsome; he was
+interesting, nevertheless. It was evident, that the "white man's party"
+had damaged him seriously. He represented that he had been in the bonds
+of one James Ford, of Stafford county, Virginia, and that this "Ford was
+a right tough old fellow, who owned about two dozen head." "How does he
+treat them?" he was asked. "He don't treat them well no way," replied
+the passenger. "Why did you leave?" was the next question. "Because of
+his fighting, knocking and carrying on so," was the prompt answer. The
+Committee fully interviewed him, and perceived that he had really worn
+the fetters of Slavery, and that he was justified in breaking his bonds
+and fleeing for refuge to Canada, and was entitled to aid and sympathy.
+Peter was about twenty-four years of age. He left nine brothers and
+sisters in bondage.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, 1858.
+
+
+MARY JONES AND SUSAN BELL.
+
+
+These "weaker vessels" came from the seat of government. Mary confessed
+that she had been held to service as the property of Mrs. Henry Harding,
+who resided at Rockville, some miles out of Washington. Both Mr. and Mrs
+Harding she considered "bad enough," but added, "if it had not been for
+the young set I could get along with them; they can't be pleased." Yet
+Mary had not fared half so hard under the Hardings as many slaves had
+under their claimants. Intellectually, she was quite above the average;
+she was tall, and her appearance was such as to awaken sympathy. Through
+the permission of her claimant she had been in the habit of hiring her
+time for three dollars per month and find herself; she was also allowed
+to live in Washington. Such privileges, with wages at so low a rate,
+were thought to be extra, and could only be obtained in exceptional
+cases.
+
+"In nine years," said Mary, "I have not even as much as received an
+apron from them," (her owners). The meanness of the system under which
+she had been required to live, hourly appeared clearer and clearer to
+her, as she was brought into contact with sympathizing spirits such as
+she had never known before.
+
+Susan, who was in Mary's charge, was an invalid child of four years of
+age, who never walked, and whose mother had escaped to Canada about
+three years before under circumstances which obliged her to leave this
+child, then only a year old.
+
+Susan had been a great sufferer, and so had her mother, who had been a
+long time anxiously looking and praying for her coming, as she had left
+her in charge of friends who were to take care of her until the way
+might open for her safe delivery to her mother. Many letters, fitted to
+awaken very deep feelings came from the mother about this child. It was
+a satisfaction to the Committee to feel that they could be the medium in
+aiding in the reunion of mother and child.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1858.
+
+
+WILLIAM CARPENTER.
+
+
+Escaped from the Father of the Fugitive Slave Law--Senator Mason.
+
+It was highly pleasing to have a visit from a "chattel" belonging to the
+leading advocate of the infamous Fugitive Slave Bill. He was hurriedly
+interviewed for the sake of reliable information.
+
+That William possessed a fair knowledge of slave life under the Senator
+there was no room to doubt, although incidents of extreme cruelty might
+not have been so common on Mason's place as on some others. While the
+verbal interchange of views was quite full, the hour for the starting of
+the Underground Rail Road train arrived too soon to admit of a full
+report for the record book. From the original record, however, the
+following statement is taken as made by William, and believed to be
+strictly true. We give it as it stands on the old Underground Rail Road
+book: "I belonged to Senator Mason. The Senator was down on colored
+people. He owned about eighty head--was very rich and a big man, rich
+enough to lose all of them. He kept terrible overseers; they would beat
+you with a stick the same as a dog. The overseers were poor white trash;
+he would give them about sixty dollars a year."
+
+The Fugitive Slave Law and its Father are both numbered with the "Lost
+Cause," and the "Year of Jubilee has come."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM THE OLD DOMINION.
+
+
+NINE VERY FINE "ARTICLES." LEW JONES, OSCAR PAYNE, MOSE WOOD, DAVE
+DIGGS, JACK, HEN, AND BILL DADE, AND JOE BALL.
+
+
+The coming of this interesting party was as gratifying, as their
+departure must have been disagreeable to those who had been enjoying the
+fruits of their unpaid labor. Stockholders of the Underground Rail Road,
+conductors, etc., about this time were well pleased with the wonderful
+success of the road, especially as business was daily increasing.
+
+Upon inquiry of these passengers individually, the following results
+were obtained:
+
+
+
+Lewis was about fifty-two years of age, a man of superior stature, six
+feet high, with prominent features, and about one third of Anglo-Saxon
+blood in his veins. The apparent solidity of the man both with respect
+to body and mind was calculated to inspire the idea that he would be a
+first-rate man to manage a farm in Canada.
+
+Of his bondage and escape the following statement was obtained from him:
+"I was owned by a man named Thomas Sydan, a Catholic, and a farmer. He
+was not a very hard man, but was very much opposed to black folks having
+their liberty. He owned six young slaves not grown up. It was owing to
+Sydan's mother's estate that I came into his hands; before her death I
+had hoped to be free for a long time as soon as she died. My old
+mistress' name was Nancy Sydan; she was lame for twenty years, and
+couldn't walk a step without crutches, and I was her main support. I was
+foreman on the farm; sometimes no body but me would work, and I was
+looked up to for support. A good deal of the time I would have to attend
+to her. If she was going to ride, I would have to pick her up in my arms
+and put her in the carriage, and many times I would have to lift her in
+her sick room. No body couldn't wait upon her but me. She had a husband,
+and he had a master, and that was rum; he drank very hard, he killed
+himself drinking. He was poor support. When he died, fifteen years ago,
+he left three sons, Thomas, James, and Stephen, they were all together
+then, only common livers. After his death about six years mistress died.
+I felt sure then I would be free, but was very badly disappointed. I
+went to my young masters and asked them about my freedom; they laughed
+at me and said, no such thought had entered their heads, that I was to
+be free. The neighbors said it was a shame that they should keep me out
+of my freedom, after I had been the making of the family, and had
+behaved myself so faithful. One gentleman asked master John what he
+would take for me, and offered a thousand dollars; that was three months
+before I ran away, and massa John said a thousand dollars wouldn't buy
+one leg. I hadn't anything to hope for from them. I served them all my
+life, and they didn't thank me for it. A short time before I come away
+my aunt died, all the kin I had, and they wouldn't let me go to the
+funeral. They said 'the time couldn't be spared.'" This was the last
+straw on the camel's back.
+
+In Lewis' grief and disappointment he decided that he would run away the
+first chance that he could get, and seek a home in Canada. He held
+counsel with others in whom he could confide, and they fixed on a time
+to start, and resolved that they would suffer anything else but Slavery.
+Lewis was delighted that he had managed so cunningly to leave master Tom
+and mistress Margaret, and their six children to work for their own
+living. He had an idea that they would want Lew for many things; the
+only regret he felt was that he had served them so long, that they had
+received his substance and strength for half a century. Fortunately
+Lewis' wife escaped three days in advance of him, in accordance with a
+mutual understanding. They had no children. The suffering on the road
+cost Lewis a little less than death, but the joy of success came soon to
+chase away the effects of the pain and hardship which had been endured.
+
+
+
+Oscar, the next passenger, was advertised as follows:
+
+
+    $200 REWARD.--Ran away from the service of the Rev. J.P.
+    McGuire, Episcopal High School, Fairfax county, Va., on
+    Saturday, 10th inst, Negro Man, Oscar Payne aged 30 years, 5
+    feet 4 inches in height, square built, mulatto color, thick,
+    bushy suit of hair, round, full face, and when spoken to has a
+    pleasant manner--clothes not recollected.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    I will give $200 for his recovery if taken out of the State, or
+    $150 if taken in the State, and secured that I can get him.
+
+    T.D. FENDALL.
+
+    jyl7-6t.
+
+
+Such announcements never frightened the Underground Rail Road Committee;
+indeed, the Committee rather preferred seeing the names of their
+passengers in the papers, as, in that case, they could all the more
+cautiously provide against Messrs. slave-hunters. Oscar was a "prime,
+first-class article," worth $1800. The above description of him is
+endorsed. His story ran thus:
+
+"I have served under Miss Mary Dade, of Alexandria--Miss Dade was a very
+clever mistress, she hired me out. When I left I was hired at the
+school--High School of Virginia. With me times had been very well. No
+privilege was allowed me to study books. I cannot say that I left for
+any other cause than to get my freedom, as I believe I have been used as
+well as any slave in the District. I left no relatives but two cousins;
+my two brothers ran away, Brooks and Lawrence, but where they went I
+can't tell, but would be pleased to know. Three brothers and one sister
+have been sold South, can't tell where they are." Such was Oscar's brief
+narrative; that he was truthful there was no room to doubt.
+
+
+
+The next passenger was MOSES or "Mose," who looked as though he had been
+exceedingly well-cared for, being plump, fat, and extra-smart. He
+declared that General Briscoe, of Georgetown, D.C., had been defrauding
+him out of thirteen dollars per month, this being the amount for which
+he was hired, and, instead of being allowed to draw it for himself, the
+general pocketed it. For this "kind treatment" he summed up what seemed
+to be a true bill for ten years against the general. But he made another
+charge of a still graver character: he said that the general professed
+to own him. But as he (Moses) was thoroughly tired, and believed that
+Slavery was no more justifiable than murder, he made up his mind to
+leave and join the union party for Canada. He stated that the general
+owned a large number of slaves, which he hired out principally. Moses
+had no special fault to find with his master, except such as have been
+alluded to, but as to mistress Briscoe, he said, that she was pretty
+rough. Moses left four sisters in bondage.
+
+
+
+David, the next member of this freedom-loving band, was an intelligent
+man; his manners and movements were decidedly prepossessing. He was
+about thirty-seven years of age, dark, tall, and rather of a slender
+stature, possessing very large hopes. He charged Dr. Josiah Harding of
+Rockville, Montgomery county, with having enslaved him contrary to his
+wish or will.
+
+As a slave, David had been required at one time to work on a farm, and
+at another time to drive carriage, of course, without pay. Again he had
+been bound as a waiter on the no pay system, and again he had been
+called into the kitchen to cook, all for the benefit of the Doctor--the
+hire going into the Dr.'s pocket. This business David protested against
+in secret, but when on the Underground Rail Road his protestations were
+"over and above board."
+
+Of the Doctor, David said, that "he was clever, but a Catholic;" he also
+said, that he thought his wife was "tolerable clever," although he had
+never been placed under her where he would have had an opportunity of
+learning her bad traits if she had any.
+
+The Doctor had generously bargained with David, that he could have
+himself by paying $1000; he had likewise figured up how the money might
+be paid, and intimated what a nice thing it would be for "Dave" to wake
+up some morning and find himself his own man. This was how it was to be
+accomplished: Dave was to pay eighty-five dollars annually, and in about
+twelve years he would have the thousand, and a little over, all made up.
+On this principle and suggestion Dave had been digging faithfully and
+hard, and with the aid of friends he had nearly succeeded. Just when he
+was within sight of the grand prize, and just as the last payment was
+about to be made, to Dave's utter surprise the Doctor got very angry one
+day about some trifling matter (all pretension) and in his pretended
+rage he said there were too many "free niggers" going about, and he
+thought that Dave would do better as a slave, etc.
+
+After that, all the satisfaction that he was able to get out of the
+Doctor, was simply to the effect, that he had hired him to Mr. Morrison
+for one hundred and fifty dollars a year. After his "lying and cheating"
+in this way, David resolved that he would take his chances on the
+Underground Rail Road. Not a spark of faith did he have in the Doctor.
+For a time, however, before the opportunity to escape offered, he went
+to Mr. Morrison as a waiter, where it was his province to wait on six of
+the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States. In the meantime
+his party matured arrangements for their trip, so Dave "took out" and
+left the Judges without a waiter. The more he reflected over the nature
+of the wrongs he had suffered under, the less he thought of the Doctor.
+
+
+
+Joe, who also came with this band, was half Anglo-Saxon; an able-bodied
+man, thirty-four years of age. He said, that "Miss Elizabeth Gordon, a
+white woman living in Alexandria," claimed him. He did not find much
+fault with her. She permitted him to hire his time, find his own
+clothing, etc., by which regulation Joe got along smoothly. Nevertheless
+he declared, that he was tired of wearing the yoke, and felt constrained
+to throw it off as soon as possible. Miss Gordon was getting old, and
+Joe noticed that the young tribe of nephews and nieces was multiplying
+in large numbers. This he regarded as a very bad sign; he therefore,
+gave the matter of the Underground Rail Road his serious attention, and
+it was not long ere he was fully persuaded that it would be wisdom for
+him to tarry no longer in the prison-house. Joe had a wife and four
+children, which were as heavy weights to hold him in Virginia, but the
+spirit of liberty prevailed. Joe, also, left two sisters, one free, the
+other a slave. His wife belonged to the widow Irwin. She had assured her
+slaves, that she had "provided for them in her will," and that at her
+death all would be freed. They were daily living on the faith thus
+created, and obviously thought the sooner the Lord relieved the old
+mistress of her earthly troubles the better.
+
+Although Joe left his wife and children, he did not forget them, but had
+strong faith they would be reunited. After going to Canada, he addressed
+several letters to the Secretary of the Committee concerning his family,
+and as will be seen by the following, he looked with ardent hopes for
+their arrival:
+
+
+    TORONTO, Nov. 7th, 1857.
+
+    DEAR MR. STILL:--As I must again send you a letter fealing
+    myself oblidge to you for all you have done and your kindness.
+    Dear Sir my wife will be on to Philadelphia on the 8th 7th, and
+    I would you to look out for her and get her an ticket and send
+    her to me Toronto. Her name are May Ball with five children.
+    Please send her as soon as you can.
+
+    Yours very truly,
+
+    JOSEPH BALL.
+
+    Will you please to telegrape to me, No. 31 Dummer st.
+
+
+
+
+Jake, another member of the company of nine, was twenty-two years of
+age, of dark hue, round-made, keen eyes, and apparently a man of
+superior intelligence. Unfortunately his lot had been of such a nature
+that no helping opportunity had been afforded for the cultivation of his
+mind.
+
+He condemned in very strong terms a man by the name of Benjamin B.
+Chambers, who lived near Elkton, but did not there require the services
+of Jake, hiring Jake out just as he would have hired a horse, and
+likewise keeping his pay. Jake thought that if justice could have been
+awarded him, Chambers would either have had to restore that of which he
+had wronged him, or expiate the wrong in prison.
+
+Jake, however, stood more in awe of a young master, who was soon likely
+to come into power, than he did of the old master. This son had already
+given Jake to understand that once in his hands it "wouldn't be long
+before he would have him jingling in his pocket," signifying, that he
+would sell him as soon as his father was gone.
+
+The manner of the son stirred Jake's very blood to boiling heat it
+seemed. His suffering, and the suffering of his fellow-bondsmen had
+never before appeared so hard. The idea that he must work, and be sold
+at the pleasure of another, made him decide to "pull up stakes," and
+seek refuge elsewhere. Such a spirit as he possessed could not rest in
+servitude.
+
+
+
+Mary Ann, the wife of Jake, who accompanied him, was a pleasant-looking
+bride. She said that she was owned by "Elias Rhoads, a farmer, and a
+pretty fair kind of a man." She had been treated very well.
+
+
+
+John and Henry Dade, ages twenty and twenty-five years, were from
+Washington. They belonged to the class of well-cared for slaves; at
+least they said that their mistress had not dealt severely with them,
+and they never would have consented to pass through the severe
+sufferings encountered on their journey, but for the strong desire they
+had to be free. From Canada John wrote back as follows:
+
+
+    ST. CATHARINES, Canada.
+
+    MR. STILL, SIR:--I ar rivd on Friday evenen bot I had rite smart
+    troble for my mony gave out at the bridge and I had to fot et to
+    St. Catherin tho I went rite to worke at the willard house for 8
+    dolor month bargend for to stae all the wentor bot I havent eny
+    clouse nor money please send my tronke if et has come. Derate et
+    to St. Catharines to the willard house to John Dade and if et
+    ant come plice rite for et soon as posable deract your letter to
+    Rosenen Dade Washington send your deraction please tend to this
+    rite a way for I haf made a good start I think that I can gate a
+    longe en this plase. If my brother as well send him on for I haf
+    a plase for him ef he ant well please don't send him for this as
+    no plase for a sik possan. The way I got this plase I went to
+    see a fran of myen from Washington. Dan al well and he gave me
+    werke. Pleas ancer this as soon as you gat et you must excues
+    this bad riting for my chance wars bot small to line this mouch,
+
+    JOHN H. DADE.
+
+    If yon haf to send for my tronke to Washington send the name of
+    John Trowharte. Sir please rite as soon as you gat this for et
+    as enporten.
+
+    JOHN H. DADE.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1858.
+
+
+GEORGE LAWS AND COMRADE--TIED AND HOISTED WITH BLOCK AND TACKLE, TO BE
+COWHIDED.
+
+
+George represented the ordinary young slave men of Delaware. He was of
+unmixed blood, medium size and of humble appearance. He was destitute of
+the knowledge of spelling, to say nothing of reading. Slavery had
+stamped him unmistakably for life. To be scantily fed and clothed, and
+compelled to work without hire, George did not admire, but had to submit
+without murmuring; indeed, he knew that his so-called master, whose name
+was Denny, would not be likely to hear complaints from a slave; he
+therefore dragged his chain and yielded to his daily task.
+
+One day, while hauling dirt with a fractious horse, the animal
+manifested an unwillingness to perform his duty satisfactorily. At this
+procedure the master charged George with provoking the beast to do
+wickedly, and in a rage he collared George and bade him accompany him
+"up stairs" (of the soap house). Not daring to resist, George went along
+with him. Ropes being tied around both his wrists, the block and tackle
+were fastened thereto, and George soon found himself hoisted on tip-toe
+with his feet almost clear of the floor.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+The "kind-hearted master" then tore all the poor fellow's old shirt off
+his back, and addressed him thus: "You son of a b----h, I will give you
+pouting around me; stay there till I go up town for my cowhide."
+
+George begged piteously, but in vain. The fracas caused some excitement,
+and it so happened that a show was to be exhibited that day in the town,
+which, as is usual in the country, brought a great many people from a
+distance; so, to his surprise, when the master returned with his
+cowhide, he found that a large number of curiosity-seekers had been
+attracted to the soap house to see Mr. Denny perform with his cowhide on
+George's back, as he was stretched up by his hands. Many had evidently
+made up their minds that it would be more amusing to see the cowhiding
+than the circus.
+
+The spectators numbered about three hundred. This was a larger number
+than Mr. Denny had been accustomed to perform before, consequently he
+was seized with embarrassment; looking confused he left the soap house
+and went to his office, to await the dispersion of the crowd.
+
+The throng finally retired, and left George hanging in mortal agony.
+Human nature here made a death-struggle; the cords which bound his
+wrists were unloosed, and George was then prepared to strike for freedom
+at the mouth of the cannon or point of the bayonet. How Denny regarded
+the matter when he found that George had not only cheated him out of the
+anticipated delight of cowhiding him, but had also cheated him out of
+himself is left for the imagination to picture.
+
+George fled from Kent; he was accompanied by a comrade whose name
+inadvertently was not recorded; he, however, was described as a dark,
+round, and full-faced, stout-built man, with bow legs, and bore the
+appearance of having been used hard and kept down, and in ignorance, &c.
+Hard usage constrained him to flee from his sore oppression.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1858.
+
+
+JOHN WEEMS, ALIAS JACK HERRING.
+
+
+Although Jack was but twenty-three years of age, he had tasted the
+bitter cup of Slavery pretty thoroughly under Kendall B. Herring, who
+was a member of the Methodist Church, and in Jack's opinion a "mere
+pretender, and a man of a very bad disposition." Jack thought that he
+had worked full long enough for this Herring for nothing. When a boy
+twelve years of age, his mother was sold South; from that day, until the
+hour that he fled he had not heard a word from her. In making up his
+mind to leave Slavery, the outrage inflicted upon his mother only tended
+to increase his resolution.
+
+In speaking of his mistress, he said that "she was a right fine woman."
+Notwithstanding all his sufferings in the Kendall family, he seemed
+willing to do justice to his master and mistress individually. He left
+one sister free and one brother in the hands of Herring. Jack was
+described as a man of dark color, stout, and well-made.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1858.
+
+RUTH HARPER, GEORGE ROBINSON, PRISCILLA GARDENER, AND JOSHUA JOHN
+ANDERSON.
+
+
+
+
+Ruthie's course in seeking her freedom left John McPherson a woman less
+to work for him, and to whip, sell, or degrade at his pleasure. It is
+due to candor, however, to say that she admitted that she had not been
+used very roughly by Mr. McPherson. Ruth was rather a nice-looking young
+woman, tall, and polite in her manners. She came from Frederick,
+Maryland.
+
+
+
+George Robinson stated that he came from a place about one and a half
+miles from the Chesapeake Bay, one mile from Old town, and five miles
+from Elkton, and was owned by Samuel Smith, a farmer, who was "pretty
+cross and an ill man." George's excuse for withdrawing his valuable
+services from Mr. Smith at the time that he did, was attributable to the
+fact, that he entertained fears that they were about to sell him. Having
+cautiousness largely developed he determined to reach Canada and keep
+out of danger. George was only twenty-one, passable-looking in
+appearance, and of a brown color, and when speaking, stammered
+considerably.
+
+
+
+Priscilla Gardener fled from the widow Hilliard. Her master departed to
+his long home not a great while before she left. Priscilla was a young
+woman of about thirty years of age, ordinary size, and of a ginger-bread
+color; modest in demeanor. She first commenced her bondage in Richmond,
+under the late Benjamin Hilliard, of whom she said that he was "a very
+bad man, who could never be pleased by a servant," and was constantly
+addicted to fighting not only with others, but also with herself. So
+cruelly had Priscilla been treated, that when he died she did not
+hesitate to say that she was glad. Soon after this event, sick of
+Slavery and unwilling to serve the widow any longer, she determined to
+escape, and succeeded.
+
+
+
+Joshua John  Anderson fled from a farmer who was said to be a poor man,
+by the name of Skelton Price, residing in Baltimore county, near a
+little village called Alexandria, on the Harford county turn-pike road.
+Price, not able to own a farm and slaves too, rented one, and was trying
+to "get up in the world." Price had a wife and family, but in the way of
+treatment, Joshua did not say anything very hard against him. As his
+excuse for leaving them, he said, coolly, that he had made up his mind
+that he could get along better in freedom than he could in Slavery, and
+that no man had a right to his labor without paying him for it. He left
+his mother and also three brothers and two sisters owned by Price.
+Joshua was about twenty-two years of age, of a coarse make, and a dark
+hue; he had evidently held but little intercourse with any class, save
+such as he found in the corn-field and barn-yard.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND DELAWARE.
+
+"DICK BEESLY",MURRAY YOUNG AND CHARLES ANDREW BOLDEN.
+
+
+
+
+Physically, Dick was hardly up to the ordinary stature of slaves, but
+mentally he had the advantage of the masses; he was too sharp to be kept
+in Slavery. His hue was perfect, no sign of white about him, if that
+were any advantage.
+
+From Dick's story, it appeared that he had seen hard times in North
+Carolina, under a man he designated by the name of Richard Smallwood. He
+was a farmer, living near Wheldon. One of the faults that he found with
+Smallwood was, that he was a "tough, drinking man"--he also charged him
+with holding "two hundred and sixty slaves in bonds," the most of whom
+he came in possession of through his wife. "She," Dick thought "was
+pretty fair." He said that no slave had any reason to look for any other
+than hard times under his master, according to what he had seen and
+known since he had been in the "institution," and he fancied that his
+chances for observation had been equally as good as the great majority
+of slaves. Young as he was, Dick had been sold three times already, and
+didn't know how much oftener he might have to submit to the same fate if
+he remained; so, in order to avoid further trouble, he applied his
+entire skill to the grand idea of making his way to Canada.
+
+Manfully did he wrestle with difficulty after difficulty, until he
+finally happily triumphed and reached Philadelphia in a good
+condition--that is, he was not sick, but he was without
+money--home--education or friends, except as he found them among
+strangers. He was hopeful, nevertheless.
+
+
+
+Murray Young was also of the unmixed-blood class, and only twenty-one
+years of age. The spirit of liberty in him was pretty largely developed.
+He entertained naught against Dr. Lober, of Newcastle, but rather
+against the Doctor's wife. He said that he could get along pretty well
+with the Doctor, but, he could not get along with Mrs. Lober. But the
+very idea of Slavery was enough for him. He did not mean to work for any
+body for nothing.
+
+
+
+Andrew Bolden was still younger than Charles Murray, being only eighteen
+years of age, but he was very well grown, and on the auction-block he
+would, doubtless, have brought a large price. He fled from Newark. His
+story contained nothing of marked importance.
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+JOHN JANNEY, TALBOT JOHNSON, SAM GROSS, PETER GROSS, JAMES HENRY
+JACKSON, AND SAM SMITH.
+
+
+
+    $1.000 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, August 14th, two
+    negro men, viz:
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    BILL HUTTON,
+
+    aged 48 or 50 years, dark brown, round face, 5 feet 7 or 8
+    inches high, rather stout, has a waddling walk, and small bald
+    spot on the top of his head.
+
+    TALBOT JOHNSON,
+
+    aged about 35, is black, spare, and lean-visaged, about 5 feet
+    10 inches high, has lost some of his front teeth, leans forward
+    as he walks.
+
+    If taken in a slave State I will give $200 each for their
+    recovery. For their recovery from a free State I will give
+    one-half their value.
+
+    B.D. BOND,
+
+    Port Republic, Md.
+
+    Ran away at the same time and in company, negro man
+
+    SAM GROSS,
+
+    aged about 33, is 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, black color, rather
+    bad teeth. For his recovery, if taken in a slave State, I will
+    give $200. For his recovery from a free State, I will give half
+    his value.
+
+    GEO. IRELAND,
+
+    Port Republic, Md.
+
+    Ran away at the same time and in company, two negro men, viz:>
+
+    PETER GROSS,
+
+    aged 33, is light-brown color, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, has a
+    small scar over his right eyebrow, usually wears a goatee, has a
+    pleasant countenance.
+
+    JOHN JANNEY, aged 22, light-brown color, 5 feet 6 or seven
+    inches high, broad across the shoulders, has one of his front
+    upper teeth broken, has a scar upon one of his great toes from
+    the cut of an axe. For their recovery, if taken in a slave
+    State, I will give $200 each. For their recovery from a free
+    State I will give half their value.
+
+    JOS. GRIFFISS,
+
+    St. Leonards, Calvert county, Md.
+
+    Refer to N.E. BERRY, No. 63 Pratt street, Baltimore.
+
+
+So far as Messrs. Bond, Ireland, and Griffiss may be concerned (if they
+are still living), they may not care to have the reward kept in view, or
+to hear anything about the "ungrateful" fellows. It may be different,
+however, with other parties concerned. This company, some of whom bore
+names agreeing with those in the above advertisement, are found
+described in the record book as follows:
+
+
+
+
+    Sept. 10th, 1858. John Janney is a fine specimen of the peculiar
+    institution; color brown, well-formed, self-possessed and
+    intelligent. He says that he fled from master Joseph Griffiss of
+    Culbert county, Maryland; that he has been used to "tight work,"
+    "allowed no chances," and but "half fed." His reason for leaving
+    was partly "hard treatment," and partly because he could "get
+    along better in freedom than in slavery." He found fault with
+    his master for not permitting him to "learn to read," etc. He
+    referred to his master as a man of "fifty years of age, with a
+    wife and three children." John said that "she was a large,
+    portly woman, with an evil disposition, always wanted to be
+    quarreling and fighting, and was stingy." He said, however, that
+    his "master's children, Ann Rebecca, Dorcas, and Joe were not
+    allowed to meddle with the slaves on the farm." Thirty head of
+    slaves belonged on the place.
+
+
+
+    Peter Gross says that he too was owned by Joseph Griffiss. Peter
+    is, he thinks, thirty-nine years of age,--tall, of a dark
+    chestnut color, and in intellect mediocre. He left his wife and
+    five children behind. He could not bring them with him,
+    therefore he did not tell them that he was about to leave. He
+    was much dissatisfied with Slavery and felt that he had been
+    badly dealt with, and that he could do better for himself in
+    Canada.
+
+
+
+    Talbot Johnson, is thirty-five years of age, quite dark, and
+    substantially built. He says that he has been treated very
+    badly, and that Duke Bond was the name of the "tyrant" who held
+    him. He pictured his master as "a lean-faced man--not stout--of
+    thirty-eight or thirty-nine years of age, a member of the
+    Episcopal Church." "He had a wife and two children; his last
+    wife was right pleasant--he was a farmer, and was rich, had sold
+    slaves, and was severe when he flogged." Talbot had been
+    promised a terrible beating on the return of his master from the
+    Springs, whither he had gone to recruit his health, "as he was
+    poorly." This was the sole cause of Talbot's flight.
+
+
+
+    Sam Gross is about forty, a man of apparent vigor physically,
+    and wide awake mentally. He confesses that he fled from George
+    Island, near Port Republic, Md. He thought that times with him
+    had been bad enough all his life, and he would try to get away
+    where he could do better. In referring to his master and
+    mistress, he says that "they are both Episcopalians, hard to
+    please, and had as bad dispositions as could be,--would try to
+    knock the slaves in the head sometimes." This spirit Sam
+    condemned in strong terms, and averred that it was on account of
+    such treatment that he was moved to seek out the Underground
+    Rail Road. Sam left his wife, Mary Ann, and four children, all
+    under bonds. His children, he said, were treated horribly. They
+    were owned by Joseph Griffiss spoken of above.
+
+
+
+    James Henry Jackson is seventeen years of age; he testifies that
+    he fled from Frederica, Delaware, where he had been owned by
+    Joseph Brown. Jim does not make any serious complaint against
+    his master, except that he had him in the market for sale. To
+    avert this fate, Jim was moved to flee. His mother, Ann Jackson,
+    lived nine miles from Milford, and was owned by Jim Loflin, and
+    lived on his place. Of the going of her son she had no
+    knowledge.
+
+
+These narratives have been copied from the book as they were hastily
+recorded at the time. During their sojourn at the station, the subjoined
+letter came to hand from Thomas Garrett, which may have caused anxiety
+and haste:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 9th mo. 6th, 1858.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIENDS, J.M. McKIM AND WM. STILL:--I have a mixture of
+    good and bad news for you. Good in having passed five of God's
+    poor safely to Jersey, and Chester county, last week; and this
+    day sent on four more, that have caused me much anxiety. They
+    were within twenty miles of here on sixth day last, and by
+    agreement I had a man out all seventh day night watching for
+    them, to pilot them safely, as 1,000 dollars reward was offered
+    for four of the five; and I went several miles yesterday in the
+    country to try to learn what had become of them, but could not
+    hear of them. A man of tried integrity just called to say that
+    they arrived at his house last night, about midnight, and I
+    employed him to pilot them to a place of safety in Pennsylvania,
+    to-night, after which I trust they will be out of reach of their
+    pursuers. Now for the bad news. That old scoundrel, who applied
+    to me some three weeks since, pretending that he wished me to
+    assist him in getting his seven slaves into a free state, to
+    avoid the sheriff, and which I agreed to do, if he would bring
+    them here; but positively refused to send for them. Ten days
+    since I received another letter from him, saying that the
+    sheriff had been there, and taken away two of the children,
+    which he wished me to raise money to purchase and set free, and
+    then closed by saying that his other slaves, a man, his wife,
+    and three children had left the same evening and he had no doubt
+    I would find them at a colored man's house, he named, here, and
+    wished me to ascertain at once and let him know. I at once was
+    convinced he wished to know so as to have them arrested and
+    taken back. I found the man had arrived; but the woman and
+    children had given out, and he left them with a colored family
+    in Cecil. I wrote him word the family had not got here, but said
+    nothing of the man being here. On seventh day evening I saw a
+    colored woman from the neighborhood; she told me that the owner
+    and sheriff were out hunting five days for them before they
+    found them, and says there is not a greater hypocrite in that
+    part of the world. I wrote him a letter yesterday letting him
+    know just what I thought of him.
+
+    Your Friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+
+BIRTH-DAY PRESENT FROM THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 8th mo. 21st, 1858.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND:--WILLIAM STILL:--This is my 69th birth-day, and
+    I do not know any better way to celebrate it in a way to accord
+    with my feelings, than to send to thee two fugitives, man and
+    wife; the man has been here a week waiting for his wife, who is
+    expected in time to leave at 9 this evening in the cars for thy
+    house with a pilot, who knows where thee lives, but I cannot
+    help but feel some anxiety about the woman, as there is great
+    commotion just now in the neighborhood where she resides. There
+    were 4 slaves betrayed near the Maryland line by a colored man
+    named Jesse Perry a few nights since. One of them made a
+    confidant of him, and he agreed to pilot them on their way, and
+    had several white men secreted to take them as soon as they got
+    in his house; he is the scoundrel that was to have charge of the
+    7 I wrote you about two weeks since; their master was to take or
+    send them there, and he wanted me to send for them. I have since
+    been confirmed it was a trap set to catch one of our colored men
+    and me likewise, but it was no go. I suspected him from the
+    first, but afterwards was fully confirmed in my suspicions. We
+    have found the two Rust boys, John and Elsey Bradley, who the
+    villain of a Bust took out of jail and sold to a trader of the
+    name of Morris, who sold them to a trader who took them to
+    Richmond, Virginia, where they were sold at public sale two days
+    before we found them, for $2600, but fortunately the man had not
+    paid for them; our Attorney had them by habeas corpus before a
+    Judge, who detained them till we can prove their identity and
+    freedom; they are to have a hearing on 2d day next, when we hope
+    to have a person on there to prove them. In haste, thine,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+Unfortunately all the notice that the record contains of the two
+passengers referred to, is in the following words: "Two cases not
+written out for want of time."
+
+The "boys" alluded to as having been "found" &c., were free-born, but
+had been kidnapped and carried south and sold.
+
+Three days after the above letter, the watchful Garrett furnished
+further light touching the hair-breadth escape of the two that he had
+written about, and at the same time gave an interesting account of the
+efforts which were made to save the poor kidnapped boys, &c.
+
+
+
+SECOND LETTER FROM THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 8th mo. 25th, 1858.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND:--WILLIAM STILL:--Thine was received yesterday.
+    Those two I wrote about to be with thee last 7th day evening, I
+    presume thee has seen before this. A. Allen had charge of them;
+    he had them kept out of sight at the depot here till the cars
+    should be ready to start, in charge of a friend, while he kept a
+    lookout and got a ticket. When the Delaware cars arrived, who
+    should step out but the master of both man and woman, (as they
+    had belonged to different persons); they knew him, and he knew
+    them. He left in a different direction from where they were
+    secreted, and got round to them and hurried them off to a place
+    of safety, as he was afraid to take them home for fear they
+    would search the house. On 1st day morning the boat ran to
+    Chester to take our colored people to the camp at Media; he had
+    them disguised, and got them in the crowd and went with them;
+    when he got to Media, he placed them in care of a colored man,
+    who promised to hand them over to thee on 2d day last; we expect
+    3 more next 7th day night, but how we shall dispose of them we
+    have not yet determined; it will depend on circumstances. Judge
+    Layton has been on with a friend to Richmond, Virginia, and
+    fully identified the two Bradley boys that were kidnapped by
+    Clem Rust. He has the assurance of the Judge there that they
+    will be tried and their case decided by Delaware Laws, by which
+    they must be declared free and returned here. We hope to be able
+    to bring such proof against both Rust and the man he sold them
+    to, who took them out of the State, to teach them a lesson they
+    will remember.
+
+    Thy friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 1858.
+
+REBECCA JACKSON AND DAUGHTER, AND ROBERT SHORTER.
+
+
+The road to Washington was doing about this time a marvellously large
+business. "William Penn" and other friends in Washington were most
+vigilant, and knew where to find passengers who were daily thirsting for
+deliverance.
+
+
+
+Rebecca Jackson was a woman of about thirty-seven years of age, of a
+yellow color, and of bright intellect, prepossessing in her manners. She
+had pined in bondage in Georgetown under Mrs. Margaret Dick, a lady of
+wealth and far advanced in life, a firm believer in slavery and the
+Presbyterian Church, of which she was a member.
+
+Rebecca had been her chief attendant, knew all her whims and ways to
+perfection. According to Rebecca's idea, "she was a peevish, fretful,
+ill-natured, but kind-hearted creature." Being very tired of her old
+mistress and heartily sick of bondage, and withal desiring to save her
+daughter, she ascertained the doings of the Underground Rail Road,--was
+told about Canada, &c. She therefore resolved to make a bold adventure.
+Mrs. Dick had resided a long time in Georgetown, but owned three large
+plantations in the country, over which she kept three overseers to look
+after the slaves. Rebecca had a free husband, but she was not free to
+serve him, as she had to be digging day and night for the "white
+people." Robert, a son of the mistress lived with his mother. While
+Rebecca regarded him as "a man with a very evil disposition," she
+nevertheless believed that he had "sense enough to see that the present
+generation of slaves would not bear so much as slaves had been made to
+bear the generation past."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM HONEY BROOK TOWNSHIP, 1858.
+
+
+FRANK CAMPBELL.
+
+
+Frank was a man of blunt features, rather stout, almost jet black, and
+about medium height and weight. He was not certain about his age, rather
+thought that he was between thirty and forty years. He had been deprived
+of learning to read or write, but with hard treatment he had been made
+fully acquainted under a man named Henry Campbell, who called himself
+Frank's master, and without his consent managed to profit by his daily
+sweat and toil. This Campbell was a farmer, and was said to be the owner
+of about one hundred head of slaves, besides having large investments in
+other directions. He did not hesitate to sell slaves if he could get his
+price. Every now and then one and another would find it his turn to be
+sold. Frank resolved to try and get out of danger before times were
+worse. So he struck out resolutely for freedom and succeeded.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM ALEXANDRIA, VA., 1858.
+
+RICHARD BAYNE, CARTER DOWLING AND BENJAMIN TAYLOR.
+
+
+
+
+Richard stated that a man named "Rudolph Massey, a merchant tailor, hard
+rum-drinker, card player, etc." claimed to own him, and had held him, up
+to the time of his escape, as with bands of brass.
+
+Richard said, "I was hired out for ten dollars a month, but I never
+suffered like many--didn't leave because I have been abused, but simply
+to keep from falling into the hands of some heirs that I had been willed
+to." In case of a division, Richard did not see how he could be divided
+without being converted into money. Now, as he could have no
+fore-knowledge as to the place or person into whose hands he might be
+consigned by the auctioneer, he concluded that he could not venture to
+risk himself in the hands of the young heirs. Richard began to consider
+what Slavery was, and his eyes beheld chains, whips, hand-cuffs,
+auction-blocks, separations and countless sufferings that had partially
+been overlooked before; he felt the injustice of having to toil hard to
+support a drunkard and gambler. At the age of twenty-three Richard
+concluded to "lay down the shovel and the hoe," and look out for
+himself. His mother was owned by Massey, but his father belonged to the
+"superior race" or claimed so to do, and if anything could be proved by
+appearances it was evident that he was the son of a white man. Richard
+was endowed with a good share of intelligence. He not only left his
+mother but also one sister to clank their chains together.
+
+
+
+Carter, who accompanied Richard, had just reached his majority. He
+stated that he escaped from a "maiden lady" living in Alexandria, known
+by the name of Miss Maria Fitchhugh, the owner of twenty-five slaves.
+Opposed to Slavery as he was, he nevertheless found no fault with his
+mistress, but on the contrary, said that she was a very respectable
+lady, and a member of the Episcopal Church. She often spoke of freeing
+her servants when she died; such talk was too uncertain for Carter, to
+pin his faith to, and he resolved not to wait. Such slave-holders
+generally lived a great while, and when they did die, they many times
+failed to keep their promises. He concluded to heed the voice of reason,
+and at once leave the house of bondage. His mother, father, five
+brothers and six sisters all owned by Miss Fitchhugh, formed a strong
+tie to keep him from going; he "conferred not with flesh and blood," but
+made a determined stroke for freedom.
+
+
+
+Benjamin, the third in this company, was only twenty years of age, but a
+better-looking specimen for the auction-block could hardly be found. He
+fled from the Meed estate; his mistress had recently died leaving her
+affairs, including the disposal of the slaves, to be settled at an early
+date. He spoke of his mistress as "a very clever lady to her servants,"
+but since her death he had realized the danger that he was in of being
+run off south with a coffle gang. He explained the course frequently
+resorted to by slave-holders under similar circumstances thus:
+"frequently slaves would be snatched up, hand cuffed and hurried off
+south on the night train without an hour's notice." Fearing that this
+might be his fate, he deemed it prudent to take a northern train via the
+Underground Rail Road without giving any notice.
+
+He left no parents living, but six brothers and four sisters, all slaves
+with the exception of one brother who had bought himself. In order to
+defend themselves if molested on the road, the boys had provided
+themselves with pistols and dirks, and declared that they were fully
+bent on using them rather than be carried back to slavery.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.
+
+HANSON WILLIAMS, NACE SHAW, GUSTA YOUNG, AND DANIEL M'NORTON SMITH.
+
+
+
+    $200 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, (Levi Pumphrey,) two
+    NEGRO MEN--one, named "Hanson," about forty years old, with one
+    eye out, about 5 feet 4 inches in height, full, bushy hair and
+    whiskers and copper color. "Gusta" is about 21 years or 22 years
+    of age, smooth face and thick lips, and stoops in his walk;
+    black color, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches in height; took away
+    sundry articles of clothing.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    I will give one hundred dollars for each of them, if secured in
+    jail so that I can get them.
+
+    LEVI PUMPHREY,
+
+    Washington City, D.C.
+
+    s14-6t.
+
+
+These four fugitives were full of enthusiasm for Canada, although by no
+means among the worst abused of their class.
+
+
+
+Hanson was about forty years of age, with apparently a good degree of
+intellect, and of staid principles.
+
+In the above advertisement clipped from the Baltimore Sun, he is more
+fully described by Mr. Levi Pumphrey; it can now be taken for what it is
+worth. But, as Hanson left home suddenly without apprising his owner, or
+any of his owner's intimate white friends, of the circumstances which
+led him to thus leave, his testimony and explanation, although late, may
+not be wholly uninteresting to Mr. Levi Pumphrey and others who took an
+interest in the missing "Hanson." "How have you had it in slavery?" he
+was asked. "I have had it pretty rough," answered Hanson. "Who held you
+in bondage, and how have you been treated?" "I was owned by Levi
+Pumphrey, an old man with one eye, a perfect savage; he allowed no
+privileges of any kind, Sunday or Monday."
+
+
+
+Gusta, who was also described in Pumphrey's advertisement, was a
+rugged-looking specimen, and his statement tended to strengthen Hanson's
+in every particular. It was owing to the bad treatment of Pumphrey, that
+Gusta left in the manner that he did.
+
+After deciding to take his departure for Canada, he provided himself
+with a Colt's revolver, and resolved that if any man should attempt to
+put his hand on him while he was on the "King's highway," he would shoot
+him down, not excepting his old master.
+
+
+    $150 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, living near Upper
+    Marlboro', Prince George's county, Md., on the 11th day of
+    September, 1858, a negro man, "Nace," who calls himself "Nace
+    Shaw;" is forty-five years of age, about five feet 8 or 9 inches
+    high, of a copper color, full suit of hair, except a bald place
+    upon the top of his head. He has a mother living in Washington
+    city, on South B street, No. 212 Island.
+
+    [Illustration: ]
+
+    I will pay the above reward no matter where taken, if secured in
+    jail so that I get him again.
+
+    SARAH ANN TALBURTT.
+
+    sl5-eotf.
+
+
+Nace, advertised by Miss Sarah Ann Talburtt, was a remarkably
+good-natured looking piece of merchandise. He gave a very interesting
+account of his so called mistress, how he came to leave her, etc. Said
+Nace: "My mistress was an old maid, and lived on a farm. I was her
+foreman on the farm. She lived near Marlborough Forest, in Prince
+George's county, Md., about twelve miles from Washington; she was a
+member of the Episcopal Church. She fed well, and quarrelled a caution,
+from Monday morning till Saturday night, not only with the slaves, but
+among the inmates of the big house. My mistress had three sisters, all
+old maids living with her, and a niece besides; their names were
+Rebecca, Rachel, Caroline, and Sarah Ann, and a more disagreeable family
+of old maids could not be found in a year's time. To arise in the
+morning before my mistress, Sarah Ann, was impossible." Then, without
+making it appear that he or other of the slaves had been badly treated
+under Miss Talburtt, he entered upon the cause of escape, and said; "I
+left simply because I wanted a chance for my life; I wanted to die a
+free man if it pleased God to have it so." His wife and a grown-up son
+he was obliged to leave, as no opportunity offered to bring them away
+with him.
+
+
+
+Dan was also of this party. He was well tinctured with Anglo-Saxon
+blood. His bondage had been in Alexandria, with a mill-wright, known by
+the name of James Garnett. Dan had not been in Garnett's hands a great
+while. Mr. Garnett's ways and manners were not altogether pleasing to
+him; besides, Dan stated that he was trying to sell him, and he made up
+his mind that at an early opportunity, he would avail himself of a
+ticket for Canada, via the Underground Rail Road. He left his mother and
+brothers all scattered.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CROSSING THE BAY IN A SKIFF.
+
+WILLIAM THOMAS COPE, JOHN BOICE GREY, HENRY BOICE AND ISAAC WHITE.
+
+
+These young bondmen, whilst writhing under the tortures heaped upon
+them, resolved, at the cost of life, to make a desperate trial for free
+land; to rid themselves of their fetters, at whatever peril they might
+have to encounter. The land route presented less encouragement than by
+water; they knew but little, however, concerning either way. After much
+anxious reflection, they finally decided to make their Underground Rail
+Road exit by water. Having lived all their lives not far from the bay,
+they had some knowledge of small boats, skiffs in particular, but of
+course they were not the possessors of one. Feeling that there was no
+time to lose, they concluded to borrow a skiff, though they should never
+return it. So one Saturday evening, toward the latter part of January,
+the four young slaves stood on the beach near Lewes, Delaware, and cast
+their longing eyes in the direction of the Jersey shore. A fierce gale
+was blowing, and the waves were running fearfully high; not daunted,
+however, but as one man they resolved to take their lives in their hands
+and make the bold adventure.
+
+With simple faith they entered the skiff; two of them took the oars,
+manfully to face uncertain dangers from the waves. But they remained
+steadfast, oft as they felt that they were making the last stroke with
+their oars, on the verge of being overwhelmed with the waves. At every
+new stage of danger they summoned courage by remembering that they were
+escaping for their lives.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+Late on Sunday afternoon, the following day, they reached their much
+desired haven, the Jersey shore. The relief and joy were unspeakably
+great, yet they were strangers in a strange land. They knew not which
+way to steer. True, they knew that New Jersey bore the name of being a
+Free State; but they had reason to fear that they were in danger. In
+this dilemma they were discovered by the captain of an oyster boat whose
+sense of humanity was so strongly appealed to by their appearance that
+he engaged to pilot them to Philadelphia. The following account of them
+was recorded:
+
+
+
+William Thomas was a yellow man, twenty-four years of age, and
+possessing a vigorous constitution. He accused Shepherd P. Houston of
+having restrained him of his liberty, and testified that said Houston
+was a very bad man. His vocation was that of a farmer, on a small scale;
+as a slave-holder he was numbered with the "small fry." Both master and
+mistress were members of the Methodist Church. According to William
+Thomas' testimony his mistress as well as his master was very hard on
+the slaves in various ways, especially in the matter of food and
+clothing. It would require a great deal of hard preaching to convince
+him that such Christianity was other than spurious.
+
+
+
+John stated that David Henry Houston, a farmer, took it upon himself to
+exercise authority over him. Said John, "If you didn't do the work
+right, he got contrary, and wouldn't give you anything to eat for a
+whole day at a time; he said a 'nigger and a mule hadn't any feeling.'"
+He described his stature and circumstances somewhat thus: "Houston is a
+very small man; for some time his affairs had been in a bad way; he had
+been broke, some say he had bad luck for killing my brother. My brother
+was sick, but master said he wasn't sick, and he took a chunk, and beat
+on him, and he died a few days after." John firmly believed that his
+brother had been the victim of a monstrous outrage, and that he too was
+liable to the same treatment.
+
+John was only nineteen years of age, spare built, chestnut color, and
+represented the rising mind of the slaves of the South.
+
+
+
+Henry was what might be termed a very smart young man, considering that
+he had been deprived of a knowledge of reading. He was a brother of
+John, and said that he also had been wrongfully enslaved by David
+Houston, alluded to above. He fully corroborated the statement of his
+brother, and declared, moreover, that his sister had not long since been
+sold South, and that he had heard enough to fully convince him that he
+and his brother were to be put up for sale soon.
+
+Of their mistress John said that she was a "pretty easy kind of a woman,
+only she didn't want to allow enough to eat, and wouldn't mend any
+clothes for us."
+
+
+
+Isaac was twenty-two, quite black, and belonged to the "rising" young
+slaves of Delaware. He stated that he had been owned by a "blacksmith, a
+very hard man, by the name of Thomas Carper." Isaac was disgusted with
+his master's ignorance, and criticised him, in his crude way, to a
+considerable extent. Isaac had learned blacksmithing under Carper. Both
+master and mistress were Methodists. Isaac said that he "could not
+recommend his mistress, as she was given to bad practices," so much so
+that he could hardly endure her. He also charged the blacksmith with
+being addicted to bad habits. Sometimes Isaac would be called upon to
+receive correction from his master, which would generally be dealt out
+with a "chunk of wood" over his "no feeling" head. On a late occasion,
+when Isaac was being _chunked_ beyond measure, he resisted, but the
+persistent blacksmith did not yield until he had so far disabled Isaac
+that he was rendered helpless for the next two weeks. While in this
+state he pledged himself to freedom and Canada, and resolved to win the
+prize by crossing the Bay.
+
+While these young passengers possessed brains and bravery of a rare
+order, at the same time they brought with them an unusual amount of the
+soil of Delaware; their persons and old worn-out clothing being full of
+it. Their appearance called loudly for immediate cleansing. A room--free
+water--free soap, and such other assistance as was necessary was
+tendered them in order to render the work as thorough as possible. This
+healthy process over, clean and comfortable clothing were furnished, and
+the change in their appearance was so marked, that they might have
+passed as strangers, if not in the immediate corn-fields of their
+masters, certainly among many of their old acquaintances, unless
+subjected to the most careful inspection. Raised in the country and on
+farms, their masters and mistresses had never dreamed of encouraging
+them to conform to habits of cleanliness; washing their persons and
+changing their garments were not common occurrences. The coarse garment
+once on would be clung to without change as long as it would hold
+together. The filthy cabins allotted for their habitations were in
+themselves incentives to personal uncleanliness. In some districts this
+was more apparent than in others. From some portions of Maryland and
+Delaware, in particular, passengers brought lamentable evidence of a
+want of knowledge and improvement in this direction. But the master, not
+the slave, was blameworthy. The master, as has been intimated, found but
+one suit for working (and sometimes none for Sunday), consequently if
+Tom was set to ditching one day and became muddy and dirty, and the next
+day he was required to haul manure, his ditching suit had to be used,
+and if the next day he was called into the harvest-field, he was still
+obliged to wear his barn-yard suit, and so on to the end. Frequently
+have such passengers been thoroughly cleansed for the first time in
+their lives at the Philadelphia station. Some needed practical lessons
+before they understood the thoroughness necessary to cleansing. Before
+undertaking the operation, therefore, in order that they might be made
+to feel the benefit to be derived therefrom, they would need to have the
+matter brought home to them in a very gentle way, lest they might feign
+to fear taking cold, not having been used to it, etc.
+
+It was customary to say to them: "We want to give you some clean
+clothing, but you need washing before putting them on. It will make you
+feel like a new man to have the dirt of slavery all washed off. Nothing
+that could be done for you would make you feel better after the fatigue
+of travel than a thorough bath. Probably you have not been allowed the
+opportunity of taking a good bath, and so have not enjoyed one since
+your mother bathed you. Don't be afraid of the water or soap--the harder
+you rub yourself the better you will feel. Shall we not wash your back
+and neck for you? We want you to look well while traveling on the
+Underground Rail Road, and not forget from this time forth to try to
+take care of yourself," &c., &c. By this course the reluctance where it
+existed would be overcome and the proposition would be readily acceded
+to, if the water was not too cool; on the other hand, if cool, a slight
+shudder might be visible, sufficient to raise a hearty laugh. Yet, when
+through, the candidate always expressed a hearty sense of satisfaction,
+and was truly thankful for this attention.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM KENT COUNTY, MD., 1858.
+
+ASBURY IRWIN, EPHRAIM ENNIS, AND LYDIA ANN JOHNS.
+
+
+The party whose narratives are here given brought grave charges against
+a backsliding member of the Society of Friends--a renegade Quaker.
+
+Doubtless rare instances may be found where men of the Quaker
+persuasion, emigrating from free and settling in slave States and among
+slaveholders, have deserted their freedom-loving principle and led
+captive by the force of bad examples, have linked hands with the
+oppressor against the oppressed. It is probable, however, that this is
+the only case that may turn up in these records to the disgrace of this
+body of Christians in whom dwelt in such a signal degree large sympathy
+for the slave and the fleeing bondman. Many fugitives were indebted to
+Friends who aided them in a quiet way, not allowing their left hand to
+know what their right hand did, and the result was that Underground Rail
+Road operations were always pretty safe and prosperous where the line of
+travel led through "Quaker settlements." We can speak with great
+confidence on this point especially with regard to Pennsylvania, where a
+goodly number might be named, if necessary, whose hearts, houses,
+horses, and money were always found ready and willing to assist the
+fugitive from the prison-house. It is with no little regret that we feel
+that truth requires us to connect the so-called owner of Asbury,
+Ephraim, and Lydia with the Quakers.
+
+
+
+Asbury was first examined, and his story ran substantially thus: "I run
+away because I was used bad; three years ago I was knocked dead with an
+axe by my master; the blood run out of my head as if it had been poured
+out of a tumbler; you can see the mark plain enough--look here," (with
+his finger on the spot). "I left Millington, at the head of Chester in
+Kent County, Maryland, where I had been held by a farmer who called
+himself Michael Newbold. He was originally from Mount Holly, New Jersey,
+but had been living in Maryland over twenty years. He was called a
+Hickory Quaker, and he had a real Quaker for a wife. Before he was in
+Maryland five years he bought slaves, became a regular slave-holder, got
+to drinking and racing horses, and was very bad--treated all hands bad,
+his wife too, so that she had to leave him and go to Philadelphia to her
+kinsfolks. It was because he was so bad we all had to leave," &c.
+
+While Asbury's story appeared truthful and simple, a portion of it was
+too shocking to morality and damaging to humanity to be inserted in
+these pages.
+
+Asbury was about forty years of age, a man of dark hue, size and height
+about mediocrity, and mental ability quite above the average.
+
+
+
+Ephraim was a fellow-servant and companion of Asbury. He was a man of
+superior physical strength, and from all outward appearance, he
+possessed qualities susceptible of ready improvement. He not only spoke
+of Newbold in terms of strong condemnation but of slave-holders and
+slavery everywhere. The lessons he had learned gave him ample
+opportunity to speak from experience and from what he had observed in
+the daily practices of slave-holders; consequently, with his ordinary
+gifts, it was impossible for him to utter his earnest feelings without
+making a deep impression.
+
+
+
+Lydia also fled from Michael Newbold. She was a young married woman,
+only twenty-two years of age, of a chestnut color and a pleasant
+countenance. Her flight for liberty cost her her husband, as she was
+obliged to leave him behind. What understanding was entered into between
+them prior to her departure we failed to note at the time. It was very
+clear that she had decided never to wear the yoke again.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM WASHINGTON, 1858.
+
+
+JOSEPHINE ROBINSON.
+
+
+Many reasons were given by Josephine for leaving the sunny South. She
+had a mistress, but was not satisfied with her--hadn't a particle of
+love for her; "she was all the time fussing and scolding, and never
+could be satisfied." She was very well off, and owned thirteen or
+fourteen head of slaves. She was a member of the Methodist Church, was
+stingy and very mean towards her slaves. Josephine having lived with her
+all her life, professed to have a thorough knowledge of her ways and
+manners, and seemed disposed to speak truthfully of her. The name of her
+mistress was Eliza Hambleton, and she lived in Washington. Josephine had
+fully thought over the matter of her rights, so much so, that she was
+prompted to escape. So hard did she feel her lot to be, that she was
+compelled to resign her children, uncle and aunt to the cruel mercy of
+slavery. What became of the little ones, David, Ogden and Isaiah, is a
+mystery.
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM CECIL COUNTY, 1858.
+
+
+ROBERT JOHNS AND HIS WIFE "SUE ANN."
+
+
+Fortunately, in this instance, man and wife succeeded in making their
+way out of Slavery together. Robert was a man of small stature, and the
+farthest shade from white. In appearance and intellect he represented
+the ordinary Maryland slave, raised on a farm, surrounded with no
+refining influences or sympathy. He stated that a man by the name of
+William Cassey had claimed the right to his labor, and that he had been
+kept in bondage on his farm.
+
+For a year or more before setting out for freedom, Robert had watched
+his master pretty closely, and came to the conclusion, that he was "a
+monstrous blustery kind of a man; one of the old time fellows, very hard
+and rash--not fit to own a dog." He owned twelve slaves; Robert resolved
+that he would make one less in a short while. He laid the matter before
+his wife, "Sue," who was said to be the property of Susan Flinthrew,
+wife of John Flinthrew, of Cecil county, Maryland. "Sue" having suffered
+severely, first from one and then another, sometimes from floggings, and
+at other times from hunger, and again from not being half clothed in
+cold weather, was prepared to consider any scheme that looked in the
+direction of speedy deliverance. The way that they were to travel, and
+the various points of danger to be passed on the road were fully
+considered; but Robert and Sue were united and agreed that they could
+not fare much worse than they had fared, should they be captured and
+carried back. In this state of mind, as in the case of thousands of
+others, they set out for a free State, and in due time reached
+Pennsylvania and the Vigilance Committee, to whom they made known the
+facts here recorded, and received aid and comfort in return.
+
+Sue was a young woman of twenty-three, of a brown color, and somewhat
+under medium size.
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM GEORGETOWN, D.C., 1858.
+
+PERRY CLEXTON, JIM BANKS AND CHARLES NOLE.
+
+
+This party found no very serious obstacles in their travels, as their
+plans were well arranged, and as they had at least natural ability
+sufficient for ordinary emergencies.
+
+
+
+Perry reported that he left "a man by the name of John M. Williams, of
+Georgetown, D.C., who was in the wood business, and kept a wharf." As to
+treatment, he said that he had not been used very hard, but had been
+worked hard and allowed but few privileges. The paltry sum of
+twenty-five cents a week, was all that was allowed him out of his hire.
+With a wife and one child this might seem a small sum, but in reality it
+was a liberal outlay compared with what many slaves were allowed. Perry
+being a ready-witted article, thought that it was hardly fair that Mr.
+Williams should live by the sweat of his brow instead of his own; he was
+a large, portly man, and able to work for himself in Perry's opinion.
+For a length of time, the notion of leaving and going to Canada was
+uppermost in his heart; probably he would have acted with more
+promptness but for the fact that his wife and child rested with great
+weight on his mind. Finally the pressure became so great that he felt
+that he must leave at all hazards, forsaking wife and child, master and
+chains. He was a young man, of about twenty-five years of age, of a dark
+shade, ordinary build, and full of grit. His wife was named Amelia;
+whether she ever afterwards heard from her husband is a question.
+
+
+
+Jim, who accompanied Perry, brought the shoe-making art with him. He had
+been held a slave under John J. Richards, although he was quite as much
+a white man as he was black. He was a mulatto, twenty-nine years of age,
+well-made, and bore a grum countenance, but a brave and manly will to
+keep up his courage on the way. He said that he had been used very well,
+had no fault to find with John J. Richards, who was possibly a near
+relative of his. He forsook his mother, four brothers and three sisters
+with no hope of ever seeing them again.
+
+
+
+Charles bore strong testimony in favor of his master, Blooker W.
+Hansborough, a farmer, a first-rate man to his servants, said Charles.
+"I was used very well, can't complain." "Why did you not remain then?"
+asked a member of the Committee. "I left," answered C., "because I was
+not allowed to live with my wife. She with our six children, lived a
+long distance from my master's place, and he would not hire me out where
+I could live near my wife, so I made up my mind that I would try and do
+better. I could see no enjoyment that way." As the secret of his
+master's treatment is here brought to light, it is very evident that
+Charles, in speaking so highly in his favor, failed to take a just view
+of him, as no man could really be first-rate to his servants, who would
+not allow a man to live with his wife and children, and who would
+persist in taking from another what he had no right to take.
+Nevertheless, as Charles thought his master "first-rate," he shall have
+the benefit of the opinion, but it was suspected that Charles was not
+disposed to find fault with his kin, as it was very likely that the old
+master claimed some of the white blood in his veins.
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM SUSSEX COUNTY, 1858.
+
+JACOB BLOCKSON, GEORGE ALLIGOOD, JIM ALLIGOOD, AND GEORGE LEWIS.
+
+
+The coming of Jacob and his companions was welcomed in the usual way.
+The marks of Slavery upon them were evident; however they were subjected
+to the usual critical examination, which they bore with composure, and
+without the least damage. The following notes in the main were recorded
+from their statements:
+
+
+
+Jacob was a stout and healthy-looking man, about twenty-seven years of
+age, with a countenance indicative of having no sympathy with Slavery.
+Being invited to tell his own story, describe his master, etc., he
+unhesitatingly relieved himself somewhat after this manner; "I escaped
+from a man by the name of Jesse W. Paten; he was a man of no business,
+except drinking whiskey, and farming. He was a light complected man,
+tall large, and full-faced, with a large nose. He was a widower. He
+belonged to no society of any kind. He lived near Seaford, in Sussex
+county, Delaware."
+
+"I left because I didn't want to stay with him any longer. My master was
+about to be sold out this Fall, and I made up my mind that I did not
+want to be sold like a horse, the way they generally sold darkies then;
+so when I started I resolved to die sooner than I would be taken back;
+this was my intention all the while.
+
+"I left my wife, and one child; the wife's name was Lear, and the child
+was called Alexander. I want to get them on soon too. I made some
+arrangements for their coming if I got off safe to Canada."
+
+
+
+George was next called upon to give his statement concerning where he
+was from, etc. I "scaped" from Sussex too, from a man by the name of
+George M. Davis, a large man, dark-complected, and about fifty years of
+age; he belonged to the old side Methodist Church, was a man with a
+family, and followed farming, or had farming done by me and others.
+Besides he was a justice of the peace. I always believed that the Master
+above had no wish for me to be held in bondage all my days; but I
+thought if I made up my mind to stay in Slavery, and not to make a
+desperate trial for my freedom, I would never have any better times. I
+had heard that my old mistress had willed me to her children, and
+children's children. I thought at this rate there was no use of holding
+on any longer for the good time to come, so here I said, I am going, if
+I die a trying. I got me a dagger, and made up my mind if they attempted
+to take me on the road, I would have one man. As for my part, I have not
+had it so slavish as many, but I have never had any privileges to learn
+to read, or to go about anywhere. Now and then they let me go to church.
+My master belonged to church, and so did I.
+
+For a young man, being only twenty-two years of age, who had been kept
+from the light of freedom, as much as he had, his story was thought to
+be exceedingly well told throughout.
+
+
+
+James, a brother of George, said: "I came from Horse's Cross-Roads, not
+far from where my brother George came from. William Gray, rail road
+ticket agent at Bridgewater, professed to own me. He was a tolerable
+sized man, with very large whiskers, and dark hair; he was rather a
+steady kind of a man, he had a wife, but no child. The reason I left, I
+thought I had served Slavery long enough, as I had been treated none the
+best. I did not believe in working my life out just to support some body
+else. My master had as many hands and feet as I have, and is as able to
+work for his bread as I am; and I made up my mind that I wouldn't stay
+to be a slave under him any longer, but that I would go to Canada, and
+be my own master."
+
+James left his poor wife, and three children, slaves perhaps for life.
+The wife's name was Esther Ann, the children were called Mary, Henry,
+and Harriet. All belonged to Jesse Laten.
+
+
+
+George Lewis had more years than any of his companions, being about
+forty years of age. He had been kept in as low a state of ignorance as
+the ingenuity of a slave-holder of Delaware could keep one possessed of
+as much mother-wit as he was, for he was not quite so ignorant as the
+interests of the system required. His physical make and mental capacity
+were good. He was decidedly averse to the peculiar institution in every
+particular. He stated, that a man named Samuel Laws had held him in
+bondage--that this "Laws was a man of no business--just sat about the
+house and went about from store to store and sat; that he was an old
+man, pretty grey, very long hair. He was a member of a church in the
+neighborhood, which was called Radical." Of this church and its members
+he could give but little account, either of their peculiarities or
+creed; he said, however, that they worshipped a good deal like the
+Methodists, and allowed their members to swear heartily for slavery.
+
+"Something told" George that he had worked long enough as a slave, and
+that he should be man enough to take the Underground Rail Road and go
+off to a free country. Accordingly George set out. When he arrived at
+the station he was so highly delighted with his success and the prospect
+before him, that he felt very sorry that he hadn't started ten years
+sooner. He said that he would have done so, but he was afraid, as
+slave-holders were always making the slaves believe that if they should
+ever escape they would catch them and bring them back and sell them down
+South, certain; that they always did catch every one who ran off, but
+never brought them home, but sold them right off where they could never
+run away any more, or get to see their relatives again. This threat,
+George said, was continually rung in the ears of the slaves, and with
+the more timid it was very effective.
+
+Jacob Blockson, after reaching Canada, true to the pledge that he made
+to his bosom companion, wrote back as follows:
+
+
+    SAINT CATHARINES. Cannda West, Dec. 26th, 1858.
+
+    DEAR WIFE:--I now infom you I am in Canada and am well and hope
+    you are the same, and would wish you to be here next august, you
+    come to suspension bridge and from there to St. Catharines,
+    write and let me know. I am doing well working for a Butcher
+    this winter, and will get good wages in the spring I now get
+    $2,50 a week.
+
+    I Jacob Blockson, George Lewis, George Alligood and James
+    Alligood are all in St. Catharines, and met George Ross from
+    Lewis Wright's, Jim Blockson is in Canada West, and Jim Delany,
+    Plunnoth Connon. I expect you my wife Lea Ann Blockson, my son
+    Alexander & Lewis and Ames will all be here and Isabella also,
+    if you cant bring all bring Alexander surely, write when you
+    will come and I will meet you in Albany. Love to you all, from
+    your loving Husband,
+
+    JACOB BLOCKSON.
+
+    fare through $12,30 to here.
+
+    MR. STILL: SIR:--you will please Envelope this and send it to
+    John Sheppard Bridgeville P office in Sussex county Delaware,
+    seal it in black and oblige me, write to her to come to you.
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS IN 1859.
+
+SARAH ANN MILLS, Boonsborough; CAROLINE GASSWAY, Mt. Airy; LEVIN HOLDEN,
+Laurel; WILLIAM JAMES CONNER, with his wife, child, and four brothers;
+JAMES LAZARUS, Delaware; RICHARD WILLIAMS, Richmond, Virginia; SYDNEY
+HOPKINS and HENRY WHEELER, Havre de Grace.
+
+
+
+
+Sarah Mills set out for freedom long before she reached womanhood; being
+about sixteen years of age. She stated that she had been very cruelly
+treated, that she was owned by a man named Joseph O'Neil, "a tax
+collector and a very bad man."  Under said O'Neil she had been required
+to chop wood, curry horses, work in the field like a man, and all one
+winter she had been compelled to go barefooted. Three weeks before Sarah
+fled, her mistress was called away by death; nevertheless Sarah could
+not forget how badly she had been treated by her while living. According
+to Sarah's testimony the mistress was no better than her husband. Sarah
+came from Boonsborough, near Hagerstown, Md., leaving her mother and
+other relatives in that neighborhood.
+
+It was gratifying to know that such bond-women so early got beyond the
+control of slave-holders; yet girls of her age from having had no pains
+taken for their improvement, appealed loudly for more than common
+sympathy and humanity, but rarely ever found it; on the contrary, their
+paths were beset with great danger.
+
+
+
+Caroline Gassway, after being held to service by Summersett Walters,
+until she had reached her twenty-seventh year, was forced, by hard
+treatment and the love of freedom, to make an effort for deliverance.
+Her appearance at once indicated, although she was just out of the
+prison-house, that she possessed more than an ordinary share of courage,
+and that she had had a keen insight into the system under which she had
+been oppressed. She was of a dark chestnut color, well-formed, with a
+large and high forehead, indicative of intellect. She had much to say of
+the ways and practices of slave-holders; of the wrongs of the system.
+She dwelt especially upon her own situation as a slave, and the
+character of her master; she told not only of his ill treatment of her,
+but described his physical appearance as well. "He was a spare-made man,
+with a red head and quick temper: he would go off in a flurry like a
+flash of powder, and would behave shamefully towards the slaves when in
+these fits of passion." His wife, however, Caroline confessed was of a
+different temper, and was a pretty good kind of a woman. If he had been
+anything like his wife in disposition, most likely Caroline would have
+remained in bondage. Fortunately, Caroline was a single woman. She left
+her mother.
+
+
+
+Levin Holden, having been sold only a few weeks prior to his escape, was
+so affected by the change which awaited him, that he was irresistibly
+led to seek the Underground Rail Road. Previous to being sold he was
+under a master by the name of Jonathan Bailey, who followed farming in
+the neighborhood of Laurel, Delaware, and, as a master, was considered a
+moderate man--was also well to do in the world; but the new master he
+could not endure, as he had already let the secret out that Levin was to
+be sent South. Levin had a perfect horror of a more Southern latitude;
+he made up his mind that he would try his luck for Canada. Levin was a
+man of twenty-seven years of age, smart, dark color, and of a good size
+for all sorts of work.
+
+
+
+William James Conner, his wife, child, and four brothers came next. The
+brothers were hale-looking fellows, and would have commanded high prices
+in any market South of Mason and Dixon's Line. It was said, that they
+were the property of Kendall Major Lewis, who lived near Laurel,
+Delaware. It was known, however, that he never had any deed from the
+Almighty, but oppressed them without any just right so to do; they were
+perfectly justifiable in leaving Kendall Major Lewis, and all his
+sympathizers, to take care of themselves as best they could.
+
+No very serious charges were made against Lewis, but on the contrary
+they said, that he had been looked upon as a "moderate slave-holder;"
+they also said, that "he had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
+Church for fifty years, and stood high in that body." Furthermore they
+stated, that he sold slaves occasionally. Eight had been sold by him
+some time before this party escaped (two of them to Georgia); besides
+William James had been sold and barely found opportunity to escape. Wm.
+James, Major Lewis, Dennis Betts, Peter, and Lazarus, with the wife and
+child of the former, not only found themselves stripped from day to day
+of their hard earnings, but fearful forebodings of the auction-block
+were ever uppermost in their minds. While they spoke of Lewis as
+"moderate," etc., they all said that he allowed no privileges to his
+slaves.
+
+
+
+Richard Williams gave a full account of himself, but only a meagre
+report was recorded. He said that he came from Richmond, and left
+because he was on the point of being sold by John A. Smith, who owned
+him. He gave Smith credit for being a tolerable fair kind of a
+slave-holder, but added, that "his wife was a notoriously hard woman;"
+she had made a very deep impression on Richard's mind by her treatment
+of him. In finding himself on free ground, however, with cheering
+prospects ahead, he did not stop to brood over the ills that he had
+suffered, but rejoiced heartily. He left his wife, Julia, who was free.
+
+
+
+Sydney Hopkins and Henry Wheeler. These young men made their way out of
+Slavery together. While Sydney lives he will forever regard Jacob Hoag,
+of Havre-de-Grace, as the person who cheated him out of himself, and
+prevented him from becoming enlightened and educated.
+
+Henry, his companion, was also from Havre De Grace. He had had trouble
+with a man by the name of Amos Barnes, or in other words Barnes claimed
+to own him, just as he owned a horse or a mule, and daily controlled him
+in about the same manner that he would manage the animals above alluded
+to. Henry could find no justification for such treatment. He suffered
+greatly under the said Barnes, and finally his eyes were open to see
+that there was an Underground Rail Road for the benefit of all such
+slavery-sick souls as himself. So he got a ticket as soon as possible,
+and came through without accident, leaving Amos Barnes to do the best he
+could for a living. This candidate for Canada was twenty-one years of
+age, and a likely-looking boy.
+
+
+
+Joseph Henry Hill. The spirit of freedom in this passenger was truly the
+"one idea" notion. At the age of twenty-eight his purpose to free
+himself by escaping on the Underground Rail Road was successfully
+carried into effect, although not without difficulty. Joseph was a fair
+specimen of a man physically and mentally, could read and write, and
+thereby keep the run of matters of interest on the Slavery question.
+
+James Thomas, Jr., a tobacco merchant, in Richmond, had Joe down in his
+ledger as a marketable piece of property, or a handy machine to save
+labor, and make money. To Joe's great joy he heard the sound of the
+Underground Rail Road bell in Richmond,--had a satisfactory interview
+with the conductor,--received a favorable response, and was soon a
+traveler on his way to Canada. He left his mother, a free woman, and two
+sisters in chains. He had been sold twice, but he never meant to be sold
+again.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1859.
+
+
+CORNELIUS HENRY JOHNSON. FACE CANADA-WARD FOR YEARS.
+
+
+Quite an agreeable interview took place between Cornelius and the
+Committee. He gave his experience of Slavery pretty fully, and the
+Committee enlightened him as to the workings of the Underground Rail
+Road, the value of freedom, and the safety of Canada as a refuge.
+
+Cornelius was a single man, thirty-six years of age, full black, medium
+size, and intelligent. He stated that he had had his face set toward
+Canada for a long while. Three times he had made an effort to get out of
+the prison-house. "Within the last four or five years, times have gone
+pretty hard with me. My mistress, Mrs. Mary F. Price, had lately put me
+in charge of her brother, Samuel M. Bailey, a tobacco merchant of
+Richmond. Both believed in nothing as they did in Slavery; they would
+sooner see a black man dead than free. They were about second class in
+society. He and his sister own well on to one hundred head, though
+within the last few years he has been thinning off the number by sale. I
+was allowed one dollar a week for my board; one dollar is the usual
+allowance for slaves in my situation. On Christmas week he allowed me no
+board money, but made me a present of seventy-five cents; my mistress
+added twenty-five cents, which was the extent of their liberality. I was
+well cared for. When the slaves got sick he doctored them himself, he
+was too stingy to employ a physician. If they did not get well as soon
+as he thought they should, he would order them to their work, and if
+they did not go he would beat them. My cousin was badly beat last year
+in the presence of his wife, and he was right sick. Mr. Bailey was a
+member of St. James' church, on Fifth street, and my mistress was a
+communicant of the First Baptist church on Broad Street. She let on to
+be very good."
+
+"I am one of a family of sixteen; my mother and eleven sisters and
+brothers are now living; some have been sold to Alabama, and some to
+Tennessee, the rest are held in Richmond. My mother is now old, but is
+still in the service of Bailey. He promised to take care of her in her
+old age, and not compel her to labor, so she is only required to cook
+and wash for a dozen slaves. This they consider a great favor to the old
+'grandmother.' It was only a year ago he cursed her and threatened her
+with a flogging. I left for nothing else but because I was dissatisfied
+with Slavery. The threats of my master caused me to reflect on the North
+and South. I had an idea that I was not to die in Slavery. I believed
+that God would assist me if I would try. I then made up my mind to put
+my case in the hands of God, and start for the Underground Rail Road. I
+bade good-bye to the old tobacco factory on Seventh street, and the
+First African Baptist church on Broad street (where he belonged), where
+I had so often heard the minister preach 'servants obey your masters;'
+also to the slave pens, chain-gangs, and a cruel master and mistress,
+all of which I hoped to leave forever. But to bid good-bye to my old
+mother in chains, was no easy job, and if my desire for freedom had not
+been as strong as my desire for life itself, I could never have stood
+it; but I felt that I could do her no good; could not help her if I
+staid. As I was often threatened by my master, with the auction-block, I
+felt I must give up all and escape for my life."
+
+Such was substantially the story of Cornelius Henry Johnson. He talked
+for an hour as one inspired, and as none but fugitive slaves could talk.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1858.
+
+THEOPHILUS COLLINS, ANDREW JACKSON BOYCE, HANDY BURTON AND ROBERT
+JACKSON.
+
+
+A DESPERATE, BLOODY STRUGGLE--GUN, KNIFE AND FIRE SHOVEL, USED BY AN
+INFURIATED MASTER.
+
+
+Judged from their outward appearance, as well as from the fact that they
+were from the neighboring State of Delaware, no extraordinary
+revelations were looked for from the above-named party. It was found,
+however, that one of their number, at least, had a sad tale of outrage
+and cruelty to relate. The facts stated are as follows:
+
+
+
+Theophilus is twenty-four years of age, dark, height and stature hardly
+medium, with faculties only about average compared with ordinary
+fugitives from Delaware and Maryland. His appearance is in no way
+remarkable. His bearing is subdued and modest; yet he is not lacking in
+earnestness. Says Theophilus, "I was in servitude under a man named
+Houston, near Lewes, Delaware; he was a very mean man, he didn't allow
+you enough to eat, nor enough clothes to wear. He never allowed a drop
+of tea, or coffee, or sugar, and if you didn't eat your breakfast before
+day he wouldn't allow you any, but would drive you out without any. He
+had a wife; she was mean, too, meaner than he was. Four years ago last
+Fall my master cut my entrails out for going to meeting at Daniel
+Wesley's church one Sabbath night. Before day, Monday morning, he called
+me up to whip me; called me into his dining-room, locked the doors, then
+ordered me to pull off my shirt. I told him no, sir, I wouldn't; right
+away he went and got the cowhide, and gave me about twenty over my head
+with the butt. He tore my shirt off, after I would not pull it off; he
+ordered me to cross my hands. I didn't do that. After I wouldn't do that
+he went and got his gun. and broke the breech of that over my head. He
+then seized up the fire-tongs and struck me over the head ever so often.
+The next thing he took was the parlor shovel and he beat on me with that
+till he broke the handle; then he took the blade and stove it at my head
+with all his might. I told him that I was bound to come out of that
+room. He run up to the door and drawed his knife and told me if I
+ventured to the door he would stab me. I never made it any better or
+worse, but aimed straight for the door; but before I reached it he
+stabbed me, drawing the knife (a common pocket knife) as hard as he
+could rip across my stomach; right away he began stabbing me about my
+head," (marks were plainly to be seen). After a desperate struggle,
+Theophilus succeeded in getting out of the building.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+"I started," said he, "at once for Georgetown, carrying a part of my
+entrails in my hands for the whole journey, sixteen miles. I went to my
+young masters, and they took me to an old colored woman, called Judah
+Smith, and for five days and nights I was under treatment of Dr. Henry
+Moore, Dr. Charles Henry Richards, and Dr. William Newall; all these
+attended me. I was not expected to live for a long time, but the Doctors
+cured me at last."
+
+
+
+Andrew reported that he fled from Dr. David Houston. "I left because of
+my master's meanness to me; he was a very mean man to his servants,"
+said Andrew, "and I got so tired of him I couldn't stand him any
+longer." Andrew was about twenty-six years of age, ordinary size; color,
+brown, and was entitled to his freedom, but knew not how to secure it by
+law, so resorted to the Underground Rail Road method.
+
+
+
+Handy, another of this party, said that he left because the man who
+claimed to be his master "was so hard." The man by whom he had been
+wronged was known where he came from by the name of Shepherd Burton, and
+was in the farming business. "He was a churchman," said Handy, "but he
+never allowed me to go to church a half dozen times in my life."
+
+
+
+Robert belonged to Mrs. Mary Hickman, at least she had him in her
+possession and reaped the benefit of his hire and enjoyed the leisure
+and ease thereof while he toiled. For some time prior to his leaving,
+this had been a thorn in his side, hard to bear; so when an opening
+presented itself by which he thought he could better his condition, he
+was ready to try the experiment. He, however, felt that, while she would
+not have him to look to for support, she would not be without sympathy,
+as she was a member of the Episcopal Church; besides she was an
+old-looking woman and might not need his help a great while longer.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1859.
+
+
+STEPNEY BROWN.
+
+
+Stepney was an extraordinary man, his countenance indicating great
+goodness of heart, and his gratitude to his heavenly Father for his
+deliverance proved that he was fully aware of the Source whence his help
+had come. Being a man of excellent natural gifts, as well as of
+religious fervor and devotion to a remarkable degree, he seemed
+admirably fitted to represent the slave in chains, looking up to God
+with an eye of faith, and again the fugitive in Canada triumphant and
+rejoicing with joy unspeakable over his deliverance, yet not forgetting
+those in bonds, as bound with them. The beauty of an unshaken faith in
+the good Father above could scarcely have shone with a brighter lustre
+than was seen in this simple-hearted believer.
+
+Stepney was thirty-four years of age, tall, slender, and of a dark hue.
+He readily confessed that he fled from Mrs. Julia A. Mitchell, of
+Richmond; and testified that she was decidedly stingy and unkind,
+although a member of St. Paul's church. Still he was wholly free from
+acrimony, and even in recounting his sufferings was filled with charity
+towards his oppressors. He said, "I was moved to leave because I
+believed that I had a right to be a free man."
+
+He was a member of the Second Baptist church, and entertained strong
+faith that certain infirmities, which had followed him through life up
+to within seven years of the time of his escape, had all been removed
+through the Spirit of the Lord. He had been an eye-witness to many
+outrages inflicted on his fellow-men. But he spoke more of the
+sufferings of others than his own.
+
+His stay was brief, but interesting. After his arrival in Canada he
+turned his attention to industrial pursuits, and cherished his loved
+idea that the Lord was very good to him. Occasionally he would write to
+express his gratitude to God and man, and to inquire about friends in
+different localities, especially those in bonds.
+
+The following letters are specimens, and speak for themselves:
+
+
+    CLIFTON HOUSE, NIAGARA FALLS, August the 27.
+
+    DEAR BROTHER:--It is with pleasure i take my pen in hand to
+    write a few lines to inform you that i am well hopeping these
+    few lines may fine you the same i am longing to hear from you
+    and your family i wish you would say to Julis Anderson that he
+    must realy excuse me for not writing but i am in hopes that he
+    is doing well. i have not heard no news from Virgina. plese to
+    send me all the news say to Mrs. Hunt an you also forever pray
+    for me knowing that God is so good to us. i have not seen
+    brother John Dungy for 5 months, but we have corresponded
+    together but he is doing well in Brandford. i am now at the
+    falls an have been on here some time an i shall with the help of
+    the lord locate myself somewhere this winter an go to school
+    excuse me for not annser your letter sooner knowing that i
+    cannot write well you please to send me one of the earliest
+    papers send me word if any of our friends have been passing
+    through i know that you are very busy but ask your little
+    daughter if she will annser this letter for you i often feel
+    that i cannot turn god thanks enough for his blessings that he
+    has bestoueth upon me. Say to brother suel that he must not
+    forget what god has consighn to his hand, to do that he must
+    pray in his closet that god might teach him. say to mr. Anderson
+    that i hope he have retrad an has seeked the lord an found him
+    precious to his own soul for he must do it in this world for he
+    cannot do it in the world to come, i often think about the
+    morning that i left your house it was such a sad feeling but
+    still i have a hope in crist do you think it is safe in boston
+    my love to all i remain your brother,
+
+    STEPNEY BROWN.
+
+
+
+
+
+    BRANTFORD, March 3d, 1860.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL, DEAR SIR:--I now take the pleasure of writing
+    to you a few lines write soon hoping to find you enjoying
+    perfect health, as I am the same.
+
+    My joy within is so great that I cannot find words to express
+    it. When I met with my friend brother Dungy who stopped at your
+    house on his way to Canada after having a long chase after me
+    from Toronto to Hamilton he at last found me in the town of
+    Brantford Canada West and ought we not to return Almighty God
+    thanks for delivering us from the many dangers and trials that
+    beset our path in this wicked world we live in.
+
+    I have long been wanting to write to you but I entirely forgot
+    the number of your house Mr. Dungy luckily happened to have your
+    directions with him.
+
+    Religion is good when we live right may God help you to pray
+    often to him that he might receive you at the hour of your final
+    departure. Yours most respectfully.
+
+    STEPNEY BROWN, per Jas. A. Walk.
+
+    P.S. Write as soon as possible for I wish very much to hear from
+    you. I understand that Mrs. Hunt has been to Richmond, Va. be so
+    kind as to ask her if she heard anything about that money. Give
+    my love to all inquiring friends and to your family especially.
+    I now thank God that I have not lost a day in sickness since I
+    came to Canada.
+
+    Kiss the baby for me. I know you are busy but I hope you will
+    have time to write a few lines to me to let me know how you and
+    your family are getting on. No more at present, but I am yours
+    very truly,
+
+    STEPNEY BROWN, per Jas. A. Walkinshaw.
+
+
+
+
+
+    BRANTFORD, Oct. 25, '60
+
+    DEAR SIR:--I take the pleasure of dropping you a few lines, I am
+    yet residing in Brantford and I have been to work all this
+    summer at the falls and I have got along remarkably well, surely
+    God is good to those that put their trust in him I suppose you
+    have been wondering what has become of me but I am in the lands
+    of living and long to hear from you and your family. I would
+    have wrote sooner, but the times has been such in the states I
+    have not but little news to send you and I'm going to school
+    again this winter and will you be pleased to send me word what
+    has become of Julius Anderson and the rest of my friends and
+    tell him I would write to him if I knew where to direct the
+    letter, please send me word whether any body has been along
+    lately that knows me. I know that you are busy but you must take
+    time and answer this letter as I am anxious to hear from you,
+    but nevertheless we must not forget our maker, so we cannot pray
+    too much to our lord so I hope that mr. Anderson has found peace
+    with God for me myself really appreciate that hope that I have
+    in Christ, for I often find myself in my slumber with you and I
+    hope we will meet some day. Mr. Dungy sends his love to you I
+    suppose you are aware that he is married, he is luckier than I
+    am or I must get a little foothold before I do marry if I ever
+    do. I am in a very comfortable room all fixed for the winter and
+    we have had one snow. May the lord be with you and all you and
+    all your household.
+
+    I remain forever your brother in Christ,
+
+    STEPNEY BROWN.
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1859.
+
+JIM KELL, CHARLES HEATH, WILLIAM CARLISLE, CHARLES RINGGOLD, THOMAS
+MAXWELL, AND SAMUEL SMITH.
+
+
+On the evening of the Fourth of July, while all was hilarity and
+rejoicing the above named very interesting fugitives arrived from the
+troubled district, the Eastern shore, of Maryland, where so many
+conventions had been held the previous year to prevent escapes; where
+the Rev. Samuel Green had been convicted and sent to the penitentiary
+for ten years for having a copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin in his humble home;
+where so many parties, on escaping, had the good sense and courage to
+secure their flight by bringing their masters' horses and carriages a
+good way on their perilous journey.
+
+Sam had been tied up and beat many times severely. William had been
+stripped naked, and frequently and cruelly cowhided. Thomas had been
+clubbed over his head more times than a few. Jim had been whipped with
+clubs and switches times without number. Charles had had five men on him
+at one time, with cowhides, his master in the lead.
+
+
+
+Charles Heath had had his head cut shockingly, with a club, in the hands
+of his master; this well cared-for individual in referring to his kind
+master, said: "I can give his character right along, he was a perfect
+devil. The night we left, he had a woman tied up--God knows what he
+done. He was always blustering, you could never do enough for him no
+how. First thing in the morning and last thing at night, you would hear
+him cussing--he would cuss in bed. He was a large farmer, all the time
+drunk. He had a good deal of money but not much character. He was a
+savage, bluff, red face-looking concern." Thus, in the most earnest, as
+well as in an intelligent manner, Charles described the man (Aquila
+Cain), who had hitherto held him under the yoke.
+
+
+
+James left his mother, Nancy Kell, two brothers, Robert and Henry, and
+two sisters, Mary and Annie; all living in the neighborhood whence he
+fled. Besides these, he had eight brothers and sisters living in
+Baltimore and elsewhere, under the yoke. He was twenty-four years of
+age, of a jet color, but of a manly turn. He fled from Thomas Murphy, a
+farmer, and regular slave-holder. Charles Heath was twenty-five years of
+age, medium size, full black, a very keen-looking individual.
+
+
+
+William was also of unmixed blood, shrewd and wide-awake for his
+years,--had been ground down under the heel of Aquila Cain. He left his
+mother and two sisters.
+
+
+
+Charles Ringgold was eighteen years of age; no white blood showed itself
+in the least in this individual. He fled from Dr. Jacob Preston, a
+member of the Episcopal Church, and a practical farmer with twenty head
+of slaves. "He was not so bad, but his wife was said to be a 'stinger.'"
+Charles left his mother and father behind, also four sisters.
+
+
+
+Thomas was of pure blood, with a very cheerful, healthy-looking
+countenance,--twenty-one years of age, and was to "come free" at
+twenty-five, but he had too much good sense to rely upon the promises of
+slave-holders in matters of this kind. He too belonged to Cain who, he
+said, was constantly talking about selling, etc. He left his father and
+mother.
+
+After being furnished with food, clothing, and free tickets, they were
+forwarded on in triumph and full of hope.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS, 1859.
+
+JOHN EDWARD LEE, JOHN HILLIS, CHARLES ROSS, JAMES RYAN, WILLIAM
+JOHNSTON, EDWARD WOOD, CORNELIUS FULLER AND HIS WIFE HARRIET, JOHN
+PINKET, ANSAL CANNON, AND JAMES BROWN.
+
+
+
+
+John came from Maryland, and brought with him a good degree of pluck. He
+satisfied the Committee that he fully believed in freedom, and had
+proved his faith by his works, as he came in contact with pursuers, whom
+he put to flight by the use of an ugly-looking knife, which he plunged
+into one of them, producing quite a panic; the result was that he was
+left to pursue his Underground Rail Road journey without further
+molestation. There was nothing in John's appearance which would lead one
+to suppose that he was a blood-thirsty or bad man, although a man of
+uncommon muscular powers; six feet high, and quite black, with
+resolution stamped on his countenance. But when he explained how he was
+enslaved by a man named John B. Slade, of Harford Co., and how, in some
+way or other, he became entitled to his freedom, and just as the time
+arrived for the consummation of his long prayed-for boon, said Slade was
+about to sell him,--after this provocation, it was clear enough to
+perceive how John came to use his knife.
+
+
+
+John Hillis was a tiller of the ground under a widow lady (Mrs. Louisa
+Le Count), of the New Market District, Maryland. He signified to the
+mistress, that he loved to follow the water, and that he would be just
+as safe on water as on land, and that he was discontented. The widow
+heard John's plausible story, and saw nothing amiss in it, so she
+consented that he should work on a schooner. The name of the craft was
+"Majestic." The hopeful John endeavored to do his utmost to please, and
+was doubly happy when he learned that the "Majestic" was to make a trip
+to Philadelphia. On arriving John's eyes were opened to see that he owed
+Mrs. Le Count nothing, but that she was largely indebted to him for
+years of unrequited toil; he could not, therefore, consent to go back to
+her. He was troubled to think of his poor wife and children, whom he had
+left in the hands of Mrs. Harriet Dean, three quarters of a mile from
+New Market; but it was easier for him to imagine plans by which he could
+get them off than to incur the hazard of going back to Maryland;
+therefore he remained in freedom.
+
+
+
+Charles Ross was clearly of the opinion that he was free-born, but that
+he had been illegally held in Slavery, as were all his brothers and
+sisters, by a man named Rodgers, a farmer, living near Greensborough, in
+Caroline county, Md. Very good reasons were given by Charles for the
+charge which he made against Rodgers, and it went far towards
+establishing the fact, that "colored men had no rights which white men
+were bound to respect," in Maryland. Although he was only twenty-three
+years of age, he had fully weighed the matter of his freedom, and
+appeared firmly set against Slavery.
+
+
+
+William Johnson was owned by a man named John Bosley, a farmer, living
+near Gun Powder Neck, Maryland. One morning he, unexpectedly to William,
+gave him a terrible cowhiding, which, contrary to the master's designs,
+made him a firm believer in the doctrine of immediate abolition, and he
+thought, that from that hour he must do something against the system--if
+nothing more than to go to Canada. This determination was so strong,
+that in a few weeks afterwards he found himself on the Underground Rail
+Road. He left one brother and one sister; his mother was dead, and of
+his father's whereabouts he knew nothing. William was nineteen years of
+age, brown color, smart and good-looking.
+
+
+
+Edward Wood was a "chattel" from Drummerstown, Accomac county, Virginia,
+where he had been owned by a farmer, calling himself James White; a man
+who "drank hard and was very crabbed," and before Edward left owned
+eleven head of slaves. Edward left a wife and three children, but the
+strong desire to be free, which had been a ruling passion of his being
+from early boyhood, rendered it impossible for him to stay, although the
+ties were very hard to break. Slavery was crushing him hourly, and he
+felt that he could not submit any longer.
+
+
+
+Cornelius Fuller, and his wife, Harriet, escaped together from Kent
+county, Maryland. They belonged to separate masters; Cornelius, it was
+said, belonged to the Diden Estate; his wife to Judge Chambers, whose
+Honor lived in Chestertown. "He is no man for freedom, bless you," said
+Harriet. "He owned more slaves than any other man in that part of the
+country; he sells sometimes, and he hired out a great many; would hire
+them to any kind of a master, if he half killed you." Cornelius and
+Harriet were obliged to leave their daughter Kitty, who was thirteen
+years of age.
+
+John Pinket and Ansal Cannon took the Underground Rail Road cars at New
+Market, Dorchester county, Maryland.
+
+
+
+John was a tall young man, of twenty-seven years of age, of an active
+turn of mind and of a fine black color. He was the property of Mary
+Brown, a widow, firmly grounded in the love of Slavery; believing that a
+slave had no business to get tired or desire his freedom. She sold one
+of John's sisters to Georgia, and before John fled, had still in her
+possession nine head of slaves. She was a member of the Methodist church
+at East New Market. From certain movements which looked very suspicious
+in John's eyes, he had been allotted to the Southern Market, he
+therefore resolved to look out for a habitation in Canada. He had a
+first-rate corn-field education, but no book learning. Up to the time of
+his escape, John had shunned entangling himself with a wife.
+
+
+
+Ansal was twenty-five years of age, well-colored, and seemed like a
+good-natured and well-behaved article. He escaped from Kitty Cannon,
+another widow, who owned nine chattels. "Sometimes she treated her
+slaves pretty well," was the testimony of Ansal. He ran away because he
+did not get pay for his services. In thus being deprived of his hire, he
+concluded that he had no business to stay if he could get away.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1859.
+
+
+JAMES BROWN.
+
+
+A more giant-like looking passenger than the above named individual had
+rarely ever passed over the road. He was six feet three inches high, and
+in every respect, a man of bone, sinew and muscle. For one who had
+enjoyed only a field hand's privileges for improvement, he was not to be
+despised.
+
+Jim owed service to Henry Jones; at least he admitted that said Jones
+claimed him, and had hired him out to himself for seven dollars per
+month. While this amount seemed light, it was much heavier than Jim felt
+willing to meet solely for his master's benefit. After giving some heed
+to the voice of freedom within, he considered that it behooved him to
+try and make his way to some place where men were not guilty of wronging
+their neighbors out of their just hire. Having heard of the Underground
+Rail Road running to Canada, he concluded to take a trip and see the
+country, for himself; so he arranged his affairs with this end in view,
+and left Henry Jones with one less to work for him for nothing. The
+place that he fled from was called North Point, Baltimore county. The
+number of fellow-slaves left in the hands of his old master, was
+fifteen.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM DELAWARE, 1859.
+
+EDWARD, JOHN, AND CHARLES HALL.
+
+
+The above named individuals were brothers from Delaware. They were
+young; the eldest being about twenty, the youngest not far from
+seventeen years of age.
+
+
+
+Edward was serving on a farm, under a man named Booth. Perceiving that
+Booth was "running through his property" very fast by hard drinking,
+Edward's better judgment admonished him that his so-called master would
+one day have need of more rum money, and that he might not be too good
+to offer him in the market for what he would bring. Charles resolved
+that when his brothers crossed the line dividing Delaware and
+Pennsylvania, he would not be far behind.
+
+The mother of these boys was freed at the age of twenty-eight, and lived
+in Wilmington, Delaware. It was owing to the fact that their mother had
+been freed that they entertained the vague notion that they too might be
+freed; but it was a well established fact that thousands lived and died
+in such a hope without ever realizing their expectations. The boys, more
+shrewd and wide awake than many others, did not hearken to such "stuff."
+The two younger heard the views of the elder brother, and expressed a
+willingness to follow him. Edward, becoming satisfied that what they
+meant to do must be done quickly, took the lead, and off they started
+for a free State.
+
+
+
+John was owned by one James B. Rodgers, a farmer, and "a most every kind
+of man," as John expressed himself; in fact John thought that his owner
+was such a strange, wicked, and cross character that he couldn't tell
+himself what he was. Seeing that slaves were treated no better than dogs
+and hogs, John thought that he was none too young to be taking steps to
+get away.
+
+
+
+Charles was held by James Rodgers, Sr., under whom he said that he had
+served nine years with faint prospects of some time becoming free, but
+when, was doubtful.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1859.
+
+JAMES TAYLOR, ALBERT GROSS, AND JOHN GRINAGE.
+
+
+To see mere lads, not twenty-one years of age, smart enough to outwit
+the very shrewdest and wisest slave-holders of Virginia was very
+gratifying. The young men composing this arrival were of this
+keen-sighted order.
+
+
+
+James was only a little turned of twenty, of a yellow complexion, and
+intelligent. A trader, by the name of George Ailer, professed to own
+James. He said that he had been used tolerable well, not so bad as many
+had been used. James was learning the carpenter trade; but he was
+anxious to obtain his freedom, and finding his two companions true on
+the main question, in conjunction with them he contrived a plan of
+escape, and 'took out.' His father and mother, Harrison and Jane Taylor,
+were left at Fredericksburg to mourn the absence of their son.
+
+
+
+Albert was in his twentieth year, the picture of good health, not homely
+by any means, although not of a fashionable color. He was under the
+patriarchal protection of a man by the name of William Price, who
+carried on farming in Cecil county, Maryland. Albert testified that he
+was a bad man.
+
+
+
+John Grinage was only twenty, a sprightly, active young man, of a brown
+color. He came from Middle Neck, Cecil county, where he had served under
+William Flintham, a farmer.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM MARYLAND (1859)
+
+
+AND OTHER PLACES.
+
+JAMES ANDY WILKINS, and wife LUCINDA, with their little boy, CHARLES,
+CHARLES HENRY GROSS, A WOMAN with her TWO CHILDREN--one in her
+arms--JOHN BROWN, JOHN ROACH, and wife LAMBY, and HENRY SMALLWOOD.
+
+
+The above-named passengers did not all come from the same place, or
+exactly at the same time; but for the sake of convenience they are thus
+embraced under a general head.
+
+
+
+James Andy Wilkins "gave the slip" to a farmer, by the name of George
+Biddle, who lived one mile from Cecil, Cecil county, Maryland. While he
+hated Slavery, he took a favorable view of his master in some respects
+at least, as he said that he was a "moderate man in talk;" but "sly in
+action." His master provided him with two pairs of pantaloons in the
+summer, and one in the winter, also a winter jacket, no vest, no cap, or
+hat. James thought the sum total for the entire year's clothing would
+not amount to more than ten dollars. Sunday clothing he was compelled to
+procure for himself by working of nights; he made axe handles, mats,
+etc., of evenings, and caught musk rats on Sunday, and availed himself
+of their hides to procure means for his most pressing wants. Besides
+these liberal privileges his master was in the habit of allowing him two
+whole days every harvest, and at Christmas from twenty-five cents to as
+high as three dollars and fifty cents, were lavished upon him.
+
+His master was a bachelor, a man of considerable means, and "kept
+tolerable good company," and only owned two other slaves, Rachel Ann
+Dumbson and John Price.
+
+
+
+Lucinda, the companion of James, was twenty-one years of age,
+good-looking, well-formed and of a brown color. She spoke of a man named
+George Ford as her owner. He, however, was said to be of the "moderate
+class" of slave-holders; Lucinda being the only slave property he
+possessed, and she came to him through his wife (who was a Methodist).
+The master was an outsider, so far as the Church was concerned. Once in
+a great while Lucinda was allowed to go to church, when she could be
+spared from her daily routine of cooking, washing, etc. Twice a week she
+was permitted the special favor of seeing her husband. These simple
+privations not being of a grave character, no serious fault was found
+with them; yet Lucinda was not without a strong ground of complaint. Not
+long before escaping, she had been threatened with the auction-block;
+this fate she felt bound to avert, if possible, and the way she aimed to
+do it was by escaping on the Underground Rail Road. Charley, a bright
+little fellow only three years of age, was "contented and happy" enough.
+Lucinda left her father, Moses Edgar Wright, and two brothers, both
+slaves. One belonged to "Francis Crookshanks," and the other to Capt.
+Jim Mitchell. Her mother, who was known by the name of Betsy Wright,
+escaped when she (Lucinda) was seven years of age. Of her whereabouts
+nothing further had ever been heard. Lucinda entertained strong hopes
+that she might find her in Canada.
+
+
+
+Charles Henry Gross began life in Maryland, and was made to bear the
+heat and burden of the day in Baltimore, under Henry Slaughter,
+proprietor of the Ariel Steamer. Owing to hard treatment, Charles was
+induced to fly to Canada for refuge.
+
+
+
+A woman with two children, one in her arms, and the other two years of
+age (names, etc., not recorded), came from the District of Columbia.
+Mother and children, appealed loudly for sympathy.
+
+
+
+John Brown, being at the beck of a man filling the situation of a common
+clerk (in the shoe store of McGrunders), became dissatisfied. Asking
+himself what right Benjamin Thorn (his professed master) had to his
+hire, he was led to see the injustice of his master, and made up his
+mind, that he would leave by the first train, if he could get a genuine
+ticket _via_ the Underground Rail Road. He found an agent and soon had
+matters all fixed. He left his father, mother and seven sisters and one
+brother, all slaves. John was a man small of stature, dark, with homely
+features, but he was very determined to get away from oppression.
+
+
+
+John and Lamby Roach had been eating bitter bread under bondage near
+Seaford. John was the so-called property of Joshua O'Bear, "a fractious,
+hard-swearing man, and when mad would hit one of his slaves with
+anything he could get in his hands." John and his companion made the
+long journey on foot. The former had been trained to farm labor and the
+common drudgery of slave life. Being a man of thirty-three years of age,
+with more than ordinary abilities, he had given the matter of his
+bondage considerable thought, and seeing that his master "got worse the
+older he got," together with the fact, that his wife had recently been
+sold, he was strongly stirred to make an effort for Canada. While it was
+a fact, that his wife had already been sold, as above stated, the change
+of ownership was not to take place for some months, consequently John
+"took out in a hurry." His wife was the property of Dr. Shipley, of
+Seaford, who had occasion to raise some money for which he gave security
+in the shape of this wife and mother. Horsey was the name of the
+gentleman from whom it was said that he obtained the favor; so when the
+time was up for the payment to be made, the Dr. was not prepared.
+Horsey, therefore, claimed the collateral (the wife) and thus she had to
+meet the issue, or make a timely escape to Canada with her husband. No
+way but walking was open to them. Deciding to come this way, they
+prosecuted their journey with uncommon perseverance and success. Both
+were comforted by strong faith in God, and believed that He would enable
+them to hold out on the road until they should reach friends.
+
+
+
+Henry Smallwood saw that he was working every day for nothing, and
+thought that he would do better. He described his master (Washington
+Bonafont) as a sort of a rowdy, who drank pretty hard, leaving a very
+unfavorable impression on Henry's mind, as he felt almost sure such
+conduct would lead to a sale at no distant day. So he was cautious
+enough to "take the hint in time." Henry left in company with nine
+others; but after being two days on the journey they were routed and
+separated by their pursuers. At this point Henry lost all trace of the
+rest. He heard afterwards that two of them had been captured, but
+received no further tidings of the others. Henry was a fine
+representative for Canada; a tall, dark, and manly-looking individual,
+thirty-six years of age. He left his father and mother behind.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1859.
+
+HENRY JONES AND TURNER FOSTER.
+
+
+
+
+Henry was left free by the will of his mistress (Elizabeth Mann), but
+the heirs were making desperate efforts to overturn this instrument. Of
+this, there was so much danger with a Richmond court, that Henry feared
+that the chances were against him; that the court was not honest enough
+to do him justice. Being a man of marked native foresight, he concluded
+that the less he talked about freedom and the more he acted the sooner
+he would be out of his difficulties. He was called upon, however, to
+settle certain minor matters, before he could see his way clear to move
+in the direction of Canada; for instance, he had a wife on his mind to
+dispose of in some way, but how he could not tell. Again, he was not in
+the secret of the Underground Rail Road movement; he knew that many got
+off, but how they managed it he was ignorant. If he could settle these
+two points satisfactorily, he thought that he would be willing to endure
+any sacrifice for the sake of his freedom. He found an agent of the
+Underground Rail Road, and after surmounting various difficulties, this
+point was settled. As good luck would have it, his wife, who was a free
+woman, although she heard the secret with great sorrow, had the good
+sense to regard his step for the best, and thus he was free to contend
+with all other dangers on the way.
+
+He encountered the usual suffering, and on his arrival experienced the
+wonted pleasure. He was a man of forty-one years of age, spare made,
+with straight hair, and Indian complexion, with the Indian's aversion to
+Slavery.
+
+
+
+Turner, who was a fellow-passenger with Henry, arrived also from
+Richmond. He was about twenty-one, a bright, smart, prepossessing young
+man. He fled from A.A. Mosen, a lawyer, represented to be one of the
+first in the city, and a firm believer in Slavery. Turner differed
+widely with his master with reference to this question, although, for
+prudential reasons, he chose not to give his opinion to said Mosen.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+
+TWO YOUNG MOTHERS, EACH WITH BABES IN THEIR ARMS--ANNA ELIZABETH YOUNG
+AND SARAH JANE BELL--WHIPPED TILL THE BLOOD FLOWED.
+
+
+The appearance of these young mothers at first produced a sudden degree
+of pleasure, but their story of suffering quite as suddenly caused the
+most painful reflections. It was hardly possible to listen to their
+tales of outrage and wrong with composure. Both came from Kent county,
+Maryland, and reported that they fled from a man by the name of Massey;
+a man of low stature, light-complexioned, with dark hair, dark eyes, and
+very quick temper; given to hard swearing as a common practice; also,
+that the said Massey had a wife, who was a very tall woman, with blue
+eyes, chestnut-colored hair, and a very bad temper; that, conjointly,
+Massey and his wife were in the habit of meting out cruel punishment to
+their slaves, without regard to age or sex, and that they themselves,
+(Anna Elizabeth and Sarah Jane), had received repeated scourgings at the
+hands of their master. Anna and Sarah were respectively twenty-four and
+twenty-five years of age; Anna was of a dark chestnut color, while Sarah
+was two shades lighter; both had good manners, and a fair share of
+intelligence, which afforded a hopeful future for them in freedom. Each
+had a babe in her arms.
+
+
+
+Sarah had been a married woman for three years; her child, a boy, was
+eight months old, and was named Garrett Bell. Elizabeth's child was a
+girl, nineteen months old, and named Sarah Catharine Young. Elizabeth
+had never been married. They had lived with Massey five years up to the
+last March prior to their escape, having been bought out of the
+Baltimore slave-pen, with the understanding that they were to be free at
+the expiration of five years' service under him. The five years had more
+than expired, but no hope or sign of freedom appeared. On the other
+hand, Massey was talking loudly of selling them again. Threats and fears
+were so horrifying to them, that they could not stand it; this was what
+prompted them to flee. "As often as six or seven times," said Elizabeth,
+"I have been whipped by master, once with the carriage whip, and at
+other times with a raw hide trace. The last flogging I received from
+him, was about four weeks before last Christmas; he then tied me up to a
+locust tree standing before the door, and whipped me to his
+satisfaction."
+
+
+
+Sarah had fared no better than Elizabeth, according to her testimony.
+"Three times," said she, "I have been tied up; the last time was in
+planting corn-time, this year. My clothing was all stripped off above my
+waist, and then he whipped me till the blood ran down to my heels." Her
+back was lacerated all over. She had been ploughing with two horses, and
+unfortunately had lost a hook out of her plough; this, she declared was
+the head and front of her offending, nothing more. Thus, after all their
+suffering, utterly penniless, they reached the Committee, and were in
+every respect, in a situation to call for the deepest commiseration.
+They were helped and were thankful.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
+
+JOHN WESLEY SMITH, ROBERT MURRAY, SUSAN STEWART, AND JOSEPHINE SMITH.
+
+
+
+
+Daniel Hubert was fattening on John Wesley's earnings contrary to his,
+John's, idea of right. For a long time John failed to see the remedy,
+but as he grew older and wiser the scales fell from his eyes and he
+perceived that the Underground Rail Road ran near his master's place,
+Cambridge, Md., and by a very little effort and a large degree of
+courage and perseverance he might manage to get out of Maryland and on
+to Canada, where slave-holders had no more rights than other people.
+These reflections came seriously into John's mind at about the age of
+twenty-six; being about this time threatened with the auction-block he
+bade slavery good-night, jumped into the Underground Rail Road car and
+off he hurried for Pennsylvania. His mother, Betsy, one brother, and one
+sister were left in the hands of Hubert. John Wesley could pray for them
+and wish them well, but nothing more.
+
+
+
+Robert Murray became troubled in mind about his freedom while living in
+London county, Virginia, under the heel of Eliza Brooks, a widow woman,
+who used him bad, according to his testimony. He had been "knocked about
+a good deal." A short while before he fled, he stated that he had been
+beat brutally, so much so that the idea of escape was beat into him. He
+had never before felt as if he dared hope to try to get out of bondage,
+but since then his mind had undergone such a sudden and powerful change,
+he began to feel that nothing could hold him in Virginia; the place
+became hateful to him. He looked upon a slave-holder as a kind of a
+living, walking, talking "Satan, going about as a roaring lion seeking
+whom he may destroy." He left his wife, with one child; her name was
+Nancy Jane, and the name of the offspring was Elizabeth. As Robert had
+possessed but rare privileges to visit his wife, he felt it less a trial
+to leave than if it had been otherwise. William Seedam owned the wife
+and child.
+
+
+
+Susan Stewart and Josephine Smith fled together from the District of
+Columbia. Running away had been for a long time a favorite idea with
+Susan, as she had suffered much at the hands of different masters. The
+main cause of her flight was to keep from being sold again; for she had
+been recently threatened by Henry Harley, who "followed droving," and
+not being rich, at any time when he might be in want of money she felt
+that she might have to go. When a girl only twelve years of age, her
+young mind strongly revolted against being a slave, and at that youthful
+period she tried her fortune at running away. While she was never caught
+by her owners, she had the misfortune to fall into the hands of another
+slaveholder no better than her old master, indeed she thought that she
+found it even worse under him, so far as severe floggings were
+concerned. Susan was of a bright brown color, medium size, quick and
+active intellectually and physically, and although she had suffered much
+from Slavery, as she was not far advanced in years, she might still do
+something for herself. She left no near kin that she was aware of.
+
+
+
+Josephine fled from Miss Anna Maria Warren, who had previously been
+deranged from the effects of paralysis. Josephine regarded this period
+of her mistress' sickness as her opportunity for planning to get away
+before her mistress came to her senses.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA.
+
+HENRY FIELDS, CHARLES RINGGOLD, WILLIAM RINGGOLD, ISAAC NEWTON AND
+JOSEPH THOMAS.
+
+
+["Five other cases were attended to by Dillwyn Parish and J.C.
+White"--other than this no note was made of them.]
+
+
+
+Henry Fields took the benefit of the Underground Rail Road at the age of
+eighteen. He fled from the neighborhood of Port Deposit while being
+"broke in" by a man named Washington Glasby, who was wicked enough to
+claim him as his property, and was also about to sell him. This chattel
+was of a light yellow complexion, hearty-looking and wide awake.
+
+
+
+Charles Ringgold took offence at being whipped like a dog, and the
+prospect of being sold further South; consequently in a high state of
+mental dread of the peculiar institution, he concluded that freedom was
+worth suffering for, and although he was as yet under twenty years of
+age, he determined not to remain in Perrymanville, Maryland, to wear the
+chains of Slavery for the especial benefit of his slave-holding master
+(whose name was inadvertently omitted).
+
+
+
+William Ringgold fled from Henry Wallace, of Baltimore. A part of the
+time William said he "had had it pretty rough, and a part of the time
+kinder smooth," but never had had matters to his satisfaction. Just
+before deciding to make an adventure on the Underground Rail Road his
+owner had been talking of selling him. Under the apprehension that this
+threat would prove no joke, Henry began to study what he had better do
+to be saved from the jaws of hungry negro traders. It was not long
+before he came to the conclusion that he had best strike out upon a
+venture in a Northern direction, and do the best he could to get as far
+away as possible from the impending danger threatened by Mr. Wallace.
+After a long and weary travel on foot by night, he found himself at
+Columbia, where friends of the Underground Rail Road assisted him on to
+Philadelphia. Here his necessary wants were met, and directions given
+him how to reach the land of refuge, where he would be out of the way of
+all slave-holders and slave-traders. Six of his brothers had been sold;
+his mother was still in bondage in Baltimore.
+
+
+
+Isaac Newton hailed from Richmond, Virginia. He professed to be only
+thirty years of age, but he seemed to be much older. While he had had an
+easy time in slavery, he preferred that his master should work for
+himself, as he felt that it was his bounden duty to look after number
+one; so he did not hesitate about leaving his situation vacant for any
+one who might desire it, whether white or black, but made a successful
+"took out."
+
+
+
+Joseph Thomas was doing the work of a so-called master in Prince
+George's county, Maryland. For some cause or other the alarm of the
+auction-block was sounded in his ears, which at first distracted him
+greatly; upon sober reflection it worked greatly to his advantage. It
+set him to thinking seriously on the subject of immediate emancipation,
+and what a miserable hard lot of it he should have through life if he
+did not "pick up" courage and resolution to get beyond the terror of
+slave-holders; so under these reflections he found his nerves gathering
+strength, his fears leaving him, and he was ready to venture on the
+Underground Rail Road. He came through without any serious difficulty.
+He left his father and mother, Shadrach and Lucinda Thomas.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM SEAFORD, 1859.
+
+
+ROBERT BELL AND TWO OTHERS.
+
+
+Robert came from Seaford, where he had served under Charles Wright, a
+farmer, of considerable means, and the owner of a number of slaves, over
+whom he was accustomed to rule with much rigor.
+
+Although Robert's master had a wife and five children, the love which
+Robert bore them was too weak to hold him; and well adapted as the
+system of Slavery might be to render him happy in the service of young
+and old masters, it was insufficient for him. Robert found no rest under
+Mr. Wright; no privileges, scantily clad, poor food, and a heavy yoke,
+was the policy of this "superior." Robert testified, that for the last
+five years, matters had been growing worse and worse; that times had
+never been so bad before. Of nights, under the new regime, the slaves
+were locked up and not allowed to go anywhere; flogging, selling, etc.,
+were of every-day occurrence throughout the neighborhood. Finally,
+Robert became sick of such treatment, and he found that the spirit of
+Canada and freedom was uppermost in his heart. Slavery grew blacker and
+blacker, until he resolved to "pull up stakes" upon a venture. The
+motion was right, and succeeded.
+
+Two other passengers were at the station at the same time, but they had
+to be forwarded without being otherwise noticed on the book.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM TAPPS' NECK, MD., 1859.
+
+LEWIS WILSON, JOHN WATERS, ALFRED EDWARDS AND WILLIAM QUINN.
+
+
+
+
+Lewis' grey hairs signified that he had been for many years plodding
+under the yoke. He was about fifty years of age, well set, not tall, but
+he had about him the marks of a substantial laborer. He had been brought
+up on a farm under H. Lynch, whom Lewis described as "a mean man when
+drunk, and very severe on his slaves." The number that he ruled over as
+his property, was about twenty. Said Lewis, about two years ago, he shot
+a free man, and the man died about two hours afterwards; for this
+offence he was not even imprisoned. Lynch also tried to cut the throat
+of John Waters, and succeeded in making a frightful gash on his left
+shoulder (mark shown), which mark he will carry with him to the grave;
+for this he was not even sued. Lewis left five children in bondage,
+Horace, John, Georgiana, Louisa and Louis, Jr., owned by Bazil and John
+Benson.
+
+
+
+John was forty years of age, dark, medium size, and another of Lynch's
+"articles." He left his wife Anna, but no children; it was hard to leave
+her, but he felt that it would be still harder to live and die under the
+usage that he had experienced on Lynch's farm.
+
+
+
+Alfred was twenty-two years of age; he was of a full dark color, and
+quite smart. He fled from John Bryant, a farmer. Whether he deserved it
+or not, Alfred gave him a bad character, at least, with regard to the
+treatment of his slaves. He left his father and mother, six brothers and
+sisters. Traveling under doubts and fears with the thought of leaving a
+large family of his nearest and dearest friends, was far from being a
+pleasant undertaking with Alfred, yet he bore up under the trial and
+arrived in peace.
+
+
+
+"William is twenty-two, black, tall, intelligent, and active," are the
+words of the record.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1859.
+
+
+ANN MARIA JACKSON AND HER SEVEN CHILDREN--MARY ANN, WILLIAM HENRY,
+FRANCES SABRINA, WILHELMINA, JOHN EDWIN, EBENEZER THOMAS, AND WILLIAM
+ALBERT.
+
+
+The coming of the above named was duly announced by Thomas Garrett:
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 11th mo., 21st, 1858.
+
+    DEAR FRIENDS--McKIM AND STILL:--I write to inform you that on
+    the 16th of this month, we passed on four able bodied men to
+    Pennsylvania, and they were followed last night by a woman and
+    her six children, from three or four years of age, up to sixteen
+    years, I believe the whole belonged to the same estate, and they
+    were to have been sold at public sale, I was informed yesterday,
+    but preferred seeking their own master; we had some trouble in
+    getting those last safe along, as they could not travel far on
+    foot, and could not safely cross any of the bridges on the
+    canal, either on foot or in carriage. A man left here two days
+    since, with carriage, to meet them this side of the canal, but
+    owing to spies they did not reach him till 10 o'clock last
+    night; this morning he returned, having seen them about one or
+    two o'clock this morning in a second carriage, on the border of
+    Chester county, where I think they are all safe, if they can be
+    kept from Philadelphia. If you see them they can tell their own
+    tales, as I have seen one of them. May He, who feeds the ravens,
+    care for them. Yours,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+The fire of freedom obviously burned with no ordinary fervor in the
+breast of this slave mother, or she never would have ventured with the
+burden of seven children, to escape from the hell of Slavery.
+
+Ann Maria was about forty years of age, good-looking, pleasant
+countenance, and of a chestnut color, height medium, and intellect above
+the average. Her bearing was humble, as might have been expected, from
+the fact that she emerged from the lowest depths of Delaware Slavery.
+During the Fall prior to her escape, she lost her husband under most
+trying circumstances: he died in the poor-house, a raving maniac. Two of
+his children had been taken from their mother by her owner, as was usual
+with slave-holders, which preyed so severely on the poor father's mind
+that it drove him into a state of hopeless insanity. He was a "free man"
+in the eye of Delaware laws, yet he was not allowed to exercise the
+least authority over his children.
+
+Prior to the time that the two children were taken from their mother,
+she had been allowed to live with her husband and children,
+independently of her master, by supporting herself and them with the
+white-wash brush, wash-tub, etc. For this privilege the mother doubtless
+worked with double energy, and the master, in all probability, was
+largely the gainer, as the children were no expense to him in their
+infancy; but when they began to be old enough to hire out, or bring high
+prices in the market, he snatched away two of the finest articles, and
+the powerless father was immediately rendered a fit subject for the
+mad-house; but the brave hearted mother looked up to God, resolved to
+wait patiently until in a good Providence the way might open to escape
+with her remaining children to Canada.
+
+Year in and year out she had suffered to provide food and raiment for
+her little ones. Many times in going out to do days' work she would be
+compelled to leave her children, not knowing whether during her absence
+they would fall victims to fire, or be carried off by the master. But
+she possessed a well tried faith, which in her flight kept her from
+despondency. Under her former lot she scarcely murmured, but declared
+that she had never been at ease in Slavery a day after the birth of her
+first-born. The desire to go to some part of the world where she could
+have the control and comfort of her children, had always been a
+prevailing idea with her. "It almost broke my heart," she said, "when he
+came and took my children away as soon as they were big enough to hand
+me a drink of water. My husband was always very kind to me, and I had
+often wanted him to run away with me and the children, but I could not
+get him in the notion; he did not feel that he could, and so he stayed,
+and died broken-hearted, crazy. I was owned by a man named Joseph Brown;
+he owned property in Milford, and he had a place in Vicksburg, and some
+of his time he spends there, and some of the time he lives in Milford.
+This Fall he said he was going to take four of my oldest children and
+two other servants to Vicksburg. I just happened to hear of this news in
+time. My master was wanting to keep me in the dark about taking them,
+for fear that something might happen. My master is very sly; he is a
+tall, slim man, with a smooth face, bald head, light hair, long and
+sharp nose, swears very hard, and drinks. He is a widower, and is rich."
+
+On the road the poor mother, with her travel-worn children became
+desperately alarmed, fearing that they were betrayed. But God had
+provided better things for her; her strength and hope were soon fully
+restored, and she was lucky enough to fall into the right hands. It was
+a special pleasure to aid such a mother. Her arrival in Canada was
+announced by Rev. H. Wilson as follows:
+
+
+    NIAGARA CITY, Nov. 30th, 1858.
+
+    DEAR BRO. STILL:--I am happy to inform you that Mrs. Jackson and
+    her interesting family of seven children arrived safe and in
+    good health and spirits at my house in St. Catharines, on
+    Saturday evening last. With sincere pleasure I provided for them
+    comfort quarters till this morning, when they left for Toronto.
+    I got them conveyed there at half fare, and gave them letters of
+    introduction to Thomas Henning, Esq., and Mrs. Dr. Willis,
+    trusting that they will be better cared for in Toronto than they
+    could be at St. Catharines. We have so many coming to us we
+    think it best for some of them to pass on to other places. My
+    wife gave them all a good supply of clothing before they left
+    us. James Henry, an older son is, I think, not far from St.
+    Catharine, but has not as yet reunited with the family.
+    Faithfully and truly yours,
+
+    HIRAM WILSON.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM VIRGINIA, MARYLAND AND DELAWARE.
+
+LEWIS LEE, ENOCH DAVIS, JOHN BROWN, THOMAS EDWARD DIXON, AND WILLIAM
+OLIVER.
+
+
+
+
+Slavery brought about many radical changes, some in one way and some in
+another. Lewis Lee was entirely too white for practical purposes. They
+tried to get him to content himself under the yoke, but he could not see
+the point. A man by the name of William Watkins, living near Fairfax,
+Virginia, claimed Lewis, having come by his title through marriage.
+Title or no title, Lewis thought that he would not serve him for
+nothing, and that he had been hoodwinked already a great while longer
+than he should have allowed himself to be. Watkins had managed to keep
+him in the dark and doing hard work on the no-pay system up to the age
+of twenty-five. In Lewis' opinion, it was now time to "strike out on his
+own hook;" he took his last look of Watkins (he was a tall, slim fellow,
+a farmer, and a hard drinker), and made the first step in the direction
+of the North. He was sure that he was about as white as anybody else,
+and that he had as good a right to pass for white as the white folks, so
+he decided to do so with a high head and a fearless front. Instead of
+skulking in the woods, in thickets and swamps, under cover of the
+darkness, he would boldly approach a hotel and call for accommodations,
+as any other southern gentleman. He had a little money, and he soon
+discovered that his color was perfectly orthodox. He said that he was
+"treated first-rate in Washington and Baltimore;" he could recommend
+both of these cities. But destitute of education, and coming among
+strangers, he was conscious that the shreds of slavery were still to be
+seen upon him. He had, moreover, no intention of disowning his origin
+when once he could feel safe in assuming his true status. So as he was
+in need of friends and material aid, he sought out the Vigilance
+Committee, and on close examination they had every reason to believe his
+story throughout, and gave him the usual benefit.
+
+
+
+Enoch Davis came from within five miles of Baltimore, having been held
+by one James Armstrong, "an old grey-headed man," and a farmer, living
+on Huxtown Road. Judged from Davis' stand-point, the old master could
+never be recommended, unless some one wanted a very hard place and a
+severe master. Upon inquiry, it was ascertained that Enoch was moved to
+leave on account of the "riot," (John Brown's Harper's Ferry raid),
+which he feared would result in the sale of a good many slaves, himself
+among the number; he, therefore, "laid down the shovel and the hoe," and
+quit the place.
+
+
+
+John Brown (this was an adopted name, the original one not being
+preserved), left to get rid of his connection with Thomas Stevens, a
+grocer, living in Baltimore. John, however, did not live in the city
+with said Stevens, but on the farm near Frederick's Mills, Montgomery
+county, Maryland. This place was known by the name of "White Hall Farm;"
+and was under the supervision of James Edward Stevens, a son of the
+above-named Stevens. John's reasons for leaving were not noted on the
+book, but his eagerness to reach Canada spoke louder than words,
+signifying that the greater the distance that separated him from the old
+"White Hall Farm" the better.
+
+
+
+Thomas Edward Dixon arrived from near the Trap, in Delaware. He was only
+about eighteen years of age, but as tall as a man of ordinary
+height;--dark, with a pleasant countenance. He reported that he had had
+trouble with a man known by the name of Thomas W.M. McCracken, who had
+treated him "bad;" as Thomas thought that such trouble and bad treatment
+might be of frequent occurrence, he concluded that he had better go away
+and let McCracken get somebody else to fill his place, if he did not
+choose to fill it himself. So off Thomas started, and as if by instinct,
+he came direct to the Committee. He passed a good examination and was
+aided.
+
+
+
+William Oliver, a dark, well-made, young man with the best of country
+manners, fled from Mrs. Marshall, a lady living in Prince George's
+county, Maryland. William had recently been in the habit of hiring his
+time at the rate of ten dollars per month, and find himself everything.
+The privilege of living in Georgetown had been vouchsafed him, and he
+preferred this locality to his country situation. Upon the whole he said
+he had been treated pretty well. He was, nevertheless, afraid that times
+were growing "very critical," and as he had a pretty good chance, he
+thought he had better make use of it, and his arrangements were wisely
+made. He had reached his twenty-sixth year, and was apparently well
+settled. He left one child, Jane Oliver, owned by Mrs. Marshall.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM DIFFERENT POINTS.
+
+JACOB BROWN, JAMES HARRIS, BENJAMIN PINEY, JOHN SMITH, ANDREW JACKSON,
+WILLIAM HUGHES, WESLEY WILLIAMS, ROSANNA JOHNSON, JOHN SMALLWOOD, AND
+HENRY TOWNSEND.
+
+
+
+
+Jacob Brown was eating the bread of Slavery in North Carolina. A
+name-sake of his by the name of Lewis Brown, living in Washington,
+according to the slave code of that city had Jacob in fetters, and was
+exercising about the same control over him that he exercised over cattle
+and horses. While this might have been a pleasure for the master, it was
+painful for the slave. The usage which Jacob had ordinarily received
+made him anything but contented.
+
+At the age of twenty, he resolved that he would run away if it cost him
+his life. This purpose was made known to a captain, who was in the habit
+of bringing passengers from the South to Philadelphia. With an
+unwavering faith he took his appointed place in a private part of the
+vessel, and as fast as wind and tide would bring the boat he was wafted
+on his way Canada-ward. Jacob was a dark man, and about full size, with
+hope large.
+
+
+
+James Harris escaped from Delaware. A white woman, Catharine Odine by
+name, living near Middletown, claimed James as her man; but James did
+not care to work for her on the unrequited labor system. He resolved to
+take the first train on the Underground Rail Road that might pass that
+way. It was not a great while ere he was accommodated, and was brought
+safely to Philadelphia. The regular examination was made and he passed
+creditably. He was described in the book as a man of yellow complexion,
+good-looking, and intelligent. After due assistance, he was regularly
+forwarded on to Canada. This was in the month of November, 1856.
+Afterwards nothing more was heard of him, until the receipt of the
+following letter from Prof. L.D. Mansfield, showing that he had been
+reunited to his wife, under amusing, as well as touching circumstances:
+
+
+    AUBURN, Dec. 15th, '56.
+
+    DEAR BRO. STILL:--A very pleasant circumstance has brought you
+    to mind, and I am always happy to be reminded of you, and of the
+    very agreeable, though brief acquaintance which we made at
+    Philadelphia two years since. Last Thursday evening, while at my
+    weekly prayer meeting, our exercises were interrupted by the
+    appearance of Bro. Loguen, of Syracuse, who had come on with
+    Mrs. Harris in search of her husband, whom he had sent to my
+    care three weeks before. I told Bro. L. that no such man had
+    been at my house, and I knew nothing of him. But I dismissed the
+    meeting, and went with him immediately to the African Church,
+    where the colored brethren were holding a meeting. Bro. L.
+    looked through the door, and the first person whom he saw was
+    Harris. He was called out, when Loguen said, in a rather
+    reproving and excited tone, "What are you doing here; didn't I
+    tell you to be off to Canada? Don't you know they are after you?
+    Come get your hat, and come with us, we'll take care of you."
+    The poor fellow was by this time thoroughly frightened, and
+    really thought he had been pursued. We conducted him nearly a
+    mile, to the hotel where his wife was waiting for him, leaving
+    him still under the impression that he was pursued and that we
+    were conducting him to a place of safety, or were going to box
+    him up to send him to Canada. Bro. L. opened the door of the
+    parlor, and introduced him; but he was so frightened that he did
+    not know his wife at first, until she called him James, when
+    they had a very joyful meeting. She is now a servant in my
+    family, and he has work, and doing well, and boards with her. We
+    shall do all we can for them, and teach them to read and write,
+    and endeavor to place them in a condition to take care of
+    themselves. Loguen had a fine meeting in my Tabernacle last
+    night, and made a good collection for the cause of the
+    fugitives.
+
+    I should be happy to hear from you and your kind family, to whom
+    remember me very cordially. Believe me ever truly yours,
+
+    L.D. MANSFIELD.
+
+    Mr. and Mrs. Harris wish to be gratefully remembered to you and
+    yours.
+
+
+
+
+Benjamin Piney reported that he came from Baltimore county, Maryland,
+where he had been held in subjection to Mary Hawkins. He alleged that he
+had very serious cause for grievance; that she had ill-treated him for a
+long time, and had of late, threatened to sell him to Georgia. His
+brothers and sisters had all been sold, but he meant not to be if he
+could help himself. The sufferings that he had been called upon to
+endure had opened his eyes, and he stood still to wait for the
+Underground Rail Road car, as he anxiously wished to travel north, with
+all possible speed. He waited but a little while, ere he was on the
+road, under difficulties it is true, but he arrived safely and was
+joyfully received. He imagined his mistress in a fit of perplexity, such
+as he might enjoy, could he peep at her from Canada, or some safe place.
+He however did not wish her any evil, but he was very decided that he
+did not want any more to do with her. Benjamin was twenty years of age,
+dark complexion, size ordinary, mental capacity, good considering
+opportunities.
+
+
+
+John Smith was a yellow boy, nineteen years of age, stout build, with,
+marked intelligence. He held Dr. Abraham Street responsible for treating
+him as a slave. The doctor lived at Marshall District, Harford county,
+Maryland. John frankly confessed, to the credit of the doctor, that he
+got "a plenty to eat, drink and wear," yet he declared that he was not
+willing to remain a slave, he had higher aims; he wanted to be above
+that condition. "I left," said he, "because I wanted to see the country.
+If he had kept me in a hogshead of sugar, I wouldn't stayed," said the
+bright-minded slave youth. "They told me anything--told me to obey my
+master, but I didn't mind that. I am going off to see the Scriptures,"
+said John.
+
+
+
+Andrew Jackson "took out" from near Cecil, Delaware, where he had been
+owned by a man calling himself Thomas Palmer, who owned seven or eight
+others. His manners were by no means agreeable to Andrew; he was quite
+too "blustery," and was dangerous when in one of his fits. Although
+Andrew was but twenty-three years of age, he thought that Palmer had
+already had much more of his valuable services than he was entitled to,
+and he determined, that if he (the master), ever attempted to capture
+him, he would make him remember him the longest day he lived.
+
+
+
+William Hughes was an Eastern Shore "piece of property" belonging to
+Daniel Cox. William had seen much of the dark doings of Slavery, and his
+mind had been thoroughly set against the system. True, he had been but
+twenty-two years under the heel of his master, but that was sufficient.
+
+
+
+Wesley Williams, on his arrival from Warrick, Maryland, testified that
+he had been in the hands of a man known by the name of Jack Jones, from
+whom he had received almost daily floggings and scanty food. Jones was
+his so-called owner. These continual scourgings stirred the spirit of
+freedom in Wesley to that degree, that he was compelled to escape for
+his life. He left his mother (a free woman), and one sister in Slavery.
+
+
+
+Rosanna Johnson, alias Catharine Beige. The spot that Rosanna looked
+upon with most dread and where she had suffered as a slave, under a man
+called Doctor Street, was near the Rock of Deer Creek, in Harford
+county, Maryland.
+
+In the darkness in which Slavery ordinarily kept the fettered and "free
+niggers," it was a considerable length of time ere Rosanna saw how
+barbarously she and her race were being wronged and ground down--driven
+to do unrequited labor--deprived of an education, obliged to receive the
+cuffs, kicks, and curses of old or young, who might happen to claim a
+title to them. But when she did see her true condition, she was not
+content until she found herself on the Underground Rail Road.
+
+Rosanna was about thirty years of age, of a dark color, medium stature,
+and intelligent. She left two brothers and her father behind. The
+Committee forwarded her on North. From Albany Rose wrote back to inquire
+after particular friends, and to thank those who had aided her--as
+follows:
+
+
+    ALBANY, Jan. the 30, 1858.
+
+    Mrs. William Still:--i sit don to rite you a fue lines in saying
+    hav you herd of John Smith or Bengernin Pina i have cent letters
+    to them but i hav know word from them John Smith was oned by
+    Doker abe Street Bengermin oned by Mary hawkings i wish to kno
+    if you kno am if you will let me know as swon as you get this.
+    My lov to Mis Still i am much oblige for those articales. My
+    love to mrs george and verry thankful to her Rosean Johnson oned
+    by docter Street when you cend the letter rite it Cend it 63
+    Gran St in the car of andrue Conningham rite swon dela it not
+    write my name Cathrin Brice.
+
+    Let me know swon as you can.
+
+
+
+
+Smallwood reported that he came from Ellicott's Mills, Maryland; that he
+had been restrained of his liberty all his life, by one Samuel Simons,
+who had treated him "bad" all the time that he had held him in his
+possession. He had, therefore, persuaded himself that Ellicott's Mills
+was a poor neighborhood for a colored man who wanted his freedom, and
+that all Maryland was no better. He had heard but little of Canada, but
+what he had heard pleased him. As to how he should get there, he knew
+not; a whisper pointed him to the Underground Rail Road, and told him to
+be fearless and take the first train. Sam considered the matter
+carefully and concluded that that would be the only way to get off.
+Unfortunately his mother and two brothers were left behind in the hands
+of Simons.
+
+
+
+Henry Townsend ran away from Caroline county, near Purnell P.O.,
+Maryland. The name of his reputed owner, according to his statement, was
+E. Townsend, a farmer. Against him Henry harbored a very heavy grudge,
+and will long hold said Townsend in remembrance for the injury he had
+received at his hands on his naked back. The back was shown, and a most
+frightful picture was presented; it had been thoroughly cut in all
+directions.
+
+Henry was about twenty-one years of age, dark chesnut color, build
+substantial. He left behind two brothers and one sister in Slavery. The
+Committee comforted him with the usual hospitality.
+
+These passengers arrived the latter part of 1856 and the beginning of
+1857.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM MARYLAND, 1860.
+
+WILLIAM CHION AND HIS WIFE, EMMA, EVAN GRAFF, AND FOUR OTHERS.
+
+
+
+
+William and Emma came from Dorchester county, Maryland. The cords of
+Slavery had been tightly drawn around them. William was about
+twenty-seven years of age, of a dark hue, and of a courageous bearing.
+On the score of treatment he spake thus: "I have been treated as bad as
+a man could be." Emma, his wife, had seen about the same number of years
+that he had, and her lot had been similar to his. Emma said, "My master
+never give me the second dress, never attempted such a thing." The
+master was called Bushong Blake. William was owned by a Mr. Tubman.
+After leaving Slavery, William changed his last name to Williams, and if
+he and his wife are now living, they are known only by their adopted
+names.
+
+
+
+Evan Graff was of square solid build, dark, and smart, age twenty-five.
+He fled in company with four others (whose narratives were not written),
+from Frederick county, Maryland. Henry Heart, residing at Sam's Creek,
+exercised authority over Evan. With this master, said Evan, I have known
+hard times. I have been treated as bad as a man could be. I have been
+married three years and have not received five dollars in money since,
+towards supporting my family. "How have you lived then?" inquired one
+who sympathized. "My wife has kept house for a colored gentleman, and
+got her board for her services," said Evan. "In what other particulars
+have you been treated hard?" was next asked. "Sometimes I hadn't half
+clothes enough to keep me warm, through all weathers," answered Evan.
+"What put it into your head to leave?" was the third query. "Well, sir,"
+said Evan, "I thought to try and do better." How did you make up your
+mind to leave your wife and child in Slavery? "Well, sir, I was very
+loth to leave my wife and child, but I just thought in this way: I had a
+brother who was entitled to his freedom, but he fell out with one of his
+young masters, and was just taken up and sold South, and I thought I
+might be taken off too, so I thought I would stand as good a chance in
+leaving, as if I stayed." Had you a mother and father, brothers and
+sisters? inquired a member of the Committee. "Yes, sir," was the prompt
+reply. Evan then gave their names thus: "My father's name was Sam Graff,
+my mother's name was Becky." Ruth Ann Dorsey, Isaac Hanson (and two
+brothers of Evan), Grafton and Allen accompanied him in his flight.
+James, Harriet, Charles Albert, Thomas Ephraim, Adeline Matilda, John
+Israel and Daniel Buchanan (brothers and sisters of Evan), were all left
+in Slavery.
+
+Polly Pool was their mistress, rather had owned them up to within a
+short time before the flight of Evan and his comrades, but she had
+lately been unfortunate in business, which resulted in a thorough
+scattering of the entire family. Some fell into the hands of the
+mistress' children, and some into the hands of the grandchildren. In
+Evan's opinion she was a tolerable good mistress; his opportunities of
+judging, however, had not been very favorable, as he had not been in her
+hands a great while.
+
+Luke Goines came from Harper's Ferry, where he was owned by Mrs.
+Carroll. Luke first made his way to Baltimore and afterwards to
+Philadelphia.
+
+Henson Kelly was owned by Reason Hastell, of Baltimore. Slavery did not
+agree with him, and he left to better his condition.
+
+Stafford Smith fled from Westmoreland county, Virginia, where he was
+owned by Harriet Parker, a single woman, advanced in years, and the
+owner of many slaves "As a mistress, she was very hard. I have been
+hired to first one and then another, bad man all along. My mistress was
+a Methodist, but she seemed to know nothing about goodness. She was not
+in the habit of allowing the slaves any chance at all."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1860.
+
+
+JENNY BUCHANAN.
+
+
+A KIND MASTER; JENNY CHASTISED ONE OF HIS SONS FOR AN INSULT, AND AS A
+PUNISHMENT SHE WAS SOLD--SEIZED FOR DEBT--SOLD A SECOND TIME.
+
+
+Jenny was about forty-five years of age, a dark mulatto, stature medium,
+manners modest and graceful; she had served only in high life; thus she
+had acquired a great deal of information. She stated that she was born a
+slave, under John Bower, of Rockbridge, Virginia, and that he was the
+owner of a large plantation, with a great number of slaves. He was
+considered to be a good man to his servants, and was generally beloved
+by them. Suddenly, however, he was taken ill with paralysis, which
+confined him to his bed. During this illness one of the sons, a young
+gentleman, offered an insult to Jenny, for which she felt justified in
+administering to him, a severe chastisement. For this grave offence she
+was condemned to be sold to a trader by the name of William Watts, who
+owned a place in Mississippi. The conditions of sale were that she was
+to be taken out of the state and never to be allowed to return. It so
+happened, however, before she was removed that Watts, the trader, failed
+in order to cheat his creditors it was supposed. Governor McDowell, of
+Virginia, was one of those to whom he was largely indebted for a number
+of slaves which he, the Governor, had placed in his hands for disposal,
+some time before the trader took the benefit. Therefore, as the Governor
+was anxious to recover his loss as much as possible, he seized on Jenny.
+It was through this interference that the condition relative to her
+being sent out of the state was broken.
+
+"The Governor," said Jenny, "was a very fine gentleman, as good as I
+could expect of Virginia. He allowed his slaves to raise fowl and hogs,
+with many privileges of one kind and another; besides he kept them all
+together; but he took sick and died. There was a great change shortly
+after that. The slaves were soon scattered like the wind. The Governor
+had nine sons and daughters.
+
+After his death Mrs. McDowell, alias Mrs. Sally Thomas, took possession,
+and employed an overseer, by the name of Henry Morgan. He was a very
+good man in his looks, but a very rascally man; would get drunk, and
+sell her property to get whisky. Mrs. McDowell would let him do just as
+he pleased. For the slightest complaint the overseer might see fit to
+make against any of the slaves, she would tell him to sell them"--"Sell,
+Mr. Morgan." "He would treat them worse than he would any dog; would
+beat them over the head with great hickory sticks, the same as he would
+beat an ox. He would pasture cows and horses on the plantation, and keep
+the money. We slaves all knew it, and we told her; but our words would
+not go in court against a white man, and until she was told by Mr.
+White, and her cousin, Dr. Taylor, and Mr. Barclay, she would not
+believe how shamefully this overseer was cheating her. But at last she
+was convinced, and discharged him, and hired another by the name of John
+Moore. The new one, if anything, was worse than the old one, for he
+could do the most unblushing acts of cruelty with pleasure. He was a
+demon."
+
+Finally the estate had to be settled, and the property divided. At this
+time it was in the hands of the oldest daughter, Mistress Sally, who had
+been married to Frank Thomas, the Governor of Maryland. But the Governor
+had discarded her for some reason or other, and according to his
+published account of her it might seem that he had good reason for doing
+so. It was understood that he gave her a divorce, so she was considered
+single for life. It was also understood that she was to buy in the
+homestead at a moderate price, with as many slaves as she might desire.
+
+Said Jenny, "I was sold at this settlement sale, and bought in by the
+'grass widow' for four hundred dollars." The place and a number of
+slaves were bought in on terms equally as low. After this the widow
+became smitten with a reverend gentleman, by the name of John Miller,
+who had formerly lived North; he had been a popular preacher. After a
+courtship, which did not last very long, they were married. This took
+place three years ago, prior to the writing of this narrative. After the
+marriage, Rev. Mr. Miller took up his abode on the old homestead, and
+entered upon his duties as a slave-holder in good earnest.
+
+"How did you like him?" inquired a member of the Committee.
+
+"I despised him," was Jenny's prompt answer.
+
+"Why did you despise him?"
+
+"Because he had such mean ways with him," said Jenny. She then went on
+to remark as follows:--"Coming there, taking so much authority over
+other people's servants. He was so mean that he broke up all the
+privileges the servants had before he came. He stopped all hands from
+raising chickens, pigs, etc. He don't like to see them hold up their
+heads above their shoulders." Didn't he preach? she was asked. "Yes, but
+I never heard him preach; I have heard him pray though. On Thursday
+nights, when he would not want the servants to go into town to meeting,
+he would keep up until it would be too late for them to go. He is now
+carrying on the farm, and follows butchering. He has not yet sold any of
+the slaves, but has threatened to sell all hands to the trader."
+
+Jenny once had a husband, but he went to Canada, and that was all she
+could tell about him, as she had never had a letter or any direct
+information from him since he left. That she was childless, she regarded
+as a matter of great satisfaction, considering all the circumstances.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM BALTIMORE, 1860.
+
+WILLIAM BROWN, AND JAMES HENSON
+
+
+Considering themselves trampled upon by their fellow-men, unitedly
+resolved to seek a better country.
+
+
+
+William was pained with the idea that so much of his time had already
+been used up, as he was then thirty-six years of age. Yet he thought
+that it would do no good to mourn over the past, but do what he intended
+to do quickly. The master whom he had served, he called, "Master
+Lynchum." He was a farmer, and knew full well how to use severity with
+the slaves; but had never practiced showing favors, or allowing
+privileges of any kind. True he did not flog, but he resorted to other
+means of punishment when he desired to make the slaves feel that he was
+master. William left his mother, Harriet Brown, three sisters, and one
+brother,--Francis, Mary, Eliza, and Robert. They were all free but
+Eliza.
+
+Seven weeks William and James were under the painful anxiety of trying
+to escape, but conscious of the snares and dangers on the road, and
+desirous of success, they did not feel at liberty to move, save as they
+saw their way clear. This well-exercised sagacity was strongly marked in
+the intellectual region of William's head.
+
+
+
+James Henson was a man of rather slender build. From exposure in
+traveling he took a severe cold and was suffering with sore throat. He
+and Mrs. Maria Thomas disagreed. She set herself up to be "Jim's"
+mistress and owner. For some cause or other Jim was unwilling to fill
+this station longer. He had been hired out by his mistress, who received
+one hundred dollars per annum; and, for aught Jim knew, she was pretty
+well pleased with him and the money also. She coolly held eleven others
+in the same predicament. While Jim found no fault with the treatment
+received at the hands of his mistress, he went so far as to say that
+"she was a right fine woman," yet, the longer he lived her slave, the
+more unhappy he became. Therefore, he decided that he would try and do
+better, and accordingly, in company with William he started, success
+attending their efforts. James left three sisters and one brother,
+Charlotte, Susan, Ellen and Johnson, all slaves.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+PHILIP STANTON, RANDOLPH NICHOLS, AND THOMAS DOUGLASS.
+
+
+
+
+Philip had a master by the name of John Smith, whom he was very anxious
+to get rid of, but hardly knew how. For a long time, Philip was annoyed
+in various ways. Being the only slave on the place, there was no rest
+for him. Said Smith was a bachelor, and his mother, who kept house for
+him, was quite aged; "she was worse than the old boy wanted her to be, a
+more contrary woman never was; she was bad in this way, she was
+quarrelsome, and then again she would not give you as much to eat as you
+ought to have, and it was pretty rough; nothing but corn bread and the
+fattest pork, that was about all. She was a Catholic, and was known by
+the name of Mary Eliza Smith." This was Philip's testimony against his
+master and mistress. Working on a farm, driving carriage, etc., had been
+Philip's calling as a slave. His father and mother were free. His father
+had been emancipated, and afterwards had purchased his wife. One sister,
+however, was still in Slavery. Philip had scarcely reached his
+twenty-second year; he was nevertheless wide-awake and full of courage.
+
+
+
+Randolph was still younger; he had only just reached his twentieth year;
+was nearly six feet high, athletic, and entertained quite favorable
+notions of freedom. He was owned by Mrs. Caroline Brang, a widow; he had
+never lived with her, however. Notwithstanding the fact that he had been
+held in such unpleasant relations, Randolph held the opinion, that "she
+was a tolerable good woman." He had been hired out under Isaac Howard, a
+farmer, who was described by Randolph as "a rough man to everybody
+around him; he was the owner of slaves, and a member of the Methodist
+Church, in the bargain." As if actuated by an evil spirit continually,
+he seemed to take delight in "knocking and beating the slaves," and
+would compel them to "be out in all weathers not fit to be out in."
+Randolph declared that "he had never been allowed a day's schooling in
+his life. On the contrary, he had often been threatened with sale, and
+his mind had finally become so affected by this fearful looking-for of
+evil, that he thought he had better make tracks."
+
+He left his mother, Louisa, three brothers and three sisters, namely:
+Andrew, Mary, Charity, Margaret, Lewis and Samuel, all slaves. His
+desire to escape brought the thought home to his mind with great
+emphasis, that he was parting with his kinsfolk, to see them perhaps, no
+more on earth; that however, happily he might be situated in freedom, he
+would have the painful reflection ever present with him, that those he
+most loved in this world, were slaves--"knocked and beat about--and made
+to work out in all weathers." It was this that made many falter and give
+up their purpose to gain their freedom by flight, but Randolph was not
+one of this class. His young heart loved freedom too well to waver. True
+to his love of liberty, he left all, followed the north star, and was
+delivered.
+
+
+
+Thomas, an older companion of Philip and Randolph, was twenty-five years
+of age, full black, and looked as if he could appreciate the schoolroom
+and books, and take care of himself in Canada or any other free country.
+Mary Howard was the name of the individual that he was compelled to
+address as "mistress." He said, however, that "she was a very good woman
+to her servants," and she had a great many. She had sons, but they
+turned out to be drunkards, and followed no business; at one time, each
+of them had been set up in business, but as they would not attend to it,
+of course they failed. Money was needed more than ever, through their
+intemperate course, consequently the mistress was induced to sell her
+large household, as well as her plantation slaves, to Georgia. Thomas
+had seen the most of them take up their sorrowful march for said State,
+and the only reason that he was not among them, was attributable to the
+fact, that he had once been owned and thought pretty well of by the
+brother of his mistress, who interceded in Thomas' behalf. This
+interference had the desired effect, and Thomas was not sold. Still, his
+eyes were fairly opened to see his danger and to learn a valuable lesson
+at the same time; he, therefore, profited by it in escaping the first
+chance. He left his mother Ann Williams, and one brother, James
+Douglass, both slaves.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM FREDERICKSBURG, 1860.
+
+
+HENRY TUDLE AND WIFE, MARY WILLIAMS.
+
+
+Henry affirmed, that for the last twenty years, his freedom had been
+promised him, and during all these long years, hardly a month had
+passed, that he had not fixed his hopes upon a definite time, when his
+bondage would end and his freedom commence. But he had been trusting the
+word of a slave-holder, who had probably adopted this plan simply with a
+view of drawing more willing toil out of him than he could have
+accomplished in any other way.
+
+Mary complained that she had suffered severely for food, and likewise
+for privileges. Ezra Houpt was the name of Henry's master, and the name
+of his mistress was Catharine, she was hasty and passionate; slaves were
+shown no quarter under her. Mary was owned by Christian Thomas. He was
+said to be not so hard, but his wife was very hard, so much so, that she
+would rule both master and slaves. Her name was Mary Elizabeth.
+
+
+
+SUNDRY ARRIVALS FROM MARYLAND, 1860.
+
+SAM ARCHER, LEWIS PECK, DAVID EDWARDS, EDWARD CASTING, JOE HENRY, GEORGE
+AND ALBERT WHITE, JOSEPH C. JOHNSON, DAVID SNIVELY, AND HENRY DUNMORE.
+
+
+
+
+Sam Archer was to "become free at thirty-five years of age." He had
+already served thirty years of this time; five years longer seemed an
+age to him. The dangers from other sources presented also a frightful
+aspect. Sam had seen too many who had stood exactly in the same
+relations to Slavery and freedom, and not a few were held over their
+time, or cheated out of their freedom altogether. He stated that his own
+mother was "kept over her time," simply "that her master might get all
+her children." Two boys and two girls were thus gained, and were slaves
+for life. These facts tended to increase Sam's desire to get away before
+his time was out; he, therefore, decided to get off via the Underground
+Rail Road. He grew very tired of Bell Air, Harford county, Maryland, and
+his so-called owner, Thomas Hayes. He said that Hayes had used him
+"rough," and he was "tired of rough treatment." So when he got his plans
+arranged, one morning when he was expected to go forth to an unrequited
+day's labor, he could not be found. Doubtless, his excited master
+thought Sam a great thief, to take himself away in the manner that he
+did, but Sam was not concerned on this point; all that concerned him was
+as to how he could get to Canada the safest and the quickest. When he
+reached the Philadelphia station, he felt that the day dawned, his joy
+was full, despite the Fugitive Slave Law.
+
+
+
+Lewis Peck was a man six feet high, and of the darkest hue. He reported
+that he fled from Joseph Bryant, a farmer, who lived near Patapsco
+River. Bryant was in the habit of riding around to look after the
+slaves. Lewis had become thoroughly disgusted with this manner of
+superintending. "I got tired of having Bryant riding after me, working
+my life out of me," said Lewis. He was also tired of Bryant's wife; he
+said "she was always making mischief, and he didn't like a mischief
+maker."
+
+Thus he complained of both master and mistress, seeming not to
+understand that he "had no rights which they were bound to respect."
+
+
+
+David Edwards broke away from the above named Bryant, at the age of
+twenty-four. His testimony fully corroborated that of his comrade, Lewis
+Peck. He was also a man of the darkest shade, tall, intellect good, and
+wore a pleasant countenance. The ordinary difficulties were experienced,
+but all were surmounted without serious harm.
+
+
+
+Edward Casting and Joseph Henry were each about seventeen years of age.
+Boys, as they were, with no knowledge of the world, they had wisely
+resolved not to remain in that condition. Edward fled from Robert Moore,
+who lived at Duck Creek. He gave his master the name of being a "bad
+man," and refused to recommend him for anything. Being a likely-looking
+chattel, he would have doubtless brought seven hundred dollars in the
+market.
+
+
+
+Joseph Henry came from Queen Ann county, Maryland. He was a well-grown
+lad, and showed traces of having been raised without proper care, or
+training. For deficiencies in this direction, he charged Greenberry
+Parker, his claimant, who he said had treated him "bad." Friends had
+helped these boys along.
+
+
+
+George and Albert White were brothers. They fled from Cecil county,
+Maryland. They escaped from William Parker. "What kind of a man was
+William Parker?" they were asked. "He was a big, bad man, no goodness in
+him," quickly replied one of the brothers. Their lot in Slavery had not
+been different from that of numbers coming from that section of the
+State.
+
+
+
+Joseph G. Johnson fled from William Jones of Baltimore. He said that his
+master kept a grocery store in Pratt street, and owned six head of
+slaves; that he was a "good man, and always treated his servants very
+well," until about three weeks before he escaped. For some reason
+unknown to Joseph, within the time just alluded to, he had sold all his
+slaves, with the exception of himself. Joseph was far from being at
+ease, as he hourly felt oppressed with the fear that he was to be sold
+at an early day.
+
+Summoning courage he started by the Baltimore and Wilmington Rail Road.
+In this way he reached Wilmington where he unfortunately fell into the
+hands of his master's son, who resided in Wilmington, and happened to
+discover Joseph in the cars, (most likely he had been telegraphed to)
+and had him arrested and returned. But Joseph did not allow a week to
+pass over him before he was ready to make even a still more daring
+adventure for his liberty. This time he concluded to try the water; by
+great economy he had saved up twenty-five dollars. This was a great deal
+to him, but he resolved to give it all willingly to any man who would
+secrete him, or procure him a passage to Philadelphia. The right man was
+soon found, and Joseph was off again. Good luck attended him, and he
+reached the Committee safely. He was in his twenty-third year, a man of
+medium size, copper-colored, and of a prepossessing countenance.
+
+
+
+David Snively ran away from Frederick, Maryland. He was moved to escape
+solely by the love of freedom. His services had been required in the
+blacksmith shop, and on the farm under Charles Preston, who claimed to
+own him. He had been sold once and brought nine hundred dollars; he
+resolved that a similar fate should never overtake him, unless his owner
+moved very suddenly in that direction. While Joseph was working daily in
+the blacksmith shop, he was planning how to make good his escape. No way
+was open but the old route, which led "hard by" many dangers, and was
+only accessible now and then through regions where friends were few and
+far between. Howbeit he possessed the faith requisite, and was
+victorious.
+
+Joseph was twenty-six years of age, of unmixed blood, ordinary size, and
+had a commendable share of courage and intellect. He could recommend no
+good traits as his master's.
+
+
+
+Henry Dunmore had served as a slave up to the age of thirty-five, and
+was then on the eve of being sold. As he had endured severe hardship
+under his old master John Maldon he was unwilling to try another. While
+he gave Maldon credit for being a member of the Methodist Church, he
+charged him with treating himself in a most unchristian-like manner. He
+testified that Maldon did not allow him half enough to eat; and once he
+kept him out in the cold until his toes were frozen off. Consequently it
+was not in the heart of Henry to give his master any other than a bad
+name. He lived about sixteen miles from Elkton, near Charleston,
+Maryland. He was of a dark chestnut color, well-made, and active.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CROSSING THE BAY IN A BATTEAU.
+
+
+SHARP CONTEST WITH PURSUERS ON WATER. FUGITIVES VICTORIOUS.
+
+
+THOMAS SIPPLE, and his wife, MARY ANN, HENRY BURKETT, and ELIZABETH, his
+wife, JOHN PURNELL, and HALE BURTON. This party were slaves, living near
+Kunkletown, in Worcester county, Maryland, and had become restive in
+their fetters. Although they did not know a letter of the alphabet, they
+were fully persuaded that they were entitled to their freedom. In
+considering what way would be safest for them to adopt, they concluded
+that the water would be less dangerous than any other route. As the
+matter of freedom had been in their minds for a long time, they had
+frequently counted the cost, and had been laying by trifling sums of
+money which had fallen perchance into their hands. Among them all they
+had about thirty dollars. As they could not go by water without a boat,
+one of their number purchased an old batteau for the small sum of six
+dollars. The Delaware Bay lay between them and the Jersey shore, which
+they desired to reach. They did not calculate, however, that before
+leaving the Delaware shore they would have to contend with the enemy.
+That in crossing, they would lose sight of the land they well
+understood. They managed to find out the direction of the shore, and
+about the length of time that it might take them to reach it. Undaunted
+by the perils before them the party repaired to the bay, and at ten
+o'clock, P.M. embarked direct for the other shore.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+Near Kate's Hammock, on the Delaware shore, they were attacked by five
+white men in a small boat. One of them seized the chain of the
+fugitives' boat, and peremptorily claimed it. "This is not your boat, we
+bought this boat and paid for it," spake one of the brave fugitives. "I
+am an officer, and must have it," said the white man, holding on to the
+chain. Being armed, the white men threatened to shoot. Manfully did the
+black men stand up for their rights, and declare that they did not mean
+to give up their boat alive. The parties speedily came to blows. One of
+the white men dealt a heavy blow with his oar upon the head of one of
+the black men, which knocked him down, and broke the oar at the same
+time. The blow was immediately returned by Thomas Sipple, and one of the
+white men was laid flat on the bottom of the boat. The white men were
+instantly seized with a panic, and retreated; after getting some yards
+off they snapped their guns at the fugitives several times, and one load
+of small shot was fired into them. John received two shot in the
+forehead, but was not dangerously hurt. George received some in the
+arms, Hale Burton got one about his temple, and Thomas got a few in one
+of his arms; but the shot being light, none of the fugitives were
+seriously damaged. Some of the shot will remain in them as long as life
+lasts. The conflict lasted for several minutes, but the victorious
+bondmen were only made all the more courageous by seeing the foe
+retreat. They rowed with a greater will than ever, and landed on a small
+island. Where they were, or what to do they could not tell. One whole
+night they passed in gloom on this sad spot. Their hearts were greatly
+cast down; the next morning they set out on foot to see what they could
+see. The young women were very sick, and the men were tried to the last
+extremity; however, after walking about one mile, they came across the
+captain of an oyster boat. They perceived that he spoke in a friendly
+way, and they at once asked directions with regard to Philadelphia. He
+gave them the desired information, and even offered to bring them to the
+city if they would pay him for his services. They had about twenty-five
+dollars in all. This they willingly gave him, and he brought them
+according to agreement. When they found the captain they were not far
+from Cape May light-house.
+
+Taking into account the fact that it was night when they started, that
+their little boat was weak, combined with their lack of knowledge in
+relation to the imminent danger surrounding them, any intelligent man
+would have been justified in predicting for them a watery grave, long
+before the bay was half crossed. But they crossed safely. They greatly
+needed food, clothing, rest, and money, which they freely received, and
+were afterwards forwarded to John W. Jones, Underground Rail Road agent,
+at Elmira. The subjoined letter giving an account of their arrival was
+duly received:
+
+
+    ELMIRA, June 6th, 1860.
+
+    FRIEND WM. STILL:--All six came safe to this place. The two men
+    came last night, about twelve o'clock; the man and woman stopped
+    at the depot, and went east on the next train, about eighteen
+    miles, and did not get back till to-night, so that the two men
+    went this morning, and the four went this evening.
+
+      O, old master don't cry for me,
+      For I am going to Canada where colored men are free.
+
+
+    P.S. What is the news in the city? Will you tell me how many you
+    have sent over to Canada? I would like to know. They all send
+    their love to you. I have nothing new to tell you. We are all in
+    good health. I see there is a law passed in Maryland not to set
+    any slaves free. They had better get the consent of the
+    Underground Rail Road before they passed such a thing. Good
+    night from your friend,
+
+    JOHN W. JONES.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM DORCHESTER CO., 1860.
+
+
+HARRIET TUBMAN'S LAST "TRIP" TO MARYLAND.
+
+
+STEPHEN ENNETS and wife, MARIA, with three children, whose names were as
+follows: HARRIET, aged six years; AMANDA, four years, and a babe (in the
+arms of its mother), three months old.
+
+The following letter from Thomas Garrett throws light upon this arrival:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 12th mo., 1st, 1860.
+
+    RESPECTED FRIEND:--WILLIAM STILL:--I write to let thee know that
+    Harriet Tubman is again in these parts. She arrived last evening
+    from one of her trips of mercy to God's poor, bringing two men
+    with her as far as New Castle. I agreed to pay a man last
+    evening, to pilot them on their way to Chester county; the wife
+    of one of the men, with two or three children, was left some
+    thirty miles below, and I gave Harriet ten dollars, to hire a
+    man with carriage, to take them to Chester county. She said a
+    man had offered for that sum, to bring them on. I shall be very
+    uneasy about them, till I hear they are safe. There is now much
+    more risk on the road, till they arrive here, than there has
+    been for several months past, as we find that some poor,
+    worthless wretches are constantly on the look out on two roads,
+    that they cannot well avoid more especially with carriage, yet,
+    as it is Harriet who seems to have had a special angel to guard
+    her on her journey of mercy, I have hope.
+
+    Thy Friend,
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+    N.B. We hope all will be in Chester county to-morrow.
+
+
+These slaves from Maryland, were the last that Harriet Tubman piloted
+out of the prison-house of bondage, and these "came through great
+tribulation."
+
+Stephen, the husband, had been a slave of John Kaiger, who would not
+allow him to live with his wife (if there was such a thing as a slave's
+owning a wife.) She lived eight miles distant, hired her time,
+maintained herself, and took care of her children (until they became of
+service to their owner), and paid ten dollars a year for her hire. She
+was owned by Algier Pearcy. Both mother and father desired to deliver
+their children from his grasp. They had too much intelligence to bear
+the heavy burdens thus imposed without feeling the pressure a grievous
+one.
+
+Harriet Tubman being well acquainted in their neighborhood, and knowing
+of their situation, and having confidence that they would prove true, as
+passengers on the Underground Rail Road, engaged to pilot them within
+reach of Wilmington, at least to Thomas Garrett's. Thus the father and
+mother, with their children and a young man named John, found aid and
+comfort on their way, with Harriet for their "Moses." A poor woman
+escaping from Baltimore in a delicate state, happened to meet Harriet's
+party at the station, and was forwarded on with them. They were cheered
+with clothing, food, and material aid, and sped on to Canada. Notes
+taken at that time were very brief; it was evidently deemed prudent in
+those days, not to keep as full reports as had been the wont of the
+secretary, prior to 1859. The capture of John Brown's papers and
+letters, with names and plans in full, admonished us that such papers
+and correspondence as had been preserved concerning the Underground Rail
+Road, might perchance be captured by a pro-slavery mob. For a year or
+more after the Harper's Ferry battle, as many will remember, the mob
+spirit of the times was very violent in all the principal northern
+cities, as well as southern ("to save the Union.") Even in Boston,
+Abolition meetings were fiercely assailed by the mob. During this
+period, the writer omitted some of the most important particulars in the
+escapes and narratives of fugitives. Books and papers were sent away for
+a long time, and during this time the records were kept simply on loose
+slips of paper.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND, 1860.
+
+
+JERRY MILLS, AND WIFE, DIANA, SON, CORNELIUS, AND TWO DAUGHTERS,
+MARGARET, AND SUSAN.
+
+
+The father of this family was sixty-five years of age, and his working
+days were apparently well nigh completed. The mother was fifty-seven
+years of age; son twenty-seven; daughters seventeen and fifteen years of
+age.
+
+The old man was smart for his years, but bore evidence that much hard
+labor had been wrung out of him by Slavery. Diana said that she had been
+the mother of twelve children; five had escaped to Canada, three were in
+their graves, and three accompanied her; one was left in Maryland. They
+had seen hard times, according to the testimony of the old man and his
+companion, especially under David Snively, who, however, had been
+"removed by the Lord" a number of years prior to their escape; but the
+change proved no advantage to them, as they found Slavery no better
+under their mistress, the widow, than under their master. Mistress
+Snively was said to be close and stingy, and always unfriendly to the
+slave. "She never thought you were doing enough." For her hardness of
+heart they were sure she would repent some time, but not while she could
+hold slaves. The belief was pretty generally entertained with the slaves
+that the slaveholder would have to answer for his evil doings in another
+world.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+TWELVE MONTHS IN THE WOODS, 1860.
+
+
+HENRY COTTON.
+
+
+As a slave, subjected to the whims and passions of his master, Henry
+made up his mind that he could not stand it longer. The man who mastered
+it over him was called Nathaniel Dixon, and lived in Somerset Co., near
+Newtown. This Dixon was not content with his right to flog and abuse
+Henry as he saw fit, but he threatened to sell him, as he would sell a
+hog.
+
+At this time Henry was about twenty-four years of age, but a man of more
+substantial parts physically was rarely to be seen. Courage was one of
+his prominent traits. This threat only served to arouse him completely.
+He had no friends save such as were in the same condition with himself,
+nevertheless he determined not to be sold. How he should escape this
+fate did not at first present itself. Every thing looked very gloomy;
+Slavery he considered as death to him; and since his master had
+threatened him, he looked upon him as his greatest enemy, and rather
+than continue a slave he preferred living in the swamps with wild
+animals. Just one year prior to the time that he made his way North,
+determined not to be a slave any longer, he fled to a swamp and made his
+way to the most secluded spot that he could find,--to places that were
+almost impenetrable so dense were the trees and undergrowth. This was
+all the better for Henry, he wanted to get safety; he did not wish
+company. He made known his plans to a dear brother, who engaged to
+furnish him occasionally with food. Henry passed twelve months in this
+way, beholding no human soul save his brother. His brother faithfully
+took him food from time to time. The winter weather of 1859 was very
+hard, but it was not so hard to bear as his master Nathaniel Dixon. The
+will of Henry's old master entitled him to his freedom, but the heirs
+had rendered said will null and void; this act in addition to the talk
+of selling had its effect in driving him to the woods. For a time he hid
+in the hollow of a tree, which went very hard with him, yet he was
+willing to suffer anything rather than go back to his so-called master.
+He managed finally to make good his escape and came to the Committee for
+aid and sympathy, which he received.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM MARYLAND.
+
+
+WILLIAM PIERCE.
+
+
+But few passengers expressed themselves in stronger terms in regard to
+their so-called masters, than William Pierce, from Long Green. "I fled,"
+said he, "from John Hickol, a farmer, about fifty years old, grey-headed
+and drinks whiskey very hard--was always a big devil--ill-grained. He
+owned fifteen head; he owns three of my brothers. He has a wife, a big
+devil, red head; her servants, she wouldn't feed 'em none, except on
+corn bread; she would fight and swear too, when she got ready. She and
+her husband would quarrel too. A slave man, a deceitful fellow, who had
+been put up to watch on one occasion, when the rest of the slaves had
+helped themselves to a chicken, and cooked and ate it about midnight,
+though he was allowed to share a portion of the feast, was ready enough
+to betray them by times next morning. This made master and mistress
+'cuss' all hands at a great rate, and master beat all hands except the
+one that told. I was caned so badly that it laid me up for several
+weeks. I am a little lame yet from the beating."
+
+Such was William's story. He was twenty-three years of age, of a light
+brown color, well-made. Judging from his expressions and apparent
+feelings against his master and mistress, he would be willing to endure
+many years of suffering in Canada snows, before he would apply to them
+for care and protection.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+A SLAVE CATCHER CAUGHT IN HIS OWN TRAP.
+
+
+GEORGE F. ALBERTI PERSONATED BY A MEMBER OF THE VIGILANCE COMMITTEE--A
+LADY FRIGHTENED BY A PLACARD.
+
+
+One afternoon, the quiet of the Anti-Slavery Office was suddenly
+agitated by the contents of a letter, privately placed in the hands of
+J. Miller McKim by one of the clerks of the Philadelphia Ledger office.
+Said letter it would seem, had been dropped into the box of the Ledger
+office, instead of the U.S. box (one of which, was also in the Ledger
+office), through a mistake, and seeing that it bore the name of a
+well-known slave-catcher, Alberti, the clerk had a great desire to know
+its import. Whether it was or was not sealed, the writer cannot say, it
+certainly was not sealed when it reached the Anti-Slavery office. It
+stated that a lady from Maryland was then in Philadelphia, stopping at a
+boarding-house on Arch Street, and that she was very desirous of seeing
+the above-mentioned Alberti, with a view of obtaining his services to
+help catch an Underground Rail Road sojourner, whom she claimed as her
+property. That she wrote the letter could not be proved, but that it was
+sent by her consent, there was no doubt. In order to save the poor
+fellow from his impending doom, it seemed that nothing would avail but a
+bold strategical movement. Mr. McKim proposed to find some one who would
+be willing to answer for Alberti. Cyrus Whitson, a member of the
+Committee, in Mr. McKim's judgment, could manage the matter
+successfully. At that time, C. Whitson was engaged in the Free Labor
+store, at the corner of Fifth and Cherry streets, near the Anti-Slavery
+office. On being sent for, he immediately answered the summons, and Mr.
+McKim at once made known to him his plan, which was to save a fellow-man
+from being dragged back to bondage, by visiting the lady, and
+ascertaining from her in conversation the whereabouts of the fugitives,
+the names of the witnesses, and all the particulars. Nothing could have
+delighted the shrewd Whitson better; he saw just how he could effect the
+matter, without the slightest probable failure. So off he started for
+the boarding-house.
+
+Arriving, he rang the bell, and when the servant appeared, he asked if
+Miss Wilson, from Maryland, was stopping there. "She is," was the
+answer. "I wish to see her." "Walk in the parlor, sir." In went Mr. W.,
+with his big whiskers. Soon Miss Wilson entered the parlor, a tall, and
+rather fine-looking well dressed lady. Mr. Whitson bowing, politely
+addressed her, substantially thus:
+
+"I have come to see you instead of Mr. Geo. F. Alberti, to whom you
+addressed a note, this morning. Circumstances, over which Mr. A. had no
+control, prevented his coming, so I have come, madam, to look after your
+business in his place. Now, madam, I wish it to be distinctly understood
+in the outset, that whatever transpires between us, so far as this
+business is concerned, must be kept strictly confidential, by no means,
+must this matter be allowed to leak out; if it does, the darned
+abolitionists (excuse me), may ruin me; at any rate we should not be
+able to succeed in getting your slave. I am particular on this point,
+remember."
+
+"You are perfectly right, Sir, indeed I am very glad that your plan is
+to conduct this matter in this manner, for I do not want my name mixed
+up with it in any way."
+
+"Very well, madam, I think we understand each other pretty well; now
+please give me the name of the fugitive, his age, size, and color, and
+where he may be found, how long he has been away, and the witness who
+can be relied on to identify him after he is arrested."
+
+Miss Wilson carefully communicated these important particulars, while
+Mr. Whitson faithfully penciled down every word. At the close of the
+interview he gave her to understand that the matter should be attended
+to immediately, and that he thought there would be no difficulty in
+securing the fugitive. "You shall hear from me soon, madam, good
+afternoon."
+
+In five minutes after this interview Whitson was back to the
+Anti-slavery Office with all Miss Wilson's secrets. The first thing to
+be attended was to send a messenger to the place where the fugitive was
+at work, with a view of securing his safety; this was a success. The man
+was found, and, frightened almost out of his wits, he dropped all and
+followed the messenger, who bore him the warning. In the meanwhile Mr.
+McKim was preparing, with great dispatch, the subjoined document for the
+enlightenment and warning of all.
+
+
+
+
+    TO WHOM IT MAY CONCEEN:
+
+    BEWARE OF SLAVE-CATCHERS.
+
+    Miss WILSON, of Georgetown Cross Roads, Kent county, Md., is now
+    in the city in pursuit of her alleged slave man, BUTLER. J.M.
+    Cummings and John Wilson, of the same place, are understood to
+    be here on a similar errand. This is to caution BUTLER and his
+    friends to be on their guard. Let them keep clear of the
+    above-named individuals. Also, let them have an eye on all
+    persons known to be friends of Dr. High, of Georgetown Cross
+    Roads, and Mr. D.B. Cummings, who is not of Georgetown Cross
+    Roads.
+
+    It is requested that all parties to whom a copy of this may be
+    sent will post it in a public place, and that the friends of
+    Freedom and Humanity will have the facts herein contained openly
+    read in their respective churches.
+
+    "Hide the outcast; bewray not him that wandereth." Isaiah xvi.
+    3.
+
+    "Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant that has
+    escaped from his master unto thee." Deut. xxiii. 15.
+
+
+This document printed as a large poster, about three feet square, and
+displayed in large numbers over the city, attracted much attention and
+comment, which facts were quickly conveyed to Miss Wilson, at her
+boarding-house. At first, as it was understood, she was greatly shocked
+to find herself in everybody's mouth. She unhesitatingly took her
+baggage and started for "My Maryland." Thus ended one of the most
+pleasant interviews that ever took place between a slave-hunter and the
+Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1858.
+
+
+HENRY LANGHORN _alias_ WM. SCOTT.
+
+
+This "chattel" from Richmond, Virginia, was of a yellow complexion, with
+some knowledge of the arts of reading and writing; he was about
+twenty-three years of age and considered himself in great danger of
+being subjected to the auction-block by one Charles L. Hobson. Hobson
+and Henry had grown up from boyhood together; for years they had even
+occupied the same room,--Henry as a servant-boy and protector of his
+prospective young master. Under these relations quite strong affinities
+were cemented between them, and Henry succeeded in gaining a knowledge
+of the alphabet with an occasional lesson in spelling. Both reached
+their majority. William was hired out at the American Hotel, and being a
+"smart, likely-looking boy," commanded good wages for his young master's
+benefit, who had commenced business as a tobacco merchant, with about
+seven head of slaves in his possession. A year or two's experiment
+proved that the young master was not succeeding as a merchant, and
+before the expiration of three years he had sold all his slaves except
+Henry. From such indications, Henry was fully persuaded that his time
+was well nigh at hand, and great was his anxiety as he meditated over
+the auction-block. "In his heart" he resolved time and again that he
+would never be sold. It behooved him, therefore, to avert that ill fate.
+He at first resolved to buy himself, but in counting the cost he found
+that he would by no means be able to accumulate as much money as his
+master would be likely to demand for him; he, therefore, abandoned this
+idea and turned his attention straightway to the Underground Rail Road,
+by which route he had often heard of slaves escaping. He felt the need
+of money and that he must make and save an extra quarter whenever he
+could; he soon learned to be a very rigid economist, and being
+exceedingly accommodating in waiting upon gentlemen at the hotel and at
+the springs, he found his little "pile" increasing weekly. His object
+was to have enough to pay for a private berth on one of the Richmond
+steamers and also to have a little left to fall back on after landing in
+a strange land and among strangers. He saved about two hundred dollars
+in cash; he was then ready to make a forward move, and he arranged all
+his plans with an agent in Richmond to leave by one of the steamers
+during the Christmas holidays. "You must come down to the steamer about
+dark," said the agent "and if all is right you will see the Underground
+Rail Road agent come out with some ashes as a signal, and by this you
+may know that all is ready."
+
+"I will be there certain," said Henry. Christmas week he was confident
+would be granted as usual as a holiday week; a few days before Christmas
+he went to his master and asked permission to spend said holiday with
+his mother, in Cumberland county, adding that he would need some
+spending money, enough at least to pay his fare, etc. Young master
+freely granted his request, wrote him a pass, and doled him out enough
+money to pay his fare thence, but concluded that Henry could pay his way
+back out of his extra change. Henry expressed his obligations, etc., and
+returned to the American Hotel. The evening before the time appointed
+for starting on his Underground Rail Road voyage, he had occasion to go
+out to see the Underground Rail Road agent, and asked the clerk to give
+him a pass. This favor was peremptorily refused. Henry, "not willing to
+give it up so," sat down to write a pass for himself; he found it all
+that was necessary, and was thus enabled to accomplish his business
+satisfactorily. Next day his Christmas holiday commenced, but instead of
+his enjoying the sight of his mother, he felt that he had seen her for
+the last time in the flesh. It was a sad reflection. That evening at
+dark, he was at the wharf, according to promise. The man with the ashes
+immediately appeared and signalled him. In his three suits of clothing
+(all on his back), he walked on the boat, and was conducted to the coal
+covering, where Egyptian darkness prevailed. The appointed hour for the
+starting of the steamer, was ten o'clock the following morning. By the
+aid of prayer, he endured the suffering that night. No sooner had the
+steamer got under way, than a heavy gale was encountered; for between
+three and four days the gale and fog combined, threatened the steamer
+with a total loss. All the freight on deck, consisting of tobacco and
+cotton, had to be thrown overboard, to save the passengers.
+
+Henry, in his state of darkness, saw nothing, nor could he know the
+imminent peril that his life was in. Fortunately he was not sea-sick,
+but slept well and long on the voyage. The steamer was five days coming.
+On landing at Philadelphia, Henry could scarcely see or walk; the spirit
+of freedom, however, was burning brightly in the hidden man, and the
+free gales of fresh air and a few hours on free soil soon enabled him to
+overcome the difficulties which first presented themselves, and he was
+soon one of the most joyful mortals living. He tarried two days with his
+friends in Philadelphia, and then hastened on to Boston. After being in
+Boston two months, he was passing through the market one day, when, to
+his surprise, he espied his young master, Charles L. Hobson. Henry was
+sure, however, that he was not recognized, but suspected that he was
+hunted. Instantly, Henry pulled up his coat collar, and drew his hat
+over his face to disguise himself as much as possible; but he could not
+wholly recover from the shock he had thus sustained. He turned aside
+from the market and soon met a friend formerly from Richmond, who had
+been in servitude in the tobacco factory owned by his master. Henry
+tried to prevail on him to spot out said Hobson, in the market, and see
+if there possibly could be any mistake. Not a step would his friend take
+in that direction. He had been away for several years, still he was a
+fugitive, and didn't like the idea of renewing his acquaintance with old
+or new friends with a white skin from Virginia. Henry, however, could
+not content himself until he had taken another good look at Mr. Hobson.
+Disguising himself he again took a stroll through the market, looking on
+the right and left as he passed along; presently he saw him seated at a
+butcher's stall. He examined him to his satisfaction, and then went
+speedily to headquarters (the Anti-Slavery Office), made known the fact
+of his discovery, and stated that he believed his master had no other
+errand to Boston than to capture him. Measures were at once taken to
+ascertain if such a man as Charles L. Hobson was booked at any of the
+hotels in Boston.
+
+On finding that this was really a fact, Henry was offered and accepted
+private quarters with the well-known philanthropist and friend of the
+fugitive, Francis Jackson. His house as well as his purse was always
+open to the slave. While under the roof of Mr. Jackson, as Hobson
+advertised and described Henry so accurately, and offered a reward of
+two hundred and fifty dollars for him, Henry's friends thought that they
+would return him the compliment by publishing him in the Boston papers
+quite as accurately if not with as high a reward for him; they
+advertised him after this manner: "Charles L. Hobson, twenty-two years
+of age, six feet high, with a slouched hat on, mixed coat, black pants,
+with a goatee, is stopping at the Tremont Hotel," &c., &c. This was as a
+bomb-shell to Mr. Hobson, and he immediately took the hint, and with his
+trunks steered for the sunny South. In a day or two afterwards Henry
+deemed it advisable to visit Canada. After arriving there he wrote back
+to his young master, to let him know where he was, and why he left, and
+what he was doing. How his letter was received Henry was never informed.
+For five years he lived in Boston and ran on a boat trading to Canada
+East. He saved up his money and took care of himself creditably. He was
+soon prepared to go into some business that would pay him better than
+running on the boat. Two of his young friends agreed with him that they
+could do better in Philadelphia than in Boston, so they came to the City
+of Brotherly Love and opened a first-class dining-saloon near Third and
+Chestnut streets. For a time they carried on the business with
+enterprise and commendable credit, but one of the partners, disgusted
+with the prejudices of the city passenger railway cars, felt that he
+could no longer live here. Henry, known after leaving Slavery only by
+the name of Wm. Scott, quitted the restaurant business and found
+employment as a messenger under Thomas A. Scott, Esq., Vice-President of
+the Pennsylvania Central Rail Road, where he has faithfully served for
+the last four years, and has the prospect of filling the office for many
+years to come. He is an industrious, sober, steady, upright, and
+intelligent young man, and takes care of his wife and child in a
+comfortable three story brick house of his own.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND, 1859.
+
+
+Miles Robinson was the slave of Mrs. Roberts, a widow lady living in
+York County, Virginia. He did not live with her, however, but was hired
+out in the city of Richmond. He had been fortunate in falling into hands
+that had not treated him harshly. He was not contented, however. Much of
+the leisure falling incidentally to his lot from hours of duty, he
+devoted to the banjo. As a player on this instrument he had become quite
+gifted, but music in Richmond was not liberty. The latter he craved, and
+in thought was often far beyond Mason and Dixon's line, enjoying that
+which was denied him in Virginia. Although but twenty-two years of age,
+Miles was manly, and determination and intelligence were traits strongly
+marked in his unusually well-shaped visage. Hearing that he was to be
+sold, he conferred not with his mother, brothers, or sisters, (for such
+he had living as slaves in Richmond) but resolved to escape by the first
+convenience. Turning his attention to the Underground Rail Road, he soon
+found an agent who communicated his wishes to one of the colored women
+running as cook or chambermaid on one of the Philadelphia and Richmond
+steamers, and she was bold enough to take charge of him, and found him a
+safe berth in one of the closets where the pots and other cooking
+utensils belonged. It was rather rough and trying, but Miles felt that
+it was for liberty, and he must pass through the ordeal without
+murmuring, which he did, until success was achieved and he found himself
+in Philadelphia. Boston being the haven on which his hopes were fixed,
+after recruiting a short while in the city he steered for said place.
+Finding liberty there as sweet as he had fondly hoped to find it, he
+applied himself unceasingly to industrial pursuits, economy, the
+improvement of his mind and the elevation of his race. Four years he
+passed thus, under the shadow of Bunker Hill, at the end of which time
+he invested the earnings, which he had saved, in a business with two
+young friends in Philadelphia. All being first-class waiters and
+understanding catering, they decided to open a large dining-saloon.
+Miles was one of the two friends mentioned in Wm. Scott's narrative, and
+as his success and consequent fortunes have been already referred to, it
+will suffice here to mention him simply in connection with two contests
+that he sustained with the prejudice that sought to drive colored people
+from the passenger cars.
+
+At the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets Miles, in company with two
+other young men, Wallace and Marshall, one evening in a most orderly
+manner, entered the cars and took their seats. The conductor ordered
+them on the front platform; they did not budge. He stopped the car and
+ordered them out; this did no good. He read rules, and was not a little
+embarrassed by these polite and well-dressed young men. Finally he
+called for the police, who arrested all three. Miles did not yield his
+seat without a struggle. In being pulled out his resistance was such
+that several window lights were broken in the car. The police being in
+strong force, however, succeeded in marching their prisoners to the
+Mayor's police station at the corner of Fifth and Chestnut streets where
+they were locked up to await further investigation. The prisoners
+thought they were back in "old Virginny" again. Miles gritted his teeth
+and felt very indignant, but what could he do? The infamous prejudice
+against which they had borne testimony was controlling all the lines of
+city passenger railways in Philadelphia. While Miles and his friends
+were willing to suffer for a principle, the dirt, filth, cold, and
+disagreeableness of the quarters that they most likely would be
+compelled to occupy all night and the following day (Sunday) forbade
+submission. Added to this Miles felt that his young wife would hardly be
+able to contain herself while he was locked up. They sent for the writer
+to intercede for them.
+
+At a late hour of the night, after going from the alderman's
+boardinghouse to a fire engine house and other places, where it was
+supposed that he might probably be found, on going a third time to his
+hotel, a little before midnight, he was discovered to be in bed, and it
+was then ascertained that he had not been out all the evening. The night
+was very stormy. We could not tell whether or not the fruitless chase on
+which we had been sent in search of the alderman, was in keeping with
+the spirit that had locked the men up, designed to mislead us; he
+condescended at last to appear, and accepted our offer to go bail for
+all of them, and finally issued a discharge. This was hastily delivered
+at the station, and the prisoners were released.
+
+But Miles was not satisfied; he had breathed free air in Massachusetts
+for four years, and being a man of high spirit he felt that he must
+further test the prejudices of the cars. Consequently one very cold
+night, when a deep snow covered the pavements, he was out with his wife,
+and thought that he would ride; his wife being fair, he put her on the
+car at the corner of Third and Pine streets, and walked to the corner of
+Fourth and Pine streets, where he stepped into the car and took his
+seat. The conductor straightway ordered him out, on the plea of color.
+God had shaded him a little too much. "How is this, my wife is in this
+car," spake Miles. All eyes gazed around to see who his wife was. By
+this time the car had been stopped, and the wrath of the conductor was
+kindled prodigiously. He did not, however, lay violent hands upon Miles.
+A late decision in court had taught the police that they had no right to
+interfere, except in cases where the peace was actually being broken; so
+in order to get rid of this troublesome customer, the car was run off
+the track, the shivering passengers all leaving it, as though flying
+from a plague, with the exception of Miles, his wife, and another
+colored gentleman, who got on with Miles. The conductor then hoisted all
+the windows, took out the cushions, and unhitched the horses. But Miles
+and his party stood it bravely; Miles burning all the time with
+indignation at this exhibition of prejudice in the city of Brotherly
+Love. The war was then raging fiercely, and as Miles then felt, he was
+almost prepared to say, he didn't care which beat, as the woman said,
+when she saw her husband and the bear wrestling. He was compelled to
+admit that this prejudice was akin to slavery, and gave to slavery its
+chief support.
+
+The occupants of the horseless car, which was being aired so thoroughly,
+remained in it for a length of time, until they had sufficiently borne
+their testimony, and they too quietly forsook it.
+
+Prior to this event, by his industry and hard-earned savings, Miles had
+become the owner of a comfortable brick house, and had made up his mind
+to remain a citizen of Philadelphia, but the spirit which prompted the
+aforesaid treatment called up within him reflections somewhat similar to
+those aroused by Slavery, and it was not a great while before he offered
+his property for sale, including his business stand, resolving to return
+to Boston. He received an offer for his property, accepted it, pulled up
+stakes, and again hopefully turned his face thitherward. The ambitious
+Miles commenced business in Chelsea, near Boston, where he purchased
+himself a comfortable home; and he has ever since been successfully
+engaged in the sale of kerosene oil. Instead of seeking pleasure in the
+banjo, as he was wont to do in Virginia, he now finds delight in the
+Baptist Church, Rev. Mr. Grimes', of which he is a prominent member, and
+in other fields of usefulness tending to elevate and better the
+condition of society generally.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM RICHMOND.
+
+
+JOHN WILLIAM DUNGY.--BROUGHT A PASS FROM EX. GOV. GREGORY.
+
+
+"He ought to be put in a cage and kept for a show," said Anna Brown,
+daughter of the hero, John Brown, at the house of the writer, where she
+happened to meet the above named Underground Rail Road passenger. He had
+then just returned from Canada, after being a Refugee four years. In the
+mean time through the war and the Proclamation of Father Abraham the
+fetters had been torn from the limbs of the slave, and the way to
+Richmond was open to all. John William on this occasion was on his way
+thither to see how his brethren together with their old oppressors
+looked facing each other as freemen. Miss Anna Brown was _en route_ to
+Norfolk, where she designed to teach a school of the unfettered bondmen.
+The return of the Refugee was as unexpected as it was gratifying.
+Scarcely had the cordial greetings of the writer and his family ended
+and the daughter of Brown been introduced before the writer was plying
+his Refugee guest with a multiplicity of questions relative to his
+sojourn in Canada, etc. "How have you been getting along in Canada? Do
+you like the country?" "First-rate," said John William. "You look as
+though you had neither been starved, nor frozen. Have you had plenty of
+work, made some money, and taken care of yourself?" "Yes." "When you
+were on the Underground Rail Road on your way to Canada you promised
+that you were going to keep from all bad habits; how about the
+'crittur?' do you take a little sometimes?" "No, I have not drank a drop
+since I left the South" replied John William with emphasis. "Good!" "I
+suppose you smoke and chew at any rate?" "No, neither. I never think of
+such a thing." "Now don't you keep late hours at night and swear
+occasionally?" "No, Sir. All the leisure that I have of evenings is
+spent over my books as a general thing; I have not fallen into the
+fashionable customs of young men." Miss Brown, who had been an attentive
+listener, remarked: "HE OUGHT TO BE PUT IN A CAGE, ETC."
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+He was twenty-seven years of age when he first landed in Philadelphia,
+in the month of February, 1860, per steamer Pennsylvania, in which he
+had been stowed away in a store-room containing a lot of rubbish and
+furniture; in this way he reached City Point; here a family of Irish
+emigrants, very dirty, were taken on board, and orders were given that
+accommodations should be made for them in the room occupied by J.W. Here
+was trouble, but only for a moment. Those into whose charge he had been
+consigned on the boat knew that the kettle and pot-closet had often been
+used for Underground Rail Road purposes, and he was safely conducted to
+quarters among the pots. The room was exceedingly limited, but he stood
+it bravely. On landing he was not able to stand. It required not only
+his personal efforts but the help of friends to get him in a condition
+to walk. No sooner had he stepped on shore, however, than he began to
+cry aloud for joy. "Thank God!" rang out sonorously from his overflowing
+soul. Alarmed at this indication of gratitude his friends immediately
+told him that that would never do; that all hands would be betrayed;
+that he was far from being safe in Philadelphia. He suppressed his
+emotion. After being delivered into the hands of the Acting Committee,
+where he was in more private quarters, he gave full vent to the joy he
+experienced on reaching this city. He said that he had been trying
+earnestly for five years to obtain his freedom. For this special object
+he had saved up sixty-eight dollars and fifteen cents, all of which but
+the fifteen cents he willingly paid for his passage on the boat. Fifteen
+cents, the balance of his entire capital, was all that he had when he
+landed in Philadelphia.
+
+Before leaving the South he was hired in the family of Ex-Governor
+Gregory. Of the Governor and his wife he spoke very highly,--said that
+they were kind to him and would readily favor him whenever he solicited
+them to do so. He stated that after making his arrangements to start, in
+order that he might be away several days before being missed, he told
+Mrs. Gregory that he would be glad to spend a week with his mother, (she
+lived some distance in the country). As he was not feeling very well she
+kindly acceded to his request, and told him to ask the Governor for a
+pass and some money. The Governor was busy writing, but he at once
+granted the prayer, wrote him a pass, gave John five dollars, adding
+that he was sorry that he had no more in his pocket, &c. John bowed and
+thanked the Governor, and soon got ready for his visit; but his route
+lay in a far different direction than that contemplated by the Governor
+and his lady. He was aiming for the Underground Rail Road. As has
+already been intimated, he was not owned by the Governor, but by the
+Ferrell heirs--five children who had moved from Virginia to Alabama
+years back. "Every Ferrell that lives is down on slaves; they are very
+severe," said John. Yet he had not suffered as many others had who
+belonged to them, as he had been a dining-room servant. At one time they
+had owned large numbers of slaves, but latterly they had been selling
+them off. Contrary to John's wishes his Alabama owners had notified him
+as well as the Governor, that in a short while he was to be taken to
+Alabama. This induced John to act with great promptness in leaving at
+the time that he did.
+
+After passing several years in Canada as has been already noticed, he
+returned to Richmond and paid a visit to his old home.
+
+He found that the governor and his wife had both departed, but two of
+the daughters (young ladies), still lived. They were both glad to see
+him; the younger especially; she told him that she was glad that he
+escaped, and that she "prayed for him." The elder remarked that she had
+always thought that he was too "good a Christian to run away." Another
+thing which she referred to, apparently with much feeling, was this: On
+his way to Canada, he wrote to the governor, from Rochester, "that he
+need put himself to no trouble in hunting him up, as he had made up his
+mind to visit Canada." She thought that John was rather "naughty," to
+write thus to her "papa," nevertheless, she was disposed to forgive him,
+after she had frankly spoken her mind.
+
+John found Richmond, which so long had held him in chains, fully
+humbled, and her slave power utterly cast down. His wondering eyes gazed
+until he was perfectly satisfied that it was the Lord's doings, and it
+was marvellous in his eyes. He was more than ever resolved to get an
+education, and go back to Virginia, to help teach his brethren who had
+been so long denied the privilege. It was not long before he was at
+Oberlin College, a faithful student, commanding the highest respect from
+all the faculty for his good deportment and studious habits.
+
+After advancing rapidly there, the way opened more fully to pursue his
+studies with greater facilities and less expense at a college in one of
+the Eastern States. He accepted the favors of friends who offered him
+assistance, with a view of preparing him for a mission among the
+freedmen, believing that he possessed in a high degree, the elements for
+a useful worker, preacher, organizer and teacher. As the friends alluded
+to, were about taking measures to start a college at Harper's Ferry,
+especially for the benefit of the Freedmen, they anticipated making this
+latitude the field of his future endeavors, at least for a time. Ere he
+graduated in view of the fact that the harvest in the South so urgently
+called for laborers, he was solicited to be an agent for the Storer
+College,[A] and subsequently to enter upon a mission under the auspices
+of the Free-Will Baptists, in Martinsburg, Virginia. For three or four
+years he labored in this field with commendable zeal and acceptably,
+gathering young and old in day and Sunday-schools, and also organizing
+churches. By his constant labors his health became impaired; receiving a
+call from a church in Providence, he accepted, not without knowing,
+however, that his mission was to be left in faithful hands, to carry on
+the good work.
+
+[Footnote A: The appended extract from an official circular, issued by
+the Board of Instruction of Storer College, will throw light upon this
+Institution: STORER COLLEGE, HARPER'S FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA.
+
+This Institution, deriving its name from John Storer, Esq., late of
+Sanford, Me., who gave ten thousand dollars to aid in its establishment,
+is located at Harper's Ferry, West Va., and has been chartered with full
+powers by a special act of the Legislature. The Corporation has been
+regularly organized, about thirty thousand dollars in money has been
+obtained, a large tract of land has been purchased, ample buildings have
+been secured, and a Normal School has been in successful operation
+during the last eighteen months. The U.S. authorities have repeatedly
+expressed their confidence in and sympathy with this undertaking, by
+liberal grants of money and buildings, and the agent for the
+distribution of the Peabody Fund, has pledged pecuniary aid to the best
+of the pupils in attendance, who may be in need of such assistance.
+
+REV. J. CALDER, D.D., _Pres._,
+
+Harrisburg, Penna.
+
+Harper's Ferry, West Va., March 1, 1869.
+
+REV. N.C. BRACKETT, _Act. Sec'y.,_
+
+Harper's Ferry, West Va. ]
+
+There is still need of efficient laborers in the Shenandoah Valley.
+According to the testimony of Mr. Dungy, scores of places may still be
+found where the children have no school privileges, and where many, both
+old and young, have never had the opportunity of entering a
+meeting-house or church since the war, as the spirit of the white
+Christians in these regions is greatly embittered against the colored
+people, owing to the abolition of Slavery; and they do not invite them
+to either church or school. Indeed, the churches are closed against
+them. At different times, Mr. Dungy has eloquently represented the
+condition of the colored churches of the South, in the city of
+Philadelphia. As a speaker, Mr. Dungy is able and interesting, of good
+address, remarkably graceful in his manners, and possessing much general
+information.
+
+The subjoined letters received from him, while a fugitive in Canada, are
+characteristic of the man, and will repay a perusal.
+
+
+    BRANTFORD, March 3d, 1860.
+
+    MR. WM. STILL, DEAR SIR:--I have seated myself this evening to
+    write you a few lines to inform you that I have got through my
+    journey, and landed safely in Brantford, where I found my
+    friend, Stepney Brown, and we expressed great joy at meeting
+    each other, and had a great shaking of hands, and have not got
+    done talking yet of the old times we had in Virginia.
+
+    I thank God I am enjoying vigorous health, and hope you all are
+    well, as it is written in the first Psalm, "Blessed is the man
+    that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in
+    the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
+
+    I wish you may think of me often and pray for me that I may grow
+    a man, one of the followers of our meek and lowly Saviour. Give
+    my love to Mrs. Still, and family, and the Rev. Mr. Gibbs, that
+    was residing with you when I was there.
+
+    I must now inform you a little about Canada, at least as much of
+    it as I have seen and heard. I arrived in the city of Hamilton,
+    on the 15th February, 1860, at nine o'clock in the evening, and
+    the weather was dreary and cold, and the cars laid over there
+    until ten o'clock next day, and I went up into the city and saw
+    a portion of it. I then started for Toronto, arrived there same
+    day at 12 o'clock. There I met friends from Richmond, remained
+    there several days; during the time we had a very extensive snow
+    storm, and I took the opportunity of walking around the city
+    looking at the elephants, and other great sights. I liked it
+    very much; but upon hearing that my friend and brother Stepney
+    Brown was in Brantford, I became disatisfied and left for
+    Brantford on the 21st February, 1860. I have found it a very
+    pleasant, and have been told it is the prettiest place in
+    Canada.
+
+    It is built upon the Grand River, which is two hundred miles
+    long, and empties into Lake Erie. It rises to a great height
+    every spring, and great masses of ice come down, bringing
+    bridges, saw-logs, trees, and fairly sweeps everything before
+    it. The people who live upon the flats are in great danger of
+    being drowned in their houses.
+
+    I got a situation immediately at the Kerby House, by the
+    influence of my friend and brother, Stepney Brown, who I must
+    say has been very kind to me, as also have the people of
+    Brantford. The Kerbey House is the largest hotel in the town
+    about 250 rooms, and a stable at the back, with a gas-house of
+    its own. No more at present, but remain,
+
+    Yours very respectfully,
+
+    JOHN WILLIAM DUNGY.
+
+    P.S. Write at your earliest convenience, and oblige your friend,
+    J.W.D.
+
+
+
+
+
+    BRANTFORD, April 20th.
+
+    MR. STILL, DEAR SIR:--I feel myself quite lonesome this evening,
+    and not hearing from you lately I take this opportunity to drop
+    you a few lines. I have not much to say, brother Brown has left
+    for the falls, and expects to return next winter. The weather is
+    mild and warm at this time; the grass is putting up and begins
+    to look like spring. I thank the Lord I am enjoying good health
+    at this time. I hope this letter will find you and your family
+    well, give my compliments to them all and Mr. Gibbs and the
+    young lady that was at your house when I was there. Times has
+    been hard this winter, but they are increasing for the better. I
+    wrote to you a few days ago, I don't know whether you got my
+    letter. I asked in my letter if Mr. Williams was on the
+    pennsylvania, that runs from their to Richmond, Va. I should
+    have written to him, but I did not know his number, I also named
+    a friend of mine, Mr Plumer if he arrives their pleas to tell
+    him to come to Brantford, where I am for there are good chances
+    for business I think a great deal about my colored brethren in
+    the South but I hope to be a benefit to them one of these days.
+    We have quite a melancholy affair about one of our colored
+    brothers who made his escape from the South those who took him
+    up have gone back to obtain witness to convict him for murder.
+    These witness is to be here on Monday 23 inst but the defendence
+    of the law says they shant take him back unless they bring good
+    witness and men of truth I will write you more about it after
+    the trial comes of. I must say a little about myself. I want to
+    devote myself to study if I can for the next twelve months. I
+    expect to leave the Kirby House on the 5th of may. I have taken
+    a barber shop which is a very good situation and one hand
+    employed with me. I would be much oblige to you if you would
+    give me some advice what to do. I sent you the morning herald
+    yesterday which contained a accident which occurd on the G.
+    trunk R.W. you will see in it that we don't have much politics
+    here. The late destructive fire we had I thought it would have
+    kept brantford back this summer but it is increasing slowly I
+    have nothing more to say at this time. I hope the Lord may bless
+    you all and take care of you in this world, and after time
+    receive you in his everlasting kingdom through Jesus Christ our
+    Lord. Answer this as soon as convenient. Good bye.
+
+    Yours respectfully
+
+    J.W. DUNGY.
+
+
+
+
+        BRANTFORD, C.W., JANUARY 11th, 61.
+
+
+    MR. WM. STILL, DEAR SIR:--I take this opportunity to drop you a
+    few lines to let you hear from me. I am well at this time,
+    hoping this will find you the same.
+
+    I acknowledge my great neglectness of you with great regret that
+    I have not answered your letter before this, I hope you will
+    excuse me as I have succeeded in getting me a wife since I wrote
+    to you last.
+
+    My mind has been much taken up in so doing for several months
+    past. Give my compliments to your wife and your family, and Mr.
+    Gibbs, also hoping they are all well. Tell Mrs. Still to pray
+    for me that I may grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth
+    as it is in Jesus.
+
+    I often think of you all. I pray that the time may come when we
+    will all be men in the United States. We have read here of the
+    great disturbance in the South. My prayer is that this may be a
+    deathblow to Slavery. Do you ever have any Underground Rail Road
+    passengers now? Times have been very prosperous in Canada this
+    year.
+
+    The commercial trade and traffic on the railways has been very
+    dull for these few months back. Business on the Buffalo and Lake
+    Huron railway has been so dull that a great number of the hands
+    have been discharged on account of the panic in the South.
+
+    Canada yet cries, Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!
+
+    I must now say a little about my friend and brother Stepney
+    Brown, he lived about six months at the Niagara Falls and is now
+    going to school here in Brantford, he sends his best respects to
+    you all. He and I often sit together at night after the labor of
+    the day is over talking about our absent friends wishing we
+    could see them once more.
+
+    Mr. Brown and myself have been wishing for one or two of your
+    slavery standards and would be much obliged to you if you would
+    send some of the latest.
+
+    Please let me hear from you as soon as possible. I must now
+    bring my letter to a close and remain your affectionate friend,
+
+    J.W. DUNGY.
+
+    P.S. May the Lord be with you. J.W. DUNGY.
+
+    Address your letter to John W. Dungy, Brantford, C.W.
+
+
+
+
+"AUNT HANNAH MOORE."
+
+
+In 1854 in company with her so-called Mistress (Mary Moore) Aunt Hannah
+arrived in Philadelphia, from Missouri, being _en route_ to California,
+where she with her mistress was to join her master, who had gone there
+years before to seek his fortune. The mistress having relatives in this
+city tarried here a short time, not doubting that she had sufficient
+control over Aunt Hannah to keep her from contact with either
+abolitionists or those of her own color, and that she would have no
+difficulty in taking her with her to her journey's end. If such were her
+calculations she was greatly mistaken. For although Aunt Hannah was
+destitute of book-learning she was nevertheless a woman of thought and
+natural ability, and while she wisely kept her counsel from her mistress
+she took care to make her wants known to an abolitionist. She had passed
+many years under the yoke, under different owners, and now seeing a ray
+of hope she availed herself of the opportunity to secure her freedom.
+She had occasion to go to a store in the neighborhood where she was
+stopping, and to her unspeakable joy she found the proprietor an
+abolitionist and a friend who inquired into her condition and proffered
+her assistance. The store-keeper quickly made known her condition at the
+Anti-slavery Office, and in double-quick time J.M. McKim and Charles
+Wise as abolitionists and members of the Vigilance Committee repaired to
+the stopping-place of the mistress and her slave to demand in the name
+of humanity and the laws of Pennsylvania that Aunt Hannah should be no
+longer held in fetters but that she should be immediately proclaimed
+free. In the eyes of the mistress this procedure was so extraordinary
+that she became very much excited and for a moment threatened them with
+the "broomstick," but her raving had no effect on Messrs. McKim and
+Wise, who did not rest contented until Aunt Hannah was safely in their
+hands. She had lived a slave in Moore's family in the State of Missouri
+about ten years and said she was treated very well, had plenty to eat,
+plenty to wear, and a plenty of work. It was prior to her coming into
+the possession of Moore that Aunt Hannah had been made to drink the
+bitter waters of oppression. From this point, therefore, we shall
+present some of the incidents of her life, from infancy, and very nearly
+word for word as she related them:
+
+"Moore bought me from a man named McCaully, who owned me about a year. I
+fared dreadful bad under McCaully. One day in a rage he undertook to
+beat me with the limb of a cherry-tree; he began at me and tried in the
+first place to snatch my clothes off, but he did not succeed. After that
+he beat the cherry-tree limb all to pieces over me. The first blow
+struck me on the back of my neck and knocked me down; his wife was
+looking on, sitting on the side of the bed crying to him to lay on.
+After the limb was worn out he then went out to the yard and got a lath,
+and he come at me again and beat me with that until he broke it all to
+pieces. He was not satisfied then; he next went to the fence and tore
+off a paling, and with that he took both hands, 'cursing' me all the
+time as hard as he could. With an oath he would say, 'now don't you love
+me?' 'Oh master, I will pray for you, I would cry, then he would 'cuss'
+harder than ever.' He beat me until he was tired and quit. I crept out
+of doors and throwed up blood; some days I was hardly able to creep.
+With this beating I was laid up several weeks. Another time Mistress
+McCaully got very angry. One day she beat me as bad as he did. She was a
+woman who would get very mad in a minute. One day she began scolding and
+said the kitchen wasn't kept clean. I told her the kitchen was kept as
+clean as any kitchen in the place; she spoke very angry, and said she
+didn't go by other folks but she had rules of her own. She soon ordered
+me to come in to her. I went in as she ordered me; she met me with a
+mule-rope, and ordered me to cross my hands. I crossed my hands and she
+tied me to the bedstead. Here her husband said, 'my dear, now let me do
+the fighting.' In her mad fit she said he shouldn't do it, and told him
+to stand back and keep out of the way or I will give you the cowhide she
+said to him. He then 'sot' down in a 'cheer' and looked like a man
+condemned to be hung; then she whipped me with the cowhide until I sunk
+to the floor. He then begged her to quit. He said to his wife she has
+begged and begged and you have whipped her enough. She only raged 'wus;'
+she turned the butt end of the cowhide and struck me five or six blows
+over my head as hard as she could; she then throwed the cowhide down and
+told a little girl to untie me. The little girl was not able to do it;
+Mr. McCaully then untied me himself. Both times that I was beat the
+blood run down from my head to my feet.
+
+"They wouldn't give you anything to eat hardly. McCaully bore the name
+of coming by free colored children without buying them, and selling them
+afterwards. One boy on the place always said that he was free but had
+been kidnapped from Arkansas. He could tell all about how he was
+kidnapped, but could not find anybody to do anything for him, so he had
+to content himself.
+
+"McCaully bought me from a man by the name of Landers. While in Landers'
+hands I had the rheumatism and was not able to work. He was afraid I was
+going to die, or he would lose me, and I would not be of any service to
+him, so he took and traded me off for a wagon. I was something better
+when he traded me off; well enough to be about. My health remained bad
+for about four years, and I never got my health until Moore bought me.
+Moore took me for a debt. McCaully owed Moore for wagons. I was not born
+in Missouri but was born in Virginia. From my earliest memory I was
+owned by Conrad Hackler; he lived in Grason County. He was a very poor
+man, and had no other slave but me. He bought me before I was quite four
+years old, for one hundred dollars. Hackler bought me from a man named
+William Scott. I must go back by good rights to the beginning and tell
+all: Scott bought me first from a young man he met one day in the road,
+with a bundle in his arms. Scott, wishing to know of the young man what
+he had in his bundle, was told that he had a baby. 'What are you going
+to do with it?' said Scott. The young man said that he was going to take
+it to his sister; that its mother was dead, and it had nobody to take
+care of it. Scott offered the young man a horse for it, and the young
+man took him up. This is the way I was told that Scott came by me. I
+never knowed anything about my mother or father, but I have always
+believed that my mother was a white woman, and that I was put away to
+save her character; I have always thought this. Under Hackler I was
+treated more like a brute than a human being. I was fed like the dogs;
+had a trough dug out of a piece of wood for a plate. After I growed up
+to ten years old they made me sleep out in an old house standing off
+some distance from the main house where my master and mistress lived. A
+bed of straw and old rags was made for me in a big trough called the tan
+trough (a trough having been used for tanning purposes). The cats about
+the place came and slept with me, and was all the company I had. I had
+to work with the hoe in the field and help do everything in doors and
+out in all weathers. The place was so poor that some seasons he would
+not raise twenty bushels of corn and hardly three bushels of wheat. As
+for shoes I never knowed what it was to have a pair of shoes until I was
+grown up. After I growed up to be a woman my master thought nothing of
+taking my clothes off, and would whip me until the blood would run down
+to the ground. After I was twenty-five years old they did not treat me
+so bad; they both professed to get religion about that time; and my
+master said he would never lay the weight of his finger on me again.
+Once after that mistress wanted him to whip me, but he didn't do it, nor
+never whipped me any more. After awhile my master died; if they had gone
+according to law I would have been hired out or sold, but my mistress
+wanted to keep me to carry on the place for her support. So I was kept
+for seven or eight years after his death. It was understood between my
+mistress, and her children, and her friends, who all met after master
+died, that I was to take care of mistress, and after mistress died I
+should not serve anybody else. I done my best to keep my mistress from
+suffering. After a few years they all became dissatisfied, and moved to
+Missouri. They scattered, and took up government land. Without means
+they lived as poor people commonly live, on small farms in the woods. I
+still lived with my mistress. Some of the heirs got dissatisfied, and
+sued for their rights or a settlement; then I was sold with my child, a
+boy."
+
+Thus Aunt Hannah reviewed her slave-life, showing that she had been in
+the hands of six different owners, and had seen great tribulation under
+each of them, except the last; that she had never known a mother's or a
+father's care; that Slavery had given her one child, but no husband as a
+protector or a father. The half of what she passed through in the way of
+suffering has scarcely been hinted at in this sketch. Fifty-seven years
+were passed in bondage before she reached Philadelphia. Under the good
+Providence through which she came in possession of her freedom, she
+found a kind home with a family of Abolitionists, (Mrs. Gillingham's),
+whose hearts had been in deep sympathy with the slave for many years. In
+this situation Aunt Hannah remained several years, honest, faithful, and
+obliging, taking care of her earnings, which were put out at interest
+for her by her friends. Her mind was deeply imbued with religious
+feeling, and an unshaken confidence in God as her only trust; she
+connected herself with the A.M.E. Bethel Church, of Philadelphia, where
+she has walked, blameless and exemplary up to this day. Probably there
+is not a member in that large congregation whose simple faith and whose
+walk and conversation are more commendable than Aunt Hannah's. Although
+she has passed through so many hardships she is a woman of good judgment
+and more than average intellect; enjoys good health, vigor, and peace of
+mind in her old days, with a small income just sufficient to meet her
+humble wants without having to live at service. After living in
+Philadelphia for several years, she was married to a man of about her
+own age, possessing all her good qualities; had served a life-time in a
+highly respectable Quaker family of this city, and had so won the esteem
+of his kind employer that at his death he left him a comfortable house
+for life, so that he was not under the necessity of serving another. The
+name of the recipient of the good Quaker friend's bounty and Aunt
+Hannah's companion, was Thomas Todd. After a few years of wedded life,
+Aunt Hannah was called upon to be left alone again in the world by the
+death of her husband, whose loss was mourned by many friends, both
+colored and white, who knew and respected him.
+
+
+
+KIDNAPPING OF RACHEL AND ELIZABETH PARKER--MURDER OF JOSEPH C. MILLER IN
+1851 AND 1852.
+
+
+Those who were interested in the Anti-Slavery cause, and who kept posted
+with reference to the frequent cases of kidnapping occurring in
+different Free States, especially in Pennsylvania, during the twenty
+years previous to emancipation, cannot fail to remember the kidnapping
+of Rachel and Elizabeth Parker, and the murder of Joseph C. Miller, who
+resided in West Nottingham township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, in
+the latter part of 1851, and the beginning of 1852.
+
+Both the kidnapping and the murder at the time of the occurrence shocked
+and excited the better thinking and humane classes largely, not only in
+Pennsylvania, but to a considerable extent over the Northern States. It
+may be said, without contradiction, that Chester county, at least, was
+never more aroused by any one single outrage that had taken place within
+her borders, than by these occurrences. For a long while the interest
+was kept alive, and even as lately as the past year (1870), we find the
+case still agitating the citizens of Chester county. Judge Benjamin I.
+Passmore, of said county, in defence of truth in an exhaustive article
+published in the "Village Record," West Chester, Oct. 12th, 1870, gives
+a reliable version of the matter, from beginning to end, which we feel
+constrained to give in full, as possessing great historical value,
+bearing on kidnapping in general, especially in Pennsylvania.
+
+
+    TOM M'CREARY.
+
+    FRIEND EVANS:--I noticed in the "Village Record," a short time
+    since, an article taken from the Delaware "Transcript," an
+    obituary notice of the death of the noted character, whose name
+    heads this article, in which false statements were made,
+    relative to the outrage he committed in kidnapping Rachel and
+    Elizabeth Parker, two colored girls who were then, 1851,
+    residing in the southern portion of Chester county. In your
+    paper of the 13th ult., I also read an answer to the charges and
+    insinuations made in the "Transcript," against Joseph C. Miller,
+    (whose life was basely destroyed), and other citizens of Chester
+    county; as the occurrence took place in my immediate
+    neighborhood, and I was familiar with all the facts and
+    circumstances, I propose to give a truthful history of that vile
+    and wicked transaction.
+
+    In the winter of 1851, the said McCreary in some unexplained
+    way, took Elizabeth Parker, one of the said colored girls, from
+    the house of one Donally (not McDonald), in the township of East
+    Nottingham, where she was living; but little was said about it
+    by Donally, or any one else. Soon after, McCreary with two or
+    three others of like proclivities, called at the house of Joseph
+    C. Miller, in West Nottingham, where Rachel was living, and
+    seized her, gagged her, and placed her in a carriage and drove
+    off. The screams of Mrs. Miller and her children, soon brought
+    the husband and father to the rescue; he pursued them on foot,
+    and at a short distance overtook them in a narrow private road,
+    disputing with James Pollock, the owner of the land, whose wagon
+    prevented them from passing. They turned and took another road,
+    and came out at Stubb's Mill, making for the Maryland line with
+    all possible speed; they arrived at Perryville before the train
+    for Baltimore. Eli Haines and a young man named Wiley, who lived
+    near Rising Sun, Maryland, about two miles from Joseph C.
+    Miller's, arrived at the same place soon after, intending to go
+    to Philadelphia. Mr. Haines knew Rachel, and seeing McCreary
+    there, and her so overwhelmed in sorrow, at once guessed the
+    situation of affairs, and he and Wiley changed their intentions
+    of going to Philadelphia, and went in the same car with McCreary
+    and his victim, to Baltimore, and quietly watched what
+    disposition would be made of her, as they felt certain pursuit
+    would be made.
+
+    As soon as possible, after McCreary had escaped from West
+    Nottingham, Joseph C. Miller, William Morris, Abner Richardson,
+    Jesse B. Kirk, and H.G. Coates, started in pursuit on horseback;
+    when they arrived at Perryville, the train had gone, with the
+    kidnapper and the girl; they followed in the next train. Soon
+    after they arrived in Baltimore, they were met by Haines and
+    Wiley, who had been on the lookout for a pursuing party, and
+    they gave the information that Rachel was deposited in
+    Campbell's slave-pen. They were directed by an acquaintance of
+    one of the party, to Francis S. Cochran, a prominent member of
+    the Society of Friends. Francis informed them he was well
+    acquainted with Campbell, and he at once accompained them.
+    Campbell assured Friend Cochran that whilst he approved of
+    Slavery and catching runaway slaves, he despised kidnapping and
+    kidnappers; and on the arrival of McCreary, he ordered him to
+    remove Rachel forthwith, which he proceeded to do. Friend
+    Cochran insisted on going with them, and saw the girl deposited
+    in jail to await a legal investigation. By this time it was
+    evening, and the Chester county men all went home with Cochran,
+    where they had their suppers; the excitement being great, Friend
+    Cochran did not consider it safe for them to go to the depot
+    direct; he procured their tickets and had them driven by a
+    circuitous route to the depot, charging them to keep together,
+    and take their seats in the cars at once. Soon after they were
+    seated and before the cars started, Miller stepped out on the
+    platform to smoke, against the expostulations of his friends.
+    Jesse B. Kirk, his brother-in-law and Abner Richardson followed
+    immediately, and although they were right at his heels, he was
+    gone; they called him by name, and stepped down into the crowd,
+    but soon became alarmed for their own safety, and returned to
+    their seats. A consultation was held, and it was agreed that
+    Wiley, who was least known, and not directly identified with the
+    affair, should pass through the train when it started, and see
+    if Miller had not mistakenly got into another car. At Stemen's
+    Run station, Wiley returned to the party with the sad tidings
+    that Joseph C. Miller was not in that train. On consultation, it
+    was agreed that Jesse B. Kirk and Abner Richardson should return
+    from Perryville in the next train, and prosecute further search
+    for Miller. They did so return, and McCreary also returned to
+    Baltimore in the same car, he having left Baltimore in the car
+    in the evening with the Chester county men; they arrived late in
+    the night, and locked themselves up in a room in the first hotel
+    they came to. Their search was fruitless, and they were forced
+    to return home with the sad tidings that Miller could not be
+    found. This intelligence aroused the whole neighborhood; public
+    meetings were held to consult about what was best to be done.
+    The writer presided at one of those meetings, which was largely
+    attended, and it was with difficulty that the people could be
+    restrained from organizing an armed force to kidnap and lynch
+    McCreary. Better counsels, however, finally prevailed and it was
+    resolved to send a party to Baltimore to prosecute further the
+    search for Miller. About twenty men volunteered for the service;
+    I went to the house of Joseph C. Miller, the morning they were
+    to start, but they had met at Lewis Mellrath's, a brother-in-law
+    of Miller. I was there endeavoring to console the aged mother
+    and distracted wife and children of Joseph C. Miller, when word
+    came that he had been found hanging to a limb in the bushes near
+    Stemen's Run station, and such a scene of distress I hope may
+    never again be my lot to witness; it was heart-rending in the
+    extreme.
+
+    The party went to Baltimore, and such was the excitement that it
+    was considered unsafe for the party to go out in a body in
+    day-time. Levi K. Brown, who then resided in Baltimore, went
+    with them by moonlight, and they disinterred the body, which
+    they found about two feet under ground, in a rough box, with a
+    narrow lid that freely admitted the dirt to surround his body in
+    the box. No undertaker in Baltimore could be found that would
+    allow the body left at his place of business whilst a coffin was
+    prepared, and it was deposited in "Friends'" vault; a coffin was
+    finally procured and William Morris and Abner Richardson started
+    with it for his home. When they arrived at Perryville no one
+    would render them any assistance, and they were compelled to
+    leave the corpse in an old saw mill, and walk up to Port
+    Deposit, a distance of five miles, in the night, the weather
+    being extremely cold, and a deep snow on the ground. There they
+    procured horses and a sled and started with the body, but when
+    within a short distance of the Pennsylvania line they were
+    overtaken by a messenger with a requisition from the Governor of
+    Maryland to return the body to Baltimore county, in order that
+    an inquisition and post-mortem examination might be held in
+    legal form. With sorrowful hearts they turned back; (one of
+    these young men told me that at no place south of Port Deposit
+    could they get any one to assist them in handling the corpse).
+    By this time the affair had created a great excitement, both in
+    Chester county and the City of Baltimore. Rev. John M. Dickey,
+    Hon. Henry S. Evans, then a member of the Senate. Brinton
+    Darlington, then Sheriff of Chester county, and very many of the
+    leading men took a deep interest in the matter; we all did our
+    part. The Society of Friends in Baltimore took the matter in
+    hand, and many other worthy citizens belonging to the
+    Presbyterian Church and others lent their aid and influence.
+    Hon. Henry S. Evans, who was then in the Senate of Pennsylvania,
+    brought the matter before the Legislature, and the result was
+    that the Governor appointed Judges Campbell and Bell, the latter
+    of our county, to defend these two poor colored girls thus
+    foully kidnapped.
+
+    The body of Miller underwent a post-mortem examination in
+    Baltimore county, at which a great number of rowdies attended,
+    who occupied their time drinking whisky and cursing the
+    Pennsylvania Abolitionists; the body finally reached its
+    distressed home for interment. Drs. Hutchinson and Dickey were
+    called upon to make an examination, at which I was present, and
+    all were clearly of opinion that he had been foully murdered.
+    His wrists and ankles bore the unmistakable marks of manacles;
+    across the abdomen was a black mark as if made by a rope or
+    cord; the end of his nose bore marks as if held by some
+    instrument of torture. His funeral took place, and his remains
+    were followed to the grave by an immense concourse of
+    sympathizing friends and neighbors.
+
+    Such, however, was the excitement, that the public demanded a
+    further examination; he was disinterred again, and the same two
+    eminent physicians made a thorough post-mortem examination, and
+    one of them told the writer that there were not two ounces of
+    contents in his stomach and bowels, and that there was abundant
+    evidence of the presence of arsenic. His remains were again
+    interred and suffered to remain undisturbed.
+
+    The theory of his friends was that he had been suddenly snatched
+    from the platform of the car in the Baltimore Depot, gagged,
+    stripped, and lashed down by the ankles and wrists, and a rope
+    across his abdomen, that his nose had been held by some
+    instrument, and that he was in this situation drenched with
+    arsenic, and puked and purged to death, and that McCreary, or
+    some one for him, had heard Wiley repeat at Stemen's Run
+    Station, that he was not on the train, conceived the idea of
+    taking his body there and hanging it to a tree to convey the
+    idea that he had committed suicide at that place, and such was
+    the statement published by some of the Maryland newspapers. His
+    companions said he eat a very hearty supper that evening at
+    Francis S. Cochran's, which with the other facts that his
+    clothing were not soiled, and his stomach and bowels were empty,
+    goes strongly to substantiate the theory that he had been
+    stripped and foully murdered, as above indicated. Never was
+    there a more false assertion than that the "broad brimmed
+    Quakers in Pennsylvania were accomplices of McCreary," as it is
+    well known that opposition to slavery has been a cardinal
+    principle of the Society of Friends for a century. And that
+    Joseph C. Miller committed suicide because of his being
+    implicated in the kidnapping is a base fabrication. I knew
+    Joseph C. Miller from boyhood intimately, and I here take
+    pleasure in saying that he was an honest, unassuming man, of
+    good moral character and stern integrity, and would have spurned
+    the idea of any complication, directly or indirectly, with
+    slavery or kidnapping.
+
+    It appears his foul murder was not sufficient to satisfy the
+    friends of slavery and kidnapping, but an attempt is now made,
+    after the victim has slumbered near twenty years in the grave,
+    to blast his good name by insinuating that he was a party, or
+    implicated in the vile transactions here narrated.
+
+    Rachel remained in jail; Elizabeth, who had been sold to parties
+    in New Orleans, was sent for by Campbell, ample security having
+    been given that she should be returned if proved to be a slave.
+    Their trial finally came on, and after a long and tedious
+    investigation they were both proven, by hosts of respectable
+    witnesses to be free. They returned to their mother, in Chester
+    county, who was still living.
+
+    The Grand Jury of Chester county found a true bill against
+    McCreary for kidnapping, a requisition was obtained, and B.
+    Darlington, Esq., then High Sheriff, proceeded with it to
+    Annapolis; but the Governor of Maryland refused to allow
+    McCreary to be arrested in that State.
+
+    Thus terminated this terrible affair, which cost the State of
+    Pennsylvania nearly $3000, as well as a heavy expense to many
+    citizens of Baltimore, and those of this county who took an
+    active part, and whilst it is to be hoped that the principal
+    actor in this sad transaction fully atoned for his evil deeds,
+    whilst living, and his friends may have had a right to eulogize
+    him after death, they should not have gone out of their way to
+    traduce other parties, dead and alive, whose reputations were
+    known by living witnesses, to be beyond reproach.
+
+    JUSTICE.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM VIRGINIA, 1854.
+
+
+TUCKER WHITE.
+
+
+Tucker reported that he fled from Major Isaac Roney, of Dinwiddie
+Court-House, Virginia, in the Christmas week prior to his arrival; that
+he reached Petersburg and then encountered difficulties of the most
+trying nature; he next stopped at City Point, and was equally
+unfortunate there. From exposure in the cold he was severely
+frost-bitten. While suffering from the frost he was kept in the
+poor-house. After partial recovery he made his way to Baltimore and
+thence to Philadelphia. Once or twice he was captured and carried back.
+The Committee suspected that he was a cunning impostor who had learned
+how to tell a tale of suffering simply to excite the sympathies of the
+benevolent; yet, with the map of Virginia before them, he proved himself
+familiar with localities adjacent to the neighborhood in which he was
+raised. Although not satisfied with his statement, the Committee decided
+to aid him.
+
+Passmore Williamson, who had taken a deep interest in the examination of
+his case, in order to ascertain the facts, addressed the following note
+to Major Roney, using as his signature the name of his friend, Wm. J.
+Canby:
+
+
+    PHILADELPHIA, June 24, 1854.
+
+    MAJOR ISAAC RONEY:
+
+    DEAR SIR:--Within a few days past a colored man has been
+    traversing the streets of this city, exciting the sympathies of
+    the benevolent by the recital of a tale of the hardships he has
+    lately passed through. He represents himself to be Tucker White,
+    your slave, a carpenter by trade, and that he escaped from your
+    service last Christmas. He is quite dark in complexion, rather
+    over the medium size, and a little lame; the latter, probably,
+    from the effects of frost on his feet, from which, he alleges,
+    he suffered severely.
+
+    He seems to be well acquainted with the adjoining localities,
+    but altogether his narrative is almost incredible, and I am
+    therefore induced to make the inquiry whether such a man has
+    escaped from your service or lately left your neighborhood. We
+    are perfectly flooded with such vagrants. It would be a great
+    relief if some measures could be resorted to to keep them under
+    legal restraint. An answer addressed to No. 73 South 4th Street,
+    above Walnut, will reach me, and oblige, Yours, &c.
+
+    WM. J. CANBY.
+
+
+Weeks passed, but no answer came from the Major. All hope was abandoned
+of obtaining a more satisfactory clue to the history of Tucker White.
+About three months, however, after Mr. Williamson had written, the
+appended note came as an answer:
+
+
+    MR. CANBY:
+
+    Major Roney received a letter from you relative to his boy,
+    Tucker White, and has sent me here to inquire of you his
+    whereabouts now. If you know anything concerning him and will
+    give me such information so I can get him, you will be rewarded
+    for your trouble. You will please address,
+
+    No. 147 American Hotel.
+
+    The Major would have sent on sooner but he has been sick, and
+    the letter laid in Office several days.
+
+
+Mr. Canby was at the time ill, and no attention was paid to the
+communication. After a day's delay the following note came to hand, but,
+as in the former instance, no answer was returned.
+
+
+    MR. CANBY:
+
+    You will confer a great favor on me by writing me whether you
+    were really the author of a letter to Major Isaac Roney, of
+    Dinwiddie Court House, Va., relative to his boy Tucker White,
+    and if you were the author, please let me know when you last saw
+    him, and where. I called at your office yesterday to see you,
+    but your cousin (I think he said he was) told me you had the
+    cholera, and if you felt well enough you were going to the
+    country to-morrow. I hope you will excuse my writing to you
+    to-day, on that account. I would not know where to direct a
+    letter if I were to wait until to-morrow. If you know anything
+    concerning him and will let me know it, so that I can find and
+    arrest him, you will very much oblige
+
+    Yours, &c.,
+
+    I.M. TUCKER.
+
+    No. 147 American Hotel.
+
+    Please write me an answer to-day, so I may know how to proceed
+    to-morrow. If I find him I will be very happy to see you before
+    I leave in behalf of Major Roney, in whose business I am now
+    engaged. I.M.T.
+
+
+Some one, however, who had a hand in the first letter, referred the
+Major to Passmore Williamson, Seventh and Arch Streets. To Mr.
+Williamson's surprise the individual who had addressed Mr. C. appeared
+at his office with the identical letter in his hand that had been
+addressed him by Mr. W. (with W.J.C.'s signature.) On addressing Mr. W.
+he held out the letter and inquired: "Are you the author of this letter,
+sir?" Mr. W. looked at it and remarked that it appeared to have been
+written by a man named Canby. "My name is Williamson, but if you will
+walk in and take a seat I will attend to you in a few moments."
+Accordingly, after occupying a little time in adjusting some papers, he
+signified to the stranger that he was ready to answer any of his
+questions. Said Mr. W., "I say frankly that I am the author of that
+letter." He then paused for a reply. The stranger then said, "I have
+come from Virginia in behalf of Major Roney, in search of his boy,
+Tucker White; the Major was very anxious to recover him, and he would
+gladly reward Mr. W. or anybody else who would aid him in the matter."
+He then asked Mr. W. if he knew anything of his whereabouts. Mr. W.
+replied: "I do not at present; for a long time I have heard nothing of
+him. I must tell you that I am very sorry that Major Roney gave himself
+the trouble to send all the way to Philadelphia to re-capture his 'boy
+Tucker White,' and with regard to giving information or assistance, I
+know of but one or two men in this city who would be mean enough to
+stoop to do such dirty work. Geo. F. Alberti, a notorious kidnapper, and
+E.D. Ingraham, equally as notorious as a counsel of slave-hunters whom
+everybody here despises, might have served you in this matter. I know no
+others to recommend; if anybody can find the 'boy,' they can. But should
+they find him they will be obliged to take legal steps in arresting him
+before they can proceed. In such a case, instead of assisting Major
+Roney, I should feel bound to assist Tucker White by throwing every
+obstacle that I possibly could in the way of his being carried back to
+Virginia; and to close the matter I wish it to be understood that I do
+not desire to hold any further correspondence with Major Roney, of
+Dinwiddie, Virginia, about his 'boy,' Tucker White."
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL FROM NORFOLK.
+
+
+MARY MILLBURN, _alias_ LOUISA F. JONES, ESCAPED IN MALE ATTIRE.
+
+
+Neither in personal appearance, manners, nor language, were any traces
+of the Peculiar Institution visible in Mary Millburn. On the contrary,
+she represented a young lady, with a passable education, and very
+refined in her deportment. She had eaten the white bread of Slavery,
+under the Misses Chapman, and they had been singularly kind to her,
+taking special pains with her in regard to the company she should keep,
+a point important to young girls, so liable to exposure as were the
+unprotected young females of the South. She being naturally of a happy
+disposition, obliging, competent, there was but little room for any jars
+in the household, so far as Mary was concerned. Notwithstanding all
+this, she was not satisfied; Slavery in its most dreaded aspect, was all
+around her, continually causing the heart to bleed and eyes to weep of
+both young and old. The auction-block and slave-pen were daily in view.
+Young girls as promising as herself, she well knew, had to be exposed,
+examined, and sold to the vilest slave-holders living.
+
+[Illustration: ]
+
+With her knowledge of the practical wickedness of the system, how could
+she be satisfied? It was impossible! She determined to escape. She could
+be accommodated, but with no favored mode of travel. No flowery beds of
+ease could be provided in her case, any more than in the case of others.
+Mary took the Underground Rail Road enterprise into consideration. The
+opportunity of a passage on a steamer was before her to accept or
+refuse. The spirit of freedom dictated that she should accept the offer
+and leave by the first boat. Admonished that she could reach the boat
+and also travel more safely in male attire she at once said, "Any way so
+I succeed." It is not to be supposed for a moment, that the effort could
+be made without encountering a great "fight of affliction." When the
+hour arrived for the boat to start, Mary was nicely secreted in a box
+(place), where she was not discovered when the officers made their usual
+search. On arriving in Philadelphia, she mingled her rejoicings with the
+Committee in testifying to the great advantage of the Underground Rail
+Road, and to the carefulness of its agents in guarding against
+accidents. After remaining a short time in Philadelphia, she made choice
+of Boston as her future residence, and with a letter of introduction to
+William Lloyd Garrison, she proceeded thitherward. How she was received,
+and what she thought of the place and people, may be gleaned from this
+letter (written by herself.)
+
+
+    BOSTON, May 15th, 1858.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND:--I have selected this oppotunity to write you a few
+    lines, hopeing thay may find you and yours enjoying helth and
+    happiness. I arrived hear on Thirsday last, and had a lettor of
+    intoduction giving to me by one of the gentlemen at the
+    Antoslavery office in New York, to Mr. Garrison in Boston, I
+    found him and his lady both to bee very clever. I stopped with
+    them the first day of my arrivel hear, since that Time I have
+    been living with Mrs. Hilliard I have met with so menny of my
+    acquaintances hear, that I all most immagion my self to bee in
+    the old country. I have not been to Canaday yet, as you
+    expected. I had the pleasure of seeing the lettor that you wrote
+    to them on the subject. I suffered much on the road with head
+    ake but since that time I have no reason to complain, please do
+    not for git to send the degarritips in the Shaimpain basket with
+    Dr. Lundys, Mr. Lesley said he will send them by express, tell
+    Julia kelly, that through mistake, I took one of her pocket
+    handkerchift, that was laying on the table, but I shall keep it
+    in remembranc of the onner. I must bring my lettor to a close as
+    I have nothing more to say, and believe me to be your faithfull
+    friend.
+
+    LOUISA P. JONES.
+
+    P.S. Remember me to each, and every member of your familly and
+    all Enquiring Friends.
+
+
+Being of an industrious turn she found a situation immediately, and from
+that day to the present, she has sustained an excellent character in
+every respect, and as a fashionable dressmaker does a good business.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ARRIVAL OF FIFTEEN FROM NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.
+
+
+PER SCHOONER--TWICE SEARCHED--LANDED AT LEAGUE ISLAND.
+
+ISAAC FORMAN, HENRY WILLIAMS, WILLIAM SEYMOUR, HARRIET TAYLOR, MARY
+BIRD, MRS. LEWEY, SARAH SAUNDERS, SOPHIA GRAY, HENRY GRAY, MARY GRAY,
+WINFIELD SCOTT, and three children.
+
+
+About the 4th of July, 1856, a message reached the Secretary that a
+schooner containing fifteen Underground Rail Road passengers, from
+Norfolk, Virginia, would be landed near League Island, directly at the
+foot of Broad street, that evening at a late hour, and a request
+accompanied the message, to the effect that the Committee would be on
+hand to receive them. Accordingly the Secretary procured three
+carriages, with trustworthy drivers, and between ten and eleven o'clock
+at night arrived on the banks of the Schuylkill, where all was quiet as
+a "country grave-yard." The moon was shining and soon the mast of a
+schooner was discovered. No sign of any other vessel was then in sight.
+On approaching the bank, in the direction of the discovered mast, the
+schooner was also discovered. The hearts of those on board were swelling
+with unutterable joy; yet even at that dead hour of night, far away from
+all appearance of foes, no one felt at liberty to give vent to his
+feelings other than in a whisper. The name of the captain and schooner
+being at once recognized, the first impulse was to jump down on the
+deck. Upon second view it was seen that the descent was too great to
+admit of such a feat. In a moment we concluded that we could pull them
+up the embankment from the deck by taking hold of their hands as they
+stood on tip toe.
+
+One after another was pulled up, and warmly greeted, until it came the
+turn of a large object, weighing about two hundred and sixty pounds,
+full large enough to make two ordinary women. The captain, who had
+experienced much inconvenience with her on the voyage, owing to the
+space she required chuckled over the fact that the Committee would have
+their hands full for once. Poor Mrs. Walker, however, stretched out her
+large arms, we seized her hands vigorously; the captain laughing
+heartily as did the other passengers at the tug now being made. We
+pulled with a will, but Mrs. Walker remained on the deck. A one horse
+power was needed. The pullers took breath, and again took hold, this
+time calling upon the captain to lay-to a helping hand; the captain
+prepared to do so, and as she was being raised, he having a good
+foot-hold, placed himself in a position for pushing to the full extent
+of his powers, and thus she was safely landed. All being placed in the
+carriages, they were driven to the station and comfortably provided for.
+
+On the voyage they had encountered more than the usual dangers. Indeed
+troubles began with them before they had set sail from Norfolk. The
+first indication of danger manifested itself as they stood on the bank
+of the river awaiting the arrival of a small boat which had been engaged
+to row them to the schooner. Although they had sought as they supposed a
+safe place, sufficiently far from the bounds usually traversed by the
+police; still, in the darkness, they imagined they heard watchmen
+coming. Just on the edge of the river, opposite where they were waiting,
+a boat under repairs was in the stocks. In order to evade the advancing
+foe, they all marched into the river, the water being shallow, and with
+the vessel for a breastwork hiding them from the shore, there they
+remained for an hour and a half. They were thoroughly soaked if nothing
+more. However, about ten o'clock a small oyster boat came to their
+relief, and all were soon placed aboard the schooner, which was loaded
+with corn, etc. All, with the exception of the large woman above
+referred to, and one other female, were required to enter a hole
+apparently leading through the bottom of the boat, but in reality only a
+department which had been expressly constructed for the Underground Rail
+Road business, at the expense of the captain, and in accordance with his
+own plan.
+
+The entrance was not sufficiently large to admit Mrs. Walker, so she
+with another female who was thought "too fat" to endure the close
+confinement, was secreted behind some corn back of the cabin, a place so
+secluded that none save well-experienced searchers would be likely to
+find it. In this way the Captain put out to sea. After some fifteen
+hours he deemed it safe to bring his passengers up on deck where they
+could inhale pure air which was greatly needed, as they had been
+next-door to suffocation and death. The change of air had such an effect
+on one of the passengers (Scott) that, in his excitement, he refused to
+conform to the orders required; for prudential reasons the Captain,
+threatened to throw him over-board. Whereupon Scott lowered his tone.
+Before reaching the lock the Captain supposing that they might be in
+danger from contact with boats, men, etc., again called upon them "to go
+into their hole" under the deck. Not even the big woman was excused now.
+She pleaded that she could not get through, her fellow-sufferers said
+that she must be got through urging the matter on the ground that they
+would have great danger to face. The big woman again tried to effect an
+entrance, but in vain. Said one of the more resolute sisters "she must
+take off her clothes then, it will never do to have her staying up on
+deck to betray all the rest;" thus this resolute stand being unanimous,
+the poor woman had to comply, and except a single garment she was as
+destitute of raiment as was Mother Eve before she induced Adam to eat of
+the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. With the help of passengers
+below, she was squeezed through, but not without bruising and breaking
+the skin considerably where the rub was severest. All were now beneath
+the deck, the well-fitting oil-cloth was put over the hole covering the
+cabin-floor snugly, and a heavy table was set over the hole. They are
+within sight of the lock, but no human beings are visible about the
+schooner save the Captain, the mate and a small boy, the son of the
+Captain. At the lock not unexpectedly three officers came on board of
+the boat and stopped her. The Captain was told that they had received a
+telegraphic dispatch from Norfolk to the effect that his boat was
+suspected of having slaves secreted thereon. They talked with the
+Captain and mate separately for a considerable while, and more closely
+did they examine the boy, but gained no information except that "the
+yellow-fever had been raging very bad in Norfolk." At this fever-news
+the officers were not a little alarmed, and they now lost no time in
+attending to their official errand. They searched the cabin where the
+two fat women were first secreted, and other parts of the boat pretty
+thoroughly. They then commenced taking up the hatchways, but the place
+seemed so shockingly perfumed with foul air that the men started back
+and declared that nobody could live in such a place, and swore that it
+smelt like the yellow-fever; the Captain laughed at them, and signified
+that they were perfectly welcome to search to their hearts' content. The
+officers concluded that there were no slaves on that boat, that nobody
+could live there, etc., etc., asked for their charges ($3), and
+discharged the Captain. The children had been put under the influence of
+liquor to keep them still, so they made no noise; the others endured
+their hour of agony patiently until the lock was safely passed, and the
+river reached. Fresh air was then allowed them, and the great danger was
+considered overcome. The Captain, however, far from deeming it advisable
+to land his live cargo at the wharves of Philadelphia, delivered them at
+League Island. The passengers testified that Captain B. was very kind.
+They were noticed thus:
+
+
+
+Isaac, was about fifty years of age, dark, tall, well-made, intelligent,
+and was owned by George Brown, who resided at Deep Creek. Isaac
+testified that said Brown had invariably treated him cruelly. For thirty
+years Isaac had hired his time, found himself in food, clothing, and
+everything, yet as he advanced in years, neither his task, nor his hire
+was diminished, but on the contrary his hire of late years had been
+increased. He winced under the pressure, and gave himself up to the
+study of the Underground Rail Road. While arrangements for fleeing were
+pending, he broke the secret to his wife, Polly, in whom he trusted; she
+being true to freedom, although sorrowing to part with him, threw no
+obstacle in his way. Besides his wife, he had also two daughters, Amanda
+A. and Mary Jane, both slaves. Nevertheless, having made up his mind not
+to die a slave, he resolved to escape at all hazards.
+
+
+
+Henderson belonged to the estate of A. Briggs, which was about to be
+settled, and knowing that he was accounted on the inventory as personal
+property, he saw that he too would be sold with the rest of the
+movables, if he was not found among the missing.
+
+He began to consider what he had endured as a slave, and came to the
+conclusion that he had had a "rugged road to hoe all the way along" and
+that he might have it much worse if he waited to be sold. The voice of
+reason admonished him to escape for his life. In obeying this call he
+suffered the loss of his wife, Julia, and two children, who were
+fortunately free. Henderson was about thirty-one years of age, stout,
+and of healthy appearance, worth in cash perhaps $1200.
+
+
+
+William was thirty-four years of age, of a chestnut color, substantial
+physical structure, and of good faculties. The man who professed to own
+him he called William Taylor, and "he was a very hard man, one of the
+kind which could not be pleased, nor give a slave a pleasant answer one
+time in fifty." Being thoroughly sick of William Taylor, he fell in love
+with the Underground Rail Road and Canada.
+
+
+
+Mrs. Walker, the big fat woman, was thirty-eight years of age, and a
+pleasant-looking person, of a very dark hue. Besides the struggles
+already alluded to, she was obliged to leave her husband. Of her master
+she declared that she could "say nothing good." His name was Arthur
+Cooper, of Georgetown; she had never lived with him, however; for twenty
+years she had hired her time, paying five dollars per month. When young
+she scarcely thought of the gross wrongs that were heaped upon her; but
+as she grew older, and thought more about her condition, she scouted the
+idea that God had designed her to be a slave, and decided that she would
+be one to leave Dixey in the first Underground Rail Road train that
+might afford her the chance. She determined not to remain even for the
+sake of her husband, who was a slave. With such a will, therefore, she
+started. Upon leaving Philadelphia, she went with the most of her
+company to Boston, and thence to New Bedford, where she was living when
+last heard from.
+
+
+
+Rebecca Lewey was the wife of a man, who was familiarly known by the
+name of "Blue Beard," his proper name being Henry Lewey. For a long
+time, although a slave himself, he was one of the most dexterous
+managers in the Underground Rail Road agency in Norfolk. No single
+chapter in this work could be more interesting than a chapter of his
+exploits in this respect.
+
+The appearing of Mrs. Lewey, was a matter of unusual interest. Although
+she had worn the yoke, she was gentle in her manners, and
+healthy-looking, so much so that no life insurance agent would have had
+need to subject her to medical examination before insuring her. She was
+twenty-eight years of age, but had never known personal abuse as a
+slave; she was none the less anxious, however, to secure her freedom.
+Her husband, Blue Beard, judging from certain signs, that he was
+suspected by slave-holders, and might at any time be caged, (indeed he
+had recently been in the lions' den, but got out); in order to save his
+wife, sent her on in advance as he had decided to follow her soon in a
+similar manner. Rebecca was not without hope of again meeting her
+husband. This desire was gratified before many months had passed, as he
+was fortunate enough to make his way to Canada.
+
+
+
+Mary Knight was a single woman, twenty-six years of age, dark, stout,
+and of pleasing manners; she complained of having been used hard.
+
+
+
+Sarah Saunders had been claimed as the property of Richard Gatewood, a
+clerk in the naval service. According to Sarah he was a very clever
+slave-holder, and had never abused her. Nor was she aware that he had
+ever treated any of his servants cruelly. Sarah, however, had not lived
+in Gatewood's immediate family, but had been allowed to remain with her
+grandmother, rather as a privileged character. She was young, fair, and
+prepossessing. Having a sister living in Philadelphia, who was known to
+the agent in Norfolk, Sarah was asked one day if she would not like to
+see her sister. She at once answered "Yes." After further conversation
+the agent told her that if she would keep the matter entirely private,
+he would arrange for her to go by the Underground Rail Road. Being
+willing and anxious to go, she promised due obedience to the rules; she
+was not told, however, how much she would have to pass through on the
+way, else, according to her own admission, she never would have come as
+she did; her heart would have failed her. But when the goal was gained,
+like all others, she soon forgot her sufferings, and rejoiced heartily
+at getting out of Slavery, even though her condition had not been so bad
+as that of many others.
+
+
+
+Sophia Gray, with her son and daughter, Henry and Mary, was from
+Portsmouth. The mother was a tall, yellow woman, with well cut features,
+about thirty-three years of age, with manners indicative of more than
+ordinary intelligence. The son and daughter were between twelve and
+fourteen years of age; well-developed for their age, modest, and
+finely-formed mulattoes. All the material necessary for a story of great
+interest, might have readily been found in the story of the mother and
+her children. They were sent with others to New Bedford, Massachusetts.
+It was not long after being in New Bedford, before the boy was put to a
+trade, and the daughter was sent to Boston, where she had an aunt (a
+fugitive), living in the family of the Hon. George S. Hilliard. Mr. and
+Mrs. Hilliard were so impressed by Mary's intelligent countenance and
+her appearance generally, that they decided that she must have a chance
+for an education, and opened their hearts and home to her.
+
+On a visit to Boston, in 1859, the writer found Mary at Mr. Hilliard's,
+and in an article written for the "Anti-Slavery Standard," upon the
+condition of fugitive slaves in Boston and New Bedford, allusion was
+made particularly to her and several others, under this hospitable roof,
+in the following paragraph:
+
+"On arriving in Boston, the first persons I had the pleasure to converse
+with, were four or five uncommonly interesting Underground Rail Road
+passengers, who had only been out of bondage between three and five
+years. Their intelligent appearance contradicted the idea that they had
+ever been an hour in Slavery, or a mile on an Underground Rail Road. Two
+of them were filling trustworthy posts, where they were respected and
+well paid for their services. Two others were young people (one two, and
+the other three years out of Slavery), a girl of fifteen, and a boy of
+twelve, whose interesting appearance induced a noble-hearted
+Anti-Slavery lady to receive them into her own family, expressly to
+educate them; and thus, almost ever since their arrival, they have been
+enjoying this lady's kindness, as well as the excellent equal Free
+School privileges of Boston. The girl, in the Grammar School (chiefly
+composed of whites), has already distinguished herself, having received
+a diploma, with an excellent certificate of character; and the boy,
+naturally very apt, has made astonishing progress."
+
+
+
+The "boy of twelve," alluded to, was not Mary's brother. He was quite a
+genius of his age, who had escaped from Norfolk, stowed away in a
+schooner and was known by the name of "Dick Page."
+
+On arriving in Philadelphia, Dick was delivered, as usual, into the
+hands of the Committee. The extraordinary smartness of the little fellow
+(only ten years old), astonished all who saw him. The sympathies of a
+kind-hearted gentleman and his wife, living in Philadelphia, had been
+deeply awakened in his behalf, through their relative and friend, Mrs.
+Hilliard, in whose family, as has been already stated, the boy's aunt
+lived. So much were these friends interested to secure Dick's freedom,
+that they often contemplated buying him, although they did not like the
+idea of buying, as the money would go into the pocket of the master, who
+they considered had no just right to deprive any individual of his
+freedom. So when Dick arrived the Committee felt that it was as little
+as they could do, to give these friends the pleasure of seeing the
+little Underground Rail Road passenger. He was therefore conveyed to the
+residence of Prof. J.P. Lesley. He could not have been sent to a house
+in the great city of Brotherly Love, where he would have found a more
+cordial and sincere reception. After passing an hour or so with them,
+Dick was brought away, but he had been so touched by their kindness,
+that he felt that he must see them again, before leaving the city; so
+just before sundown, one evening, he was missed; search was made for
+him, but in vain. Great anxiety was felt for him, fearing that he was
+lost. During the early part of the evening, the writer, with a bell in
+hand, passed up one street and down another, in quest of the stranger,
+but no one could give any information of him. Finally about ten o'clock,
+the mayor's office was visited with a view of having the police stations
+telegraphed. Soon the mystery was solved; one of the policemen stated
+that he had noticed a strange colored boy with Professor Lesley's
+children. Hastening to the residence of the professor, sure enough, Dick
+was there, happy in bed and asleep.
+
+From that time to this, it has been a mystery to know how a boy, a
+perfect stranger, could make his way alone, (having passed over the
+route but once), without getting lost, so circuitous was the road that
+he had to travel, in order to reach Professor Lesley's house. Having
+said this much, the way is now open to refer to him again, in Boston at
+school. He was generously assisted through his education and trade, and
+was prepared to commence life at his majority, an intelligent mechanic,
+and a man of promise.
+
+
+
+THE CASE OF EUPHEMIA WILLIAMS,
+
+
+CLAIMED AS A FUGITIVE SLAVE UNDER THE FUGITIVE SLAVE-LAW AFTER HAVING
+LIVED IN PENNSYLVANIA FOR MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS.
+
+
+Scarcely had the infamous statute been in existence six months, ere the
+worst predictions of the friends of the slave were fulfilled in
+different Northern States. It is hardly too much to say, that
+Pennsylvania was considered wholly unsafe to nine-tenths of her colored
+population. The kidnapper is fully shown in the case of Rachel and
+Elizabeth Parker as he appeared on the soil of Pennsylvania, doing his
+vile work in the dead of night, entering the homes of unprotected
+females and children, therefore:
+
+The case of Euphemia Williams will serve to represent the milder form of
+kidnapping in open day, in the name of the law, by professed Christians
+in the city of Brotherly Love, and the home of William Penn.
+
+February 6, 1851, Euphemia Williams, the mother of six children, the
+youngest at the breast, was arrested in the upper part of the city
+(Philadelphia), and hurried before Edward D. Ingraham, a United States
+commissioner, upon the charge of being a fugitive from labor. She was
+claimed by William T.J. Purnell, of Worcester county, Maryland, who
+admitted that she had been away from him for twenty-two years, or since
+1829. Her offspring were born on the soil of Pennsylvania, and the
+eldest daughter was seventeen years of age.
+
+Euphemia was living in her own house, and had been a member of church,
+in good and regular standing, for about seventeen years, and was about
+forty years of age. When the arrest was made, Euphemia had just risen
+from her bed, and was only partly dressed, when a little after daylight,
+several persons entered her room, and arrested her. Murder! murder! was
+cried lustily, and awakened the house. Her children screamed lamentably,
+and her eldest daughter cried "They've got my mother! they've got my
+mother!" "For God's sake, save me," cried Euphemia, to a woman in the
+second story, who was an eye-witness to this monstrous outrage. But
+despite the piteous appeals of the mother and children, the poor woman
+was hastened into a cab, and borne to the marshall's office.
+
+Through the vigilance of J.M. McKim and Passmore Williamson, a writ of
+habeas corpus returnable forthwith was obtained at about one o'clock.
+The heart-broken mother was surrounded by five of her children, three of
+whom were infants. It was a dark and dreadful hour. When her children
+were brought into the room where she was detained, great drops of sweat
+standing on her face plainly indicated her agony.
+
+By mutual arrangement between the claimants and the prisoner's counsel
+the hearing was fixed for the next day, at the hour of three o'clock.
+According to said arrangement, at three o'clock Euphemia was brought
+face to face with her claimant, William T.J. Purnell. The news had
+already gone out that the trial would come off at the time fixed; hence
+a multitude were on hand to witness the proceedings in the case. The
+sympathy of anti-slavery ladies was excited, and many were present in
+the court-room to manifest their feelings in behalf of the stricken
+woman. The eloquent David Paul Brown (the terror of slave-hunters) and
+William S. Pierce, Esqrs., appeared for Euphemia, R.C. McMurtrie, Esq.,
+for the claimant.
+
+Mr. McMurtrie in the outset, arose and said, that it was with extreme
+regret that he saw an attempt to influence the decision of this case by
+tumult and agitation. The sympathy shown by so many friendly ladies, was
+not a favorable sign for the slave-holder. Notwithstanding, Mr.
+McMurtrie said that he would "prove that Mahala, sometimes called Mahala
+Purnell, was born and bred a slave of Dr. George W. Purnell, of
+Worcester county, Maryland, who was in the habit of hiring her to the
+neighbors, and while under a contract of hiring, she escaped with a boy,
+with whom she had taken up, belonging to the person who hired her." The
+present claimant claimed her as the administrator of Dr. George W.
+Purnell.
+
+In order to sustain this claim many witnesses and much positive swearing
+were called forth. Robert F. Bowen, the first witness, swore that he
+knew both Mahala and her master perfectly well, that he had worked as a
+carpenter in helping to build a house for the latter, and also had hired
+the former directly from her owner.
+
+Definite time and circumstances were all harmoniously fixed by this
+leading witness. One of the important circumstances which afforded him
+ground for being positive was, as he testified on cross-examination,
+that he was from home at a camp-meeting (when she run away); "our
+camp-meetings," said the witness, "are held in the last of August or the
+first of September; the year I fix by founding it upon knowledge; the
+year before she ran away, I professed religion; I have something at home
+to fix the year; she was with me a part of a year. I hired her for the
+year 1848 as a house servant; I hired her directly from Dr. George W.
+Purnell. When she ran away I proceeded after her. I advertised, in
+Delaware in written advertisements, in Georgetown, Milford and
+Millsborough, and described her and the boy; her general features. I
+have not the advertisement and can't tell how she was described; Dr.
+George Purnell united with me in the advertisement. I followed her to
+Delaware City; that's all I have done since, about inquiring after them.
+I came, after twenty-two years' absence, to seek my own rights, and as
+an evidence for my friend. I have not seen her more than once since she
+ran away, until she was arrested; I saw her two or three times in court.
+I saw her first in a wretched-looking room, at Fifth and Germantown
+Road; it was yesterday morning; it was the evening before at Congress
+Hall; I arrived here last Tuesday a week; a man told me where she
+was"--"I beg the court,"--here Mr. McMurtrie interposed an objection to
+his mentioning the person. The court, however, said the question could
+be put.
+
+_Witness_.--I was pledged not to tell the name; the person signed her
+name Louisa Truit; the information was got by letter; the reason I did
+not tell, because I thought she might be murdered; I have not the
+letters, and can't tell the contents; the letter that I received
+required a pledge that I would not tell: I was directed to send my
+letter to the post-office without any definite place; the representative
+of Louisa Truit was a man; I saw him in Market street between Third and
+Fourth, at Taylor and Paulding's store, in the course of last week; I
+was brought into contact with the representative of Louisa by
+appointment in the letter, to get the information; I never heard him
+tell his name; he was neither colored nor white; we call them with us
+mixed blood; (I should take you to be colored, said the witness to Mr.
+Brown.) I suppose he lives somewhere up there; I saw him at my room the
+next morning; I did not learn from him who wrote the letter; he did not
+describe the person of the woman in the letter written to me, only her
+general appearance; Purnell said he burnt the letter.
+
+Mr. Brown demanded the letter, or the proof of its destruction.
+
+I never wrote myself, but my friend, Mr. Henry did; he said so; I never
+received a letter; it was written to Robert J. Henry; part of the letter
+was written to me, but not directed to me; the Louisa Truit, who wrote,
+stated, that for the information he wanted $100 for one of the
+fugitives; he was referred to the store of Taylor & Paulding, and Mr.
+Henry would meet him there; when I got to the store, some of the concern
+let Mr. Henry know that a man wanted to see him; I heard this at the
+store; the man was there; he was a mulatto man, middle-aged, and
+middling tall; he is not here, that I know of; can't tell when I last
+saw him. His name I understood to be Gloucester.
+
+Under the severe cross-examination that the witness had been subjected
+to under D.P. Brown, he became very faint, and called for water. Large
+drops of sweat stood upon his forehead, and he was obliged to sit down,
+lest he should fall down. "Take a seat," said Mr. Brown tauntingly, "and
+enjoy yourself, while I proceed with my interrogations." But the witness
+was completely used up, and was allowed to withdraw to another room,
+where fresh air was more plentiful. The cause of the poor slave woman
+was greatly strengthened by this failure.
+
+Another witness, named Zachariah Bowen, for the claimants, swore
+positively that he knew the prisoner well, that she had been hired to
+his brother for three years by Dr. Purnell, whose slave she was; also he
+swore that he knew her parents, who were slaves to the said Doctor P.;
+that he last saw her in 1827, etc. On cross-examination he swore thus:
+"I last saw her in 1827, she was about sixteen or seventeen; she was
+about an ordinary size, not the smallest size, nor the largest; she was
+neither thick nor thin; there was nothing remarkable in her more than is
+common; nothing in her speech; she was about the same color as the woman
+here; I never saw a great deal of change in a nigger, from sixteen to
+thirty-five or forty, sometimes they grow fatter, and sometimes leaner.
+As to recognizing her in Philadelphia, he had not the slightest
+difficulty. He went on to swear, that he first saw her in a cab, in the
+city; I knew her yesterday; if you could see the rest of the family you
+could pick her out yourself in thirty: I knew her by her general favor,
+and have no particular mark; I would not attempt to describe features;
+her favor is familiar to me; I never saw any marks upon her."
+
+Here Mr. Brown said he would not examine this witness further until he
+had concluded the examination of the witness, who had become sick. The
+court then adjourned till nine o'clock the next morning.
+
+The avenues to the court were filled with anxious persons, and in the
+front and rear of the state house the crowd was very great.
+
+The next morning, at an early hour, the court-room, and all the avenues
+to it were densely crowded by people interested in behalf of the woman
+whose case was under trial. A large number of respectable ladies formed
+a part of the large gathering.
+
+Robert F. Bowen, the witness, who became sick, was recalled.
+
+_Witness_.--"I saw the colored person, who gave the information, the
+next evening; after I saw him in Market street, at Congress Hall, in our
+room; the gentleman who keeps the hotel we did not wish to place under
+any responsibility, as he might be accused of carrying on the business.
+(Of kidnapping, suggested Mr. Brown.) No, said witness, that is what you
+call it; the woman would have run away if it had gone out; I heard his
+name was Gloucester, that gave the information; I saw him three times;
+once on the street; I have never been in his house; I have been to a
+house where I heard he lived; I gave a pledge not to disclose the
+matter; I made a personal pledge to Gloucester in our room last week at
+Congress Hall; he said he was afraid of being abused by the population
+of his own color for telling that this girl run away from Dr. Purnell; I
+understood that Louisa Truit was Gloucester's wife."
+
+Under this searching cross-examination, Mr. Brown constrained him not
+only to tell all and more than he knew in favor of his friend, the
+claimant, but wrung from him the secrets which he stood pledged never to
+disclose.
+
+_Witness_.--"I know no marks; she was in the condition of a married
+woman when she left me; it was the particular favor of her father and
+mother that made me recognize her; nothing else; she was pretty well
+built for her size."
+
+While this witness remembered every thing so accurately occurring in
+relation to the life and escape of the girl of sixteen, and was prepared
+to swear to her identity simply "by her favor," as he termed it, he was
+found sadly deficient in memory touching the owner, whom he had known
+much longer, and more intimately than he had the girl, as will be seen
+from the following facts in this witness' testimony:
+
+_Witness_.--"I don't know when Dr. P. died; I can't tell the year; I
+should suppose about fourteen years ago; I was at the funeral, and
+helped to make his coffin; it was in the fall, I think; it was after the
+camp-meeting I spoke of; at that time I went regularly, but not of late;
+I have no certain recollection of the year he died; I kept a record of
+the event of my conversion, and have referred to it often. It has been a
+reference every year, and perhaps a thousand times a year; it was in the
+Bible, and I was in the habit of looking into it; I was in the habit of
+turning over the leaves of this precious book; I think it was eighteen
+years ago; can't say I'm certain; can't say it was more than twelve
+years; Dr. P. left six children; two remain in our country, and one in
+Louisiana, and the one, who is here, making four; I have no interest in
+the fugitive; I made no contract in regard to this case; there was an
+offer; are you waiting for an answer? the offer was this, that I was to
+come on after my fugitive, and if I did not get him they were to pay my
+expenses; I hesitated about coming; it was a long time before I made up
+my mind; they said they would pay my expenses if I didn't succeed in
+getting mine out of prison."
+
+In this way the above witness completely darkened counsel, and added to
+the weakness of his cause in a marked degree.
+
+
+
+THE OVERSEER IS NOW EXAMINED.
+
+
+_Zachariah Bowen_ recalled.--"I didn't come here on any terms; I hardly
+understand what you mean by terms; I made no contract; I came upon my
+own book; there was no contract; I have no expectations; I don't know
+that Dr. P. ever manumitted any female slaves; I never knew that she was
+in the family way when she ran away; I heard of it about that time; she
+ran off in the fall of 1828. Dr. P. told me so; in the fall of 1828; in
+1825, '26, '27, she lived with my brother; in 1825 I lived there; in
+1827 and '28 I lived with Dr. P. I moved there and was overseer for him;
+I was overseer for fifteen years for him; two years at his house; I
+ceased to be his overseer in 1841, I think; he was living in 1841; I am
+certain of that year, I think; Dr. Purnell died in 1844, I feel certain;
+I said to Mr. Purnell that I did not know what ailed the other Mr.
+Bowen, for the doctor died in 1844; he died in the latter part of the
+Spring of 1844; Mr. Bowen made a mistake in saying it was eighteen years
+ago; if you recall him he will rectify the mistake, I think; several
+slaves escaped from Dr. Purnell; a boy, that lived with my brother, ran
+away in 1827; the others were not hired to my brother; I don't know that
+I could tell the exact time, nor the year; the doctor used to say to us,
+there is another of my niggers ran away; the reason that I can tell when
+Mahala ran away, is because she took a husband and ran away; I was
+married that year; the reason I cannot tell about the others is, because
+they went at different times in five years; the first who ran away
+before Mahala, was named Grace; she went in 1827; I don't know when the
+last went, or who it was."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Gloucester said they had raised a mob on him, on account of this case,
+and he would have to leave the city; the case of this woman or these
+proceedings was not spoken of there; he staid but a short time; he said
+one of the witnesses had betrayed him in court, yesterday, and they
+attacked him last night; I asked him how he escaped from so many; he
+said very few were in the city who could outrun him; I asked him where
+he was going, he replied he had a notion to put for Canada; some of the
+gentlemen proposed his going to Baltimore; he said that would not do, as
+the laws of Maryland would catch him; he was going to get a boat and go
+to New Jersey, and then to New York; Mr. Purnell gave him just
+thirty-five dollars last night; he paused a while, and Mr. P. told him
+to hand it back; he then took out his money and put some more to it, and
+said: "Here is fifty dollars." Mr. P. said that if he got the slave he
+would leave fifty dollars more with a person in the city.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Question by the judge.--"You have spoken of a conversation in which Mr.
+P. told you of certain letters or correspondence, and that they had
+reference to this alleged fugitive. I want you to give me, to the best
+of your recollection, everything he said the letters contained."
+
+_Witness_.--Mr. P. told me when he first mentioned it to me, he said
+that he was going to mention something to me, that he did not want
+anything said, in regard to some negroes that had run away from his
+father; he said he wanted me to come on here, and he did not want me to
+tell any person before we left our county; that if the negroes heard of
+it, they could get information to the parties before he could get here;
+I told him I would not tell any person except my wife; he then said he
+had correspondence with a person here, for a month or two, and he had no
+doubt but that several of his negroes were here, from what he had heard
+from his correspondent; he asked me if I could recognize the favor of
+this Mahala? I told him I didn't know; he then said if anybody would
+know her, I would, as she had lived with my brother three years; he then
+said that he would want to start the next week, but he would see me
+again at that time; that was all he said at that time, only we turned
+into a hotel, and he said don't breathe this to anybody; on Saturday
+before we left home, he came to my house, and said: well, I shall want
+you to start for Philadelphia, on Monday morning; I suppose you will go?
+I told him I would rather not, if he could do without out me; but as I
+told him before, I would go, if he still requested it. I would go;
+that's all, sir, except that I said I would be along in the stage.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+J.T. Hammond was then called, a young man who admitted he had never seen
+the respondent till he came to the court-house, but was ready to swear
+that he would have known her by her resemblance to Dr. Purnell's set of
+negroes. "His whole set?" said Mr. Brown. "Yes, sir." (Derisive
+laughter).
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Mr. McMurtrie offered to prove, by persons who had known the two
+witnesses who had testified in this case, from their youth, that they
+were respectable and worthy men. D.P. Brown, said that if the gentleman
+found it necessary to sustain his witnesses' reputation, in consequence
+of the peculiar dilemma they had got into, he would object, and if he
+supposed that he was about to contradict them in some point in the
+defence, he certainly was right, but as the case could not be concluded
+to-day, he would like to have the matter adjourned over until Tuesday
+next.
+
+Mr. McMurtrie objected, by saying, that his client was anxious to have
+the matter disposed of as soon as possible, as he had been subjected to
+numerous insults since the matter had been before the court.
+
+Judge Kane intimated that no weight was to be attached to this
+consideration, as the full power of the court was at his disposal for
+the purpose of protecting his client from insult.
+
+Mr. McMurtrie replied that he did not know whether words spoken came
+within the meaning of the act of Congress, in such matters.
+
+The court took a recess until a quarter to three o'clock.
+
+The court met again at a quarter to three o'clock.
+
+Mr. McMurtrie asked that the witnesses for the defence be excluded from
+the court room, except the one upon the stand.
+
+This was objected to by Mr. Brown, as the witnesses for the prosecution
+had not been required so to do; but he afterwards withdrew his
+objections, and notified Mr. McMurtrie that he would require any
+witnesses he might have in addition, should retire also; as he would
+object to any of them being heard if they remained.
+
+_The Defence_.--Mr. Pierce opened the case by saying that the testimony
+for the defence would be clear and conclusive; that the witnesses for
+the prosecution are mistaken in the identity of the alleged fugitive.
+That at the time they allege her to have been in Maryland, on the
+plantation of Dr. Purnell, she was in Chester county, and in the year
+Lafayette visited this country, she was in this city. He would confine
+the testimony exclusively to these two counties, and show that she is
+not the alleged slave.
+
+Henry C. Cornish, sworn. I live in this city, and am a shoemaker; I came
+here in the year 1830; before that I lived in Chester county, East
+Whiteland township, with Wm. Latta; my father lived with Mr. Latta six
+or eight years; I lived there three years before that time, and was
+familiar with the place for more than six years before 1830; I saw the
+alleged fugitive some five years before 1830, at George Amos', in
+Uwchland township, some eight or ten miles from our house; I fix the
+time from a meeting being held on the Valley Hill by a minister, named
+Nathan D. Tierney; that must have been in 1825; I am positive it was
+before the beginning of the year 1828; I have not the least doubt; I
+joined church about that time; it was the first of my uniting with the
+church; it was in 1825; I joined the Methodist Episcopal Church; before
+they built a church they held meetings alternately at people's houses; I
+met her at Amos' house, I recollect my father going to dig the
+foundation of the church: I saw her there before the church was built; I
+knew her before she was married; and since I left there I have met her
+at the annual meetings of the church; I have kept up the acquaintance
+ever since; I knew that she had two children, that were buried as long
+as twenty-one or twenty-two years ago; if the boy had lived he would
+have been twenty-three or twenty-four years old; he was the oldest; she
+was not married when I first saw her in 1827; she did not appear to be
+anything but a girl, and was not married, and she of course could not be
+in the condition of a married woman; I was not at her wedding; if I had
+not continued to know her, I would not now know her; she was then a
+small person; age and flesh would change her a little; her complexion
+has not changed; I think she worked for Mrs. Amos; a church record is
+now kept very correct; but when I first went into the church, colored
+men could not read and write; I acted as the clerk of the church; I
+united with the church after I first saw her; I have seen her very often
+since I left Chester; five hundred times to speak safely; I worship down
+town and she up in Brown street; to the best of my recollection they
+moved over Schuylkill about twelve years ago; she has lived here about
+nine years; she has six children, I have heard; I have seen five; the
+oldest is eighteen or nineteen; the youngest a sucking babe; I have
+visited her house since I have been here; I was not sent for by my
+uncle, who was employed by Joseph Smith & Co., next to the Girard Bank;
+I was with Edward Biddle for four years, until he was elected President
+of the Morris Canal and Banking Company, and then I went to learn
+shoemaking under instructions, since which time I have been in business
+for myself; my father burnt limestone for Mr. Latta; he and his wife are
+dead; I was there a day or two ago for witnesses to testify in this
+case.
+
+_Cross-examined._--I was born in 1814, and am thirty-seven years of age;
+when I first knew her I suppose she was fifteen years old; she was
+married about three years afterwards; her husband's name is Micajah
+Williams; I heard he was in prison for stealing; her name before
+marriage was Phamie Coates; I didn't know her husband before they were
+married; don't know whether they came from Maryland; I never knew of
+Mahala Richardson before last evening in court; the difference in her
+appearance is a natural one, that every body is acquainted with; I mean
+that a little boy is not a man, and a growing girl is not a woman; age
+and flesh and size make a difference; if I had not conversed with her
+during the twenty-one years, I would not have known her; I never changed
+a word with her about the case, except to say I was sorry to see her
+here; I knew her the moment I saw her; her arrest could not have been in
+the newspapers of the morning as she was not arrested until seven
+o'clock that day; I went to Chester to look for witnesses; I came to the
+court because I am a vigilant man, and my principle is to save any
+person whose liberty is in danger; I had heard that a woman was
+arrested; her business is to get work wherever she can.
+
+Deborah Ann Boyer, sworn. I was thirty-three last January; I live within
+one mile of West Chester; I am a married woman; I have lived there since
+1835. I went there with my mother; I can read; I have seen the alleged
+fugitive before this; I first knew her at Downingtown, when she came to
+my mother's house; that was before I had gone to West Chester with my
+mother; you can tell how long it was, for it was in 1826; my brother was
+born in that year; I was quite small then; don't know how she came
+there; she was with my mother during her confinement; my brother is
+dead; it is written down in our Testament; and I took an epitaph from it
+to put on the tombstone; the last time I saw it was when the fellow
+killed the school-mistress. I looked because about 1830, a man killed a
+woman, and was hung, and I wanted to see how long ago it was. I have
+seen her more or less ever since, until within two years. I don't
+remember when she went from mother, but I saw her at Mr. Latta's
+afterwards. I have no doubt she is the woman; she was then a slim, tall
+girl, larger than myself; she is not darker now, but heavier set every
+way.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Sarah Gayly affirmed.--I am between forty-seven and forty-eight years of
+age. I live in the city at this time. I was raised in Chester county, in
+1824, and have been here about five years. I lived in Downingtown nine
+or ten years. I lived awhile in West Chester, and lived in Chester
+county until about five years ago. I know the alleged fugitive. I first
+saw her in the neighborhood of Downingtown, at a place they call
+Downing's old stage office; she worked in the house with me; it was
+somewhere near 1824, just before Lafayette came about; she worked off
+and on days' work, to wash dishes; she was a small girl then, very thin,
+and younger than me. I met with her, as near as I can tell you, down in
+the valley, at a place called the Valley Inn. I used to see her off and
+on at church, in 1826. I visited her at Mr. Latta's, after she lived at
+the Valley Inn. I don't know when she left that county. I know the
+alleged fugitive is the same person; she belonged to the same church,
+Ebenezer. I know the brothers Cornish, and have whipped them many a
+time. I lived with Latta myself, and the Cornish, who is now a minister,
+lived there; he lived there before I did, and so did the alleged
+fugitive. I was then between twenty-three and twenty-five years old; she
+was a strip of a girl; she was not in the family way when she came
+there.
+
+Cross-examined.--I have not seen her since 1826, until I saw her here in
+the court-room; I recognized her when I first saw her here without
+anybody pointing her out, and she recognized me; I have reason to know
+her, because she has the same sort of a scar on her forehead that I
+have; we used to make fun of each other about the marks; she went by the
+name of Fanny Coates. I know nothing about her husband; she did not do
+the work of a woman in 1826; she washed dishes, scrubbed, etc. I heard
+her say her father and mother were dead, and that they lived somewhere
+in that neighborhood; she at that time made her home with a family named
+Amos.
+
+The Judge asked to see the scar on the witness' forehead and that on the
+forehead of the respondent. They were brought near the bench, and the
+marks inspected, which were plainly seen on both. During this time the
+infant of the respondent was entrusted to another colored woman. The
+child, who, up to this time, had been quiet, raised a piteous cry and
+would not be pacified. The whole scene excited a great sensation.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Mr. Brown then rose in reply to the plaintiff's counsel, and said: If I
+consulted my own views, I should not say one syllable, in answer to the
+arguments of the learned counsel upon the other side, and relying as I
+do upon the evidence, and out of respect to the convenience of your
+honor, I shall say very little as it is. The views of the counsel it
+appears to me, are most extraordinary indeed. He seems to take it for
+granted that everything that is said on the part of the witnesses for
+the claimant is gospel, and that what is said on the part of the
+witnesses for the respondent, is to be considered matter of suspicion.
+Now I rate no man by his size, color, or position, but I appeal to you
+in looking at the testimony that has been produced here, on the
+different sides of the question, and judging it by its intrinsic worth,
+whether there is the slightest possible comparison between the witnesses
+on the part of the plaintiff, and those of the defendant, either in
+intelligence, memory, language, thought, or anything else. This is a
+fine commentary upon the disparagement of color! Looking at the men as
+they are, as you will, I say that the testimony exhibited on the part of
+the respondent would outweigh a whole theatre of such men as are
+exhibited on the part of the complainant. I say nothing here about their
+respectability. It would have been proper for the learned counsel on the
+part of the plaintiff, if he thought the witnesses on the part of the
+respondent unworthy of belief, to have proved them so; but instead of
+that, he attempts to bolster up men, who, whether respectable or
+otherwise, from their inconsistency, involutions and tergiversations in
+regard to this case, produce no possible effect upon the judicial mind,
+but that which is unfavorable to themselves. Impartial men, are they?
+How do they appear before you? They appear under cover from first to
+last; standing upon their right to resist inquiries legitimately
+propounded to them; burning up letters since they have arrived,
+calculated to shed light upon this subject; and before they come here,
+corresponding with and deriving information from a man, an evident
+kidnapper, who dare not sign his name and gets his wife to sign hers.
+This is the character these men exhibit here before you; clandestinely
+meeting together at the tavern, and that to consult in regard to the
+identity of a person about whom they know nothing. Can they refer to any
+marks by which to identify this person? Nothing at all of the kind. Do
+they, with the exception of the first witness examined, state even the
+time when she left? Have they produced the letter written by this
+kidnapper, showing how he described her? Why, let me ask, is not the
+full light allowed to shine on this case? But even with the light they
+have shed upon it, I would have been perfectly content to have rested
+it, relying upon their testimony alone, for a just decision.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Now, what man among them, professes to have seen this woman for
+twenty-one years? Not one. The learned gentleman attempts to sustain his
+case, because one of our witnesses, certainly not more than one, has not
+seen this woman for about the same length of time: but don't you
+perceive, that in this case they all lived in the same State, if not in
+the same county--they had intercourse with persons mutually acquainted
+with her, and three out of four of them, met her for several months at
+the same church; and one witness, who had long been in her society, and
+in close association with her, knew she had a mark upon her forehead
+corresponding to the one she bore on her own. And by dint of all these
+matters, this long continued acquaintance only reviving the impressions
+received in early life, they had no doubt of the identity of the person.
+Was there ever a more perfect train of evidence exhibited to prove the
+identity of a person, than on the present occasion?
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+We have called witnesses on this point alone, and have more than
+counterpoised the evidence produced upon the opposite side. And we have
+not only made it manifest that she was a free woman, but we have
+confirmed her charter by separate proof. What does the gentleman say
+further? Do I understand him to say we have no right to determine this
+matter judicially? Now what is all this about? Why is it before you,
+taking your time day after day? According to this argument, you have
+nothing to do but to give the master the flesh he claims. But you are to
+be satisfied that you have sufficient reason to believe that these
+claims are well founded. And if you leave that matter in a state of
+doubt, it does not require a single witness to be called on the part of
+the respondent, to prove on the opposite side of the question. But we
+have come in with a weight of evidence demolishing the structure he has
+raised, restoring the woman to her original position in the estimation
+of the law. "Well," says the gentleman, "it is like the case of a
+fugitive from justice." But it is not, and if it were, it would not
+benefit his case. The case of a fugitive from justice is one in which
+the prisoner is remanded to the custody of the law, handed over for
+legal purposes. The case of a fugitive from labor is a case in which the
+individual is handed over sometimes to a merciless master, and very
+rarely to a charitable one. Does the counsel mean to say that in the
+case of a fugitive from justice he is not bound to satisfy the judge
+before whom, the question is heard? He should prove our witnesses
+unworthy of belief. As Judge Grier said, upon a former occasion, "You
+can choose your own time; you have full and abundant opportunities on
+every side to prepare against any contingency." Why don't they do so? He
+is not to come here and force on a case, and say, I suppose you take
+every thing for granted. He is to come prepared to prove the justice of
+his claim before the tribunal who is to decide upon it. That he has not
+done successfully, and I would, therefore, ask your Honor, after the
+elaborate argument on the part of the plaintiff, to discharge this
+woman: for after such an abundance of testimony unbroken and
+incontestable as that we have exhibited here, it would be a monstrous
+perversion of reason to suppose that anything more could be required.
+
+Mr. McMurtrie replied by reasserting his positions. It was a grave
+question for the court to consider what evidence was required. He
+thought that this decision might be the turning case to show whether the
+act of Congress would be carried out or whether we were to return in
+fact to the state of affairs under the old laws.
+
+Judge Kane said, in reference to the remarks at the close of Mr.
+McMurtrie's speech: So long as I retain my seat on this bench, I shall
+endeavor to enforce this law without reference to my own sympathies, or
+the sympathies and opinions of others. I do not think, in the cases
+under this act of Congress, or a treaty, or constitutional, or legal
+provision for the extradition of fugitives from justice, that it is
+possible to imagine that conclusive proof of identity could be
+established by depositions. From the nature of the case and the facts to
+be proved, proof cannot be made in anticipation of the identity of the
+party. That being established, it is the office of the judge, to
+determine whether a _prima facie_ case indicates the identity of the
+party charged, with the party before him.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+On the other hand, the evidence of the claimant has been met, and
+regarding the bearing of the witnesses for the respondent, met by
+witnesses who testified, with apparent candor and great intelligence. If
+they are believed, then the witnesses for the claimant are mistaken. The
+question is, whether two witnesses for the claimant, who have not seen
+the respondent for twenty-three, one for twenty-four years, are to be
+believed in preference to four witnesses on the other side, three of
+whom have seen her frequently since 1826, and known her as Euphemia
+Williams, and the fourth, who has not seen her for a quarter of a
+century, but testifies that when they were children, they used to jest
+each other about scars, which they still bear upon their persons; I am
+bound to say that the proof by the four witnesses has not been
+overthrown by the contrary evidence of the two who only recognized her
+when they called on her with the marshall. One says he called her Mahala
+Purnell as soon as he saw her. He might be mistaken. He inferred he
+would find her at the place to which he went. There were three persons
+in the room, one was Mahala Richardson, whom he knew, a young girl, and
+the prisoner. If she had been alone, his recognition would have been of
+no avail. The fact is obvious to this court, that the respondent has no
+peculiar physiognomy or gait. It has been shown she has no peculiarity
+of voice; I cannot but feel that the fact alleged by the claimant is
+very doubtful, when the witnesses, without mark or peculiarity, testify
+that they can readily recognize the girl of fifteen in the woman of
+forty. The prisoner is therefore discharged.
+
+A slight attempt at applause in the court room was promptly suppressed.
+The intelligence of the discharge of the woman, was quickly spread to
+those without, who raised shouts of joy. The woman, with her children,
+were hurried into a carriage, which was driven first to the Anti-slavery
+office and then to the Philadelphia Institute, in Lombard Street above
+Seventh. Here she was introduced to a large audience of colored people,
+who hailed her appearance with lively joy; several excited speeches were
+made, and great enthusiasm was manifested in and outside of the building
+and the adjacent streets. When Euphemia came out, the horses were taken
+out of the carriage, and a long rope was attached, which was taken by as
+many colored people as could get hold of it, and the woman and her
+children thus conveyed to her home.
+
+The procession was accompanied by several hundreds of men, women and
+boys. They dragged the carriage past the residence of the counsel for
+the respondent, cheering them by huzzas of the wildest kind, and then
+took the vehicle and its contents to the residence of the woman,
+Germantown Road near Fifth street, beguiling the way with songs and
+shouts. The whole scene was one of wild, ungovernable excitement,
+produced by exuberance of joy.
+
+The masterly management of abolitionists in connection with the counsel,
+saved poor Euphemia from being dragged from her children into hopeless
+bondage. While the victory was a source of great momentary rejoicing on
+the part of the friends of the slave it was nevertheless quite manifest
+that she was only released by the "skin of her teeth." "A scar on her
+forehead" saved her. Relative to this important mark, a few of
+Euphemia's friends enjoyed a very pleasing anecdote, which, at the time,
+they were obliged to withhold from the public; it is too good to be kept
+any longer. For a time, Euphemia was kept in durance vile, up in the
+dome of Independence Hall, partly in the custody of Lieutenant Gouldy of
+the Mayor's police, (who was the right man in the right place), whose
+sympathies were secretly on the side of the slave. While his pitying
+eyes gazed on Euphemia's sad face, he observed a very large scar on her
+forehead, and was immediately struck with the idea that that old scar
+might be used with damaging effect by the witnesses and counsel against
+her. At once he decided that the scar must be concealed, at least, until
+after the examination of the claimant's witnesses. Accordingly a large
+turban was procured and placed on Euphemia's head in such a manner as to
+hide the scar completely, without exciting the least suspicion in the
+minds of any. So when the witnesses against her swore that she had no
+particular mark, David Paul Brown made them clinch this part of their
+testimony irrevocably. Now, when Sarah Gayly affirmed (on the part of
+the prisoner) that "I have reason to know her because she has the same
+sort of a scar on her forehead that I have, we used to make fun of each
+other about the marks," etc., if it was not evident to all, it was to
+some, that she had "stolen their thunder," as the "chop-fallen"
+countenances of the slave-holder's witnesses indicated in a moment.
+Despair was depicted on all faces sympathizing with the pursuers.
+
+With heavy pecuniary losses, sad damage of character, and comfortless,
+the unhappy claimant and his witnesses were compelled to return to
+Maryland, wiser if not better men. The account of this interesting
+trial, we have condensed from a very careful and elaborate report of it
+published in the "Pennsylvania Freeman," January 13th, 1857.
+
+Apparently, the vigilance of slave-hunters was not slackened by this
+defeat, as the records show that many exciting cases took place in
+Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, and if the records of the old
+Abolitionist Society could be published, as they should be, it would
+appear that many hard-fought battles have taken place between Freedom
+and Slavery on this soil.
+
+Here in conclusion touching the Fugitive Slave Law, arrests under it,
+etc., as a fitting sequel we copy two extracts from high authority. The
+first is from the able and graphic pen of James Miller McKim, who was
+well known to stand in the front ranks of both the Anti-slavery Society
+and the Underground Rail Road cause through all the long and trying
+contest, during which the country was agitated by the question of
+immediate emancipation, and shared the full confidence and respect of
+Abolitionists of all classes throughout the United States and Great
+Britain.
+
+The letter from which we have made this extract was written to Hon.
+George Thompson, the distinguished abolitionist of England, and speaks
+for itself. The other quotation is from the pen of a highly respectable
+and intelligent lady, belonging to the Society of Friends, or Quakers,
+and a most devoted friend of the slave, whose statement obviously is
+literally true.
+
+From Mr. McKiM to GEORGE THOMPSON, 1851.
+
+
+    The accompanying parcel of extracts will give you a full account
+    of the different slave cases tried in this city, under the new
+    Fugitive Slave Law up to this time. Full and accurate as these
+    reports are, they will afford you but a faint idea of the
+    anguish and confusion that have been produced in this part of
+    the country by this infamous statute. It has turned Southeastern
+    Pennsylvania into another Guinea Coast, and caused a large
+    portion of the inhabitants to feel as insecure from the brutal
+    violence and diabolical acts of the kidnapper, as are the
+    unhappy creatures who people the shores of Africa. Ruffians from
+    the other side of the Slave-line, aided by professional
+    kidnappers on our own soil, a class of men whose 'occupation'
+    until lately, had been 'gone,' are continually prowling through
+    the community, and every now and then seizing and carrying away
+    their prey. As a specimen of the boldness, though fortunately,
+    not of the success always with which these wretches prosecute
+    their nefarious trade, read the enclosed article, which I cut
+    from the _Freeman_, of January 2d, and bear in mind that in no
+    respect are the facts here mentioned over-stated.
+
+    This affair occurred in Chester county, one of the most orderly
+    and intelligent counties in the State, a county settled
+    principally by Quakers. A week or two after this occurrence, and
+    not far from the same place, a farmhouse was entered by a band
+    of armed ruffians, in the evening, and at a time when all the
+    able-bodied occupants, save one, were known to be absent. This
+    was a colored man, who was seated by the kitchen fire, and in
+    the act of taking off his shoes. He was instantly knocked down
+    and gagged; but, still resisting, he was beaten most
+    unmercifully. There was a woman, and also a feeble old man, in
+    the house, who were attracted to the spot by the scuffle; but
+    they could neither render any assistance, nor (the light being
+    put out), could they recognize the parties engaged in it. The
+    unhappy victim being fairly overcome, was dragged like a slain
+    beast to a wagon, which was about a hundred yards distant,
+    waiting to receive him. In this he was placed, and conveyed
+    across the line, which was about twenty miles further south; and
+    that was the last, so far as I know, that has ever been heard of
+    him. The alarm was given, of course, as soon as possible, and
+    the neighbors were quickly in pursuit; but the kidnappers had
+    got the start of them. The next morning the trail between the
+    house, and the place where the wagon stood, was distinctly
+    visible, and deeply marked with blood.
+
+    About a fortnight since, a letter was brought to our office,
+    from a well-known friend, the contents of which were in
+    substance as follows: A case of kidnapping had occurred in the
+    vicinity of West Cain Township, Chester county, at about half
+    past one on Sunday morning, the 16th March. A black man, by the
+    name of Thomas Hall, an honest, sober, and industrious
+    individual, living in the midst of a settlement of farmers, had
+    been stolen by persons who knocked at his door, and told him
+    that his nearest neighbor wanted him to come to his house, one
+    of his children being sick. Hall, not immediately opening his
+    door, it was burst in, and three men rushed into his house; Hall
+    was felled by the bludgeons of the men. His wife received
+    several severe blows, and on making for the door was told, that
+    if she attempted to go out or halloo, she would have her brains
+    blown out. She, however, escaped through a back window, and gave
+    the alarm; but before any person arrived upon the ground, they
+    had fled with their victim. He was taken without any clothing,
+    except his night clothes. A six-barrelled revolver, heavily
+    loaded, was dropped in the scuffle, and left; also a silk
+    handkerchief, and some old advertisement of a bear bait, that
+    was to take place in Emmittsburg, Maryland. In how many cases
+    the persons stolen are legally liable to capture, it is
+    impossible to state. The law, you know, authorizes arrests to be
+    made, with or without process, and nothing is easier under such
+    circumstances than to kidnap persons who are free born.
+
+    The very same day that I received the above mentioned letter,
+    and while our hearts were still aching over its contents,
+    another was brought us from Thomas Garrett, of Wilmington,
+    Delaware, announcing the abduction, a night or two before, of a
+    free colored man of that city. The outrage was committed by an
+    ex-policeman, who, pretending to be acting under the commission
+    which he had been known to hold, entered, near the hour of
+    midnight, the house of the victim, and alleging against him some
+    petty act of disorder, seized him, handcuffed him in the
+    presence of his dismayed family, and carried him off to
+    Maryland. The cheat that had been practised was not discovered
+    by the family until next evening; but it was too late, the man
+    was gone.
+
+    At the time Mr. Garrett's letter was handed to me, narrating the
+    foregoing case of man stealing, I was listening to the sad tales
+    of two colored women, who had come to the office for advice and
+    assistance. One of them was an elderly person, whose son had
+    been pursued by the marshal's deputies, and who had just escaped
+    with 'the skin of his teeth.' She did not come on her own
+    account, however; her heart was too full of joy for that. She
+    came to accompany the young woman who was with her. This young
+    woman was a remarkably intelligent, lady-like person, and her
+    story made a strong appeal to my feelings. She is a resident of
+    Washington, and her errand here was, to procure the liberation
+    of a sister-in-law, who is confined in that city, under very
+    peculiar circumstances. The sister-in-law had absconded from her
+    mistress about nine months since, and was secreted in the room
+    of an acquaintance, who was cook in a distinguished
+    slave-holding family in Washington; her intention being, there
+    to wait until all search should be over, and an opportunity
+    offer of escape to the North. But, as yet, no such opportunity
+    had presented itself; at least none that was available, and for
+    nine long months had that poor girl been confined in the narrow
+    limits of the cook's chamber, watched over day and night by that
+    faithful friend with a vigilance as sleepless as it was
+    disinterested. The time had now come, however, when something
+    must be done. The family in whose house she is hid is about to
+    be broken up, and the house to be vacated, and the girl must
+    either be rescued from her peril, or she, and all her
+    accomplices must be exposed. What to do under these
+    circumstances was the question which brought this woman to
+    Philadelphia. I advised her to the best of my ability, and sent
+    her away hopeful, if not rejoicing.
+
+    But in many of these cases we can render no aid whatever. All we
+    can do is to commend them to the God of the oppressed, and labor
+    on for the day of general deliverance. But, oh! the horrors of
+    this hell-born system, and the havoc made by this; its last foul
+    offspring, the Fugitive Slave law. The anguish, the terror, the
+    agony inflicted by this infamous statute, must be witnessed to
+    be fully appreciated. You must hear the tale of the
+    broken-hearted mother, who has just received tidings that her
+    son is in the hands of man-thieves. You must listen to the
+    impassioned appeal of the wife, whose husband's retreat has been
+    discovered, and whose footsteps are dogged by the blood-hounds
+    of Slavery. You must hear the husband, as I did, a few weeks
+    ago, himself bound and helpless, beg you for God's sake to save
+    his wife. You must see such a woman as Hannah Dellam, with her
+    noble-looking boy at her side, pleading in vain before a
+    pro-slavery judge, that she is of right free; that her son is
+    entitled to his freedom; and above all, that her babe, about to
+    be born, should be permitted to open its eyes upon the light of
+    liberty. You must hear the judge's decision, remorselessly
+    giving up the woman with her children born and unborn, into the
+    hands of their claimants--by them to be carried to the slave
+    prison, and thence to be sold to a returnless distance from the
+    remaining but scattered fragments of her once happy family.
+    These things you must see and hear for yourself before you can
+    form any adequate idea of the bitterness of this cup which the
+    unhappy children of oppression along this southern border are
+    called upon to drink. Manifestations like these have we been
+    obliged either to witness ourselves, or hear the recital of from
+    others, almost daily, for weeks together. Our aching hearts of
+    late, have known but little respite. A shadow has been cast over
+    our home circles, and a check been given to the wonted
+    cheerfulness of our families. One night, the night that the
+    woman and the boy and the unborn babe received their doom, my
+    wife, long after midnight, literally wept herself to sleep. For
+    the last fortnight we have had no new cases; but even now, when
+    I go home in the evening, if I happen to look more serious than
+    usual, my wife notices it, and asks: "Is there another slave
+    case?" and my little girls look up anxiously for my reply.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+From Miss MARY B. THOMAS.
+
+
+Daring outrage! burglary and kidnapping! The following letter tells its
+own startling and most painful story. Every manly and generous heart
+must burn with indignation at the villainy it describes, and bleed with
+sympathy for the almost broken-hearted sufferers.
+
+
+    DOWNINGTOWN, 19th, 4th mo., 1848.
+
+    "My Dear Friend:--This morning our family was aroused by the
+    screams of a young colored girl, who has been living with us
+    nearly a year past; but we were awakened only in time to see her
+    borne off by three white men, ruffians indeed, to a carriage at
+    our door, and in an instant she was on her way to the South. I
+    feel so much excited by the attendant circumstances of this
+    daring and atrocious deed, as scarcely to be able to give you a
+    coherent account of it, but I know that it is a duty to make it
+    known, and, I therefore write this immediately.
+
+    "As soon as the house was opened in the morning, these men who
+    were lurking without, having a carriage in waiting in the
+    street, entered on their horrid errand. They encountered no one
+    in their entrance, except a colored boy, who was making the
+    fire; and who, being frightened at their approach, ran and hid
+    himself; taking a lighted candle from the kitchen, and carrying
+    it up stairs, they went directly to the chamber in which the
+    poor girl lay in a sound sleep. They lifted her from her bed and
+    carried her down stairs. In the entry of the second floor they
+    met one of my sisters, who, hearing an unusual noise, had sprung
+    from her bed. Her screams, and those of the poor girl, who was
+    now thoroughly awakened to the dreadful truth, aroused my
+    father, who hurried undressed from his chamber, on the ground
+    floor. My father's efforts were powerless against the three;
+    they threw him off, and with frightful imprecations hurried the
+    girl to the carriage. Quickly as possible my father started in
+    pursuit, and reached West Chester only to learn that the
+    carriage had driven through the borough at full speed, about
+    half an hour before. They had two horses to their vehicle, and
+    there were three men besides those in the house. These
+    particulars we gather from the colored boy Ned, who, from his
+    hiding-place, was watching them in the road.
+
+    "Can anything be done for the rescue of this girl from the
+    kidnappers? We are surprised and alarmed! This deliberate
+    invasion of our house, is a thing unimagined. There must be some
+    informer, who is acquainted with our house and its arrangements,
+    or they never would have come so boldly through. Truly, there is
+    no need to preach about Slavery in the abstract, this individual
+    case combines every wickedness by which human nature can be
+    degraded.
+
+    Truly, thy friend,
+
+    MARY B. THOMAS."
+
+
+In a subsequent letter, our friend says: "As to detail, the whole
+transaction was like a flash to those who saw the miserable ending. I
+was impelled to write without delay, by the thought that it would be in
+time for the 'Freeman,' and that any procrastination on my part, might
+jeopard others of these suffering people, who are living, as was this
+poor girl, in fancied security. Our consternation was inexpressible; our
+sorrow and indignation deepen daily, as the thought returns of the awful
+announcement with which we were awakened: they have carried Martha to
+the South. To do what will be of most service to the cause--not their
+cause--ours--that of our race, is our burning desire."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+HELPERS AND SYMPATHIZERS AT HOME AND ABROAD--INTERESTING LETTERS.
+
+
+The necessities of the Committee for the relief of the destitute and
+way-worn travelers bound freedom-ward, were met mainly by friends of the
+cause in Philadelphia. Generous-hearted abolitionists nobly gave their
+gold in this work. They gave not only material, but likewise
+whole-souled aid and sympathy in times of need, to a degree well worthy
+of commemoration while the name of slave is remembered. The Shipleys,
+Hoppers, Parrishes, Motts, Whites, Copes, Wistars, Pennocks, Sellers,
+Davis, Prices, Hallowells, Sharpless, Williams, Coates, Morris, Browns,
+Townsends, Taylors, Jones, Grews, Wises, Lindseys, Barkers, Earles,
+Pughs, Rogers, Whartons, Barnes, Willsons, Wrights, Peirces, Justices,
+Smiths, Cavenders, Stackhouses, Nealls, Dawsons, Evans, Lees, Childs,
+Clothiers, Harveys, Laings, Middletons, etc., are among the names
+well-known in the days which tried men's souls, as being most true to
+the bondman, whether on the Underground Rail Road, before a Fugitive
+Slave-Law Court, or on a rice or cotton plantation in the South. Nor
+would we pass over the indefatigable labors of the Ladies' Anti-slavery
+Societies and Sewing Circles of Philadelphia, whose surpassing fidelity
+to the slave in the face of prejudice, calumny and reproach, year in and
+year out, should be held in lasting remembrance. In the hours of
+darkness they cheered the cause. While we thus honor the home-guards and
+coadjutors in our immediate neighborhood, we cannot forget other earnest
+and faithful friends of the slave, in distant parts of the country and
+the world, who volunteered timely aid and sympathy to the Vigilance
+Committee of Philadelphia. Not to mention any of this class would be to
+fail to bestow honor where honor is due. We have only to allow the
+friends to whom we allude, to speak for themselves through their
+correspondence when their hearts were stirred in the interest of the
+escaping slave, and they were practically doing unto others as they
+would have others do unto them.
+
+Here, truly, is pure philanthropy, that vital Christianity, that True
+and Undefiled Religion before God and the Father, which is to visit the
+fatherless and widow in their affliction, and to undo the heavy burden,
+and let the oppressed go free. The posterity of the oppressed at least,
+will need such evidences of tender regard and love as here evinced. In
+those days, such expressions of Christian benevolence were cheering in
+the extreme. From his able contribution to Anti-slavery papers, and his
+fearless and eloquent advocacy of the cause of the down-trodden slave in
+the pulpit, on the platform, and in the social circle, the name of Rev.
+N.R. Johnston, Reformed Presbyterian (of the old Covenanter faith), will
+be familiar to many. But we think it safe to say that his fidelity and
+devotion to the slave are nowhere more fully portrayed than in the
+appended Underground Rail Road letters.
+
+
+    TOPSHAM, VT., September 1st, 1855.
+
+    WM. STILL, MY DEAR FRIEND:--I have the heart, but not the time,
+    to write you a long letter. It is Saturday evening, and I am
+    preparing to preach to-morrow afternoon from Heb. xiii. 3,
+    "Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them." This will
+    be my second sermon from this text. Sabbath before last I
+    preached from it, arguing and illustrating the proposition,
+    deduced from it, that "the great work to which we are now called
+    is the abolition of Slavery, or the emancipation of the slave,"
+    showing our duty as _philanthropists_. To-morrow I intend to
+    point out our duty as _citizens_. Some to whom I minister, I
+    know, will call it a political speech; but I have long since
+    determined to speak for the dumb what is in my heart and in my
+    Bible, let men hear or forbear. I am accountable to the God of
+    the oppressed, not to man. If I have his favor, why need I
+    regard man's disfavor. Many besides the members of my own church
+    come out regularly to hear me. Some of them are pro-slavery
+    politicians. The consequence is, I preach much on the subject of
+    Slavery. And while I have a tongue to speak, and lips to pray,
+    they shall never be sealed or silent so long as millions of dumb
+    have so few to speak for them.
+
+    But poor Passmore Williamson is in bonds. Let us also remember
+    him, as bound with him. He has many sympathizers. I am glad you
+    did not share the same fate. For some reasons I am sorry you
+    have fallen into the hands of thieves. For some others I am
+    glad. It will make you more devoted to your good work.
+    Persecution always brightens the Christian, and gives more zeal
+    to the true philanthropist. I hope you will come off victorious.
+    I pray for you and your co-laborers and co-sufferers.
+
+    My good brother, I am greatly indebted to you for your continued
+    kindness. The Lord reward you.
+
+    I have a scholarship in an Ohio College, Geneva Hall, which will
+    entitle me--any one I may send--to six years tuition. It is an
+    Anti-slavery institution, and wholly under Anti-slavery control
+    and influence. They want colored students to prepare them for
+    the great field of labor open to men of talent and piety of that
+    class. When I last saw you I purposed talking to you about this
+    matter, but was disappointed very much in not getting to take
+    tea with you, as I partly promised. Have you a son ready for
+    college? or for the grammar school? Do you know any promising
+    young man who would accept my scholarship? Or would your
+    brother's son, Peter or Levin, like to have the benefit of it?
+    If so, you are at liberty to promise it to any one whom you
+    think I would be willing to educate. Write me at your earliest
+    convenience, about this matter.
+
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+    I presume the Standard will contain full accounts of the
+    Norristown meeting, the Williamson case, and your own and those
+    connected. If it does not, I will thank you to write me fully.
+
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+    What causes the delay of that book, the History of Peter Still's
+    Family, etc.? I long to see it.
+
+    The Lord bless you in your labors for the slave.
+
+    Yours, etc.,
+
+    N.R. JOHNSTON.
+
+
+
+
+
+    TOPSHAM, VT., December 26th, 1855.
+
+    WM. STILL, MY DEAR FRIEND:--I wrote to you some two or three
+    weeks ago, enclosing the letter to the care of a friend in
+    Philadelphia, whom I wished to introduce to you. I have had no
+    answer to that letter, and I am afraid you have not received it,
+    or that you have written me, and I have not received yours. In
+    that letter I wished to receive information respecting the best
+    way to expend money for the aid of fugitives. Lest you may not
+    have received it, I write you again, though briefly.
+
+    A few of the Anti-slavery friends, mostly ladies, in our village
+    have formed an Anti-slavery Society and sewing circle, the
+    proceeds of which are to go to aid needy or destitute fugitive
+    slaves. They have appointed me corresponding secretary. In
+    obedience to my instructions, and that I may fulfill my
+    promises, I want to find out from you the desired information.
+    We want to give the little money raised, in such a way that
+    fugitives who are really needy will be benefited by it. Write me
+    as soon as possible, where and to whom we should send the funds
+    when raised. I have thought that you of the Vigilance Committee,
+    in Philadelphia had need of it. Or, if not, you can tell us
+    where money is needed. Probably you know of some one in Canada
+    who acts for the needy there. So many impositions have been
+    palmed off upon charitable abolitionists, I am afraid to act in
+    such a case without the directions of one who knows all about
+    these things. Is money needed to help those escaping? If so,
+    should we send to New York, Philadelphia, or where else? When I
+    was in New York last, a young man from Richmond, Va., assuming
+    the name of Robert Johnston, who had come by steamboat to
+    Philadelphia, and whom you had directed to the Anti-slavery
+    office in New York, had only one dollar in money. His fare had
+    to be paid by a friend there, the treasurer of the fund being
+    absent. I know that they nearly all need money, or clothing. We
+    want to send our money wherever it is most needed, to help the
+    destitute, or those in danger, and where it will be faithfully
+    applied. Write me fully, giving specific directions; and I will
+    read your letter to the society. And as I have been waiting
+    anxiously, for some two weeks or more, for an answer to my
+    previous letter, but am disappointed unless you have written
+    very recently, I will be much obliged if you will write on the
+    reception of this. Any information you may communicate,
+    respecting the doing of your section of the Underground Railway
+    will be read before the society with much interest.
+
+    If you know the address of any one in Canada, who would be a
+    good correspondent respecting this matter, please give me his
+    name.
+
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+    My dear brother, go on in your good work; and the God of the
+    oppressed sustain and reward you, is my earnest prayer.
+
+    Yours, fraternally, in our common cause,
+
+    N.R. JOHNSTON.
+
+
+
+
+
+    TOPSHAM, VT., December 18th, 1856.
+
+    WM. STILL, VERY DEAR FRIEND:--I will be much pleased to hear
+    from you and our common cause in Pennsylvania. I am so far
+    removed, away here in Yankeedom, that I hear nothing from that
+    quarter but by the public prints. And as for the Underground
+    Railway, of course, I hear nothing, except now and then, I would
+    be greatly pleased if you would write me the state of its funds
+    and progress. Whatever you write will be interesting.
+
+    The Topsham Sewing Circle has begun its feeble operations again.
+    Owing to much opposition, a very few attend, consequently little
+    is made. The ladies, however, have some articles on hand unsold,
+    which will bring some money ere long. I wish you would write me
+    another long letter in detail of interesting fugitives, etc.,
+    such as you wrote last winter, and I will have it read before
+    the circle. Your letter last winter was heard by the ladies with
+    great interest. You are probably not aware that fugitives are
+    never seen here. Indeed the one half of the people have never
+    seen more than a half-dozen of colored people. There are none in
+    all this region.
+
+    I am lending Peter Still--the book--to my neighbors. It is
+    devoured with great interest. It does good. I think, however, if
+    I had been writing such a book, I would have wedged in much more
+    testimony against slavery and its horrid accompaniments and
+    consequences.
+
+    I would be glad to hear how Peter and his family are prospering.
+
+    Do you see my friends, Mr. Orr and Rev. Willson, now-a-days? Do
+    they help in the good cause?
+
+    If the ladies here should make up fine shirts for men, or
+    children's clothes of various kinds, would they be of use at
+    Philadelphia, or New York, to fugitives? Or would it not be
+    advisable to send them there? The ladies here complain that they
+    cannot sell what they make.
+
+    My dear brother, be not discouraged in your work, your labor of
+    love. The prospect before the poor slave is indeed dark, dark!
+    But the power shall not always be on the side of the oppressor.
+    God reigns. A day of vengeance will come, and that soon.
+
+    Mrs. Stowe makes Dred utter many a truth. Would that God would
+    write it indelibly on the heart of the nation. But the people
+    will not hear, and the cup of iniquity will soon fill to
+    overflowing; and whose ears will not be made to tingle when the
+    God of Sabaoth awakes to plead the cause of the dumb?
+
+    Yours, very sincerely,
+
+    N.R. JOHNSTON.
+
+    P.S. When I was in New York last Fall, October, I was in the
+    Anti-Slavery office one day, when a friend in the office showed
+    me a dispatch just received from Philadelphia, signed W.S.,
+    which gave notice of "six parcels" coming by the train, etc. And
+    before I left the office the "parcels" came in, each on two
+    legs. Strange parcels, that would run away on legs.
+
+    My heart leaped for joy at seeing these rescued ones. O that God
+    would arise and break the yoke of oppression! Let us labor on
+    and ever, until our work is done, until all are free.
+
+    Since the late Republican farce has closed I hope to get some
+    more subscribers for the Standard. Honest men's eyes will be
+    opened after a while, and the standard of right and expediency
+    be elevated. Let us "hope on and ever."
+
+    Yours, for the right,
+
+    N.R.J.
+
+
+
+
+
+    TOPSHAM, VT., April 3d, 1858.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND STILL:--I entreat you not to infer from my tardiness
+    or neglect, that I am forgetful of my dear friend in
+    Philadelphia. For some time past I have done injustice to many
+    of my friends, in not paying my debts in epistolary
+    correspondence. Some of my dearest friends have cause to censure
+    me. But you must pardon me. I have two letters of yours on hand,
+    unanswered. One of them I read to the Sewing Circle; and part of
+    the other. For them I most heartily thank you. You are far
+    kinder to me than I deserve. May God reward you.
+
+    I long to see you. My head and heart is full of the cause of the
+    slave. I fear I give the subject too much relative importance.
+    Is this possible? I preach, lecture, and write for the slave
+    continually. And yet I don't do enough. Still I fear I neglect
+    the great concerns of religion at home, in my own heart, in my
+    congregation, and in the community.
+
+    I wish we were located near to each other. We are far separated.
+    I am almost isolated. You are surrounded by many friends of the
+    cause. Still we are laboring on the same wall, though far apart.
+    Are we not near in spirit?
+
+    You see by the papers that we have been trying to do something
+    in our Green Mountain State. The campaign has fairly begun. We
+    will carry the battle to the gate.
+
+    I see our friend, Miss Watkins, is still pleading for the dumb.
+    Noble girl! I love her for her devotedness to a good cause. Oh,
+    that her voice could be heard by the millions! I hope that we
+    can have her again in Vermont.
+
+    Give my kind regards to our mutual friend, Miller McKim. Will I
+    not see him and you at the anniversary in New York?
+
+    Do you ever see Rev. Willson? Is he doing anything for the
+    cause? I wish I could peep into your house to-night, and see if
+    there are any "packages" on hand. God bless you in your labors
+    of love.
+
+    Yours, truly, for the slave,
+
+    N.R. JOHNSTON.
+
+
+While it was not in the power of Mr. Johnston and his coadjutors, to
+render any great amount of material aid to the Committee, as they had
+not been largely blessed with this world's goods, nevertheless, the
+sympathy shown was as highly valued, as if they had given thousands of
+dollars. Not unfrequently has the image of this singularly faithful
+minister entered the writer's mind as he once appeared when visiting the
+Synod of his church in Philadelphia. Having the Underground Rail Road
+cause at heart, he brought with him--all the way from Vermont--his trunk
+well filled with new shirts and under-clothing for the passengers on
+that Road. It was characteristic of the man, and has ever since been
+remembered with pleasure.
+
+From another quarter, hundreds of miles from Philadelphia, similar
+tokens of interest in the cause of the fleeing bondmen were manifested
+by a Ladies' Anti-slavery Society, in Western New York, which we must
+here record. As the proffered aid was wholly unsolicited, and as the
+Committee had no previous knowledge whatever of the existence of the
+society, or any of its members, and withal, as the favors conferred,
+came at times when the cause was peculiarly in need (the Committee
+oft-times being destitute of clothing or money), the idea that the
+Underground Rail Road was providentially favored, in this respect, was
+irresistible.
+
+We therefore take great pleasure in commemorating the good deeds of the
+society, by copying the following letters from its president, Mrs. Dr.
+Brooks:
+
+
+    ELLINGTON, Nov. 21st, 1859.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL:--Dear Sir:--In the above-named place, some
+    five years since there was formed a Ladies' Anti-slavery
+    Society, which has put forth its feeble endeavors to aid the
+    cause of "breaking every yoke and letting the oppressed go
+    free," and we trust, through our means, others have been made
+    glad of heart. Every year we have sent a box of clothing,
+    bedding, etc., to the aid of the fugitive, and wishing to send
+    it where it would be of the most service, we have it suggested
+    to us, to send to you the box we have at present. You would
+    confer a favor upon the members of our society, by writing us,
+    giving a detail of that which would be the most service to you,
+    and whether or no it would be more advantageous to you than some
+    nearer station, and we will send or endeavor to, that which
+    would benefit you most.
+
+    William Wells Brown visited our place a short time since,
+    recommending us to send to you in preference to Syracuse, where
+    we sent our last box.
+
+    Please write, letting me know what most is needed to aid you in
+    your glorious work, a work which will surely meet its reward.
+    Direct, Ellington, Chautauqua county, N.Y.
+
+    Your sister, in the cause,
+
+    Mrs. M. BROOKS.
+
+
+
+
+
+    ELLINGTON, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., Dec. 7th, 1859.
+
+    MR. STILL:--Dear Sir:--Yours of the 29th, was duly and
+    gratefully received, although the greater portion of your
+    epistle, of a necessity, portrayed the darker side of the
+    picture, yet we have great reason to be thankful for the growing
+    interest there is for the cause throughout the free States, for
+    it certainly is on the increase, even in our own locality. There
+    are those who, five years since, were (ashamed, must I say it!)
+    to bear the appellation of "_Anti-slavery_," who can now
+    manfully bear the one then still more repellant of
+    _Abolitionist_. All this we wish to feel thankful for, and wish
+    their number may never grow less.
+
+    The excitement relative to the heroic John Brown, now in his
+    grave, has affected the whole North, or at least every one who
+    has a heart in his breast, particularly this portion of the
+    State, which is so decidedly Anti-slavery.
+
+    At a meeting of our Society, to-day, at which your letter was
+    read, it was thought best that I should reply to it, a request
+    with which I cheerfully comply. We would like to hear from you,
+    and learn the directions to be given to our box, which will be
+    ready to send as soon as we can hear from you. Please give us
+    all necessary information, and oblige our Society.
+
+    You have the kind wishes and prayers of all the members, that
+    you may be the instrument of doing much good to those in bonds,
+    and may God speed the time when every yoke shall be broken, and
+    let the oppressed go free.
+
+    Yours, truly,
+
+    Mrs. DR. BROOKS.
+
+    P.S. I have just learned that John Brown's body passed through
+    Dunkirk, a few miles from this place, yesterday. A funeral
+    sermon is to be preached in this place one week from next
+    Sabbath, for the good old man.
+
+    Mrs. DR. B.
+
+
+
+
+
+    ELLINGTON, Jan. 2d, 1860.
+
+    WILLIAM STILL:--Dear Sir:--Enclosed are $2,00, to pay freightage
+    on the box of bedding, wearing apparel, etc., that has been sent
+    to your address. It has been thought best to send you a schedule
+    of the contents of said box. Trusting it will be acceptable, and
+    be the means of assisting the poor fugitive on his perilous way,
+    you have the prayers of our Society, that you may be prospered
+    in your work of mercy, and you surely will meet with your reward
+    according to your merciful acts.
+
+    Two bed quilts, 32, $8,00; five bed quilts, 24, $15,00; one bed
+    quilt, 28, $3,50; two pairs cotton socks, 3, 75 cents; three
+    pairs cotton stockings, 4, $1,50; one pair woolen stockings, 6,
+    75 cents; one pair woolen stockings, 4, 50 cents; three pair
+    woolen socks, 2, 75 cents; five pair woolen socks, 3, $1,88;
+    eight chemise, 32, $4,50; thirteen men's shirts, 66 cents,
+    $8,58; one pair pants, 12, $1,50; six pair overall pants, 80
+    cents, $4,80; three pair pillow cases, $1,00; three calico
+    aprons, 2, 75 cents; three sun-bonnets, 2, 75 cents; two small
+    aprons, 1, 25 cents; one alpaca cape, 8, $1,00; two capes, 1, 25
+    cents; one black shawl, 4, 50 cents. Total, $56,51.
+
+    The foregoing is a correct list of the articles and the
+    appraisal of the same. Please acknowledge the receipt of the
+    letter and box, and oblige the Anti-slavery Society of
+    Ellington.
+
+    Mrs. DR. BROOKS.
+
+
+The road was doing a flourishing business during the short time that
+this station received aid and sympathy from the Ladies' Anti-slavery
+Society of Ellington, and little did we dream that its existence would
+so soon be rendered null and void by the utter overthrow of Slavery.
+
+We have great pleasure in stating that beyond our borders also, across
+the ocean, there came help to a laudable degree in the hour of need. The
+numbers of those who aided in this special work, however, were very few
+and far between, a hundred per cent. less (so far as the receipts of the
+Philadelphia Committee were concerned), than was supposed by
+slave-holders and their sympathizers, judging from their oft repeated
+allegations on this subject.
+
+It is true, that the American Anti-slavery Society and kindred
+associations, received liberal contributions from a few warm-hearted and
+staunch abolitionists abroad, to aid the great work of abolishing
+Slavery. In reference to the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee, we are
+safe in saying, that, except from a few sources, no direct aid came. How
+true this was of other stations, we do not pretend to know or speak, but
+in the directions above alluded to, we feel that the cause was placed
+under lasting obligations. The Webbs of Dublin, and the Misses Wighams,
+of Scotland, representatives of the Edinburgh Ladies' Emancipation
+Society, were constantly in correspondence with leading abolitionists in
+different parts of the country, manifesting a deep interest in the
+general cause, and were likewise special stockholders of the Underground
+Rail Road of Philadelphia. In common with stockholders at home, these
+trans-atlantic investors were willing to receive their shares of
+dividends in the answer of a good conscience, or, in other words, from
+the satisfaction and pleasure derivable from a consciousness of having
+done what they could to alleviate the sufferings of the oppressed
+struggling to be free. Having thus shown their faith by their works it
+would be unjust not to make honorable mention of them.
+
+Last, though not least, at the risk of wounding the feelings of one who
+preferred not to let the left hand know what the right hand doeth, we
+may contemplate the philanthropic labors of one, whose generosity and
+benevolence knew no bounds; whose friendship devotion and liberality,
+were felt in all the principal stations of the Underground Rail Road;
+whose heart went out after the millions in fetters, the fleeing
+fugitive, the free, proscribed, the ignorant deprived of education;
+whose house was the home of the advocate of the slave from the United
+States, especially if he wore a colored skin or had been a slave. We
+would not venture to say how many of the enslaved this kind hand helped
+to purchase (Frederick Douglass and many others, being of the number.)
+
+How many were assisted in procuring an education, how many who pined in
+slave prisons were aided, how many fleeing over the perilous Underground
+Rail Road were benefited, the All-seeing Eye alone knoweth;
+nevertheless, we are happy to be able to give our readers some idea of
+the unwearied labors of the friend to whom we allude. Here again we are
+compelled to resort to private correspondence which took place when
+Cotton was King, and the Slave-power of the South could boastingly say,
+in the language of the apocalyptic woman, "I sit as a queen, and shall
+see no sorrow," when that power was maddened to desperation, by the
+heroism of the martyr, John Brown, and the fettered bondmen were ever
+and anon traveling over the Underground Rail Road. In this "darkest
+hour, just before the break of day," the heart of the friend of whom we
+speak, was greatly moved to consider the wants of the oppressed in
+various directions.
+
+How worthily and successfully her labors gave evidence of an earnest
+devotion to freedom, the mode and measures adopted by her, to awaken
+sympathy in the breast of the benevolent of her own countrymen, and how
+noble her example, may be learned from a small pamphlet and explanatory
+letters which, when written, were intended especially for private use,
+but which we now feel constrained to copy from a sense of justice to
+disinterested philanthropy.
+
+
+
+PAMPHLET, AND LETTERS
+
+
+FROM MRS. ANNA H. RICHARDSON, OF NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND.
+
+
+TO THE FRIENDS OF THE SLAVE.
+
+
+
+    DEAR FRIENDS--For some months past my dear husband and I have
+    wished very gratefully to thank you for having so kindly
+    assisted us in various Anti-Slavery efforts, and we now think it
+    quite time to give an account of our stewardship, and also to
+    lay before you several items of interesting intelligence
+    received from different parts of the United States. We will
+    thank you to look upon this intelligence as private, and must
+    request you to guard against any portion of it being reprinted.
+
+    WILLIAM S. BAILEY.--We have had great pleasure in forwarding
+    L222 to our valued correspondent, William S. Bailey, of Newport,
+    Kentucky; L160 of this sum in response to a circular issued at
+    Newcastle in the summer of last year, and received by our
+    friend, David Oliver, who acted as treasurer, and the remainder
+    chiefly collected by our dear young friends in England and
+    Ireland, after reading the account of his little daughter,
+    "Laura." This money has been very thankfully acknowledged, with
+    the exception of the last remittance just now on the road.
+
+    Most of our readers will be aware that W.S. Bailey's
+    printing-office and premises were again ruthlessly attacked
+    after the Harper's Ferry outbreak, on the unfounded assumption
+    that he was meditating a similar proceeding, and that it was
+    unsafe for a free press to be any longer tolerated in Kentucky.
+    His forms and type were accordingly dragged through the streets
+    of Newport, and a considerable portion of them flung by a mob
+    (of "gentlemen") into the Ohio River. A few extracts from his
+    own letters will pretty fully explain both his past and present
+    position. The subscription list on his behalf is still open, and
+    any further assistance for this heroic man and his noble-hearted
+    family will be very gratefully received and forwarded.
+
+
+        "NEWPORT, KENTUCKY, Nov. 19th, 1859.
+
+        "From my letter of the 7th inst. you will have learned
+        the sad intelligence that my printing-office has been
+        destroyed by a brutal mob of Pro-Slavery men. Through
+        the money I received from you and other friends in this
+        country I was moving the cause of freedom in all parts
+        of Kentucky. The people seemed to grasp our platform
+        with eagerness, and the slaveholders became alarmed to
+        see their wish to read and discuss its simple truths.
+        Hence they plotted together to devise a stratagem by
+        which they could destroy _The Free South_, and in the
+        meantime the Harper's Ferry difficulty, by Mr. Brown,
+        was seized upon to excite the people against me, and the
+        most extravagant lies were told about me, as trying to
+        excite slaves to rebellion; intending to seize the
+        United States barracks at this place, arm the negroes,
+        and commence war upon slave-holders. All these lies were
+        told as profound secrets to the people by the tools of
+        the slave-power. But these lies have already exploded,
+        and the people are resuming their common sense again.
+
+        "I tried your plan of non-resistance with all my power.
+        I pleaded with all the earnestness of my soul, and so
+        did my wife and daughters, but though I am certain many
+        were moved in conscience against the savage outrage, and
+        did their work with a stinging heart, yet they felt that
+        they must stick to their party, and complete the
+        destruction. Slavery, indeed, makes the most hardened
+        savages the world ever knew. The savage war-whoop of the
+        Indian never equalled their dastardly cry of 'shoot
+        him,' 'cut his throat,' 'stab him,' and such like words
+        most maliciously spoken."  *  *  "Slavery is the cause
+        of this devilish spirit in men; but this outrage has
+        gained me many friends, and will do much towards putting
+        down Slavery in the state. It will also add many
+        thousand votes to the republican presidential candidate
+        in 1860. God grant it may work out a great good!"  *  *
+        *  *  "I Want to get started again as soon as I possibly
+        can. As soon as I can raise 1,000 dollars, I can make a
+        beginning, and soon after you will see _The Free South_
+        again, and I trust a much handsomer sheet than it was
+        before."
+
+
+
+
+
+        NEWPORT, January 6th, 1860.
+
+        "Yours of 12mo. 17th, 1860, is received, containing a
+        draft for L50, and another of the 'Little Laura' books,
+        which, thank God, is doing some good in Newport and
+        Covington, in the hands of two Christian friends. The
+        renewed obligations under which the good people of
+        England, through your instrumentality, place me and my
+        abused people, call for expressions of gratitude from
+        both me and them beyond my ability to pen. But you can
+        imagine how we ought to feel in our trials and wants to
+        such kind friends as you. Neither I nor my Anti-Slavery
+        friends here can express our thankfulness in the elegant
+        language your better educated countrymen may feel we
+        should use, but, by the Omnipotent Judge of all hearts,
+        I trust our feeble effort will be accepted, and you and
+        yours be blessed and protected now and for ever. Such
+        encouragement strengthens me in the belief that the
+        Spirit of God is abroad in the hearts of the people,
+        moving them to sympathize with the poor, subjected
+        slave."  *  *  *  *  "I have the promise of abler pens
+        to aid me when I get started again; and I am glad to see
+        that a poor working-man and his family have been the
+        means of calling the attention of men of letters to
+        assist in raising from the dust a crushed race of men;
+        and although the red clouds of war hover thick around
+        us, and vengeance lurks in secret places, I trust,
+        through the guidance of an All-wise Director, to steer
+        safely through the angry tide that now so often ebbs and
+        flows around me; but should I fall, I trust, dear lady,
+        that my dear wife and family may be remembered by the
+        good and true."
+
+
+
+
+
+        "NEWPORT, May 25th, 1860.
+
+        "I am glad to tell you that we feel it a great victory
+        over the slave power to be able to rise again from our
+        ruins, and in the face of slave-owning despots denounce
+        their inhumanity and their sins. I trust that Almighty
+        God will continue to be with me and my dear family in
+        this good work."   *  *  *  "You cannot but see, I
+        think, by the southern press, that slave-holders begin
+        to fear and tremble for the safety of their 'peculiar
+        institution.' The death of John Brown is yet to be
+        atoned for, by the slave-holding oligarchy. His undying
+        spirit haunts them by day and by night, and in the midst
+        of their voluptuous enjoyments, the very thought of John
+        Brown chills their souls and poisons their pleasures.
+        Their tarring and feathering of good citizens; their
+        riding them upon rails, and ducking them, in dirty
+        ponds; their destruction of liberty presses, and the
+        hanging of John Brown and his friends, to intimidate men
+        from the advocacy of freedom, will all come tumbling
+        upon their own heads as a just retribution for their
+        outrageous brutality. Only let us persevere, and
+        oppressed humanity, bent in timid silence throughout the
+        south, will rise and throw off the yoke of Slavery and
+        rejoice in beholding itself _free_!"
+
+
+
+
+
+        "NEWPORT, August 18.
+
+        "I send you three copies of my paper. Since receiving
+        your letter, I and my family have done all in our power
+        to get it out, but we had to get old type from the
+        foundry and sort it, to make the sheet the size you now
+        see it. We hate to be put down by the influence of
+        tyranny, and you cannot imagine our sorrow, anxiety,
+        necessity and determination."  *  *  * "I have received,
+        since the press was destroyed, 700 dollars in all, which
+        has been spent in repairing and roofing our
+        dwelling-house, and repairing the breaches made upon the
+        office, together with mending the presses and procuring
+        job type and some little for the paper, but nearly all
+        the latter is old type. Our kindest thanks to the
+        liberty-loving people of your country, Scotland, and
+        Ireland, and tell them I shall never surrender the cause
+        of freedom. A little money from all my friends, would
+        soon reinstate me, and when they see my paper I trust it
+        will cheer their hopes, and cause a new fire for liberty
+        in Kentucky.
+
+        "I cannot but sometimes ask in my closet meditations: O
+        God of mercy and love, why permittest Thou these things?
+        But still I hope for a change of mind in my enemies, and
+        shall press onward to accomplish the great task
+        seemingly allotted to me upon Kentucky soil."
+
+
+    THE PERSECUTED BEREANS.--There is another call connected with
+    Kentucky, which we wish to bring before our friends. At a
+    village in that State, called Berea, (situated in Madison
+    county), a little band of Christian men and women, had been
+    pursuing their useful labors for some years past. They avowedly
+    held Anti-slavery sentiments, but this was the beginning and end
+    of their offending. They possessed a farm and saw-mill, etc.,
+    and had established a flourishing school. These good people were
+    quietly following their usual employments, when, in the early
+    part of last winter, sixty-two armed Kentuckians rode upon
+    horseback to their cottage doors, and summarily informed them
+    that they must leave the State in ten days' time, or would be
+    expelled from it forcibly. All pleading was hopeless, and any
+    attempt at self-defence out of the question. They bowed before
+    the storm, and hastily gathering up their garments, in three
+    days' time were on their road to Ohio. Their three Christian
+    pastors took the same course. One of the latter has since
+    returned to Kentucky, to bury his youngest little boy, in a
+    grave-yard attached to one of the churches there. He was enabled
+    to preach to the people who assembled on the occasion, but was
+    not allowed to remain in his native State.
+
+    Another of the exiles ventured to go back to Berea, but this
+    immediately led to an outbreak of popular feeling, for his
+    saw-mill was set on fire by the mob, and presently destroyed.
+    The exiles are consequently still in Ohio, or wandering about in
+    search of employment. We have been privileged in receiving two
+    letters respecting them, from one of their excellent pastors,
+    John G. Fee. This gentleman is himself, the son of a
+    slave-holder, but gave up his earthly patrimony many years since
+    for conscience' sake, and has since made it the business of his
+    life to proclaim the gospel in its purity, and to use every
+    available means for directing all to Christ.
+
+    When speaking of Berea, Mr. Fee remarks: "The land was poor, but
+    the situation beautiful, with good water, and a favorable
+    location, in some respects. We could have had locations more
+    fertile and more easy of access, but more exposed to the
+    slave-power. It was five miles from a turnpike road, with quite
+    a population around it for a slave State."
+
+    In one of Mr. Fee's letters he introduces a subject which we
+    wish especially to bring before our friends, feeling almost sure
+    that many of them will respond to its importance:
+
+    "You ask, he says, if there are not noble-hearted young people
+    in slave-holding families? There is one whom I desire to commend
+    to your special prayer and regard, Elizabeth Rawlings, daughter
+    of John H. Rawlings, of Madison county, Kentucky. He was once a
+    slave-holder, but has twice been a delegate to our Free-soil
+    National Conventions, and is a strong friend of freedom. His
+    daughter has had small opportunities for acquiring knowledge,
+    but was in our school at Berea, and making rapid progress. Our
+    school was not only Anti-slavery, but avowedly Anti-caste. This
+    made it the more odious. When Mr. Rogers and others were about
+    to be driven away, she announced that she would continue the
+    school on the same principles. Accordingly she went into the
+    school-room after a few days, with a little band of small
+    scholars, and has perseveringly kept it up. This noble and
+    brave-hearted young woman is about twenty-two years of age; has
+    a very vigorous mind; acquires knowledge very rapidly; is very
+    modest; and is, I trust, a true believer in Christ. I desire to
+    see her fitted for the post of teacher. One year's study would
+    greatly benefit her. She has not gone beyond grammar and
+    arithmetic. I have not means or would at once give her those
+    advantages she needs. I once had a small patrimony, but expended
+    it in freedom's cause, and now live on the small salary of a
+    [Home] Missionary. I have a daughter of fifteen, as far advanced
+    as Miss Rawlings. I want to train and educate them both for
+    teaching, and had thought to educate the latter, and suggest to
+    some one to educate the other. I do not urge, but simply
+    suggest. This might be another cord binding the two continents.
+    Lewis Tappan, of New York, would receive to transmit, and I
+    would report."
+
+    Now if we may lay before you, dear friends, our hearts' inquiry,
+    it is this: "Cannot we in England, raise L50 or L60 for one
+    year's schooling for these two dear girls, Elizabeth Rawlings
+    and J.G. Fee's daughter?" It seems to us, that the one deserves
+    it from her noble daring, the other as a little tribute to her
+    father's virtues. How delightful it would be if these two young
+    people could become able teachers of our own rearing, and in
+    days to come, be looked to as maintaining schools of an elevated
+    character upon their native soil! We have laid the case before a
+    few kind friends, and already had the pleasure of forwarding L8
+    to Mr. Fee's care, on behalf of his valued young friend,
+    Elizabeth Rawlings.
+
+    CORNELIA WILLIAMS.--The next person to be referred to is
+    Cornelia Williams, a bright young niece of our friend, Henry H.
+    Garnet's, whom many of our friends kindly assisted to redeem
+    from Slavery, in North Carolina, about three years since. We
+    rejoice to say this dear girl is going on very satisfactorily.
+    She has been diligently pursuing her studies in a school at
+    Nantucket, and appears to be much esteemed by all who know her.
+    She kindly sends us a little letter now and then, again
+    returning her glowing thanks to all who assisted in procuring
+    her freedom. Her mother, Dinah Williams (also a slave a few
+    years since, and redeemed in part by the surplus of 'the Weims
+    Ransom Fund'), has married an estimable Baptist minister within
+    the last year, and Cornelia resides under their roof.
+
+    FREDERICK DOUGLASS.--It is known that our much-valued friend,
+    Frederick Douglass, left this country suddenly for America last
+    spring, chiefly on account of the decease of a most beloved
+    little girl. Till quite recently he was intending to return to
+    England very soon, but this is for the present delayed, on
+    account of increasing and pressing engagements in the United
+    States. We take the liberty of quoting an extract from one of
+    his letters:
+
+
+        "ROCHESTER, July 2d, 1860.
+
+        "You hold up before me the glorious promises contained
+        in the sacred Scriptures. These are needed by none more
+        than by those who have presumed to put themselves to the
+        work of accomplishing the abolition of Slavery in this
+        country. There is scarcely one single interest, social,
+        moral, religious, or physical, which is not in some way
+        connected with this stupendous evil. On the side of the
+        oppressor there is power, now as in the earlier days of
+        the world. I find much comfort in the thought that I am
+        but a passenger on board of this ship of life. I have
+        not the management committed to me. I am to obey orders,
+        and leave the rest to the great Captain whose wisdom is
+        able to direct. I have only to go on in His fear and in
+        His spirit, uttering with pen and tongue the whole truth
+        against Slavery, leaving to Him the honor and the glory
+        of destroying this mighty work of the devil. I long for
+        the end of my people's bondage, and would give all I
+        possess to witness the great jubilee; but God can wait,
+        and surely I may. If He, whose pure eyes cannot look
+        upon sin with allowance, can permit the day of freedom
+        to be deferred, I certainly can work and wait. The times
+        are just now a little brighter; but I will walk by
+        faith, not by sight, for all grounds of hope founded on
+        external appearance, have thus far signally failed and
+        broken down under me. Twenty years ago, Slavery did
+        really _seem_ to be rapidly hastening to its fall, but
+        ten years ago, the Fugitive Slave Bill, and the efforts
+        to enforce it, changed the whole appearance of the
+        struggle. Anti-slavery in an abolition sense, has been
+        ever since battling against heavy odds, both in Church
+        and State. Nevertheless, God reigns, and we need not
+        despair, and I for one do not. I know, at any rate, no
+        better work for me during the brief period I am to stay
+        on the earth, than is found in pleading the cause of the
+        down-trodden and the dumb.
+
+        "Since I reached home I have had the satisfaction of
+        passing nearly a score on to Canada, only two women
+        among them all. The constant meeting with these
+        whip-scarred brothers will not allow me to become
+        forgetful of the four millions still in bonds."
+
+
+    Our friends may, perhaps, remember that the cost of _Frederick
+    Douglass' paper_ is but five shillings per annum (with the
+    exception of a penny per month at the door for postage.) It is a
+    very interesting publication, and amply repays the trifling
+    outlay. F.D. would be glad to increase the number of his British
+    readers. He also continues gratefully to receive any aid from
+    this country for the assistance of the fugitives who are so
+    often taking refuge under his roof. Another letter of his
+    remarks, when speaking of them: "They usually tarry with us only
+    during the night, and are forwarded to Canada by the morning
+    train. We give them supper, lodging, and breakfast; pay their
+    expenses, and give them a half dollar over."
+
+    FUGITIVE SLAVES.--We next turn to the communication of another
+    warm friend to the fugitives in the State of ----. The following
+    is an extract from a recent letter of his:
+
+
+        "We have had within the last week just nineteen
+        Underground passengers. Fifteen came last Saturday,
+        between the hours of six in the morning and eleven at
+        night. Three only were females, wives of men in the
+        parties, the rest were all able-bodied young men. That
+        they were all likely-looking it needed no southern eye
+        to decide, and that their hearts burned within them for
+        freedom was apparent in every look of their
+        countenances. But it is only of one arrival that my time
+        will allow me to speak on the present occasion.
+
+        This consisted of two married couples, and two single
+        young men. They had been a week on the way. To
+        accomplish the desired object they could see no way so
+        feasible as to cross the ---- Bay. By inquiry they
+        gained instructions as to the direction they should
+        steer to strike for the lighthouse on the opposite
+        shore. Consequently they invested six dollars in a
+        little boat, and at once prepared themselves for this
+        most fearful adventure. To the water and their little
+        bark they stealthily repaired, and off they started. For
+        some distance they rowed not far from the shore. Being
+        in sight of land, they were spied by the ever-watchful
+        slave-holder or some one not favorable to their escape.
+        Hence a small boat, containing four white men, soon put
+        out after the fugitives. On overhauling them, stern
+        orders were given to surrender. The boat the runaways
+        were in was claimed, if not the party themselves. With
+        determined words the fugitives declared that the boat
+        was their own property, and that they would not give it
+        up; they said they would die before they would do so. At
+        this sign of resistance one of the white men, with an
+        oar, struck the head of one of the fugitives, which
+        knocked him down. At the same moment another white man
+        seized the chain of their boat, and the struggle became
+        fearful in the extreme for a few moments. However, the
+        same spirit that prompted the effort to be free, moved
+        one of the heroic black bondmen to apply the oar to the
+        head of one of their pursuers, which straightway laid
+        him prostrate. The whites, like old Apollyon in the
+        Pilgrim's Progress, at this decided indication that
+        their precious lives might not be spared if they did not
+        avail themselves of an immediate retreat, suddenly
+        parted from their antagonists. Not being contented,
+        however, thus to give up the struggle, after getting
+        some yards off, they fired a loaded gun in the midst of
+        the fugitives, peppering two of them considerably about
+        the head and face, and one about the arms. As the shot
+        was light they were not much damaged, however, at any
+        rate not discouraged. Not forgetting which way to steer
+        across the bay, in the direction of the lighthouse, they
+        rowed for that point with all possible speed, but their
+        bark being light, and the wind and rough water by no
+        means manageable, ere they reached the desired shore
+        they were carried a considerable distance off their
+        course, in the immediate vicinity of a small island.
+        Leaving their boat they went upon the island, the women
+        sick, and there reposed without food, utterly ignorant
+        of where they were for one whole day and night, without
+        being able to conjecture when or where they should find
+        free land for which they had so long and fervently
+        prayed. However, after thus resting, feeling compelled
+        to start on again, they set off on foot. They had not
+        walked a mile ere, providentially, they fell in with an
+        oyster man and a little boy waiting for the tide. With
+        him they ventured to converse, and soon felt that he
+        might be trusted with, at least, a hint of their
+        condition. Accordingly they made him acquainted in part
+        with their piteous story, and he agreed to bring them
+        within fifteen miles of ---- for twenty-five dollars,
+        all the capital they had. Being as good as his word, he
+        did not leave them fifteen miles off the city, but
+        brought them directly to it."  *  *  *  * "How happy
+        they were at finding themselves in the hands of friends,
+        and surrounded with flattering prospects of soon
+        reaching Canada you may imagine, but I could not
+        describe."[A]
+
+        [Footnote A: In those days the writer in giving
+        information enjoined the utmost secresy, considering
+        that the cause might be sadly damaged simply by being
+        inadvertently exposed even by friends, thousands of
+        miles away. The Pro-slavery-mob spirit at that time was
+        also very rampant in Philadelphia and other northern
+        cities, threatening abolitionists and all concerned in
+        the work of aiding the slave.]
+
+
+    Thanks to the benevolent bounty of several kind donors, we had
+    lately the pleasure of sending a few pounds to the writer of the
+    foregoing letter. We omit his name and residence. He belongs,
+    like Douglass, to the proscribed race. Who would not help these
+    generous-hearted men, who are devoting their whole energies to
+    the well-being of the crushed and downtrodden? We are the more
+    encouraged to send out this little sheet, made up of thanks and
+    requisitions, because occasional inquiries are reaching us of
+    "What can we do for the slave? We are hearing but little about
+    him, and do not know how to work on his behalf." Allow us to say
+    to one and all, who may be thus circumstanced, that we do not
+    look for great things, but that if they can levy a shilling a
+    year from all who feel for the injured bondman, these little
+    sums would soon mount up and prove of incalculable service to
+    those who are struggling for freedom. As to the special destiny
+    of these shillings or half-crowns, let the subscribers choose
+    for themselves, and their kind aid will be sure to be truly
+    welcome to the party receiving it. We do not ask for such
+    contributions to be forwarded through Newcastle unless this be a
+    matter of convenience to those concerned. If there be other
+    modes of sending to the United States within the reach of the
+    friends, who receive this paper, let them by all means be used.
+    We are always happy to receive aid for the fugitives or for any
+    other Anti-slavery cause, and consider it no trouble at all to
+    send it on, but do not wish to be monopolizing. As far as
+    Kentucky is concerned, that State being distant, and mob-law
+    rampant there, we shall continue gratefully to receive
+    assistance on its behalf, and to avail ourselves of the
+    accustomed mode of reaching it, this having been proved to be
+    both safe and easy.
+
+    FREE LABOR PRODUCE.--And lastly, as to the long-prized
+    principle, to our minds the very alphabet of Anti-Slavery
+    action, the importance of encouraging the growth and consumption
+    of Free produce rather than that raised by the sweat and blood
+    of the bondman. Our convictions of the righteousness of this
+    course are as strong as they ever were; but perhaps we hoped too
+    much, relied too fondly on the conscientiousness of the British
+    Anti-Slavery public, in supposing that a sufficient number of
+    individuals could be found prepared to make a slight sacrifice
+    for humanity's sake, and to keep the oppressed continually in
+    mind by a little untiring pains-taking. We hardly supposed that
+    the most strenuous efforts in this direction would be enough to
+    affect the British market; but we did believe, and believe
+    still, that not only is there a consistency in a preference for
+    free produce, but that this preference is encouraging to the
+    free laborer, and that humanly speaking nothing is more
+    calculated to nerve his hand and heart for vigorous effort. The
+    principle of abstinence from slave produce may be smiled at, but
+    we are quite sure it is an honest one, and, as a good old
+    proverb observes, "It takes a great many bushels full of earth
+    to bury a truth."
+
+    But while this self-denying protest has been going on in a few
+    limited circles, how great is the advance that free labor has
+    been making within the last two years! Who is to say whether
+    some of those quiet testimonies may not have contributed to
+    erect that mighty machinery that is now adding to its wheels and
+    springs from day to day, and which bids fair at no distant
+    period to supersede slave labor and its long train of sorrow and
+    oppression?
+
+    Earnest lectures have just been delivered in Newcastle by our
+    colored friend, Dr. M.R. Delany, lately engaged in a tour of
+    observation in West Africa, where he longs to establish a
+    nourishing colony of his people, whose express object shall be
+    to put down the abominable Slave-trade and to cultivate free
+    cotton and other tropical produce. We wish this brave man every
+    encouragement in his noble enterprise. He has secured the
+    confidence of "The African Aid Society," in London, one of whose
+    earliest measures has been to assist him with funds. The present
+    Secretary of the society is Frederick W. Fitzgerald, 7 Adam
+    Street, Strand, London.
+
+    And who need speak of the Zambesi and Dr. Livingston, or of
+    Central or Eastern Africa; of India, or Australia, or of the
+    prolific West India Islands?
+
+    As we prepare this little sheet, a kind letter has come in from
+    Stephen Bourne, for many years a stipendiary magistrate in
+    Jamaica, and now the ardent promoter of a cotton-growing company
+    of that island. He says to us, when writing from London, on the
+    19th inst., "Our scheme embraces more than meets the eye, and to
+    illustrate this, I send a map (with prospectus) of the proposed
+    estate, by which you will see that we reckon on obtaining cotton
+    by free labor and by mechanical agency from Jamaica, at a price
+    so far below that at which it can be produced by slave labor,
+    that if we succeed, we shall put an end to the whole system, as
+    no one will be able to afford to carry it on in competition with
+    free labor."  *  *  * "Jamaica is much nearer and easier of
+    access for fugitives from Cuba and Porto Rico, than Canada is to
+    Georgia, Virginia, or Louisiana. If, therefore, we can offer
+    them an asylum and profitable employment on the estate, we shall
+    open up a new Underground Rail Road, or rather enable the slaves
+    to escape from Cuba by getting into a boat, and in one night
+    finding their way to freedom."  *  *  *  "There is no doubt they
+    could do this at much less risk than slaves now incur, in order
+    to obtain liberty in America."
+
+    The proposed estate in Jamaica consists of about one thousand
+    acres, and the shares in this company are L10 each, L1 only to
+    be called up immediately, the rest by instalments. The liability
+    is limited. Full information may be obtained by addressing
+    Stephen Bourne, Esq., 55 Charing Cross, London, or the Secretary
+    of the "Jamaica Cotton-growing Company," C. W. Streatfield, Esq.
+    We rejoice to see that this new company is being supported not
+    only by benevolent philanthropists and capitalists in London,
+    but by experienced Manchester manufacturers; among the rest by
+    the excellent Thomas Clegg, so well known for his persevering
+    efforts in West Africa, and by Thomas Bazley, M.P. for
+    Manchester, and a most extensive cotton spinner. Their mills
+    would alone, consume the cotton grown on three such estates as
+    that which it is proposed to cultivate. There is abundant room,
+    therefore, for cultivation of cotton by the emancipated
+    freeholders.
+
+    Communications have also reached us from Demerara. Charles
+    Rattray, a valuable Scotch missionary in that colony, was in
+    England last spring, and went back to his adopted country with
+    his mind full fraught with the importance of cotton growing
+    within its borders. He happened to have small samples of
+    Demerara cotton with him. These were shown to cotton-brokers and
+    manufacturers in Liverpool and Manchester, and were pronounced
+    to be most excellent--so much so, that specimen gins and a
+    supply of cotton-seed were kindly presented to him at the latter
+    place, before he left England. Mr. Rattray is now bringing the
+    subject before his people, and is also intending to plant with
+    cotton some ground belonging to the Mission station.
+
+    But we will not further enlarge. Commending our cause to Him,
+    who has promised never to forget the poor and needy, and that in
+    His own good time He will arise for their deliverance and "break
+    every yoke."
+
+    I remain, sincerely and respectfully, your friend,
+
+    Anna H. Richardson.
+
+    _54 Westmoreland Terrace_, _Newcastle-on-Tyne, 9 mo., 22, 1860._
+
+    P.S. Since writing the above, we have seen it stated in the
+    _Principia,_ a New York paper, that William S. Bailey has been
+    arrested on a charge of publishing an incendiary paper, and held
+    to bail in the sum of $1,000, to appear before the Circuit
+    Court, in November next. It is further stated that one of the
+    two magistrates by whom W.S. Bailey was examined, and held to
+    bail on this charge, was the chosen leader of the mob that
+    destroyed his type and printing press.
+
+    We have yet to see what will be the end of this cruel conflict.
+    Let us not desert our suffering friend and his noble-hearted
+    family.
+
+
+
+
+LETTERS TO THE WRITER.
+
+
+
+    WESTMORELAND TERRACE, December 28, 1860.
+
+    MY ESTEEMED FRIEND:--I received thy touching letter of the 10th
+    inst. a few days since, and hasten to assure thee of our
+    heart-felt sympathy, and most lively interest in the present
+    tremendous state of things around you. At the same time, I
+    cannot tell thee how glad and thankful we feel, that with God's
+    help thou art determined to persevere and not in any way flinch
+    in this day of sore trial. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I
+    will give thee a crown of life." "Be strong, fear not." "In the
+    fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and his children shall
+    have a place of refuge." One thing, too, is sure, "that all
+    things will work together for the good" of those who love their
+    Lord, that He will never, never forsake them whatever their
+    outward trials may be.
+
+    I think, dear friend, thou shouldst be careful not to be about
+    alone, particularly in the evening. We heard from W.S. Bailey
+    the other day, and he spoke of the advantage of several kind
+    friends sticking close to him under recent circumstances at
+    Alexandria, when he was exposed to the spite and rage of
+    slave-holding bullies. Would it not be well to make a habit, in
+    the evening in particular, of you, who are marked men, going
+    about in little companies? Wicked men are generally cowards; and
+    I think would hesitate more to do a bad act in the presence of
+    observers. I think thou wouldst receive a little letter from me
+    a day or two after thine was written, through our friend Saml.
+    Rhoads, enclosing L7 for the fugitives, L5 for thy own use, and
+    L2 for the Vigilance Committee. This letter of mine was sent off
+    about the 24th ult., but I conclude was not delivered till just
+    after thine was written. It is well to keep us fully informed of
+    your circumstances, whether favorable or more appalling. I do
+    not intend to put anything of a private character into print;
+    but private confidence is the creed in England, and thou needst
+    not fear my abusing it. I enclose the only paper that we have
+    printed that thou mayest see there was nothing to fear. Thou
+    wilt observe there is no reference either to thy own name or to
+    Philadelphia, and people here are not very familiar with
+    American topography. I am sending W.S. Bailey one of the same
+    papers by to-day's mail. We have merely a limited number of them
+    printed. I cannot very well obtain money from my friends, (with
+    numerous home claims constantly pressing on them), without
+    having something to show. Some fugitives are now beginning to
+    reach England. A gentleman in London wrote to me, a day or two
+    ago, to know if we could find a berth for a fine fellow, who had
+    just applied to him. He had arrived by steamer from New York,
+    after residing there for three years. A policeman, in the
+    street, good-naturedly whispered to him his own name, and then
+    that of his masters. He was sure that peril was at hand, and
+    that, having been branded for escaping before, he should be
+    whipped to death if taken again, so he packed up his little
+    wardrobe and embarked for England immediately.
+
+    Another poor fellow is in this town, recently from Charleston,
+    whence he escaped, among some cotton bales to Greenock. He is
+    getting fair wages in a saw-yard, and likes England very well,
+    if it were not for the thought of his poor wife and children
+    still in Slavery. We invited him, the other day to a
+    working-men's tea party, where I had been asked to make tea for
+    them; and he gave us quite an able account of his travels. The
+    men kindly invited him to join their "Benefit Club," and told
+    him they would like to have "a colored brother" amongst them.
+
+    Art thou not thinking, dear friend, of asking your people to
+    emigrate to the African Coast, or the West India Islands? Two
+    gentlemen in London are writing most warmly about this. I wrote
+    Mr. Fitzgerald's address on the enclosed paper. Instead of being
+    colonizationists, in the objectionable sense, he and Mrs. Bowen
+    are burning with love to your people, and are fervently desirous
+    of doing them all the good they can. I cannot see why little
+    united parties should not promptly emigrate under the wing of
+    these gentlemen. Assure those who think and feel with thee, dear
+    friend, and are nobly determined to suffer rather than to sin,
+    that according to our very small ability we will not desert them
+    in their hour of trial and danger. We commend them to Him who
+    can do for them a thousand times more, and better than we can
+    either ask or think. With our united kindest remembrance,
+
+    sincerely,
+
+    Anna H. Richardson.
+
+    Westmoreland Terrace, Newcastle-On-Tyne, March 16,1860.
+
+
+
+
+
+    We have lately read the life of thy brother and sister (Peter
+    and Vina Still), dear friend, with the deepest interest. It is a
+    most touching and beautiful book, and we think should be either
+    reprinted in England or sent over here very largely. My husband
+    and I are hardly acquainted with a volume more calculated to
+    stir up the British mind on the subject of Slavery. Great
+    Britain is just now getting really warm on the Anti-slavery
+    subject, and is longing to shake herself from being so dependent
+    as hitherto, on slave produce. Why, Oh! why should not the
+    expatriated blacks go to free countries and grow produce for
+    themselves and for everybody who requires it? Why not, in time,
+    become "merchants and princes," in those countries? I am told
+    (as a secret) that this subject is likely, ere long, to be taken
+    up in high quarters in England. We are feeling hopeful, dear
+    friends, about thy crushed and persecuted people, for surely God
+    is working for them by ways and means that we know not. I have
+    been careful to keep it to private circles, but thy valuable
+    letter of last July, has been read by many with the deepest
+    interest. A dear young lady from Dublin is by my side, and has
+    but this minute returned it to me. It is but a little, but I
+    have gathered L4 by its perusal here and there. I am not able to
+    forward so small a sum in this letter, but some way wish to send
+    L2 of this amount for thy own use, and the other L2 to your
+    Vigilance Committee. It so happens that we have not anything for
+    the better from our own Anti-slavery Association this year. Very
+    sincerely thy friend, my dear husband uniting in kind regards,
+
+    Anna H. Richardson.
+
+    WOOD HOUSE, near NEWCASTLE, May 3, 1860. [An occasional rural
+    residence of ours, five miles from home.]
+
+
+
+
+
+    To William Still:--I have again to thank thee, dear friend, for
+    a kind letter and for the perusal of three letters from thy
+    fugitive friends. It must be truly cheering to receive such, and
+    their warm and affectionate gratitude must be as rich reward for
+    many anxieties. I conclude that it is not necessary for those
+    letters to be returned, but should it be so, let me know, and I
+    will be on the lookout for some private opportunity of returning
+    them to Philadelphia. Such occur now and then. We like to see
+    such letters. They assist us to realize the condition of these
+    poor wanderers. I am sorry for not having explained myself
+    distinctly in my last. The promised L4 were _for the fugitives_,
+    being gathered from various Christian friends, who gave it me
+    for their particular use. But we wished half of that sum to be
+    laid out (as on a previous occasion), at thy own discretion,
+    irrespective of the Vigilance Committee. I have now another L1
+    to add to the latter half, and would gladly have enclosed a L5
+    note in this envelope, but we are rather afraid of sending the
+    actual money in letters, and our London bankers do not like to
+    remit small sums. I shall continue to watch for the first
+    opportunity of forwarding the above.
+
+    Our valued friend, Samuel Rhoads, has been lately in heavy
+    sorrow. I send this through his medium, but fear to add more
+    lest I should make his letter too heavy. With our united kind
+    regards, very truly, thy friend,
+
+    Anna H. Richardson.
+
+    54, Westmoreland Terrace, June 8, 1860.
+
+
+
+
+
+    Dear Friend:--William Still:--It is a good plan to send me these
+    interesting communications. The letter to your coadjutor at
+    Elmira, reached us a few days since. That depot must not be
+    allowed to go down if it be possible for this to be prevented.
+    Perhaps J.W. Jones might be encouraged by a gift from England,
+    that is, by a little aid from this country, expressly for the
+    fugitives, being put into his hands. If you think so, I am sure
+    my friends would approve of this, and you can use your own
+    discretion in giving him our gifts in one sum or by detached
+    remittances. The greatest part of the money on hand, has come in
+    from the private perusal of thy interesting letters, and my
+    friends simply gave my husband and me their money for the
+    fugitives, leaving the exact disposal of it to our own
+    discretion. It has struck me of late, that if I may be allowed
+    to print occasional extracts from thy letters (with other
+    Anti-slavery information), it would greatly facilitate the
+    obtaining of pecuniary aid. As it is, I can lend a private
+    letter to a trustworthy friend, but if by any chance, this
+    letter got lost, it would be awkward, and it is also impossible,
+    of course, to lend the original in two quarters at once. Then,
+    again, the mechanical trouble of making copies of letters, is
+    not convenient; much sedentary employment does not suit my
+    health, and I cannot manage it. I have been thinking of late,
+    that if my friends in various parts of the country, could be
+    supplied with a small quarto, an occasional printed paper, for
+    private circulation, it would save a great deal of trouble, and
+    probably bring in considerable aid. My husband and I have long
+    been accustomed to preparing tracts and small periodicals for
+    the press, so that I think we know exactly what ought to be made
+    public and what not. If thou likest to give me this
+    discretionary power, do so, and I will endeavor to exercise it
+    wisely, and in a way that I feel almost certain would be in
+    accordance with thy wishes.
+
+    The sum now remitted through our friend, Samuel Rhoads, is L8
+    (eight pounds). Of this, we should like L3 to be placed at thy
+    own discretion, for the benefit of the fugitives, L3 (if you
+    approve it) in a similar way, to be handed to J.W. Jones, and L2
+    as formerly, to be handed to the Philadelphia Vigilance
+    Committee. The latter is not, however, as in past times, from
+    the Newcastle Anti-slavery Society, for, I am sorry to say, it
+    is not a sufficiently pains-taking and executive little body,
+    but more apt to work by fits and starts, but from our private
+    friends, who kindly place their money in our hands as their
+    Anti-slavery stewards. My friend S.R. will therefore kindly hand
+    for us: L3 for William Still, for fugitives; L3 for J.W. Jones,
+    for fugitives; L2 for Philadelphia Vigilance Committee, for
+    fugitives.  Total L8.
+
+    We are very sorry for thee to have to incur so much persecution.
+    Be of good cheer, the right will eventually triumph, if not in
+    this world, in that day, when all shall be eventually righted on
+    our Lord's right hand. Oh, for ability in the meantime, to love
+    Him, trust Him, confide in Him implicitly!
+
+    Many thanks for the "Anti-slavery Standards." No one in this
+    town, takes them in, consequently we only see them occasionally.
+    Do any tidings reach you of our friend, Frederick Douglass? We
+    heard from him from Portland, but are anxiously looking for
+    another letter. He always spoke of thee, my friend, very kindly,
+    and one day, when some money had been given to him for
+    fugitives, said: "You shall have part of this if you like, for
+    William Still," but I said, "No, I will try and get some
+    elsewhere for him." Douglass left us in April, after losing his
+    little Annie, but wished his visit to be kept private, and hoped
+    to be able to return to England in August. My husband and I
+    agree with F.D. in political matters. We are not disunionists,
+    but want to mend your corrupted government. With kind regards,
+    sincerely thy friend, A.H.R.
+
+    We are well acquainted with William and Ellen Craft. They have
+    just sent us their little book.
+
+    NEWCASTLE, 5th mo., 2,1861.
+
+
+
+
+
+    W. STILL:--DEAR FRIEND:--That poor fellow, who was so long
+    secreted, had been often in my thoughts, when laying this case
+    of the fugitives before our friends. I should like thee to feel
+    at liberty to replace the remainder of the twenty-five dollars
+    from the accompanying ten pounds, which I have much pleasure in
+    forwarding, but think it better to mention, that it may perhaps
+    be the last remittance for some little time from this quarter,
+    as I do not at present see any immediate opening for getting
+    more. Our worthy friend, W.S. Bailey, has lately been here, and
+    Dr. Cheever and W.H. Day, are expected in a week or two. From
+    London too, there are very earnest appeals to assist the
+    "African Anti-slavery Society." Thank thee for the newspapers
+    and thy last kind note. I think thou rather overrates my little
+    services. What a crisis is coming! O, what will the end be? With
+    our united best wishes, thy sincere friend,
+
+    ANNA H. RICHARDSON.
+
+    L7 of this money is from some personally unknown friend at
+    Lancaster; L5 from two nice little children of my acquaintance.
+
+    54 WESTMORELAND TERRACE,
+
+
+
+
+
+    NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE, Oct. 10, 1862.
+
+    I have pleasure, dear friend, in sending you L5 for your
+    "contrabands," in response to your last letter of the 17th ult.
+    It is not much, but may be a little help. It will be forwarded
+    by our valued and mutual friend, H.H. Garnet, to whom I am
+    sending a remittance for his "contrabands," by the same mail.
+
+    We shall be interested in any particulars you may like to send
+    us, of these poor creatures, but at the same time, I dare not
+    hold out any hopes of considerable assistance from England, for
+    our own manufacturing districts are in a starving state, from
+    the absence of the accustomed supply of cotton, and till this
+    has been grown in other quarters, they will continue to have a
+    strong claim on every thoughtful mind. Some of us would rather
+    work with your colored people _in your own cause_, than with any
+    one else, for we _do not like the war_, and do not at all
+    approve of "the American churches" committing themselves to it
+    so fearfully. If your President had but taken the step at first,
+    he is taking now, what rivers of blood might have been stayed!
+    It is remarkable, how you, as a people, have been preserved to
+    each other, without having your own hands stained with blood.
+    But as to expatriation, the very thought of it is foolish. You
+    have been brought to America, not emigrated to it, and who on
+    earth has any possible right to send you away? Some of us are
+    almost as much displeased with the North, for talking of this,
+    as with the South for holding you in Slavery. What can we say to
+    you, but "watch and pray," "hope and wait," and surely, in His
+    own good time, the Most High will make you a pathway out of
+    trouble. We are delighted to hear of the good behaviour of your
+    people, wherever they have a fair chance of acting (on the
+    borders), as upright men and Christians.
+
+    Very sincerely, your friend,
+
+    To WILLIAM STILL. ANNA H. RICHARDSON.
+
+
+
+
+WOMAN ESCAPING IN A BOX, 1857.
+
+
+SHE WAS SPEECHLESS.
+
+
+In the winter of 1857 a young woman, who had just turned her majority,
+was boxed up in Baltimore by one who stood to her in the relation of a
+companion, a young man, who had the box conveyed as freight to the depot
+in Baltimore, consigned to Philadelphia. Nearly all one night it
+remained at the depot with the living agony in it, and after being
+turned upside down more than once, the next day about ten o'clock it
+reached Philadelphia. Her companion coming on in advance of the box,
+arranged with a hackman, George Custus, to attend to having it brought
+from the depot to a designated house, Mrs. Myers', 412 S. 7th street,
+where the resurrection was to take place.
+
+Custus, without knowing exactly what the box contained, but suspecting
+from the apparent anxiety and instructions of the young man who engaged
+him to go after it, that it was of great importance, while the freight
+car still remained on the street, demanded it of the freight agent, not
+willing to wait the usual time for the delivery of freight. At first the
+freight agent declined delivering under such circumstances. The hackman
+insisted by saying that he wished to despatch it in great haste, said it
+is all right, you know me, I have been coming here for many years every
+day, and will be responsible for it. The freight-master told him to
+"take it and go ahead with it." No sooner said than done. It was placed
+in a one horse wagon at the instance of Custus, and driven to Seventh
+and Minster streets.
+
+The secret had been intrusted to Mrs. M. by the young companion of the
+woman. A feeling of horror came over the aged woman, who had been thus
+suddenly entrusted with such responsibility. A few doors from her lived
+an old friend of the same religious faith with herself, well known as a
+brave woman, and a friend of the slave, Mrs. Ash, the undertaker or
+shrouder, whom every body knew among the colored people. Mrs. Myers felt
+that it would not be wise to move in the matter of this resurrection
+without the presence of the undertaker. Accordingly, she called Mrs. Ash
+in. Even her own family was excluded from witnessing the scene. The two
+aged women chose to be alone in that fearful moment, shuddering at the
+thought that a corpse might meet their gaze instead of a living
+creature. However, they mustered courage and pried off the lid. A woman
+was discovered in the straw but no sign of life was perceptible. Their
+fears seemed fulfilled. "Surely she is dead," thought the witnesses.
+
+"Get up, my child," spake one of the women. With scarcely life enough to
+move the straw covering, she, nevertheless, did now show signs of life,
+but to a very faint degree. She could not speak, but being assisted
+arose. She was straightway aided up stairs, not yet uttering a word.
+After a short while she said, "I feel so deadly weak." She was then
+asked if she would not have some water or nourishment, which she
+declined. Before a great while, however, she was prevailed upon to take
+a cup of tea. She then went to bed, and there remained all day, speaking
+but a very little during that time. The second day she gained strength
+and was able to talk much better, but not with ease. The third day she
+began to come to herself and talk quite freely. She tried to describe
+her sufferings and fears while in the box, but in vain. In the midst of
+her severest agonies her chief fear was, that she would be discovered
+and carried back to Slavery. She had a pair of scissors with her, and in
+order to procure fresh air she had made a hole in the box, but it was
+very slight. How she ever managed to breathe and maintain her existence,
+being in the condition of becoming a mother, it was hard to comprehend.
+In this instance the utmost endurance was put to the test. She was
+obviously nearer death than Henry Box Brown, or any of the other box or
+chest cases that ever came under the notice of the Committee.
+
+In Baltimore she belonged to a wealthy and fashionable family, and had
+been a seamstress and ladies' servant generally. On one occasion when
+sent of an errand for certain articles in order to complete arrangements
+for the Grand Opening Ball at the Academy of Music, she took occasion
+not to return, but was among the missing. Great search was made, and a
+large reward offered, but all to no purpose. A free colored woman, who
+washed for the family, was suspected of knowing something of her going,
+but they failing to get aught out of her, she was discharged.
+
+Soon after the arrival of this traveler at Mrs. Myers' the Committee was
+sent for and learned the facts as above stated. After spending some
+three or four days in Mrs. Myers' family she remained in the writer's
+family about the same length of time, and was then forwarded to Canada.
+
+Mrs. Myers was originally from Baltimore, and had frequently been in the
+habit of receiving Underground Rail Road passengers; she had always
+found Thomas Shipley, the faithful philanthropist, a present help in
+time of need. The young man well knew Mrs. Myers would act with prudence
+in taking his companion to her house.
+
+George Custus, the hackman, a colored man, was cool, sensible, and
+reliable in the discharge of his duty, as were the other parties,
+therefore every thing was well managed.
+
+With this interesting case our narratives end, except such facts of a
+like kind as may be connected with some of the sketches of stockholders.
+A large number on the record book must be omitted. This is partly owing
+to the fact that during the first few years of our connection with the
+Underground Rail Road, so little was written out in the way of
+narratives, that would hardly be of sufficient interest to publish; and
+partly from the fact that, although there are exceptional cases even
+among those so omitted, that would be equally as interesting as many
+which have been inserted, time and space will not admit of further
+encroachment. If in any way we have erred in the task of furnishing
+facts and important information touching the Underground Rail Road, it
+has not been in overstating the sufferings, trials, perils, and
+marvellous escapes of those described, but on the contrary. In many
+instances after hearing the most painful narratives we had neither time
+nor inclination to write them out, except in the briefest manner, simply
+sufficient to identify parties, which we did, not dreaming that the dark
+cloud of Slavery was so soon to give way to the bright sunlight of
+Freedom.
+
+
+
+ORGANIZATION OF THE VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.
+
+
+MEETING TO FORM A VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.
+
+
+As has already been intimated, others besides the Committee were deeply
+interested in The Road; indeed, the little aid actually rendered by the
+Committee, was comparatively insignificant, compared with the aid
+rendered by some who were not nominally members. To this latter class of
+friends, it seems meet that we should particularly allude. Before doing
+so, however, simple justice to all concerned, dictates that we should
+here copy the official proceedings of the first meeting and organization
+of the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee as it existed until the very day
+that the ever to be remembered Emancipation Proclamation of Abraham
+Lincoln, rendered the services of the organization and road no longer
+necessary. It reads as follows:
+
+
+    "PENNSYLVANIA FREEMAN," December 9, 1852.
+
+    Pursuant to the motion published in last week's "Freeman," a
+    meeting was held in the Anti-slavery rooms, on the evening of
+    the 2d inst., for the purpose of organizing a Vigilance
+    Committee.
+
+    On motion Samuel Nickless was appointed chairman, and William
+    Still secretary. J.M. McKim then stated at some length, the
+    object of the meeting. He said, that the friends of the fugitive
+    slave had been for some years past, embarrassed, for the want of
+    a properly constructed active, Vigilance Committee; that the old
+    Committee, which used to render effective service in this field
+    of Anti-slavery labor, had become disorganized and scattered,
+    and that for the last two or three years, the duties of this
+    department had been performed by individuals on their own
+    responsibility, and sometimes in a very irregular manner; that
+    this had been the cause of much dissatisfaction and complaint,
+    and that the necessity for a remedy of this state of things was
+    generally felt. Hence, the call for this meeting. It was
+    intended now to organize a committee, which should be composed
+    of persons of known responsibility, and who could be relied upon
+    to act systematically and promptly, and with the least possible
+    expenditure of money in all cases that might require their
+    attention.
+
+    James Mott and Samuel Nickless, expressed their hearty
+    concurrence in what had been said, as did also B.N. Goines and
+    N.W. Depee. The opinion was also expressed by one or more of
+    these gentlemen, that the organization to be formed should be of
+    the simplest possible character; with no more machinery or
+    officers than might be necessary to hold it together and keep it
+    in proper working order. After some discussion, it was agreed
+    first to form a general committee, with a chairman, whose
+    business it should be to call meetings when necessity should
+    seem to require it, and to preside at the same; and a treasurer
+    to take charge of the funds; and second, to appoint out of this
+    general committee, an acting committee of four persons, who
+    should have the responsibility of attending to every case that
+    might require their aid, as well as the exclusive authority to
+    raise the funds necessary for their purpose. It was further
+    agreed that it should be the duty of the chairman of the Acting
+    Committee to keep a record of all their doings, and especially
+    of the money received and expended on behalf of every case
+    claiming their interposition.
+
+    The following persons were appointed on the General Vigilance
+    Committee:
+
+
+
+    GENERAL VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.
+
+
+
+    Robert Purvis,
+    William Still,
+
+    Charles H. Bustill,
+    P. Williamson,
+
+    Samuel Nickless,
+    B.N. Goines,
+
+    Morris Hall,
+    J.M. M'Kim,
+
+    Nathaniel Depee,
+    Isaiah O. Wears,
+
+    Charles Wise,
+    John D. Oliver,
+
+    Jacob C. White,
+    Prof. C.L. Reason,
+
+    Cyrus Whitson,
+    Henry Gordon,
+
+    J. Asher,
+    W.H. Riley,
+
+    J.P. Burr,
+
+
+    Robert Purvis was understood to be Chairman of the General
+    Committee, having been nominated at the head of the list, and
+    Charles Wise was appointed treasurer. The Acting Committee was
+    thus constituted:
+
+    William Still, chairman, N.W. Depee, Passmore Williamson, J.C.
+    White. This Committee was appointed for the term of one year.
+
+    On motion, the proceedings of this meeting were ordered to be
+    published in the "Pennsylvania Freeman."
+
+    (Adjourned.)
+
+    William Still, Secretary. Samuel Nickless, Chairman.
+
+
+The Committee having been thus organized, J.M. McKim, corresponding
+secretary and general agent of the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society,
+issued the subjoined notice, which was published shortly afterwards in
+the "Pennsylvania Freeman," and the colored churches throughout the
+city:
+
+
+    "We are pleased to see that we have at last, what has for some
+    time been felt to be a desideratum in Philadelphia, a
+    responsible and duly authorized Vigilance Committee. The duties
+    of this department of Anti-slavery labor, have, for want of such
+    an organization, been performed in a very loose and unsystematic
+    manner. The names of the persons constituting the Acting
+    Committee, are a guarantee that this will not be the case
+    hereafter. They are--
+
+    William Still (Chairman), 31 North Fifth Street,
+
+    Nathaniel W. Depee, 334 South Street,
+
+    Jacob C. White, 100 Old York Road, and
+
+    Passmore Williamson, southwest cor. Seventh and Arch Streets.
+
+    We respectfully commend these gentlemen, and the cause in which
+    they are engaged, to the confidence and co-operation of all the
+    friends of the hunted fugitive. Any funds contributed to either
+    of them, or placed in the hands of their Treasurer, Charles
+    Wise, corner of Fifth and Market Streets, will be sure of a
+    faithful and judicious appropriation."
+
+
+
+
+PORTRAITS AND SKETCHES.
+
+
+
+
+ESTHER MOORE.
+
+
+For many years no-woman living in Philadelphia was better known to the
+colored people of the city generally, than Esther Moore. No woman, white
+or colored, living in Philadelphia for the same number of years, left
+her home oftener, especially to seek out and aid the weary travelers
+escaping from bondage, than did this philanthropist. It is hardly too
+much to say that with her own hand she administered to hundreds. She
+begged of the Committee, as a special favor, that she might be duly
+notified of every fugitive reaching Philadelphia, and actually felt hurt
+if from any cause whatever this request was not complied with. For it
+was her delight to see the fugitives individually, take them by the hand
+and warmly welcome them to freedom. She literally wept with those who
+wept, while in tones of peculiar love, sincerity, and firmness, she
+lauded them for their noble daring, and freely expressed her entire
+sympathy with them, and likewise with all in the prison-house. She
+condemned Slavery in all its phases, as a "monster to be loathed as the
+enemy of God and man."
+
+Often after listening attentively for hours together to recitals of a
+very harrowing nature, especially from females, her mind would seem to
+be filled with the sufferings of the slave and it was hard for her to
+withdraw from them even when they were on the eve of taking up their
+march for a more distant station; and she never thought of parting with
+them without showing her faith by her works putting a "gold dollar" in
+the hand of each passenger, as she knew that it was not in the power of
+the Committee to do much more than defray their expenses to the next
+station, to New York sometimes, to Elmira at other times, and now and
+then clear through to Canada. She desired that they should have at least
+one dollar to fall back upon, independent of the Committee's aid. This
+magnanimous rule of giving the gold dollar was adopted by her shortly
+after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law, which daily vexed her
+righteous soul, and was kept up as long as she was able to leave her
+house, which was within a short time of her death.
+
+Not only did Esther Moore manifest such marked interest in the fugitive
+but she likewise took an abiding interest in visiting the colored people
+in their religious meetings, schools, and societies, and whenever the
+way opened and the Spirit moved her she would take occasion to address
+them in the most affectionate manner, in regard to their present and
+future welfare, choosing for her theme the subjects of temperance,
+education, and slavery. Nor did she mean that her labors in the interest
+of the oppressed should cease with her earthly existence, as the
+following extracts from her last will and testament will prove:
+
+
+    2d Item. I give and bequeath to my executors, hereinafter named,
+    the sum of Twelve hundred dollars, in trust to invest in ground
+    rent, or City of Philadelphia Loans at their disposal or
+    discretion to pay the interest or income arising therefrom
+    annually. To be applied, the interest of the Twelve hundred
+    dollars above mentioned, for educational purposes alone, for
+    children of both sexes of color, in Canada, apart from all
+    sectarian or traditional dogmas, which is the only hope for the
+    rising generation. The application of this money is intended to
+    remain perpetual.
+
+    7th Item. I give and bequeath to my executors the sum of one
+    hundred dollars, to be expended by them in educating and
+    assisting to clothe Phaeton and Pliny J. Lock, the sons of
+    Ishmael Lock, deceased, and Matilda Lock (his wife). My will is
+    that it shall be given out discretionally by my executors for
+    the purpose above mentioned.
+
+    17th Item. I give and bequeath to Oliver Johnson, editor of the
+    Pennsylvania Freeman, one hundred dollars, if he be living at my
+    death; if not living, to go with the remainder of my estate. My
+    will is that if Oliver Johnson be not living at my death his
+    bequest go with my estate.
+
+    18th Item. I give and bequeath to Cyrus Burleigh, lecturer and
+    agent for the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society, one hundred
+    dollars, if Cyrus be living at my death. If not living at my
+    death, his bequest, Cyrus Burleigh's, I wish to go with the
+    residue of my estate. The untiring vigilance of these two young
+    men, in devoting the best of their days to the rescue and
+    emancipation of the poor and down-trodden fugitives has obtained
+    for them a warm place in my heart. And may heaven's richest
+    blessings reward them. They have ministered more than "the cup
+    of water."
+
+    Item 19th. I give and bequeath unto the Association for the care
+    of Colored Orphans of Philadelphia, called the Shelter for the
+    use and benefit of colored orphans of both sexes, to be paid
+    into the hands of the treasurer for the time being, for the use
+    of said Society all the rest and remainder of my estate.
+
+    I wish my Executors or Trustees _to carry out_ my views in
+    regard to the education of colored children in Canada, by paying
+    over the interest arising annually from the twelve hundred
+    dollars mentioned in the second item to such school or schools
+    as in their judgment they may deem best. My desire being the
+    benefit of such children who may be in the same neighborhood
+    with them. The interest arising from the twelve hundred dollars
+    mentioned in second item for the purpose of educating colored
+    children in Canada is intended to remain perpetual.
+
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+    I give and bequeath to William Still, of Philadelphia, now
+    employed in the Anti-slavery office, in Fifth St., Philadelphia,
+    February 21, the sum of one hundred dollars; and request my
+    executors and trustees to pay over that amount out of my estate.
+
+
+Esther Moore was not rich in this world's goods, but was purely
+benevolent and rich in good works towards her fellow-men, hating every
+form of oppression and injustice, and an uncompromising witness against
+prejudice on account of color. Such a friend as was Esther Moore during
+these many dark years of kidnapping, slave-catching, mob violence, and
+bitter prejudice which the colored people were wont to encounter, should
+never be forgotten.
+
+The legacy devised for educational purposes was applied in due time,
+after one of the executors in company with his wife, Dr. J. Wilson and
+Rachel Barker Moore, visited the various settlements of fugitives in
+Canada, expressly with a view of finding out where the fund would do the
+most good, in accordance with the testator's wishes. And although the
+testator has been dead seventeen years, her legacy is still doing its
+mission in her name, in a school, near Chatham, Canada West.
+
+In order to complete this sketch, it is only necessary that we should
+copy the beautiful and just tribute to her memory, written by Oliver
+Johnson, editor of the "National Anti-slavery Standard," and published
+in the columns thereof, as follows:
+
+
+    DEATH OF A NOBLE WOMAN.
+
+    [From the "National Anti-Slavery Standard."]
+
+    Just as our paper is going to press, there comes to us
+    intelligence of the death of our beloved and revered friend,
+    Esther Moore, widow of the late Dr. Robert Moore, of
+    Philadelphia. She expired on Tuesday morning, November 21st,
+    1854, of gout of the heart, after a short, but painful illness,
+    in the eightieth year of her age.
+
+    The writer of this first became acquainted with her in 1836,
+    and, at various times since then, has met her at Anti-slavery
+    meetings, or in familiar intercourse at her own house. Her most
+    remarkable traits of character were an intense hatred of
+    oppression in all its forms, a corresponding love for the
+    oppressed, an untiring devotion to their welfare, and a courage
+    that never quailed before any obstacles, however formidable. Her
+    zeal in behalf of the Anti-slavery cause, and especially in
+    behalf of the fugitive, a zeal that absorbed all the powers of
+    her noble nature, was a perpetual rebuke to the comparative
+    coldness and indifference of those around her. We well remember
+    how her soul was fired with a righteous indignation when upwards
+    of thirty innocent persons, most of them colored people, were
+    thrown into prison at Philadelphia, upon a charge of treason,
+    for their alleged participation in the tragedy at Christiana.
+    Day after day did she visit the prisoners in their cells, to
+    minister to their wants, and cheer them in their sorrow; and
+    during the progress of Hanway's trial, her constant presence in
+    the court-room, and her frequent interviews with the District
+    Attorney, attested her deep anxiety as to the result of the
+    impending struggle. When we last saw her, about a month since,
+    she was engaged in collecting a large sum of money to ransom a
+    family of slaves, whose peculiar condition had enlisted her
+    deepest sympathy. Notwithstanding her age and infirmities, she
+    had enlisted in this work with a zeal which, even in a younger
+    person, would have been remarkable. For many days, perhaps for
+    many weeks, she went from door to door, asking for the means
+    whereby to secure the freedom and the happiness of an enslaved
+    and plundered household.
+
+    As a member of the Society of Friends, she lamented the guilty
+    supineness of that body, in regard to the question of Slavery,
+    and often, in its meetings, as well as in private intercourse,
+    felt herself constrained to utter the language of expostulation
+    and rebuke. In this, as in other relations of life, she was
+    obedient to the revelation of God in her own soul, and a worthy
+    example of fidelity to her convictions of duty. Her step-son, J.
+    Wilson Moore, in a letter to us announcing her decease, says:
+
+    Among the last injunctions she gave, was, "Write to Oliver
+    Johnson, and tell him I die firm in the faith! MIND THE SLAVE!"
+    She had enjoyed excellent health the last few years, and
+    continued actively engaged in works of benevolence. During the
+    last few weeks, she had devoted much time and labor to the
+    collection of funds for the liberation of ten slaves in North
+    Carolina, who had been promised their freedom at a comparatively
+    small amount. Notwithstanding her great bodily suffering, her
+    mind was clear to the last, expressing her full assurance of
+    Divine approbation in the course she had taken.
+
+    This is all that we can now say of the life of our revered and
+    never-to-be-forgotten friend. Perhaps some one who knew her more
+    intimately than we did, and who is better acquainted with the
+    history of her life and labors, will furnish us with a more
+    complete sketch. If so, we shall publish it with great
+    satisfaction.
+
+    Happy! ay, happy! let her ashes rest; Her heart was honest, and
+    she did her best; In storm and darkness, evil and dismay, The
+    star of duty was her guiding ray.
+
+
+Her injunction to "MIND THE SLAVE," comes to us as the dying admonition
+of one, whose life was a beautiful exemplification of the duty and the
+privilege thus enjoined. It imposes, indeed, no new obligation; but
+coming from such a source, it will linger in our memory while life and
+its scenes shall last, inspiring in us, we hope, a purer and a more
+ardent devotion to the cause of freedom and humanity. And may we not
+hope that others also, will catch a new inspiration from the dying
+message of our departed friend: "MIND THE SLAVE!"
+
+
+
+ABIGAIL GOODWIN.
+
+
+Contemporary with Esther Moore, and likewise an intimate personal friend
+of hers, Abigail Goodwin, of Salem, N.J., was one of the rare, true
+friends to the Underground Rail Road, whose labors entitle her name to
+be mentioned in terms of very high praise.
+
+A.W.M. a most worthy lady, in a letter to a friend, refers to her in the
+following language:
+
+"From my long residence under the same roof, I learned to know well her
+uncommon self-sacrifice of character, and to be willing and glad,
+whenever in my power, to honor her memory. But, yet I should not know
+what further to say about her than to give a very few words of testimony
+to her life of ceaseless and active benevolence, especially toward the
+colored people.
+
+"Her life outwardly was wholly uneventful; as she lived out her whole
+life of seventy-three years in the neighborhood of her birth-place."
+
+With regard to her portrait, which was solicited for this volume, the
+same lady thus writes: "No friend of hers would for a moment think of
+permitting that miserable caricature, the only picture existing meant to
+represent her, to be given to the public. I cannot even bear to give a
+place in my little album to so mournful and ridiculous a
+misrepresentation of her in face."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+"You wonder why her sister, E., my loved and faithful friend, seems to
+be so much less known among anti-slavery people than Abbie? One reason
+is, that although dear Betsy's interest in the subject was quite equal
+in _earnestness_, it was not quite so absorbingly _exclusive_. Betsy
+economized greatly in order to give to the cause, but Abby denied
+herself even _necessary apparel_, and Betsy has often said that few
+beggars came to our doors whose garments were so worn, forlorn, and
+patched-up as Abby's. Giving to the colored people was a perfect
+_passion_ with her; consequently she was known as a larger giver than
+Betsy.
+
+"Another and greater reason why she was more known abroad than her
+sister E., was that she wrote with facility, and corresponded at
+intervals with many on these matters, Mr. McKim and others, and for many
+years."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Abigail was emphatically of the type of the poor widow, who cast in all
+her living. She worked for the slave as a mother would work for her
+children. Her highest happiness aad pleasure in life seemed to be
+derived from rendering acts of kindness to the oppressed. Letters of
+sympathy accompanied with bags of stockings, clothing, and donations of
+money were not unfrequent from her.
+
+New Jersey contained a few well-tried friends, both within and without
+the Society of Friends, to which Miss Goodwin belonged; but among them
+all none was found to manifest, at least in the Underground Rail Road of
+Philadelphia, such an abiding interest as a co-worker in the cause, as
+did Abigail Goodwin.
+
+The sympathy which characterized her actions is clearly evinced in her
+own words, as contained in the appended extracts from her letter, as
+follows:
+
+
+    "DEAR FRIEND:--I sent E.M. (Esther Moore) forty-one dollars more
+    by half than I expected to when I set about it. I expect that
+    abolitionists there are all opposed to buying slaves, and will
+    not give anything. I don't like buying them, or giving money to
+    slave-holders either; but this seems to be a peculiar case, can
+    be had so cheap, and so many young ones that would be separated
+    from their parents; slavery is peculiarly hard for children,
+    that cannot do anything to protect themselves, nor can their
+    parents, and the old too, it is hard for them; but it is a
+    terrible thing altogether. The case of the fugitive thee
+    mentioned was indeed truly affecting; it makes one ashamed as
+    well as sad to read such things, that human beings, or any other
+    beings should be so treated. I cannot but hope and believe that
+    slavery will ere long cease. I have a strong impression that the
+    colored people and the women are to have a day of prosperity and
+    triumph over their oppressors. We must patiently wait and
+    quietly hope; but not keep too much 'in the quiet.' Shall have
+    to work our deliverance from bondage. 'Who would be free,
+    themselves must strike the blow.'
+
+    "I regret very much that I have not more clothing to send than
+    the stockings. I have not had time since I thought of it, to
+    make anything; am ashamed that I was so inconsiderate of the
+    poor runaways. I will go to work as soon as I have earned money
+    to buy materials; have managed so as to spend my little annual
+    allowance in nine months, and shall not be able to give you any
+    money for some months, but if more stockings are wanted let me
+    know, our benevolent society have plenty on hand; and I have
+    some credit if not money; they will trust me till I have; they
+    furnish work for poor women and sell it. I get them for fifty
+    cents a pair.
+
+    "My sister says Lucretia (Mott) told her that there was not much
+    clothing in the trunk, only a few old things. I think she told
+    me there was nothing in it, she meant, I suppose, of any
+    consequence.  *  *  *
+
+    "I should like to know if the fugitives are mostly large. I have
+    an idea they are generally small in stature; that slavery stunts
+    the body as well as mind. I want to know in regard to the
+    clothes that I intend making; it's best to have them fit as well
+    as can be. I shall work pretty much for women. I hope and expect
+    there are many friends of the cause who furnish clothing in the
+    city. They ought to be fitted out for Canada with strong, warm
+    clothing in cold weather, and their sad fate alleviated as much
+    as can be."
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+The forty-one dollars, referred to in the above letter, and sent to
+"E.M." was to go especially towards buying an interesting family of ten
+slaves, who were owned in North Carolina by a slave-holder, whose rare
+liberality was signalized by offering to take $1,000 for the lot, young
+and old. In this exceptional case, while opposed to buying slaves, in
+common with abolitionists generally, she was too tender-hearted to
+resist the temptation so long as "they could be bought so cheap."
+
+To rid men of their yoke was her chief desire. Such was her habit of
+making the sad lot of a slave a personal matter; that let her view him,
+in any light whatever, whether in relation to young ones that would be
+separated from their parents, or with regard to the old, the life of a
+slave was "peculiarly hard," "a terrible thing" in her judgment.
+
+The longer she lived, and the more faithfully she labored for the
+slave's deliverance, the more firmly she became rooted in the
+soul-encouraging idea, that "Slavery will ere long cease." Whilst the
+great masses were either blind, or indifferent, she was nerved by this
+faith to bear cheerfully all the sacrifices she was called on to make.
+From another letter we copy as follows:
+
+
+    JANUARY 25th, 1855.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND:--The enclosed ten dollars I have made, earned in
+    two weeks, and of course it belongs to the slave. It may go for
+    the fugitives, or Carolina slaves, whichever needs it most. I am
+    sorry the fugitives' treasury is not better supplied, if money
+    could flow into it as it does into the Tract Fund; but that is
+    not to be expected.
+
+    Thy answer in regard to impostors is quite satisfactory. No
+    doubt you take great pains to arrive at the truth, but cannot at
+    all times avoid being imposed on. Will that little boy of seven
+    years have to travel on foot to Canada? There will be no safety
+    for him here. I hope his father will get off. John Hill writes
+    very well, considering his few advantages. If plenty of good
+    schools could be established in Canada for the benefit of
+    fugitives, many bright scholars and useful citizens would be
+    added to society. I hope these will be in process of time.
+
+    It takes the most energetic and intelligent to make their way
+    out of bondage from the most Southern States. It is rather a
+    wonder to me that so many can escape, the masters are so
+    continually watching them. The poor man that secreted himself so
+    long, must, indeed, have suffered dreadfully, and been
+    exceedingly resolute to brave dangers so long.
+
+
+It was so characteristic of her to take an interest in everything that
+pertained to the Underground Rail Road, that even the deliverance of a
+little nameless boy was not beneath her notice. To her mind, his freedom
+was just as dear to him as if he had been the son of the President of
+the United States.
+
+How they got on in Canada, and the question of education, were matters
+that concerned her deeply; hence, occasional letters received from
+Canada, evincing marked progress, such as the hero John H. Hill was in
+the habit of writing, always gave her much pleasure to peruse.
+
+In the Wheeler slave-case, in which Passmore Williamson and others were
+engaged, her interest was very great. From a letter dated Salem,
+September 9, 1855, we quote the subjoined extract:
+
+
+    DEAR FRIEND:--I am truly rejoiced and thankful that the right
+    has triumphed. But stranger had it been otherwise, in your
+    intelligent community, where it must be apparent to all who
+    inquire into it, that you had done nothing but what was
+    deserving of high commendation, instead of blame and punishment;
+    and shame on the jury who would bring in the two men guilty of
+    assault and battery. They ought to have another trial; perhaps
+    another jury would be more just. It is well for the credit of
+    Philadelphia, that there is one upright judge, as Kelley seems
+    to be, and his sentence will be a light one it is presumed,
+    showing he considered the charge a mere pretence.
+
+    I hope and trust, that neither thyself nor the other men will
+    have much if any of the expense to bear; your lawyers will not
+    charge anything I suppose, and the good citizens will pay all
+    else. It seems there are hopes entertained that Passmore
+    Williamson will soon be set at liberty. It must be a great
+    comfort to him and wife, in their trials, that it will conduce
+    to the furtherance of the good cause.
+
+    If Philadelphians are not aroused now after this great stretch
+    of power, to consider their safety, they must be a stupid set of
+    people, but it must certainly do good.  *  *  *  You will take
+    good care of Jane Johnson, I hope, and not let her get kidnapped
+    back to Slavery. Is it safe for her to remain in your city or
+    anywhere else in our "free land?" I have some doubts and fears
+    for her; do try to impress her with the necessity of being very
+    cautious and careful against deceivers, pretended friends. She
+    had better be off to Canada pretty soon.
+
+    Thy wife must not sit up washing and ironing all night again.
+    She ought to have help in her sympathy and labors for the poor
+    fugitives, and, I should think there are many there who would
+    willingly assist her.
+
+    I intended to be careful of trespassing upon thy time, as thee
+    must have enough to do; the fugitives are still coming I expect.
+    With kind regards, also to thy wife, your friend,
+
+    A. GOODWIN.
+
+
+In another letter, she suggests the idea of getting up a committee of
+women to provide clothing for fugitive females; on this point she wrote
+thus:
+
+
+    "SALEM, 8th mo., 1st.
+
+    "Would it not be well to get up a committee of women, to provide
+    clothes for fugitive females--a dozen women sewing a day, or
+    even half a day of each week, might keep a supply always ready,
+    they might, I should think, get the merchants or some of them,
+    to give cheap materials--mention it to thy wife, and see if she
+    cannot get up a society. I will do what I can here for it. I
+    enclose five dollars for the use of fugitives. It was a good
+    while that I heard nothing of your rail road concerns; I
+    expected thee had gone to Canada, or has the journey not been
+    made, or is it yet to be accomplished, or given up? I was in
+    hopes thee would go and see with thy own eyes, how things go on
+    in that region of fugitives, and if it's a goodly land to live
+    in.
+
+    "This is the first of August, and I suppose you are celebrating
+    it in Philadelphia, or some of you are, though I believe you are
+    not quite as zealous as the Bostonians are in doing it. When
+    will our first of August come? oh, that it might be soon, very
+    soon! ... It's high time the 'reign of oppression was over.'"
+
+
+Ever alive to the work, she would appeal to such as were able among her
+friends, to take stock in the Underground Rail Road, and would sometimes
+succeed. In a letter dated July 30, 1856, she thus alludes to her
+efforts:
+
+
+    "I have tried to beg something for them, but have not got much;
+    one of our neighbors, S.W. Acton, gave me three dollars for
+    them; I added enough to make ten, which thee will find inside. I
+    shall owe three more, to make my ten. I presume they are still
+    coming every day almost, and I fear it comes rather hard on thee
+    and wife to do for so many; but you no doubt feel it a
+    satisfaction to do all you can for the poor sufferers."
+
+
+February 10, 1858, she forwarded her willing contribution, with the
+following interesting remarks:
+
+
+    SALEM, February 10, 1858.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND:--Thee will find enclosed, five dollars for the
+    fugitives, a little for so many to share it, but better than
+    nothing; oh, that people, rich people, would remember them
+    instead of spending so much on themselves; and those too, who
+    are not called rich, might, if there was only a willing mind,
+    give too of their abundance; how can they forbear to sympathize
+    with those poor destitute ones--but so it is--there is not half
+    the feeling for them there ought to be, indeed scarcely anybody
+    seems to think about them. "Inasmuch as ye have _not_ done it
+    unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have not done it
+    unto me."
+
+    Thy friend,
+
+    A. GOODWIN.
+
+
+When the long looked-for day of emancipation arrived, which she had
+never expected to witness, the unbounded thankfulness of her heart found
+expression in the appended letter:
+
+
+    SALEM, September 23, 1862.
+
+    DEAR FRIEND:--Thy letter dated 17th, was not received till last
+    night. I cannot tell where it has been detained so long. On the
+    22d, yesterday, Amy Reckless came here, after I began writing,
+    and wished me to defer sending for a day or two, thinking she
+    could get a few more dollars, and she has just brought some, and
+    will try for more, and clothing. A thousand thanks to President
+    Hamlin for his kindness to the contrabands; poor people! how
+    deplorable their situation; where will they go to, when cold
+    weather comes? so many of them to find homes for, but they must
+    and will, I trust be taken care of, not by their former
+    care-takers though.
+
+    I have read the President's proclamation of emancipation, with
+    thankfulness and rejoicing; but upon a little reflection, I did
+    not feel quite satisfied with it; three months seems a long time
+    to be in the power of their angry and cruel masters, who, no
+    doubt, will wreak all their fury and vengeance upon them,
+    killing and abusing them in every way they can--and sell them to
+    Cuba if they can. It makes me sad to think of it. Slavery, I
+    fear, will be a long time in dying, after receiving the fatal
+    stroke. What do abolitionists think of it? and what is thy
+    opinion? I feel quite anxious to know something more about it.
+    The "Daily Press" says, it will end the war and its cause. How
+    can we be thankful enough if it should, and soon too. "Oh,
+    praise and tanks," what a blessing for our country. I never
+    expected to see the happy day. If thee answers this, thee will
+    please tell me all about it, and what is thought of it by the
+    wise ones; but I ought not to intrude on thy time, thee has so
+    much on thy hands, nor ask thee to write. I shall know in time,
+    if I can be patient to wait.
+
+    Enclosed are seventeen dollars; from Amy Reckless, $1,50; J.
+    Bassett, $1; Jesse Bond, $1; Martha Reeve, $1; S. Woodnutt, $1;
+    Hannah Wheeler, $1; a colored man, 25 cents; 25 cents thrown in,
+    to make even; A.G., $10. Amy is very good in helping, and is
+    collecting clothing, which she thinks, cannot be sent till next
+    week. I will attend to sending it, as soon as can be, by stage
+    driver. May every success attend thy labors for the poor
+    sufferers.  *  *  *
+
+    With kind regards, thy friend,
+
+    A. GOODWIN.
+
+
+Thus, until the last fetter was broken, with singular persistency, zeal,
+faith and labor, she did what she could to aid the slave, without hope
+of reward in this world. Not only did she contribute to aid the
+fugitives, but was, for years, a regular and liberal contributor to the
+Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society, as well as a subscriber to the
+Anti-slavery papers, The "Liberator," "National Anti-Slavery Standard,"
+"Pennsylvania Freeman," etc.
+
+Having seen with joy, the desire of her heart, in the final emancipation
+of every bondman in the United States, she departed in peace, November
+2, 1867, in the 74th year of her age.
+
+
+
+FAITHFUL WORKERS IN THE CAUSE.
+
+
+[Illustration: ABIGAIL GOODWIN]
+
+[Illustration: THOMAS GARRETT,]
+
+[Illustration: DANIEL GIBBONS, ]
+
+[Illustration: LUCRETIA MOTT]
+
+
+
+THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+The recent death of Thomas Garrett, called forth from the press, as well
+as from abolitionists and personal friends, such universal expressions
+of respect for his labors as a philanthropist, and especially as an
+unswerving friend of the Underground Rail Road, that we need only
+reproduce selections therefrom, in order to commemorate his noble deeds
+in these pages.
+
+From the "Wilmington Daily Commercial," published by Jenkins and
+Atkinson (men fully inspired with the spirit of impartial freedom), we
+copy the following notice, which is regarded by his relatives and
+intimate anti-slavery friends as a faithful portraiture of his character
+and labors:
+
+
+    Thomas Garrett, who died full of years and honor, this morning,
+    at the ripe age of eighty-one, was a man of no common character.
+    He was an abolitionist from his youth up, and though the grand
+    old cause numbered amongst its supporters, poets, sages, and
+    statesmen, it had no more faithful worker in its ranks than
+    Thomas Garrett.
+
+    He has been suffering for several years, from a disease of the
+    bladder, which frequently caused him most acute anguish, and
+    several times threatened his life. The severe pain attending the
+    disease, and the frequent surgical operations it rendered
+    necessary, undermined his naturally strong constitution, so that
+    when he was prostrated by his last illness, grave fears were
+    entertained of a fatal result. He continued in the possession of
+    his faculties to the last, and frequently expressed his entire
+    willingness to die.
+
+    Yesterday he was found to be sinking very rapidly. Just before
+    midnight, last night, he commenced to speak, and some of those
+    in attendance, went close to his bed-side. He was evidently in
+    some pain, and said: "It is all peace, peace, peace, but no rest
+    this side of the river." He then breathed calmly on for some
+    time. About half an hour later, one of those in attendance
+    ceased to hear his breathing, and bending over him, found that
+    his soul had fled.
+
+    He retained a good deal of his strength through his illness, and
+    was able to get up from his bed, every day, with the assistance
+    of one person.
+
+    He will be buried in the Friends' grave-yard, corner of Fourth
+    and West Streets, on Saturday next, at three o'clock, P.M., and
+    in accordance with a written memorandum of an agreement made by
+    him a year ago with them, the colored people will bear him to
+    his grave, they having solicited of him that honor.
+
+    He was born of Quaker parents, in Upper Darby, Delaware county,
+    Pa., on the 21st of August, 1789, on a farm still in the
+    possession of the family. His father, though a farmer, had been
+    a scythe and edge-tool maker, and Thomas learned of him the
+    trade, and his knowledge of it afterwards proved of the utmost
+    advantage to him.
+
+    He grew up and married at Darby, his wife being Sarah Sharpless,
+    and in 1820 they came to Wilmington to live, bringing with them
+    several children, most of whom still live here.
+
+    Some years after his arrival here, his wife died, and in course
+    of time, he again married, his second wife being Rachel
+    Mendenhall, who died in April, 1868, beloved and regretted by
+    all who knew her.
+
+    His business career was one of vicissitude, but generally and
+    ultimately successful, for he made the whole of the comfortable
+    competence of which he died possessed, after he was sixty years
+    of age. While in the beginning of his business career, as an
+    iron merchant in this city, a wealthy rival house attempted to
+    crush him, by reducing prices of iron to cost, but Mr. Garrett,
+    nothing dismayed, employed another person to attend his store,
+    put on his leather apron, took to his anvil, and in the
+    prosecution of his trade, as an edge-tool maker, prepared to
+    support himself as long as this ruinous rivalry was kept up.
+    Thus in the sweat of the brow of one of the heroes and
+    philanthropists of this age, was laid the foundation of one of
+    the most extensive business houses that our city now boasts. His
+    competitor saw that no amount of rivalry could crush a man thus
+    self-supporting and gave up the effort.
+
+    Of course, Thomas Garrett is best known for his labors in behalf
+    of the abolition of Slavery, and as a practical and effective
+    worker for emancipation long before the nation commenced the
+    work of liberation and justice.
+
+    Born a Quaker, he held with simple trust, the faith of the
+    society that God moves and inspires men to do the work he
+    requires of their hands, and throughout his life he never
+    wavered in his conviction, that his Father had called him to
+    work in the cause to which he devoted himself.
+
+    His attention was first directed to the iniquity of Slavery,
+    while he was a young man of twenty-four or twenty five. He
+    returned one day to his father's house, after a brief absence,
+    and found the family dismayed and indignant at the kidnapping of
+    a colored woman in their employ.
+
+    Thomas immediately resolved to follow the kidnappers, and so
+    started in pursuit. Some peculiarity about the track made by
+    their wagon, enabled him to trace them with ease, and he
+    followed them by a devious course, from Darby, to a place near
+    the Navy Yard, in Philadelphia, and then by inquiries, etc.,
+    tracked them to Kensington, where he found them, and, we
+    believe, secured the woman's release.
+
+    During this ride, he afterwards assured his friends, he felt the
+    iniquity and abomination of the whole system of Slavery borne in
+    upon his mind so strongly, as to fairly appal him, and he seemed
+    to hear a voice within him, assuring him that his work in life
+    must be to help and defend this persecuted race.
+
+    From this time forward, he never failed to assist any fugitive
+    from Slavery on the way to freedom, and, of course, after his
+    removal to this city, his opportunities for this were greatly
+    increased, and in course of time, his house became known as one
+    of the refuges for fugitives. The sentiment of this community
+    was, at that time, bitterly averse to any word or effort against
+    Slavery, and Mr. Garrett had but half a dozen friends who stood
+    by him. Nearly all others looked at him with suspicion, or
+    positive aversion, and his house was constantly under the
+    surveillance of the police, who then, sad to say, were always on
+    the watch for any fugitives from bondage. Thomas was not
+    disheartened or dismayed by the lack of popular sympathy or
+    approval. He believed the Lord was on his side, and cared
+    nothing for the adverse opinion of men.
+
+    Many and interesting stories are told of the men and women he
+    helped away, some of them full of pathos, and some decidedly
+    amusing. He told the latter which related to his ingenious
+    contrivances for assisting fugitives to escape the police with
+    much pleasure, in his later years. We would repeat many of them,
+    but this is not the time or place. The necessity of avoiding the
+    police was the only thing, however, which ever forced him into
+    any secrecy in his operations, and in all other respects he was
+    "without concealment and without compromise" in his opposition
+    to Slavery. He was a man of unusual personal bravery, and of
+    powerful physique, and did not present an encouraging object for
+    the bullying intimidation by which the pro-slavery men of that
+    day generally overawed their opponents. He seems to have
+    scarcely known what fear was, and though irate slave-holders
+    often called on him to learn the whereabouts of their slaves, he
+    met them placidly, never denied having helped the fugitives on
+    their way, positively refused to give them any information, and
+    when they flourished pistols, or bowie-knives to enforce their
+    demands, he calmly pushed the weapons aside, and told them that
+    none but cowards resorted to such means to carry their ends.
+
+    He continued his labors, thus, for years, helping all who came
+    to him, and making no concealment of his readiness to do so. His
+    firmness and courage slowly won others, first to admire, and
+    then to assist him, and the little band of faithful workers, of
+    which he was chief, gradually enlarged and included in its
+    number, men of all ranks, and differing creeds, and, singular as
+    it may seem, even numbering some ardent Democrats in its ranks.
+    He has, in conversation with the present writer and others,
+    frequently acknowledged the valuable services of two Roman
+    Catholics, of Irish birth, still living in this city, who were
+    ever faithful to him, and will now be amongst those who most
+    earnestly mourn his decease.
+
+    His efforts, of course, brought him much persecution and
+    annoyance, but never culminated in anything really serious,
+    until about the year 1846 or '47.
+
+    He then met, at New Castle, a man, woman, and six children, from
+    down on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The man was free, the
+    woman had, been a slave, and while in Slavery had had by her
+    husband, two children. She was then set free, and afterwards had
+    four children. The whole party ran away. They traveled several
+    days, and finally reached Middletown, late at night, where they
+    were taken in, fed and cared for, by John Hunn, a wealthy
+    Quaker, there. They were watched, however, by some persons in
+    that section, who followed them, arrested them, and sent them to
+    New Castle to jail. The sheriff and his daughter were
+    Anti-slavery people, and wrote to Mr. Garrett to come over. He
+    went over, had an interview, found from their statement, that
+    four of the party were undoubtedly free, and returned to this
+    city. On the following day, he and U.S. Senator Wales, went over
+    and had the party taken before Judge Booth, on a writ of _habeas
+    corpus_. Judge Booth decided that there was no evidence on which
+    to hold them, that in the absence of evidence the _presumption
+    was always in favor of freedom_ and discharged them.
+
+    Mr. Garrett then said, here is this woman with a babe at her
+    breast, the child suffering from a white swelling on its leg, is
+    there any impropriety in my getting a carriage and helping them
+    over to Wilmington? Judge Booth responded certainly not.
+
+    Mr. Garrett then hired the carriage, but gave the driver
+    distinctly to understand that he only paid for the woman and the
+    young children; the rest might walk. They all got in, however,
+    and finally escaped, of course the two children born in slavery
+    amongst the rest.
+
+    Six weeks afterwards the slave-holders followed them, and
+    incited, it is said, by the Cochrans and James A. Bayard,
+    commenced a suit against Mr. Garrett, claiming all the fugitives
+    as slaves. Mr. Garrett's friends claim that the jury was packed
+    to secure an adverse verdict. The trial came on before Chief
+    Justice Taney and Judge Hall, in the May term (1848) of the U.S.
+    Court, sitting at New Castle, Bayard representing the
+    prosecutors, and Wales the defendant. There were four trials in
+    all, lasting three days. We have not room here for the details
+    of the trial, but the juries awarded even heavier damages than
+    the plaintiffs claimed, and the judgments swept away every
+    dollar of his property.
+
+    When the trials were concluded, Mr. Garrett arose, the court
+    being adjourned, made a speech of an hour to the large crowd in
+    the court-room, in the course of which he declared his intention
+    to redouble his exertions, so help him God. His bold assertion
+    was greeted with mingled cheers and hisses, and at the
+    conclusion of his speech one of the jurors who had convicted him
+    strode across the benches, grasped his hand, and begged his
+    forgivenness.
+
+    Mr. Garrett kept his pledge and redoubled his exertions. The
+    trial advertised him, and such was the demand on him for
+    shelter, that he was compelled to put another story on his back
+    buildings. His friends helped him to start again in business,
+    and commencing anew in his sixtieth year with nothing, he again
+    amassed a handsome competence, generously contributing all the
+    while to every work in behalf of the down-trodden blacks or his
+    suffering fellow-men of any color.
+
+    In time the war came, and as he remarked, the nation went into
+    the business by the wholesale, so he quit his retail operations,
+    having, after he commenced to keep a record, helped off over
+    twenty-one hundred slaves, and no inconsiderable number before
+    that time.
+
+    In time, too, he came to be honored instead of execrated for his
+    noble efforts. Wilmington became an abolition city, and for
+    once, at least, a prophet was not without honor in his own city.
+    Mr. Garrett continued his interest in every reform up to his
+    last illness, and probably his last appearance in any public
+    capacity, was as president of a Woman Suffrage meeting, in the
+    City Hall, a few months ago, which was addressed by Julia Ward
+    Howe, Lucy Stone, and Henry B. Blackwell.
+
+    He lived to see the realization of his hopes for Universal
+    Freedom, and in April last on the occasion of the great parade
+    of the colored people in this city, he was carried through our
+    streets in an open barouche, surrounded by the men in whose
+    behalf he had labored so faithfully, and the guards around his
+    carriage carrying banners, with the inscription, "Our Moses."
+
+    A Moses he was to their race; but unto him it was given to enter
+    into the promised land toward which he had set his face
+    persistently and almost alone for more than half a century.
+
+    He was beloved almost to adoration by his dusky-hued friends,
+    and in the dark days of the beginning of the war, which every
+    Wilmingtonian will remember with a shudder, in those days of
+    doubt, confusion, and suspicion, without his knowledge or
+    consent, Thomas Garrett's house was constantly surrounded and
+    watched by faithful black men, resolved that, come weal come woe
+    to them, no harm should come to the benefactor of their race.
+
+    He was a hero in a life-time fight, an upright, honest man in
+    his dealings with men, a tender husband, a loving father, and
+    above all, a man who loved his neighbor as himself, and
+    righteousness and truth better than ease, safety, or worldly
+    goods, and who never let any fear of harm to person or property
+    sway him from doing his whole duty to the uttermost.
+
+    He was faithful among the faithless, upright and just in the
+    midst of a wicked and perverse generation, and lived to see his
+    labors rewarded and approved in his own life-time, and then with
+    joy that the Right had triumphed by mightier means than his own;
+    with thankfulness for the past, and with calm trust for the
+    future, he passed to the reward of the just. He has fought a
+    good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith.
+
+
+From the same paper, of January 30th, 1871, we extract an account of the
+funeral obsequies which took place on Saturday, January 28th.
+
+
+    FUNERAL SERVICE ON SATURDAY.
+
+    The funeral of Thomas Garrett, which took place on Saturday,
+    partook almost of the character of a popular ovation to the
+    memory of the deceased, though it was conducted with the
+    plainness of form which characterizes the society of which he
+    was a member.
+
+    There was no display, no organization, nothing whatever to
+    distinguish this from ordinary funerals, except the outpouring
+    of people of every creed, condition, and color, to follow the
+    remains to their last resting-place.
+
+    There was for an hour or two before the procession started, a
+    constant living stream of humanity passing into the house,
+    around the coffin, and out at another door, to take a last look
+    at the face of the deceased, the features of which displayed a
+    sweetness and serenity which occasioned general remark. A smile
+    seemed to play upon the dead lips.
+
+    Shortly after three o'clock the funeral procession started, the
+    plain coffin, containing the remains, being carried by the
+    stalwart arms of a delegation of colored men, and the family and
+    friends of the deceased following in carriages with a large
+    procession on foot, while the sidewalks along the line, from the
+    house to the meeting-house, more than six squares, were densely
+    crowded with spectators.
+
+    The Friends' Meeting House was already crowded, except the place
+    reserved for the relatives of the deceased, and, though probably
+    fifteen hundred people crowded into the capacious building, a
+    greater number still were unable to gain admission.
+
+    The crowd inside was composed of all kinds and conditions of
+    men, white and black, all uniting to do honor to the character
+    and works of the deceased.
+
+    The coffin was laid in the open space in front of the gallery of
+    ministers and elders, and the lid removed from it, after which
+    there was a period of silence.
+
+    Presently the venerable Lucretia Mott arose and said that,
+    seeing the gathering of the multitude there and thronging along
+    the streets, as she had passed on her way to the meeting-house,
+    she had thought of the multitude which gathered after the death
+    of Jesus, and of the remark of the Centurion, who, seeing the
+    people, said: "Certainly this was a righteous man." Looking at
+    this multitude she would say surely this also was a righteous
+    man. She was not one of those who thought it best always on
+    occasions like this, to speak in eulogy of the dead, but this
+    was not an ordinary case, and seeing the crowd that had
+    gathered, and amongst it the large numbers of a once despised
+    and persecuted race, for which the deceased had done so much,
+    she felt that it was fit and proper that the good deeds of this
+    man's life should be remembered, for the encouragement of
+    others. She spoke of her long acquaintance with him, of his
+    cheerful and sunny disposition, and his firm devotion to the
+    truth as he saw it.
+
+    Aaron M. Powell, of New York, was the next speaker, and he spoke
+    at length with great earnestness of the life-long labor of his
+    departed friend in the abolition cause, of his cheerfulness, his
+    courage, and his perfect consecration to his work.
+
+    He alluded to the fact, that deceased was a member of the
+    Society of Friends, and held firmly to its faith that God leads
+    and inspires men to do the work He requires of them, that He
+    speaks within the soul of every man, and that all men are
+    equally His children, subject to His guidance, and that all
+    should be free to follow wherever the Spirit might lead. It was
+    Thomas Garrett's recognition of this sentiment that made him an
+    abolitionist, and inspired him with the courage to pursue his
+    great work. He cared little for the minor details of Quakerism,
+    but he was a true Quaker in his devotion to this great central
+    idea which is the basis on which it rests. He urged the Society
+    to take a lesson from the deceased, and recognizing the
+    responsibility of their position, to labor with earnestness, and
+    to consecrate their whole beings to the cause of right and
+    reform. It is impossible for us to give any fair abstract of Mr.
+    Powell's earnest and eloquent tribute to his friend, on whom he
+    had looked, he said, as "a Father in Israel" from his boyhood.
+
+    William Howard Day, then came forward, saying, he understood
+    that it would not be considered inappropriate for one of his
+    race to say a few words on this occasion, and make some attempt
+    to pay a fitting tribute to one to whom they owed so much. He
+    did not feel to-day like paying such a tribute, his grief was
+    too fresh upon him, his heart too bowed down, and he could do no
+    more, than in behalf of his race, not only those here, but the
+    host the deceased has befriended, and of the whole four millions
+    to whom he had been so true a friend, cast a tribute of praise
+    and thanks upon his grave.
+
+    Rev. Alfred Cookman, of Grace M.E. Church, next arose, and said
+    that he came there intending to say nothing, but the scene moved
+    him to a few words. He remembered once standing in front of St.
+    Paul's Cathedral, in London, and seeing therein the name of the
+    architect, Sir Christopher Wren, inscribed, and under it this
+    inscription: "Stranger, if you would see his monument look about
+    you." And the thought came to him that if you would see the
+    monument of him who lies there, look about you and see it built
+    in stones of living hearts. He thanked God for the works of this
+    man; he thanked Him especially for his noble character. He said
+    that he felt that that body had been the temple of a noble
+    spirit, aye the temple of God himself, and some day they would
+    meet the spirit in the heavenly land beyond the grave.
+
+    Lucretia Mott arose, and said she feared the claim might appear
+    to be made that Quakerism alone held the great central principle
+    which dominated this man's life; but she wished it understood
+    that they recognized this "voice within" as leading and guiding
+    all men, and they probably meant by it much the same as those
+    differing from them meant by the Third person in their Trinity.
+    She did not wish, even in appearance, to claim a belief in this
+    voice for her own sect alone.
+
+    T. Clarkson Taylor then said, that the time for closing the
+    services had arrived, and in a very few words commended the
+    lesson of his life to those present, after which the meeting
+    dissolved, and the body was carried to the grave-yard in the
+    rear of the meeting-house, and deposited in its last
+    resting-place.
+
+
+
+
+THE TRIAL OF THE CASES, 1848.
+
+
+
+    To the Editor of the Commercial:
+
+    Your admirable and interesting sketch of the career of the late
+    Thomas Garrett contains one or two statements, which, according
+    to my recollection of the facts, are not entirely accurate, and
+    are perhaps of sufficient importance to be corrected.
+
+    The proceedings in the U.S. Circuit Court were not public
+    prosecutions or indictments, but civil suits instituted by the
+    owners of the runaway slaves, who employed and paid counsel to
+    conduct them. An act of Congress, then in force, imposed a
+    penalty of five hundred dollars on any person who should
+    knowingly harbor or conceal a fugitive from labor, to be
+    recovered by and for the benefit of the claimant of such
+    fugitive, in any Court proper to try the same; saving, moreover,
+    to the claimant his right of action for or on account of loss,
+    etc.; thus giving to the slave-owner two cases for action for
+    each fugitive, one of debt for the penalty, and one of trespass
+    for damages.
+
+    There were in all seven slaves, only the husband and father of
+    the family being free, who escaped under the friendly help and
+    guidance of Mr. Garrett, five of whom were claimed by E.N.
+    Turner, and the remaining two by C.T. Glanding, both claimants
+    being residents of Maryland.
+
+    In the suits for the penalties, Turner obtained judgment for
+    twenty-five hundred dollars, and Glanding, one for one thousand
+    dollars. In these cases the jury could give neither less nor
+    more than the amount of the penalties, on the proper proof being
+    made. Nor in the trespass case did the jury give "larger damages
+    than were claimed." A jury sometimes does queer things, but it
+    cannot make a verdict for a greater sum than the plaintiff
+    demands; in the trespass cases, Glanding had a verdict for one
+    thousand dollars damages, but in Turner's case only nine hundred
+    dollars were allowed, though the plaintiff sued for twenty-five
+    hundred.
+
+    It is hardly true to say that any one of the juries was
+    _packed_, indeed, it would have been a difficult matter in that
+    day for the Marshal to summon thirty sober, honest, and
+    judicious men, fairly and impartially chosen from the three
+    counties of Delaware, who would have found verdicts different
+    from those which were rendered. The jury must have been fixed
+    for the defendant to have secured any other result, on the
+    supposition that the testimony admitted of any doubt or
+    question, the anti-slavery men in the state being like Virgil's
+    ship-wrecked mariners, very few in number and scattered over a
+    vast space.
+
+    What most redounds to the honor and praise of Mr. Garrett, in
+    this transaction, as a noble and disinterested philanthropist
+    is, that after the fugitives had been discharged from custody
+    under the writ of _habeas corpus_, and when he had been advised
+    by his lawyer, who was also his personal friend, to keep his
+    hands off and let the party work their own passage to a haven of
+    freedom, not then far distant, or he might be involved in
+    serious trouble, he deliberately refused to abandon them to the
+    danger of pursuit and capture. The welfare and happiness of too
+    many human beings were at stake to permit him to think of
+    personal consequences, and he was ready and dared to encounter
+    any risk for himself, so that he could insure the safety of
+    those fleeing from bondage. It was this heroic purpose to
+    protect the weak and helpless at any cost, this fearless
+    unselfish action, not stopping to weigh the contingencies of
+    individual gain or loss, that constitutes his best title to the
+    gratitude of those he served, and to the admiration and respect
+    of all who can appreciate independent conduct springing from
+    pure and lofty motives. He did what he thought and believed to
+    be right, and let the consequences take care of themselves. He
+    never would directly or otherwise, entice a slave to leave his
+    master; but he never would refuse his aid to the hunted, panting
+    wretch that in the pursuit of happiness was seeking after
+    liberty. And who among us is now bold enough to say, that in all
+    this he did not see clearly, act bravely, do justly, and live up
+    to the spirit of the sacred text:--"Whatsoever ye would that men
+    should do to you, do ye even so to them?"
+
+    W.
+
+
+In a letter addressed to one of the sons, William Lloyd Garrison pays
+the following beautiful and just tribute to his faithfulness in the
+cause of freedom.
+
+
+    BOSTON, January 25th, 1871.
+
+    MY DEAR FRIEND:--I have received the intelligence of the death
+    of your honored and revered father, with profound emotions. If
+    it were not for the inclemency of the weather, and the delicate
+    state of my health, I would hasten to be at the funeral, long as
+    the distance is; not indeed as a mourner, for, in view of his
+    ripe old age, and singularly beneficent life, there is no cause
+    for sorrow, but to express the estimation in which I held him,
+    as one of the best men who ever walked the earth, and one of the
+    most beloved among my numerous friends and co-workers in the
+    cause of an oppressed and down-trodden race, now happily
+    rejoicing in their heavenly-wrought deliverance. For to no one
+    was the language of Job more strictly applicable than to
+    himself:--"When the ear heard me, then it blessed me, and when
+    the eye saw me, it gave witness to me; because I delivered the
+    poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to
+    help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon
+    me; and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on
+    righteousness, and it clothed me; my judgment was as a robe and
+    a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I
+    was a father to the poor; and the cause which I knew not I
+    searched out. And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked
+    the spoil out of his teeth." This is an exact portraiture of
+    your father, a most comprehensive delineation of his character
+    as a philanthropist and reformer. It was his meat and drink.
+
+      "The poor to feed, the lost to seek,
+        To proffer life to death,
+      Hope to the erring, to the weak
+        The strength of his own faith.
+
+
+      "To plead the captive's right; remove
+        The sting of hate from law;
+      And soften in the fire of love
+        The hardened steel of war.
+
+
+      "He walked the dark world in the mild,
+        Still guidance of the light;
+      In tearful tenderness a child,
+        A strong man in the right."
+
+
+    Did there ever live one who had less of that "fear of man which
+    bringeth a snare," than himself? Or who combined more moral
+    courage with exceeding tenderness of spirit? Or who adhered more
+    heroically to his convictions of duty in the face of deadly
+    peril and certain suffering? Or who gave himself more
+    unreservedly, or with greater disinterestedness, to the service
+    of bleeding humanity? Or who took more joyfully the spoiling of
+    his goods as the penalty of his sympathy for the hunted
+    fugitive? Or who more untiringly kept pace with all the
+    progressive movements of the age, as though in the very
+    freshness of adult life, while venerable with years? Or who, as
+    a husband, father, friend, citizen, or neighbor, more nobly
+    performed all the duties, or more generally distributed all the
+    charities of life? He will leave a great void in the community.
+    Such a stalwart soul appears only at rare intervals. Delaware,
+    enslaved, treated him like a felon; Delaware, redeemed, will be
+    proud of his memory.
+
+      "Only the actions of the just
+      Smell sweet and blossom in the dust."
+
+
+    His rightful place is conspicuously among the benefactors,
+    saviours, martyrs of the human race.
+
+    His career was full of dramatic interest from beginning to end,
+    and crowded with the experiences and vicissitudes of a most
+    eventful nature. What he promised he fulfilled; what he
+    attempted, he seldom, or never failed to accomplish; what he
+    believed, he dared to proclaim upon the housetop; what he
+    ardently desired, and incessantly labored for, was the reign of
+    universal freedom, peace, and righteousness. He was among the
+    manliest of men, and the gentlest of spirits. There was no form
+    of human suffering that did not touch his heart; but his
+    abounding sympathy was especially drawn out towards the poor,
+    imbruted slaves of the plantation, and such of their number as
+    sought their freedom by flight. The thousands that passed safely
+    through his hands, on their way to Canada and the North, will
+    never forget his fatherly solicitude for their welfare, or the
+    dangers he unflinchingly encountered in their behalf. Stripped
+    of all his property under the Fugitive Slave law, for giving
+    them food, shelter, and assistance to continue their flight, he
+    knew not what it was to be intimidated or disheartened, but gave
+    himself to the same blessed work as though conscious of no loss.
+    Great-hearted philanthropist, what heroism could exceed thy own?
+
+      "For, while the jurist sitting with the slave-whip o'er him swung,
+      From the tortured truths of freedom the lie of slavery wrung,
+      And the solemn priest to Moloch, on each God-deserted shrine,
+      Broke the bondman's heart for bread, poured the bondman's blood
+                for wine--
+      While the multitude in blindness to a far-off Saviour knelt,
+      And spurned, the while, the temple where a present Saviour dwelt;
+      Thou beheld'st Him in the task-field, in the prison shadow dim,
+      And thy mercy to the bondman, it was mercy unto Him!"
+
+
+    I trust some one, well qualified to execute the pleasing task,
+    will write his biography for the grand lessons his life
+    inculcated. Yours, in full sympathy and trust,
+
+    WM. LLOYD GARRISON.
+
+
+A contemporary who had known him long and intimately--who had
+appreciated his devotion to freedom, who had shared with him some of the
+perils consequent upon aiding the fleeing fugitives, and who belonged to
+the race with whom Garrett sympathized, and for whose elevation and
+freedom he labored so assiduously with an overflowing heart of tender
+regard and sympathy--penned the following words, touching the sad event:
+
+
+    CHATHAM, C.W., January 30, 1871.
+
+    To MR. HENRY GARRETT:--Dear Sir:--I have just heard, through the
+    kindness of my friend, Mrs. Graves, of the death of your dear
+    father; the intelligence makes me feel sad and sorrowful; I
+    sincerely sympathize with you and all your brothers and sisters,
+    in your mournful bereavement; but you do not mourn without hope,
+    for you have an assurance in his death that your loss is his
+    infinite gain. For he was a good Christian, a good husband, a
+    good father, a good citizen, and a truly good Samaritan, for his
+    heart, his hand and his purse, were ever open to the wants of
+    suffering humanity, wherever he found it; irrespective of the
+    country, religion, or complexion of the sufferer. Hence there
+    are many more who mourn his loss, as well as yourselves; and I
+    know, verily, that many a silent tear was shed by his
+    fellow-citizens, both white and colored, when he took his
+    departure; especially the colored ones; for he loved them with a
+    brother's love, not because they were colored, but because they
+    were oppressed, and, like John Brown, he loved them to the last;
+    that was manifest by his request that they should be his
+    bearers. I can better feel than I have language to express the
+    mournful and sorrowing pride that must have stirred the inmost
+    souls of those men of color, who had the honor conferred on them
+    of bearing his mortal remains to their last resting-place, when
+    they thought of what a sacred trust was committed to their
+    hands. We are told to mark the perfect man, and behold the
+    upright, for the end of that man is peace; and such was the end
+    of your dear father, and he has gone to join the innumerable
+    company of the spirits of the just, made perfect on the other
+    side of the river, where there is a rest remaining for all the
+    children of God. My brother, Abraham D. Shadd, and my sister
+    Amelia, join their love and condolence with mine to you all,
+    hoping that the virtues of your father may be a guiding star to
+    you all, until you meet him again in that happy place, where
+    parting will be no more, forever.
+
+    Your humble friend, ELIZABETH J. WILLIAMS.
+
+
+From the learned and the unlearned, from those in high places and from
+those in humble stations, many testimonials reached the family,
+respecting this great friend of the slave, but it is doubtful, whether a
+single epistle from any one, was more affectingly appreciated by the
+bereaved family, than the epistle just quoted from Elizabeth J.
+Williams.
+
+The Slave's most eloquent advocate, Wendell Phillips, in the "National
+Standard," of February 4, 1871, in honor of the departed, bore the
+following pertinent testimony to his great worth in the cause of
+Liberty.
+
+
+    "I should not dare to trust my memory for the number of fugitive
+    slaves this brave old friend has helped to safety and
+    freedom--nearly three thousand, I believe. What a rich life to
+    look back on! How skilful and adroit he was, in eluding the
+    hunters! How patient in waiting days and weeks, keeping the poor
+    fugitives hidden meanwhile, till it was safe to venture on the
+    highway! What whole-hearted devotion, what unselfish giving of
+    time, means, and everything else to this work of brotherly love!
+    What house in Delaware, so honorable in history, as that where
+    hunted men fled, and were sure to find refuge. It was the North
+    Star to many a fainting heart. This century has grand scenes to
+    show and boast of among its fellows. But few transcend that
+    auction-block where the sheriff was selling all Garrett's goods
+    for the crime (!) of giving a breakfast to a family of fugitive
+    slaves. As the sale closed, the officer turns to Garrett,
+    saying: 'Thomas, I hope you'll never be caught at this again.'
+
+    "'Friend,' was the reply, 'I haven't a dollar in the world, but
+    if thee knows a fugitive who needs a breakfast, send him to me.'
+
+    "Over such a scene, Luther and Howard and Clarkson clapped their
+    hands.
+
+    "Such a speech redeems the long infamy of the State. It is
+    endurable, the having of such a blot as Delaware in our history,
+    when it has once been the home of such a man. I remember well
+    the just pride with which he told me, that after that sale,
+    pro-slavery as Wilmington was, he could have a discount at the
+    bank as readily as any man in the city. Though the laws robbed
+    him, his fellow-citizens could not but respect and trust him,
+    love and honor him.
+
+    "The city has never had, we believe, a man die in it worthy of a
+    statue. We advise it to seize this opportunity to honor itself
+    and perpetuate the good name of its worthiest citizen, by
+    immortalizing some street, spot, shaft or building with his
+    name.
+
+    "Brave, generous, high-souled, sturdy, outspoken friend of all
+    that needed aid or sympathy, farewell for these scenes! In times
+    to come, when friendless men and hated ideas need champions, God
+    grant them as gallant and successful ones as you have been, and
+    may the State you honored grow worthy of you. WENDELL PHILLIPS."
+
+
+Likewise in the "National Standard," the editor, Aaron M. Powell, who
+attended the funeral, paid the following glowing tribute to the moral,
+religious, and anti-slavery character of the slave's friend:
+
+
+    On the 24th inst., Thomas Garrett, in his eighty-second year,
+    passed on to the higher life. A week previous we had visited him
+    in his sick chamber, and, on leaving him felt that he must go
+    hence ere long. He was the same strong, resolute man in spirit
+    to the last. He looked forward to the welcome change with
+    perfect serenity and peace of mind. And well he might, for he
+    had indeed fought the good fight and been faithful unto the end.
+
+    He was most widely known for his services to fugitive slaves.
+    Twenty-five hundred and forty-five he had preserved a record of;
+    and he had assisted somewhat more than two hundred prior to the
+    commencement of the record. Picture to the mind's eye this
+    remarkable procession of nearly three thousand men, women and
+    children fleeing from Slavery, and finding in this brave,
+    large-hearted man, a friend equal to their needs in so critical
+    an emergency! No wonder he was feared by the slave-holders, not
+    alone of his own State, but of the whole South. If their human
+    chattels once reached his outpost, there was indeed little hope
+    of their reclamation. The friend and helper of fugitives from
+    Slavery, truly their Moses, he was more than this, he was the
+    discriminating, outspoken, uncompromising opponent of Slavery
+    itself. He was one of the strongest pillars and one of the most
+    efficient working-members of the American Anti-slavery Society.
+    He was an abolitionist of the most radical and pronounced
+    character, though a resident of a slave State, and through all
+    the period wherein to be an abolitionist was to put in jeopardy,
+    not only reputation and property, but life itself. Though he
+    rarely addressed public meetings, his presence imparted much
+    strength to others, was "weighty" in the best Quaker sense. He
+    was of the rare type of character, represented by Francis
+    Jackson and James Mott.
+
+    Thomas Garrett was a member of the Society of Friends, and as
+    such, served by the striking contrast of his own life and
+    character, with the average of the Society, to exemplify to the
+    world the real, genuine Quakerism. It is not at all to the
+    credit of his fellow-members, that it must be said of them, that
+    when he was bearing the cross and doing the work for which he is
+    now so universally honored, they, many of them, were not only
+    not in sympathy with him, but would undoubtedly, if they had had
+    the requisite vitality and courage, have cut him off from their
+    denominational fellowship. He was a sincere, earnest believer in
+    the cardinal point of Quakerism, the Divine presence in the
+    human soul--this furnishes the key to his action through life.
+    This divine attribute he regarded not as the birth-right of
+    Friends alone, not of one race, sex or class, but of all
+    mankind. Therefore was he an abolitionist; therefore was he
+    interested in the cause of the Indians; therefore was he
+    enlisted in the cause of equal rights for women; therefore was
+    he a friend of temperance, of oppressed and needy working-men
+    and women, world-wide in the scope of his philanthropic
+    sympathy, and broadly catholic, and comprehensive in his views
+    of religious life and duty. He was the soul of honor in
+    business. His experience, when deprived at sixty, of every
+    dollar of his property for having obeyed God rather than man, in
+    assisting fugitives from Slavery, and the promptness with which
+    his friends came forward with proffered co-operation, furnishes
+    a lesson which all should ponder well. He had little respect
+    for, or patience with shams of any kind, in religious, political
+    or social life.
+
+    As we looked upon Thomas Garrett's calm, serene face, mature in
+    a ripe old age, still shadowing forth kindliness of heart,
+    firmness of purpose, discriminating intelligence, conscientious,
+    manly uprightness, death never seemed more beautiful:
+
+      "Why, what is Death but Life
+      In other forms of being? Life without
+      The coarser attributes of men, the dull
+      And momently decaying frame which holds
+      The ethereal spirit in, and binds it down
+      To brotherhood with brutes! There's no
+      Such thing as Death; what's so-called is but
+      The beginning of a new existence, a fresh
+      Segment of the eternal round of change."
+
+
+    A.M.P.
+
+
+Another warm admirer of this Great Lover of humanity, in a letter to
+George W. Stone thus alludes to his life and death:
+
+
+    TAUNTON, MASS., June 25th, 1871.
+
+    DEAR STONE:--Your telegram announcing the death of that old
+    soldier and saint, and my good friend, Thos. Garrett, reached me
+    last evening at ten o'clock.
+
+    My first impulse was to start for Wilmington, and be present at
+    his funeral; but when I considered my work here, and my
+    engagements for the next four days, I found it impossible to go.
+
+    I will be there in spirit, and bow my inmost soul before the All
+    Loving One, his Father and ours, in humble thankfulness, that I
+    ever knew him, and had the privilege of enjoying his friendship
+    and witnessing his devotion, to the interest of every good cause
+    of benevolence and Reform.
+
+    I could write you many things of interest which I heard from
+    him, and which I have noted on my memory and heart; but I cannot
+    now. I think he was one of the remarkable men of the times, in
+    faith, in holy boldness, in fearless devotion to the right, in
+    uncompromising integrity, in unselfish benevolence, in love to
+    God and man, and in unceasing, life-long efforts to do justly,
+    to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. We shall not soon
+    look upon his like again.
+
+    If I was present at his funeral, I should take it as a privilege
+    to pronounce his name, and say, as I never said before, "Blessed
+    are the dead that die in the Lord; even so saith the Spirit; for
+    they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."
+
+    Do, at once, see his children and Clarkson Taylor, and give them
+    my condolence, no, my _congratulation_, and assure them that
+    they have a rich legacy in his noble life, and he has a glorious
+    reward in the bosom of God.
+
+    Peace to his memory! Noble old man, so pure and peaceful, and
+    yet so strong, firm, and fearless, so gentle, tender, and
+    truthful, afraid and ashamed of nothing but sin, and in love and
+    labor with every good work.
+
+    I could write on and fill many pages. But he desired no eulogy,
+    and needs none. He lives, and will live for ever in many hearts
+    and in the heaven of heavens above.
+
+    T. ISRAEL.
+
+
+If it were necessary we might continue to introduce scores of
+editorials, communications, epistles, etc., all breathing a similar
+spirit of respect for the rare worth of this wonderful man, but space
+forbids. In conclusion, therefore, with a view of presenting him in the
+light of his own interesting letters, written when absorbed in his
+peculiar work, from a large number on file the following are submitted:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 11th mo. 21st, 1855.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND, WM. STILL:--Thine of this date, inquiring for
+    the twenty-one, and how they have been disposed of, has just
+    been received. I can only answer by saying, when I parted with
+    them yesterday forenoon, I gave the wife of the person, in whose
+    house they were, money to pay her expenses to Philadelphia and
+    back in the cars to pilot the four women to thy place. I gave
+    her husband money to pay a pilot to start yesterday with the ten
+    men, divided in two gangs; also a letter for thee. I hope they
+    have arrived safe ere this. I had to leave town soon after noon
+    yesterday to attend a brother ill with an attack of apoplexy,
+    and to-day I have been very much engaged. The place they stayed
+    here is a considerable distance off. I will make inquiry
+    to-morrow morning, and in case any other disposition has been
+    made of them than the above I will write thee. I should think
+    they have stopped to-day, in consequence of the rain, and most
+    likely will arrive safe to-morrow. In haste, thy friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+Although having "to attend a brother, ill with an attack of apoplexy,"
+Garrett took time to attend to the interest of the "twenty-one," as the
+above letter indicates. How many other men in the United States, under
+similar circumstances, would have been thus faithful?
+
+On another occasion deeply concerned for A FORWARDER OF SLAVES, he wrote
+thus:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 12th mo. 26th, 1855.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND, WM. STILL:--The bearer of this, George Wilmer,
+    is a slave, whose residence is in Maryland. He is a true man,
+    and a forwarder of slaves. Has passed some twenty-five within
+    four months. He is desirous of finding some of his relations,
+    Wm. Mann and Thomas Carmichael, they passed here about a month
+    since. If thee can give him any information where they can be
+    found thee will much oblige him, and run no risk of their safety
+    in so doing. I remain, as ever, thy sincere friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+"Four able-bodied men," form the subject of the subjoined
+correspondence:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 11th mo., 4th, 1856.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIENDS, J. Miller McKim and William Still:--Captain
+    F., has arrived here this day, with four able-bodied men. One is
+    an engineer, and has been engaged in sawing lumber, a second, a
+    good house-carpenter, a third a blacksmith, and the fourth a
+    farm hand. They are now five hundred miles from their home in
+    Carolina, and would be glad to get situations, without going far
+    from here. I will keep them till to-morrow. Please inform me
+    whether thee knows of a suitable place in the country where the
+    mechanics can find employment at their trades for the winter;
+    let me hear to-morrow, and oblige your friend,
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+"What has become of Harriet Tubman?" (agent of the Underground Rail
+Road), is made a subject of special inquiry in the following note:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 3d mo., 27th, 1857.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:--I have been very anxious for
+    some time past, to hear what has become of Harriet Tubman. The
+    last I heard of her, she was in the State of New York, on her
+    way to Canada with some friends, last fall. Has thee seen, or
+    heard anything of her lately? It would be a sorrowful fact, if
+    such a hero as she, should be lost from the Underground Rail
+    Road. I have just received a letter from Ireland, making inquiry
+    respecting her. If thee gets this in time, and knows anything
+    respecting her, please drop me a line by mail to-morrow, and I
+    will get it next morning if not sooner, and oblige thy friend.
+
+    I have heard nothing from the eighth man from Dover, but trust
+    he is safe.
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+On being informed that Harriet was "all right," the following extract
+from a subsequent letter, expresses his satisfaction over the good news,
+and at the same time, indicates his sympathy for a "poor traveler," who
+had fallen a victim to the cold weather, and being severely
+frost-bitten, had died of lock-jaw, as related on page 52.
+
+
+    "I was truly glad to learn that Harriet Tubman was still in good
+    health and ready for action, but I think there will be more
+    danger at present than heretofore, there is so much excitement
+    below in consequence of the escape of those eight slaves. I was
+    truly sorry to hear of the fate of that poor fellow who had
+    periled so much for liberty. I was in hopes from what thee told
+    me, that he would recover with the loss perhaps of some of his
+    toes.
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT."
+
+
+In the next letter, an interesting anecdote is related of an encounter
+on the Underground Rail Road, between the fugitives and several
+Irishmen, and how one of the old countrymen was shot in the forehead,
+etc., which G. thought would make such opponents to the Road "more
+cautious."
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 11th mo., 5th, 1857.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:--I have just written a note for
+    the bearer to William Murphy Chester, who will direct him on to
+    thy care; he left his home about a week since. I hear in the
+    lower part of this State, he met with a friend to pilot him some
+    twenty-five miles last night. We learn that one party of those
+    last week were attacked with clubs by several Irish and that one
+    of them was shot in the forehead, the ball entering to the skull
+    bone, and passing under the skin partly round the head. My
+    informant says he is likely to recover, but it will leave an
+    ugly mark it is thought, as long as he lives. We have not been
+    able to learn, whether the party was on the look out for them,
+    or whether they were rowdies out on a Hallow-eve frolic; but be
+    it which it may, I presume they will be more cautious here how
+    they trifle with such. Desiring thee prosperity and happiness, I
+    remain thy friend,
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+
+
+
+FOUR OF GOD'S POOR.
+
+
+The following letter shows the fearless manner in which he attended to
+the duties of his station:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 9th mo. 6th, 1857.
+
+    RESPECTED FRIEND, WM. STILL:--This evening I send to thy care
+    four of God's poor. Severn Johnson, a true man, will go with
+    them to-night by rail road to thy house. I have given Johnson
+    five dollars, which will pay all expenses, and leave each
+    twenty-five cents. We are indebted to Captain F----t----n for
+    those. May success attend them in their efforts to maintain
+    themselves. Please send word by Johnson whether or no, those
+    seven arrived safe I wrote thee of ten days since. My wife and
+    self were at Longwood to-day, had a pleasant ride and good
+    meeting. We are, as ever, thy friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+Quite a satisfactory account is given, in the letter below of the
+"Irishman who was shot in the forehead;" also of one of the same kin,
+who in meddling with Underground Rail Road passengers, got his arm
+broken in two places, etc.
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 11th mo. 14th, 1857.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND, WM. STILL:--Thy favor of a few days since came
+    to hand, giving quite a satisfactory account of the large
+    company.
+
+    I find in the melee near this town, one of the Irishmen got his
+    arm broken in two places. The one shot in the forehead is badly
+    marked, but not dangerously injured. I learn to-day, that the
+    carriage in that company, owing to fast driving with such a
+    heavy load, is badly broken, and the poor horse was badly
+    injured; it has not been able to do anything since.
+
+    Please say to my friend, Rebecca Hart, that I have heretofore
+    kept clear of persuading, or even advising slaves to leave their
+    masters till they had fully made up their minds to leave,
+    knowing as I do there is great risk in so doing, and if betrayed
+    once would be a serious injury to the cause hereafter. I had
+    spoken to one colored man to try to see him, but he was not
+    willing to risk it. If he has any desire to get away, he can,
+    during one night, before they miss him, get out of the reach of
+    danger. Booth has moved into New Castle, and left the two boys
+    on the farm. If Rebecca Hart will write to me, and give me the
+    name of the boy, and the name of his mother, I will make another
+    effort. The man I spoke to lives in New Castle, and thinks the
+    mother of the boy alluded to lives between here and New Castle.
+    The young men's association here wants Wendell Phillips to
+    deliver a lecture on the lost arts, and some of the rest of us
+    wish him to deliver a lecture on Slavery. Where will a letter
+    reach him soonest, as I wish to write him on the subject. I
+    thought he could perhaps deliver two lectures, two nights in
+    succession. If thee can give the above information, thee will
+    much oblige--
+
+    GARRETT & SON.
+
+
+In his business-like transactions, without concealment, he places
+matters in such a light that the wayfaring man, though a fool, need not
+err, as may here be seen.
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 11th mo. 25th, 1857.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND, WM. STILL:--I now send Johnson, one of our
+    colored men, up with the three men I wrote thee about. Johnson
+    has undertook to have them well washed and cleaned during the
+    day. And I have provided them with some second-hand clothes, to
+    make them comfortable, a new pair of shoes and stockings, and
+    shall pay Johnson for taking care of them. I mention this so
+    that thee may know. Thee need not advance him any funds. In the
+    present case I shall furnish them with money to pay their fare
+    to Philadelphia, and Johnson home again. Hoping they will get on
+    safe, I remain thy friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+
+
+FOUR FEMALES ON BOARD.
+
+
+The fearless Garrett communicated through the mail, as usual, the
+following intelligence:
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 8th mo. 25th, 1859.
+
+    ESTEEMED FRIEND, WM. STILL:--The brig Alvena, of Lewistown, is
+    in the Delaware opposite here, with four females on board. The
+    colored man, who has them in charge, was employed by the husband
+    of one of them to bring his wife up. When he arrived here, he
+    found the man had left. As the vessel is bound to Red Bank, I
+    have advised him to take them there in the vessel, and to-morrow
+    take them in the steamboat to the city, and to the Anti-slavery
+    office. He says they owe the captain one dollar and fifty cents
+    for board, and I gave him three dollars, to pay the captain and
+    take them to your office. I have a man here, to go on to-night,
+    that was nearly naked; shall rig him out pretty comfortably.
+    Poor fellow, he has lost his left hand, but he says he can take
+    care of himself. In haste, thy friend,
+
+    THOS. GARRETT.
+
+
+While Father Abraham was using his utmost powers to put down the
+rebellion, in 1864, a young man who had "been most unrighteously sold
+for seven years," desirous of enlisting, sought advice from the wise and
+faithful Underground Rail Road manager, who gave him the following
+letter, which may be looked upon in the light of a rare anecdote, as
+there is no doubt but that the "professed non-resistant" in this
+instance, hoped to see the poor fellow "_snugly fixed in his
+regimentals_" doing service for "Father Abraham."
+
+
+    WILMINGTON, 1st mo. 23d, 1864.
+
+    RESPECTED FRIEND, WILLIAM STILL:--The bearer of this, Winlock
+    Clark, has lately been most unrighteously sold for seven years,
+    and is desirous of enlisting, and becoming one of Uncle Sam's
+    boys; I have advised him to call on thee so that no land sharks
+    shall get any bounty for enlisting him; he has a wife and
+    several children, and whatever bounty the government or the
+    State allows him, will be of use to his family. Please write me
+    when he is snugly fixed in his regimentals, so that I may send
+    word to his wife. By so doing, thee will much oblige thy friend,
+    and the friend of humanity,
+
+    THOMAS GARRETT.
+
+    N.B. Am I naughty, being a professed non-resistant, to advise
+    this poor fellow to serve Father Abraham? T.G.
+
+
+We have given so many of these inimitable Underground Rail Road letters
+from the pen of the sturdy old laborer, not only because they will be
+new to the readers of this work, but because they so fittingly
+illustrate his practical devotion to the Slave, and his cheerfulness--in
+the face of danger and difficulty--in a manner that other pens might
+labor in vain to describe.
+
+
+
+DANIEL GIBBONS.
+
+
+A life as uneventful as the one whose story we are about to tell,
+affords little scope for the genius of the biographer or the historian,
+but being carefully studied, it cannot fail to teach a lesson of
+devotion and self-sacrifice, which should be learned and remembered by
+every succeeding age.
+
+Daniel Gibbons, son of James and Deborah (Hoopes) Gibbons, was born on
+the banks of Mill Creek, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 21st
+day of the 12th month (December), 1775. He was descended on his father's
+side from an English ancestor, whose name appears on the colonial
+records, as far back as 1683. John Gibbons evidently came with or before
+William Penn to this "goodly heritage of freedom." His earthly remains
+lie at Concord Friends' burying-ground, Delaware county, near where the
+family lived for a generation or two. The grandfather of Daniel Gibbons,
+who lived near where West Town boarding-school now is, in Chester
+county, bought for seventy pounds, "one thousand acres of land and
+allowances," in what is now Lancaster county, intending, as he
+ultimately did, to settle his three sons upon it. This purchase was made
+about the year 1715. In process of time, the eldest son, desiring to
+marry Deborah Hoopes, the daughter of Daniel Hoopes, of a neighboring
+township in Chester county, the young people obtained the consent of
+parents and friends, but it was a time of grief and mourning among young
+and old. The young Friends assured the intended bride, that they would
+not marry the best man in the Province and do what she was about to do;
+and the elder dames, so far relaxed the Puritanic rigidity of their
+rules, as to allow the invitation of an uncommonly large company of
+guests to the wedding, in order that a long and perhaps last farewell,
+might be said to the beloved daughter, who, with her husband, was about
+to emigrate to the "far West." Loud and long were the lamentations, and
+warm the embraces of these simple-minded Christian rustics, companions
+of toil and deprivation, as they parted from two of their number who
+were to leave their circle for the West; the West being then thirty-six
+miles distant. This was on the sixth day of the fifth month, 1756. More
+than a century has passed away; all the good people, eighty-nine in
+number, who signed the wedding certificate as witnesses, have passed
+away, and how vast is the change wrought in our midst since that day!
+
+Joseph Gibbons was so much pleased with the daring enterprise of his son
+and daughter-in-law, that he gave them one hundred acres of land in his
+Western possessions more than he reserved for his other and younger
+sons, and to it they immediately emigrated, and building first a cabin
+and the next year a store-house, began life for themselves in earnest.
+
+It is interesting, in view of the long and consistent anti-slavery
+course which Daniel Gibbons pursued, to trace the influence that wrought
+upon him while his character was maturing, and the causes which led him
+to see the wickedness of the system which he opposed.
+
+The Society of Friends in that day bore in mind the advice of their
+great founder, Fox, whose last words were: "Friends, mind the light."
+And following that guide which leads out of all evil and into all good,
+they viewed every custom of society with eyes undimmed by prejudice, and
+were influenced in every action of life by a belief in the common
+brotherhood of man, and a resolve to obey the command of Jesus, to love
+one another. This being the case, slavery and oppression of all kinds
+were unpopular, and indeed almost unknown amongst them.
+
+James Gibbons was a republican, and an enthusiastic advocate of American
+liberty. Being a man of commanding presence, and great energy and
+determination, efforts were made during the Revolution to induce him to
+enlist as a cavalry soldier. He was prevented from so doing by the
+entreaties of his wife, and his own conscientious scruples as a Friend.
+About the time of the Revolution, or immediately after, he removed to
+the borough of Wilmington, Delaware, where, being surrounded by slavery,
+he became more than ever alive to its iniquities. He was interested
+during his whole life in getting slaves off. And being elected second
+burgess of Wilmington during his residence there, his official position
+gave him great opportunities to assist in this noble work. It is related
+that during his magistracy a slave-holder brought a colored man before
+him, whom he claimed as his slave. There being no evidence of the
+alleged ownership, the colored man was set at liberty. The pretended
+owner was inclined to be impudent; but James Gibbons told him promptly
+that nothing but silence and good behaviour on his part would prevent
+his commitment for contempt of court.
+
+About the year 1790, James Gibbons came back to Lancaster county, where
+he spent twenty years in the practice of those deeds which will remain
+"in everlasting remembrance;" dying, full of years and honors, in 1810.
+
+Born in the first year of the revolution and growing up surrounded by
+such influences, Daniel Gibbons could not have been other than he was,
+the friend of the down-trodden and oppressed of every nationality and
+color. In 1789 his father took him to see General Washington, then
+passing through Wilmington. To the end of his life he retained a vivid
+recollection of this visit, and would recount its incidents to his
+family and friends. During his father's residence in Wilmington, he
+spent his summers with kinsmen in Lancaster county, learning to be a
+farmer, and his winters in Wilmington going to school.
+
+At the age of fourteen years he was bound an apprentice, as was the good
+custom of the day, to a Friend in Lancaster county to learn the tanning
+business. At this he served about six years, or until his master ceased
+to follow the business. During this apprenticeship he became accustomed
+to severe labor, so severe indeed that he never recovered from the
+effects thereof, having a difficulty in walking during the remainder of
+his life, which prevented him from taking the active part in Underground
+Rail Road business which he otherwise would have done. His father's
+estate being involved in litigation caused him to be put to this trade,
+farming being his favorite employment, and one which he followed during
+his whole life.
+
+In 1805 he took a pedestrian tour, by way of New York, Albany, and
+Niagara Falls to the State of Ohio, then the far West, coming home by
+way of Pittsburg, and walking altogether one thousand three hundred and
+fifty miles. In this trip he increased the injury to his feet, so as to
+render himself virtually a cripple. Upon the death of his father, he
+settled upon the farm, on which he died.
+
+About the year 1808 on going to visit some friends, who had removed to
+Adams county, Pennsylvania, he became acquainted with Hannah Wierman,
+whom he married on the fourth day of the fifth month, 1815. At this time
+Daniel Gibbous was about forty years old, and his wife about
+twenty-eight, she having been born on the ninth of the seventh month,
+1787. A life of one after their union, would be incomplete without some
+notice of the other.
+
+During a married life of thirty-seven years, Hannah Gibbons was the
+assistant of her husband in every good and noble work. Possessed of a
+warm heart, a powerful, though uncultivated intellect, an excellent
+judgment, and great sweetness of disposition, she was fitted both by
+nature and training to endure without murmuring the inconvenience and
+trouble incident to the reception and care of fugitives and to rejoice
+that to her was given the opportunity of assisting them in their efforts
+to be free.
+
+The true measure of greatness in a human soul, is its willingness to
+suffer for its own good, or the good of its fellows, its
+self-sacrificing spirit. Granting the truth of this, one of the greatest
+souls was that of Hannah W. Gibbons. The following incident is a proof
+of this:
+
+In 1836, when she was no longer a young woman, there came to her home,
+one of the poorest, most ignorant, and filthiest of mankind--a slave
+from the great valley of Virginia. He was foot-sore and weary, and could
+not tell how he came, or who directed him. He seemed indeed, a missive
+directed and sent by the hand of the Almighty. Before he could be
+cleansed or recruited, he was taken sick, and before he could be removed
+(even if he could have been trusted at the county poor house), his case
+was pronounced to be small-pox. For six long weeks did this good angel
+in human form, attend upon this unfortunate object. Reasons were found
+why no one else could do it, and with her own hands, she ministered to
+his wants, until he was restored to health. Such was her life. This is
+merely one case. She was always ready to do her duty. Her interest in
+good, never left her, for when almost dying, she aroused from her
+lethargy and asked if Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the
+United States, which he was a few days afterwards. She always predicted
+a civil war, in the settlement of the Slavery question.
+
+During the last twenty-five years of her life she was an elder in the
+Society of Friends, of which she had always been an earnest, consistent,
+and devoted member. Her patience, self-denial, and warm affection were
+manifested in every relation of life. As a daughter, wife, mother,
+friend, and mistress of a family she was beloved by all, and to her
+relatives and friends who are left behind, the remembrance of her good
+deeds comes wafted like a perfume from beyond the golden gates. She
+survived her husband about eight years, dying on the sixteenth of the
+tenth month, 1860. Three children, sons, were born to their marriage,
+two of whom died in infancy and one still (1871) survives.
+
+To give some idea of the course pursued by Daniel and Hannah Gibbons, I
+insert the following letter, containing an account of events which took
+place in 1821:
+
+
+    "A short time since, I learned that my old friend, William
+    Still, was about to publish a history of the Underground Rail
+    Road. His own experience in the service of this road would make
+    a large volume. I was brought up by Daniel Gibbons, and am asked
+    to say what I know of him as an abolitionist. From my earliest
+    recollection, he was a friend to the colored people, and often
+    hired them and paid them liberal wages. His house was a depot
+    for fugitives, and many hundreds has he helped on their way to
+    freedom. Many a dark night he has sent me to carry them victuals
+    and change their places of refuge, and take them to other
+    people's barns, when not safe for him to go. I have known him
+    start in the night and go fifty miles with them, when they were
+    very hotly pursued. One man and his wife lived with him for a
+    long time. Afterwards the man lived with Thornton Walton. The
+    man was hauling lumber from Columbia. He was taken from his team
+    in Lancaster, and lodged in Baltimore jail. Daniel Gibbons went
+    to Baltimore, visited the jail and tried hard to get him
+    released, but failed. I would add here, that Daniel Gibbons'
+    faithful wife, one of the best women I ever knew, was always
+    ready, day or night, to do all she possibly could, to help the
+    poor fugitives on their way to freedom. Many interesting
+    incidents occurred at the home of my uncle. I will relate one.
+    He had living with him at one time, two colored men, Thomas
+    Colbert and John Stewart. The latter was from Maryland; John
+    often said he would go back and get his wife. My uncle asked him
+    if he was not afraid of his master's catching him. He said no,
+    for his master knew if he undertook to take him, he would kill
+    him. He did go and brought his wife to my uncle's.
+
+    While these two large men, Tom and John, were there, along came
+    Robert (other name unknown), in a bad plight, his feet bleeding.
+    Robert was put in the barn to thrash, until he could be fixed up
+    to go again on his journey. But in a few days, behold, along
+    came his master. He brought with him that notorious constable,
+    Haines, from Lancaster, and one other man. They came suddenly
+    upon Robert; as soon as he saw them he ran and jumped out of the
+    "overshoot," some ten feet down. In jumping, he put one knee out
+    of joint. The men ran around the barn and seized him. By this
+    time, the two colored men, Tom and John, came, together with my
+    uncle and aunt. Poor Robert owned his master, but John told them
+    they should not take him away, and was going at them with a
+    club. One of the men drew a pistol to shoot John, but uncle told
+    him he had better not shoot him; this was not a slave State.
+    Inasmuch as Robert had owned his master, Uncle told John he must
+    submit, so they put Robert on a horse, and started with him.
+    After they were gone John said: "Mr. Gibbons, just say the word,
+    and I will bring Robert back." Aunt said: "Go, John, go!" So
+    John ran to Joseph Rakestraw's and got a gun (without any lock),
+    and ran across the fields, with Tom after him, and headed the
+    party. The men all ran except Haines, who kept Robert between
+    himself and John, so that John should not shoot him. But John
+    called out to Robert to drop off that horse, or he would shoot
+    him. This Robert did, and John and Tom brought him back in
+    triumph. My aunt said: "John, thee is a good fellow, thee has
+    done well." Robert was taken to Jesse Gilbert's barn, and Dr.
+    Dingee fixed his knee. As soon as he was able to travel, he took
+    a "bee-line" for the North star.
+
+    My life with my uncle and aunt made me an abolitionist. I left
+    them in the winter of 1824, and came to Salem, Ohio, where I
+    kept a small station on the Underground Rail Road, until the
+    United States government took my work away. I have helped over
+    two hundred fugitives on their way to Canada.
+
+    Respectfully,
+
+    DANIEL BONSALL,
+
+    Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio."
+
+
+One day, in the winter of 1822, Thomas Johnson, a colored man, living
+with Daniel Gibbons, went out early in the morning, to set traps for
+muskrats. While he was gone, a slave-holder came to the house and
+inquired for his slave. Daniel Gibbons said: "There is no slave here of
+that name." The man replied: "I know he is here. The man we're after, is
+a miserable, worthless, thieving scoundrel." "Oh! very well, then," said
+the good Quaker, "if that's the kind of man thee's after, then I know he
+is not here. We have a colored man here, but he is not that kind of a
+man." The slaveholder waited awhile, the man not making his appearance,
+then said: "Well, now, Mr. Gibbons, when you see that man next, tell him
+that we were here, and if he will come home, we will take good care of
+him, and be kind to him." "Very well," said Daniel, "I will tell him
+what thee says, but say to him at the same time, that he is a very great
+fool, if he does as thee requests." The colored man sought, having
+caught sight of the slaveholders, and knowing who they were, went off
+that night, under Daniel Gibbons' directions, and was never seen by his
+master again. Afterward, Daniel and his nephew, William Gibbons, went
+with this man to Adams county. With his master came the master of Mary,
+a girl with straight hair, and nearly white, who lived with Daniel
+Gibbons and his wife. Poor Mary was unfortunate. Her master caught her,
+and took her back with him into Slavery. She and a little girl, who was
+taken away about the year 1830, were the only ones ever taken back from
+the house of Daniel Gibbons.
+
+Between the time of his marriage, when he began to keep a depot on the
+Underground Rail Road, and the year 1824, he passed more than one
+hundred slaves through to Canada, and between the latter time and his
+death, eight hundred more, making, in all nine hundred aided by him. He
+was ever willing to sacrifice his own personal comfort and convenience,
+in order to assist fugitives. In 1833, when on his way to the West, in a
+carriage, with his friend, Thomas Peart, also a most faithful friend of
+the colored man and interested in Underground Rail Road affairs, he
+found a fugitive slave, a woman, in Adams county, who was in immediate
+danger. He stopped his journey, and sent his horse and wagon back to his
+own home with the woman, that being the only safe way of getting her
+off. This was but a sample of his self-denial, in the cause of human
+freedom.
+
+His want of ability to guide in person runaway slaves, or to travel with
+them, prevented him from taking active part in the wonderful adventures
+and hair-breadth escapes which his brain and tact rendered possible and
+successful. It is believed that no slave was ever recaptured that
+followed his directions. Sometimes the abolitionists were much annoyed
+by impostors, who pretended to be runaways, in order to discover their
+plans, and betray them to the slave-holders. Daniel Gibbons was
+possessed of much acuteness in detecting these people, but having
+detected them, he never treated them harshly or unkindly.
+
+Almost from infancy, he was distinguished for the gravity of his
+deportment, and his utter heedlessness of small things. The writer has
+heard men preach the doctrine of the trifling value of the things of a
+present time, and of the tremendous importance of those of a
+never-ending eternity, but Daniel Gibbons is the only person she ever
+knew, who lived that doctrine. He believed in plainness of apparel as
+taught by Friends, not as a form or a rule of society, but as a
+principle; often quoting from some one who said that "the adornment of a
+vain and foolish world, would feed a starving one." He opposed
+extravagant fashions and all luxury of habit and life, as calculated to
+produce effeminacy and degrading sensuality, and as a bestowal of
+idolatrous attention upon that body which he would often say "was here
+but for a short time."
+
+Looking only upon that as religion, which made men love each other and
+do good to each other in this world, he was little of a stickler for
+points of belief, and even when he did look into theological matters or
+denounce a man's religious opinions, it was generally because they were
+calculated to darken the mind and be entertained as a substitute for
+good works. Pursuing the even tenor of his way, he could as easily lead
+the flying fugitive slave by night out of the way of his powerful
+master, as one differently constituted could bestow his wealth upon the
+most popular charity in the land.
+
+His faith was of the simplest kind--the Parable of the prodigal son,
+contains his creed. Discarding what are commonly called "plans of
+salvation," he believed in the light "which lighteth every man that
+cometh into the world," and that if people would follow this light, they
+would thus seek "the kingdom of Heaven and its righteousness and all
+other things needful would be added thereunto." He was a devoted member
+of the Society of Friends, in which he held the position of elder,
+during the last twenty-five years of his life. That peculiar doctrine of
+the Society, which repudiates systematic divinity and with it a paid
+ministry, he held in special reverence, finding confirmation of its
+truth in the general advocacy of Slavery, by the popular clergy of his
+day.
+
+When he was quite advanced in years, and the Anti-slavery agitation grew
+warm, he was solicited to join an anti-slavery society, but on hearing
+the constitution read, and finding that it repudiated all use of
+physical force on the part of the oppressed in gaining their liberty, he
+said that he could not assent to that--that he had long been engaged in
+getting off slaves, and that he had always advised them to use force,
+although remonstrating against going to the extent of taking life, and
+that now he could not recede from that position, and he did not see how
+they could always be got off without the use of some force.
+
+His faith in an overruling Providence was complete. He believed, even in
+the darkest days of freedom in our land, in the ultimate extinction of
+Slavery, and at times, although advanced in years, thought he would live
+to witness that glorious consummation. It is only in a man's own family
+and by his wife and children, that he is really known, and it is by
+those who best knew, and indeed, who only knew this good man, that his
+biographer is most anxious that he should be judged. As a parent, he was
+not excessively indulgent, as a husband, one more nearly a model is
+rarely found. But his kindness in domestic life, his love for his wife,
+his son and his grandchildren, and their reciprocal love and affection
+for him, no words can express.
+
+It was in his father's household in his youth and in his own household
+in his mature years, that was fostered that wealth of love and
+affection, which, extending and widening, took in the whole race, and
+made him the friend of the oppressed everywhere, and especially of those
+whom it was a dangerous and unpopular task to befriend.
+
+The tenderness and thoughtfulness of his disposition are well shown in
+the following incident: Upon one occasion, his son received a kick from
+a horse, which he was about to mount at the door. When he had recovered
+from the shock, and it was found that he was not seriously injured, the
+father still continued to look serious, and did not cease to shed tears.
+On being asked why he grieved, his answer was: "I was just thinking how
+it would have been with thee, had that stroke proved fatal." Such
+thoughts were at once the notes of his own preparation and a warning to
+others to be also ready.
+
+A life consistent with his views, was a life of humility and universal
+benevolence, and such was his. It was a life, as it were in Heaven,
+while yet on earth, for it soared above and beyond the corrupt and
+slavish influences of earthly passions.
+
+His interest in temperance never failed him. On his death-bed he would
+call persons to him, who needed such advice, and admonish them on the
+subject of using strong drinks, and his last expression of interest in
+any humanitarian movement, was an avowal of his belief in the great good
+to arise from a prohibitory liquor law.
+
+To a friend, who entered his sick room, a few days before his death, he
+said: "Well, E., thee is preparing to go to the West." The friend
+replied: "Yes, and Daniel, I suppose thee is preparing to go to
+eternity." There was an affirmative reply, and E. inquired, "How does
+thee find it?" Daniel said: "I don't find much to do, I find that I have
+not got a hard master to deal with. Some few things which I have done, I
+find not entirely right." He quitted the earthly service of the Master,
+on the 17th day of the eighth month, 1852.
+
+A young physician, son of one of his old friends, after attending his
+funeral, wrote to a friend, as follows: "To quote the words of Webster,
+'We turned and paused, and joined our voices with the voices of the air,
+and bade him hail! and farewell!' Farewell, kind and brave old man! The
+voices of the oppressed whom thou hast redeemed, welcome thee to the
+Eternal City."
+
+
+
+LUCRETIA MOTT.
+
+
+Of all the women who served the Anti-slavery cause in its darkest days,
+there is not one whose labors were more effective, whose character is
+nobler, and who is more universally respected and beloved, than Lucretia
+Mott. You cannot speak of the slave without remembering her, who did so
+much to make Slavery impossible. You cannot speak of freedom, without
+recalling that enfranchised spirit, which, free from all control, save
+that of conscience and God, labored for absolute liberty for the whole
+human race. We cannot think of the partial triumph of freedom in this
+country, without rejoicing in the great part she took in the victory.
+Lucretia Mott is one of the noblest representatives of ideal womanhood.
+Those who know her, need not be told this, but those who only love her
+in the spirit, may be sure that they can have no faith too great in the
+beauty of her pure and Christian life.
+
+This book would be incomplete without giving some account, however
+brief, of Lucretia Mott's character and labors in the great work to
+which her life has been devoted. To write it fully would require a
+volume. She was born in 1793, in the island of Nantucket, and is
+descended from the Coffins and Macys, on the father's side, and from the
+Folgers, on the mother's side, and through them is related to Dr.
+Benjamin Franklin. Her maiden name was Lucretia Coffin.
+
+During the absence of her father on a long voyage, her mother was
+engaged in mercantile business, purchasing goods in Boston, in exchange
+for oil and candles, the staples of the island. Mrs. Mott says in
+reference to this employment: "The exercise of women's talent in this
+line, as well as the general care which devolved upon them in the
+absence of their husbands, tended to develop their intellectual powers,
+and strengthened them mentally and physically."
+
+The family removed to Boston in 1804. Her parents belonged to the
+religious Society of Friends, and carefully cultivated in their
+children, the peculiarities as well as the principles of that sect. To
+this early training, we may ascribe the rigid adherence of Mrs. Mott, to
+the beautiful but sober costume of the Society.
+
+When in London, in 1840, she visited the Zoological Gardens, and a
+gentleman of the party, pointing out the splendid plumage of some
+tropical birds, remarked: "You see, Mrs. Mott, our heavenly Father
+believes in bright colors. How much it would take from our pleasure, if
+all the birds were dressed in drab." "Yes;" she replied, "but immortal
+beings do not depend upon feathers for their attractions. With the
+infinite variety of the human face and form, of thought, feeling and
+affection, we do not need gorgeous apparel to distinguish us. Moreover,
+if it is fitting that woman should dress in every color of the rainbow,
+why not man also? Clergymen, with their black clothes and white cravats,
+are quite as monotonous as the Quakers." Whatever may be the abstract
+merit of this argument, it is certain that the simplicity of Lucretia
+Mott's nature, is beautifully expressed by her habitual costume.
+
+In giving the principal events of Lucretia Mott's life, we prefer to use
+her own language whenever possible. In memoranda furnished by her to
+Elizabeth Cady Stanton, she says: "My father had a desire to make his
+daughters useful. At fourteen years of age, I was placed, with a younger
+sister, at the Friends' Boarding School, in Dutchess county, State of
+New York, and continued there for more than two years, without returning
+home. At fifteen, one of the teachers leaving the school, I was chosen
+as an assistant in her place. Pleased with the promotion, I strove hard
+to give satisfaction, and was gratified, on leaving the school, to have
+an offer of a situation as teacher if I was disposed to remain; and
+informed that my services should entitle another sister to her
+education, without charge. My father was at that time, in successful
+business in Boston, but with his views of the importance of training a
+woman to usefulness, he and my mother gave their consent to another year
+being devoted to that institution." Here is another instance of the
+immeasurable value of wise parental influence.
+
+In 1809 Lucretia joined her family in Philadelphia, whither they had
+removed. "At the early age of eighteen," she says, "I married James
+Mott, of New York--an attachment formed while at the boarding-school."
+Mr. Mott entered into business with her father. Then followed commercial
+depressions, the war of 1812, the death of her father, and the family
+became involved in difficulties. Mrs. Mott was again obliged to resume
+teaching. "These trials," she says, "in early life, were not without
+their good effect in disciplining the mind, and leading it to set a just
+estimate on worldly pleasures."
+
+To this early training, to the example of a noble father and excellent
+mother, to the trials which came so quickly in her life, the rapid
+development of Mrs. Mott's intellect is no doubt greatly due. Thus the
+foundation was laid, which has enabled her, for more than fifty years,
+to be one of the great workers in the cause of suffering humanity. These
+are golden words which we quote from her own modest notes: "I, however,
+always loved the good, in childhood desired to do the right, and had no
+faith in the generally received idea of human depravity." Yes, it was
+because she believed in human virtue, that she was enabled to accomplish
+such a wonderful work. She had the inspiration of faith, and entered her
+life-battle against Slavery with a divine hope, and not with a gloomy
+despair.
+
+The next great step in Lucretia Mott's career, was taken at the age of
+twenty-five, when, "summoned by a little family and many cares, I felt
+called to a more public life of devotion to duty, and engaged in the
+ministry in our Society."
+
+In 1827 when the Society was divided Mrs. Mott's convictions led her "to
+adhere to the sufficiency of the light within us, resting on the truth
+as authority, rather than 'taking authority for truth.'" We may find no
+better place than this to refer to her relations to Christianity. There
+are many people who do not believe in the progress of religion. They are
+right in one respect. God's truth cannot be progressive because it is
+absolute, immutable and eternal. But the human race is struggling up to
+a higher comprehension of its own destiny and of the mysterious purposes
+of God so far as they are revealed to our finite intelligence. It is in
+this sense that religion is progressive. The Christianity of this age
+ought to be more intelligent than the Christianity of Calvin. "The
+popular doctrine of human depravity," says Mrs. Mott, "never commended
+itself to my reason or conscience. I searched the Scriptures daily,
+finding a construction of the text wholly different from that which was
+pressed upon our acceptance. The highest evidence of a sound faith being
+the practical life of the Christian, I have felt a far greater interest
+in the moral movements of our age than in any theological discussion."
+Her life is a noble evidence of the sincerity of this belief. She has
+translated Christian principles into daily deeds.
+
+That spirit of benevolence which Mrs. Mott possesses in a degree far
+above the average, of necessity had countless modes of expression. She
+was not so much a champion of any particular cause as of all reforms. It
+was said of Charles Lamb that he could not even hear the devil abused
+without trying to say something in his favor, and with all Mrs. Mott's
+intense hatred of Slavery we do not think she ever had one unkind
+feeling toward the slave-holder. Her longest, and probably her noblest
+work, was done in the anti-slavery cause. "The millions of down-trodden
+slaves in our land," she says, "being the greatest sufferers, the most
+oppressed class, I have felt bound to plead their cause, in season and
+out of season, to endeavor to put my soul in their soul's stead, and to
+aid, all in my power, in every right effort for their immediate
+emancipation." When in 1833, Wm. Lloyd Garrison took the ground of
+immediate emancipation and urged the duty of unconditional liberty
+without expatriation, Mrs. Mott took an active part in the movement. She
+was one of the founders of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society
+in 1834. "Being actively associated in the efforts for the slave's
+redemption," she says, "I have traveled thousands of miles in this
+country, holding meetings in some of the slave states, have been in the
+midst of mobs and violence, and have shared abundantly in the odium
+attached to the name of an uncompromising modern abolitionist, as well
+as partaken richly of the sweet return of peace attendant on those who
+would 'undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free, and break
+every yoke.'" In 1840 she attended the World's Anti-Slavery Convention
+in London. Because she was a woman she was not admitted as a delegate.
+All the female delegates, however, were treated with courtesy, though
+not with justice. Mrs. Mott spoke frequently in the liberal churches of
+England, and her influence outside of the Convention had great effect on
+the Anti-Slavery movement in Great Britain.
+
+But the value of Mrs. Mott's anti-slavery work is not limited to what
+she individually did, great as that labor was. Her influence over
+others, and especially the young, was extraordinary. She made many
+converts, who went forth to spread the great ideas of freedom throughout
+the land. No one can of himself accomplish great good. He must labor
+through others, he must inspire them, convince the unbelieving, kindle
+the fires of faith in doubting souls, and in the unequal fight of Right
+with Wrong make Hope take the place of despair. This Lucretia Mott has
+done. Her example was an inspiration.
+
+In the Temperance reform Mrs. Mott took an early interest, and for many
+years she has practiced total abstinence from intoxicating drinks. In
+the cause of Peace she has been ever active, believing in the "ultra
+non-resistance ground, that no Christian can consistently uphold and
+actively engage in and support a government based on the sword." Yet
+this, we believe, did not prevent her from taking a profound interest in
+the great war for the Union; though she deplored the means, her soul
+must have exulted in the result. Through anguish and tears, blood and
+death America wrought out her salvation. Do we not believe that the
+United States leads the cause of human freedom? It follows then that the
+abolition of the gigantic system of human slavery in this country is the
+grandest event in modern history. Mrs. Mott has also been earnestly
+engaged in aid of the working classes, and has labored effectively for
+"a radical change in the system which makes the rich richer, and the
+poor poorer." In the Woman's Rights question she was early interested,
+and with Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, she organized, in 1848, a Woman's
+Rights' Convention at Seneca Falls, New York. At the proceedings of this
+meeting, "the nation was convulsed with laughter." But who laughs now at
+this irresistible reform?
+
+The public career of Lucretia Mott is in perfect harmony with her
+private life. "My life in the domestic sphere," she says, "has passed
+much as that of other wives and mothers of this country. I have had six
+children. Not accustomed to resigning them to the care of a nurse, I was
+much confined to them during their infancy and childhood."
+Notwithstanding her devotion to public matters her private duties were
+never neglected. Many of our readers will no doubt remember Mrs. Mott at
+Anti-slavery meetings, her mind intently fixed upon the proceedings,
+while her hands were as busily engaged in useful sewing or knitting. It
+is not our place to inquire too closely into this social circle, but we
+may say that Mrs. Mott's history is a living proof that the highest
+public duties may be reconciled with perfect fidelity to private
+responsibilities. It is so with men, why should it be different with
+women?
+
+In her marriage, Mrs. Mott was fortunate. James Mott was a worthy
+partner for such a woman. He was born in June, 1788, in Long Island. He
+was an anti-slavery man, almost before such a thing as anti-slavery was
+known. In 1812 he refused to use any article which was produced by slave
+labor. The directors of that greatest of all railway corporations, the
+Underground Rail Road, will never forget his services. He died, January
+26, 1868, having nearly completed his 80th year. "Not only in regard to
+Slavery," said the "Philadelphia Morning Post," at the time, "but in all
+things was Mr. Mott a reformer, and a radical, and while his principles
+were absolute, and his opinions uncompromising, his nature was
+singularly generous and humane. Charity was not to him a duty, but a
+delight; and the benevolence, which, in most good men, has some touch of
+vanity or selfishness, always seemed in him pure, unconscious and
+disinterested. His life was long and happy, and useful to his
+fellow-men. He had been married for fifty-seven years, and none of the
+many friends of James and Lucretia Mott, need be told how much that
+union meant, nor what sorrow comes with its end in this world." Mary
+Grew pronounced his fitting epitaph when she said: "He was ever calm,
+steadfast, and strong in the fore front of the conflict."
+
+In her seventy-ninth year, the energy of Lucretia Mott is undiminished,
+and her soul is as ardent in the cause to which her life has been
+devoted, as when in her youth she placed the will of a true woman
+against the impotence of prejudiced millions. With the abolition of
+Slavery, and the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, her greatest
+life-work ended. Since then, she has given much of her time to the
+Female Suffrage movement, and so late as November, 1871, she took an
+active part in the Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Peace Society.
+
+Since the great law was enacted, which made all men, black or white,
+equal in political rights--as they were always equal in the sight of
+God--Mrs. Mott has made it her business to visit every colored church in
+Philadelphia. This we may regard as the formal closing of fifty years of
+work in behalf of a race which she has seen raised from a position of
+abject servitude, to one higher than that of a monarch's throne. But
+though she may have ended this Anti-slavery work, which is but the
+foundation of the destiny of the colored race in America, her influence
+is not ended--_that_ cannot die; it must live and grow and deepen, and
+generations hence the world will be happier and better that Lucretia
+Mott lived and labored for the good of all mankind.
+
+
+
+JAMES MILLER McKIM.
+
+
+More vividly than it is possible for the pen to portray, the subject of
+this sketch recalls the struggles of the worst years of Slavery, when
+the conflict was most exciting and interesting, when more minds were
+aroused, and more laborers were hard at work in the field; when more
+anti-slavery speeches were made, tracts, papers, and books, were
+written, printed and distributed; when more petitions were signed for
+the abolition of Slavery; in a word, when the barbarism of Slavery was
+more exposed and condemned than ever before, in the same length of time.
+Abolitionists were then intensely in earnest, and determined never to
+hold their peace or cease their warfare, until _immediate_ and
+_unconditional_ emancipation was achieved.
+
+On the other hand, during this same period, it is not venturing too much
+to assert that the slave power was more oppressive than ever before;
+slave enactments more cruel; the spirit of Slavery more intolerant; the
+fetters more tightly drawn; perilous escapes more frequent; slave
+captures and slave hunts more appalling; in short, the enslavers of the
+race had never before so defiantly assumed that negro Slavery was
+sanctioned by the Divine laws of God.
+
+Thus, while these opposing agencies were hotly contesting the rights of
+man, James Miller McKim, as one of the earliest, most faithful, and
+ablest abolitionists in Pennsylvania, occupied a position of influence,
+labor and usefulness, scarcely second to Mr. Garrison.
+
+For at least fourteen of the eventful years referred to, it was the
+writer's privilege to occupy a position in the Anti-slavery office with
+Mr. McKim, and the best opportunity was thus afforded to observe him
+under all circumstances while battling for freedom. As a helper and
+friend of the fleeing bondman, in numberless instances the writer has
+marked well his kind and benevolent spirit, before and after the
+formation of the late Vigilance Committee. At all times when the funds
+were inadequate, his aid could be counted upon for sure relief. He never
+failed the fugitive in the hour of need. Whether on the Underground Rail
+Road bound for Canada, or before a United States commissioner trying a
+fugitive case, the slave found no truer friend than Mr. McKim.
+
+If the records of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition
+of Slavery, and the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society were examined and
+written out by a pen, as competent as Mr. McKim's, two or three volumes
+of a most thrilling, interesting, and valuable character could be
+furnished to posterity. But as his labors have been portrayed for these
+pages, by a hand much more competent than the writer's, it only remains
+to present it as follows:
+
+The subject of this sketch was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, November
+14, 1810, the oldest but one of eight children. On his father's side, he
+was of Scotch Irish, on his mother's (Miller) of German descent. He
+graduated at Dickinson College in 1828; and entering upon the study of
+medicine, attended one or more courses of lectures in the University of
+Pennsylvania. Before he was ready to take his degree, his mind was
+powerfully turned towards religion, and he relinquished medicine for the
+study of divinity, entering the Theological Seminary at Princeton, in
+the fall of 1831, and a year later, being matriculated at Andover. The
+death of his parents, however, and subsequently that of his oldest
+brother, made his connection with both these institutions a very brief
+one, and he was obliged, as the charge of the family now devolved upon
+him, to continue his studies privately at home, under the friendly
+direction of the late Dr. Duffield. An ardent and pronounced disciple of
+the "New School" of Presbyterians, belonging to a strongly Old School
+Presbytery; he was able to secure license and ordination only by
+transfer to another; and, in October, 1835, he accepted a pulpit in
+Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pa., where he preached for one year, to a
+Presbyterian congregation, to what purpose, and with what views, may be
+learned from the following passage taken from one of his letters,
+written more than twenty years afterwards, to the _National Anti-Slavery
+Standard_. "The first settled pastor of this little flock was one
+sufficiently well-known to such of your readers as will be interested in
+this, to make mention of his name unnecessary. He had studied for the
+ministry with a strong desire, and a half formed purpose to become a
+missionary in foreign lands. Before he had proceeded far in his studies,
+however, he became alive to the claims of the 'perishing heathen' here
+at home. When he received his licensure, his mind was divided between
+the still felt impulse of his first purpose and the pressure of his
+later convictions. While yet unsettled on this point, the case of the
+little church at Womelsdorf was made known to him, followed by an urgent
+request from the people and from the Home Missionary Society to take
+charge of it. He acceded to the request and remained there one year,
+zealously performing the duties of his office to the best of his
+knowledge and ability. The people, earnest and simple-hearted, desired
+the 'sincere milk of the Word,' and receiving it 'grew thereby.' All the
+members of the church became avowed abolitionists. They showed their
+faith by their works, contributing liberally to the funds of the
+Anti-slavery Society. Many a seasonable donation has our Pennsylvania
+organization received from that quarter. For though their anti-slavery
+minister had left and had been followed by others of different
+sentiments and though he had withdrawn from the church with which they
+were in common connected, and that on grounds which subjected him to the
+imputation and penalties af heresy, these good people did not feel
+called upon to change their relations of personal friendship, nor did
+they make it a pretext, as others have done, for abandoning the cause."
+
+In October, 1836, he accepted a lecturing agency under the American
+Anti-slavery Society, as one of the "seventy," gathered from all
+professions, whom Theodore D. Weld had by his eloquence inspired to
+spread the gospel of emancipation. Mr. McKim had long before this had
+his attention drawn to the subject of slavery, in the summer of 1832;
+and the reading of Garrison's "Thoughts on Colonization," at once made
+him an abolitionist. He was an appointed delegate to the Convention
+which formed the American Anti-slavery Society, and enjoyed the
+distinction of being the youngest member of that body.[A] Henceforth the
+object of the society, and of his ministry became inseparable in his
+mind.
+
+[Footnote A: It may be a matter of some interest to state that the
+original draft of the Declaration of Sentiments adopted at this meeting,
+together with the autographs of the signers, is now in the keeping of
+the New York Historical Society.]
+
+In the following summer, 1834, he delivered in Carlisle two addresses in
+favor of immediate emancipation, which excited much discussion and
+bitter feeling in that border community, and gained him no little
+obloquy, which was of course increased when, as a lecturer, on the
+regular stipend of eight dollars a week and travelling expenses,
+("pocket lined with British gold" was the current charge), he traversed
+his native state, among a people in the closest geographical,
+commercial, and social contact with the system of slavery. His fate was
+not different from that of his colleagues, in respect of interruptions
+of his meetings by mob violence, personal assaults with stale eggs and
+other more dangerous missiles, and a public sentiment which everywhere
+encouraged and protected the rioters.
+
+Meantime, a radical change of opinion on theological questions, led Mr.
+McKim formally to sever his connection with the Presbyterian Church, and
+ministry. Being now free to act without sectarian constraint, he was, in
+the beginning of 1840, made Publishing Agent of the Pennsylvania
+Anti-slavery Society, which caused him to settle in Philadelphia, where
+he was married, in October, to Sarah A. Speakman, of Chester county. The
+chief duties of his office at first, were the publication and management
+of the _Pennsylvania Freeman_, including, for an interval after the
+retirement of John G. Whittier, the editorial conduct of that paper. In
+course of time his functions were enlarged, and under the title of
+Corresponding Secretary, he performed the part of a factotum and general
+manager, with a share in all the anti-slavery work, local and national.
+After the consolidation of the _Freeman_ with the _Standard_, in 1854,
+he became the official correspondent of the latter paper, his letters
+serving to some extent as a substitute for the discontinued _Freeman_.
+The operations of the Underground Rail Road came under his review and
+partial control, as has already appeared in these pages, and the slave
+cases which came before the courts claimed a large share of his
+attention. After the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law, in 1851, his
+duties in this respect were arduous and various, as may be inferred from
+one of his private letters to an English friend, which found its way
+into print abroad, and which will be found in another place. (See p.
+581).
+
+During the John Brown excitement Mr. McKim had the privilege of
+accompanying Mrs. Brown in her melancholy errand to Harper's Ferry, to
+take her last leave of her husband before his execution, and to bring
+away the body. His companions on that painful but memorable journey,
+were his wife, and Hector Tyndale, Esq., afterwards honorably
+distinguished in the war as General Tyndale. Returning with the body of
+the hero and martyr, still in company with Mrs. Brown, Mr. McKim
+proceeded to North Elba, where he and Wendell Phillips, who had joined
+him in New York with a few other friends gathered from the neighborhood,
+assisted in the final obsequies.
+
+When the war broke out, Mr. McKim was one of the first to welcome it as
+the harbinger of the slave's deliverance, and the country's redemption.
+"A righteous war," he said, "is better than a corrupt peace.  *  *  *
+When war can only be averted by consenting to crime, then welcome war
+with all its calamities." In the winter of 1862, after the capture of
+Port Royal, he procured the calling of a public meeting of the citizens
+of Philadelphia to consider and provide for the wants of the ten
+thousand slaves who had been suddenly liberated. One of the results of
+this meeting was the organization of the Philadelphia Port Royal Relief
+Committee. By request he visited the Sea Islands, accompanied by his
+daughter, and on his return made a report which served his associates as
+a basis of operations, and which was republished extensively in this
+country and abroad.
+
+After the proclamation of emancipation, he advocated an early
+dissolution of the anti-slavery organization, and at the May Meeting of
+the American Anti-slavery Society, in 1864, introduced a proposition
+looking to that result. It was favorably received by Mr. Garrison and
+others, but no action was taken upon it at that time. When the question
+came up the following year, the proposition to disband was earnestly
+supported by Mr. Garrison, Mr. Quincy, Mr. May, Mr. Johnson, and others,
+but was strongly opposed by Wendell Phillips and his friends, among whom
+from Philadelphia were Mrs. Mott, Miss Grew, and Robert Purvis, and was
+decided by a vote in the negative.
+
+Mr. McKim was an early advocate of colored enlistments, as a means of
+lifting up the blacks and putting down the rebellion. In the spring of
+1863, he urged upon the Philadelphia Union League, of which he was a
+member, the duty of recruiting colored soldiers; as the result, on
+motion of Thomas Webster, Esq., a movement was set on foot which led to
+the organization of the Philadelphia Supervisory Committee, and the
+subsequent establishment of Camp William Penn, with the addition to the
+national army, of eleven colored regiments.
+
+When, in November, 1863, the Port Royal Relief Committee was enlarged
+into the Pennsylvania Freedman's Relief Association, Mr. McKim was made
+its corresponding secretary. He had previously resigned his place in the
+Anti-slavery Society, believing that that organization was near the end
+of its usefulness.
+
+
+EMINENT ANTI-SLAVERY MEN
+
+
+[Illustration: J. MILLER McKIM]
+
+[Illustration: REV. WILLIAM H. FURNESS]
+
+[Illustration: WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON]
+
+[Illustration: LEWIS TAPPAN]
+
+In the freedmen's work, he traveled extensively, and worked hard,
+establishing schools at the South and organizing public sentiment in the
+free States. In the spring of 1865, he was made corresponding secretary
+of the American Freedman's Commission, which he had helped to establish,
+and took up his residence in the city of New York. This association was
+afterwards amplified, in name and scope, into the American Freedman's
+Union Commission, and Mr. McKim continued with it as corresponding
+secretary, laboring for reconstruction by means of Freedman's schools,
+and impartial popular education. On the 1st of July, 1869, the
+Commission, by unanimous vote on his motion, disbanded, and handed over
+the funds in its treasury to its constituent State associations. Mr.
+McKim retired from his labors with impaired health, and has since taken
+no open part in public affairs. He is one of the proprietors of the New
+York _Nation_, in the establishment of which, he took an effective
+interest.
+
+Mr. McKim's long and assiduous career in the anti-slavery cause, has
+given evidence of a peculiar fitness in him for the functions he
+successively discharged. His influence upon men and the times, has been
+less as a speaker, than as a writer, and perhaps still less as a writer
+than as an organizer, a contriver of ways and means; fertile in
+invention, prepared to take the initiative, and bringing to the
+conversion of others, an earnestness of purpose and a force of language
+that seldom failed of success. In an enterprise where theory and
+sentiment were fully represented, and business capacity, and what is
+called "practical sense," were comparatively rare, his talents were most
+usefully employed; while, in periods of excitement--and when were such
+wanting? his caution, sound judgment, and mental balance were qualities
+hardly less needed or less important.
+
+
+
+WILLIAM H. FURNESS, D.D.
+
+
+Among the Abolitionists of Pennsylvania no man stands higher than Dr.
+Furness; and no anti-slavery minister enjoys more universal respect. For
+more than thirty years he bore faithful witness for the black man; in
+season and out of season contending for his rights. When others deserted
+the cause he stood firm; when associates in the ministry were silent he
+spoke out. They defined their position by declaring themselves "as much
+opposed to slavery as ever, but without sympathy for the abolitionists."
+He defined his by showing himself more opposed to slavery than ever, and
+fraternizing with the most hated and despised anti-slavery people.
+
+Dr. Furness came into the cause when it was in its infancy, and had few
+adherents. From that time till the day of its triumph he was one with
+it, sharing in all its trials and vicissitudes. In the operations of the
+Vigilance Committee he took the liveliest interest. Though not in form a
+member he was one of its chief co-laborers. He brought it material aid
+continually, and was one of its main reliances for outside support. His
+quick sympathies were easily touched and when touched were sure to
+prompt him to corresponding action. He would listen with moistened eyes
+to a tale of outrage, and go away saying never a word. But the story of
+wrong would work upon him; and through him upon others. His own feelings
+were communicated to his friends, and his friends would send gifts to
+the Committee's treasury. A wider spread sympathy would manifest itself
+in the community, and the general interests of the cause be visibly
+promoted. It was in the latter respect, that of moral co-operation, that
+Dr. Furness's services were most valuable. After hearing a harrowing
+recital, whether he would or not, it became the burden of his next
+Sunday's sermon. Abundant proof of this may be found in his printed
+discourses. Take the following as an illustration. It is an extract from
+a sermon delivered on the 29th of May, 1854, a period when the slave
+oligarchy was at the height of its power and was supported at the North
+by the most violent demonstrations of sympathy. The text was, "Feed my
+Lambs:"
+
+
+    "And now brothers, sisters, children, give me your hearts,
+    listen with a will to what I have to say. As heaven is my
+    witness, I would not utter one word save for the dear love of
+    Christ and of God, and the salvation of your own souls. Does it
+    require any violent effort of the mind to suppose Christ to
+    address each one of us personally the same question that He put
+    to Peter, 'Lovest thou me?'  *  *  *  And at the hearing of His
+    brief command, 'Feed my lambs,' so simple, so direct, so
+    unqualified, are we prompted like the teacher of the law who,
+    when Christ bade him love his neighbor as himself, asked, 'And
+    who is my neighbor?' and in the parable of the good Samaritan,
+    received an answer that the Samaritans whom he despised, just as
+    we despise the African, was his neighbor, are we prompted in
+    like manner to ask, 'Who are the lambs of Christ?' Who are His
+    lambs? Behold that great multitude, more than three millions of
+    men and feeble women and children, wandering on our soil; no not
+    wandering, but chained down, not allowed to stir a step at their
+    own free will, crushed and hunted with all the power of one of
+    the mightiest nations that the world has yet seen, wielded to
+    keep them down in the depths of the deepest degradation into
+    which human beings can be plunged. These, then that we despise,
+    are our neighbors, the poor, stricken lambs of Christ.
+
+    To cast one thought towards them, may well cause us to bow down
+    our heads in the very dust with shame. No wonder that professing
+    to love Christ and his religion, we do not like to hear them
+    spoken of; for so far from feeding the lambs of Christ, we are
+    exciting the whole associated power of this land, to keep them
+    from being fed. 'Feed my lambs,' We might feed them with
+    fraternal sympathy, with hope, with freedom, the imperishable
+    bread of Heaven. We might lead them into green pastures and
+    still waters, into the glorious liberty wherewith Christ died to
+    make all men free, the liberty of the children of God. We might
+    secure to them the exercise of every sacred affection and
+    faculty, wherewith the Creator has endowed them. But we do none
+    of those things. We suffer this great flock of the Lord Jesus to
+    be treated as chattels, bought and sold, like beasts of burden,
+    hunted and lacerated by dogs and wolves. I say we, we of these
+    Free Northern communities, because it is by our allowance,
+    signified as effectually by silence, as by active co-operation,
+    that such things are. They could continue so, scarcely an hour,
+    were not the whole moral, religious and physical power of the
+    North pledged to their support. Are we not in closest league and
+    union with those who claim and use the right to buy and sell
+    human beings, God's poor, the lambs of Christ, a union, which we
+    imagine brings us in as much silver and gold as compensates for
+    the sacrifice of our humanity and manhood? Nay, are we not under
+    a law to do the base work of bloodhounds, hunting the panting
+    fugitives for freedom? I utter no word of denunciation. There is
+    no need. For facts that have occurred only within the last week,
+    transcend all denunciation. Only a few hours ago, there was a
+    man with his two sons, hurried back into the inhuman bondage,
+    from which they had just escaped, and that man, the brother, and
+    those two sons, the nephews of a colored clergyman of New York,
+    of such eminence in the New School Presbyterian Church, that he
+    has received the honors of a European University, and has acted
+    as Moderator in one of the Presbyteries of the same Church, when
+    held in the city where he resides. Almost at the very moment the
+    poor fugitive with his children, were dragged through our city,
+    the General Assembly of that very branch of the Presbyterian
+    Church, now in session here, after discussing for days the
+    validity of Roman Catholic baptism, threw out as inexpedient to
+    be discussed, the subject of that great wrong which was flinging
+    back into the agony of Slavery, a brother of one of their own
+    ordained ministers, and could not so much as breathe a word of
+    condemnation against the false and cruel deed which has just
+    been consummated at the capitol of the nation.
+
+    When such facts are occurring in the midst of us, we cannot be
+    guiltless concerning the lambs of Christ. It is we, we who make
+    up the public opinion of the North, we who consent that these
+    free States shall be the hunting-ground, where these, our poor
+    brothers and sisters, are the game; it is we that withhold from
+    them the bread of life, the inalienable rights of man. As we
+    withhold these blessings, so is it in our power to bestow them.
+    The sheep then that Christ commands us, as we love Him, to feed,
+    are those who are famishing for the lack of the food which it is
+    in our power to supply. And we can help to feed and relieve and
+    liberate them, by giving our hearty sympathy to the blessed
+    cause of their emancipation, to the abolition of the crying
+    injustice with which they are treated, by uttering our earnest
+    protest against the increasing and flagrant outrages of the
+    oppressor, by withholding all aid and countenance from the work
+    of oppression."
+
+
+To say that Dr. Furness, in his pleadings for the slave, was "instant in
+season and out of season," is not to exaggerate. So palpably was this
+true, that even some of his sympathizing friends intimated to him, that
+his zeal carried him beyond proper bounds, and that his discourses were
+needlessly reiterative. To these friends,--who, it is needless to say,
+did not fully comprehend the breadth and bearing of the question,--he
+would reply as he did in the following extract from a sermon delivered
+soon after the one above quoted:
+
+
+    "Again and again, I have had it said to me, with apparently the
+    most perfect simplicity, 'Why do you keep saying so much about
+    the slaves? Do you imagine that there is one among your hearers
+    who does not agree with you? We all know that Slavery is very
+    wrong. What, is the use of harping upon this subject Sunday
+    after Sunday? We all feel about it just as you do.' 'Feel about
+    it just as I do,' Very likely, my friends. It is very possible
+    that you all feel as much, and that many of you feel about it
+    more than I do. God knows that my regret always has been not
+    that I feel so much, but that I do not feel more. Would to
+    Heaven that neither you nor I could eat or sleep for pity, pity
+    for our poor down-trodden brothers and sisters. But the thing to
+    which I implore your attention now, is, not what we know and
+    feel, but the delusion which we are under, in confounding
+    _knowing_ with _doing_, in fancying that we are working to
+    abolish Slavery because we know that it is wrong. This is what I
+    would have you now to consider, the deception that we practise
+    on ourselves, the dangerous error into which we fall, when we
+    pass off the knowledge of our duty for the performance of it.
+    These are two very distinct things. If you know what is right,
+    happy are ye if ye do it.
+
+    Observe, my friends, what it is to which I am now entreating
+    your consideration. It is not the wrongs nor the rights of the
+    oppressed upon which I am now discoursing. It is our own
+    personal exposure to a most serious mistake. It is a danger,
+    which threatens our own souls, to which I would that our eyes
+    should be open and on the watch.
+
+    And here, by the way, let me say that one great reason why I
+    refer as often as I do, to that great topic of the day, which,
+    in one shape or another, is continually shaking the land and
+    marking the age in which we live, is not merely the righting of
+    the wronged, but the instruction, the moral enlightenment, the
+    religious edification of our own hearts, which this momentous
+    topic affords. To me this subject involves infinitely more than
+    a mere question of humanity. Its political bearing is the very
+    least and most superficial part of it, scarcely worth noticing
+    in comparison with its moral and religious relations. Once,
+    deterred by its outside, political aspect, I shunned it as many
+    do still, but the more it has pressed itself on my attention,
+    the more I have considered it--the more and more manifest has it
+    become to me, that it is a subject full of light and of
+    guidance, of warning and inspiration for the individual soul. It
+    is the most powerful means of grace and salvation appointed in
+    the providence of Heaven, for the present day and generation,
+    more religious than churches and Sabbaths. It is full of
+    sermons. It is a perfect gospel, a whole Bible of
+    mind-enlightening, heart-cleansing, soul-saving truth. How much
+    light has it thrown for me on the page of the New Testament!
+    What a profound significance has it disclosed in the precepts
+    and parables of Jesus Christ! How do His words burst out with a
+    new meaning! How does it help us to appreciate His trials and
+    the Godlike spirit with which He bore them!"
+
+
+The dark winter of 1860 broke gloomily over all abolitionists; perhaps
+upon none did it press more heavily, than upon the small band in
+Philadelphia. Situated as that city is, upon the very edge of Slavery,
+and socially bound as it was, by ties of blood or affinity with the
+slave-holders of the South, to all human foresight it would assuredly be
+the first theatre of bloodshed in the coming deadly struggle. As Dr.
+Furness said in his sermon on old John Brown: "Out of the grim cloud
+that hangs over the South, a bolt has darted, and blood has flowed, and
+the place where the lightning struck, is wild with fear." The return
+stroke we all felt must soon follow, and Philadelphia, we feared, would
+be selected as the spot where Slavery would make its first mortal
+onslaught, and the abolitionists there, the first victims. Dr. Furness
+had taken part in the public meeting held on the day of John Brown's
+execution, to offer prayers for the heroic soul that was then passing
+away, and had gone with two or three others, to the rail-road station,
+to receive the martyr's body, when it was brought from the gallows by
+Mr. (afterwards General) Tyndale and Mr. McKim, and it was generally
+feared that he and his church would receive the brunt of Slavery's first
+blow. The air was thick with vague apprehension and rumor, so much so,
+that some of Dr. Furness's devoted parishioners, who followed his
+abolitionism but not his non-resistance, came armed to church, uncertain
+what an hour might bring forth, or in what shape of mob violence or
+assassination the blow would fall. Few of Dr. Furness's hearers will
+forget his sermon of December 16, 1860, so full was it of prophetic
+warning, and saddened by the thought of the fate which might be in store
+for him and his congregation. It was printed in the "Evening Bulletin,"
+and made a deep impression on the public outside of his own church, and
+was reprinted in full, in the Boston "Atlas."
+
+
+    "But the trouble cannot be escaped. It must come. But we can put
+    it off. By annihilating free speech; by forbidding the utterance
+    of a word in the pulpit and by the press, for the rights of man;
+    by hurling back into the jaws of oppression, the fugitive
+    gasping for his sacred liberty; by recognizing the right of one
+    man to buy and sell other men; by spreading the blasting curse
+    of despotism over the whole soil of the nation, you may allay
+    the brutal frenzy of a handful of southern slave-masters; you
+    may win back the cotton States to cease from threatening you
+    with secession, and to plant their feet upon your necks, and so
+    evade the trouble that now menaces us. Then you may live on the
+    few years that are left you, and perhaps--it is not certain--we
+    may be permitted to make a little more money and die in our
+    beds. But no, friends, I am mistaken. We cannot put the trouble
+    off. Or, we put it off in its present shape, only that it may
+    take another and more terrible form. If, to get rid of the
+    present alarm, we concede all that makes it worth while to
+    live--and nothing less will avail--perhaps those who can
+    deliberately make such a concession, will not feel the
+    degradation, but, stripped of all honor and manhood, they may
+    eat as heartily and sleep as soundly as ever. But the
+    degradation is not the less, but the greater, for our
+    unconsciousness of it. The trouble which we shall then bring
+    upon ourselves, is a trouble in comparison with which the loss
+    of all things but honor is a glorious gain, and a violent death
+    for right's sake on the scaffold, or by the hands of a mob,
+    peace and joy and victory.
+
+    Since we are thus placed, and there is no alternative for us of
+    the free States, but to meet the trouble that is upon us, or by
+    base concessions and compromises to bring upon ourselves a far
+    greater trouble, in the name of God, let us let all things go,
+    and cleave to the right. Prepared to confront the crisis like
+    men, let us with all possible calmness endeavor to take the
+    measure of the calamity that we dread. God knows I have no
+    desire to make light of it. But I affirm, that never since the
+    world began, was there a grander cause for which to speak, to
+    suffer and to die, than the cause of these free States, as
+    against that of the States now rushing upon Secession. The great
+    grievance of which they complain, is nothing more nor less than
+    this: that we endanger the right they claim to treat human
+    beings as beasts of burden. And they maintain this monstrous
+    claim by measures inhuman and barbarous, listening not to the
+    voice of reason or humanity, but treating every man who goes
+    amongst them, suspected of not favoring their cause, or of the
+    remotest connection with others who do not favor it, with a most
+    savage and fiendish cruelty. It is the conflict between
+    barbarism and civilization, between liberty and the most
+    horrible despotism that ever cursed this earth, in which we are
+    called to take part.
+
+    And all that is great and noble in the past, all the patriots
+    and martyrs that have suffered in man's behalf, all the sacred
+    instincts and hopes of the human soul are on our side, and the
+    welfare of untold generations of men. Oh, if God, in his
+    infinite bounty, grants us the grace to appreciate the
+    transcendent worth of the cause which is now at stake, there is
+    no trouble that can befall us, no, not the loss of property, of
+    idolized parents or children, or life itself, that we shall not
+    count a blessed privilege. To serve this dear cause of peace and
+    liberty and love, we have no need to grasp the sword or any
+    instrument of violence and death. But we must be ready without
+    flinching, to confront the utmost that men can do, and amidst
+    all the uproar and violence of human passions, still calmly to
+    assert and to exercise our sacred and inalienable liberties, let
+    who will frown and forbid, assured that no just and
+    law-of-God-abiding people, will ever do otherwise than give us
+    their sympathy and their aid.
+
+    Death is the worst that can befall us, if so be that we are
+    faithful to the right. It is a solemn and a fearful thing to
+    die, and mortality shrinks from facing that last great mystery.
+    But we must all die, my friends, and the dying hour is not far
+    distant from the youngest of us. To most of us it is very near.
+    To many, only a few brief years remain. And for the sake of
+    these few and uncertain years, shall we push off this present
+    trouble upon our children, who have to stay here a little
+    longer? There is nothing that can so sweeten the bitter cup of
+    mortality when we shall be called to drink it, nothing that can
+    so cheer us in the prospect of parting from all we love, nothing
+    that can send such a blessed light on before us into the dark
+    valley which we must enter, as the consciousness of fidelity to
+    man and to God. And now in these times of great trouble which
+    have come upon us, we have a peculiar and special opportunity of
+    testifying our fidelity, and of enjoying a full experience of
+    its power to support us. We may gather from this trouble, a
+    sweetness that shall take away from all suffering its
+    bitterness. We may kindle that light in our bosoms, which shall
+    make death come to us as a radiant angel."
+
+
+Four months after the above was uttered, on the 28th of April, 1861,
+after the attack on Fort Sumter, and the whole North had burst into a
+flame, people of all denominations flocked to Dr. Furness's church, as
+to that church which had shown that it was founded on a rock, and none
+can ever forget the long-drawn breath with which the sermon began: "The
+long agony is over!" It was the _"Te Deum_" of a life-time.
+
+Dr. Furness's words and counsels were not wanting throughout the war,
+and his sermons were constantly printed in the daily press and in
+separate pamphlet form. And since its close he has continued his
+absorbing study of the historical accounts of Jesus.
+
+Dr. Furncss was born in Boston, in April, 1802, and was graduated at
+Harvard, in 1820, and five years later became the minister of the First
+Congregational Unitarian Christians, in this city, and is consequently
+the senior clergyman, here, on the score of length of pastorate.
+
+Happy is the man, and enviable the gospel minister, who, looking back
+upon his course in the great anti-slavery contest, can recall as the
+chief charge brought against him, that of being over-zealous! That he
+spoke too often and said too much in favor of the slave! There are but
+few men, and still fewer ministers, who have a right to take comfort
+from such recollections! and yet it is to this small class that the
+cause is most indebted under God, for its triumph, and the country for
+its deliverance from Slavery.
+
+
+
+WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON.
+
+
+The character and career of the leader of the movement for immediate
+emancipation in this country, are too well known to be dwelt on here;
+nor, in the space at our command, is it possible to give in full those
+facts of his life which have already appeared in print. His earliest
+biographer was Mary Howitt; and another even more famous authoress, Mrs.
+H.B. Stowe, in "Men of Our Times," has stood in the same relation to
+him, while his life-long friend, Oliver Johnson, has writen the best
+concise account of him, in "Appleton's New American Cyclopaedia."
+
+Mr. Garrison (the Cyclopaedia is, on this point, in error) was born
+December 12, 1804, in Newburyport, Mass., his father, Abijah Garrison,
+being a ship-captain, trading with the West Indies, and his mother,
+Fanny Lloyd, a woman of remarkable beauty, as well as piety and force of
+character. Intemperate habits led the husband and father from home to a
+solitary and obscure end, leaving his family entirely dependent. William
+(or as he was always called, Lloyd), was the youngest but one of five
+children, and had not done with his schooling before he began to
+contribute to his own support; at first in Lynn, where he was set at
+shoemaking, at the age of eleven; afterwards in Newburyport, and
+finally, in 1818, at Haverhill, where he was apprenticed to a cabinet
+maker. Not finding these trades suited to his taste, the same year he
+was indentured to Ephraim W. Allen, editor of the "_Newburyport
+Herald_," and in the printing-office he completed his education, so far
+as he was to have any, with such early success, as soon to be an
+acceptable contributor to his employer's paper, while the authorship of
+his articles was still his own secret. As soon as his apprenticeship
+came to a close, in 1826, he became proprietor of the "_Free Press_," in
+his native city, but the paper failed of support. Seeking work as a
+journeyman, in Boston, he was engaged in 1827 to edit, in the interest
+of "total abstinence," the "_National Philanthropist,"_ the first paper
+of its kind ever published. On a change of proprietors in 1828, he was
+induced to join a friend in Bennington, Vt., in publishing the "_Journal
+of the Times_," which advocated the election of John Quincy Adams for
+president, besides being devoted to peace, temperance, anti-slavery and
+other reforms. In this town, Mr. Garrison began his agitation of the
+subject of Slavery, "in consequence of which there was transmitted to
+Congress an anti-slavery memorial, more numerously signed than any
+similar paper previously submitted to that body." It was in Bennington,
+too, that he received from Benjamin Lundy, who had met him the previous
+year at his boarding-house in Boston, an invitation to go to Baltimore,
+and aid him in editing the "_Genius of Universal Emancipation_."
+
+Baltimore was no strange city to Mr. Garrison. Thither he had
+accompanied his mother, in 1815, serving as a chore-boy, and he had
+visited her just before her death, in 1823. He took leave of Boston in
+the fall of 1829, after having acted as the orator of the day, July 4th,
+in Park Street church, and surprised his hearers by the boldness of his
+utterances on the subject of Slavery. The causes of his imprisonment at
+Baltimore scarcely need to be repeated. For an alleged "gross and
+malicious libel" on a townsman (of Newburyport) whose ship was engaged
+in the coastwise slave-trade, and whom he accordingly denounced in the
+"_Genius_," he was tried and convicted, and sentenced to pay a fine of
+$50 and costs. The cell in which he was confined for forty-nine days,
+and from which he was liberated only by the spontaneous liberality of
+Arthur Tappan, a perfect stranger to him, he had the satisfaction of
+reseeking, after the close of the war, in company with Judge Bond, but
+the prison had been removed.
+
+Compelled to part company with Lundy, to whom he has ever owned his
+moral indebtedness, Mr. Garrison at length started in Boston, in January
+1831, his "_Liberator_" with little else besides his "dauntless spirit
+and a press." The difficulties which beset the birth of this paper were
+never entirely overcome, and its publication was attended, through all
+the thirty-five years of its existence, with constant struggle and
+privation, and with personal labor, at the printer's case, and over the
+forms, which only an iron constitution could have endured. The
+"_Liberator_" was the organ of the editor alone, and he gave room in it
+to the numerous reforms which were, in his mind, only subordinate to
+abolition. In 1865 the last volume was issued, Mr. Garrison having
+already, in May, withdrawn from the American Anti-slavery Society, which
+he had helped to found, in 1833, and of which, as he drew up the
+Declaration of Sentiments, he may be supposed to have known something of
+the original aims and proper duration.
+
+In September, 1834, Mr. Garrison was married to Helen Eliza, daughter of
+the venerable philanthropist, George Benson, of Providence, R.I., who
+had, even in the previous century, been an active member of a combined
+anti-slavery and freedmen's aid society in that city. In October, 1835,
+occurred the Boston riot, led by "gentlemen of property and standing,"
+in which Mr. Garrison's life was imperilled, and which made him once
+more familiar with the interior of a jail--this time, a place of refuge.
+In 1832, he went to England, as an agent of the New England Anti-slavery
+Society, to awaken English sympathy for the anti-slavery movement, and
+to undeceive Clarkson and Wilberforce and their distinguished associates
+as to the nature and object of the Colonization Society, as to which he
+had already had occasion to undeceive himself. His mission was eminently
+successful in both its aspects, and resulted in the subsequent visits of
+George Thompson to this country, between whom and himself a strong
+personal attachment had arisen and has ever since continued. A second
+visit to England he made as a delegate to the World's Anti-slavery
+Convention, in which he refused to sit after his female colleagues had
+been rejected. A third visit, still in behalf of the cause, took place
+in 1846. Twenty years later--the war over and Slavery abolished--he
+again went abroad, to repair his health and renew old friendships, and
+for the first time passed over to the Continent. In England, he was
+greeted with cordial appreciation and hospitality by all classes.
+Numerous public receptions of a most flattering character were given to
+him, but without the effect of causing him to magnify his own merits or
+to forget the honor due to his associates in the anti-slavery struggle.
+At the London Breakfast, where John Bright presided, and John Stuart
+Mill, the Duke of Argyll, and others spoke, he said, when called upon to
+reply: "I disclaim, with all the sincerity of my soul, any special
+praise for anything I have done. I have simply tried to maintain the
+integrity of my soul before God, and to do my duty." In Edinburgh, the
+"freedom of the city" was conferred upon him with impressive
+ceremonies--he being the third American ever thus honored. In Paris he
+was also received with distinction, his special mission to that city
+being to attend the International Anti-slavery Convention, in the
+capacity of a delegate from the American Freedman's Union Commission, of
+which he was first vice-president.
+
+The justice of the war on the part of the North, and its effect on the
+fate of Slavery at the South, were never subjects of doubt in the mind
+of Mr. Garrison, and he quickly recognized the force of events which had
+taken from the abolitionists the helm of direction, and reunited them
+with their countrymen in the irresistible flood which no man's hand
+guided, and no man's hand could stay. An agitator from conviction and
+not from choice, he was only too glad to lay down the heavy burden of a
+life-time, and retire to well-earned repose, after such a vision of
+faint hope realized as certainly no other reformer was ever blessed
+with. He had lived to see the disunion which he advocated on sacred
+principles, attempted by the South in the name of the sum of all
+villanies; the uprising of the North; the grand career of Lincoln; the
+proclamation of emancipation; the arming of the blacks--his own son
+among their officers; the end of the rebellion; and the consummation of
+his prayers and labors for the salvation of his country. He had taken
+part in the ceremonies at the recovery of Sumter, had walked the streets
+of Charleston, and received floral tokens of the gratitude of the
+emancipated. To him it seemed as if his work was done, and that he
+might, without suspicion or accusation, cease to be conspicuous, or to
+occupy the public attention in any way relating to the past and
+recalling his part in the anti-slavery struggle. Notoriety, no longer a
+necessity, was eagerly avoided; and the physical rest which was now
+enjoined upon him the liberality of his friends having enabled him to
+secure, he settled down into the quiet life of a private citizen, whose
+great duty had become to him merely one of the duties which every man
+owes his country and his race. His sweet temper, his modesty, his
+unfailing cheerfulness, his rarely mistaken judgment of men and
+measures; his blameless and happy domestic life, and his hospitality;
+his warm sympathy with all forms of human suffering--these and other
+qualities which cannot be enumerated here, will doubtless receive the
+just judgment of posterity.
+
+As a fitting adjunct to the foregoing sketch, extracts from some of the
+speeches made at the London breakfast so magnanimously extended to Mr.
+Garrison in 1867, are here introduced. As presiding officer on the
+occasion, John Bright, M.P. spoke as follows:
+
+
+
+SPEECH OF MR. BRIGHT, M.P.
+
+
+
+    The position in which I am placed this morning is one very
+    unusual for me, and one that I find somewhat difficult; but I
+    consider it a signal distinction to be permitted to take a
+    prominent part in the proceedings of this day, which are
+    intended to commemorate one of the greatest of the great
+    triumphs of freedom, and to do honor to a most eminent
+    instrument in the achievement of that freedom. (Hear, hear.)
+    There may be, perhaps, those who ask what is this triumph of
+    which I speak? To put it briefly, and, indeed, only to put one
+    part of it, I may say that it is a triumph which has had the
+    effect of raising 4,000,000 of human beings from the very lowest
+    depths of social and political degradation to that lofty height
+    which men have attained when they possess equality of rights in
+    the first country on the globe. (Cheers.) More than this, it is
+    a triumph which has pronounced the irreversible doom of slavery
+    in all countries and for all time. (Renewed cheers.) Another
+    question suggests itself--how has this great matter been
+    accomplished? The answer suggests itself in another question.
+    How is it that any great matter is accomplished? By love of
+    justice, by constant devotion to a great cause, and by an
+    unfaltering faith that that which is right will in the end
+    succeed. (Hear, hear.)
+
+    When I look at this hall, filled with such an assembly; when I
+    partake of the sympathy which runs from heart to heart at this
+    moment in welcome to our guest of to-day, I cannot but contrast
+    his present position with that which, not so far back but that
+    many of us can remember, he occupied in his own country. It is
+    not forty years ago, I believe about the year 1829, when the
+    guest whom we honor this morning was spending his solitary days
+    in a prison in the slave-owning city of Baltimore. I will not
+    say that he was languishing in prison, for that I do not
+    believe; he was sustained by a hope that did not yield to the
+    persecution of those who thus maltreated him; and to show that
+    the effect of that imprisonment was of no avail to suppress or
+    extinguish his ardor, within two years after that he had the
+    courage, the audacity--I dare say many of his countrymen used
+    even a stronger phrase than that--he had the courage to commence
+    the publication, in the city of Boston, of a newspaper devoted
+    mainly to the question of the abolition of slavery. The first
+    number of that paper, issued on the 1st January, 1831, contained
+    an address to the public, one passage of which I have often read
+    with the greatest interest, and it is a key to the future life
+    of Mr. Garrison. He had been complained of for having used hard
+    language, which is a very common complaint indeed, and he said
+    in his first number: "I am aware that many object to the
+    severity of my language, but is there not cause for such
+    severity? I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as
+    justice. I am in earnest, I will not equivocate, I will not
+    excuse, I will not retract a single inch, and I will be heard".
+    (Cheers.) And that, after all, expresses to a great extent the
+    future course of his life.
+
+    But what was at that time the temper of the people amongst whom
+    he lived, of the people who are glorying now, as they well may
+    glory, in the abolition of slavery throughout their country? At
+    that time it was very little better in the North than it was in
+    the South. I think it was in the year 1835 that riots of the
+    most serious character took place in some of the northern
+    cities; during that time Mr. Garrison's life was in the most
+    imminent peril; and he has never ascertained to this day how it
+    was that he was left alive on the earth to carry on his great
+    work. Turning to the South, a State that has lately suffered
+    from the ravages of armies, the State of Georgia, by its
+    legislature of House, Senate, and Governor, if my memory does
+    not deceive me, passed a bill, offering ten thousand dollars
+    reward, (Mr. Garrison here said five thousand) well, they seemed
+    to think there were people who would do it cheap, (laughter)
+    offered five thousand dollars, and zeal, doubtless, would make
+    up the difference, for the capture of Mr. Garrison, or for
+    adequate proof of his death. Now, these were menaces and perils
+    such as we have not in our time been accustomed to in this
+    country in any of our political movements, (hear, hear) and we
+    shall take a very poor measure indeed of the conduct of the
+    leaders of the emancipation party in the United States if we
+    estimate them by any of those who have been concerned in
+    political movements amongst us. But, notwithstanding all
+    drawbacks, the cause was gathering strength, and Mr. Garrison
+    found himself by and by surrounded by a small but increasing
+    band of men and women who were devoted to this cause, as he
+    himself was. We have in this country a very noble woman, who
+    taught the English people much upon this question, about thirty
+    years ago; I allude to Harriet Martineau. (Cheers.) I recollect
+    well the impression with which I read a most powerful and
+    touching paper which she had written, and which was published in
+    the number of the _Westminster Review_ for December, 1838. It
+    was entitled "The Martyr Age of the United States." The paper
+    introduced to the English public the great names which were
+    appearing on the scene in connection with this cause in America.
+    There was, of course I need not mention, our eminent guest of
+    to-day; there was Arthur Tappan, and Lewis Tappan, and James G.
+    Birney of Alabama, a planter and slave-owner, who liberated his
+    slaves and came north, and became, as I think, the first
+    presidential candidate upon abolition principles in the United
+    States. (Hear, hear.) There were besides them, Dr. Channing,
+    John Quincy Adams, a statesman and President of the United
+    States, and father of the eminent man who is now Minister from
+    that people amongst us. (Cheers.) Then there was Wendell
+    Phillips, admitted to be by all who know him perhaps the most
+    powerful orator who speaks the English language. (Hear, hear.) I
+    might refer to others, to Charles Sumner, the well-known
+    statesman, and Horace Greeley, I think the first of journalists
+    in the United States, if not the first of journalists in the
+    world. (Hear, hear.) But besides these, there were of noble
+    women not a few. There was Lydia Maria Child; there were the two
+    sisters, Sarah and Angelina Grimke, ladies who came from South
+    Carolina, who liberated their slaves, and devoted all they had
+    to the service of this just cause; and Maria Weston Chapman, of
+    whom Miss Martineau speaks in terms which, though I do not
+    exactly recollect them, yet I know described her as
+    noble-minded, beautiful and good. It may be that there are some
+    of her family who are now within the sound of my voice. If it be
+    so, all I have to say is, that I hope they will feel, in
+    addition to all they have felt heretofore as to the character of
+    their mother, that we who are here can appreciate her services,
+    and the services of all who were united with her as co-operators
+    in this great and worthy cause. But there was another whose name
+    must not be forgotten, a man whose name must live for ever in
+    history, Elijah P. Lovejoy, who in the free State of Illinois
+    laid down his life for the cause. (Hear, hear.) When I read that
+    article by Harriet Martineau, and the description of those men
+    and women there given, I was led, I know not how, to think of a
+    very striking passage which I am sure must be familiar to most
+    here, because it is to be found in the Epistle to the Hebrews.
+    After the writer of that epistle has described the great men and
+    fathers of the nation, he says: "Time would fail me to tell of
+    Gideon, of Barak, of Samson, of Jephtha, of David, of Samuel,
+    and the Prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought
+    righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
+    quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword,
+    out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned
+    to flight the armies of the aliens." I ask if this grand passage
+    of the inspired writer may not be applied to that heroic band
+    who have made America the perpetual home of freedom?
+    (Enthusiastic cheering.)
+
+    Thus, in spite of all that persecution could do, opinion grew in
+    the North in favor of freedom; but in the South, alas! in favor
+    of that most devilish delusion that slavery was a Divine
+    institution. The moment that idea took possession of the South
+    war was inevitable. Neither fact nor argument, nor counsel, nor
+    philosophy, nor religion, could by any possibility affect the
+    discussion of the question when once the Church leaders of the
+    South had taught their people that slavery was a Divine
+    institution; for then they took their stand on other and
+    different, and what they in their blindness thought higher
+    grounds, and they said, "Evil! be thou my good;" and so they
+    exchanged light for darkness, and freedom for bondage, and good
+    for evil, and, if you like, heaven for hell.  *  *  *  *
+
+    There was a universal feeling in the North that every care
+    should be taken of those who had so recently and marvellously
+    been enfranchised. Immediately we found that the privileges of
+    independent labor were open to them, schools were established in
+    which their sons might obtain an education that would raise them
+    to an intellectual position never reached by their fathers; and
+    at length full political rights were conferred upon those who a
+    few short years, or rather months, before, had been called
+    chattels, and things to be bought and sold in any market. (Hear,
+    hear.) And we may feel assured, that those persons in the
+    Northern States who befriended the negro in his bondage will not
+    now fail to assist his struggles for a higher position.  *  *  *
+    *  *  *  *
+
+    To Mr. Garrison more than any other man this is due; his is the
+    creation of that opinion which has made slavery hateful, and
+    which has made freedom possible in America. (Hear, hear.) His
+    name is venerated in his own country, venerated where not long
+    ago it was a name of obloquy and reproach. His name is venerated
+    in this country and in Europe wheresoever Christianity softens
+    the hearts and lessens the sorrows of men; and I venture to say
+    that in time to come, near or remote I know not, his name will
+    become the herald and the synonym of good to millions of men who
+    will dwell on the now almost unknown continent of Africa. (Loud
+    cheers.)  *  *  *
+
+    To Mr. Garrison, as is stated in one of the letters which has
+    just been read, to William Lloyd Garrison it has been given, in
+    a manner not often permitted to those who do great things of
+    this kind, to see the ripe fruit of his vast labors. Over a
+    territory large enough to make many realms, he has seen hopeless
+    toil supplanted by compensated industry; and where the bondman
+    dragged his chain, there freedom is established for ever. (Loud
+    cheers.) We now welcome him amongst us as a friend whom some of
+    us have known long; for I have watched his career with no common
+    interest, even when I was too young to take much part in public
+    affairs; and I have kept within my heart his name, and the names
+    of those who have been associated with him in every step which
+    he has taken; and in public debate in the halls of peace, and
+    even on the blood-soiled fields of war, my heart has always been
+    with those who were the friends of freedom. (Renewed cheering.)
+    We welcome him then with a cordiality which knows no stint and
+    no limit for him and for his noble associates, both men and
+    women.
+
+
+After this eloquent and able speech by the chairman, the honor of
+proposing an address to Mr. Garrison devolved upon the Duke of Argyll,
+who introduced the subject in the following glowing speech:
+
+
+
+SPEECH OF THE DUKE OF ARGYLL.
+
+
+
+    MR. CHAIRMAN, LADIES, AND GENTLEMEN:--It is hard to follow an
+    address of such extraordinary beauty, simplicity and power; but
+    it now becomes my duty at your command, sir, to move an address
+    of hearty congratulation to our distinguished guest, William
+    Lloyd Garrison. (Cheers.) Sir, this country is from time to time
+    honored by the presence of many distinguished, and of a few
+    illustrious men; but for the most part we are contented to
+    receive them with that private cordiality and hospitality with
+    which, I trust, we shall always receive strangers who visit our
+    shores. The people of this country are not pre-eminently an
+    emotional people; they are not naturally fond of public
+    demonstrations; and it is only upon rare occasions that we give,
+    or can give, such a reception as that we see here this day.
+    There must be something peculiar in the cause which a man has
+    served, in the service which he has rendered, and in our own
+    relations with the people whom he represents, to justify or to
+    account for such a reception. (Hear, hear.) As regards the
+    cause, it is not too much to say that the cause of negro
+    emancipation in the United States of America has been the
+    greatest cause which, in ancient or in modern times, has been
+    pleaded at the bar of the moral judgment of mankind. (Cheers.) I
+    know that to some this will sound as the language of exaggerated
+    feeling; but I can only say that I have expressed myself in
+    language which I believe conveys the literal truth. (Hear,
+    hear.)
+
+    I have, indeed, often heard it said in deprecation of the amount
+    of interest which was bestowed in this country on the cause of
+    negro emancipation in America, that we are apt to forget the
+    forms of suffering which are immediately at our own doors, over
+    which we have some control, and to express exaggerated feeling
+    as to the forms of suffering with which we have nothing to do,
+    and for which we are not responsible. I have never objected to
+    that language in so far as it might tend to recall us to the
+    duties which lie immediately around us, and in so far as it
+    might tend to make us feel the forgetfulness of which we are
+    sometimes guilty, of the misery and poverty in our own country;
+    but, on the other hand, I will never admit, for I think it would
+    be confounding great moral distinctions, that the miseries which
+    arise by way of natural consequence out of the poverty and the
+    vices of mankind, are to be compared with those miseries which
+    are the direct result of positive law and of a positive
+    institution, giving to man property in man. (Loud cheers.) It is
+    true, also, that there have been forms of servitude, meaning
+    thereby compulsory labor, against which we do not entertain the
+    same feelings of hostility and horror with which we have
+    regarded slavery in America.
+
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+    It was a system of which it may be truly said, that it was twice
+    cursed. It cursed him who served, and it cursed him that owned
+    the slave. (Hear, hear.) When we recollect the insuperable
+    temptations which that system held out to maintain in a state of
+    degradation and ignorance a whole race of mankind; the horrors
+    of the internal slave-trade, more widely demoralizing, in my
+    opinion, than the foreign slave-trade itself; the violence which
+    was done to the sanctities of domestic life; the corrupting
+    effect which it was having upon the very churches of
+    Christianity, when we recollect all these things, we can fully
+    estimate the evil from which my distinguished friend and his
+    coadjutors have at last redeemed their country. (Cheers.) It was
+    not only the Slave states which were concerned in the guilt of
+    slavery; it had struck its roots deep in the free States of
+    North America.  *  *  *
+
+    We honor Mr. Garrison, in the first place, for the immense pluck
+    and courage he displayed. (Cheers.) Sir, you have truly said
+    that there is no comparison between the contests in which he had
+    to fight and the most bitter contests of our own public life. In
+    looking back, no doubt, to the contest which was maintained in
+    this country some thirty-five years ago against slavery in our
+    colonies, we may recollect that Clarkson and Wilberforce were
+    denounced as fanatics, and had to encounter much opprobrium; but
+    it must not be forgotten that, so far as regards the entwining
+    of the roots of slavery into the social system, in the opinions
+    and interests of mankind, there was no comparison whatever
+    between the circumstances of that contest here and those which
+    attended it in America. (Hear, hear.) The number of persons who
+    in this country were enlisted on the side of slavery by personal
+    interest was always comparatively few; whilst, in attacking
+    slavery at its head-quarters in the United States, Mr. Garrison
+    had to encounter the fiercest passions which could be roused.  *
+    *  *  *
+
+    Thank God, Mr. Garrison appears before us as the representative
+    of the United States; freedom is now the policy of the
+    government and the assured policy of the country, and we can
+    to-day accept and welcome Mr. Garrison, not merely as the
+    liberator of the slaves, but as the representative also of the
+    American Government. (Cheers.)  *  *  *  *
+
+
+
+
+THE ADDRESS TO WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, ESQ.
+
+
+
+    "SIR:--We heartily welcome you to England in the name of
+    thousands of Englishmen who have watched with admiring sympathy
+    your labors for the redemption of the negro race from slavery,
+    and for that which is a higher object than the redemption of any
+    single race, the vindication of the universal principles of
+    humanity and justice; and who, having sympathized with you in
+    the struggle, now rejoice with you in the victory.
+
+    "Forty years ago, when you commenced your efforts, slavery
+    appeared to be rapidly advancing to complete ascendency in
+    America. Not only was it dominant in the Southern States, but
+    even in the Free States it had bowed the constituencies,
+    society, and, in too many instances, even the churches to its
+    will. Commerce, linked to it by interest, lent it her support. A
+    great party, compactly organized and vigorously wielded, placed
+    in its hands the power of the state. It bestowed political
+    offices and honors, and was thereby enabled to command the
+    apostate homage of political ambition. Other nations felt the
+    prevalence in your national councils of its insolent and
+    domineering spirit. There was a moment, most critical in the
+    history of America and of the world, when it seemed as though
+    that continent, with all its resources and all its hopes, was
+    about to become the heritage of the slave power.
+
+    "But Providence interposes to prevent the permanent triumph of
+    evil. It interposes, not visibly or by the thunderbolt, but by
+    inspiring and sustaining high moral effort and heroic lives.
+
+    "You commenced your crusade against slavery in isolation, in
+    weakness, and in obscurity. The emissaries of authority with
+    difficulty found the office of the _Liberator_ in a mean room,
+    where its editor was aided only by a negro boy, and supported by
+    a few insignificant persons (so the officers termed them) of all
+    colors. You were denounced, persecuted, and hunted down by mobs
+    of wealthy men alarmed for the interests of their class. You
+    were led out by one of these mobs, and saved from their violence
+    and the imminent peril of death, almost by a miracle. You were
+    not turned from your path of devotion to your cause, and to the
+    highest interests of your country, by denunciation, persecution,
+    or the fear of death. You have lived to stand victorious and
+    honored in the very stronghold of slavery; to see the flag of
+    the republic, now truly free, replace the flag of slavery on
+    Fort Sumter; and to proclaim the doctrines of the _Liberator_ in
+    the city, and beside the grave of Calhoun.
+
+    "Enemies of war, we most heartily wish, and doubt not that you
+    wish as heartily as we do, that this deliverance could have been
+    wrought out by peaceful means. But the fierce passions
+    engendered by slavery in the slaveowner, determined it
+    otherwise; and we feel at liberty to rejoice, since the struggle
+    was inevitable, that its issue has been the preservation, not
+    the extinction, of all that we hold most dear. We are, however,
+    not more thankful for the victories of freedom in the field than
+    for the moderation and mercy shown by the victors, which have
+    exalted and hallowed their cause and ours in the eyes of all
+    nations.
+
+    "We shall now watch with anxious hope the development, amidst
+    the difficulties which still beset the regeneration of the
+    South, of a happier order of things in the States rescued from
+    slavery, and the growth of free communities, in which your name,
+    with the names of your fellow-workers in the same cause, will be
+    held in grateful and lasting remembrance.
+
+    "Once more we welcome you to a country in which you will find
+    many sincere admirers and warm friends."
+
+
+EARL RUSSELL and JOHN STUART MILL, M.P., at the close of the address,
+followed with most eloquent speeches, conferring on the honored guest
+the highest praise for his life-long and successful labors in the cause
+of freedom. After these gentlemen had taken their seats, the Chairman
+proposed that the address should be passed unanimously.
+
+The Chairman's call was responded to by the whole assemblage lifting up
+their hands; and Mr. Garrison, presenting himself in front of the
+platform, was received with an enthusiastic burst of cheering, hats and
+handkerchiefs being waved by nearly all present.
+
+
+
+SPEECH OF MR. GARRISON.
+
+
+
+    Mr. Garrison said:--Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,--For
+    this marked expression of your personal respect, and
+    appreciation of my labors in the cause of human freedom, and of
+    your esteem and friendship for the land of my nativity, I offer
+    you, one and all, my grateful acknowledgments. But I am so
+    profoundly impressed by the formidable array of rank, genius,
+    intellect, scholarship, and moral and religious worth which I
+    see before me, that I fear I shall not be able to address you,
+    except with a fluttering pulse and a stammering tongue. For me
+    this is, indeed, an anomalous position. Assuredly, this is
+    treatment with which I have not been familiar. For more than
+    thirty years, I had to look the fierce and unrelenting hostility
+    of my countrymen in the face, with few to cheer me onward. In
+    all the South I was an outlaw, and could not have gone there,
+    though an American citizen guiltless of wrong, and though that
+    flag (here the speaker pointed to the United States ensign) had
+    been over my head, except at the peril of my life; nay, with the
+    certainty of finding a bloody grave. (Hear, hear.) In all the
+    North I was looked upon with hatred and contempt. The whole
+    nation, subjugated to the awful power of slavery, rose up in
+    mobocratic tumult against any and every effort to liberate the
+    millions held in bondage on its soil. And yet I demanded nothing
+    that was not perfectly just and reasonable, in exact accordance
+    with the Declaration of American Independence and the Golden
+    Rule. I was not the enemy of any man living. I cherish no
+    personal enmities; I know nothing of them in my heart. Even
+    whilst the Southern slave-holders were seeking my destruction, I
+    never for a moment entertained any other feeling toward them
+    than an earnest desire, under God, to deliver them from a deadly
+    curse and an awful sin. (Hear, hear.) It was neither a sectional
+    nor a personal matter at all. It had exclusive reference to the
+    eternal law of justice between man and man, and the rights of
+    human nature itself.
+
+    Sir, I always found in America that a shower of brickbats had a
+    remarkably tonic effect, materially strengthening to the
+    back-bone. (Laughter.) But, sir, the shower of compliments and
+    applause, which has greeted me on this occasion would assuredly
+    cause my heart to fail me, were it not that this generous
+    reception is only incidentally personal to myself. (Hear, hear.)
+    You, ladies and gentlemen, are here mainly to celebrate the
+    triumph of humanity over its most brutal foes; to rejoice that
+    universal emancipation has at last been proclaimed throughout
+    the United States: and to express, as you have already done
+    through the mouths of the eloquent speakers who have preceded
+    me, sentiments of peace and of good-will toward the American
+    Republic. Sure I am that these sentiments will be heartily
+    reciprocated by my countrymen. (Cheers.)
+
+    I must here disclaim, with all sincerity of soul, any special
+    praise for anything that I have done. I have simply tried to
+    maintain the integrity of my soul before God, and to do my duty.
+    (Cheers.) I have refused to go with the multitude to do evil. I
+    have endeavored to save my country from ruin. I have sought to
+    liberate such as were held captive in the house of bondage. But
+    all this I ought to have done.
+
+    And now, rejoicing here with you at the marvellous change which
+    has taken place across the Atlantic, I am unable to express the
+    satisfaction I feel in believing that, henceforth, my country
+    will be a mighty power for good in the world. While she held a
+    seventh portion of her vast population in a state of chattelism,
+    it was in vain that she boasted of her democratic principles and
+    her free institutions; ostentatiously holding her Declaration of
+    Independence in one hand, and brutally wielding her
+    slave-driving lash in the other. Marvellous inconsistency and
+    unparalleled assurance. But now, God be praised, she is free,
+    free to advance the cause of liberty throughout the world. (Loud
+    cheers.)
+
+    Sir, this is not the first time I have been in England. I have
+    been here three times before on anti-slavery missions; and
+    wherever I traveled, I was always exultantly told, "Slaves
+    cannot breathe in England!" Now, at last, I am at liberty to
+    say, and I came over with the purpose to say it, "Slaves cannot
+    breathe in America!" (Cheers.) And so England and America stand
+    side by side in the cause of negro emancipation; and side by
+    side may they stand in all that is just and noble and good,
+    leading the way gloriously in the world's redemption. (Loud
+    cheers.)
+
+    I came to this country for the first time in 1833, to undeceive
+    Wilberforce, Clarkson, and other eminent philanthropists, in
+    regard to the real character, tendency, and object of the
+    American Colonization Society. I am happy to say that I quickly
+    succeeded in doing so. Before leaving, I had the pleasure of
+    receiving a protest against that Society as an obstruction to
+    the cause of freedom throughout the world, and, consequently, as
+    undeserving of British confidence and patronage, signed by
+    William Wilberforce, Thomas Fowell Buxton, Zachary Macaulay, and
+    other illustrious philanthropists. On arriving in London I
+    received a polite invitation by letter from Mr. Buxton to take
+    breakfast with him. Presenting myself at the appointed time,
+    when my name was announced, instead of coming forward promptly
+    to take me by the hand, he scrutinized me from head to foot, and
+    then inquired, somewhat dubiously, "Have I the pleasure of
+    addressing Mr. Garrison, of Boston, in the United States?" "Yes,
+    sir," I replied, "I am he; and I am here in accordance with your
+    invitation." Lifting up his hands he exclaimed, "Why, my dear
+    sir, I thought you were a black man. And I have consequently
+    invited this company of ladies and gentlemen to be present to
+    welcome Mr. Garrison, the black advocate of emancipation from
+    the United States of America." (Laughter.) I have often said,
+    sir, that that is the only compliment I have ever had paid to me
+    that I care to remember or tell of. For Mr. Buxton had somehow
+    or other supposed that no white American could plead for those
+    in bondage as I had done, and therefore I must be black.
+    (Laughter.)
+
+    It is indeed true, sir, that I have had no other rule by which
+    to be guided than this. I never cared to know precisely how many
+    stripes were inflicted on the slaves. I never deemed it
+    necessary to go down into the Southern States, if I could have
+    gone, for the purpose of taking the exact dimensions of the
+    slave system. I made it from the start, and always, my own case,
+    thus: Did I want to be a slave? No. Did God make me to be a
+    slave? No. But I am only a man, only one of the human race; and
+    if not created to be a slave, then no other human being was made
+    for that purpose. My wife and children, dearer to me than my
+    heart's blood, were they made for the auction-block? Never! And
+    so it was all very easily settled here (pointing to his breast).
+    (Great cheering.) I could not help being an uncompromising
+    abolitionist.
+
+    Here allow me to pay a brief tribute to the American
+    abolitionists. Putting myself entirely out of the question, I
+    believe that in no land, at any time, was there ever a more
+    devoted, self-sacrificing, and uncompromising band of men and
+    women. Nothing can be said to their credit which they do not
+    deserve. With apostolic zeal, they counted nothing dear to them
+    for the sake of the slave, and him dehumanized. But whatever has
+    been achieved through them is all of God, to whom alone is the
+    glory due. Thankful are we all that we have been permitted to
+    live to see this day, for our country's sake, and for the sake
+    of mankind. Of course, we are glad that our reproach is at last
+    taken away; for it is very desirable, if possible, to have the
+    good opinions of our fellow-men; but if, to secure these, we
+    must sell our manhood and sully our souls, then their bad
+    opinions of us are to be coveted instead.
+
+    Sir, my special part in this grand struggle was in first
+    unfurling the banner of immediate and unconditional
+    emancipation, and attempting to make a common rally under it.
+    This I did, not in a free State, but in the city of Baltimore,
+    in the slave-holding State of Maryland. It was not long before I
+    was arrested, tried, condemned by a packed jury, and
+    incarcerated in prison for my anti-slavery sentiments. This was
+    in 1830. In 1864 I went to Baltimore for the first time since my
+    imprisonment. I do not think that I could have gone at an
+    earlier period, except at the peril of my life; and then only
+    because the American Government was there in force, holding the
+    rebel elements in subserviency. I was naturally curious to see
+    the old prison again, and, if possible, to get into my old cell;
+    but when I went to the spot, behold! the prison had vanished;
+    and so I was greatly disappointed, (Laughter.) On going to
+    Washington, I mentioned to President Lincoln, the disappointment
+    I had met with. With a smiling countenance and a ready wit, he
+    replied, "So, Mr. Garrison, the difference between 1830 and 1864
+    appears to be this: in 1830 you could not get out, and in 1864
+    you could not get in!" (Great laughter.) This was not only
+    wittily said, but it truthfully indicated the wonderful
+    revolution that had taken place in Maryland; for she had adopted
+    the very doctrine for which she imprisoned me, and given
+    immediate and unconditional emancipation to her eighty thousand
+    slaves. (Cheers.)
+
+    I commenced the publication of the "_Liberator_" in Boston, on
+    the 1st of January, 1831. At that time I was very little known,
+    without allies, without means, without subscribers; yet no
+    sooner did that little sheet make its appearance, than the South
+    was thrown into convulsions, as if it had suddenly been invaded
+    by an army with banners! Notwithstanding, the whole country was
+    on the side of the slave power--the Church, the State, all
+    parties, all denominations, ready to do its bidding! O the
+    potency of truth, and the inherent weakness and conscious
+    insecurity of great wrong! Immediately a reward of five thousand
+    dollars was offered for my apprehension, by the State of
+    Georgia. When General Sherman was making his victorious march
+    through that State, it occurred to me, but too late, that I
+    ought to have accompanied him, and in person claimed the
+    reward--(laughter)--but I remembered, that, had I done so, I
+    should have had to take my pay in Confederate currency, and
+    therefore it would not have paid traveling expenses. (Renewed
+    laughter.) Where is Southern Slavery now? (Cheers.) Henceforth,
+    through all coming time, advocates of justice and friends of
+    reform, be not discouraged; for you will, and you must succeed,
+    if you have a righteous cause. No matter at the outset how few
+    may be disposed to rally round the standard you have raised--if
+    you battle unflinchingly and without compromise--if yours be a
+    faith that cannot be shaken, because it is linked to the Eternal
+    Throne--it is only a question of time when victory shall come to
+    reward your toils. Seemingly, no system of iniquity was ever
+    more strongly intrenched, or more sure and absolute in its sway,
+    than that of American Slavery; yet it has perished.
+
+      "In the earthquake God has spoken;
+        He has smitten with His thunder
+        The iron walls asunder,
+      And the gates of brass are broken."
+
+
+    So it has been, so it is, so it ever will be throughout the
+    earth, in every conflict for the right. (Great cheering.)  *  *
+    *  *  *
+
+    Ladies and gentlemen, I began my advocacy of the Anti-slavery
+    cause at the North in the midst of brickbats and rotten eggs. I
+    ended it on the soil of South Carolina, almost literally buried
+    beneath the wreaths and flowers which were heaped upon me by her
+    liberal bondmen. (Cheers.)
+
+
+
+
+LEWIS TAPPAN
+
+
+
+    Was one of the warmest friends of the slave and of the colored
+    man. He was very solicitous for their welfare, and that the
+    colored people who were free should be enlightened and educated.
+    He opened a Sunday-school for colored adults, which was
+    numerously attended, in West Broadway, New York, and with a few
+    others, devoted the most of the Sabbath to their teaching. When
+    he and his brother Arthur, assembled the seventy anti-slavery
+    agents, who were thereafter, like "firebrands," scattered all
+    over the land, they held their meetings in this room. These
+    agents were entertained by abolitionists in the city, and many
+    of us had two or three of them in each of our families for a
+    couple of weeks. They went out all over the land, and were
+    instrumental in diffusing more truth, perhaps, about the
+    dreadful system of American Slavery, than was accomplished in
+    any other way. He also aided in establishing several
+    periodicals, brimful of anti-slavery truth; among which, were
+    the "_Anti-Slavery Record_," the "_Emancipator_," the "_Slave's
+    Friend;_" the latter, to indoctrinate the children in
+    Anti-slavery. The American Missionary Society, originally begun
+    for the support of a mission in Africa, on the occasion of the
+    return of the Amistad captors to their native land, and now
+    doing so much for the freedmen of the South, was almost entirely
+    established by his efforts. During the continuance of Slavery,
+    much was done by this Society for the diffusion of an
+    anti-slavery gospel.
+
+    The "Vigilance Committee," for aiding and befriending fugitives,
+    of which I was treasurer for many years, had no better or warmer
+    friend than he. He was almost always at their meetings, which
+    were known only to "the elect," for we dared not hold them too
+    publicly, as we almost always had some of the travelers toward
+    the "north star" present, whose masters or their agents were
+    frequently in the city, in hot pursuit. At first, we sent them
+    to Canada, but after a while, sent them only to Syracuse, and
+    the centre of the State.
+
+    In 1834, I think, was the first rioting, the sacking of Mr.
+    Tappan's house, in Rose Street. The mob brought all his
+    furniture out, and piling it up in the street, set it on fire.
+    The family were absent at the time. Soon after, they stoned Rev.
+    Mr. Ludlow's, and Dr. Cox's church, and the house of the latter.
+    They threatened Arthur Tappan & Co's, store, in Pearl Street,
+    but hearing that there were a few loaded muskets there, they
+    _took it out in threats_. But their mercantile establishment was
+    almost ostracised at this time, by the dry goods merchants; and
+    country merchants in all parts of the country, north as well as
+    south, did not dare to have it known that they bought goods of
+    them; and when they did so, requested particularly, that the
+    bundles or boxes, should not be marked "from A. Tappan & Co.,"
+    as was customary. Southern merchants especially, avoided them,
+    and when, two or three years later, there was a general
+    insolvency among them, occasionally large losses to New York
+    merchants, and in some cases failure; _the Tappans were saved by
+    having no Southern debts_!
+
+    Through Mr. Tappan's influence and extensive correspondence
+    abroad, many remittances came for the help of the "Vigilance
+    Committee," from England and Scotland, and at one time, an
+    extensive invoice of useful and fancy articles, in several large
+    boxes, was received from the Glasgow ladies, sufficient to
+    furnish a large bazaar or fair, which was held in Brooklyn, for
+    the benefit of the Committee.
+
+    Although lately afflicted by disease, Mr. Tappan still lives in
+    the enjoyment of all his faculties, and a good measure of
+    health, and in his advanced years, sees now some of the great
+    results of his life-long efforts for the restoration and
+    maintenance of human rights.
+
+    Although still suffering under many of the evils which Slavery
+    has inflicted upon him, the _American slave_ no longer exists!
+    Instead stands up in all our Southern States the _freedman_,
+    knowing his rights, and, as a rule, enjoying them. Original
+    American abolitionists, who met the scorn and odium, the imputed
+    shame and obloquy, the frowns and cold-shoulders which they bore
+    through all the dark days of Slavery, now see and feel their
+    reward in some measure; to be completed only, when they shall
+    hear the plaudit: "Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of
+    these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
+
+    ANTHONY LANE.
+
+    New York, Nov. 8, 1871.
+
+
+Mr. Lane, Mr. Tappan's personal friend who labored with him in the
+Anti-Slavery Cause, and especially in the Vigilance Committee for many
+years, from serious affection of his eyes was not prepared to furnish as
+full a sketch of his (Mr. T.'s) labors as was desirable. Mr. Tappan was,
+therefore, requested to furnish a few reminiscences from his own
+store-house, which he kindly did as follows:
+
+
+    WILLIAM STILL, ESQ., My dear Sir:--In answer to your request,
+    that I would furnish, an article for your forthcoming book,
+    giving incidents within my personal knowledge, relating to the
+    Underground Rail Road; I have already apprized you of my illness
+    and my consequent inability to write such an article as would be
+    worthy of your publication. However, feeling somewhat relieved
+    to-day, from my paralysis, owing to the cheering sunshine and
+    the favor of my Almighty Preserver, I will try to do what I can,
+    in dictating a few anecdotes to my amanuensis, which may afford
+    you and your readers some gratification.
+
+    These facts I must give without reference to date, as I will not
+    tax my memory with perhaps a vain attempt to narrate them in
+    order.
+
+    As mentioned in my "Life of Arthur Tappan," some abolitionists
+    (myself among the number), doubted the propriety of engaging in
+    such measures as were contemplated by the conductors of the
+    "Underground Rail Road," fearing that they would not be
+    justified in aiding slaves to escape from their masters; but
+    reflection convinced them that it was not only right to assist
+    men in efforts to obtain their liberty, when unjustly held in
+    bondage, but a DUTY.
+
+    Abolitionists, white and colored, both in slave and free States,
+    entered into extensive correspondence, set their wits at work to
+    devise various expedients for the relief from bondage and
+    transmission to the free States and to Canada, of many of the
+    most enterprising bondmen and bondwomen. They vied with each
+    other in devising means for the accomplishment of this object.
+    Those who had money contributed it freely, and those who were
+    destitute of money, gave their time, saying with the Apostle:
+    "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, give I thee."
+
+    1. I recollect that one morning on reaching my office (that of
+    the treasurer of the American Missionary Association), my
+    assistant told me that in the inner room were eighteen
+    fugitives, men, women and children, who had arrived that morning
+    from the South in one company. On going into the room, I saw
+    them lying about on the bales and boxes of clothing destined for
+    our various missionary stations, fatigued, as they doubtless
+    were, after their sleepless and protracted struggle for freedom.
+
+    On inquiry, I learned that they had come from a southern city.
+    After most extraordinary efforts, it seemed that they had while
+    in Slavery, secretly banded together, and put themselves under
+    the guidance of an intrepid conductor, whom they had hired to
+    conduct them without the limits of the city, in the evening,
+    when the police force was changed. They came through
+    Pennsylvania and New Jersey to my office. The agent of the
+    Underground Rail Road in New York, took charge of them, and
+    forwarded them to Albany, and by different agencies to Canada.
+
+    2. I well remember that one morning as I entered the
+    Sabbath-school,[A] one of the scholars, a Mrs. Mercy Smith,
+    beckoned to me to come to her class, and there introduced to me
+    a young girl of about fifteen, as a fugitive, who had arrived
+    the day before. In answer to my inquiries, this girl told me the
+    name of the southern city, and the names of the persons who had
+    held her as a slave, and the mode of her escape, etc. "I was
+    walking near the water," she said, "when a white sailor spoke to
+    me, and after a few questions, offered to hide me on board his
+    vessel and conduct me safely to New York, if I would come to him
+    in the evening. I did so, and was hid and fed by him, and on
+    landing at New York, he conducted me to Mrs. Smith's house,
+    where I am now staying."
+
+    [Footnote A: For three years I superintended a Sabbath-school
+    mostly composed of colored children and adults. Most of the
+    teachers were warm-hearted abolitionists, and the whole number
+    taught in this school during this period, was seven or eight
+    hundred.]
+
+    To my inquiry, have you parents living, and also brothers and
+    sisters, she replied: "There is no child but myself." "Were not
+    your parents kind to you, and did you not love them?" "Yes I
+    love them very much."
+
+    "How were you treated by your master and mistress?" "They
+    treated me very well." "How then," said I, "could you put
+    yourself in the care of that sailor, who was a stranger to you,
+    and leave your parents?" I shall never forget her heart-felt
+    reply: "_He told me I should be free_!"
+
+    One Sunday morning, I received a letter, informing me that an
+    officer belonging to Savannah, Ga., had started for New York, in
+    pursuit of two young men, of nineteen or twenty, who had been
+    slaves of one of the principal physicians of the place, and who
+    had escaped and were supposed to be in New York. The letter
+    requested me to find them and give them warning. As there was no
+    time to be lost, I concluded to go over to New York,
+    notwithstanding the doubtfulness of attempting to find them in
+    so large a city. I wrote notices to be read in the colored
+    churches and colored Sabbath-schools, which I delivered in
+    person. I then went to the colored school, superintended by Rev.
+    C.B. Bay. I stated my errand to him, with a description of the
+    young men. "Why," said he, "I must have one of them in my
+    school." He took me to a class where I found one of the young
+    men, to whom I gave the needful information.
+
+    He told me that his father was Dr. ---- of Savannah, and that he
+    had five children by the young man's mother, who was his slave.
+    On his marriage to a white woman, he sent his five colored
+    children and their mother to auction, to be sold for cash to the
+    highest bidder. On being put upon the auction-block, this young
+    man addressed the bystanders, and told them the circumstances of
+    the case; that his mother had long lived in the family of the
+    doctor, that it was cruel to sell her and her children, and he
+    warned the people not to bid for him, for he would no longer be
+    a slave to any man, and if any one bought him, he would lose his
+    money. He added, "I thought it right to say this." I then spoke
+    to the crowd. "My father," said I, "has long been one of your
+    first doctors, and do you think it right for him to sell my
+    mother and his children in this way?"
+
+    "I was sold, and my brother also, and the rest, although my
+    brother said to the crowd what I had said. We soon made our
+    escape, and are now both in the city. I am a blacksmith, and
+    have worked six months in one shop, in New York, with white
+    journeymen, not one of whom believes, I suppose, that I am a
+    colored man."
+
+    It was not surprising, for so fair was his complexion, that with
+    the aid of a brown wig, after he had cut off his hair, he was
+    completely disguised. He soon notified his brother, who lived in
+    another part of the city, and both put themselves out of harm's
+    way. They were remarkably fine young men, and it seemed a
+    special Providence that I should find them in such a large city,
+    and direct them to escape from their pursuer, within one hour
+    after I left my house in Brooklyn. I felt it to be an answer to
+    prayer.
+
+    4. One day, when I lived in New York City, a colored man came
+    running to my house, and in a hurried manner, said: "Is this Mr.
+    Tappan?" On replying in the affirmative, he said: "I have driven
+    my master from Baltimore. He has just arrived, and the servants
+    are taking off the baggage at the Astor House. I inquired of a
+    person passing by, where you lived. He said, 80, White Street,
+    and I have run here, to tell you that you may give notice to a
+    man who has escaped from my master, to this city, that the
+    object of this journey is to find him and take him back to
+    Slavery."
+
+    The man hurried back, so that he need not be missed by his
+    master, who believed that this coachman, who had lived years
+    with him, was his confidential servant, and would be true to his
+    interest.
+
+    I went immediately to the house of a colored friend, to describe
+    the fugitive and see if we could not concert measures to protect
+    him. "I think," said he, "that I know the man, by your
+    description, and that he boards in this house. He will soon come
+    in from South Street, where he has worked to-day." While we were
+    consulting together, sure enough, the man came in, and was most
+    glad to have the opportunity thus afforded, of secreting
+    himself.
+
+    I have not strength to dictate much more, although many other
+    instances occur to me of most remarkable providential
+    occurrences, of the escape of fugitives within my knowledge. I
+    used to say that I was the owner of _half-a-horse_ that was in
+    active service, near the Susquehanna River. This horse I owned
+    jointly with another friend of the slave, dedicating the animal
+    to the service of the Underground Rail Road.
+
+    It was customary for the agent at Havre de Grace, bringing a
+    fugitive to the river, to kindle a fire (as it was generally in
+    the night), to give notice to a person living on the opposite
+    side of the river. This person well understood the signal, and
+    would come across in his boat and receive the fugitive.
+
+    An aged colored couple, residing in Brooklyn, came over to my
+    office, in New York City, and said that they had just heard from
+    Wilmington, N.C., that their two sons (about twenty-five or
+    twenty-six years of age), who were slaves, were about to be
+    sold, for one thousand dollars each; and they hoped I should be
+    able and willing to assist them in raising the money.
+
+    I told them that I had scruples about putting money into the
+    hands of slave-holders, but I would give them something that
+    might be of as much value. I then pointed out a way by which
+    their sons might reach the city.
+
+    In about three weeks, one of the young men came to my office.
+    Give me, said I, some particulars of your escape. "I am," said
+    he, "a builder, and planned and erected the hotel at Wilmington,
+    and some other houses. I used to hire my time of my master, and
+    was accustomed to ride about the country attending to my
+    business. I borrowed a pass from a man about my size and
+    complexion. I then went to the rail road office, and asked for a
+    ticket for Fredericksburg. From there I came on directly to
+    Washington. I had not been questioned before; but here, I was
+    taken up and carried before a magistrate. He examined me by the
+    description in my pass; complexion, height, etc., then read
+    '_and a scar under his left knee_.' When I heard that, my heart
+    sank within me; for I had no scar there that I knew. 'Pull up
+    the boy's trowsers,' said the justice to the constable. He did
+    so. and said 'here's a scar!' 'All right,' said the justice, 'no
+    mistake, let him go.' Glad was I. I got a ticket for Baltimore,
+    and there for another town, and finally reached here."
+
+    You asked me to give an account of the sums that I have expended
+    for the Underground Rail Road, etc. I must be excused from doing
+    this, as if I could now ascertain, I should not think it worth
+    while to mention. I must now conclude my narrative, by giving,
+    with some additions, an account of an interesting escape from
+    Slavery, which was written by my wife, more than fifteen years
+    ago, for Frederic Douglass' paper.
+
+    [On page 177 the narrative of "The Fleeing Girl of Fifteen" is
+    so fully written out, that it precludes the necessity of
+    reproducing a large portion of this story.]
+
+    In the evening a friend arrived, bringing with him a bright,
+    handsome _boy_, whom he called Joe. Most heartily was "Joe"
+    welcomed, and deep was the thrill which we felt, as we looked
+    upon him and thought of the perils he had escaped. The next day
+    was Thanksgiving-day, and my house was thronged with guests. In
+    an upper room, with a comfortable fire, and the door locked, sat
+    "Joe," still in boy's clothes, to be able to escape at the first
+    intimation of danger, but with a smile and look of touching
+    gratitude, whenever any one of the family who was in the secret,
+    left the festive group to look in upon the interesting stranger.
+    Not one of us can ever forget the deep abhorrence of Slavery,
+    and thanksgiving to Almighty God, that we felt that day as we
+    moved among the guests, who were wholly ignorant of the occupant
+    of that upper room. Some curiosity was indeed excited among the
+    little grandchildren, who saw slices of turkey and plum pudding
+    sent up stairs. It was "Joe's" first Thanksgiving dinner in a
+    free State.
+
+    As she brought nothing away with her, it was necessary, the next
+    day, to procure a complete wardrobe for a girl, which was
+    carefully packed for her to take with her.
+
+    The second day after "Joe's" arrival, the Rev. Mr. Freeman,
+    pastor of a colored church in Brooklyn, agreed to accompany her
+    to her uncle Brown's in Canada West, and we saw them depart,
+    knowing the danger that would beset both on the way. The
+    following is part of a letter from Mr. F., giving an account of
+    their journey. After stating that they left New York, in the
+    cars at five o'clock, P.M., and through the providence of God,
+    went on their way safely and speedily, with none to molest or to
+    make them afraid, he says:
+
+
+        "On reaching Rochester, I began to ask myself 'how shall
+        we get over Niagara Falls?' I was not sure that the cars
+        ran across the Suspension Bridge; besides, I felt that
+        we were in more danger here, than we had been at any
+        other place. Knowing that there was a large reward
+        offered for Joe's apprehension, I feared there might be
+        some lurking spy ready to pounce upon us. But when we
+        arrived at the Bridge, the conductor said: 'Sit still;
+        this car goes across.' You may judge of my joy and
+        relief of mind, when I looked out and was sure that we
+        were over! Thank God, I exclaimed, we are safe in
+        Canada!
+
+        Having now a few minutes before the cars would start
+        again, I sat down and hastily wrote a few lines, to
+        inform friends at home of our safe arrival. As soon as
+        possible, I ran to the post-office with my letter, paid
+        the postage, and while I was waiting for my change, the
+        car bell rang. I quickly returned, and in a few minutes,
+        we were on our way to Chatham (200 miles West). That
+        place we reached between seven and eight o'clock,
+        Saturday evening. When we got out, we met a gentleman
+        who asked me if I wanted a boarding-house. I said yes;
+        and he invited me to go with him. I asked him if there
+        was any way for us to get to Dresden that night. He
+        answered, 'No, it is a dark night, and a muddy road, and
+        no conveyance can be got tonight.' I soon found that we
+        must stay in Chatham until Monday morning.
+
+        On our way to the boarding-house, the gentleman said to
+        me: 'Is this your son with you?' I answered, no; and
+        then I asked him, if he knew a man living in D., by the
+        name of Bradley. He replied that he was very well
+        acquainted with him, and then inquired if that young man
+        was Mr. Bradley's brother. I said, no--not exactly a
+        brother. He must have thought it strange that I did not
+        give him a more definite answer to his question.
+
+        When we reached the house, we found several boarders in
+        the sitting-room and a few neighbors. I had already told
+        him my name, but with regard to Joe, I had not yet had a
+        chance to explain. I, of course, was introduced to those
+        who were in the room, but Joe--well, Joe took a seat,
+        and did not seem to be troubled about an introduction.
+        As the landlord was going out of the room, I asked
+        permission to speak with him alone. He took me into
+        another room, and I said to him: 'That young man, as you
+        call him, is a young woman, and has come dressed in this
+        manner, all the way from Washington City. She would be
+        very glad now to be able to change her clothes.'
+
+        He was greatly surprised, and would hardly believe that
+        it was so; but said, 'I will call my wife.' She came,
+        and I guess all the women in the house came with her.
+        They soon disappeared, and Joe with them, who, after
+        being absent a while, returned, and was introduced as
+        Miss Ann Maria Weems. The whole company were on their
+        feet, shook hands, laughed, and rejoiced, declaring that
+        this beat all they had ever seen before. Chatham
+        contains, I was told, more than three thousand
+        fugitives. The weather there, is not colder than in New
+        York.
+
+        The next morning was the Sabbath, but this I must pass
+        and hasten to D., the residence of Mr. Bradley. We
+        started early Monday morning. As a part of the road was
+        very bad, we did not reach there till a late hour. As we
+        were passing along, and getting near to the place, we
+        met two colored men who were talking together--one on
+        horseback, and the other on foot. I inquired of them, if
+        they could tell me how far it was to Mr. Bradley's. The
+        man on horseback said it was about a mile further, and
+        then proceeded to give directions. After he had done
+        this, he said: 'I reckon I am the one that you want to
+        find, my name is Bradley.' Well, I replied, probably you
+        are the man. Just then Ann Maria turned her head around.
+        As soon as he saw her face, he exclaimed: 'My Lord!
+        Maria, is that you? Is that you? My child, is it you? We
+        never expected to see you again! We had given you up; O,
+        what will your aunt say? It will kill her! She will die!
+        It will kill her.'
+
+        I told him, that as I was obliged to leave again soon, I
+        must proceed. 'Well,' said he, 'you go on; I am just
+        going over to M., and will be back in a few minutes.' We
+        started for his house, and he towards M., but we had
+        only gone a short distance, when he overtook us,
+        exclaiming: 'I can't go to M.,' and began talking to Ann
+        Maria, asking her all about her friends and relatives,
+        whom they had left behind, and about his old master, and
+        his wife's master, from whom they had run away four
+        years before. As we approached the house, he said: 'I
+        will go and open the gate, and have a good fire to warm
+        you.' When he came up to the gate, he met his wife, who
+        was returning from a store or neighbor's house, and he
+        said to her, 'That's Ann Maria coming yonder.' She
+        stopped until we came to the gate; the tears were
+        rolling from her eyes, and she exclaimed: 'Ann Maria, is
+        it you?' The girl leaped from the wagon, and they fell
+        on each other's necks, weeping and rejoicing. Such a
+        scene I never before witnessed. She, who had been given
+        up as lost, was now found! She, who but a short time
+        before, had been, as they supposed, a slave for life,
+        was now free.
+
+        We soon entered the house, and after the first gush of
+        feeling had somewhat subsided, they both began a general
+        inquiry about the friends they had left behind. Every
+        now and then, the aunt would break out: 'My child, you
+        are here! Thank God, you are free! We were talking about
+        you today, and saying, we shall never see you again; and
+        now here you are with us.' I remained about an hour and
+        a half with them, took dinner, and then started for
+        home, rejoicing that I had been to a land where colored
+        men are free.
+
+        This Mr. Bradley, who ran away with himself and wife
+        about four years ago from the land of whips and chains,
+        is the owner of two farms, and is said to be worth three
+        thousand dollars. Can slaves take care of themselves?"
+
+
+    You may well suppose that the receipt of this letter gave us
+    great pleasure, and called forth heartfelt thanksgiving to Him,
+    who had watched over this undertaking, and protected all
+    concerned in it. A bright and promising girl had been rescued
+    from the untold miseries of a slave woman's life, and found a
+    good home, where she would have an opportunity to acquire an
+    education and be trained for a useful and happy life. Mr.
+    Bradley intended to send for her parents, and hoped to prevail
+    on them to come and live with him.
+
+    Truly yours,
+
+    LEWIS TAPPAN
+
+
+
+
+ELIJAH F. PENNYPACKER,
+
+
+Whose name belongs to the history of the Underground Rail Road, owed his
+peculiarly fine nature to a mother of large physical proportions, and
+correspondingly liberal mental and spiritual endowments. She was a
+natural sovereign in the sphere in which she moved, and impressed her
+son with the qualities which made his Anti-slavery life nothing but an
+expression of the rules of conduct which governed him in all other
+particulars. Believing in his inmost soul in principles of rectitude,
+all men believed in him, his "yea," or "nay," passing current wherever
+he went. Tall, dignified, and commanding, he had that in his face which
+inspired immediate confidence. Said one who looked: "If that is not a
+good man, there is no use in the Lord writing His signature on human
+countenances." Even in early youth, honors which he never sought, were
+pressed upon him, as he gave assurance of ability commensurate with his
+worth. He was sent to the Legislature of Pennsylvania for five sessions,
+where he became the personal friend of the Governor, Joseph Ritner, and
+also of Thaddeus Stevens. At the request of the latter, he consented to
+occupy the position of Secretary to the Board of Canal Commissioners,
+and two years after, by the wishes of Mr. Ritner, took a seat in the
+Canal Board, becoming a co-worker with Thaddeus Stevens. Here ripened a
+friendship, which afterward became of national importance, for although
+a nature so positive as that of Thaddeus Stevens could scarcely be said
+to be under the influence of any other mind, still, if there were those
+who exercised a moral sway, sustaining this courageous republican
+leader, at a higher level than he might otherwise have attained, Elijah
+F. Pennypacker was surely amongst them. Almost antipodal as they were in
+certain respects, each recognized the genuine ring of the other, and
+admired and respected that which was most true and noble. The purity,
+simplicity and high-minded honor which distinguished the younger, had
+its effect on the elder, even while he smiled at the inflexibility which
+would not swerve one hair's breadth from the line of right. The story is
+often told, how, when this young man's conscience stood bolt upright in
+the way of what was deemed a desirable arrangement, Stevens one day
+exclaimed: "It don't do, Pennypacker, to be so d----d honest."
+Pennypacker stood his ground, and the life-long respect which Stevens
+ever after awarded, proved that _he_ at least, thought it _did_ do.
+
+When it became clear to his mind, that a great battle was to be fought
+between Liberty and Slavery in America, Mr. Pennypacker felt it to be
+his duty to turn aside from the sunny paths of political preferment,
+into the shadows of obscure life, and ally himself with the
+misrepresented, despised and outcast Abolitionists, ever after devoting
+himself assiduously to the promotion of the cause of Freedom.
+Notwithstanding his natural modesty, here as elsewhere, he took a
+conspicuous position. At home, in the local Anti-slavery Society of his
+neighborhood, he was for many years chosen president, as he was also of
+the Chester county Anti-slavery Society, and of the Pennsylvania State
+Anti-slavery Society.
+
+Soon after his retirement from public life, he united himself with the
+Society of Friends, but was much too radical to be an acceptable
+addition. For a long time he was endured rather than endorsed, and it
+was only when such anti-slavery feelings as he cherished became
+generally diffused throughout the Society, that he found the unity he
+desired and expected. Whatever may have been his trials here or
+elsewhere, he found a rich reward for his faithfulness in the
+intellectual and moral growth which he attained by association with the
+most advanced minds of the time, and he has often been heard to say that
+no part of his life has been more fully and generously compensated than
+that devoted to the Anti-slavery cause.
+
+His home, near Phoenixville, Chester county, Pa., was an important
+station on the Underground Rail Road, the majority of fugitives
+proceeding through the southern rural districts of Eastern Pennsylvania,
+passing through his hands. At all times he was deeply interested in
+their welfare, and in his hospitality towards them, had the entire
+sympathy and co-operation of his family, they, like himself, being
+earnest abolitionists, but his more important duty of influencing public
+sentiment in favor of freedom, overshadowed his labors in this
+department. In steadfastness and integrity he stood beside Findley
+Coates and Thomas Whitson, a trio who will long be remembered in their
+native State.
+
+So long as Dr. B. Fussell resided in the northern section of Chester
+county, he and Elijah F. Pennypacker, were companions in Anti-slavery
+and other reform labors, as well as in business on the Underground Rail
+Road. Differing widely in temperament and mental structure, these two
+men were harmonious in spirit, and a close bond of sympathy and
+affection existed between them. It was a mutual pleasure to work as
+brothers, and afterward to rejoice together in labor accomplished. One
+of the last visits which roused the flickering animation of the dying
+physician, was from this friend of more vigorous years, and the voice
+which gave fitting expression to the worth of the departed, at his
+funeral, was that of Elijah F. Pennypacker.
+
+Like that of the highest grade of men everywhere, his appreciation of
+woman has ever been keen and true, and demanding the full rights of
+humanity, he makes no distinction, either on account of sex or color. In
+his own family, he has always encouraged the pursuit of any occupation
+congenial to the person choosing it; whether or not, it were a departure
+from the routine of custom, and in educational advantages he has ever
+demanded the widest possible culture for all. Wherever known, he is
+estimated as a pillar in the temperance cause. Gentle, modest, courteous
+and benignant, he combines, in a remarkable degree, strength and
+tenderness, courage and sympathy. At one time, holding at bay the powers
+of evil and baffling the most determined opponents by his manly
+adherence to right; at another he may be found yielding to impressions
+bidding him to seek the source of some hidden private sorrow, and with
+delicate touch, binding up a flowing wound, or offering himself as the
+defender and protector of such as may need his brotherly care. Obedient
+to these impressions, he rarely errs in his ministrations, and whether
+his errand be to remonstrate with the evil doer, setting his sins
+clearly and vividly before him, or to strengthen and encourage suffering
+innocence, he is alike successful. Men, whom he has warned in reproof
+when it cost the utmost bravery to do so, have become his confiding
+friends, and have been known afterward to entrust him with heavy
+pecuniary responsibilities, and to point him out to their children as an
+example worthy of imitation. Those whose griefs he has frequently
+softened, have laid upon his head a crown of blessing whiter than the
+honors which come with his silver hairs, and all with whom he comes in
+contact in business, in duty, or in social intercourse, acknowledge the
+presence, the wide usefulness and influence of the upright man.
+
+The memories of the choice spirits he used to meet in the Anti-slavery
+gatherings; their mutual and kindly greetings; the holy resolves which
+animated them and made the time hours of exaltation, now serve to
+brighten the pathway of his declining years, and to throw a halo around
+the restfulness of his home, as in peace of mind he looks abroad over
+his beloved country, to see millions of enfranchised men beginning to
+avail themselves of its pecuniary, educational and political advantages,
+and beholds them starting on a career of material and spiritual
+prosperity, with a rapidity commensurate with the expansive force of the
+repressed energies of a race.
+
+
+STATION MASTERS ON THE ROAD.
+
+
+[Illustration: ELIJAH F. PENNYPACKER]
+
+[Illustration: WILLIAM WRIGHT]
+
+[Illustration: DR. BARTHOLOMEW FUSSELL]
+
+[Illustration: ROBERT PURVIS]
+
+
+
+WILLIAM WRIGHT.
+
+
+
+
+MEMORIAL.
+
+
+William Wright, a distinguished abolitionist of Adams county,
+Pennsylvania, was born on the 21st of December, 1788. Various
+circumstances conspired to make this unassuming Quaker an earnest
+Abolitionist and champion of the oppressed in every land and of every
+nationality and color. His uncle, Benjamin Wright, and cousin, Samuel B.
+Wright, were active members of the old Pennsylvania Abolition Society,
+and at the time of the emancipation of the slaves in this state were
+often engaged in lawsuits with slave-holders to compel them to release
+their bondmen, according to the requirements of the law. William Wright
+grew up under the influence of the teachings of these relatives. Joined
+to this, his location caused him to take an extraordinary interest in
+Underground Rail Road affairs. He lived near the foot of the southern
+slope of the South Mountain, a spur of the Alleghenies which extends,
+under various names, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. This mountain was
+followed in its course by hundreds of fugitives until they got into
+Pennsylvania, and were directed to William Wright's house.
+
+In November, 1817, William Wright married Phebe Wierman, (born on the
+8th of February, 1790,) daughter of a neighboring farmer, and sister of
+Hannah W. Gibbons, wife of Daniel Gibbons, a notice of whom appears
+elsewhere in this work. Phebe Wright was the assistant of her husband in
+every good work, and their married life of forty-eight years was a long
+period of united and efficient labor in the cause of humanity. She still
+(1871) survives him. William and Phebe Wright began their Underground
+Rail Road labors about the year 1819. Hamilton Moore, who ran away from
+Baltimore county, Maryland, was the first slave aided by them. His
+master came for him, but William Wright and Joel Wierman, Phebe Wright's
+brother, who lived in the neighborhood, rescued him and sent him to
+Canada.
+
+In the autumn of 1828, as Phebe Wright, surrounded by her little
+children, came out upon her back porch in the performance of some
+household duty, she saw standing before her in the shade of the early
+November morning, a colored man without hat, shoes, or coat. He asked if
+Mr. Wright lived there, and upon receiving an affirmative reply, said
+that he wanted work. The good woman, comprehending the situation at a
+glance, told him to come into the house, get warm, and wait till her
+husband came home. He was shivering with cold and fright. When William
+Wright came home the fugitive told his story. He came from Hagerstown,
+Maryland, having been taught the blacksmith's trade there. In this
+business it was his duty to keep an account of all the work done by him,
+which record he showed to his master at the end of the week. Knowing no
+written character but the figure 5 he kept this account by means of a
+curious system of hieroglyphics in which straight marks meant horse
+shoes put on, circles, cart-wheels fixed, etc. One day in happening to
+see his master's book he noticed that wherever five and one were added
+the figure 6 was used. Having practiced this till he could make it he
+ever after used it in his accounts. As his master was looking over these
+one day, he noticed the new figure and compelled the slave to tell how
+he had learned it. He flew into a rage, and said, "I'll teach you how to
+be learning new figures," and picking up a horse-shoe threw it at him,
+but fortunately for the audacious chattel, missed his aim.
+Notwithstanding his ardent desire for liberty, the slave considered it
+his duty to remain in bondage until he was twenty-one years old in order
+to repay by his labor the trouble and expense which his master had had
+in rearing him. On the evening of his twenty-first anniversary he turned
+his face toward the North star, and started for a land of freedom.
+Arriving at Reisterstown, a village on the Westminster turnpike about
+twenty-five miles from Baltimore and thirty-five miles from Mr. Wright's
+house, he was arrested and placed in the bar-room of the country tavern
+in care of the landlady to wait until his captors, having finished some
+work in which they were engaged, could take him back to his master. The
+landlady, being engaged in getting supper, set him to watch the cakes
+that were baking. As she was passing back and forth he ostentatiously
+removed his hat, coat, and shoes, and placed them in the bar-room.
+Having done this, he said to her, "I will step out a moment." This he
+did, she sending a boy to watch him. When the boy came out he appeared
+to be very sick and called hastily for water. The boy ran in to get it.
+Now was his golden opportunity. Jumping the fence he ran to a clump of
+trees which occupied low ground behind the house and concealing himself
+in it for a moment, ran and continued to run, he knew not whither, until
+he found himself at the toll gate near Petersburg, in Adams county.
+Before this he had kept in the fields and forests, but now found himself
+compelled to come out upon the road. The toll-gate keeper, seeing at
+once that he was a fugitive, said to him, "I guess you don't know the
+road." "I guess I can find it myself," was the reply. "Let me show you,"
+said the man. "You may if you please," replied the fugitive. Taking him
+out behind his dwelling, he pointed across the fields to a new brick
+farm-house, and said, "Go there and inquire for Mr. Wright." The slave
+thanked him and did as he was directed.
+
+He remained with William Wright until April, 1829. During this short
+time he learned to read, write, and cipher as far as the single rule of
+three, as it was then called, or simple proportion. During his residence
+with William Wright, nothing could exceed his kindness or gratitude to
+the whole family. He learned to graft trees, and thus rendered great
+assistance to William Wright in his necessary business. When working in
+the kitchen during the winter he would never allow Phebe Wright to
+perform any hard labor, always scrubbing the floor and lifting heavy
+burdens for her. Before he went away in the spring he assumed a name
+which his talents, perseverance, and genius have rendered famous in both
+hemispheres, that of James W.C. Pennington. The initial W. was for his
+benefactor's family, and C. for the family of his former master. From
+William Wright's he went to Daniel Gibbons', thence to Delaware county,
+Pennsylvania, and from there to New Haven, Conn., where, while
+performing the duties of janitor at Yale College, he completed the
+studies of the college course. After a few years, he went to Heidelberg,
+where the degree of D.D. was conferred upon him. He never forgot William
+Wright and his family, and on his return from Europe brought them each a
+present. The story of his escape and wonderful abilities was spread over
+England. An American acquaintance of the Wright family was astonished,
+on visiting an Anti-slavery fair in London many years ago, to see among
+the pictures for sale there, one entitled, "William and Phebe Wright
+receiving James W.C. Pennington." The Dr. died in Florida, in 1870,
+where he had gone to preach and assist in opening schools amongst the
+Freemen.
+
+In 1842 a party of sixteen slaves came to York, Pa., from Baltimore
+county, Md. Here they were taken in charge by William Wright, Joel
+Fisher, Dr. Lewis, and William Yocum. The last named was a constable,
+and used to assist the Underground Rail Road managers by pretending to
+hunt fugitives with the kidnappers. Knowing where the fugitives were he
+was enabled to hunt them in the opposite direction from that in which
+they had gone, and thus give them time to escape. This constable and a
+colored man of York took this party one by one out into Samuel Willis'
+corn-field, near York, and hid them under the shocks. The following
+night Dr. Lewis piloted them to near his house, at Lewisburg, York
+county, on the banks of the Conewago. Here they were concealed several
+days, Dr. Lewis carrying provisions to them in his saddle-bags. When the
+search for them had been given up in William Wright's neighborhood, he
+went down to Lewisburg and in company with Dr. Lewis took the whole
+sixteen across the Conewago, they fording the river and carrying the
+fugitives across on their horses. It was a gloomy night in November.
+Every few moments clouds floated across the moon, alternately lighting
+up and shading the river, which, swelled by autumn rains, ran a flood.
+William Wright and Dr. Lewis mounted men or women behind and took
+children in their arms. When the last one got over, the doctor, who
+professed to be an atheist, exclaimed, "Great God! is this a Christian
+land, and are Christians thus forced to flee for their liberty?" William
+Wright guided this party to his house that night and concealed them in a
+neighboring forest until it was safe for them to proceed on their way to
+Canada.
+
+Just in the beginning of harvest of the year 1851, four men came off
+from Washington county, Maryland. They were almost naked and seemed to
+have come through great difficulties, their clothing being almost
+entirely torn off. As soon as they came, William Wright went to the
+store and got four pair of shoes. It was soon heard that their masters
+and the officers had gone to Harrisburg to hunt them. Two of them,
+Fenton and Tom, were concealed at William Wright's, and the other two,
+Sam and one whose name has been forgotten, at Joel Wierman's. In a day
+or two, as William Wright, a number of carpenters, and other workmen,
+among whom were Fenton and Tom, were at work in the barn, a party of men
+rode up and recognized the colored men as slaves of one of their number.
+The colored men said they had left their coats at the house. William
+Wright looked earnestly at them and told them to go to the house and get
+their coats. They went off, and one of them was observed by one of the
+family to take his coat hastily down from where it hung in one of the
+outhouses, a few moments afterward. After conversing a few moments at
+the barn, William Wright brought the slave-holders down to the house,
+where he, his wife and daughters engaged them in a controversy on the
+subject of slavery which lasted about an hour. One of them seemed very
+much impressed, and labored hard to convince his host that he was a good
+master and would treat his men well. Finally one of the party asked
+William Wright to produce the men. He replied that he would not do that,
+that they might search his premises if they wished to, but they could
+not compel him to bring forth the fugitives. Seeing that they had been
+duped, they became very angry and proceeded forthwith to search the
+house and all the outhouses immediately around it, without, however,
+finding those whom they sought. As they left the house and went toward
+the barn, William Wright, waving his hand toward the former, said, "You
+see they are not anywhere there." They then went to the barn and gave it
+a thorough search. Between it and the house, a little away from the
+path, but in plain sight, stood the carriage-house, _which they passed
+by without seeming to notice_. After they had gone, poor Tom was found
+in this very house, curled up under the seats of the old-fashioned
+family carriage. He had never come to the house at all, but had heard
+the voices of his hunters from his hiding-place, during their whole
+search. About two o'clock in the morning, Fenton was found by William
+Wright out in the field. He had run along the bed of a small water
+course, dry at that time of year, until he came to a rye field amid
+whose high grain he hid himself until he thought the danger was past.
+From William Wright's the slave-catchers went to Joel Wierman's, where,
+despite all that could be done, they got poor Sam, took him off to
+Maryland and sold him to the traders to be taken far south.
+
+In 1856 William Wright was a delegate from Adams county to the
+Convention at Philadelphia which nominated John C. Fremont for President
+of the United States. As the counties were called in alphabetical order,
+he responded first among the Pennsylvania delegation. It is thought that
+he helped away during his whole life, nearly one thousand slaves. During
+his latter years, he was aided in the good work by his children, who
+never hesitated to sacrifice their own pleasure in order to help away
+fugitives.
+
+His convictions on the subject of slavery seem to have been born with
+him, to have grown with his growth, and strengthened with his strength.
+He could not remember when he first became interested in the subject.
+
+William Wright closed his long and useful life on the 25th of October,
+1865. More fortunate than his co-laborer, Daniel Gibbons, he lived to
+see the triumph of the cause in which he had labored all his life. His
+latter years were cheered by the remembrance of his good deeds in the
+cause of human freedom. Modest and retiring, he would not desire, as he
+does not need, a eulogy. His labors speak for themselves, and are such
+as are recorded upon the Lamb's Book of Life.
+
+
+
+DR. BARTHOLOMEW FUSSELL.
+
+
+Dr. Fussell, whose death occurred within the current year, was no
+ordinary man. He was born in Chester county, Pa., in 1794, his ancestors
+being members of the Society of Friends, principally of English origin,
+who arrived in America during the early settlement of Pennsylvania, some
+being of the number who, with William Penn, built their homes on the
+unbroken soil, where Philadelphia now stands.
+
+He inherited all the bravery of these early pioneers, who left their
+homes for the sake of religious freedom, the governing principle of his
+life being a direct antagonism to every form of oppression. Removing in
+early manhood, to Maryland, where negro Slavery was legally protected,
+he became one of the most active opponents of the system, being a friend
+and co-laborer of Elisha Tyson, known and beloved as "Father Tyson," by
+all the slaves of the region, and to the community at large, as one of
+the most philanthropic of men.
+
+While teaching school during the week, as a means of self-education, and
+reading medicine at night, the young student expended his surplus energy
+in opening a Sabbath-school for colored persons, teaching them the
+rudiments of knowledge, not for a few hours only, but for the whole day,
+and frequently finding as many as ninety pupils collected to receive the
+inestimable boon which gave them the power of reading the Bible for
+themselves. To the deeply religious nature of these Africans, this was
+the one blessing they prized above all others in his power to bestow,
+and the overflowing gratitude they gave in return, was a memory he
+cherished to the latest years of his life.
+
+After his graduation in medicine, being at one time called upon to
+deliver an address before the Medical Society of Baltimore, in the midst
+of a pro-slavery audience, and before slave-holding professors and men
+of authority, Dr. Fussell, with a courage scarcely to be comprehended at
+this late day, denounced "the most preposterous and cruel practice of
+Slavery, as replete with the causes of disease," and expressed the hope
+that the day would come "when Slavery and cruelty should have no abiding
+place in the whole habitable earth; when the philosopher and the pious
+Christian could use the salutation of 'brother,' and the physician and
+divine be as one man; when the rich and the poor should know no
+distinction; the great and the small be equal in dominion, and the
+_arrogant master_ and _his menial slave_ should make a truce of
+friendship with each other, all following the same law of reason, all
+guided by the same light of Truth!"
+
+As a matter of course, a spirit so thoroughly awake to the welfare of
+humanity, would hail with joy and welcome as a brother, the appearance
+of such a devoted advocate of freedom, as Benjamin Lundy; and, with all
+the warmth of his nature, would give love, admiration, and reverence to
+the later apostle of immediate emancipation, William Lloyd Garrison.
+
+It was one of the pleasures of Dr. Fussell's life that he had been
+enabled to take the first number of the "_Liberator_," and to continue a
+subscriber without intermission, until the battle being ended, the last
+number was announced.
+
+He was himself, one of the most earnest workers in the Anti-slavery
+cause, never omitting in a fearless manner, to embrace an opportunity to
+protest against the encouragement of a pro-slavery spirit.
+
+Returning to Pennsylvania, to practice his profession, his home became
+one of the havens where the hunted fugitive from Slavery found food,
+shelter and rest. Laboring in connection with the late Thomas Garrett,
+of Wilmington, Del., and with many others, at available points, about
+two thousand fugitives passed through his hands, on their way to
+freedom, and amongst these, he frequently had the delight of welcoming
+some of his old Sabbath-school pupils. The mutual recognition was
+sometimes touching in the extreme.
+
+In later life, his anecdotes and reminiscences, told in the vivid style,
+resulting from a remarkably retentive memory, which could recall word,
+tone, and gesture, brought to life, some of the most interesting of his
+experiences with these fleeing bondmen, whose histories no romance could
+ever equal.
+
+Being one of the signers of the "Declaration of Sentiments," issued by
+the American Anti-slavery Society in 1833, he had also the gratification
+of attending the last meeting of the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society,
+called to celebrate the downfall of Slavery in America, and the
+dissolution of an organization whose purpose was effected. There are
+those, who may remember how at that time, in perfect forgetfulness of
+self, the relation of the heroism of his friend, Elisha Tyson, seemed to
+recall for a moment, the vigor of youth to render the decrepitude of age
+almost majestic.
+
+But it was not Slavery alone, which occupied the thoughts and attention
+of this large-hearted man. He was well known as an advocate of common
+school education, of temperance, and of every other interest, which, in
+his view, pertained to the welfare of man.
+
+Unfortunately, he was addicted to the use of tobacco from his youth.
+Having become convinced that it was an evil, he, for the sake of
+consistency and as an example to others, resolutely abandoned the habit,
+at the age of seventy. He was fond of accrediting his resolve to a very
+aged relative, who, in remonstrating with him upon the subject, replied
+to his remark, that a sudden cessation from a practice so long indulged
+in, might result in his death: "Well, die, then, and go to heaven
+decently."
+
+As a practitioner of medicine, he was eminently successful, his intense
+sympathy with suffering, seeming to elevate his faculties and give them
+unwonted vigor in tracing the hidden causes of disease, and in
+suggesting to his mind alleviating agencies. His patients felt an
+unspeakable comfort in his presence, well knowing that the best possible
+remedy which his knowledge, his judgment or his experience suggested,
+would be selected, let the difficulty and inconvenience to himself be
+what it would. In cases where life hung trembling in the balance, he
+would watch night after night, feeding the flickering flame until he
+perceived it brighten, and this in the abode of misery just as freely as
+in the home of wealth. The life-long affection of those whom he
+recalled, was his reward where often none was sought or expected.
+
+He believed in woman as only a thoroughly good man can, and from early
+youth, he had been impressed with her peculiar fitness for the practice
+of medicine. The experience of a physician confirmed him in his
+sentiments, and it became one of his most earnest aspirations to open to
+her all the avenues to the study of medicine. In the year 1840, he gave
+regular instruction to a class of ladies, and it was through one of
+these pupils, that the first female graduate in America was interested
+in the study of medicine. In 1846 he communicated to a few
+liberal-minded professional men, a plan for the establishment of a
+college of the highest grade for the medical education of women. This
+long-cherished plan, hallowed to him by the approbation of a beloved
+wife, was well received. Others, with indomitable zeal, took up the
+work, and finally, after a succession of disappointments and
+discouragements from causes within and without, the Woman's College, on
+North College avenue, Philadelphia, starting from the germ of his
+thought, entered on the career of prosperity it is so well entitled to
+receive. Though never at any time connected with the college, he
+regarded its success with the most affectionate interest, considering
+its proposition as one of the most important results of his life.
+
+Happy in having lived to see Slavery abolished, and believing in the
+speedy elevation of woman to her true dignity as joint sovereign with
+man, and in the mitigation of the evils of war, intemperance, poverty,
+and crime, which might be expected to follow such a result, he rested
+from his labors, and died in peace.
+
+
+
+THOMAS SHIPLEY.[A]
+
+
+Thomas Shipley, one of the foremost in the early generation of
+philanthropists who devoted their lives to the extinction of human
+slavery, was born in Philadelphia on the second of Fourth month, 1787.
+He was the youngest of five children of William and Margaret Shipley,
+his father having emigrated from Uttoxeter, in Staffordshire, England,
+about the year 1750. From a very early period in the history of the
+Society of Friends his ancestors had been members of that body, and he
+inherited from them the strong sense of personal independence, and the
+love of toleration and respect for the rights of others which have ever
+characterized that body of people.
+
+Soon after his birth, his mother died, and he was thus early deprived of
+the fostering care of a pious and devoted parent, whose counsels are so
+important in forming the youthful mind, and in giving a direction to
+future life.
+
+A few years after the death of his mother, his father was removed, and
+Thomas was left an orphan before he had attained his sixth year. After
+this affecting event he was taken into the family of Isaac Bartram, who
+had married his eldest sister. Here he remained for several years,
+acquiring the common rudiments of education, and at a suitable age was
+sent to Westtown school; after remaining there for a little more than a
+year, he met with an accident, which rendered it necessary for him to
+return home; and the effects of which prevented him from proceeding with
+his education. He fell from the top of a high flight of steps to the
+ground, and received an injury of the head, followed by convulsions,
+which continued at intervals for a considerable time, and rendered him
+incapable of any effort of mind or body.
+
+He was, during childhood, remarkably fond of reading, and was
+distinguished among his friends and associates for uncommon perseverance
+in accomplishing anything he undertook, a trait which peculiarly marked
+him through life; his disposition is said to have been unusually amiable
+and docile, so as to endear him very strongly to his relatives and
+friends.
+
+After his removal from Westtown, he was again taken into the family of
+his brother-in-law, and remained under the care of his sister, who was
+very much attached to him, until he was placed as an apprentice to the
+hardware business. While here, he was entirely relieved of the
+affliction caused by the fall, and was restored to sound health. About
+the age of twenty-one, he entered upon the pursuits of the business he
+had selected.
+
+The exact time at which his attention was turned to the subject of
+slavery cannot be ascertained, but it is probable that a testimony
+against it was among his earliest impressions as a member of the
+religious Society of Friends. He joined the "Pennsylvania Society for
+the Promoting the Abolition of Slavery," etc., in 1817, and the ardent
+interest which he took in its objects, was evinced on many occasions
+within the recollection of many now living. He was for many years an
+active member of its Board of Education, and took a prominent part in
+extending the benefits of learning to colored children and youth.
+
+The career of Thomas Shipley, as it was connected with the interests of
+the colored community, abounds in incidents which have rarely occurred
+in the life of any individual. Being universally regarded as their
+adviser and protector, he was constantly solicited for his advice on
+questions touching their welfare. This led him to investigate the laws
+relating to this class of persons, in all their extended ramifications.
+The knowledge he thus acquired, together with his practical acquaintance
+with the business and decisions of our courts, rendered his opinion
+peculiarly serviceable on all matters affecting their rights. Never did
+a merchant study more closely the varied relations of business, and
+their influence on his interests, than did Thomas Shipley all those
+questions which concerned the well-being of those for whom he was so
+warmly interested. He had volunteered his services as their advocate,
+and they could not have been more faithfully served had they poured out
+the wealth of Croesus at the feet of the most learned counsel.
+
+On every occasion of popular commotion where the safety of the colored
+people was threatened, he was found at his post, fearlessly defending
+their rights, and exerting his influence with those in authority to
+throw around them the protection of the laws. In the tumultuous scenes
+which disgraced Philadelphia, in the summer of 1835, in which the fury
+of the mob was directed against the persons and property of the colored
+inhabitants, he acted with an energy and prudence rarely found combined
+in the same individual.
+
+The mob had collected and organized to the number of several hundred,
+and were marching through the lower part of the city, dealing
+destruction in their course; the houses of respectable and worthy
+colored citizens were broken in upon, the furniture scattered to the
+winds, all they possessed destroyed or plundered, and they themselves
+subjected to the most brutal and savage treatment. Defenceless infancy
+and decrepid age were alike disregarded in the general devastation which
+these ruffians had decreed should attend their course. The color of the
+skin was the mark by which their vengeance was directed, and the cries
+and entreaties of their innocent and defenceless victims were alike
+disregarded in the accomplishment of their ends. Already had several
+victims fallen before the fury of the ruthless band. Law and order were
+laid waste, and the officers of justice looked on, some perhaps with
+dismay, and others with indifference, while the rights of citizens were
+prostrated, and their peaceful and quiet homes invaded by the hand of
+violence. At such a time the voice of remonstrance or entreaty, would
+have been useless, and had the avowed friends of the colored man
+interfered in any public manner, the effect would probably have been to
+increase the fury of the storm, and to have directed the violence of the
+mob upon themselves.
+
+Under these perilous circumstances, Thomas Shipley was determined to
+attempt an effort for their relief. He could not look on and see those
+for whom he was so deeply interested threatened almost with
+extermination without an effort for their preservation, and yet he was
+aware that his presence amongst the mob might subject him to
+assassination, without adding to the security of the objects of his
+solicitude. He, therefore, determined to disguise himself in such a
+manner as not to be recognized, and to mingle amongst the rioters in
+order to ascertain their objects, and if possible to convey such
+information to the proper authorities as might lead to the arrest of
+those most active in fomenting disorder. Accordingly he left his house
+late in the evening, attired so as to be completely disguised, and
+repaired to the scene of tumult. By this time much mischief had been
+done, and to add fresh fury to the multitude, and to incite them to new
+deeds of blood, nothing was wanting but some act of resistance on the
+part of their victims, who, during the whole period, had conducted
+themselves with a forbearance and patience highly creditable to them as
+good citizens and upright Christians. Such an occasion was about to
+occur, and was prevented by the admirable coolness and forethought of
+Thomas Shipley.
+
+A number of colored men who had been driven to desperation by the acts
+of the mob, and who had relinquished the idea of protection from the
+civil authorities, determined to resort to arms, to defend themselves
+and their families from the further aggressions of their persecutors.
+They accordingly repaired to Benezet Hall, one of their public buildings
+in South Seventh Street, with a supply of fire arms and ammunition,
+determined to fire upon the assailants, and maintain their post or die
+in the attempt. This fact became known to the leaders of the mob, and
+the cry was raised to march for the hall, and make the attack. Thomas
+Shipley who had mingled amongst the rioters, and apparently identified
+himself with them, was now perfectly aware of all their designs; he knew
+their numbers, he had seen the implements of destruction which they were
+brandishing about them, and he was aware that the occurrence of such a
+conflict would be attended with the most disastrous results, and might
+be the beginning of hostilities which would terminate in the destruction
+of the weaker party, or at least in a dreadful effusion of human blood.
+Seeing the position in which the parties were now placed, he left the
+ranks of the rioters, and ran at the top of his speed to the house in
+which the colored people were collected, awaiting the approach of their
+enemy. As he drew near, they were about coming out to meet their
+assailants, highly excited by continued outrages, and determined to
+defend themselves or die. At this unexpected moment, their protector
+drew nigh; he raised his voice aloud, and addressed the multitude. He
+deprecated the idea of a resort to physical force, as being calculated
+to increase their difficulties, and to plunge them into general
+distress, and entreated them to retire from the hall. His voice was
+immediately recognized; the effect was electric; the whole throng knew
+him as their friend; their fierce passions were calmed by the voice of
+reason and admonition. They could not disregard his counsels; he had
+come among them, at the dead hour of night, in the midst of danger and
+trial, to raise his warning voice against a course of measures they were
+about to pursue. They listened to his remonstrances, and retreated
+before the mob had reached the building. At this juncture the Mayor and
+his officers assembled in front of the hall, and by prompt and energetic
+action succeeded in dispersing the mob, and through the information
+received from Thomas Shipley, the ringleaders were secured and lodged in
+prison.
+
+The part which Thomas Shipley acted in the trying scenes so often
+presented in our courts, during this unhappy period, has invested his
+character with a remarkable degree of interest. It is probable that his
+connection with the Pennsylvania Abolition Society was the means of
+enlisting his talents and exertions in this important service.
+
+The energy and zeal of our friend in his efforts for the relief of those
+about to be deprived of their dearest rights, soon distinguished him as
+the most efficient member of the Society, in this department of its
+duties. So intense was his interest in all cases where the liberty of
+his fellow-man was at issue, that, during a period of many years, he was
+scarcely ever absent from the side of the unhappy victim, as he sat
+before our judicial tribunals, trembling for his fate. The promptings of
+interest, the pleasures and allurements of the world, the quiet
+enjoyment of a peaceful home, were all cheerfully sacrificed, when his
+services were demanded in these distressing cases. Often has he left the
+business, in which his pecuniary interests were materially involved, to
+stand by the unhappy fugitive in the hour of his extremity, with an
+alacrity and a spirit which could only be displayed by one animated by
+the loftiest principles and the purest philanthropy.
+
+Who, that has ever witnessed one of these trying scenes, can forget his
+manly and honest bearing, as he stood before the unrelenting and
+arrogant claimant, watching with an eagle eye, every step of the process
+by which he hoped to gain his victim? Who has not been struck with his
+expressive glances toward the judge, when a doubtful point arose in the
+investigation of the case? Who has not caught the lively expression of
+delight which beamed from his countenance, when a fact was disclosed
+which had a favorable bearing on the liberty of the captive? Who has not
+admired the sagacity with which his inquiries were dictated, and the
+tact and acumen with which he managed every part of his cause? His
+principle was unhesitatingly to submit to existing laws, however unjust
+their decrees might be, but to scan well the bearing of the facts and
+principles involved in each case, and to see that nothing was wanting in
+the chain of evidence, or in the legal points in question, fully to
+satisfy the requisitions of law. If a doubtful point arose, he was
+unwearied in investigating it, and devoted hours, days, and even weeks,
+in the collection of testimony which he thought would have a favorable
+influence on the prisoner.
+
+Through his untiring vigilance, many victims have escaped from the hand
+of the oppressor, whose title to freedom, according to the laws of this
+commonwealth, was undoubted, and many others, whose enslavement was at
+least questionable.
+
+The time and labor expended by Thomas Shipley in protecting the
+interests of his colored clients, would be almost incredible to those
+who were not aware of his extraordinary devotion to the cause. The only
+notice which can be found among his papers, of the various slave cases
+in which he was engaged, is contained in a memorandum book, which he
+commenced in the summer of 1835. In this book he has noted, in the order
+of their occurrence, such instances of difficulty or distress as
+demanded his interference, almost without a comment. I find from this
+book, that his advice and assistance were bestowed in twenty-five cases,
+from Seventh mo. 16th, to Eighth mo. 24th, 1836, a period of little more
+than a month. A number of these cases required the writing of letters to
+distant places; in some it was necessary for him to visit the parties
+interested; and others demanded his personal attendance at court. This
+perhaps, may be considered as a fair average of the amount of labor
+which he constantly expended in this department of his benevolent
+efforts; and when we consider the time occupied in the necessary duties
+of his ordinary avocations, it must be evident that he possessed not
+only extraordinary humanity, but uncommon activity and energy, to have
+accomplished so much.
+
+In the memorandum book referred to, under date of Twelfth mo., 1835, I
+find the following note: "Spent eighteen days in the trial of A.
+Hemsley, and his wife Nancy, and her three children, arrested at Mount
+Holly, the husband claimed by Goldsborough Price, executor of Isaac
+Boggs, of Queen Ann's county, Maryland, and the wife and children by
+Richard D. Cooper, of the same county. John Willoughby, agent for both
+claimants. B.R. Brown and B. Clarke, attorneys for the claimant, and
+D.P. Brown, J.R. Slack, E.B. Cannon, and G.W. Camblos, for defendants.
+After a full argument, in which a manumission was produced for Nancy,
+from R.D. Cooper's father, she and her children were discharged, but her
+husband was remanded; on which a certiorari was served on the judge, and
+a habeas corpus placed in the sheriff's hands."
+
+"Alexander was discharged by the Supreme Court, at Trenton, Third mo.
+5th. The circumstances of the case, were briefly the following: The
+woman and children had been regularly manumitted in Delaware by the
+father of the claimant, while the title of the father to freedom was
+less positive, though sufficiently clear to warrant a vigorous effort on
+his behalf."
+
+The first object of the counsel on the part of the alleged fugitive, was
+to prove the manumission of the mother and children, and, as it was
+thought, the necessary documents for that purpose were collected and
+arranged. After the trial had proceeded, however, for a short time, the
+attorney for the defendants discovered a defect in the testimony on this
+point; the necessary papers, duly authenticated by the Governor or Chief
+Justice of Delaware, were missing, and without them it was impossible to
+make out the case. The fact was immediately communicated to Thomas
+Shipley--he saw that the papers must be had, and that they could not be
+procured without a visit to Dover, in Delaware. He at once determined to
+repair thither in person, and obtain them. Without the knowledge of the
+claimant's counsel, who might have taken advantage of the omission, and
+hurried the case to a decision; he started on the evening of the sixth
+day, and traveled as fast as possible to Dover, in the midst of a season
+unusually cold and inclement. On the next morning inquiries were made in
+all directions for friend Shipley; it was thought strange that he should
+desert his post in the midst of so exciting and momentous a trial, and
+at a time when his presence seemed to be particularly required. The
+counsel for the prisoners, who were aware of his movements, proceeded
+with the examination of witnesses as slowly as possible, in order to
+allow time for procuring this important link in the chain of testimony,
+and thus to procrastinate the period when they should be called upon to
+sum up the case.
+
+Fortunately, on the evening of the day on which Thomas Shipley set out
+upon his journey, it was proposed to adjourn, and farther proceedings
+were postponed until Second day morning. At the meeting of the court, in
+the morning, the expected messenger was not there, and the ingenuity of
+the counsel was taxed still farther to procrastinate the important
+period. After three hours had been consumed in debate upon legal points,
+he, who was so anxiously looked for, came hurrying through the crowd,
+making his way toward the bench. His countenance and his movements soon
+convinced the wondering spectators that he was the bearer of gratifying
+news, and in a few minutes, the mystery of his absence was revealed, by
+the production of a document which was the fruit of his effort. The
+papers completely established the legal title of the mother and children
+to their freedom, and placed them out of the reach of further
+persecution. An attack of illness was the result of the extreme exertion
+and fatigue endured by this devoted man, in his earnest advocacy of the
+rights of these friendless beings.
+
+The freedom of the husband and father, was, however, still in jeopardy.
+If the decision of the court should be against him, he would be torn
+from the bosom of his now joyful and emancipated family, and consigned
+to a life of bondage. To avert this calamity, the counsel for the
+prisoner suggested an expedient as humane as it was ingenious. He
+proposed that a writ of certiorari which would oblige the judge to
+remove the case to the Supreme Court and a habeas corpus from the Chief
+Justice of the State, should both be in readiness when the decision of
+the judge should be pronounced, in case that if it should be
+unfavorable, the writs might be at once served, and the prisoner
+remanded to the sheriff of the county, to be brought up before the
+Supreme Court at Trenton for another trial.
+
+To procure these writs, it was necessary to obtain the signature of the
+chief justice of New Jersey, who resided at Newark, and again Thomas
+Shipley was ready to enter with alacrity into the service. He saw the
+importance of the measure, and that it would require prompt action,
+inasmuch as the decision of the judge would probably be pronounced on
+the following day. It fortunately happened that a friend was just about
+leaving for Newark, in his own conveyance, and feeling an interest in
+the case, he kindly invited friend Shipley to accompany him. They left
+in the afternoon, traveled all night, and arrived at Newark by daylight
+the following morning. The weary traveler was unwilling, however, to
+retire to bed, although the night was exceedingly cold and tempestuous,
+but he proceeded at once to the house of the chief justice. He called
+the worthy judge from his bed, offering the importance of his business,
+and the necessity of speedy action, as an apology for so unseasonable a
+visit. Chief Justice Hornblower, on being informed of the circumstances
+of the case, expressed his pleasure at having it in his power to accede
+to his wishes and treated him with a respect and kindness which the
+disinterested benevolence of his mission was calculated to inspire.
+
+Having obtained the necessary papers, he left at once for Mount Holly,
+where he arrived on the following day, in time to place the writs in the
+hands of the sheriff, just before the decision of Judge H. was
+pronounced. Had he consulted his ease or convenience, and deferred his
+visit to Newark a few hours, or had he, as most men, under similar
+circumstances would have done, reposed his weary limbs, after a cold and
+dreary ride of eighty miles, in order to enable him to return with
+renewed strength, he would have arrived too late to render this
+meritorious effort effectual. As it was, he was there in time. The
+judge, according to the expectation of the friends of the colored man,
+gave his decision in favor of the slave-holders, and ordered poor
+Alexander to be given up to the tender mercies of the exasperated
+claimant. The decision sent a thrill of indignation through the anxious
+and excited multitude, which perhaps, was never equalled amongst the
+inhabitants of that quiet town. The friends of humanity had assembled
+from all parts of the country to witness the proceedings in the case.
+Many of them were personally acquainted with the prisoner; they knew him
+to be a man of intelligence and integrity; he was an industrious and
+orderly citizen, and was universally respected in the neighborhood. He
+was now about to be made a slave, and was declared to be the property of
+another. The father was about to be torn from his helpless children; the
+husband in defiance of the Divine command, was to be wrested from the
+fond embrace of his sorrowing wife, to spend his days in misery and
+toil. And this was to be done before the eyes of those who had a just
+regard for human rights, a hearty hatred of oppression. Is it wonderful,
+that under such circumstances, there should have been a deep abhorrence
+for the perpetrators of this outrage upon humanity, and a general
+sympathy for the innocent captive?
+
+But it was decreed that those feelings of honest indignation should be
+speedily supplanted by the warm outpouring of public gratitude and joy.
+While the feeling of the spectators was in this state of intense
+interest and excitement, the judge, stern and inflexible in his
+purposes, and the clan of greedy claimants ready to seize upon their
+prey, the sheriff produced his writ of certiorari and handed it to the
+court. It was instantly returned, and the judge who sat unmoved, by a
+scene to which he was not unaccustomed, and conceiving, perhaps, that
+his official dignity was impugned, persisted in his determination that
+the prisoner should be handed over to the claimant. The prudence and
+foresight of Thomas Shipley and his friends had provided, however, for
+this anticipated difficulty. Happily for the prisoner, he was yet
+embraced under the provision of that constitution, which secured to him
+the protection of a habeas corpus, and this threw around him a shield
+which his enemies could not penetrate. A writ of habeas corpus, signed
+by the chief justice of the State and demanding the body of the
+prisoner, before the Supreme Court at its next term, was now produced!
+
+The astonished judge found himself completely foiled. He had exercised
+his authority to its utmost limit, in support of the claims of his
+slave-holding friends, and had given the influence of his station and
+character, to bolster up the "patriarchal institution;" but it was all
+in vain. Just as they supposed they had achieved a victory, they were
+obliged with fallen crests, to succumb to the dictates of a higher
+tribunal, and to see their victim conveyed beyond their reach in the
+safe keeping of the sheriff.
+
+In the Third month, (March,) the case was brought up before the Supreme
+Court for final adjudication. In the meantime, Thomas Shipley adopted
+vigorous measures to have the facts collected and arranged. He procured
+the aid of an intelligent and humane friend of the cause, who resided
+near Trenton, to attend, personally to the case, and secured the legal
+services of Theodore Frelinghuysen, well known as one of the most gifted
+and virtuous statesmen of the age, and as a warm and zealous friend of
+the oppressed. Under these happy auspices, the case came before the
+Supreme Court, and gave rise to a highly interesting and important
+argument; in which the distinguished Frelinghuysen appeared as the
+disinterested advocate of the prisoner, and urged upon the court his
+claim to liberty, under the laws of New Jersey, in a speech which was
+one of his most brilliant and eloquent efforts, and added another to the
+many laurels which his genius and philanthropy have achieved.
+
+The opinion of Chief Justice Hornblower was given at length, and is said
+to have displayed a soundness and extent of legal knowledge, with a
+spirit of mildness and humanity, well worthy of the highest judicial
+tribunal of New Jersey.
+
+By this decision, Alexander Helmsley was declared to be a freeman, and
+returned with rejoicing into the bosom of his family, and to the
+enjoyment of the rights and privileges of a free citizen.
+
+Thus terminated this interesting case, which for several months agitated
+the public mind of Burlington county, to an extent almost unequalled.
+
+Such disinterested devotion to the defence of the rights of the
+oppressed, had it been displayed only in the instance recited, would be
+sufficient to enroll the name of Thomas Shipley on the list of the
+benefactors of his race; but when we consider that, for a period of
+twenty years, his history abounds in similar incidents, and that he
+uniformly stood forth as the unflinching advocate of the oppressed,
+regardless of the sacrifices which he was obliged to make on their
+behalf, we are disposed to view him as one of that noble band whose
+lives have been consecrated to deeds of charity and benevolence, and
+whose names will illumine the moral firmament, so long as virtue and
+truth shall command the homage of mankind.
+
+Thomas Shipley was one of the founders of the American Anti-Slavery
+Society, and was an active agent in those stirring movements which soon
+aroused the nation to a full consideration of the enormities of Slavery.
+He was a prominent member of the Anti-slavery Convention, which
+assembled in this city in 1833, and a signer of their declaration of
+sentiments.
+
+During the last few years of his life, he was more devotedly engaged in
+his abolition labors than at any previous period. It was his constant
+desire to diffuse the principles which had been so fearlessly proclaimed
+by the Convention, and to encourage the formation of Anti-slavery
+societies throughout the sphere of his influence. He was one of the most
+prominent members of the Philadelphia Anti-slavery Society, which was
+formed through much opposition, in 1835, and he steadily adhered to its
+meetings, notwithstanding the threats which were so loudly made by the
+enemies of public order.
+
+In the midst of the popular commotions and tumults, which marked the
+progress of Anti-slavery principles, he stood calm and unmoved. Having
+been long known as a firm friend of the rights of the colored man, and
+being amongst the most efficient public advocates of his cause, he was
+of course subjected to the revilings which were so liberally heaped upon
+the Abolitionists at that time. His name was associated with that of
+Tappan, Birney, Green, Jay, Garrison, and other leading Abolitionists,
+who were singled out by slave-holders and their abettors as fit subjects
+for the merciless attacks of excited mobs.
+
+In several attempts which were made in this city to stir up the passions
+of the ignorant against the advocates of human rights, his person and
+property were openly threatened with assault. Such menaces failed,
+however, to deter him from the steady performance of what he believed to
+be a solemn duty. Being fully satisfied of the truth of the principles
+which he had espoused, he relied with unwavering confidence upon Divine
+power for their ultimate triumph, and for the protection of those who
+advocated them. When his friends expressed their anxiety for his safety,
+he always allayed their apprehensions, and evinced by the firmness and
+benignity of his manner that he was divested of the fear of man, and
+acted under the influence of that spirit which is from above.
+
+The active part which Thomas Shipley took in Anti-slavery movements, did
+not diminish his interest in the prosperity and usefulness of the old
+Pennsylvania Society. He was a steady attendant on its meetings, and
+exercised his wonted care on all subjects connected with its interests.
+
+A short time previous to his death, his services were acknowledged by
+his fellow-members, by his election to the office of president.
+
+The incessant and fatiguing labors in which he was engaged, had sensibly
+affected the vigor of a constitution naturally delicate, and rendered
+him peculiarly liable to the inroads of disease. He was seized in the
+autumn of 1836, with an attack of intermittent fever, which confined him
+to the house for ten or twelve days, and very much reduced his strength;
+while recovering from this attack, he experienced an accession of
+disease which terminated his life in less than twenty-four hours. But a
+few hours before his death, he inquired of his physicians as to the
+probable issue of his case; when informed of his critical condition, he
+received the intelligence with composure, and immediately requested Dr.
+Atlee, who was by his side, to take down some directions in regard to
+his affairs, on paper. In a few minutes after this, he quietly lapsed
+into the sleep of death, in the morning, on the 17th of Ninth month,
+1836.
+
+His last words were, "I die at peace with all mankind, and hope that my
+trespasses may be as freely forgiven, as I forgive those who have
+trespassed against me."
+
+To all who knew him well, of whatever class in the community, the
+tidings of this unexpected event brought a personal sorrow. It was felt
+that a man of rare probity and virtue had gone to his reward. But to the
+colored people the intelligence of his death was at once startling and
+confounding. Their whole community was bowed down in public lamentation,
+for their warmest and most steadfast friend was gone.
+
+They repaired in large numbers to the house of their benefactor to
+obtain a last glance at his lifeless body. Parents brought their little
+ones to the house of mourning, and as they gazed upon the features of
+the departed, now inanimate in death, they taught their infant minds the
+impressive lesson, that before them were the mortal remains of one who
+had devoted his energies to the disenthralment of their race, and whose
+memory they should ever cherish with gratitude and reverence. When the
+day arrived for committing his remains to the grave the evidence of deep
+and pervading sorrow among these wronged and outraged people was
+strikingly apparent.
+
+Thousands, whose serious deportment and dejected countenances evinced
+that they were fully sensible of their loss, collected in the vicinity
+of his dwelling, anxious to testify their respect for his memory. Theirs
+was not the gaze of the indifferent crowd, which clusters around the
+abodes of fashion and splendor, to witness the pomp and circumstance
+attendant on the interment of the haughty or the rich. It was a solemn
+gathering, brought together by the impulse of feeling, to mingle their
+tears and lamentations at the grave of one whom they had loved and
+revered as a protector and a friend.
+
+When the hearse arrived at the quiet burial place in Arch street, where
+the Friends for many generations have buried their dead, six colored men
+carried the body to its last resting-place, and the silent tear of the
+son of Africa over the grave of his zealous friend, was more expressive
+of real affection than all the parade which is sometimes brought so
+ostentatiously before the public eye. In the expressive words of the
+leading newspaper of the day, "Aaron Burr was lately buried with the
+honors of war. Thomas Shipley was buried with the honors of peace. Let
+the reflecting mind pause in the honorable contrast."
+
+As a public speaker Thomas Shipley was clear, cogent, sometimes
+eloquent, and always impressive. He never attempted oratorical effect,
+or studied harangues. He generally spoke extemporaneously, on the spur
+of the occasion, and what he said came warm from the heart. It was the
+simple and unadorned expression of his sentiments and feelings. He was,
+however, argumentative and even logical, when the occasion required it.
+When intensely interested, his eye was full of deep and piercing
+expression.
+
+Although his education had been limited, and his pursuits afforded him
+but little leisure time, yet he indulged his fondness for reading, and
+exhibited a refined literary taste in his selections. He has left
+amongst his books and papers eight manuscript volumes of about one
+hundred and fifty pages each, filled with selections, copied in his own
+handwriting, and culled from the writings of many of the most gifted
+authors, both in poetry and prose.
+
+These extracts are generally of a moral and religious caste, and include
+scraps from Young, Milton, Addison, Burns, Cowper, Watts, Akenside,
+Pope, Byron, Hemans, and many others.
+
+In the domestic and social circle, his conversation was animated and
+instructive, and always tempered by that kindness and amenity of manners
+which endeared him to his family and friends.
+
+He was no bigot in religion. While a firm believer in the doctrines of
+the Gospel as maintained by the orthodox Society of Friends, he yet held
+that religion was an operative principle producing the fruits of
+righteousness and peace, in all of whatever name, who are sincere
+followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. In conclusion we may add, that more
+than most men he bore about with him the sentiment of that old Roman,
+"Nihil humanum alienum a me puto," while he added to it the higher
+thought of the Christian, that he who loveth God loveth his brother
+also. We need not dwell upon the life of such a man. To-day, after the
+lapse of more than a generation, his memory is fresh and green in the
+hearts of those who knew him, and who still survive to hand down to
+their children the story of the trials of that eventful period in our
+history.
+
+_To the Memory of_
+
+
+THOMAS SHIPLEY,
+
+
+President of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society,
+
+
+Who died on the 17th of Ninth mo., 1836, a devoted Christian and
+Philanthropist.
+
+
+BY JOHN G. WHITTIER.
+
+
+  Gone to thy Heavenly Father's rest--
+    The flowers of Eden round thee blowing!
+  And, on thine ear, the murmurs blest
+    Of Shiloah's waters softly flowing!
+  Beneath that tree of life which gives
+  To all the earth its healing leaves--
+  In the white robe of angels clad,
+    And wandering by that sacred river,
+  Whose streams of holiness make glad
+    The city of our God forever!
+
+
+  Gentlest of spirits!--not for thee
+    Our tears are shed, our sighs are given:
+  Why mourn to know thou art a free
+    Partaker of the joys of Heaven?
+  Finished thy work, and kept thy faith
+  In Christian firmness unto death--
+  And beautiful as sky and earth,
+    When Autumn's sun is downward going,
+  The blessed memory of thy worth
+    Around thy place of slumber glowing!
+
+
+  But, wo for us I--who linger still
+    With feebler strength and hearts less lowly,
+  And minds less steadfast to the will
+    Of Him, whose every work is holy!
+  For not like thine, is crucified
+  The spirit of our human pride:
+  And at the bondman's tale of woe,
+    And for the outcast and forsaken,
+  Not warm like thine, but cold and slow,
+    Our weaker sympathies awaken!
+
+
+  Darkly upon our struggling way
+    The storm of human hate is sweeping;
+  Hunted and branded, and a prey,
+    Our watch amidst the darkness keeping!
+  Oh! for that hidden strength which can
+  Nerve unto death the inner man!
+  Oh--for thy spirit tried and true
+    And constant in the hour of trial--
+  Prepared to suffer or to do
+    In meekness and in self-denial.
+
+
+  Oh, for that spirit meek and mild,
+    Derided, spurned, yet uncomplaining--
+  By man deserted and reviled,
+    Yet faithful to its trust remaining.
+  Still prompt and resolute to save
+  From scourge and chain the hunted slave!
+  Unwavering in the truth's defence
+    E'en where the fires of hate are burning,
+  The unquailing eye of innocence
+    Alone upon the oppressor turning!
+
+
+  Oh, loved of thousands! to thy grave,
+    Sorrowing of heart, thy brethren bore thee!
+  The poor man and the rescued slave
+    Wept as the broken earth closed o'er thee--
+  And grateful tears, like summer rain,
+  Quickened its dying grass again!--
+  And there, as to some pilgrim shrine,
+    Shall come the outcast and the lowly,
+  Of gentle deeds and words of thine
+    Recalling memories sweet and holy!
+
+
+  Oh, for the death the righteous die!
+    An end, like Autumn's day declining,
+  On human hearts, as on the sky,
+    With holier, tenderer beauty shining!
+  As to the parting soul were given
+    The radiance of an opening heaven!
+  As if that pure and blessed light
+    From off the eternal altar flowing,
+  Were bathing in its upward flight
+    The spirit to its worship going!
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT PURVIS
+
+
+Was born in Charleston, S.C. on the 4th day of August, 1810. His father,
+William Purvis, was a native of Ross county, in Northumberland, England.
+His mother was a free-born woman, of Charleston. His maternal
+grandmother was a Moor; and her father was an Israelite, named Baron
+Judah. Robert Purvis and his two brothers were brought to the North by
+their parents in 1819. In Pennsylvania and New England he received his
+scholastic education, finishing it at Amherst College. Since that time
+his home has been in Philadelphia, or in the vicinity of that city.
+
+His interest in the Anti-slavery cause began in his childhood, inspired
+by such books as "Sandford and Merton," and Dr. Toney's "Portraiture of
+Slavery," which his father put into his hands. His father, though
+resident in a slave state, was never a slaveholder; but was heartily an
+Abolitionist in principle. It was Robert Purvis' good fortune, before he
+attained his majority, to make the acquaintance of that earnest and
+self-sacrificing pioneer of freedom, Benjamin Lundy; and in conjunction
+with him, was an early laborer in the anti-slavery field. He was a
+member of the Convention held in Philadelphia in 1833, which formed the
+American Anti-slavery Society; and among the signatures to its
+Declaration of Sentiments, the name of Robert Purvis is to be seen; a
+record of which his posterity to the latest generation may be justly
+proud. During the whole period of that Society's existence he was a
+member of it; and was also an active member and officer of The
+Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society. To the cause of the slave's freedom
+he gave with all his heart his money, his time, his talents. Fervent in
+soul, eloquent in speech, most gracious in manner, he was a favorite on
+the platform of Anti-slavery meetings. High-toned in moral nature,
+keenly sensitive in all matters pertaining to justice and integrity, he
+was a most valuable coadjutor with the leaders of an unpopular reform;
+and throughout the Anti-slavery conflict, he always received, as he
+always deserved, the highest confidence and warm personal regard of his
+fellow-laborers.
+
+His faithful labors in aiding fugitive slaves cannot be recorded within
+the limits of this sketch. Throughout that long period of peril to all
+who dared to "remember those in bonds as bound with them," his house was
+a well-known station on the Underground Rail Road; his horses and
+carriages, and his personal attendance, were ever at the service of the
+travelers upon that road. In those perilous duties his family heartily
+sympathized with him, and cheerfully performed their share.
+
+He has lived to witness the triumph of the great cause to which he
+devoted his youth and his manhood; to join in the jubilee song of the
+American slave; and the thanksgiving of the Abolitionists; and to
+testify that the work of his life has been one "whose reward is in
+itself."
+
+
+
+JOHN HUNN.
+
+
+Almost within the lions' den, in daily sight of the enemy, in the little
+slave-holding State of Delaware, lived and labored the freedom-loving,
+earnest and whole-souled Quaker abolitionist, John Hunn. His
+headquarters were at Cantwell's Bridge, but, as an engineer of the
+Underground Rail Road, his duties, like those of his fellow-laborer
+Thomas Garrett, were not confined to that section, but embraced other
+places, and were attended with great peril, constant care and expense.
+He was well-known to the colored people far and near, and was especially
+sought with regard to business pertaining to the Underground Rail Road,
+as a friend who would never fail to assist as far as possible in every
+time of need. Through his agency many found their way to freedom, both
+by land and water.
+
+The slave-holders regarding him with much suspicion, watched him
+closely, and were in the habit of "breathing out threatenings and
+slaughter" very fiercely at times. But Hunn was too plucky to be
+frightened by their threats and menaces, and as one, commissioned by a
+higher power to remember those in bonds as bound with them he remained
+faithful to the slave. Men, women or children seeking to be unloosed
+from the fetters of Slavery, could not make their grievances known to
+John Hunn without calling forth his warmest sympathies. His house and
+heart were always open to all such. The slave-holders evidently
+concluded that Hunn could not longer be tolerated, consequently devised
+a plan to capture him, on the charge of aiding off a woman with her
+children.
+
+[John Hunn and Thomas Garrett were conjointly prosecuted in this case,
+and in the sketch of the latter, the trial, conviction, etc., are so
+fully referred to, that it is unnecessary to do more than allude to it
+here].
+
+These noted Underground Rail Road offenders being duly brought before
+the United States District Court, in May, 1848, Judge Taney, presiding,
+backed by a thoroughly pro-slavery sentiment, obviously found it a very
+easy matter to convict them, and a still easier matter to fine them to
+the extent of every dollar they possessed in the world. Thousands of
+dollars were swept from Hunn in an instant, and his family left utterly
+destitute; but he was by no means conquered, as he deliberately gave the
+court to understand in a manly speech, delivered while standing to
+receive his sentence. There and then he avowed his entire sympathy with
+the slave, and declared that in the future, as in the past, by the help
+of God, he would never withhold a helping hand from the down-trodden in
+the hour of distress. That this pledge was faithfully kept by Hunn,
+there can be no question, as he continued steadfast at his post until
+the last fetter was broken by the great proclamation of Abraham Lincoln.
+
+He was not without friends, however, for even near by, dwelt a few
+well-tried Abolitionists. Ezekiel Jenkins, Mifflin Warner, and one or
+two others, whole-souled workers in the same cause with Hunn; he was
+therefore not forgotten in the hour of his extremity.
+
+Wishing to produce a sketch worthy of this veteran, we addressed him on
+the subject, but failed to obtain all the desired material. His reasons,
+however, for withholding the information which we desired were
+furnished, and, in connection therewith, a few anecdotes touching
+Underground Rail Road matters coming under his immediate notice, which
+we here take great pleasure in transcribing.
+
+
+    BEAUFORT, S.C. 11th mo. 7th, 1871.
+
+    WM. STILL, DEAR FRIEND:--In thy first letter thee asked for my
+    photograph as well as for an opinion of the book about to be
+    edited by thyself. I returned a favorable answer and sent
+    likeness, as requested. I incidentally mentioned that, probably
+    some of my papers might be of service to thee. The papers
+    alluded to had no reference to myself; but consisted of
+    anecdotes and short histories of some of the fugitives from the
+    hell of American Slavery, who gave me a call, as engineer of the
+    Underground Rail Road in the State of Delaware, and received the
+    benefit of my advice and assistance.
+
+    I was twenty-seven years-old when I engaged in the Underground
+    Rail Road business, and I continued therein diligently until the
+    breaking up of that business by the Great Rebellion. I then came
+    to South Carolina to witness the uprising of a nation of slaves
+    into the dignity and privileges of mankind.
+
+    Nothing can possibly have the same interest to me. Therefore, I
+    propose to remain where this great problem is in the process of
+    solution; and to give my best efforts to its successful
+    accomplishment. In this matter the course that I have pursued
+    thus far through life has given me solid satisfaction. I ask no
+    other reward for any efforts made by me in the cause, than to
+    feel that I have been of use to my fellow-men.
+
+    No other course would have brought peace to my mind; then why
+    should any credit be awarded to me; or how can I count any
+    circumstance that may have occurred to me, in the light of a
+    sacrifice? If a man pursues the only course that will bring
+    peace to his own mind, is he deserving of any credit therefor?
+    Is not the reward worth striving for at any cost? Indeed it is,
+    as I well know.
+
+    Would it be well for me, entertaining such sentiments, to sit
+    down and write an account of my sacrifices? I think not.
+    Therefore please hold me excused. I am anxious to see thy book,
+    and will forward the price of one as soon as I can ascertain
+    what it is.
+
+    Please accept my thanks for thy kind remembrance of me. I am now
+    fifty-three years old, but I well remember thy face in the
+    Anti-slavery Office in Fifth street, when I called on business
+    of the Underground Rail Road. Our mutual friend, S.D. Burris,
+    was the cause of much uneasiness to us in those times. It
+    required much trouble, as well as expense to save him from the
+    slave-traders. I stood by him on the auction-block; and when I
+    stepped down, they thought they had him sure. Indeed he thought
+    so himself for a little while. But we outwitted them at last, to
+    their great chagrin. Those were stirring times, and the people
+    of Dover, Delaware, will long remember the time when S.D. Burris
+    was sold at public sale for aiding slaves to escape from their
+    masters, and was bought by the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery
+    Society. I remain very truly thy friend,
+
+    JOHN HUNN.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE CASE OF MOLLY, A SLAVE, BELONGING TO R---- B----, OF SMYRNA,
+DELAWARE.
+
+
+BY JOHN HUNN, ENGINEER OF THE UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD.
+
+
+Molly escaped from her master's farm, in Cecil county, Maryland, and
+found a place of refuge in the house of my cousin, John Alston, near
+Middletown, Delaware. The man-hunters, headed by a constable with a
+search warrant, took her thence and lodged her in New Castle Jail. This
+fact was duly published in the county papers, and her master went after
+his chattel, and having paid the expenses of her capture took immediate
+possession thereof.
+
+She was hand-cuffed, and, her feet being tied together, she was placed
+in the wagon. Before she left the jail, the wife of the sheriff gave her
+a piece of bread and butter, which her master kicked out of her hand,
+and swore that bread and butter was too good for her. After this act her
+master took a drink of brandy and drove off.
+
+He stopped at a tavern about four miles from New Castle and took another
+drink of brandy. He then proceeded to Odessa, then called Cantwell's
+Bridge, and got his dinner and more brandy, for the day was a cold one.
+He had his horse fed, but gave no food to his human chattel, who
+remained in the wagon cold and hungry. After sufficient rest for himself
+and horse he started again. He was now twelve miles from home, on a good
+road, his horse was gentle, and he himself in a genial mood at the
+recovery of his bond-woman. He yielded to the influence of the liquor he
+had imbibed and fell into a sound sleep. Molly now determined to make
+another effort for her freedom. She accordingly worked herself gradually
+over the tail board of the wagon, and fell heavily upon the frozen
+ground. The horse and wagon passed on, and she rolled into the bushes,
+and waited for deliverance from her bonds. This came from a colored man
+who was passing that way. As he was neither a priest nor a Levite, he
+took the rope from her feet and guided her to a cabin near at hand,
+where she was kindly received. Her deliverer could not take the
+hand-cuffs off, but promised to bring a person, during the evening, who
+could perform that operation. He fulfilled his promise, and brought her
+that night to my house, which was in sight of the one whence she had
+been taken to New Castle Jail.
+
+I had no fear for her safety, as I believed that her master would not
+think of looking for her so near to the place where she had been
+arrested. Molly remained with us nearly a month; but, seeing fugitives
+coming and going continually, she finally concluded to go further North.
+I wrote to my friend, Thomas Garrett, desiring him to get a good home
+for Molly. This he succeeded in doing, and a friend from Chester county,
+Pennsylvania, came to my house and took Molly with him. She remained in
+his family more than six months.
+
+In the mean time the Fugitive Slave Law was passed by Congress, and
+several fugitives were arrested in Philadelphia and sent back to their
+masters. Molly, hearing of these doings, became uneasy, and finally
+determined to go to Canada. She arrived safely in the Queen's Dominions,
+and felt at last that she had escaped from the hell of American Slavery.
+
+Molly described her master as an indulgent one when sober, but when he
+was on a "spree" he seemed to take great delight in tormenting her. He
+would have her beaten unmercifully without cause, and then have her
+stripes washed in salt water, then he would have her dragged through the
+horse pond until she was nearly dead. This last operation seemed to
+afford him much pleasure. When he became sober he would express regret
+at having treated her so cruelly. I frequently saw this master of
+Molly's, and was always treated respectfully by him. He would have his
+"sprees" after Molly left him.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+AN ACCOUNT OF THE ESCAPE FROM SLAVERY OF SAMUEL HAWKINS AND FAMILY, OF
+QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND, ON THE UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD, IN THE
+STATE OF DELAWARE.
+
+
+BY JOHN HUNN.
+
+
+On the morning of the 27th of 12th month (December), 1845, as I was
+washing my hands at the yard pump of my residence, near Middletown, New
+Castle county, Delaware, I looked down the lane, and saw a covered wagon
+slowly approaching my house. The sun had just risen, and was shining
+brightly (after a stormy night) on the snow which covered the ground to
+the depth of six inches. My house was situated three quarters of a mile
+from the road leading from Middletown to Odessa, (then called Cantwell's
+Bridge.) On a closer inspection I noticed several men walking beside the
+wagon. This seemed rather an early hour for visitors, and I could not
+account for the circumstance. When they reached the yard fence I met
+them, and a colored man handed me a letter addressed to Daniel Corbit,
+John Alston or John Hunn; I asked the man if he had presented the letter
+to either of the others to whom it was addressed; he said, no, that he
+had not been able to see either of them. The letter was from my cousin,
+Ezekiel Jenkins, of Camden, Delaware, and stated that the travelers were
+fugitive slaves, under the direction of Samuel D. Burris (who handed me
+the note). The party consisted of a man and his wife, with their six
+children, and four fine-looking colored men, without counting the pilot,
+S.D. Burris, who was a free man, from Kent county, Delaware.
+
+This was the first time that I ever saw Burris, and also the first time
+that I had ever been called upon to assist fugitives from the hell of
+American Slavery. The wanderers were gladly welcomed, and made as
+comfortable as possible until breakfast was ready for them. One man, in
+trying to pull his boots off, found they were frozen to his feet; he
+went to the pump and filled them with water, thus he was able to get
+them off in a few minutes.
+
+This increase of thirteen in the family was a little embarrassing, but
+after breakfast they all retired to the barn to sleep on the hay, except
+the woman and four children, who remained in the house. They were all
+very weary, as they had traveled from Camden (twenty-seven miles),
+through a snowstorm; the woman and four children in the wagon with the
+driver, the others walking all the way. Most of them were badly
+frost-bitten, before they arrived at my house. In Camden, they were
+sheltered in the houses of their colored friends. Although this was my
+first acquaintance with S.D. Burris, it was not my last, as he
+afterwards piloted them himself, or was instrumental in directing
+hundreds of fugitives to me for shelter.
+
+About two o'clock of the day on which these fugitives arrived at my
+house, a neighbor drove up with his daughter in a sleigh, apparently on
+a friendly visit. I noticed his restlessness and frequent looking out of
+the window fronting the road; but did not suppose, that he had come "to
+spy out the land."
+
+The wagon and the persons walking with it, had been observed from his
+house, and he had reported the fact in Middletown. Accordingly, in half
+an hour, another sleigh came up, containing a constable of Middletown,
+William Hardcastle, of Queen Ann's county, Maryland, and William
+Chesnut, of the same neighborhood. I met them at the gate, and the
+constable handed me an advertisement, wherein one thousand dollars
+reward was offered for the recovery of three runaway slaves, therein
+described.
+
+The constable asked me if they were in my house? I said they were not!
+He then asked me if he might search the house? I declined to allow him
+this privilege, unless he had a warrant for that purpose. While we stood
+thus conversing, the husband of the woman with the six children, came
+out of a house near the barn, and ran into the woods. The constable and
+his two companions immediately gave chase, with many halloos! After
+running more than a mile through the snow, the fugitive came toward the
+house; I went to meet him, and found him with his back against the
+barn-yard fence, with a butcher's knife in his hand. The man hunters
+soon came up, and the constable asked me to get the knife from the
+fugitive. This I declined, unless the constable should first give me his
+pistol, with which he was threatening to shoot the man. He complied with
+my request, and the fugitive handed me the knife. Then he produced a
+pass, properly authenticated, and signed by a magistrate of Queen Ann's
+county, Maryland, certifying that this man was free! and that his name
+was Samuel Hawkins.
+
+William Hardcastle now advanced, and said that he knew the man to be
+free; but that he was accused of running away with his wife and children
+who were slaves. He also said, that this man had two boys with him, who
+belonged to a neighbor of his, named Charles Wesley Glanding, and that
+the four other children and mother belonged to Catharine Turner, of
+Queen Ann's county, Maryland. Hardcastle further expressed his belief,
+that this man knew where his wife and children were at that time, and
+insisted that he should go before a magistrate in Middletown, and be
+examined in regard thereto. He also expressed doubts as to the
+genuineness of this pass, and wished the man to go to Middletown on that
+account also. As there was no other course to pursue under the
+circumstances, I had my sleigh brought out, and we all went to
+Middletown, before my friend, William Streets, who was then in
+commission as a magistrate. It was now after dark of this short winter's
+day. Soon after our arrival at the office of William Streets, Hardcastle
+put his arm very lovingly around the neck of the colored man, Samuel
+Hawkins, and drew him into another room. In a short time, Samuel came
+out, and told me that Hardcastle had agreed, that if he, Hawkins, would
+give up his two older boys, who belonged to Charles Wesley Glanding;
+then he might pursue his journey with his wife and four children. I
+asked him if he believed Hardcastle would keep his promise? He replied:
+"Yes! I do not think master William would cheat me." I assured him that
+he would cheat him, and that the offer was made for the purpose of not
+only getting the two older boys (fourteen and sixteen years of age), but
+his wife and other children to the office, when all of them would be
+taken together to the jail, in New Castle. Samuel thought differently,
+and at his request, I wrote to my wife for the delivery of the family of
+Samuel Hawkins to the constable. They were soon forthcoming, and on
+their arrival at the office, a commitment was made out for the whole
+party. Samuel and his two older sons were hand-cuffed, amidst many tears
+and lamentations, and they all went off under charge of the man-hunters,
+to New Castle jail, a distance of eighteen miles.
+
+William Streets committed the whole party as fugitives from Slavery,
+while the husband (Samuel), was a free man. This was done on account of
+the detestation of the wicked business, as much as on account of his
+friendship for me.
+
+On their arrival at the jail, about midnight, the sheriff was aroused,
+and the commitment shown to him; after reading it, he asked Samuel if he
+was a slave? He said no, and showed his pass (which had been pronounced
+genuine by the magistrate). The sheriff hereupon told them, that the
+commitment was not legal, and would not hold them lawfully. It was now
+first day (Sunday), and the man-hunters were in a quandary.
+
+The constable finally agreed to go back and get another commitment, if
+the sheriff would take the party into the jail until his return;
+Hardcastle also urged the sheriff to adopt this plan. Accordingly they
+were taken into the jail.
+
+The sheriff's daughter had heard her father's conversation with the
+constable, accordingly she sent word on First-day morning, to my revered
+friend, Thomas Garrett, of Wilmington, five miles distant, in regard to
+the matter, inviting him to see the fugitives. Early on Second day
+morning (Monday), Thomas went over with John Wales, attorney at law. The
+latter soon obtained a writ of habeas corpus from Judge Booth of New
+Castle, which was served upon the sheriff; who, therefore, brought the
+whole party before Judge Booth, who discharged them at once, as being
+illegally detained by the sheriff. Thomas Garrett, with the consent of
+the judge, then hired a carriage to take the woman and four children
+over to Wilmington, Samuel and the two older boys walked, so they all
+escaped from the man-hunters. They went from Wilmington to Byberry, and
+settled near the farm of Robert Purvis. Samuel Hawkins and wife have
+since died, but their descendants still live in that neighborhood, under
+the name of Hackett.
+
+Soon after the departure of the fugitives from New Castle jail, the
+constable arrived with new commitments from William Streets, and
+presented them in due form to the sheriff; who informed him that they
+had been liberated by order of Judge Booth! A few hours after, William
+Hardcastle arrived from Philadelphia, expecting to take Samuel Hawkins
+and his family to Queen Ann's county, Maryland. Judge of his
+disappointment at finding they were beyond his control--absolutely gone!
+They returned to Middletown in great anger, and threatened to prosecute
+William Streets for his participation in the affair.
+
+After the departure of the Hawkins family from Middletown, I returned
+home to see what had become of S.D. Burris and his four men. I found
+them taking some solid refreshment, preparatory to taking a long walk in
+the snow. They left about nine P.M., for Wilmington. I sent by S.D.
+Burris a letter to Thomas Garrett, detailing the arrest and commitment
+of S. Hawkins and family to New Castle jail. They all arrived safely in
+Wilmington before daylight next morning. Burris waited to hear the
+result of the expedition to New Castle; and actually had the pleasure of
+seeing S. Hawkins and family arrive in Wilmington.
+
+Samuel Burris returned to my house early on Third day morning, with a
+letter from Thomas Garrett, giving me a description of the whole
+transaction. My joy on this occasion was great! and I returned thanks to
+God for this wonderful escape of so many human beings from the
+charnel-house of Slavery.
+
+
+OFFICERS OF THE ROAD.
+
+
+[Illustration: JOHN HUNN]
+
+[Illustration: SAMUEL RHOADS]
+
+[Illustration: WILLIAM WHIPPER]
+
+[Illustration: SAMUEL D. BURRIS]
+
+Of course this circumstance excited the ire of many pro-slavery editors
+in Maryland. I had copies of several papers sent me, wherein I was
+described as a man unfit to live in a civilized community, and calling
+upon the inhabitants of Middletown to expel such a dangerous person from
+that neighborhood! They also told exactly where I lived, which enabled
+many a poor fugitive escaping from the house of bondage, to find a
+hearty welcome and a resting-place on the road to liberty. Thanks be to
+God! for His goodness to me in this respect.
+
+The trial which ensued from the above, came off before Chief Justice
+Taney, at New Castle. My revered friend, Thomas Garrett, and myself,
+were there convicted of harboring fugitive slaves, and were fined
+accordingly, to the extent of the law; Judge Taney delivering the
+sentence. A detailed account of said trial, will fully appear in the
+memoirs of our deceased friend, Thomas Garrett.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+SAMUEL RHOADS
+
+
+Was born in Philadelphia, in 1806, and was through life a consistent
+member of the Society of Friends. His parents were persons of great
+respectability and integrity. The son early showed an ardent desire for
+improvement, and was distinguished among his young companions for warm
+affections, amiable disposition, and genial manners, rare purity and
+refinement of feeling, and a taste for literary pursuits. Preferring as
+his associates those to whom he looked for instruction and example, and
+aiming at a high standard, he won a position, both mentally and
+socially, superior to his early surroundings. With a keen sense of
+justice and humanity, he could not fail to share in the traditional
+opposition of his religious society to slavery, and to be quickened to
+more intense feeling as the evils of the system were more fully revealed
+in the Anti-slavery agitation which in his early manhood began to stir
+the nation.
+
+A visit to England, in 1834, brought him into connection and friendship
+with many leading Friends in that country, who were actively engaged in
+the Anti-slavery movement, and probably had much to do with directing
+his attention specially to the subject. Once enlisted, he never wavered,
+but as long as slavery existed by law in our country his influence, both
+publicly and privately, was exerted against it. He was strengthened in
+his course by a warm friendship and frequent intercourse with the late
+Abraham L. Pennock, a man whose unbending integrity and firm allegiance
+to duty were equalled only by his active benevolence, broad charity, and
+rare clearness of judgment. Samuel Rhoads, like him, while sympathizing
+with other phases of the Anti-slavery movement, took especial interest
+in the subject of abstaining from the use of articles produced by slave
+labor. Believing that the purchase of such articles, by furnishing to
+the master the only possibility of pecuniary profit from the labor of
+his slaves, supplied one motive for holding them in bondage, and that
+the purchaser thus became, however unwittingly, a partaker in the guilt,
+he felt conscientiously bound to withhold his individual support as far
+as practicable, and to recommend the same course to others.
+
+His practical action upon these views began about the year 1841, and was
+persevered in, at no small expense and inconvenience, till slavery
+ceased in this country to have a legal existence. About this time he
+united with the American Free Produce Association, which had been formed
+in 1838, and in 1845 took an active part in the formation of the Free
+Produce Association of Friends of Philadelphia, Y.M.; both associations
+having the object of promoting the production by free labor of articles
+usually grown by slaves, particularly of cotton. Agents were sent into
+the cotton States, to make arrangements with small planters, who were
+growing cotton by the labor of themselves and their families without the
+help of slaves, to obtain their crops, which otherwise went into the
+general market, and could not be distinguished. A manufactory was
+established for working this cotton, and a limited variety of goods were
+thus furnished. In all these operations Samuel Rhoads aided efficiently
+by counsel and money.
+
+In 1846, "The Non-slave-holder," a monthly periodical, devoted mainly to
+the advocacy of the Free Produce cause, was established in Philadelphia,
+edited by A.L. Pennock, S. Rhoads, and George W. Taylor. It was
+continued five years, for the last two of which Samuel Rhoads conducted
+it alone. He wrote also a pamphlet on the free labor question. From
+July, 1856 to January, 1867 he was Editor of the "Friends' Review," a
+weekly paper, religious and literary, conducted in the interest of his
+own religious society, and in this position he gave frequent proofs of
+interest in the slave, keeping his readers well advised of events and
+movements bearing upon the subject.
+
+While thus awake to all forms of anti-slavery effort, his heart and hand
+were ever open to the fugitive from bondage, who appealed to him, and
+none such were ever sent away empty. Though not a member of the
+Vigilance Committee, he rendered it frequent and most efficient aid,
+especially during the dark ten years after the passage of the Fugitive
+Slave Law.
+
+A second visit to England, in 1847, had enlarged his connection and
+correspondence with anti-slavery friends there, and in addition to his
+own contributions, very considerable sums of money were transmitted to
+him, especially through A.H. Richardson, for the benefit of the
+fugitives. Often when the treasury of the Committee ran low, he came
+opportunely to their relief with funds sent by his English friends,
+while his sympathy and encouragement never failed. The extent of his
+assistance in this direction was known to but few, but by them its value
+was gratefully acknowledged. None rejoiced more than he in the overthrow
+of American slavery, though its end came in convulsion and bloodshed, at
+which his spirit revolted, not by the peaceful means through which he
+with others had labored to bring it about. He had some years before been
+active in preparing a memorial to Congress, asking that body to make an
+effort to put an end to slavery in the States, by offering from the
+national treasury, to any State or States which would emancipate the
+slaves therein, and engage not to renew the system, compensation for
+losses thus sustained. This proposition was made, not as admitting any
+_right_ of the masters to compensation; but on the ground that the whole
+nation, having shared in the guilt of maintaining slavery, might justly
+share also in whatever pecuniary loss might follow its abandonment.
+
+This memorial was sent to Congress, but elicited no response; and in the
+fulness of time, the nation paid even in money many times any possible
+price that could have been demanded under this plan. Samuel Rhoads died
+in 1868.
+
+
+
+GEORGE CORSON
+
+
+Was born in Plymouth township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, January
+24th, 1803. He was the son of Joseph and Hannah Corson. He was married
+January 24th, 1832, to Martha, daughter of Samuel and Susanna Maulsby.
+
+There were perhaps few more devoted men than George Corson to the
+interests of the oppressed everywhere. The slave, fleeting from his
+master, ever found a home with him, and felt while there that no
+slave-hunter would get him away until every means of protection should
+fail. He was ever ready to send his horse and carriage to convey them on
+the road to Canada, or elsewhere towards freedom. His home was always
+open to entertain the anti-slavery advocates, and being warmly supported
+in the cause by his excellent wife, everything which they could do to
+make their guests comfortable was done. The Burleighs, J. Miller McKim,
+Miss Mary Grew, F. Douglass, and others will not soon forget that
+hospitable home. It is to be regretted that he died before the
+emancipation of the slaves, which he had so long labored for, arrived.
+In this connection it may not be improper to state that simultaneously
+with his labors in the Anti-slavery cause, he was also laboring with
+zeal in the cause of Temperance. Of his efforts in that direction
+through nearly thirty years, our space will not allow us to speak. His
+life and labors were a daily protest against the traffic of rum. There
+is also another phase of his character which should be mentioned.
+Whenever he saw animals abused, horses beaten, he instantly interfered,
+often at great risk of personal harm from the brutal drivers about the
+lime quarries and iron ore diggings. So firm, so determined was he, that
+the cruellest ruffian felt that he must yield or confront the law. Take
+him all for all, there will rarely be found in one man more universal
+benevolence and justice than was possessed by the subject of this
+notice.
+
+Hiram Corson, brother of the subject of this sketch, and a faithful
+co-laborer in the cause, in response to a request that he would furnish
+a reminiscence touching his brother's agency in assisting fugitives,
+wrote as follows:
+
+
+    _November 1st_, 1871.
+
+    DEAR ROBERT:--Wm. Still wishes some account of the case of the
+    negro slave taken from our neighborhood some years ago, after an
+    attempt by my brother George to release him. (About thirty years
+    ago.) George had been on a visit to our brother Charles, living
+    at the fork of the Skippack and Perkiomen Creeks, in this
+    county, and on his return, late in the afternoon, while coming
+    along an obscure road, not the main direct road, he came up to a
+    man on horseback, who was followed at a distance of a few feet
+    by a colored man with a rope tied around his neck, and the other
+    end held by the person on horseback.
+
+    George had had experience with those slave-drivers before, as in
+    the case of John and James Lewis, and withal had become deeply
+    interested in the Anti-slavery cause. He, therefore, inquired of
+    the mounted man, what the other had done that he was to be thus
+    treated. He quietly remarked that he was his slave and had run
+    away. He then asked by what authority he held him. He said by
+    warrant from Esquire Vanderslice. Indignant at this great
+    outrage, my brother hurried on to Norristown, and waited his
+    arrival with a process to arrest him. The slave-master,
+    confident in his rights, bold in the country of those pretended
+    freemen, who were ever ready to kiss the rod of Slavery, came
+    slowly riding into Norristown, just before sunset, with the rope
+    still fast to the slave's neck. He was immediately taken before
+    a Justice of the Peace, whose name I do not now remember. The
+    people gathered around; anxious inquiries were made as to the
+    person who had the audacity to question the right of this quiet,
+    peaceable man to do with his slave as he pleased. Great scorn
+    was expressed for the busy Abolitionists. Much sympathy given to
+    the abused slave owner. It was soon decided, by the aid of a
+    volunteer lawyer, whose sons have since fought the battle for
+    freedom, that the slave-owner had a right to take his slave
+    whereever, and in whatever way he pleased, through the country,
+    and not only that, but at his call for help it was the bounden
+    duty of every man, called upon, to aid him; and the person who
+    had the audacity to stop him was threatened with punishment.
+
+    But George's blood was up, so pained was he at the sight of a
+    man, a poor man, a helpless man, being dragged through from
+    Pennsylvania with a halter around his neck, that, amidst the
+    jeers and insults of the debased crowd, he denounced Slavery,
+    its aiders and abettors, in tones of scorn and loathing. But the
+    man thief was left with his prey. Through the advice of those
+    who stood by the slave laws and who knelt before the slave
+    power, as personified by that hunter of slaves, the rope was
+    taken from the neck, and the man guarded while the master
+    regaled himself. That night he disappeared with his man.
+
+    I can also give a few particulars of the escape of the Gorsuch
+    murderers, from Norristown on their way to Canada. There should
+    be a portrait of Daniel Ross, and a history of his labors during
+    twenty or more years. Hundreds were entertained in his humble
+    home, and it was in his home that the Gorsuch murderer was
+    secreted. He must not be left out. I can also get the whole
+    history, escape, capture, trial, conviction and redemption of
+    James and John Lewis, and one other. They were captured here
+    within sight of our house. George Corson, Esq., published it
+    all, about ten years ago. Respectfully,
+
+    ROBERT R. CORSON.
+
+    HIRAM CORSON.
+
+
+
+
+CHARLES D. CLEVELAND.
+
+
+Mr. Still has asked me to record the part that my father bore in the
+Anti-slavery enterprise, as it began and grew in this city. I comply,
+because the history of that struggle would be very incomplete, if from
+it were omitted the peculiar work which my father's position here shaped
+for him. Yet I can only indicate his work, not portray it; tell some of
+its elements, and then leave them to the moral sympathies of the reader
+to upbuild. For, first, his labor for the love of man was evenly
+distributed through the mould and movements of his entire life; and from
+a perpetual current of nourishing blood, one cannot name those
+particular atoms that are busiest or richest to sustain vitality. And,
+further, if I could hear his voice, it would forbid any detailed account
+of what he accomplished and endured. It was all done unobtrusively in
+his life; bravely, defiantly, in regard of the evil to be met and
+mastered, but as unconsciously in regard of himself as every conviction
+works, when it is as broad as the entire spiritual life of a man and has
+his entire spiritual force to give it expression. I know, therefore,
+that while I should be permitted to mention so much of his service as
+the history of the conflict might demand, I should be forbidden all tale
+of sacrifice and labor that mere personal narrative would include; and I
+ask now only this: What peculiar influence did he exert for the
+furtherance of the cause which so largely absorbed his labor and life?
+Did he contribute anything to it stamped with the signature of so clear
+an individuality that no other man could have contributed quite the
+same? To this I maintain an affirmative answer; and in witness of its
+truth, I sketch the general course of his life, that through it we may
+find those elements of his character which intuitively ranged him on the
+side of the slave.
+
+When my father came to Philadelphia in 1834, his sentiments in regard to
+Slavery were those held generally in the North--an easy-going wish to
+avoid direct issue with the South on a question supposed to be
+peculiarly theirs. But the winds of Heaven owned to no decorous limit in
+Mason and Dixon's line; and there were larger winds blowing than
+these--winds rising in the vast laboratories of the general human heart,
+and destined to sweep into all the vast spaces of human want and woe.
+The South was finding, through her blacks' perpetual defiance of torture
+and death for freedom, that there was perhaps something, even in a
+negro, which most vexatiously refused to be counted in with the figures
+of the auctioneer's bill of sale; and now the North's lesson was coming
+to her--that the soul of a century's civilization was still less
+purchasable than the soul of a slave. A growing feeling of humanity was
+stirring through the northern States. It was not the work, I think, of
+any man or body of men; it was rather itself a creative force, and made
+men and bodies of men the results of its awakening influence. To such a
+power, my father's nature was quickly responsive. Both his head and his
+heart recognized the terrible wrongs of the enslaved, and the urgency
+with which they pressed for remedy; but where was the means? From the
+first, he felt that the movement which brought Freedom and Slavery
+fairly into the field and squarely against each other, threw unnecessary
+obstacles in its own way by the violence with which it was begun and
+prosecuted. If he were to work at all in the cause, he determined to
+work within the limits of recognized law. The Colonization Society held
+out a good hope; at least, he could see no other as close to the true
+but closer to the feasible; and, after connecting himself with it, he
+seems to have been content for a while on the score of political
+matters, and to have devoted himself to what he had adopted as his chief
+purpose in life. This was, enlarging the sphere of female education, and
+giving it a more vigorous tone. To this he tasked all his abilities. His
+convictions on the subject were very earnest; his strength of character
+sufficient to bear them out; so that, in a short time, he was able to
+establish his school so firmly in the respect of this community, that,
+for twenty-five years, all the odium that his activity in the
+Anti-slavery cause drew upon him did not for a moment abate the public
+confidence accorded to his professional power.
+
+It was in 1836, in one of his vacations, that his mind was violently
+turned inwards to re-examine his status upon the Anti-slavery question.
+He happened to be visiting his old college-friend, Salmon P. Chase, at
+Cincinnati, and, fortunately for the spiritual life of both men, it was
+at the time of the terrible riots that broke up the press of John G.
+Birney. Both being known as already favoring the cause of the slave,
+they stood in much peril for several days; but when the dark time was
+passed, the clearness that defined their sentiments was seen to be worth
+all the personal danger that had bought it. Self-delusion on the subject
+was no longer possible. The deductions from the facts were as plain as
+the facts themselves. The two friends took counsel together, and adopted
+the policy from which thenceforward neither ever swerved. A great cloud
+was rolled from their eyes. In all this turmoil of riot, they saw on the
+one side, indeed, a love of man great in its devotion; but on the other,
+a moral deadness in the North so profound and determined that it
+threatened thus brutally any voice that would disturb it. Their duty,
+then, was evident: to fling all the forces of their lives, and by all
+social and political means, right against this inertness, and shatter it
+if they could. To Mr. Chase, the course of things gave the larger
+political work; to my father, the larger social. His diary records how
+amazed he was, when he returned to Philadelphia, at his former
+blindness, and how thankful to the spirit of love that had touched and
+cleansed his eyes that he might see God's image erect. He knew now that
+his lot had been cast in the very stronghold of apathy, the home of a
+lukewarm spirit, which, not containing anything positive to keep it
+close to the right, let its sullen negativeness gravitate towards the
+wrong. It will be difficult to make coming generations understand, not
+the flaming antagonism to humanity, but the more brutal avoidance of it
+that ruled the political tone in this latitude, from 1836 to 1861. I
+have thought of the word _bitterness_, as expressing it; but though that
+might convey somewhat of its recoil when disturbed, it pictures nothing
+of its inhuman solicitude against all disturbance. Conservatism, it was
+called; and certainly it did conserve the devil admirably. At the South,
+one race of men were so basely wielding a greater physical power over
+another race of men, as to crush from them the attributes of
+self-responsible creatures; Philadelphia, the city of the North nearest
+the wrong, made no plea for humanity's claims. It went on, this
+monstrous abrogation of everything that lends sanctity to man's
+relations on earth, till slaves were beasts, with instincts annihilated,
+and masters demons, with instincts reversed; Philadelphia made no plea
+for the violated rhythm of life on either side. Even the Church betrayed
+its mission, and practically aided in stamping out from millions the
+spirit that related them to the Divine; still Philadelphia made no plea
+for God's love in his humanity. Utterly insensible to the most piercing
+appeals that man can make to man, she loved her hardness, clung to it;
+and if, now and then, a voice from the North blew down, warningly as a
+trumpet, the great city turned sluggishly in her bed of spiritual and
+political torpor, and cried: Let be, let be! a little more slumber! a
+little more folding of the hands to my moral death-sleep!
+
+This souring of faith, this half-paralysis of the heart's beating, this
+blurring of the intuitions that make manhood possible, were what my
+father found here in that year of our Lord's grace, 1836. It will be
+worth while to watch him move into the fight and bear his part in its
+thickest, just to learn how largely history lays her humanitarian
+advances on a few willing souls.
+
+The means which lay readiest to his use for rousing the dormant spirit
+of the city was his social position. And yet how hard, one would think,
+it must have been to make this sacrifice. He came accredited by all the
+claims of finished culture, a man consecrated to the scholar's life.[A]
+Then, with the sensitiveness that springs from intellectual breeding,
+one will look to see him shrink from conflict with the callous condition
+of feeling around him. The glamour of book-lore will spread over it, and
+hide it from his sight. He has a noble enough mission, at all events: to
+raise the standard of educational culture in a city that hardly knows
+the meaning of the term; and if any glimpse should come to him of the
+lethargic inhumanity around him, he can afford to let it pass as a
+glimpse--his look being fixed on the sacred heights which the scholar's
+feet must tread.
+
+[Footnote A: All that I here write of my father, I write equally of his
+co-laborer in the same sphere of work--Rev. W.H. Furness; and if it is
+true of others whom I did not know, then to their memory also I bear
+this record of the two whose labors and characters it has been the
+deepest privilege of my life to know so well.]
+
+Ah, how his course, so different, proves to us that the true scholar is
+always a scholar of truth. No matter what element of the public
+sentiment he met--the listlessness of pampered wealth; the brutal
+prejudice of some voting savage; the refined sneer of lettered
+dilettanteism; the purposed aversion of trade or pulpit fearing
+disturbed markets or pews;--he beat lustily and incessantly at all the
+parts of the iron image of wrong sitting stolidly here with close-shut
+eyes. No matter when it was, on holiday or working-day or Sabbath; at
+home and abroad; in the parlor, the street, the counting-room; in his
+school and in the Church;--he bore down on this apathy and its brood of
+scorns like a west wind that sweeps through a city dying under weight of
+miasma. And the wind might as well cease blowing yet not cease to be
+wind, as my father's influence stop and himself live. It scattered the
+good seed everywhere. How often have I heard him say, "I know nothing of
+what the harvest will be; I am responsible only for the sowing." And
+bravely went the sowing on, with the broadcast largesse of love. There
+was no breeze of talk that did not carry the seeds;--to the wayside, for
+from those that even chance upon the truth the fowls of the air cannot
+take it all; to thin soil and among thorns, for no heart so feeble or
+choked that will not find in a single day's growth of truth germination
+for eternity; to stony places, for no cranny in the rocks that can hold
+a seed but can be a home for riving roots;--"And other fell on good
+ground and did bring forth fruit."
+
+Thus it was primarily to rouse those of his own class that he labored,
+to gall them into seeing (though they should turn again and rend him)
+that moral supineness is moral decay, that the soul shrivels into
+nothingness when wrong is acquiesced in, as surely as it is torn and
+scattered by the furies let loose within it, when wrong is done. But
+just there lay the difficulty and pain of his mission: that, from his
+acknowledged standing in the literary world, and as a leader in the
+interests of higher education, his path brought him into contact mainly
+with the cultured, and it was among these that the pro-slavery spirit
+ruled with its bitterest stringency. Not cultured: let us unsay the
+word; rather, with the gloss and hard polish which reading and wealth
+and the finer appointments of living can throw over spiritual arrest or
+decay. Culture is a holy word, and dare be used of intellectual advance
+only when the moral sympathies have kept equal step. It includes
+something beyond an amateur sentiment; in favor of what we favor. If it
+does not open the ear to every cry of humanity, struggling up or
+slipping back, it is no culture properly so called, but a sham, a mask
+of wax, a varnish with cruel glitter; and what a double wrath will be
+poured on him who cracks the wax and the varnish, not only because of
+the rude awakening, but because the crack shows the sham.
+
+It is impossible for us now to realize what revenge this class dealt to
+my father for twenty-five years. Consider their power of revenge. They
+could not force a loss of property or of life, it is true; they made no
+open assault in the street; their 'delicacy' held itself above common
+vituperation. But they wielded a greater power than all these over a man
+whose every accomplishment made him their equal, and they used it
+without stint. They doomed him to the slow martyrdom of social scorn.
+They shut their doors against him. They elbowed him from every position
+to which he had a wish or a right, except public respect, and they could
+not elbow him from that unless they pushed his character from its poise.
+They cut him off from every friendly regard which would else have been
+devotedly his, on that level of educated life, and limited him to
+'solitary confinement' within himself. They compelled him to walk as if
+under a ban or an anathema. Had he been a leper in Syrian deserts, or a
+disciple of Jesus among Pharisees, he could not have been more utterly
+banished from the region of homes and self-constituted piety. They
+showered ineffable contempt upon him in every way consistent with their
+littleness and--refinement. Slight, sneer, insult, all the myriad
+indignities that only 'good society' can devise, these were what my
+father received in return for his love and his work in love.
+
+How little personal relation all this obloquy bore to him, let this
+stand as evidence: that he not only continued his work, but daily gave
+it more caustic energy and wider scope. As I have hinted, he did not, in
+political matters, give in his adherence to that class of abolitionists
+who, as he thought, threw away their best chances of success in refusing
+to work within constitutional provisions. He was prouder that this
+single community should call him "abolitionist," though it spat the word
+at him, than if the whole earth should hail him with the kingliest
+title; but he loved the name too well not to make it stand for some
+practical fact, some feasible and organized effort. He believed that our
+National Constitution did, indeed, hold many compromises with Slavery,
+but was framed, in the majority of its provisions and certainly in the
+totality of its spirit, in the interests of freedom; and that it only
+needed enforcement by the choice of the ballot-box to bring the South
+either to an amicable or a hostile settlement of the question. Which, he
+did not ask or care. The duty of the present could not be mis-read; it
+was written in _the vote_.
+
+With these views, he gave much time and work to organizing in this
+State, "The National Liberty Party," in 1840, and to securing from
+Pennsylvania some of the seven thousand votes that were cast for John G.
+Birney in that year throughout the Union. By the time another election
+came, the party had swelled its numbers to seventy thousand. To
+contribute his share towards this success, tract after tract, address
+after address, were written and sent broadcast; meetings were convened,
+committees formed, resolutions framed, speeches made, petitions and
+remonstrances sent, public action fearlessly sifted and criticised; in
+short, because he held a steady faith in men's humane promptings when
+ultimately reached, he 'cried aloud' to them by every access, and
+'spared not' to call them from their timidity and time-serving to manly
+utterance through the ballot-box.
+
+Of such appeals, his address of the "Liberty Party of Pennsylvania, to
+the people of the State," issued in 1844, may stand as a sample. It is a
+vivid portrayal of the slave power's insidious encroachments, and of its
+monopolized guidance of the Government. It gathers up the national
+statistics into groups, shows how new meaning is reflected from them
+thus related, that all unite to illustrate the single fact of the
+South's steady increase of power, her tightening grasp about the throat
+of government, and her buffets of threat to the North when a weedling
+palm failed to palsy fast enough. It warns northern voters of the
+undertow that is drawing them, and adjures them, by every consideration
+of political common sense, not to cast their ballots for either of the
+pro-slavery candidates presented. The conclusion of this address is as
+follows:
+
+
+
+OUR OBJECT.
+
+
+
+    "And now, fellow-citizens, you may ask, what is our object in
+    thus exhibiting to you the alarming influence of the slave
+    power? Do we wish to excite in your bosoms feelings of hatred
+    against citizens of a common country? Do we wish to array the
+    Free states against the Slave states in hostile strife? No,
+    fellow-citizens. But we wish to show you that, while the slave
+    states are inferior to us in free population, having not even
+    one half of ours; inferior in morals, being the region of bowie
+    knives and duels, of assassinations and lynch law; inferior in
+    mental attainments, having not one-fourth of the number that can
+    read and write; inferior in intelligence, having not one-fifth
+    of the number of literary and scientific periodicals; inferior
+    in the products of agriculture and manufactures, of mines, of
+    fisheries, and of the forest; inferior, in short, in everything
+    that constitutes the wealth, the honor, the dignity, the
+    stability, the happiness, the true greatness of a nation,--it is
+    wrong, it is unjust, it is absurd, that they should have an
+    influence in all the departments of government so entirely
+    disproportionate to our own. We would arouse you to your own
+    true interests. We would have you, like men, firmly resolved to
+    maintain your own rights. We would have you say to the
+    South,--if you choose to hug to your bosom that system which is
+    continually injuring and impoverishing you; that system which
+    reduces two millions and a half of native Americans in your
+    midst to the most abject condition of ignorance and vice,
+    withholding from them the very key of knowledge; that system
+    which is at war with every principle of justice, every feeling
+    of humanity; that system which makes man the property of man,
+    and perpetuates that relation from one generation to another;
+    that system which tramples, continually, upon a majority of the
+    commandments of the Decalogue; that system which could not live
+    a day if it did not give one party supreme control over the
+    persons, the health, the liberty, the happiness, the marriage
+    relations, the parental authority and filial obligations of the
+    other;--if you choose to cling to such a system, cling to it;
+    but you shall not cross our line; you shall not bring that foul
+    thing here. We know, and we here repeat it for the thousandth
+    time to meet, for the thousandth time, the calumnies of our
+    enemies, that while we may present to you every consideration of
+    duty, we have no right, as well as no power, to alter your State
+    laws. But remember, that slavery is the mere creature of local
+    or statute law, and cannot exist out of the region where such
+    law has force. 'It is so odious,' says Lord Mansfield, 'that
+    nothing can be suffered to support it but _positive_ law.'
+
+    "We would, therefore, say to you again, in the strength of that
+    Constitution under which we live, and which no where
+    countenances slavery, you shall not bring that foul thing here.
+    You shall not force the corrupted and corrupting blood of that
+    system into every vein and artery of our body politic. You shall
+    not have the controlling power in all the departments of our
+    government at home and abroad. You shall not so negotiate with
+    foreign powers, as to open markets for the products of slave
+    labor alone. You shall not so manage things at home, as every
+    few years to bring bankruptcy upon our country. You shall not,
+    in the apportionment of public moneys, have what you call your
+    'property' represented, and thus get that which, by no right,
+    belongs to you. You shall not have the power to bring your
+    slaves upon our free soil, and take them away at pleasure; nor
+    to reclaim them, when they, panting for liberty, have been able
+    to escape your grasp; for we would have it said of us, as the
+    eloquent Curran said of Britain, the moment the slave touches
+    our soil, 'The ground on which he stands is holy, and
+    consecrated to the Genius of UNIVERSAL EMANCIPATION.'
+
+    "Thus, fellow-citizens, we come to _the great object of the
+    Liberty Party_: ABSOLUTE AND UNQUALIFIED DIVORCE OF THE GENERAL
+    GOVERNMENT FROM ALL CONNECTION WITH SLAVERY. We would employ
+    every _constitutional_ means to eradicate it from our entire
+    country, because it would be for the highest welfare of our
+    entire country. We would have liberty established in the
+    District, and in all the Territories.  *  *  We would have
+    liberty of speech and of the press, which the Constitution
+    guarantees to us. We would have the right of petition most
+    sacredly regarded. We would secure to every man what the
+    Constitution secures, 'The right of trial by jury.' We would do
+    what we can for the encouragement and improvement of the colored
+    race, and restore to them that inestimable right of which they
+    have been so meanly, as well as unjustly, deprived, the RIGHT OF
+    SUFFRAGE. We would look to the best interests of the country,
+    and the _whole_ country, and not legislate for the good of an
+    Oligarchy, the most arrogant that ever lorded it over an
+    insulted people. We would have our commercial treaties with
+    foreign nations regard the interests of the Free states. We
+    would provide safe, adequate, and permanent markets for the
+    produce of free labor. And, when reproached with slavery, we
+    would be able to say to the world, with an open front and a
+    clear conscience, our General Government has nothing to do with
+    it, either to promote, to sustain, to defend, to sanction, or to
+    approve.
+
+    "Thus, fellow-citizens, you see our objects. You may now ask, by
+    what means we hope to attain them. We answer, by POLITICAL
+    ACTION. What is political action? It is _acting in a manner
+    appropriate to those objects which we wish to secure through the
+    agency of the different departments of Government_.  *  *  The
+    only way in which we can act _constitutionally_, is to go to the
+    ballot-box, and there, silently and unostentatiously, deposit a
+    vote for such men as will do what they can to carry out those
+    principles which we have so much at heart.
+
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "Come, then, men of Pennsylvania, come and join us in this good
+    work. Join us, to use such moral means as to correct public
+    sentiment throughout the region where slavery exists, and to
+    impress upon the people of the Free states a manly sense of
+    their own rights. Join us, to place "just men" in all our public
+    offices; men whose example a whole people may safely imitate.
+    Join us to free our General Government from the ignominious
+    reproach of slavery; to restore to our country those principles
+    which our fathers so labored to establish; and to hand these
+    principles down afresh to successive generations. It is the
+    cause of truth, of humanity, and of God, to which we invite your
+    aid. It is a cause of which you never need be ashamed. Living,
+    you may be thankful, and dying, you may be thankful, for having
+    labored in it. We have, as co-laborers with us, the noblest
+    allies that man can wish. Within, we have the deepest
+    convictions of conscience, the clearest deductions of reason;
+    and, all over the world, wherever man is found, the first, the
+    most ardent longings of the human soul. Without, we have the
+    happiness of nearly three millions of the human race; the honor,
+    as well as the best interests of our whole country; and the
+    universal consent of all good men whose moral vision is not
+    obscured by the mist of a low, misguided selfishness: while we
+    seem to hear, as it were, the voices of the great and the good,
+    the patriot and the philanthropist, of a past generation,
+    calling to us and cheering us on. But, above all these, and
+    beyond all these, we have with us the highest attributes of God,
+    Justice and Mercy. With such allies, and in such a cause, who
+    can doubt on which side the victory will ultimately rest.
+
+    "May He who guides the destinies of nations, and without whose
+    aid 'they labor in vain that build,' so incline your hearts to
+    exert your whole influence to place in all our public offices
+    just and good men, that our country may be preserved, her best
+    interests advanced, and her institutions, free in reality as in
+    name, handed down to the latest posterity."
+
+
+Is not the love of God and man ingrained in every line of this writing?
+Yet let us see how it was received by the most Christian (?) body in
+this city.
+
+I need hardly say that my father's mind had been largely impressed, from
+earliest manhood, with the highest subject human thought can touch. His
+library records his wide religious reading; but he could not see an
+honest path towards the profession of any definite views till 1836. The
+change wrought in him then, can best be gathered from his own simple
+words (under date, 1842) written in a fly-leaf of "The Unitarian
+Miscellany:" "Though I humbly trust that God made my trials in 1836 the
+means of bringing me to true repentance, yet I have kept these books as
+monuments of what I once was, and to remind me how grateful I should be
+to Him for having snatched me as a 'brand from the burning,'" Such a
+faith as this, born of the spiritual travail of years, what a life it
+always has for the heart that forms it! It tells not of a persuasion,
+but of a conviction; a disproof of skepticism through the gathered
+forces of the soul; a struggle, through epochs of doubt and dismay, into
+an attitude of positive vital faith. Its process is the only one that
+gives real right to ultimate peace. In comparison with the method and
+measure of such a conviction, what matters its specific form? Self-truth
+is the point,--the fact for starting, the line for guiding; and as for
+result, this lonely and solemn rally on the deepest within us, as it is
+continuously unfolded, must lead to a glad and solemn union with the
+Highest without us. Who can know unfailing inward energy except through
+this new birth? It proved an ever-fresh spring of vigor to my father,
+and because of it he was chosen, in 1839, president of "The Philadelphia
+Bible Society." What changes were wrought in the policy of the Society,
+what numerous plans were devised and executed for multiplying its
+operations, how it was made a cordial alliance of all denominations,
+will presently appear. This is now to be said: that, after filling his
+office for five years, he found that his Anti-slavery testimony had
+engendered in the managers a bitterness that would seize the address of
+1844 for pretext, and make retaliation in his sacrifice. Thankful, for
+the thousandth time, to be a sacrifice for the cause he loved, he sent
+in his resignation in a letter full of Christian kindness and sorrow. A
+short extract will show its tone:
+
+
+    "One whose great heart wishes the best for humanity calls to us
+    from the West: 'When your Society propose to put a Bible into
+    every family, and yet omit all reference to the slaves; and
+    when, giving an account of the destitution of the land, they
+    make no mention of two and a half millions of people perishing
+    in our midst without the Scriptures, can we help feeling that
+    something is dreadfully wrong?' This, brethren, is a most solemn
+    question. It is a question which I verily believe the American
+    Bible Society, so far as they may have yielded, directly or
+    indirectly, openly or silently, to a corrupt public sentiment on
+    this subject, will have to answer at the bar of Him who has
+    declared, that, 'If ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin,'
+    and that 'Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of
+    these, ye did it not to me.' The spirit of Christianity is a
+    spirit of universal love and philanthropy. She looks down with
+    pity, and, if she could, she would look with scorn upon all the
+    petty distinctions that exist among men. She casts her benignant
+    eye abroad over the earth, and, wherever she sees man, she sees
+    him _as man,_ as a being made in the image of God, whether an
+    Indian, an African, or a Caucasian sun may shine upon him. She
+    stoops from heaven to raise the fallen, to bind up the
+    broken-hearted, to release the oppressed, to give liberty to the
+    captive, and to break the fetters of those that are bound. She
+    is marching onward with accelerated step, and, wherever she
+    leaves the true impress of her heavenly influence, the moral
+    wilderness is changed into the garden of the Lord. May it never
+    be ours to do what may seem to be even the slightest obstacle to
+    her universal sway.
+
+    "But I have already written more than I intended. In bringing
+    this communication to a close, allow me to express to you
+    individually, and as a Board, my most sincere Christian
+    attachment. Whatever course any members may have taken in
+    relation to this matter, I must believe that they have acted
+    from what has seemed to them a sense of duty. Far be it from me
+    to impeach their motives. Time, the great test of truth, may
+    show them their course in a very different light from that in
+    which they now view it. I may, as a Christian, lament that their
+    views of duty are not more in unison with my own. I may, as a
+    man, feel heart-sickened at the diseased, the deplorably
+    diseased state of the public mind, in relation to two and a half
+    millions of my fellow-men in bondage. I may, as a citizen of a
+    Free state, blush at the humiliating fact, that not only the
+    tyranny, but the ubiquity of the slave power is everywhere so
+    manifest; that it has insinuated itself into our free domain to
+    such a degree that there seems to be as much mental Slavery in
+    the Free states, as there is personal in the Slave states. I may
+    feel all this, but I must not impeach the motives by which
+    others have been governed."
+
+
+There were twenty-one managers present at the reading of this letter,
+and, at its conclusion, a noble friend of the slave moved that the
+resignation be not accepted; the motion was lost by a vote of fourteen
+against seven. It was then moved that it be accepted 'with regret:' this
+was carried by the same vote! But 'with regret' was not an empty form
+for easing this action to its recipient; how much it meant is seen in
+the resolution that was added by unanimous acceptance:
+"_Resolved_,--That this Board are mainly indebted to Professor C.D.
+Cleveland for the prominent and influential position it has attained in
+the regards of this Christian community, and that they bear an earnest
+testimony to the sound judgment and unwearied zeal which have ever
+characterized the discharge of his duties in his responsible office."
+Let this tribute, coming from the bitterest personal opposition that
+ever man encountered, measure the work that extorted it. Looking at it,
+it will be difficult for the reader to believe that a sacrifice was made
+of the man to whom it refers by a representative Christian body, and
+merely to sate for a time the inhuman slave-greed; yet it is only one
+fact out of many that might be adduced, and I have brought it forward
+because it is, in my father's words, "a fair exponent of the position of
+the Christian Church at that time upon the subject of Slavery."
+Henceforward, he ceased not to rain blows, not only at his own (the
+Presbyterian) denomination, but at all the organized expressions of
+Christian purpose,--the Sunday-School Union, the Tract Society, etc.
+
+While working thus by voice and pen, he was incessantly busy in personal
+rescue of the slave. Especially was this the case when it became the
+duty of every lover of his kind to defy the Fugitive Slave Law. How
+eagerly he then sprang to aid the escape of those against whom a law of
+the land impotently tried to bar the law of our common humanity! During
+the years that followed the passage of this infamous bill, the position
+he had attained here was of particular service. Recognized as one, who,
+being a sort of standing sacrifice, might as well continue to battle in
+the front; trusted implicitly even by his bitterest foes; with such a
+broad philanthropy to back his appeals; pushing straight into every
+breach where work was needed; blind to everything but his one light of
+moral instinct;--he became an organ for the charities of those whose
+softer natures longingly whispered the cry, but could not do the cut and
+thrust work, of deliverance. Dr. Furness held the same position, and
+others who, like him, refused to be enrolled in the 'Underground
+Committee,' or in any definite Anti-Slavery organization. These men knew
+that they were of greater service to the cause by being its body-guard,
+by standing between it and the public, by making the appeals and taking
+the blows, and by affording access, pecuniary and other, of each to
+each.
+
+Thus the times moved on--growing hotter, more difficult and dangerous,
+but always working these two results: redoubling the labors of this
+noble band, and shaking the city from lethargy into ferment. Men were
+compelled to take sides, and but one result could follow, (the result
+which always follows when human nature is stung and quickened to find
+its highest instincts,) the Party of Right steadily moved to triumph.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+For a lesson to us in courage, it is worth while to ask, how these
+Apostles of Freedom stood the terrible strain put upon them for so many
+years. I can answer for the two of whom I write, and do not doubt that
+the answer is true of the rest: This self-forgetfulness was made easy by
+a love that filled and overfilled all their moral energies--the simple
+love of man, as God's highest creation, and of his natural rights, as
+God's best gift. Their work was not a mere result of will, not an
+outcome of faculty, not an unsupported impulse of heart. It was
+character living itself out, an utterance of its entire unity, something
+drawn from the solemn depths of those life-convictions which all the
+personal and impersonal powers of a man, aglow and welded, unite in
+producing. Hence, their work was not apart from them, even so far as to
+be called ahead of them; nor parallel with them; it was _one_ with them
+by a necessary spiritual inclusion. Will and Duty ceased to be separate
+powers; they were transfused through the whole breadth of their human
+sympathies, adding to their warmth a fixity of purpose that bore them
+without a falter, through thirty years of such bitter obloquy, as, in
+these latter days, only the early Anti-Slavery disciples have had to
+endure. These men never said, in reference to the Anti-slavery cause, _I
+ought_ or _I will_, because they never needed to say them. The sun
+shines without them, and life expands without them; and here were souls
+as unconsciously beneficent as the one, as spontaneous in growth and
+shaping as the other. Theirs was not a force that moved mechanically in
+right lines, with limited objects before it. It did, indeed, sweep with
+arrowy swiftness of assail on every point that offered; but when I
+remember that it more often pleaded than stormed, that it penetrated
+into every secret recess that mercy casually opened, and gently stirred
+into fuller life those roots of human feeling that can be numbed by
+apathy but not killed even by hate, I know that it was persuasive,
+diffusive, inbreathing force, an influence vital in others because an
+effluence vitalized from themselves.
+
+So they stood, self-consecrated, enveloped by the love of God, permeated
+by the love of man,--twin Perfect Loves that cast out all dream of fear.
+And so they walked, calm as if a thousand stabs of personal insult never
+brought them one of personal pain, passing through all as if nothing but
+the serenest skies were above them. And, as I have said, right there is
+one explanation of the anomaly; there _were_ the serenest skies above
+them--heaven's love perpetually shining. Why should it not shine? all
+the powers of the men were dedicated to rescuing the image of God on
+this earth,--not man as he suffered physically, but the moral instinct
+threatened with annihilation. It was sacred to them, this soul so sacred
+to redeeming love, but too brutalized to find its way to it. Nor merely
+the slave. Their love embraced, with yet more pitying fervor, the master
+compelling his spiritual nature into death, and the northern apologist
+letting his die; and this overmastering love of saving spiritual
+integrity, was one power that made them and heart-ease hold unfailing
+friends through the obloquy of those days; the other must be found in
+the fact mentioned,--that neither resolve nor impulse was their spur,
+but personal character moving from its depths.
+
+From such a motive-power as this can come no parade of results. The
+nature that works, proceeds from the necessary laws and forces of its
+being, and is as simple and unconscious as any other natural law or
+force. Hence there are no startling epochs to record in my father's
+history, no supreme efforts; in filling the measure of daily opportunity
+lay his chief work. I cannot measure it by our ten fingers' counting. I
+can only show a life unfolding, and, by the essential laws of its
+growth, embracing the noblest cause of its time. But if action means
+vivifying public sentiment decaying under insidious poison; if it
+includes the doing of this amid a storm of odium that would quickly have
+shattered any soul irresolute for an instant; if it means incessant toil
+quietly performed, vast sums collected and disbursed, time sacrificed,
+strength spent; if it means holding up a great iniquity to loathing by a
+powerful pen, and nailing moral cowardice where-ever it showed; if it be
+risking livelihood by introducing the cause of the slave into every
+literary work, and by mingling the school-culture of fifty future
+mothers, year by year, with hatred of the sin; if it means one's life in
+one's hand, friendships yielded, society defied, and position in it
+cheerfully renounced; above all, if action means a wealth of goodness
+overliving all scorns, compelling respect from a community rebuked,
+fellowship from a Church charged with ungodliness, and acknowledgment of
+unstained repute from a public eager to blacken with scandal; if to do
+thus, and bear thus, and live thus, is action, then my father did act to
+the full purpose of life in the struggle that freed the slave.
+
+S.M.C.
+
+
+
+WILLIAM WHIPPER.
+
+
+The locality of Columbia, where Mr. Whipper resided for many years, was,
+as is well-known, a place of much note as a station on the Underground
+Rail Road. The firm of Smith and Whipper (lumber merchants), was
+likewise well-known throughout a wide range of country. Who, indeed,
+amongst those familiar with the history of public matters connected with
+the colored people of this country, has not heard of William Whipper?
+For the last thirty years, as an able business man, it has been very
+generally admitted, that he hardly had a superior.
+
+Although an unassuming man, deeply engrossed with business--Anti-slavery
+papers, conventions, and public movements having for their aim the
+elevation of the colored man, have always commanded Mr. Whipper's
+interest and patronage. In the more important conventions which have
+been held amongst the colored people for the last thirty years, perhaps
+no other colored man has been so often called on to draft resolutions
+and prepare addresses, as the modest and earnest William Whipper. He has
+worked effectively in a quiet way, although not as a public speaker. He
+is self-made, and well read on the subject of the reforms of the day.
+Having been highly successful in his business, he is now at the age of
+seventy, in possession of a handsome fortune; the reward of long years
+of assiduous labor. He is also cashier of the Freedman's Bank, in
+Philadelphia. For the last few years he has resided at New Brunswick,
+New Jersey, although his property and business confine him mainly to his
+native State, Pennsylvania.
+
+Owing to a late affliction in his family, compelling him to devote the
+most of his time thereto, it has been impossible to obtain from him the
+material for completing such a sketch as was desired. Prior to this
+affliction, in answer to our request, he furnished some reminiscences of
+his labors as conductor of the Underground Rail Road, and at the same
+time, promised other facts relative to his life, but for the reason
+assigned, they were not worked up, which is to be regretted.
+
+
+    NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., December 4, 1871.
+
+    MR. WILLIAM STILL, DEAR SIR:--I sincerely regret the absence of
+    statistics that would enable me to furnish you with many events,
+    that would assist you in describing the operations of the
+    Underground Rail Road. I never kept any record of those persons
+    passing through my hands, nor did I ever anticipate that the
+    history of that perilous period would ever be written. I can
+    only refer to the part I took in it from memory, and if I could
+    delineate the actual facts as they occurred they would savor so
+    much of egotism that I should feel ashamed to make them public.
+    I willingly refer to a few incidents which you may select and
+    use as you may think proper.
+
+    You are perfectly cognizant of the fact, that after the decision
+    in York, Pa., of the celebrated Prigg case, Pennsylvania was
+    regarded as free territory, which Canada afterwards proved to
+    be, and that the Susquehanna river was the recognized northern
+    boundary of the slave-holding empire. The borough of Columbia,
+    situated on its eastern bank, in the county of Lancaster, was
+    the great depot where the fugitives from Virginia and Maryland
+    first landed. The long bridge connecting Wrightsville with
+    Columbia, was the only safe outlet by which they could
+    successfully escape their pursuers. When they had crossed this
+    bridge they could look back over its broad silvery stream on its
+    western shore, and say to the slave power: "Thus far shalt thou
+    come, and no farther." Previous to that period, the line of
+    fugitive travel was from Baltimore, by the way of Havre de Grace
+    to Philadelphia; but the difficulty of a safe passage across the
+    river, at that place caused the route to be changed to York,
+    Pa., a distance of fifty-eight miles, the fare being forty
+    dollars, and thence to Columbia, in the dead hour of the night.
+    My house was at the end of the bridge, and as I kept the
+    station, I was frequently called up in the night to take charge
+    of the passengers.
+
+    On their arrival they were generally hungry and penniless. I
+    have received hundreds in this condition; fed and sheltered from
+    one to seventeen at a time in a single night. At this point the
+    road forked; some I sent west by boats, to Pittsburgh, and
+    others to you in our cars to Philadelphia, and the incidents of
+    their trials form a portion of the history you have compiled. In
+    a period of three years from 1847 to 1850, I passed hundreds to
+    the land of freedom, while others, induced by high wages, and
+    the feeling that they were safe in Columbia, worked in the
+    lumber and coal yards of that place. I always persuaded them to
+    go to Canada, as I had no faith in their being able to elude the
+    grasp of the slave-hunters. Indeed, the merchants had the
+    confidence of their security and desired them to remain; several
+    of my friends told me that I was injuring the trade of the place
+    by persuading the laborers to leave. Indeed, many of the
+    fugitives themselves looked upon me with jealousy, and expressed
+    their indignation at my efforts to have them removed from peace
+    and plenty to a land that was cold and barren, to starve to
+    death.
+
+    It was a period of great prosperity in our borough, and
+    everything passed on favorably and successfully until the
+    passage of the fugitive slave bill in 1850. At first the law was
+    derided and condemned by our liberty-loving citizens, and the
+    fugitives did not fear its operations because they asserted that
+    they could protect themselves. This fatal dream was of short
+    duration. A prominent man, by the name of Baker, was arrested
+    and taken to Philadelphia, and given up by the commissioner, and
+    afterwards purchased by our citizens; another, by the name of
+    Smith, was shot dead in one of our lumber yards, because he
+    refused to surrender, and his pursuer permitted to escape
+    without arrest or trial. This produced not only a shock, but a
+    crisis in the affairs of our little borough. It made the
+    stoutest hearts quail before the unjust sovereignty of the law.
+    The white citizens fearing the danger of a successful resistance
+    to the majesty of the law, began to talk of the insecurity of
+    these exiles. The fugitives themselves, whose faith and hope had
+    been buoyed up by the promises held up to them of protection,
+    began to be apprehensive of danger, and talked of leaving, while
+    others, more bold, were ready to set the dangers that surrounded
+    them at defiance, and if necessary, die in the defence of their
+    freedom and the homes they had acquired.
+
+    At this juncture private meetings were held by the colored
+    people, and the discussions and resolves bore a peculiar
+    resemblance in sentiment and expression to the patriotic
+    outbursts of the American revolution.
+
+    Some were in favor, if again attacked, of killing and slaying
+    all within their reach; of setting their own houses on fire, and
+    then going and burning the town. It was the old spirit which
+    animated the Russians at Moscow, and the blacks of Hayti. At
+    this point my self-interest mingled with my sense of humanity,
+    and I felt that I occupied a more responsible position than I
+    shall ever attain to again. I, therefore, determined to make the
+    most of it. I exhorted them to peace and patience under their
+    present difficulties, and for their own sakes as well as the
+    innocent sufferers, besought them to leave as early as they
+    could. If I had advocated a different course I could have caused
+    the burning of the town. The result of our meeting produced a
+    calm, that lasted only for a few days, when it was announced,
+    one evening, that the claimants of a Methodist preacher, by the
+    name of Dorsey, were in the borough, and that it was expected
+    that they would attempt to take him that night.
+
+    It was about nine o'clock in the evening when I went to his
+    house, but was refused admittance, until those inside
+    ascertained who I was. There were several men in the house all
+    armed with deadly weapons, awaiting the approach of the
+    intruders. Had they come the whole party would have been
+    massacred. I advised Dorsey to leave, but he very pointedly
+    refused, saying he had been taken up once before alive, but
+    never would be again. The men told him to stand his ground, and
+    they would stand by him and defend him, they had lived together,
+    and would die together. I told them that they knew the strength
+    of the pro-slavery feeling that surrounded them, and that they
+    would be overpowered, and perhaps many lives lost, which might
+    be saved by his changing his place of residence. He said, he had
+    no money, and would rather die with his family, than be killed
+    on the road. I said, how much money do you want to start with,
+    and we will send you more if you need it. Here is one hundred
+    dollars in gold. "That is not enough." "Will two hundred dollars
+    do?" "Yes." I shall bring it to you to-morrow. I got the money
+    the next morning, and when I came with it, he said, he could not
+    leave unless his family was taken care of. I told him I would
+    furnish his family with provisions for the next six months. Then
+    he said he had two small houses, worth four hundred and
+    seventy-five dollars. My reply was that I will sell them for
+    you, and give the money to your family. He then gave me a power
+    of attorney to do so, and attended to all his affairs. He left
+    the next day, being the Sabbath, and has never returned since,
+    although he has lived in the City of Boston ever since, except
+    about six months in Canada.
+
+    I wish to notice this case a little further, as the only one out
+    of many to which I will refer. About the year 1831 or 1832, Mr.
+    Joseph Purvis, a younger brother of Robert Purvis, about
+    nineteen or twenty years of age, was visiting Mr. Stephen Smith,
+    of Columbia, and while there the claimants of Dorsey came and
+    secured him, and had proceeded about two miles with him on the
+    way to Lancaster. Young Purvis heard of it, and his natural and
+    instinctive love of freedom fired up his warm southern blood at
+    the very recital. He was one of nature's noblemen. Fierce,
+    fiery, and impulsive, he was as quick to decide as to perform.
+    He demanded an immediate rescue. Though he was advised of the
+    danger of such an attempt, his spirit and determination made him
+    invincible. He proceeded to a place where some colored men were
+    working. With a firm and determined look, and a herculean shout,
+    he called out to them, "To arms, to arms! boys, we must rescue
+    this man; I shall lead if you will follow." "We will," was the
+    immediate response. And they went and overtook them, and
+    dispersed his claimants. They brought Dorsey back in triumph to
+    Columbia.
+
+    He then gave Dorsey his pistol, with the injunction that he
+    should use it and die in defence of his liberty rather than
+    again be taken into bondage. He promised he would. I found him
+    with this pistol on his table, the night I called on him, and I
+    have every reason to believe that the promise gave to Mr. Purvis
+    was one of the chief causes of his obstinacy. The lesson he had
+    taught him had not only become incorporated in his nature, but
+    had become a part of his religion.
+
+    The history of this brave and noble effort of young Purvis, in
+    rescuing a fellow-being from the jaws of Slavery has been handed
+    down, in Columbia, to a generation that was born since that
+    event has transpired. He always exhibited the same devotion and
+    manly daring in the cause of the flying bondman that inspired
+    his youthful ardor in behalf of freedom. The youngest of a
+    family distinguished for their devotion to freedom, he was
+    without superiors in the trying hour of battle. Like John Brown,
+    he often discarded theories, but was eminently practical. He has
+    passed to another sphere. Peace to his ashes! I honor his name
+    as a hero, and friend of man. I loved him for the noble
+    characteristics of his nature, and above all for his noble
+    daring in defense of the right. As a friend I admired him, and
+    owe his memory this tribute to departed worth.
+
+    At this point a conscientious regard for truth dictates that I
+    should state that my disposition to make a sacrifice for the
+    removal of Dorsey and some other leading spirits was aided by my
+    own desire for  _self-preservation._
+
+    I knew that it had been asserted, far down in the slave region,
+    that Smith & Whipper, the negro lumber merchants, were engaged
+    in secreting fugitive slaves. And on two occasions attempts had
+    been made to set fire to their yard for the purpose of punishing
+    them for such illegal acts. And I felt that if a collision took
+    place, we should not only be made to suffer the penalty, but the
+    most valuable property in the village be destroyed, besides a
+    prodigal waste of human life be the consequence. In such an
+    event I felt that I should not only lose all I had ever earned,
+    but peril the hopes and property of others, so that I would have
+    freely given one thousand dollars to have been insured against
+    the consequences of such a riot. I then borrowed fourteen
+    hundred dollars on my own individual account, and assisted many
+    others to go to a land where the virgin soil was not polluted by
+    the foot-prints of a slave.
+
+    The colored population of the Borough of Columbia, in 1850, was
+    nine hundred and forty-three, about one-fifth the whole
+    population, and in five years they were reduced to four hundred
+    and eighty-seven by emigration to Canada.
+
+    In the summer of 1853, I visited Canada for the purpose of
+    ascertaining the actual condition of many of those I had
+    assisted in reaching a land of freedom; and I was much gratified
+    to find them contented, prosperous, and happy. I was induced by
+    the prospects of the new emigrants to purchase lands on the
+    Sydenham River, with the intention of making it my future home.
+
+    In the spring of 1861, when I was preparing to leave, the war
+    broke out, and with its progress I began to realize the prospect
+    of a new civilization, and, therefore, concluded to remain and
+    share the fortunes of my hitherto ill-fated country.
+
+    I will say in conclusion that it would have been fortunate for
+    us if Columbia, being a port of entry for flying fugitives, had
+    been also the seat of great capitalists and freedom-loving
+    inhabitants; but such was not the case. There was but little
+    Anti-slavery sentiment among the whites, yet there were many
+    strong and valiant friends among them who contributed freely;
+    the colored population were too poor to render much aid, except
+    in feeding and secreting strangers. I was doing a prosperous
+    business at that time and felt it my duty to contribute
+    liberally out of my earnings. Much as I loved Anti-slavery
+    meetings I did not feel that I could afford to attend them, as
+    my immediate duty was to the flying fugitive.
+
+    Now, my friend, I have extended this letter far beyond the
+    limits intended, not with the expectation that it will be
+    published, but for your own private use to select any matter
+    that you might desire to use in your history. I have to regret
+    that I am compelled to refer so often to my own exertions.
+
+    I know that I speak within bounds when I say that directly and
+    indirectly from 1847 to 1860, I have contributed from my
+    earnings one thousand dollars annually, and for the five years
+    during the war a like amount to put down the rebellion.
+
+    Now the slaves are emancipated, and we are all enfranchised,
+    after struggling for existence, freedom and manhood--I feel
+    thankful for having had the glorious privilege of laboring with
+    others for the redemption of my race from oppression and
+    thraldom; and I would prefer to-day to be penniless in the
+    streets, rather than to have withheld a single hour's labor or a
+    dollar from the sacred cause of liberty, justice, and humanity.
+
+    I remain yours in the sacred cause of liberty and equality,
+
+    WM. WHIPPER.
+
+
+
+
+ISAAC T. HOPPER.
+
+
+The distinctive characteristics of this individual were so admirably
+portrayed in the newspapers and other periodicals published at the time
+of his death, that we shall make free use of them without hesitation. He
+was distinguished from his early life by his devotion to the relief of
+the oppressed colored race. He was an active member of the old
+Pennsylvania Abolition Society, and labored zealously with Dr. Benjamin
+Rush, Dr. Rogers, Dr. Wistar, and other distinguished philanthropists of
+the time. No man at that day, not even eminent judges and advocates, was
+better acquainted with the intricacies of law questions connected with
+slavery. His accurate legal knowledge, his natural acuteness, his ready
+tact in avoiding dangerous corners and slipping through unseen
+loop-holes, often gave him the victory in cases that seemed hopeless to
+other minds. In many of these cases, physical courage was needed as much
+as moral firmness; and he possessed these qualities in a very unusual
+degree.
+
+Being for many years an inspector of the public prisons, his practical
+sagacity and benevolence were used with marked results. His enlarged
+sympathies had always embraced the criminal and the imprisoned, as well
+as the oppressed; and the last years of his life were especially devoted
+to the improvement of prisons and prisoners. In this department of
+benevolence he manifested the same zealous kindness and untiring
+diligence that had so long been exerted for the colored people, for
+whose welfare he labored to the end of his days.
+
+He possessed a wonderful wisdom in furnishing relief to all who were in
+difficulty and embarrassment. This caused a very extensive demand upon
+his time and talents, which were rarely withheld when honestly sought,
+and seldom applied in vain.
+
+Mrs. Kirkland prepared, under the title of "The Helping Hand," a small
+volume, for the benefit of "The Home" for discharged female convicts,
+containing a brief description of the institution, and a detail of facts
+illustrating the happy results of its operation. Its closing chapter is
+appropriately devoted to the following well-deserved tribute to the
+veteran philanthropist, to whose zeal and discretion that and so many
+other similar institutions owe their existence, or to a large degree
+their prosperity.
+
+
+    "Not to inform the public what it knows very well already, nor
+    to forestall the volume now preparing by Mrs. Child, a kindred
+    spirit, but to gratify my own feelings, and to give grace and
+    sanctity to this little book, I wish to say a few words of Mr.
+    Hopper, the devoted friend of the prisoner as of the slave; one
+    whose long life, and whose last thoughts, were given to the care
+    and succor of human weakness, error, and suffering. To make even
+    the most unpretending book for the benefit of 'The Home,'
+    without bringing forward the name of Isaac T. Hopper, and
+    recognizing the part he took in its affairs, from the earliest
+    moment of its existence until the close of his life, would be an
+    unpardonable omission. A few words must be said where a volume
+    would scarcely suffice.
+
+    "'The rich and the poor meet together, and the Lord is the
+    Father of them all,' might stand for the motto of Mr. Hopper's
+    life. That the most remote of these two classes stood on the
+    same level of benevolent interest in his mind, his whole career
+    made obvious; he was the last man to represent as naturally
+    opposite those whom God has always, even to the end of the
+    world, made mutually dependent. He told the simple truth to each
+    with equal frankness; helped both with equal readiness. The
+    palace owed him no more than the hovel suggested thoughts of
+    superiority. Nothing human, however grand, or however degraded,
+    was a stranger to him. In the light that came to him from
+    heaven, all stood alike children of the Great Father; earthly
+    distinction disappearing the moment the sinking soul or the
+    suffering body was in question. No amount of depravity could
+    extinguish his hope of reform; no recurrence of ingratitude
+    could paralyze his efforts. Early and late, supported or
+    unsupported, praised or ridiculed, he went forward in the great
+    work of relief, looking neither to the right hand, nor to the
+    left; and when the object was accomplished, he shrank back into
+    modest obscurity, only to wait till a new necessity called for
+    his reappearance. Who can number the poor, aching, conscious,
+    despairing hearts that have felt new life come to them from his
+    kind words, his benignant smile, his helping hand. If the record
+    of his long life could be fully written, which it can never be,
+    since every day and all day, in company, in the family circle,
+    with children, with prisoners, with the insane, 'virtue went out
+    of him' that no human observation could measure or describe,
+    what touching interest would be added to the history of our poor
+    and vicious population for more than half a century past; what
+    new honor and blessing would surround the venerated name of our
+    departed friend and leader!
+
+    "But he desired nothing of this. Without claiming for him a
+    position above humanity, which alone would account for a
+    willingness to be wholly unrecognized as a friend of the
+    afflicted, it is not too much to say that no man was ever less
+    desirous of public praise or outward honor. He was even
+    unwilling that any care should be taken to preserve the
+    remembrance of his features, sweet and beautiful as they were,
+    though he was brought reluctantly to yield to the anxious wish
+    of his children and friends that the countenance on which every
+    eye loved to dwell, should not be wholly lost when the grave
+    should close above it. He loved to talk of interesting cases of
+    reform and recovery, both because those things occupied his
+    mind, and because every one loved to hear him; but the hearer
+    who made these disclosures the occasion for unmeaning
+    compliment, as if he fancied a craving vanity to have prompted
+    them, soon found himself rebuked by the straightforward and
+    plain-spoken patriarch. Precious indeed were those seasons of
+    outpouring, when one interesting recital suggested another, till
+    the listener seemed to see the whole mystery of prison-life and
+    obscure wretchedness laid open before him with the distinctness
+    of a picture. For, strange as it may seem, our friend had under
+    his plain garb--unchanged in form since the days of Franklin, to
+    go no further back--a fine dramatic talent, and could not relate
+    the humblest incident without giving it a picturesque or
+    dramatic turn, speaking now for one character, now for another,
+    with a variety and discrimination very remarkable. This made his
+    company greatly sought, and as his strongly social nature
+    readily responded, his acquaintance was very large. To every one
+    that knew him personally, I can appeal for the truth and
+    moderation of these views of his character and manners.
+
+    "A few biographical items will close what I venture to offer
+    here.
+
+    "Isaac T. Hopper was born December 3, 1771, in the township of
+    Deptford, Gloucester county, New Jersey, but spent a large
+    portion of his life in Philadelphia, where he served his
+    apprenticeship to the humble calling of a tailor. But neither
+    the necessity for constant occupation nor the temptations of
+    youthful gaiety, prevented his commencing, even then, the
+    devotion of a portion of his time, to the care of the poor and
+    needy. He had scarcely reached man's estate when we find him an
+    active member of a benevolent association, and his volume, of
+    notes of cases, plans and efforts, date back to that early
+    period. To that time also, we are to refer the beginning of his
+    warm Anti-slavery sentiment, a feeling so prominent and
+    effective throughout his life, and the source of some of his
+    noblest efforts and sacrifices. For many years he served as
+    inspector of prisons in Philadelphia, and thus, by long and
+    constant practical observation, was accumulated that knowledge
+    of the human heart in its darkest windings, that often
+    astonished the objects of his care, when they thought they had
+    been able cunningly to blind his eyes to their real character
+    and intentions. After his removal to New York, and when the
+    occasion for his personal labors in the cause of the slave had
+    in some measure, ceased or slackened, he threw his whole heart
+    into the Prison Association, whose aims and plans of action were
+    entirely in accordance with his views, and indeed, in a great
+    degree, based on his experience and advice. The intent of the
+    Prison Association is threefold: first to protect and defend
+    those who are arrested, and who, as is well known, often suffer
+    greatly from want of honest and intelligent counsel; secondly,
+    to attend to the treatment and instruction of convicts while in
+    prison; and thirdly, on their discharge to render them such
+    practical aid as shall enable the repentant to return to society
+    by means of the pursuit of some honest calling. The latter
+    branch occupied Mr. Hopper's time and attention, and he devoted
+    himself to it with an affectionate and religious earnestness
+    that ceased only with his life. No disposition was too perverse
+    for his efforts at reform; no heart was so black that he did not
+    at least try the balm of healing upon it; no relapses could tire
+    out his patience, which, without weak waste of means still
+    apostolically went on 'hoping all things,' while even a dying
+    spark of good feeling remained.
+
+    Up to February last did this venerable saint continue his
+    abundant labors; when a severe cold, co-operating with the decay
+    of nature, brought him his sentence of dismissal. He felt that
+    it was on the way, and with the serious grace that marked
+    everything he did, he began at once to gather his earthly robes
+    about him and prepare for the great change which no one could
+    dread less. It was hard for those who saw his ruddy cheek and
+    sparkling eye, his soft brown hair, and sprightly movements to
+    feel that the time of his departure was drawing nigh: but he
+    knew and felt it, with more composure than his friends could
+    summon. It might well be said of this our beloved patriarch,
+    that his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. To the
+    last of his daily journeyings through the city, for which he
+    generally used the rail road, he would never allow the drivers
+    to stop for him to get on or off the car, feeling, as he used
+    smilingly to observe, 'very jealous on that point.' Few ever
+    passed him in the street without asking who he was; for not only
+    did his primitive dress, his broad-brimmed hat, and his antique
+    shoe buckles attract attention, but the beauty and benevolence
+    of his face was sure to fix the eye of ordinary discernment. He
+    was a living temperance lecture, and those who desire to
+    preserve good looks could not ask a more infallible receipt,
+    than that sweet temper and out-flowing benevolence which made
+    his countenance please every eye. Gay and cheerful as a boy, he
+    had ever some pleasant anecdote or amusing turn to relate, and
+    in all perhaps not one without a moral bearing, not thrust
+    forward, but left to be picked out by the hearer at his leisure.
+    He seemed born to show how great strictness in essentials could
+    exist without the least asceticism in trifles. Anything but a
+    Simeon Stylites in his sainthood, he could go among 'publicans
+    and sinners' without the least fear of being mistaken by them
+    for one of themselves. An influence radiated from him that made
+    itself felt in every company, though he would very likely be the
+    most modest man present. More gentlemanly manners and address no
+    court in Christendom need require; his resolute simplicity and
+    candor, always under the guidance of a delicate taste, never for
+    a moment degenerated into coarseness or disregard even of the
+    prejudices of others. His life, even in these minute
+    particulars, showed how the whole man is harmonized by the sense
+    of being
+
+
+        'Ever in the Great Taskmaster's eye.'
+
+
+    "He died on the 7th of May, 1852, in his eighty-first year, and
+    a public funeral in the Tabernacle brought together thousands
+    desirous of showing respect to his memory."
+
+
+Mrs. Child has written a full, and in many respects, an exceedingly
+interesting biography of the subject of this memoir, towards the close
+of which she says:
+
+
+    "From the numerous notices in papers of all parties and sects, I
+    will merely quote the following. 'The New York Observer' thus
+    announces his death:
+
+
+        "'The venerable Isaac T. Hopper, whose placid,
+        benevolent face has so long irradiated almost every
+        public meeting for doing good, and whose name,
+        influence, and labors, have been devoted with an
+        apostolic simplicity and constancy to humanity, died on
+        Friday last, at an advanced age. He was a Quaker of that
+        early sort illustrated by such philanthropists as
+        Anthony Benezet, Thomas Clarkson, Mrs. Fry, and the
+        like.
+
+        "'He was a most self-denying, patient, loving friend of
+        the poor, and the suffering of every kind; and his life
+        was an unbroken history of beneficence. Thousands of
+        hearts will feel a touch of grief at the news of his
+        death; for few men have so large a wealth in the
+        blessings of the poor, and the grateful remembrance of
+        kindness and benevolence, as he.'
+
+
+    "'The New York Times' contained the following:
+
+
+        "'Most of our readers will call to mind, in connection
+        with the name of Isaac T. Hopper, the compact, well-knit
+        figure of a Quaker gentleman, apparently about sixty
+        years of age, dressed in drab or brown clothes of the
+        plainest cut, and bearing on his handsome, manly face
+        the impress of that benevolence with which his whole
+        heart was filled.
+
+        "'He was twenty years older than he seemed. The fountain
+        of benevolence within freshened his old age with its
+        continuous flow. The step of the octogenarian was
+        elastic as that of a boy, his form erect as a mountain
+        pine.
+
+        "'His whole physique was a splendid sample of nature's
+        handiwork. We see him now with our mind's eye, but with
+        the eye of flesh we shall see him no more. Void of
+        intentional offence to God or man, his spirit has joined
+        its happy kindred in a world where there is neither
+        sorrow nor perplexity.'
+
+
+    "I sent the following communication to 'The New York Tribune':
+
+
+        "In this world of shadows, few things strengthen the
+        soul like seeing the calm and cheerful exit of a truly
+        good man; and this has been my privilege by the bedside
+        of Isaac T. Hopper.
+
+        "He was a man of remarkable endowments, both of head and
+        heart. His clear discrimination, his unconquerable will,
+        his total unconsciousness of fear, his extraordinary
+        tact in circumventing plans he wished to frustrate,
+        would have made him illustrious as the general of an
+        army; and these qualities might have become faults, if
+        they had not been balanced by an unusual degree of
+        conscientiousness and benevolence. He battled
+        courageously, not from ambition, but from an inborn love
+        of truth. He circumvented as adroitly as the most
+        practiced politician; but it was always to defeat the
+        plans of those who oppressed God's poor; never to
+        advance his own self-interest.
+
+        "'Few men have been more strongly attached to any
+        religious society than he was to the Society of Friends,
+        which he joined in the days of its purity, impelled by
+        his own religious convictions. But when the time came
+        that he must either be faithless to duty in the cause of
+        his enslaved brethren, or part company with the Society
+        to which he was bound by the strong and sacred ties of
+        early religious feeling, this sacrifice he also calmly
+        laid on the altar of humanity.
+
+        "'During nine years that I lived in his household, my
+        respect and affection for him continually increased.
+        Never have I seen a man who so completely fulfilled the
+        Scripture injunction, to forgive an erring brother, 'not
+        only seven times, but seventy times seven.' I have
+        witnessed relapse after relapse into vice, under
+        circumstances which seemed like the most heartless
+        ingratitude to him; but he joyfully hailed the first
+        symptom of repentance, and was always ready to grant a
+        new probation.
+
+        "'Farewell, thou brave and kind old Friend! The prayers
+        of ransomed ones ascended to Heaven for thee, and a
+        glorious company have welcomed thee to the Eternal
+        City.'"
+
+
+
+
+
+SAMUEL D. BURRIS,
+
+
+Referred to by John Hunn, was also a brave conductor on the Underground
+Rail Road leading down into Maryland (via Hunn's place). Mr. Burris was
+a native of Delaware, but being a free man and possessing more than
+usual intelligence, and withal an ardent love of liberty, he left
+"slave-dom" and moved with his family to Philadelphia. Here his
+abhorrence of Slavery was greatly increased, especially after becoming
+acquainted with the Anti-slavery Office and the Abolition doctrine.
+Under whose auspices or by what influence he was first induced to visit
+the South with a view of aiding slaves to escape, the writer does not
+recollect; nevertheless, from personal knowledge, prior to 1851, he well
+knew that Burris was an accredited agent on the road above alluded to,
+and that he had been considered a safe, wise, and useful man in his day
+and calling. Probably the simple conviction that he would not otherwise
+be doing as he would be done by actuated him in going down South
+occasionally to assist some of his suffering friends to get the yokes
+off their necks, and with him escape to freedom. A number were thus
+aided by Burris. But finally he found himself within the fatal snare;
+the slave-holders caught him at last, and Burris was made a prisoner in
+Dover jail. His wife and children were thereby left without their
+protector and head. The friends of the slave in Philadelphia and
+elsewhere deeply sympathized with him in this dreadful hour. Being able
+to use the pen, although he could not write without having his letters
+inspected, he kept up a constant correspondence with his friends both in
+Delaware and Philadelphia. John Hunn and Thomas Garrett were as faithful
+to him as brothers. After lying in prison for many months, his trial
+came on and Slavery gained the victory. The court decided that he must
+be sold in or out of the State to serve for seven years. No change,
+pardon or relief, could be expected from the spirit and power that held
+sway over Delaware at that time.
+
+The case was one of great interest to Mr. McKim, as indeed to the entire
+Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society, who felt
+constrained to do all they could to save the poor man from his
+threatened fate, although they had not advised or encouraged him in the
+act for which he was condemned and about to suffer. In viewing his
+condition, but a faint ray of hope was entertained from one single
+direction. It was this: to raise money privately and have a man at the
+auction on the day of sale to purchase him.
+
+John Hunn and Thomas Garrett were too well known as Abolitionists to
+undertake this mission. A friend indeed, was desirable, but none other
+would do than such an one as would not be suspected. Mr. McKim thought
+that a man who might be taken for a negro trader would be the right kind
+of a man to send on this errand. Garrett and Hunn being consulted
+heartily acquiesced in this plan, and after much reflection and inquiry,
+Isaac S. Flint, an uncompromising abolitionist, living in Wilmington,
+Delaware, was elected to buy Burris at the sale, providing that he was
+not run up to a figure exceeding the amount in hand.
+
+Flint's abhorrence of Slavery combined with his fearlessness, cool
+bearing, and perfect knowledge from what he had read of the usages of
+traders at slave sales, without question admirably fitted him to play
+the part of a trader for the time being.
+
+When the hour arrived, the doomed man was placed on the auction-block.
+Two traders from Baltimore were known to be present; how many others the
+friends of Burris knew not. The usual opportunity was given to traders
+and speculators to thoroughly examine the property on the block, and
+most skillfully was Burris examined from the soles of his feet to the
+crown of his head; legs, arms and body, being handled as horse-jockies
+treat horses. Flint watched the ways of the traders and followed for
+effect their example. The auctioneer began and soon had a bid of five
+hundred dollars. A Baltimore trader was now in the lead, when Flint, if
+we mistake not, bought off the trader for one hundred dollars. The bids
+were thus suddenly checked, and Burris was knocked down to Isaac S.
+Flint (a strange trader). Of course he had left his abolition name at
+home and had adopted one suited to the occasion. When the crier's hammer
+indicated the last bid, although Burris had borne up heroically
+throughout the trying ordeal, he was not by any means aware of the fact
+that he had fallen into the hands of friends, but, on the contrary,
+evidently labored under the impression that his freedom was gone. But a
+few moments were allowed to pass ere Flint had the bill of sale for his
+property, and the joyful news was whispered in the ear of Burris that
+all was right; that he had been bought with abolition gold to save him
+from going south. Once more Burris found himself in Philadelphia with
+his wife and children and friends, a stronger opponent than ever of
+Slavery. Having thus escaped by the skin of his teeth, he never again
+ventured South.
+
+After remaining a year or two in Philadelphia, about the year 1852 he
+went to California to seek more lucrative employment than he had
+hitherto found. Becoming somewhat satisfactorily situated he sent for
+his family, who joined him. In the meanwhile, his interest in the cause
+of freedom did not falter; he always kept posted on the subject of the
+Underground Rail Road and Anti-slavery questions; and after the war,
+when appeals were made on behalf of contrabands who flocked into
+Washington daily in a state of utter destitution, Burris was among the
+first to present the matter to the colored churches of San Francisco,
+with a view of raising means to aid in this good work, and as the
+result, a handsome collection was taken up and forwarded to the proper
+committee in Washington.
+
+About three years ago, Samuel D. Burris died, in the city of San
+Francisco, at about the age of sixty years. To the slave he had been a
+true friend, and had labored faithfully for the improvement of his own
+mind as well as the general elevation of his race.
+
+
+
+MARIANN, GRACE ANNA, AND ELIZABETH R. LEWIS.
+
+
+Near Kimberton, in Chester county, Pa., was the birth-place, and, till
+within a few years, the home of three sisters, Mariann, Grace Anna and
+Elizabeth R. Lewis, who were among the most faithful, devoted, and
+quietly efficient workers in the Anti-slavery cause, including that
+department of it which is the subject of this volume.
+
+Birth-right members of the Society of Friends, they were born into more
+than the traditional Anti-slavery faith and feeling of that Society. A
+deep abhorrence of slavery, and an earnest will to put that feeling into
+act, as opportunity should serve, were in the very life-blood which they
+drew from father and mother both.
+
+Left fatherless at an early age, they were taught by their mother to
+remember that their father, on his visits to their maternal grandfather,
+living then in Maryland, was wont, as he expressed it, to feel the black
+shadow of slavery over his spirit, from the time he entered, till he
+left, the State; and that, on his death-bed, he had regretted having let
+ill-health prevent his meeting with, and joining one of the Anti-slavery
+Societies of that day. Of the mother's share in the transmission of
+their hereditary feeling, it is enough, to all acquainted with the
+history of Anti-slavery work in Pennsylvania, to say that she was
+sister, not by blood alone, but in heart and soul, to that early,
+active, untiring abolitionist, Dr. Bartholomew Fussell.
+
+It is easy to see that the children of such parents, growing up under
+the influence of such a mother, needed no conversion, no sacrifices of
+prejudice or hostile opinions, to make them Anti-slavery; but were
+ready, simply as a matter of course, to work for the good cause whenever
+any way appeared in which their work could serve it. What was called
+"modern abolitionism," as distinguished from the less aggressive form of
+opposition to slavery, which preceded the movement pioneered by
+Garrison, they at once accepted, as soon as it was set before them,
+through the agents of the American Anti-Slavery Society, in the campaign
+in Pennsylvania, begun in 1836. Regarding it but as the next step
+forward in the way they had already entered, they instinctively fell
+into line with the new movement, assisted in forming a society auxiliary
+to it, in their own neighborhood, and were constant to the end in
+working for its advancement.
+
+
+EARNEST IN THE CAUSE.
+
+
+[Illustration: GRACE ANNE LEWIS]
+
+[Illustration: MRS. FRANCIS E. W. HARPER]
+
+[Illustration: JOHN NEEDLES.]
+
+Auxiliary to the influences already mentioned, was a very early
+recollection of seeing a colored man, Henry, bound with ropes and
+carried off to slavery. Grace Anna, not more than four or five years old
+at the time, declared that the man's face of agony is before her now;
+nor is it likely that her sisters were impressed less deeply. Of natures
+keenly sensitive, they hated slavery, from that hour, as only children
+of such natures can; and--as yet too young and immature for that charity
+to have been developed in them, which can see a brother even in the
+evil-doer, and pity while condemning him,--they even more intensely
+hated, while they feared, the actors in the outrage, and despised the
+girl who had betrayed the victim. Ever after, any one of them could be
+trusted to be faithful to the hunted fugitive, though an army of
+kidnappers might surround her.
+
+Another of their early recollections was of a white handkerchief which
+was to be waved from a back window, as a signal of danger, to a colored
+man at work in a wood near by. And, all the while, the feelings aroused
+by such events were kept alive by little Anti-slavery poems, which they
+were wont to learn by heart and recite in the evenings. Grace Anna, on
+her first visit to Philadelphia, when nine years old, bought a copy of
+one of these, entitled "Zambo's Story," pleased to recognize in it a
+favorite of her still earlier childhood.
+
+By means like these they were unconsciously preparing themselves for the
+predestined tasks of their after-life; and if there were danger that
+such a strain upon their sympathies, as they often underwent, might
+prove unhealthful, it was fully counteracted by ball-playing, and all
+kinds of active out-door amusements of childhood, so that it was never
+known to result in harm.
+
+As time passed on, their home, always open to fugitives, became an
+important centre of Underground Rail Road operations for the region
+extending from Wilmington, Del., into Adams county, Pa.; and they, grown
+to womanhood, had glided into the management of its very considerable
+business. They received passengers from Thomas Garrett, and sometimes
+others, perhaps, of Wilmington, when it was thought unsafe to send them
+thence directly through Philadelphia; from Wm. and Phebe Wright, in
+Adams county, and from friends, more than we have room to name, in York,
+Columbia, and the southern parts of Lancaster and Chester counties; the
+several lines, from Adams county to Wilmington, converging upon the
+house of John Vickers, of Lionville, whose wagon, laden apparently with
+innocent-looking earthen ware from his pottery, sometimes conveyed,
+unseen beneath the visible load, a precious burden of Southern chattels,
+on their way to manhood.
+
+[At a later period, the trains from Adams county generally took another
+course, going to Harrisburg, and on to Canada, by way of the Susquehanna
+Valley; though still, when pursuit that way was apprehended, the former
+course was taken.]
+
+These passengers, the Lewises forwarded in diverse ways; usually, in the
+earlier times, by wagon or carriage, to Richard Moore, of Quakertown, in
+Bucks county, about thirty miles distant; but later, when abolitionists
+were more numerous, and easier stages could be safely made, either
+directly to the writer, or to one or other of ten or twelve stations
+which had become established at places less remote, in the counties of
+Chester and Montgomery. During portions of the time, their married
+sister Rebecca, and her husband, Edwin Fussell, and their uncle, Dr. B.
+Fussell, and, after him, his brother William, lived on farms adjoining
+theirs, and were their active helpers in this work.
+
+The receiving and passing on of fugitives, was not all they had to do.
+Often it was necessary to fit out whole families with clothing suitable
+for the journey. In cases of emergency they would sometimes gather a
+sewing-circle from such neighboring families as could be trusted; and,
+with its help, accomplish rapidly the needed work. One instance is
+remembered, of a woman, with her little boy, whom they put into girls'
+attire; and, changing also the woman's dress, sent both, by cars, to
+Canada, accompanied by a friend. In this kind of work, too, they had
+generous aid from friends at neighboring stations. From Lawrenceville
+and Limerick, and Pottstown and Pughtown, came contributions of
+clothing; at one time a supply which filled compactly three three-bushel
+bags, and of which a small remainder, still on hand when slavery was
+abolished, was sent South to the freedmen.
+
+The prudence, skill, and watchful care with which the business was
+conducted, are well attested by the fact that, so far as can be
+remembered, during all the many years of their connection with the
+Underground Rail Road, not a plan miscarried, and not a slave that
+reached their station was retaken; although among their neighbors there
+were bitter adversaries of the Anti-slavery cause, eager to find
+occasion for hostile acts against any abolitionist; and, at times,
+especially vindictive against the noble sisters, because of their
+effective co-operation with other friends of Temperance, in preventing
+the licensing of a liquor-selling tavern in the neighborhood. On one
+occasion, when, within a week, they had passed on to freedom no less
+than forty fugitives, eleven of whom had been in the house at once, they
+were amused at hearing a remark by some of their pro-slavery neighbors,
+to the effect that "there used to be a pretty brisk trade of running off
+niggers, but there was not much of it done now."
+
+Though parties of four, five or six sometimes arrived in open day, they
+seldom sent any away till about nightfall or later, and, whenever the
+danger was greater than usual, the coming was also at night. The
+fugitives, in attempting to capture whom, Gorsuch was killed, near
+Christiana, were brought to them at midnight, by Dr. Fussell; and in
+this case such caution was observed, that not even the hired girl knew
+of the presence of persons not of the family.
+
+For one reason or another,--perhaps to let a hot pursuit go by; perhaps
+to allow opportunity for recovering from fatigue and recruiting
+exhausted strength, or for earning means to pursue the journey by the
+common railroads,--it was often thought advisable that passengers should
+remain with them for a considerable period; and numbers of these were,
+at different times, employed as laborers in some capacity. Grace Anna
+testifies that some of the best assistants they ever had in the house or
+on the farm, were these escaped slaves; that in general they were
+thrifty and economical, one man, for instance, who spent several years
+with them, having accumulated five hundred dollars before he went on to
+Canada; and another, enough to furnish an old coat with a full set of
+buttons, each of which was a golden half-eagle, covered with cloth, and
+firmly sewed on, besides an ample supply of good clothing for himself
+and his wife; and that, almost without exception, they were honest and
+loyal to their benefactors, and only too happy to find opportunities of
+showing their gratitude. One man sent back to the sisters a letter of
+thanks, through a gentleman in England, whither he had gone. And once,
+when Grace Anna was passing an elegant mansion in Philadelphia, a
+colored woman rushed out upon her with such an impetuous demonstration
+of affection, joy, and thankfulness--all thought of fitness of time and
+place swept away by the swell of strong emotion--as might well have
+amused, or slightly astonished, the passers in the street, who knew not
+that in her arms the woman's child had died. But it is no marvel that to
+her the memory of that poor runaway slave-woman's true affection is more
+than could have been the warmest welcome from her educated and refined
+mistress.
+
+One case, of which the sisters for a time had charge, seems worthy of a
+somewhat more extended mention. In the fall of 1855 a slave named
+Johnson, who, in fleeing from bondage, had come as far as Wilmington,
+thinking he saw his master on the train by which he was journeying
+northward, sprang from the car and hurt his foot severely. The Kennett
+abolitionists having taken him in hand, and fearing that suspicious eyes
+were on him in their region, felt it necessary to send him onward
+without waiting for his wound to heal. He was therefore taken to the
+Lewises, suffering very much in his removal, and arriving in a condition
+which required the most assiduous care. For more than four months he
+remained with them, patient and gentle in his helplessness and
+suffering, and very thankful for the ministrations of kindness he
+received. He was nursed as tenderly as if his own sisters had attended
+him, instead of strangers, and was so carefully concealed that the
+nearest neighbors knew not of his being with them. Their cousin, Morris
+Fussell, who lived near, being a physician, they had not to depend for
+even medical advice upon the outside world.
+
+As the sufferer's wound, in natural course, became offensive, the care
+of it could not but have been disagreeable as well as toilsome; and the
+feeble health of one of the sisters at that time must have made heavier
+the burden to be borne. But it was borne with a cheerful constancy. In a
+letter which Grace Anna wrote after she had attended for some time in
+person to the patient, with the care and sympathy which his condition
+demanded, and begun to feel her strength unequal to the task, in
+addition to her household duties, she asked a friend in Philadelphia to
+procure for her a trusty colored woman fit to be a helper in the work,
+offering higher wages than were common in that region for the services
+required, and adding that, indeed, they could not stand upon the amount
+of pay, but must have help, if it could be obtained, though not in a
+condition to bear undue expenditure. But, she said, the man "is unable
+to be removed; and if he were not, I know of no place where the charge
+would not be equally severe." So, in perfect keeping with her character,
+she just quietly regarded it as a matter of course that it should still
+continue where it was. And there it did continue until spring, when the
+man, now able to bear removal, was conveyed to the writer, and, after a
+time, went thence to Boston. There his foot, pronounced incurable, was
+amputated, and the abolitionists supplied him with a wooden limb. He
+then returned and spent another winter with the Lewises, assisting in
+the household work, and rendering services invaluable at a time when it
+was almost impossible to obtain female help. The next spring, hoping
+vainly to recover in a warmer climate from the disease induced by the
+drain his wounded foot had made upon his system, he went to Hayti, and
+there died; happy, we may well believe, to have escaped from slavery,
+though only to have won scarely two years of freedom as an invalid and a
+cripple.
+
+The sisters were so thoroughly united in their work, as well as in all
+the experiences of life, that this brief sketch has not attempted what
+indeed it could not have achieved--a separation of their spheres of
+beneficent activity. Yet they had each her individual traits and
+adaptations to their common task; "diversities of gifts, but the same
+spirit." Elizabeth, although for many years shut out by feeble health
+from any part requiring much bodily exertion, was ever a wise
+counsellor, as well as ready with such help as her state of health would
+warrant. Though weak in body, in spirit she was strong and calm and
+self-reliant, with a clear, discriminating intellect, a keen sense of
+right, and a certain solidity and balanced symmetry of the spiritual
+nature which made her an appreciable power wherever she was known. Of
+Mariann, Grace Anna says, that if a flash of inspiration was required,
+it usually came from her. Taught by her love for others, and by a
+sensitiveness almost preternaturally quick, "she always knew exactly the
+right thing to do," and put all the poetry of a nature exquisitely fine
+into her efforts to diffuse around her purity and peace and happiness.
+Her constant, utterly unselfish endeavors to this end contributed in
+ample measure to the blessedness of a delightful home, rich in the
+virtues, charities and graces which make home blessed. Veiled by her
+modest and retiring disposition, to few beyond the circle of her home
+were known the beauty and beneficence of her noiseless life; but those
+who did look in upon it testified her worth in terms so strong as showed
+how deeply it impressed them. "Just the best woman I ever knew," said a
+young man for whom she had long cared like a mother. "I cannot
+remember," said another, "ever hearing from her one ungentle word;" and
+it may be safely doubted whether she was ever heard to utter such. And
+one who "knew her every mood" cannot recall an instance of selfishness
+in her, even when a child. "The most womanly woman I ever knew,"
+declared a friend long closely intimate with her, "and such as would
+have been adored, if found by any man worthy of her."
+
+The ideal element in her was chastened by sound sense and blended with a
+quick sagacity; but her shrinking sensitiveness, too keen to be quite
+healthy, and an extreme of self-forgetfulness, amounting possibly to a
+defect in one sojourning amid this world's diverse dispositions and
+experiences, rendered her, on the whole, less balanced and complete than
+her younger sisters, and not well fitted for rough encounter with life's
+trials. So it became Grace Anna's province, especially after their
+mother's death, to stand a shelter between her and whatever would
+unpleasantly affect her by its contact; to be in some sort as a brother
+to her, seeing there was no brother in the house. But from this it must
+not be inferred that Grace Anna is less gifted with the distinctive
+qualities of her sex. For the native fineness of her spiritual texture,
+her gentle dignity and feminine delicacy and grace, mark her as "every
+inch" a true and noble woman. In her combine in happy union the calm
+strength of soul and self-reliance of her younger, with the poetic
+ideality and a just degree of the quick sensibility of her elder sister,
+with better health than either, making her foremost of the three in that
+executive efficiency which did so much to give their plans the uniform
+success already mentioned. Kindness and warm affection, clearness of
+moral vision, and purity of heart, with a lively relish for quiet
+intellectual pleasures, for society and books adapted to refine, improve
+and elevate, were among the characteristics common to them all.
+
+Mariann and Elizabeth, having lived to see the triumph of the Right, in
+the Presidential Proclamation of Freedom to the slaves, have gone from
+their earthly labors to their heavenly rest; which, we may well believe,
+is that whereof the poet speaks:
+
+
+      "Rest in harmonious action like the stars,
+      Doing the deeds which make heaven musical,
+      The earth a heaven, and brothers of us all."
+
+
+
+Grace Anna still continues here, working for human welfare in such
+fields as still demand the laborer's toil; and finding mental profit and
+delight in the pursuit of natural science.
+
+
+
+CUNNINGHAM'S RACHE.
+
+
+BY MISS GRACE A. LEWIS.
+
+Among the many fugitives whose stories were full of interest, was that
+of a woman named Rachel. She was tall, muscular, slight, with an
+extremely sensitive nervous organization, a brain of large size, and an
+expression of remarkable sagacity and quickness. She was living in West
+Chester, Chester county, Pa., when attempts were made to retake her to
+Slavery. With wonderful swiftness and adroitness she eluded pursuit, and
+was soon hurried away. Speedily reaching our house, she hid herself away
+during the day, and in the evening, as a place of greater safety, she
+was transferred to the house of our uncle, Dr. Fussell, then residing on
+an adjoining farm. As was his wont, this kind-hearted man soon entered
+into a conversation with her, and in a few minutes discovered that she
+had once been a pupil of his during his residence in Maryland many years
+before.
+
+At the moment of recognition she sprang up, overwhelming him with her
+manifestations of delight, crying: "You Dr. Fussell? You Dr. Fussell?
+Don't you remember me? I'm Rache--Cunningham's Rache, down at Bush River
+Neck." Then receding to view him better, "Lord bless de child! how he is
+grown!"
+
+Her tongue once loosened, she poured forth her whole history, expressing
+in every lineament her concentrated abhorrence of her libertine master,
+"Mort Cunningham." Over that story, it is needful to pass lightly,
+simply saying, she endured all outraged nature could endure and survive.
+For the sake of humanity we may trust there were few such fiends even
+among southern masters as this monster in human shape. Cunningham
+finally sold her to go further South, with a master whose name cannot
+now be recalled. This man was in ill health, and after a time he and his
+wife started northward, bringing Rache with them. On the voyage the
+master grew worse, and one night when he was about to die, a fearful
+storm arose, which Rache devoutly believed was sent from Heaven. In
+describing this scene, she impersonated her surroundings with wonderful
+vividness and marvellous power. At one moment she was the howling wind;
+at another the tumultuous sea--then the lurching ship--the bellowing cow
+frightened by the storm--the devil, who came to carry away her master's
+soul, and finally the weak, dying man, as he passed to eternity.
+
+They proceeded on their voyage and landed at their place of destination.
+Rache sees the cow snuffing the land breeze and darting off through the
+crowd. The captain of the vessel points to the cow and motions her to
+follow its example. She needs nothing more. Again she is acting--she is
+now the cow; but human caution, shrewdness, purpose, are lent to animal
+instinct. She looks around her with wary eye--scents the air--a flash,
+and she is hidden from the crowd which you see around her--she is free!
+Making her way northward, she finally arrived at the house of Emmer
+Kimber, Kimberton, Chester county, Pa., and proving a remarkably capable
+woman, she remained a considerable time in his family, as a cook. She
+finally married, and settled in West Chester, where the pair prospered
+and were soon surrounded by the comforts of a neat home. After several
+years of peaceful life there, she was one day alarmed, not by the heirs
+of her dead master, but by the loathed "Mort Cunningham," who, without
+the shadow of legal right, had come to carry her back to Slavery. Fear
+lent her wings. She darted into a hatter's shop and out through the back
+buildings, springing over a dye kettle in her way, and cleared a board
+fence at a bound. On her way to a place of safety she looked back to
+see, with keen enjoyment, "Mort Cunningham" falling backward from the
+fence she had leaped. Secure in a garret, she looked down into the
+streets below, to see his vacant, dazed look as he sought, unable to
+find her. Her rendering of the expression of his face at this time, was
+irresistibly ludicrous, as was that of his whole bearing while searching
+for her. "Mort Cunningham" did not get her, but whether or not she ever
+returned to the enjoyment of her happy home, in West Chester, we never
+knew, as this sudden flight was the last we ever heard of her. She was
+one of the most wide-awake of human beings, and the world certainly lost
+in the uneducated slave, an actor of great dramatic power.
+
+
+
+FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER.
+
+
+The narratives and labors of eminent colored men such as Banneker,
+Douglass, Brown, Garnet, and others, have been written and sketched very
+fully for the public, and doubtless with advantage to the cause of
+freedom. But there is not to be found in any written work portraying the
+Anti-Slavery struggle, (except in the form of narratives,) as we are
+aware of, a sketch of the labors of any eminent colored woman. We feel,
+therefore, not only glad of the opportunity to present a sketch not
+merely of the leading colored poet in the United States, but also of one
+of the most liberal contributors, as well as one of the ablest advocates
+of the Underground Rail Road and of the slave.
+
+No extravagant praise of any kind,--only simple facts are needed to
+portray the noble deeds of this faithful worker.
+
+The want of space forbids more than a brief reference to her early life.
+
+Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (Watkins being her maiden name) was born in
+the City of Baltimore in 1825, not of slave parentage, but subjected of
+course to the oppressive influence which bond and free alike endured
+under slave laws. Since reaching her majority, in looking back, the
+following sentences from her own pen express the loneliness of her
+childhood days. "Have I yearned for a mother's love? The grave was my
+robber. Before three years had scattered their blight around my path,
+death had won my mother from me. Would the strong arm of a brother have
+been welcome? I was my mother's only child." Thus she fell into the
+hands of an aunt, who watched over her during these early helpless
+years. Rev. William Watkins, an uncle, taught a school in Baltimore for
+free colored children, to which she was sent until she was about
+thirteen years of age. After this period, she was put out to work to
+earn her own living. She had many trials to endure which she would fain
+forget; but in the midst of them all she had an ardent thirst for
+knowledge and a remarkable talent for composition, as she evinced at the
+age of fourteen in an article which attracted the attention of the lady
+in whose family she was employed, and others. In this situation she was
+taught sewing, took care of the children, &c.; and at the same time,
+through the kindness of her employer, her greed for books was satisfied
+so far as was possible from occasional half-hours of leisure. She was
+noted for her industry, rarely trifling away time as most girls are wont
+to do in similar circumstances. Scarcely had she reached her majority
+ere she had written a number of prose and poetic pieces which were
+deemed of sufficient merit to publish in a small volume called "Forest
+Leaves." Some of her productions found their way into newspapers and
+attracted attention. The ability exhibited in some of her productions
+was so remarkable that some doubted and others denied their originality.
+Of this character we here copy an extract from one of her early prose
+productions:
+
+
+
+CHRISTIANITY.
+
+
+
+    "Christianity is a system claiming God for its author, and the
+    welfare of man for its object. It is a system so uniform,
+    exalted and pure, that the loftiest intellects have acknowledged
+    its influence, and acquiesced in the justness of its claims.
+    Genius has bent from his erratic course to gather fire from her
+    altars, and pathos from the agony of Gethsemane and the
+    sufferings of Calvary. Philosophy and science have paused amid
+    their speculative researches and wondrous revelations to gain
+    wisdom from her teachings and knowledge from her precepts.
+    Poetry has culled her fairest flowers and wreathed her softest
+    to bind her Author's 'bleeding brow.' Music has strung her
+    sweetest lyres and breathed her noblest strains to celebrate his
+    fame; whilst Learning has bent from her lofty heights to bow at
+    the lowly cross. The constant friend of man, she has stood by
+    him in his hour of greatest need. She has cheered the prisoner
+    in his cell, and strengthened the martyr at the stake. She has
+    nerved the frail and shrinking heart of woman for high and holy
+    deeds. The worn and weary have rested their fainting heads upon
+    her bosom, and gathered strength from her words and courage from
+    her counsels. She has been the staff of decrepit age and the joy
+    of manhood in its strength. She has bent over the form of lovely
+    childhood, and suffered it to have a place in the Redeemer's
+    arms. She has stood by the bed of the dying, and unveiled the
+    glories of eternal life, gilding the darkness of the tomb with
+    the glory of the resurrection."
+
+
+Her mind being of a strictly religious caste, the effusions from her pen
+all savor of a highly moral and elevating tone.
+
+About the year 1851 she left Baltimore to seek a home in a Free State,
+and for a short time resided in Ohio, where she was engaged in teaching.
+Contrary to her expectations, her adopted home and calling not proving
+satisfactory, she left that State and came to Pennsylvania as a last
+resort, and again engaged in teaching at Little York. Here she not only
+had to encounter the trouble of dealing with unruly children, she was
+sorely oppressed with the thought of the condition of her people in
+Maryland. Not unfrequently she gave utterance to such expressions as the
+following: "Not that we have not a right to breathe the air as freely as
+anybody else here (in Baltimore), but we are treated worse than aliens
+among a people whose language we speak, whose religion we profess, and
+whose blood flows and mingles in our veins.... Homeless in the land of
+our birth and worse off than strangers in the home of our nativity."
+During her stay in York she had frequent opportunities of seeing
+passengers on the Underground Rail Road. In one of her letters she thus
+alluded to a traveler: "I saw a passenger _per_ the Underground Rail
+Road yesterday; did he arrive safely? Notwithstanding that abomination
+of the nineteenth century--the Fugitive Slave Law--men still determine
+to be free. Notwithstanding all the darkness in which they keep the
+slaves, it seems that somehow light is dawning upon their minds....
+These poor fugitives are a property that can walk. Just to think that
+from the rainbow-crowned Niagara to the swollen waters of the Mexican
+Gulf, from the restless murmur of the Atlantic to the ceaseless roar of
+the Pacific, the poor, half-starved, flying fugitive has no
+resting-place for the sole of his foot!"
+
+Whilst hesitating whether or not it would be best to continue teaching,
+she wrote to a friend for advice as follows: "What would you do if you
+were in my place? Would you give up and go back and work at your trade
+(dress-making)? There are no people that need all the benefits resulting
+from a well-directed education more than we do. The condition of our
+people, the wants of our children, and the welfare of our race demand
+the aid of every helping hand, the God-speed of every Christian heart.
+It is a work of time, a labor of patience, to become an effective school
+teacher; and it should be a work of love in which they who engage should
+not abate heart or hope until it is done. And after all, it is one of
+woman's most sacred rights to have the privilege of forming the symmetry
+and rightly adjusting the mental balance of an immortal mind." "I have
+written a lecture on education, and I am also writing a small book."
+
+Thus, whilst filling her vocation as a teacher in Little York, was she
+deeply engrossed in thought as to how she could best promote the welfare
+of her race. But as she was devoted to the work in hand, she soon found
+that fifty-three untrained little urchins overtaxed her naturally
+delicate physical powers; it also happened just about this time that she
+was further moved to enter the Anti-Slavery field as a lecturer
+substantially by the following circumstance: About the year 1853,
+Maryland, her native State, had enacted a law forbidding free people of
+color from the North from coming into the State on pain of being
+imprisoned and sold into slavery. A free man, who had unwittingly
+violated this infamous statute, had recently been sold to Georgia, and
+had escaped thence by secreting himself behind the wheel-house of a boat
+bound northward; but before he reached the desired haven, he was
+discovered and remanded to slavery. It was reported that he died soon
+after from the effects of exposure and suffering. In a letter to a
+friend referring to this outrage, Mrs. Harper thus wrote: "Upon that
+grave I pledged myself to the Anti-Slavery cause."
+
+Having thus decided, she wrote in a subsequent letter, "It may be that
+God himself has written upon both my heart and brain a commission to use
+time, talent and energy in the cause of freedom." In this abiding faith
+she came to Philadelphia, hoping that the way would open for usefulness,
+and to publish her little book (above referred to). She visited the
+Anti-Slavery Office and read Anti-Slavery documents with great avidity;
+in the mean time making her home at the station of the Underground Rail
+Road, where she frequently saw passengers and heard their melting tales
+of suffering and wrong, which intensely increased her sympathy in their
+behalf. Although anxious to enter the Anti-Slavery field as a worker,
+her modesty prevented her from pressing her claims; consequently as she
+was but little known, being a young and homeless maiden (an exile by
+law), no especial encouragement was tendered her by Anti-Slavery friends
+in Philadelphia.
+
+During her stay in Philadelphia she published some verses entitled,
+"Eliza Harris crossing the River on the Ice." It was deemed best to
+delay the issuing of the book.
+
+After spending some weeks in Philadelphia, she concluded to visit
+Boston. Here she was treated with the kindness characteristic of the
+friends in the Anti-Slavery Office whom she visited, but only made a
+brief stay, after which she proceeded to New Bedford, the "hot-bed of
+the fugitives" in Massachusetts, where by invitation she addressed a
+public meeting on the subject of Education and the Elevation of the
+Colored Race.
+
+The occasion and result of the commencement of her public career was
+thus given by her own pen in a letter dated August, 1854:
+
+
+    "Well, I am out lecturing. I have lectured every night this
+    week; besides addressed a Sunday-school, and I shall speak, if
+    nothing prevent, to-night. My lectures have met with success.
+    Last night I lectured in a white church in Providence. Mr.
+    Gardener was present, and made the estimate of about six hundred
+    persons. Never, perhaps, was a speaker, old or young, favored
+    with a more attentive audience.... My voice is not wanting in
+    strength, as I am aware of, to reach pretty well over the house.
+    The church was the Roger Williams; the pastor, a Mr. Furnell,
+    who appeared to be a kind and Christian man.... My maiden
+    lecture was Monday night in New Bedford on the Elevation and
+    Education of our People. Perhaps as intellectual a place as any
+    I was ever at of its size."
+
+
+Having thus won her way to a favorable position as a lecturer, the
+following month she was engaged by the State Anti-Slavery Society of
+Maine, with what success appears from one of her letters bearing
+date--Buckstown Centre, Sept. 28, 1854:
+
+
+    "The agent of the State Anti-Slavery Society of Maine travels
+    with me, and she is a pleasant, dear, sweet lady. I do like her
+    so. We travel together, eat together, and sleep together. (She
+    is a white woman.) In fact I have not been in one colored
+    person's house since I left Massachusetts; but I have a pleasant
+    time. My life reminds me of a beautiful dream. What a difference
+    between this and York!... I have met with some of the kindest
+    treatment up here that I have ever received.... I have lectured
+    three times this week. After I went from Limerick, I went to
+    Springvale; there I spoke on Sunday night at an Anti-Slavery
+    meeting. Some of the people are Anti-Slavery, Anti-rum and
+    Anti-Catholic; and if you could see our Maine ladies,--some of
+    them among the noblest types of womanhood you have ever seen!
+    They are for putting men of Anti-Slavery principles in office,
+    ... to cleanse the corrupt fountains of our government by
+    sending men to Congress who will plead for our down-trodden and
+    oppressed brethren, our crushed and helpless sisters, whose
+    tears and blood bedew our soil, whose chains are clanking 'neath
+    our proudest banners, whose cries and groans amid our loudest
+    paeans rise."
+
+
+Everywhere in this latitude doors opened before her, and her gifts were
+universally recognized as a valuable acquisition to the cause. In the
+letter above referred to she said: "I spoke in Boston on Monday
+night.... Well, I am but one, but can do something, and, God helping me,
+I will try. Mr. Brister from Lowell addressed the meeting; also Rev.
+---- Howe. We had a good demonstration."
+
+Having read the narrative of Solomon Northrup (12 years a slave), she
+was led to embrace the Free Labor doctrine most thoroughly; and in a
+letter dated at Temple, Maine, Oct. 20, 1854, after expressing the
+interest she took in the annual meeting of the Anti-Slavery Society of
+that state, she remarked:
+
+
+    "I spoke on Free Produce, and now by the way I believe in that
+    kind of Abolition. Oh, it does seem to strike at one of the
+    principal roots of the matter. I have commenced since I read
+    Solomon Northrup. Oh, if Mrs. Stowe has clothed American slavery
+    in the graceful garb of fiction, Solomon Northrup comes up from
+    the dark habitation of Southern cruelty where slavery fattens
+    and feasts on human blood with such mournful revelations that
+    one might almost wish for the sake of humanity that the tales of
+    horror which he reveals were not so. Oh, how can we pamper our
+    appetites upon luxuries drawn from reluctant fingers? Oh, could
+    slavery exist long if it did not sit on a commercial throne? I
+    have read somewhere, if I remember aright, of a Hindoo being
+    loth to cut a tree because being a believer in the
+    transmigration of souls, he thought the soul of his father had
+    passed into it ... Oh, friend, beneath the most delicate
+    preparations of the cane can you not see the stinging lash and
+    clotted whip? I have reason to be thankful that I am able to
+    give a little more for a Free Labor dress, if it is coarser. I
+    can thank God that upon its warp and woof I see no stain of
+    blood and tears; that to procure a little finer muslin for my
+    limbs no crushed and broken heart went out in sighs, and that
+    from the field where it was raised went up no wild and startling
+    cry unto the throne of God to witness there in language deep and
+    strong, that in demanding that cotton I was nerving oppression's
+    hand for deeds of guilt and crime. If the liberation of the
+    slave demanded it, I could consent to part with a portion of the
+    blood from my own veins if that would do him any good."
+
+
+After having thus alluded to free labor, she gave a short journal of the
+different places where she had recently lectured from the 5th of
+September to the 20th of October, which we mention here simply to show
+the perseverance which characterized her as an advocate of her enslaved
+race, and at the same time show how doors everywhere opened to her:
+Portland, Monmouth Centre, North Berwick, Limerick (two meetings),
+Springvale, Portsmouth, Elliott, Waterborough (spoke four times), Lyman,
+Saccarappo, Moderation, Steep Falls (twice), North Buxton, Goram,
+Gardner, Litchfield, twice, Monmouth Ridge twice, Monmouth Centre three
+times, Litchfield second time, West Waterville twice, Livermore Temple.
+Her ability and labors were everywhere appreciated, and her meetings
+largely attended. In a subsequent letter referring to the manner that
+she was received, she wrote, "A short while ago when I was down this way
+I took breakfast with the then Governor of Maine."
+
+For a year and a half she continued in the Eastern States, speaking in
+most or all of them with marked success; the papers meting out to her
+full commendation for her efforts. The following extract clipped from
+the Portland Daily Press, respecting a lecture that she was invited to
+deliver after the war by the Mayor (Mr. Washburne) and others, is a fair
+sample of notices from this source:
+
+
+    "She spoke for nearly an hour and a half, her subject being 'The
+    Mission of the War, and the Demands of the Colored Race in the
+    Work of Reconstruction;' and we have seldom seen an audience
+    more attentive, better pleased, or more enthusiastic. Mrs.
+    Harper has a splendid articulation, uses chaste, pure language,
+    has a pleasant voice, and allows no one to tire of hearing her.
+    We shall attempt no abstract of her address; none that we could
+    make would do her justice. It was one of which any lecturer
+    might feel proud, and her reception by a Portland audience was
+    all that could be desired. We have seen no praises of her that
+    were overdrawn. We have heard Miss Dickinson, and do not
+    hesitate to award the palm to her darker colored sister."
+
+
+In 1856, desiring to see the fugitives in Canada, she visited the Upper
+Province, and in a letter dated at Niagara Falls, Sept. 12th, she
+unfolded her mind in the following language:
+
+
+    "Well, I have gazed for the first time upon Free Land, and,
+    would you believe it, tears sprang to my eyes, and I wept. Oh,
+    it was a glorious sight to gaze for the first time on a land
+    where a poor slave flying from our glorious land of liberty
+    would in a moment find his fetters broken, his shackles loosed,
+    and whatever he was in the land of Washington, beneath the
+    shadow of Bunker Hill Monument or even Plymouth Rock, here he
+    becomes a man and a brother. I have gazed on Harper's Ferry, or
+    rather the rock at the Ferry; I have seen it towering up in
+    simple grandeur, with the gentle Potomac gliding peacefully at
+    its feet, and felt that that was God's masonry, and my soul had
+    expanded in gazing on its sublimity. I have seen the ocean
+    singing its wild chorus of sounding waves, and ecstacy has
+    thrilled upon the living chords of my heart. I have since then
+    seen the rainbow-crowned Niagara chanting the choral hymn of
+    Omnipotence, girdled with grandeur, and robed with glory; but
+    none of these things have melted me as the first sight of Free
+    Land. Towering mountains lifting their hoary summits to catch
+    the first faint flush of day when the sunbeams kiss the shadows
+    from morning's drowsy face may expand and exalt your soul. The
+    first view of the ocean may fill you with strange delight.
+    Niagara--the great, the glorious Niagara--may hush your spirit
+    with its ceaseless thunder; it may charm you with its robe of
+    crested spray and rainbow crown; but the land of Freedom was a
+    lesson of deeper significance than foaming waves or towering
+    mounts."
+
+
+While in Toronto she lectured, and was listened to with great interest;
+but she made only a brief visit, thence returning to Philadelphia, her
+adopted home.
+
+With her newly acquired reputation as a lecturer, from 1856 to 1859 she
+continued her labors in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, &c. In
+the meantime she often came in contact with Underground Rail Road
+passengers, especially in Philadelphia. None sympathized with them more
+sincerely or showed a greater willingness to render them material aid.
+She contributed apparently with the same liberality as though they were
+her own near kin. Even when at a distance, so deep was her interest in
+the success of the Road, she frequently made it her business to forward
+donations, and carefully inquire into the state of the treasury. The
+Chairman of the Committee might publish a volume of interesting letters
+from her pen relating to the Underground Rail Road and kindred topics;
+but a few extracts must suffice. We here copy from a letter dated at
+Rushsylvania, Ohio, Dec. 15th: "I send you to-day two dollars for the
+Underground Rail Road. It is only a part of what I subscribed at your
+meeting. May God speed the flight of the slave as he speeds through our
+Republic to gain his liberty in a monarchical land. I am still in the
+lecturing field, though not very strong physically.... Send me word what
+I can do for the fugitive."
+
+From Tiffin, Ohio, March 31st, touching the news of a rescue in
+Philadelphia, she thus wrote:
+
+
+    "I see by the Cincinnati papers that you have had an attempted
+    rescue and a failure. That is sad! Can you not give me the
+    particulars? and if there is anything that I can do for them in
+    money or words, call upon me. This is a common cause; and if
+    there is any burden to be borne in the
+    Anti-Slavery-cause--anything to be done to weaken our hateful
+    chains or assert our manhood and womanhood, I have a right to do
+    my share of the work. The humblest and feeblest of us can do
+    something; and though I may be deficient in many of the
+    conventionalisms of city life, and be considered as a person of
+    good impulses, but unfinished, yet if there is common rough work
+    to be done, call on me."
+
+
+Mrs. Harper was not content to make speeches and receive plaudits, but
+was ever willing to do the rough work and to give material aid wherever
+needed.
+
+From another letter dated Lewis Centre, Ohio, we copy the following
+characteristic extract:
+
+
+    "Yesterday I sent you thirty dollars. Take five of it for the
+    rescuers (who were in prison), and the rest pay away on the
+    books. My offering is not large; but if you need more, send me
+    word. Also how comes on the Underground Rail Road? Do you need
+    anything for that? You have probably heard of the shameful
+    outrage of a colored man or boy named Wagner, who was kidnapped
+    in Ohio and carried across the river and sold for a slave....
+    Ohio has become a kind of a negro hunting ground, a new Congo's
+    coast and Guinea's shore. A man was kidnapped almost under the
+    shadow of our capital. Oh, was it not dreadful?... Oh, may the
+    living God prepare me for an earnest and faithful advocacy of
+    the cause of justice and right!"
+
+
+In those days the blows struck by the hero, John Brown, were agitating
+the nation. Scarcely was it possible for a living soul to be more deeply
+affected than this female advocate. Nor did her sympathies end in mere
+words. She tendered material aid as well as heartfelt commiseration.
+
+To John Brown's wife[A] she sent through the writer the following
+letter:
+
+[Footnote A: Mrs. Harper passed two weeks with Mrs. Brown at the house
+of the writer while she was awaiting the execution of her husband, and
+sympathized with her most deeply.]
+
+
+
+LETTER TO JOHN BROWN'S WIFE.
+
+
+
+    FARMER CENTRE, OHIO, Nov. 14th.
+
+    MY DEAR MADAM:--In an hour like this the common words of
+    sympathy may seem like idle words, and yet I want to say
+    something to you, the noble wife of the hero of the nineteenth
+    century. Belonging to the race your dear husband reached forth
+    his hand to assist, I need not tell you that my sympathies are
+    with you. I thank you for the brave words you have spoken. A
+    republic that produces such a wife and mother may hope for
+    better days. Our heart may grow more hopeful for humanity when
+    it sees the sublime sacrifice it is about to receive from his
+    hands. Not in vain has your dear husband periled all, if the
+    martyrdom of one hero is worth more than the life of a million
+    cowards. From the prison comes forth a shout of triumph over
+    that power whose ethics are robbery of the feeble and oppression
+    of the weak, the trophies of whose chivalry are a plundered
+    cradle and a scourged and bleeding woman. Dear sister, I thank
+    you for the brave and noble words that you have spoken. Enclosed
+    I send you a few dollars as a token of my gratitude, reverence
+    and love.
+
+    Yours respectfully,
+
+    FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS.
+
+    Post Office address: care of William Still, 107 Fifth St.,
+    Philadelphia, Penn.
+
+    May God, our own God, sustain you in the hour of trial. If there
+    is one thing on earth I can do for you or yours, let me be
+    apprized. I am at your service.
+
+
+Not forgetting Brown's comrades, who were then lying in prison under
+sentence of death, true to the best impulses of her generous heart, she
+thus wrote relative to these ill-fated prisoners, from Montpelier, Dec.
+12th:
+
+
+    "I thank you for complying with my request. (She had previously
+    ordered a box of things to be forwarded to them.) And also that
+    you wrote to them. You see Brown towered up so bravely that
+    these doomed and fated men may have been almost overlooked, and
+    just think that I am able to send one ray through the night
+    around them. And as their letters came too late to answer in
+    time, I am better satisfied that you wrote. I hope the things
+    will reach them. Poor doomed and fated men! Why did you not send
+    them more things? Please send me the bill of expense.... Send me
+    word what I can do for the fugitives. Do you need any money? Do
+    I not owe you on the old bill (pledge)? Look carefully and see
+    if I have paid all. Along with this letter I send you one for
+    Mr. Stephens (one of Brown's men), and would ask you to send him
+    a box of nice things every week till he dies or is acquitted. I
+    understand the balls have not been extracted from him. Has not
+    this suffering been overshadowed by the glory that gathered
+    around the brave old man?... Spare no expense to make the last
+    hours of his (Stephens') life as bright as possible with
+    sympathy.... Now, my friend, fulfil this to the letter. Oh, is
+    it not a privilege, if you are sisterless and lonely, to be a
+    sister to the human race, and to place your heart where it may
+    throb close to down-trodden humanity?"
+
+
+On another occasion in writing from the lecturing field hundreds of
+miles away from Philadelphia, the sympathy she felt for the fugitives
+found expression in the following language:
+
+
+    "How fared the girl who came robed in male attire? Do write me
+    every time you write how many come to your house; and, my dear
+    friend, if you have that much in hand of mine from my books,
+    will you please pay the Vigilance Committee two or three dollars
+    for me to help carry on the glorious enterprise. Now, please do
+    not write back that you are not going to do any such thing. Let
+    me explain a few matters to you. In the first place, I am able
+    to give something. In the second place, I am willing to do
+    so.... Oh, life is fading away, and we have but an hour of time!
+    Should we not, therefore, endeavor to let its history gladden
+    the earth? The nearer we ally ourselves to the wants and woes of
+    humanity in the spirit of Christ, the closer we get to the great
+    heart of God; the nearer we stand by the beating of the pulse of
+    universal love."
+
+
+Doubtless it has not often been found necessary for persons desirous of
+contributing to benevolent causes to first have to remove anticipated
+objections. Nevertheless in some cases it would seem necessary to
+admonish her not to be quite so liberal; to husband with a little more
+care her hard-earned income for a "rainy day," as her health was not
+strong.
+
+"My health," she wrote at that time, "is not very strong, and I may have
+to give up before long. I may have to yield on account of my voice,
+which I think, has become somewhat affected. I might be so glad if it
+was only so that I could go home among my own kindred and people, but
+slavery comes up like a dark shadow between me and the home of my
+childhood. Well, perhaps it is my lot to die from home and be buried
+among strangers; and yet I do not regret that I have espoused this
+cause; perhaps I have been of some service to the cause of human rights,
+and I hope the consciousness that I have not lived in vain, will be a
+halo of peace around my dying bed; a heavenly sunshine lighting up the
+dark valley and shadow of death."
+
+Notwithstanding this yearning for home, she was far from desiring at her
+death, a burial in a Slave State, as the following clearly expressed
+views show:
+
+
+    "I have lived in the midst of oppression and wrong, and I am
+    saddened by every captured fugitive in the North; a blow has
+    been struck at my freedom, in every hunted and down-trodden
+    slave in the South; North and South have both been guilty, and
+    they that sin must suffer."
+
+
+Also, in harmony with the above sentiments, came a number of verses
+appropriate to her desires in this respect, one of which we here give as
+a sample:
+
+
+  "Make me a grave where'er you will,
+  In a lowly plain, or a lofty hill,
+  Make it among earth's humblest graves,
+  But not in a land where men are slaves."
+
+
+In the State of Maine the papers brought to her notice the capture of
+Margaret Garner, and the tragic and bloody deed connected therewith. And
+she writes:
+
+
+    "Rome had her altars where the trembling criminal, and the worn
+    and weary slave might fly for an asylum--Judea her cities of
+    refuge; but Ohio, with her Bibles and churches, her baptisms and
+    prayers, had not one temple so dedicated to human rights, one
+    altar so consecrated to human liberty, that trampled upon and
+    down-trodden innocence knew that it could find protection for a
+    night, or shelter for a day."
+
+
+In the fall of 1860, in the city of Cincinnati, Mrs. Harper was married
+to Fenton Harper, a widower, and resident of Ohio. It seemed obvious
+that this change would necessarily take her from the sphere of her
+former usefulness. The means she had saved from the sale of her books
+and from her lectures, she invested in a small farm near Columbus, and
+in a short time after her marriage she entered upon house-keeping.
+
+Notwithstanding her family cares, consequent upon married life, she only
+ceased from her literary and anti-slavery labors, when compelled to do
+so by other duties.
+
+On the 23d of May, 1864, death deprived her of her husband.
+
+Whilst she could not give so much attention to writing as she could have
+desired in her household days, she, nevertheless, did then produce some
+of her best productions. Take the following for a sample, on the return
+from Cleveland, Ohio, of a poor, ill-fated slave-girl, (under the
+Fugitive Slave Law):
+
+
+TO THE UNION SAVERS OF CLEVELAND.
+
+
+  Men of Cleveland, had a vulture
+    Sought a timid dove for prey,
+  Would you not, with human pity,
+    Drive the gory bird away?
+
+
+  Had you seen a feeble lambkin,
+    Shrinking from a wolf so bold,
+  Would ye not to shield the trembler,
+    In your arms have made its fold?
+
+
+  But when she, a hunted sister,
+    Stretched her hands that ye might save,
+  Colder far than Zembla's regions
+    Was the answer that ye gave.
+
+
+  On the Union's bloody altar,
+    Was your hapless victim laid;
+  Mercy, truth and justice shuddered,
+    But your hands would give no aid.
+
+
+  And ye sent her back to torture,
+    Robbed of freedom and of right.
+  Thrust the wretched, captive stranger.
+    Back to slavery's gloomy night.
+
+
+  Back where brutal men may trample,
+    On her honor and her fame;
+  And unto her lips so dusky,
+    Press the cup of woe and shame.
+
+
+  There is blood upon your city,
+    Dark and dismal is the stain;
+  And your hands would fail to cleanse it,
+    Though Lake Erie ye should drain.
+
+
+  There's a curse upon your Union,
+    Fearful sounds are in the air;
+  As if thunderbolts were framing,
+    Answers to the bondsman's prayer.
+
+
+  Ye may offer human victims,
+    Like the heathen priests of old;
+  And may barter manly honor
+    For the Union and for gold.
+
+
+  But ye can not stay the whirlwind,
+    When the storm begins to break;
+  And our God doth rise in judgment,
+    For the poor and needy's sake.
+
+
+  And, your sin-cursed, guilty Union,
+    Shall be shaken to its base,
+  Till ye learn that simple justice,
+    Is the right of every race.
+
+
+Mrs. Harper took the deepest interest in the war, and looked with
+extreme anxiety for the results; and she never lost an opportunity to
+write, speak, or serve the cause in any way that she thought would best
+promote the freedom of the slave. On the proclamation of General
+Fremont, the passages from her pen are worthy to be long remembered:
+
+
+    "Well, what think you of the war? To me one of the most
+    interesting features is Fremont's Proclamation freeing the
+    slaves of the rebels. Is there no ray of hope in that? I should
+    not wonder if Edward M. Davis breathed that into his ear. His
+    proclamation looks like real earnestness; no mincing the matter
+    with the rebels. Death to the traitors and confiscation of their
+    slaves is no child's play. I hope that the boldness of his stand
+    will inspire others to look the real cause of the war in the
+    face and inspire the government with uncompromising earnestness
+    to remove the festering curse. And yet I am not uneasy about the
+    result of this war. We may look upon it as God's controversy
+    with the nation; His arising to plead by fire and blood the
+    cause of His poor and needy people. Some time since
+    Breckinridge, in writing to Sumner, asks, if I rightly remember,
+    What is the fate of a few negroes to me or mine? Bound up in one
+    great bundle of humanity our fates seem linked together, our
+    destiny entwined with theirs, and our rights are interwoven
+    together."
+
+
+Finally when the long-looked-for Emancipation Proclamation came,
+although Mrs. Harper was not at that time very well, she accepted an
+invitation to address a public meeting in Columbus, Ohio, an allusion to
+which we find in a letter dated at Grove City, O., which we copy with
+the feeling that many who may read this volume will sympathize with
+every word uttered relative to the Proclamation:
+
+
+    "I spoke in Columbus on the President's Proclamation.... But was
+    not such an event worthy the awakening of every power--the
+    congratulation of every faculty? What hath God wrought! We may
+    well exclaim how event after event has paved the way for
+    freedom. In the crucible of disaster and defeat God has stirred
+    the nation, and permitted no permanent victory to crown her
+    banners while she kept her hand upon the trembling slave and
+    held him back from freedom. And even now the scale may still
+    seem to oscillate between the contending parties, and some may
+    say, Why does not God give us full and quick victory? My friend,
+    do not despair if even deeper shadows gather around the fate of
+    the nation, that truth will not ultimately triumph, and the
+    right be established and vindicated; but the deadly gangrene has
+    taken such deep and almost fatal hold upon the nation that the
+    very centres of its life seem to be involved in its eradication.
+    Just look, after all the trials deep and fiery through which the
+    nation has waded, how mournfully suggestive was the response the
+    proclamation received from the democratic triumphs which
+    followed so close upon its footsteps. Well, thank God that the
+    President did not fail us, that the fierce rumbling of
+    democratic thunder did not shake from his hand the bolt he
+    leveled against slavery. Oh, it would have been so sad if, after
+    all the desolation and carnage that have dyed our plains with
+    blood and crimsoned our borders with warfare, the pale young
+    corpses trodden down by the hoofs of war, the dim eyes that have
+    looked their last upon the loved and lost, had the arm of
+    Executive power failed us in the nation's fearful crisis! For
+    how mournful it is when the unrighted wrongs and fearful agonies
+    of ages reach their culminating point, and events solemn,
+    terrible and sublime marshal themselves in dread array to mould
+    the destiny of nations, the hands appointed to hold the helm of
+    affairs, instead of grasping the mighty occasions and stamping
+    them with the great seals of duty and right, permit them to
+    float along the current of circumstances without comprehending
+    the hour of visitation or the momentous day of opportunity. Yes,
+    we may thank God that in the hour when the nation's life was
+    convulsed, and fearful gloom had shed its shadows over the land,
+    the President reached out his hand through the darkness to break
+    the chains on which the rust of centuries had gathered. Well,
+    did you ever expect to see this day? I know that all is not
+    accomplished; but we may rejoice in what has been already
+    wrought,--the wondrous change in so short a time. Just a little
+    while since the American flag to the flying bondman was an
+    ensign of bondage; now it has become a symbol of protection and
+    freedom. Once the slave was a despised and trampled on pariah;
+    now he has become a useful ally to the American government. From
+    the crimson sods of war springs the white flower of freedom, and
+    songs of deliverance mingle with the crash and roar of war. The
+    shadow of the American army becomes a covert for the slave, and
+    beneath the American Eagle he grasps the key of knowledge and is
+    lifted to a higher destiny."
+
+
+This letter we had intended should complete the sketch of Mrs. Harper's
+Anti-Slavery labors; but in turning to another epistle dated Boston,
+April 19th, on the Assassination of the President, we feel that a part
+of it is too interesting to omit:
+
+
+    "Sorrow treads on the footsteps of the nation's joy. A few days
+    since the telegraph thrilled and throbbed with a nation's joy.
+    To-day a nation sits down beneath the shadow of its mournful
+    grief. Oh, what a terrible lesson does this event read to us! A
+    few years since slavery tortured, burned, hung and outraged us,
+    and the nation passed by and said, they had nothing to do with
+    slavery where it was, slavery would have something to do with
+    them where they were. Oh, how fearfully the judgments of Ichabod
+    have pressed upon the nation's life! Well, it may be in the
+    providence of God this blow was needed to intensify the nation's
+    hatred of slavery, to show the utter fallacy of basing national
+    reconstruction upon the votes of returned rebels, and rejecting
+    loyal black men; making (after all the blood poured out like
+    water, and wealth scattered like chaff) a return to the old idea
+    that a white rebel is better or of more account in the body
+    politic than a loyal black man.... Moses, the meekest man on
+    earth, led the children of Israel over the Red Sea, but was not
+    permitted to see them settled in Canaan. Mr. Lincoln has led up
+    through another Red Sea to the table land of triumphant victory,
+    and God has seen fit to summon for the new era another man. It
+    is ours then to bow to the Chastener and let our honored and
+    loved chieftain go. Surely the everlasting arms that have hushed
+    him so strangely to sleep are able to guide the nation through
+    its untrod future; but in vain should be this fearful baptism of
+    blood if from the dark bosom of slavery springs such terrible
+    crimes. Let the whole nation resolve that the whole virus shall
+    be eliminated from its body; that in the future slavery shall
+    only be remembered as a thing of the past that shall never have
+    the faintest hope of a resurrection."
+
+
+Up to this point, we have spoken of Mrs. Harper as a laborer, battling
+for freedom under slavery and the war. She is equally earnest in
+laboring for Equality before the law--education, and a higher manhood,
+especially in the South, among the Freedmen.
+
+For the best part of several years, since the war, she has traveled very
+extensively through the Southern States, going on the plantations and
+amongst the lowly, as well as to the cities and towns, addressing
+schools, Churches, meetings in Court Houses, Legislative Halls, &c.,
+and, sometimes, under the most trying and hazardous circumstances;
+influenced in her labor of love, wholly by the noble impulses of her own
+heart, working her way along unsustained by any Society. In this
+mission, she has come in contact with all classes--the original
+slaveholders and the Freedmen, before and since the Fifteenth Amendment
+bill was enacted. Excepting two of the Southern States (Texas and
+Arkansas), she has traveled largely over all the others, and in no
+instance has she permitted herself, through fear, to disappoint an
+audience, when engagements had been made for her to speak, although
+frequently admonished that it would be dangerous to venture in so doing.
+
+We first quote from a letter dated Darlington, S.C., May 13, 1867:
+
+
+    "You will see by this that I am in the sunny South.... I here
+    read and see human nature under new lights and phases. I meet
+    with a people eager to hear, ready to listen, as if they felt
+    that the slumber of the ages had been broken, and that they were
+    to sleep no more.... I am glad that the colored man gets his
+    freedom and suffrage together; that he is not forced to go
+    through the same condition of things here, that has inclined him
+    so much to apathy, isolation, and indifference, in the North.
+    You, perhaps, wonder why I have been so slow in writing to you,
+    but if you knew how busy I am, just working up to or past the
+    limit of my strength. Traveling, conversing, addressing day and
+    Sunday-schools (picking up scraps of information, takes up a
+    large portion of my time), besides what I give to reading. For
+    my audiences I have both white and colored. On the cars, some
+    find out that I am a lecturer, and then, again, I am drawn into
+    conversation. 'What are you lecturing about?' the question comes
+    up, and if I say, among other topics politics, then I may look
+    for an onset. There is a sensitiveness on this subject, a dread,
+    it may be, that some one will 'put the devil in the nigger's
+    head,' or exert some influence inimical to them; still, I get
+    along somewhat pleasantly. Last week I had a small congregation
+    of listeners in the cars, where I sat. I got in conversation
+    with a former slave dealer, and we had rather an exciting time.
+    I was traveling alone, but it is not worth while to show any
+    signs of fear.  *  *  *Last Saturday I spoke in Sumter; a number
+    of white persons were present, and I had been invited to speak
+    there by the Mayor and editor of the paper. There had been some
+    violence in the district, and some of my friends did not wish me
+    to go, but I had promised, and, of course, I went.  *  *  *  *
+    I am in Darlington, and spoke yesterday, but my congregation was
+    so large, that I stood near the door of the church, so that I
+    might be heard both inside and out, for a large portion, perhaps
+    nearly half my congregation were on the outside; and this, in
+    Darlington, where, about two years ago, a girl was hung for
+    making a childish and indiscreet speech. Victory was perched on
+    our banners. Our army had been through, and this poor, ill-fated
+    girl, almost a child in years, about seventeen years of age,
+    rejoiced over the event, and said that she was going to marry a
+    Yankee and set up housekeeping. She was reported as having made
+    an incendiary speech and arrested, cruelly scourged, and then
+    brutally hung. Poor child! she had been a faithful servant--her
+    master tried to save her, but the tide of fury swept away his
+    efforts.  *  *  *  Oh, friend, perhaps, sometimes your heart
+    would ache, if you were only here and heard of the wrongs and
+    abuses to which these people have been subjected.  *  *  *
+    Things, I believe, are a little more hopeful; at least, I
+    believe, some of the colored people are getting better
+    contracts, and, I understand, that there's less murdering. While
+    I am writing, a colored man stands here, with a tale of
+    wrong--he has worked a whole year, year before last, and now he
+    has been put off with fifteen bushels of corn and his food;
+    yesterday he went to see about getting his money, and the person
+    to whom he went, threatened to kick him off, and accused him of
+    stealing. I don't know how the colored man will vote, but
+    perhaps many of them will be intimidated at the polls."
+
+
+From a letter dated Cheraw, June 17th, 1867, the following remarks are
+taken:
+
+
+    "Well, Carolina is an interesting place. There is not a state in
+    the Union I prefer to Carolina. Kinder, more hospitable,
+    warmer-hearted people perhaps you will not find anywhere. I have
+    been to Georgia; but Carolina is my preference.  *  *  The South
+    is to be a great theatre for the colored man's development and
+    progress. There is brain-power here. If any doubt it, let him
+    come into our schools, or even converse with some of our
+    Freedmen either in their homes or by the way-side."
+
+
+A few days later she gave an account of a visit she had just made in
+Florence, where our poor soldiers had been prisoners; saw some of the
+huts where they were exposed to rain and heat and cold with only the
+temporary shelter they made for themselves, which was a sad sight. Then
+she visited the grave-yards of some thousands of Union soldiers. Here in
+"eastern South Carolina" she was in "one of the worst parts of the
+State" in the days of Slavery; but under the new order of things,
+instead of the lash, she saw school books, and over the ruins of
+slavery, education and free speech springing up, at which she was moved
+to exclaim, "Thank God for the wonderful change! I have lectured several
+nights this week, and the weather is quite warm; but I do like South
+Carolina. No state in the Union as far as colored people are concerned,
+do I like better--the land of warm welcomes and friendly hearts. God
+bless her and give her great peace!"
+
+At a later period she visited Charleston and Columbia, and was well
+received in both places. She spoke a number of times in the different
+Freedmen schools and the colored churches in Charleston, once in the
+Legislative Hall, and also in one of the colored churches in Columbia.
+She received special encouragement and kindness from Hon. H. Cadoza,
+Secretary of State, and his family, and regarded him as a wise and
+upright leader of his race in that state.
+
+The following are some stirring lines which she wrote upon the Fifteenth
+Amendment:
+
+
+FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT.
+
+
+  Beneath the burden of our joy
+    Tremble, O wires, from East to West!
+  Fashion with words your tongues of fire,
+    To tell the nation's high behest.
+
+
+  Outstrip the winds, and leave behind
+    The murmur of the restless waves;
+  Nor tarry with your glorious news,
+    Amid the ocean's coral caves.
+
+
+  Ring out! ring out! your sweetest chimes,
+    Ye bells, that call to praise;
+  Let every heart with gladness thrill,
+    And songs of joyful triumph raise.
+
+
+  Shake off the dust, O rising race!
+    Crowned as a brother and a man;
+  Justice to-day asserts her claim,
+    And from thy brow fades out the ban.
+
+
+  With freedom's chrism upon thy head,
+    Her precious ensign in thy hand,
+  Go place thy once despised name
+    Amid the noblest of the land.
+
+
+  O ransomed race! give God the praise,
+    Who led thee through a crimson sea,
+  And 'mid the storm of fire and blood,
+    Turned out the war-cloud's light to thee.
+
+
+Mrs. Harper, in writing from Kingstree, S.C., July 11th, 1867, in
+midsummer (laboring almost without any pecuniary reward), gave an
+account of a fearful catastrophe which had just occurred there in the
+burning of the jail with a number of colored prisoners in it. "It was a
+very sad affair. There was only one white prisoner and he got out. I
+believe there was some effort made to release some of the prisoners; but
+the smoke was such that the effort proved ineffectual. Well, for the
+credit of our common human nature we may hope that it was so.  *  *  *
+Last night I had some of the 'rebs' to hear me (part of the time some of
+the white folks come out). Our meetings are just as quiet and as orderly
+on the whole in Carolina as one might desire.  *  *  I like General
+Sickles as a Military Governor. 'Massa Daniel, he King of the
+Carolinas.' I like his Mastership. Under him we ride in the City Cars,
+and get first-class passage on the railroad." At this place a colored
+man was in prison under sentence of death for "participating in a riot;"
+and the next day (after the date of her letter) was fixed for his
+execution. With some others, Mrs. Harper called at General Sickles' Head
+Quarters, hoping to elicit his sympathies whereby the poor fellow's life
+might be saved; but he was not in. Hence they were not able to do
+anything.
+
+"Next week," continued Mrs. Harper, "I am to speak in a place where one
+of our teachers was struck and a colored man shot, who, I believe, gave
+offence by some words spoken at a public meeting. I do not feel any
+particular fear."
+
+Her Philadelphia correspondent had jestingly suggested to her in one of
+his letters, that she should be careful not to allow herself to be
+"bought by the rebels." To which she replied:
+
+
+    "Now, in reference to being bought by rebels and becoming a
+    Johnsonite I hold that between the white people and the colored
+    there is a community of interests, and the sooner they find it
+    out, the better it will be for both parties; but that community
+    of interests does not consist in increasing the privileges of
+    one class and curtailing the rights of the other, but in getting
+    every citizen interested in the welfare, progress and durability
+    of the state. I do not in lecturing confine myself to the
+    political side of the question. While I am in favor of Universal
+    suffrage, yet I know that the colored man needs something more
+    than a vote in his hand: he needs to know the value of a home
+    life; to rightly appreciate and value the marriage relation; to
+    know how and to be incited to leave behind him the old shards
+    and shells of slavery and to rise in the scale of character,
+    wealth and influence. Like the Nautilus outgrowing his home to
+    build for himself more 'stately temples' of social condition. A
+    man landless, ignorant and poor may use the vote against his
+    interests; but with intelligence and land he holds in his hand
+    the basis of power and elements of strength."
+
+
+While contemplating the great demand for laborers, in a letter from
+Athens, February 1st, 1870, after referring to some who had been
+"discouraged from the field," she wisely added that it was "no time to
+be discouraged."
+
+
+    *  *  *  "If those who can benefit our people will hang around
+    places where they are not needed, they may expect to be
+    discouraged.  *  *  *  Here is ignorance to be instructed; a
+    race who needs to be helped up to higher planes of thought and
+    action; and whether we are hindered or helped, we should try to
+    be true to the commission God has written upon our souls. As far
+    as the colored people are concerned, they are beginning to get
+    homes for themselves and depositing money in Bank. They have
+    hundreds of homes in Kentucky. There is progress in Tennessee,
+    and even in this State while a number have been leaving, some
+    who stay seem to be getting along prosperously. In Augusta
+    colored persons are in the Revenue Office and Post Office. I
+    have just been having some good meetings there. Some of my
+    meetings pay me poorly; but I have a chance to instruct and
+    visit among the people and talk to their Sunday-schools and
+    day-schools also. Of course I do not pretend that all are saving
+    money or getting homes. I rather think from what I hear that the
+    interest of the grown-up people in getting education has
+    somewhat subsided, owing, perhaps, in a measure, to the novelty
+    having worn off and the absorption or rather direction of the
+    mind to other matters. Still I don't think that I have visited
+    scarcely a place since last August where there was no desire for
+    a teacher; and Mr. Fidler, who is a Captain or Colonel, thought
+    some time since that there were more colored than white who were
+    learning or had learned to read. There has been quite an amount
+    of violence and trouble in the State; but we have the military
+    here, and if they can keep Georgia out of the Union about a year
+    or two longer, and the colored people continue to live as they
+    have been doing, from what I hear, perhaps these rebels will
+    learn a little more sense. I have been in Atlanta for some time,
+    but did not stay until the Legislature was organized; but I was
+    there when colored members returned and took their seats. It was
+    rather a stormy time in the House; but no blood was shed. Since
+    then there has been some 'sticking;' but I don't think any of
+    the colored ones were in it."
+
+
+In the neighborhood of Eufaula, Ala., in December, 1870, Mrs. Harper did
+a good work, as may be seen from the following extract taken from a
+letter, dated December 9th:
+
+
+    "Last evening I visited one of the plantations, and had an
+    interesting time. Oh, how warm was the welcome! I went out near
+    dark, and between that time and attending my lecture, I was out
+    to supper in two homes. The people are living in the old cabins
+    of slavery; some of them have no windows, at all, that I see; in
+    fact, I don't remember of having seen a pane of window-glass in
+    the settlement. But, humble as their homes were, I was kindly
+    treated, and well received; and what a chance one has for
+    observation among these people, if one takes with her a manner
+    that unlocks other hearts. I had quite a little gathering, after
+    less, perhaps, than a day's notice; the minister did not know
+    that I was coming, till he met me in the afternoon. There was no
+    fire in the church, and so they lit fires outside, and we
+    gathered, or at least a number of us, around the fire. To-night
+    I am going over to Georgia to lecture. In consequence of the low
+    price of cotton, the people may not be able to pay much, and I
+    am giving all my lectures free. You speak of things looking dark
+    in the South; there is no trouble here that I know of--cotton is
+    low, but the people do not seem to be particularly depressed
+    about it; this emigration question has been on the carpet, and I
+    do not wonder if some of them, with their limited knowledge,
+    lose hope in seeing full justice done to them, among their
+    life-long oppressors; Congress has been agitating the St.
+    Domingo question; a legitimate theme for discussion, and one
+    that comes nearer home, is how they can give more security and
+    strength to the government which we have established in the
+    South--for there has been a miserable weakness in the security
+    to human life. The man with whom I stopped, had a son who
+    married a white woman, or girl, and was shot down, and there
+    was, as I understand, no investigation by the jury; and a number
+    of cases have occurred of murders, for which the punishment has
+    been very lax, or not at all, and, it may be, never will be;
+    however, I rather think things are somewhat quieter. A few days
+    ago a shameful outrage occurred at this place--some men had been
+    out fox hunting, and came to the door of a colored woman and
+    demanded entrance, making out they wanted fire; she replied that
+    she had none, and refused to open the door; the miserable
+    cowards broke open the door, and shamefully beat her. I am going
+    to see her this afternoon. It is remarkable, however, in spite
+    of circumstances, how some of these people are getting along.
+    Here is a woman who, with her husband, at the surrender, had a
+    single dollar; and now they have a home of their own, and
+    several acres attached--five altogether; but, as that was rather
+    small, her husband has contracted for two hundred and forty
+    acres more, and has now gone out and commenced operations."
+
+
+From Columbiana, February 20th, she wrote concerning her work, and
+presented the "lights and shades" of affairs as they came under her
+notice.
+
+
+    "I am almost constantly either traveling or speaking. I do not
+    think that I have missed more than one Sunday that I have not
+    addressed some Sunday-school, and I have not missed many
+    day-schools either. And as I am giving all my lectures free the
+    proceeds of the collections are not often very large; still as
+    ignorant as part of the people are perhaps a number of them
+    would not hear at all, and may be prejudice others if I charged
+    even ten cents, and so perhaps in the long run, even if my work
+    is wearing, I may be of some real benefit to my race.  *  *  I
+    don't know but that you would laugh if you were to hear some of
+    the remarks which my lectures call forth: 'She is a man,' again
+    'She is not colored, she is painted.' Both white and colored
+    come out to hear me, and I have very fine meetings; and then
+    part of the time I am talking in between times, and how tired I
+    am some of the time. Still I am standing with my race on the
+    threshold of a new era, and though some be far past me in the
+    learning of the schools, yet to-day, with my limited and
+    fragmentary knowledge, I may help the race forward a little.
+    Some of our people remind me of sheep without a shepherd."
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+PRIVATE LECTURES TO FREEDWOMEN.
+
+
+Desiring to speak to women who have been the objects of so much wrong
+and abuse under Slavery, and even since Emancipation, in a state of
+ignorance, not accessible always to those who would or could urge the
+proper kind of education respecting their morals and general
+improvement, Mrs. Harper has made it her business not to overlook this
+all important duty to her poor sisters.
+
+The following extract taken from a letter dated "Greenville, Georgia,
+March 29th," will show what she was doing in this direction:
+
+
+    "But really my hands are almost constantly full of work;
+    sometimes I speak twice a day. Part of my lectures are given
+    privately to women, and for them I never make any charge, or
+    take up any collection. But this part of the country reminds me
+    of heathen ground, and though my work may not be recognized as
+    part of it used to be in the North, yet never perhaps were my
+    services more needed; and according to their intelligence and
+    means perhaps never better appreciated than here among these
+    lowly people. I am now going to have a private meeting with the
+    women of this place if they will come out. I am going to talk
+    with them about their daughters, and about things connected with
+    the welfare of the race. Now is the time for our women to begin
+    to try to lift up their heads and plant the roots of progress
+    under the hearthstone. Last night I spoke in a school-house,
+    where there was not, to my knowledge, a single window glass;
+    to-day I write to you in a lowly cabin, where the windows in the
+    room are formed by two apertures in the wall. There is a
+    wide-spread and almost universal appearance of poverty in this
+    State where I have been, but thus far I have seen no, or
+    scarcely any, pauperism. I am not sure that I have seen any. The
+    climate is so fine, so little cold that poor people can live off
+    of less than they can in the North. Last night my table was
+    adorned with roses, although I did not get one cent for my
+    lecture."  *  *  *
+
+    "The political heavens are getting somewhat overcast. Some of
+    this old rebel element, I think, are in favor of taking away the
+    colored man's vote, and if he loses it now it may be generations
+    before he gets it again. Well, after all perhaps the colored man
+    generally is not really developed enough to value his vote and
+    equality with other races, so he gets enough to eat and drink,
+    and be comfortable, perhaps the loss of his vote would not be a
+    serious grievance to many; but his children differently educated
+    and trained by circumstances might feel political inferiority
+    rather a bitter cup."
+
+    "After all whether they encourage or discourage me, I belong to
+    this race, and when it is down I belong to a down race; when it
+    is up I belong to a risen race."
+
+
+She writes thus from Montgomery, December 29th, 1870:
+
+
+    "Did you ever read a little poem commencing, I think, with these
+    words:
+
+
+      A mother cried, Oh, give me joy,
+      For I have born a darling boy!
+      A darling boy! why the world is full
+      Of the men who play at push and pull.
+
+
+    Well, as full as the room was of beds and tenants, on the
+    morning of the twenty-second, there arose a wail upon the air,
+    and this mundane sphere had another inhabitant, and my room
+    another occupant. I left after that, and when I came back the
+    house was fuller than it was before, and my hostess gave me to
+    understand that she would rather I should be somewhere else, and
+    I left again. How did I fare? Well, I had been stopping with one
+    of our teachers and went back; but the room in which I stopped
+    was one of those southern shells through which both light and
+    cold enter at the same time; it had one window and perhaps more
+    than half or one half the panes gone. I don't know that I was
+    ever more conquered by the cold than I had been at that house,
+    and I have lived parts of winter after winter amid the snows of
+    New England; but if it was cold out of doors, there was warmth
+    and light within doors; but here, if you opened the door for
+    light, the cold would also enter, and so part of the time I sat
+    by the fire, and that and the crevices in the house supplied me
+    with light in one room, and we had the deficient window-sash, or
+    perhaps it never had had any lights in it. You could put your
+    finger through some of the apertures in the house; at least I
+    could mine, and the water froze down to the bottom of the
+    tumbler. From another such domicile may kind fate save me. And
+    then the man asked me four dollars and a half a week board.
+
+    One of the nights there was no fire in the stove, and the next
+    time we had fires, one stove might have been a second-hand
+    chamber stove. Now perhaps you think these people very poor, but
+    the man with whom I stopped has no family that I saw, but
+    himself and wife, and he would make two dollars and a half a
+    day, and she worked out and kept a boarder. And yet, except the
+    beds and bed clothing, I wouldn't have given fifteen dollars for
+    all their house furniture. I should think that this has been one
+    of the lowest down States in the South, as far as civilization
+    has been concerned. In the future, until these people are
+    educated, look out for Democratic victories, for here are two
+    materials with which Democracy can work, ignorance and poverty.
+    Men talk about missionary work among the heathen, but if any
+    lover of Christ wants a field for civilizing work, here is a
+    field. Part of the time I am preaching against men ill-treating
+    their wives. I have heard though, that often during the war men
+    hired out their wives and drew their pay."
+
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+    "And then there is another trouble, some of our Northern men
+    have been down this way and by some means they have not made the
+    best impression on every mind here. One woman here has been
+    expressing her mind very freely to me about some of our
+    Northerners, and we are not all considered here as saints and
+    angels, and of course in their minds I get associated with some
+    or all the humbugs that have been before me. But I am not
+    discouraged, my race needs me, if I will only be faithful, and
+    in spite of suspicion and distrust, I will work on; the deeper
+    our degradation, the louder our call for redemption. If they
+    have little or no faith in goodness and earnestness, that is
+    only one reason why we should be more faithful and earnest, and
+    so I shall probably stay here in the South all winter. I am not
+    making much money, and perhaps will hardly clear expenses this
+    winter; but after all what matters it when I am in my grave
+    whether I have been rich or poor, loved or hated, despised or
+    respected, if Christ will only own me to His Father, and I be
+    permitted a place in one of the mansions of rest."
+
+
+Col. J.W. Forney, editor of "The Press," published July 12, 1871, with
+the brief editorial heading by his own hand, the document appended:
+
+
+    The following letter, written by Mrs. F.E.W. Harper, the
+    well-known colored orator, to a friend, Mr. Wm. Still, of
+    Philadelphia, will be read with surprise and pleasure by all
+    classes; especially supplemented as it is by an article from the
+    Mobile (Alabama) _Register,_ referring to one of her addresses
+    in that city. The _Register_ is the organ of the fire-eaters of
+    the South, conducted by John Forsyth, heretofore one of the most
+    intolerant of that school. Mrs. Harper describes the manner in
+    which the old plantation of Jefferson Davis in Mississippi was
+    cultivated by his brother's former slave, having been a guest in
+    the Davis mansion, now occupied by Mr. Montgomery, the aforesaid
+    slave. She also draws a graphic picture of her own marvellous
+    advancement from utter obscurity to the platform of a public
+    lecturer, honored by her own race and applauded by their
+    oppressors. While we regret, as she says, that her experience
+    and that of Mr. Montgomery is exceptional, it is easy to
+    anticipate the harvest of such a sowing. The same culture--the
+    same courage on the part of the men and women who undertake to
+    advocate Republican doctrines in the South--the same
+    perseverance and intelligence on the part of those who are
+    earning their bread by the cultivation of the soil, will be
+    crowned with the same success. Violence, bloodshed, and murder
+    cannot rule long in communities where these resistless elements
+    are allowed to work. No scene in the unparalleled tragedy of the
+    rebellion, or in the drama which succeeded that tragedy, can be
+    compared to the picture outlined by Mrs. Harper herself, and
+    filled in by the ready pen of the rebel editor of the Mobile
+    _Register_:
+
+
+        MOBILE, July 5, 1871.
+
+        MY DEAR FRIEND:--It is said that truth is stranger than
+        fiction; and if ten years since some one had entered my
+        humble log house and seen me kneading bread and making
+        butter, and said that in less than ten years you will be
+        in the lecture field, you will be a welcome guest under
+        the roof of the President of the Confederacy, though not
+        by special invitation from him, that you will see his
+        brother's former slave a man of business and influence,
+        that hundreds of colored men will congregate on the old
+        baronial possessions, that a school will spring up there
+        like a well in the desert dust, that this former slave
+        will be a magistrate upon that plantation, that labor
+        will be organized upon a new basis, and that under the
+        sole auspices and moulding hands of this man and his
+        sons will be developed a business whose transactions
+        will be numbered in hundreds of thousands of dollars,
+        would you not have smiled incredulously? And I have
+        lived to see the day when the plantation has passed into
+        new hands, and these hands once wore the fetters of
+        slavery. Mr. Montgomery, the present proprietor by
+        contract of between five and six thousand acres of land,
+        has one of the most interesting families that I have
+        ever seen in the South. They are building up a future
+        which if exceptional now I hope will become more general
+        hereafter. Every hand of his family is adding its quota
+        to the success of this experiment of a colored man both
+        trading and farming on an extensive scale. Last year his
+        wife took on her hands about 130 acres of land, and with
+        her force she raised about 107 bales of cotton. She has
+        a number of orphan children employed, and not only does
+        she supervise their labor, but she works herself. One
+        daughter, an intelligent young lady, is postmistress and
+        I believe assistant book-keeper. One son attends to the
+        planting interest, and another daughter attends to one
+        of the stores. The business of this firm of Montgomery &
+        Sons has amounted, I understand, to between three and
+        four hundred thousand dollars in a year. I stayed on the
+        place several days and was hospitably entertained and
+        kindly treated. When I come, if nothing prevents, I will
+        tell you more about them. Now for the next strange
+        truth. Enclosed I send you a notice from one of the
+        leading and representative papers of rebeldom. The
+        editor has been, or is considered, one of the
+        representative men of the South. I have given a lecture
+        since this notice, which brought out some of the most
+        noted rebels, among whom was Admiral Semmes. In my
+        speech I referred to the Alabama sweeping away our
+        commerce, and his son sat near him and seemed to receive
+        it with much good humor. I don't know what the papers
+        will say to-day; perhaps they will think that I dwelt
+        upon the past too much. Oh, if you had seen the rebs I
+        had out last night, perhaps you would have felt a little
+        nervous for me. However, I lived through it, and gave
+        them more gospel truth than perhaps some of them have
+        heard for some time.
+
+
+
+
+
+A LECTURE.
+
+
+
+    We received a polite invitation from the trustees of the
+    State-street African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church to attend a
+    lecture in that edifice on Thursday evening. Being told that the
+    discourse would be delivered by a female colored lecturer from
+    Maryland, curiosity, as well as an interest to see how the
+    colored citizens were managing their own institutions, led us at
+    once to accept the invitation. We found a very spacious church,
+    gas-light, and the balustrades of the galleries copiously hung
+    with wreaths and festoons of flowers, and a large audience of
+    both sexes, which, both in appearance and behaviour, was
+    respectable and decorously observant of the proprieties of the
+    place. The services were opened, as usual, with prayer and a
+    hymn, the latter inspired by powerful lungs, and in which the
+    musical ear at once caught the negro talent for melody. The
+    lecturer was then introduced as Mrs. F.E.W. Harper, from
+    Maryland. Without a moment's hesitation she started off in the
+    flow of her discourse, which rolled smoothly and uninterruptedly
+    on for nearly two hours. It was very apparent that it was not a
+    cut and dried speech, for she was as fluent and as felicitous in
+    her allusions to circumstances immediately around her as she was
+    when she rose to a more exalted pitch of laudation of the
+    "Union," or of execration of the old slavery system. Her voice
+    was remarkable--as sweet as any woman's voice we ever heard, and
+    so clear and distinct as to pass every syllable to the most
+    distant ear in the house.
+
+    Without any effort at attentive listening we followed the
+    speaker to the end, not discerning a single grammatical
+    inaccuracy of speech, or the slightest violation of good taste
+    in manner or matter. At times the current of thoughts flowed in
+    eloquent and poetic expression, and often her quaint humor would
+    expose the ivory in half a thousand mouths. We confess that we
+    began to wonder, and we asked a fine-looking man before us,
+    "What is her color? Is she dark or light?" He answered, "She is
+    mulatto; what they call a red mulatto." The 'red' was new to us.
+    Our neighbor asked, "How do you like her?" We replied, "She is
+    giving your people the best kind and the very wisest of advice."
+    He rejoined, "I wish I had her education." To which we added,
+    "That's just what she tells you is your great duty and your
+    need, and if you are too old to get it yourselves, you must give
+    it to your children."
+
+    The speaker left the impression on our mind that she was not
+    only intelligent and educated, but--the great end of
+    education--she was enlightened. She comprehends perfectly the
+    situation of her people, to whose interests she seems ardently
+    devoted. The main theme of her discourse, the one string to the
+    harmony of which all the others were attuned, was the grand
+    opportunity that emancipation had afforded to the black race to
+    lift itself to the level of the duties and responsibilities
+    enjoined by it. "You have muscle power and brain power," she
+    said; "you must utilize them, or be content to remain forever
+    the inferior race. Get land, every one that can, and as fast as
+    you ean. A landless people must be dependent upon the landed
+    people. A few acres to till for food and a roof, however bumble,
+    over your head, are the castle of your independence, and when
+    you have it you are fortified to act and vote independently
+    whenever your interests are at stake." That part of her lecture
+    (and there was much of it) that dwelt on the moral duties and
+    domestic relations of the colored people was pitched on the
+    highest key of sound morality. She urged the cultivation of the
+    "home life," the sanctity of the marriage state (a happy
+    contrast to her strong-minded, free-love, white sisters of the
+    North), and the duties of mothers to their daughters. "Why,"
+    said she in a voice of much surprise, "I have actually heard
+    since I have been South that sometimes colored husbands
+    positively beat their wives! I do not mean to insinuate for a
+    moment that such things can possibly happen in Mobile. The very
+    appearance of this congregation forbids it; but I did hear of
+    one terrible husband defending himself for the unmanly practice
+    with 'Well, I have got to whip her or leave her.'"
+
+    There were parts of the lecturer's discourse that grated a
+    little on a white Southern ear, but it was lost and forgiven in
+    the genuine earnestness and profound good sense with which the
+    woman spoke to her kind in words of sound advice.
+
+    On the whole, we are very glad we accepted the Zion's
+    invitation. It gave us much food for new thought. It reminded
+    us, perhaps, of neglected duties to these people, and it
+    impressed strongly on our minds that these people are getting
+    along, getting onward, and progress was a star becoming familiar
+    to their gaze and their desires. Whatever the negroes have done
+    in the path of advancement, they have done largely without white
+    aid. But politics and white pride have kept the white people
+    aloof from offering that earnest and moral assistance which
+    would be so useful to a people just starting from infancy into a
+    life of self-dependence.
+
+
+In writing from Columbiana and Demopolis, Alabama, about the first of
+March, 1871, Mrs. Harper painted the state of affairs in her usually
+graphic manner, and diligently was she endeavoring to inspire the people
+with hope and encouragement.
+
+
+    "Oh, what a field there is here in this region! Let me give you
+    a short account of this week's work. Sunday I addressed a
+    Sunday-school in Taladega; on Monday afternoon a day-school. On
+    Monday I rode several miles to a meeting; addressed it, and came
+    back the same night. Got back about or after twelve o'clock. The
+    next day I had a meeting of women and addressed them, and then
+    lectured in the evening in the Court-House to both colored and
+    white. Last night I spoke again, about ten miles from where I am
+    now stopping, and returned the same night, and to-morrow evening
+    probably I shall speak again. I grow quite tired part of the
+    time.  *  *  *  And now let me give you an anecdote or two of
+    some of our new citizens. While in Taladega I was entertained
+    and well entertained, at the house of one of our new citizens.
+    He is living in the house of his former master. He is a
+    brick-maker by trade, and I rather think mason also. He was
+    worth to his owner, it was reckoned, fifteen hundred or about
+    that a year. He worked with him seven years; and in that seven
+    years he remembers receiving from him fifty cents. Now mark the
+    contrast! That man is now free, owns the home of his former
+    master, has I think more than sixty acres of land, and his
+    master is in the poor-house. I heard of another such case not
+    long since: A woman was cruelly treated once, or more than once.
+    She escaped and ran naked into town. The villain in whose clutch
+    she found herself was trying to drag her downward to his own low
+    level of impurity, and at last she fell. She was poorly fed, so
+    that she was tempted to sell her person. Even scraps thrown to
+    the dog she was hunger-bitten enough to aim for. Poor thing, was
+    there anything in the future for her? Had not hunger and cruelty
+    and prostitution done their work, and left her an entire wreck
+    for life? It seems not. Freedom came, and with it dawned a new
+    era upon that poor, overshadowed, and sin-darkened life. Freedom
+    brought opportunity for work and wages combined. She went to
+    work, and got ten dollars a month. She has contrived to get some
+    education, and has since been teaching school. While her former
+    mistress has been to her for help.
+
+    "Do not the mills of God grind exceedingly fine? And she has
+    helped that mistress, and so has the colored man given money,
+    from what I heard, to his former master. After all, friend, do
+    we not belong to one of the best branches of the human race? And
+    yet, how have our people been murdered in the South, and their
+    bones scattered at the grave's mouth! Oh, when will we have a
+    government strong enough to make human life safe? Only yesterday
+    I heard of a murder committed on a man for an old grudge of
+    several years' standing. I had visited the place, but had just
+    got away. Last summer a Mr. Luke was hung, and several other men
+    also, I heard."
+
+
+While surrounded with this state of affairs, an appeal reached her
+through the columns of the National Standard, setting forth a state of
+very great suffering and want, especially on the part of the old, blind
+and decrepit Freedmen of the District of Columbia. After expressing deep
+pity for these unfortunates, she added: "Please send ten dollars to
+Josephine Griffing for me for the suffering poor of the District of
+Columbia. Just send it by mail, and charge to my account."
+
+Many more letters written by Mrs. Harper are before us, containing
+highly interesting information from Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida,
+North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Maryland, and
+even poor little Delaware. Through all these States she has traveled and
+labored extensively, as has been already stated; but our space in this
+volume will admit of only one more letter:
+
+
+    "I have been traveling the best part of the day.  *  *  *  Can
+    you spare a little time from your book to just take a peep at
+    some of our Alabama people? If you would see some instances of
+    apparent poverty and ignorance that I have seen perhaps you
+    would not wonder very much at the conservative voting in the
+    State. A few days since I was about to pay a woman a dollar and
+    a quarter for some washing in ten cent (currency) notes, when
+    she informed me that she could not count it; she must trust to
+    my honesty--she could count forty cents. Since I left Eufaula I
+    have seen something of plantation life. The first plantation I
+    visited was about five or six miles from Eufaula, and I should
+    think that the improvement in some of the cabins was not very
+    much in advance of what it was in Slavery. The cabins are made
+    with doors, but not, to my recollection, a single window pane or
+    speck of plastering; and yet even in some of those lowly homes I
+    met with hospitality. A room to myself is a luxury that I do not
+    always enjoy. Still I live through it, and find life rather
+    interesting. The people have much to learn. The condition of the
+    women is not very enviable in some cases. They have had some of
+    them a terribly hard time in Slavery, and their subjection has
+    not ceased in freedom.  *  *  *  One man said of some women,
+    that a man must leave them or whip them.  *  *  *  Let me
+    introduce you to another scene: here is a gathering; a large
+    fire is burning out of doors, and here are one or two boys with
+    hats on. Here is a little girl with her bonnet on, and there a
+    little boy moves off and commences to climb a tree. Do you know
+    what the gathering means? It is a school, and the teacher, I
+    believe, is paid from the school fund. He says he is from New
+    Hampshire. That may be. But to look at him and to hear him
+    teach, you would perhaps think him not very lately from the
+    North; at least I do not think he is a model teacher. They have
+    a church; but somehow they have burnt a hole, I understand, in
+    the top, and so I lectured inside, and they gathered around the
+    fire outside. Here is another--what shall I call
+    it?--meeting-place. It is a brush arbor. And what pray is that?
+    Shall I call it an edifice or an improvised meeting-house? Well,
+    it is called a brush arbor. It is a kind of brush house with
+    seats, and a kind of covering made partly, I rather think, of
+    branches of trees, and an humble place for pulpit. I lectured in
+    a place where they seemed to have no other church; but I spoke
+    at a house. In Glenville, a little out-of-the-way place, I spent
+    part of a week. There they have two unfinished churches. One has
+    not a single pane of glass, and the same aperture that admits
+    the light also gives ingress to the air; and the other one, I
+    rather think, is less finished than that. I spoke in one, and
+    then the white people gave me a hall, and quite a number
+    attended.... I am now at Union Springs, where I shall probably
+    room with three women. But amid all this roughing it in the
+    bush, I find a field of work where kindness and hospitality have
+    thrown their sunshine around my way. And Oh what a field of work
+    is here! How much one needs the Spirit of our dear Master to
+    make one's life a living, loving force to help men to higher
+    planes of thought and action. I am giving all my lectures with
+    free admission; but still I get along, and the way has been
+    opening for me almost ever since I have been South. Oh, if some
+    more of our young women would only consecrate their lives to the
+    work of upbuilding the race! Oh, if I could only see our young
+    men and women aiming to build up a future for themselves which
+    would grandly contrast with the past--with its pain, ignorance
+    and low social condition."
+
+
+It may be well to add that Mrs. Harper's letters from which we have
+copied were simply private, never intended for publication; and while
+they bear obvious marks of truthfulness, discrimination and
+impartiality, it becomes us to say that a more strictly conscientious
+woman we have never known.
+
+Returning to Philadelphia after many months of hard labor in the South,
+Mrs. Harper, instead of seeking needed rest and recreation, scarcely
+allows a day to pass without seeking to aid in the reformation of the
+outcast and degraded. The earnest advice which she gives on the subject
+of temperance and moral reforms generally causes some to reflect, even
+among adults, and induces a number of poor children to attend day and
+Sabbath-schools. The condition of this class, she feels, appeals loudly
+for a remedy to respectable and intelligent colored citizens; and whilst
+not discouraged, she is often quite saddened at the supineness of the
+better class. During the past summer when it was too warm to labor in
+the South she spent several months in this field without a farthing's
+reward. She assisted in organizing a Sabbath-school, and accepted the
+office of Assistant Superintendent under the auspices of the Young Men's
+Christian Association.
+
+Mrs. Harper reads the best magazines and ablest weeklies, as well as
+more elaborate works, not excepting such authors as De Tocqueville,
+Mill, Ruskin, Buckle, Guizot, &c. In espousing the cause of the
+oppressed as a poet and lecturer, had she neglected to fortify her mind
+in the manner she did, she would have been weighed and found wanting
+long since. Before friends and foes, the learned and the unlearned,
+North and South, Mrs. Harper has pleaded the cause of her race in a
+manner that has commanded the greatest respect; indeed, it is hardly too
+much to say, that during seventeen years of public labor she has made
+thousands of speeches without doing herself or people discredit in a
+single instance, but has accomplished a great deal in the way of
+removing prejudice. May we not hope that the rising generation at least
+will take encouragement by her example and find an argument of rare
+force in favor of mental and moral equality, and above all be awakened
+to see how prejudices and difficulties may be surmounted by continual
+struggles, intelligence and a virtuous character?
+
+Fifty thousand copies at least of her four small books have been sold to
+those who have listened to her eloquent lectures. One of those
+productions entitled "Moses" has been used to entertain audiences with
+evening readings in various parts of the country. With what effect may
+be seen from the two brief notices as follows:
+
+
+    "Mrs. F.E.W. Harper delivered a poem upon 'Moses' in Wilbraham
+    to a large and delighted audience. She is a woman of high moral
+    tone, with superior native powers highly cultivated, and a
+    captivating eloquence that hold her audience in rapt attention
+    from the beginning to the close. She will delight any
+    intelligent audience, and those who wish first-class lecturers
+    cannot do better than to secure her services."--_Zion's Herald,
+    Boston._
+
+
+
+    "Mrs. Frances E.W. Harper read her poem of 'Moses' last evening
+    at Rev. Mr. Harrison's church to a good audience. It deals with
+    the story of the Hebrew Moses from his finding in the wicker
+    basket on the Nile to his death on Mount Nebo and his burial in
+    an unknown grave; following closely the Scripture account. It
+    contains about 700 lines, beginning with blank verse of the
+    common measure, and changing to other measures, but always
+    without rhyme; and is a pathetic and well-sustained piece. Mrs.
+    Harper recited it with good effect, and it was well received.
+    She is a lady of much talent, and always speaks well,
+    particularly when her subject relates to the condition of her
+    own people, in whose welfare, before and since the war, she has
+    taken the deepest interest. As a lecturer Mrs. Harper is more
+    effective than most of those who come before our lyceums; with a
+    natural eloquence that is very moving."--_Galesburgh Register,
+    Ill._
+
+
+Grace Greenwood, in the Independent in noticing a Course of Lectures in
+which Mrs. Harper spoke (in Philadelphia) pays this tribute to her:
+
+
+    "Next on the course was Mrs Harper, a colored woman; about as
+    colored as some of the Cuban belles I have met with at Saratoga.
+    She has a noble head, this bronze muse; a strong face, with a
+    shadowed glow upon it, indicative of thoughtful fervor, and of a
+    nature most femininely sensitive, but not in the least morbid.
+    Her form is delicate, her hands daintily small. She stands
+    quietly beside her desk, and speaks without notes, with gestures
+    few and fitting. Her manner is marked by dignity and composure.
+    She is never assuming, never theatrical. In the first part of
+    her lecture she was most impressive in her pleading for the race
+    with whom her lot is cast. There was something touching in her
+    attitude as their representative. The woe of two hundred years
+    sighed through her tones. Every glance of her sad eyes was a
+    mournful remonstrance against injustice and wrong. Feeling on
+    her soul, as she must have felt it, the chilling weight of
+    caste, she seemed to say:
+
+      'I lift my heavy heart up solemnly,
+      As once Eleotra her sepulchral urn.'
+
+
+    ... As I listened to her, there swept over me, in a chill wave
+    of horror, the realization that this noble woman had she not
+    been rescued from her mother's condition, might have been sold
+    on the auction-block, to the highest bidder--her intellect,
+    fancy, eloquence, the flashing wit, that might make the delight
+    of a Parisian saloon, and her pure, Christian character all
+    thrown in--the recollection that women like her could be dragged
+    out of public conveyances in our own city, or frowned out of
+    fashionable churches by Anglo-Saxon saints."
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+PREFACE,                                                     1-6.
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS,                                               7, 8.
+
+CONTENTS,                                                    9-21.
+
+Anthony, Kit, and wife Leah, and three children,
+Adam, Mary, and Murry,                                       99.
+
+Amby, Nat,                                                   102.
+
+Amby, Elizabeth,                                             102.
+
+Augusta, John, (letter.)                                     110.
+
+Anderson, Henry, alias Wm. Anderson,                         137.
+
+Amos, Stephen, alias Henry Johnson,                          160.
+
+Atkins, Wm. Henry,                                           211.
+
+Atkinson, Anthony,                                           260.
+
+Atkinson, John,                                              299.
+
+Anderson, Geo.,                                              316.
+
+Anderson, Thos.,                                             334.
+
+Ashmead, John W., attorney of U.S., for E. Dist., Pa.,       356.
+
+Aldridge, Bazil,                                             392.
+
+Aldridge, Caroline,                                          401.
+
+Alexander, John,                                             429.
+
+Armstead, Moses,                                             430.
+
+Allen, Andrew,                                               435.
+
+Allison, Ebenezer,                                           449.
+
+Anderson, Joshua John,                                       472.
+
+Alligood, Geo.,                                              488.
+
+Alligood, Jim,                                               488.
+
+"A woman with two children,"                                 503.
+
+Archer, Sam,                                                 526.
+
+Alberti, Geo. F.,                                            534.
+
+
+Blow, Anthony, (alias Henry Levison,)                        61.
+
+Butler, James, and Stephen,                                  70.
+
+Brinkley, Wm.,                                               74.
+
+Brown, Henry Box,                                            81.
+
+Burton, Perry,                                               105.
+
+Boyer, Mary Elizabeth,                                       124.
+
+Brown, Louisa,                                               135.
+
+Brit, Elizabeth,                                             136.
+
+Brown, Harriet, alias Jane Wooton,                           136.
+
+Brown, Chaskey,                                              138.
+
+Brown, Chas.,                                                139.
+
+Brown, Solomon,                                              163.
+
+Brown, John,                                                 168.
+
+Bigelow, J.,                                                 177.
+
+Barlow, Archer, alias Emit Robins,                           203.
+
+Bush, Sam'l, alias Wm. Oblebee,                              204.
+
+Brooks, Susan,                                               211.
+
+Bird, Chas.,                                                 219.
+
+Brown, Angeline,                                             219.
+
+Brown, Albert,                                               219.
+
+Brown, Chas.,                                                219.
+
+Burrell, James,                                              223.
+
+Boggs, Alex.,                                                223.
+
+Bell, Harrison, and daughter Harriet Ann,                    223.
+
+Blackson, Jas. Henry,                                        223.
+
+Bowlegs, Jim, alias Bill Paul,                               240.
+
+Bennett, David, and wife Martha, with their two children,    259.
+
+Bell, Louisa,                                                259.
+
+Bohm, Henry,                                                 259.
+
+Bailey, Josiah,                                              272.
+
+Bailey, Wm.,                                                 272.
+
+Banks, Henry,                                                284.
+
+Banks, Elizabeth,                                            288.
+
+Brown, Anthony, and Albert,                                  288.
+
+Butcher, Wm., alias Wm. T. Mitchell,                         300.
+
+Bradley, Richard,                                            305.
+
+Bennett, Dan'l, alias Henry Washington, and wife Martha,
+and two children,                                            305.
+
+Brooks, Adam, alias Wm. Smith,                               312.
+
+Boyer, Jacob Mathias,                                        314.
+
+Bodams, Matthew,                                             316.
+
+Bowser, Nathaniel,                                           316.
+
+Brown, Wm.,                                                  339.
+
+Brown, Chas. Henry,                                          339.
+
+Brister, Nancy,                                              377.
+
+Burrell, Lewis,                                              383.
+
+Burrell, Peter,                                              383.
+
+Bivans, Belinda,                                             388.
+
+Branson, Randolph,                                           391.
+
+Booze, Richard J.,                                           393.
+
+Ball, Oscar, D.,                                             399.
+
+Butler, John Alex.,                                          416.
+
+Belle, Jim,                                                  420.
+
+Benton, Sam'l,                                               429.
+
+Bacon, Abe,                                                  431.
+
+Boile, Susan Jane,                                           434.
+
+Bishop, Elizah,                                              441.
+
+Ballard, Geo. Henry,                                         445.
+
+Bowler, Wm.,                                                 449.
+
+Bell, Susan,                                                 463.
+
+Beesly, Dick,                                                473.
+
+Boldan, Chas. Andrew,                                        473.
+
+Bayne, Richard,                                              478.
+
+Bowling, Carter,                                             478.
+
+Boize, Henry,                                                481.
+
+Banks, Jim,                                                  487.
+
+Blockson, Jacob,                                             488.
+
+Boyce, Andrew Jackson,                                       495.
+
+Burton, Handy,                                               495.
+
+Brown, Stepney,                                              497.
+
+Brown, James,                                                502.
+
+Brown, John,                                                 504.
+
+Bell, Sarah Jane, (with babe in arms,)                       507.
+
+Bell, Robt., (and two others,)                               511.
+
+Brown, John,                                                 514.
+
+Brown, Jacob,                                                516.
+
+Buchanan, Jenny,                                             521.
+
+Brown, Wm.,                                                  523.
+
+Burkett. Henry,                                              528.
+
+Burkett, Elizabeth,                                          528.
+
+Burton, Hale,                                                528.
+
+Bird, Mary,                                                  559.
+
+Brooks, Mrs. Dr.,                                            590.
+
+Burris, Sam'l D.,                                            746-747.
+
+
+Conklin, Seth,                                               23.
+
+Coffin, Levi,                                                33.
+
+Clayton, John,                                               54.
+
+Camp, Jos. Henry,                                            66.
+
+Christian, Jas. Hamilton,                                    69.
+
+Camper, Jas.,                                                97.
+
+Cornish, Aaron, and wife, with six children,
+Solomon, Geo., Anthony, Jos., Ed. Jas., Perry Lake, and a
+nameless babe,                                               99.
+
+Colburn. Jeremiah,                                           107.
+
+Cooper, Wm.,                                                 108.
+
+Collins, Nathan, and wife Mary Ellen,                        108.
+
+"Cambridge Democrat,"                                        109.
+
+Congo, Charles, and wife Margaret,                           138.
+
+"Child," (14 months old,)                                    155.
+
+Chapman, Emeline,                                            157.
+
+Carr, Dan'l,                                                 168.
+
+"Charles,"                                                   208.
+
+Clayton, Louisa,                                             223.
+
+Cromwell, Henry,                                             259.
+
+Chase, John, alias Dan'l Floyd,                              296.
+
+Crummill, Jas.,                                              305.
+
+Childs, Lewis,                                               305.
+
+Cooper, Thos.,                                               316.
+
+Cooper, Henry,                                               319.
+
+Cole, David, and wife,                                       325.
+
+Cornish, Joseph,                                             334.
+
+Chambers, Henry,                                             334.
+
+Chambers, John,                                              334.
+
+Curtis, Mary,                                                339.
+
+Craft. Wm., and Ellen,                                       368.
+
+Cobb, Lewis,                                                 377.
+
+Clinton, Thos.,                                              382.
+
+Carroll, Geo.,                                               391.
+
+Clagart, John,                                               391.
+
+Connor, Chas.,                                               397.
+
+Connor, Chas.,                                               397.
+
+Connor, Jas.,                                                403.
+
+Cary, Harrison,                                              406.
+
+Cole, Wm.,                                                   418.
+
+Cole, Bill,                                                  419.
+
+Cooper, Mary,                                                430.
+
+Carney, Wm.,                                                 435.
+
+Cain, James,                                                 437.
+
+Carroll, Edward,                                             443.
+
+Carr, Robt,                                                  444.
+
+Cannon, Plymouth,                                            446.
+
+Carr, John Thompson,                                         449.
+
+Christy, Jack,                                               454.
+
+Combash, John Wesley,                                        455.
+
+Carpenter, Wm.,                                              464.
+
+Campbell, Frank,                                             478.
+
+Cope, Wm. Thos.,                                             481.
+
+Clexton, Perry,                                              487.
+
+Connor, Wm. Jas., wife and child, and four brothers,         491.
+
+Collins, Theophilus,                                         495.
+
+Carlisle, Wm.,                                               499.
+
+Cannon, Ansal,                                               500.
+
+Chiou, Wm., and wife Emma,                                   519.
+
+Casting, Edward,                                             526.
+
+Cotton, Henry,                                               532.
+
+Canby, Wm. J.,                                               556.
+
+Corson, Geo.,                                                721-723.
+
+Cleveland, Prof. Chas. D.,                                   723-734.
+
+
+Davis, Clarissa,                                             60.
+
+Davis, Wm.,                                                  66.
+
+Dorsey, Maria,                                               79.
+
+Dutton, Marshall,                                            99.
+
+Dobson, Henrietta,                                           102.
+
+Dorsey, Luther,                                              139.
+
+Dotson, Isaac,                                               208.
+
+
+"David,"                                                     216.
+
+
+Dorsey, Geo.,                                                219.
+
+Davis, Dan'l, alias David Smith,                             223.
+
+Duncans, Benj., alias Geo. Scott,                            223.
+
+Delaney, Jas. Henry, atias Stuart Stanley,                   223.
+
+Dutton, Chas., alias Wm. Rohinson,                           286.
+
+Derrickson, Peter,                                           309.
+
+Dunagan, Sarah A.,                                           313.
+
+Davis, Isaac D.,                                             313.
+
+Dorsey, Anna,                                                319.
+
+Dickinson, Benj.,                                            325.
+
+Ducket, Benj.,                                               382.
+
+Davis, Sam,                                                  386.
+
+Davis, "Old Jane,"                                           394.
+
+Dauphus, Etna Elizabeth,                                     440.
+
+Derrix, Townsend,                                            442.
+
+Diggs, Dave,                                                 465.
+
+Dade, John, and Henry,                                       469.
+
+Davis, Enoch,                                                514.
+
+Dickson, Thos. Edward,                                       514.
+
+Douglass, Thos.,                                             524.
+
+Dunmore, Henry,                                              526.
+
+Dungy, John Wm.,                                             541.
+
+Douglass, Frederick,                                         597-598.
+
+
+Elliott, Thomas,                                             73.
+
+Epps, Mary, (alias Emma Brown,)                              74.
+
+Ennells, Noah,                                               97.
+
+Emerson, Robt.,                                              98.
+
+Eden, Bichard,                                               150.
+
+Ennis, Mary, alias Licia Hemmin, with two
+children, Lydia and Louisa Caroline,                         207.
+
+Eglin, Harriet,                                              214.
+
+Eglin, Charlotte,                                            214.
+
+Edwards, David,                                              311.
+
+Ellis, Joe,                                                  408.
+
+Ennis, Ephraim,                                              485.
+
+Edwards, Alfred,                                             511.
+
+Edwards, David,                                              526.
+
+Ennets, Stephen, and wife Maria, with three children,
+Harriet, Amanda and babe,                                    530.
+
+
+Forman, Isaac,                                               64.
+
+Ford, Sheridan,                                              67.
+
+Fletcher, Benj. R.                                           79.
+
+Foster, Emily, alias Ann Wood,                               124.
+
+Frisley, Alfred Jas.,                                        138.
+
+F., Capt and Mayor of Norfolk,                               165.
+
+Freeman, Thos.,                                              168.
+
+Foster, Jas.,                                                168.
+
+Fleeing Girl of 15 years, in male attire,                    177.
+
+Fisher, Robt.,                                               206.
+
+Foreman, Ellen, alias Eliz. Young,                           223.
+
+Freeland, Geo.,                                              223.
+
+Foreman. Jas. H.,                                            260.
+
+Frances, Eliz., alias Ellen Saunders,                        275.
+
+Fowler, Arthur, alias Benj. Johnson,                         305.
+
+Francis, Lewis, alias Lewis Johnson,                         334.
+
+Fall, Sam'l,                                                 334.
+
+Fisher, Jonathan,                                            338.
+
+Freeman, Wm. Thos., alias Ezekiel Chambers,                  339.
+
+Fidget, Isaac,                                               339.
+
+Fugitive Slave Bill of 1850,                                 343.
+
+Farmer, Wm.                                                  374.
+
+Fineer, Abe,                                                 386.
+
+Fuller, Cornelius, and wife Harriet,                         500.
+
+Foster, Turner,                                              506.
+
+Field, Henry,                                                509.
+
+Foreman, Isaac,                                              559.
+
+Furness, Wm. H., D.D.,                                       659-665.
+
+
+Gilliam, Wm. H.,                                             54.
+
+Garrett, Thomas,                                             74.
+
+Griffin, Wm.,                                                97.
+
+Grigby, Barnaby, alias John Boyer*,                          124.
+
+Grant, Joseph,                                               132.
+
+Goulden, Alfred,                                             135.
+
+Galloway, Abram,                                             150.
+
+Gardner, Nathaniel,                                          168.
+
+Gault, Phillis,                                              168.
+
+
+"Green,"                                                     208.
+
+
+Garrett, Lucy, alias Julia Wood,                             223.
+
+Gilbert, Chas.,                                              235.
+
+Green, Sam'l, alias Wesley Kennard,                          246.
+
+Green, Richard,                                              259.
+
+Green, Geo.,                                                 259.
+
+Green, Lear,                                                 281.
+
+Govan, Wm.,                                                  288.
+
+Gibson, John Wesley,                                         301.
+
+Giles, Lewis,                                                308.
+
+Good, Beverly,                                               311.
+
+Griffin, Jas., alias Thos. Brown,                            314.
+
+Green, Dan'l, alias Geo. Taylor,                             319.
+
+Graves, Caroline,                                            334.
+
+Graham, Geo., and wife Jane,                                 337.
+
+Gooseberry, Thos. Jervis,                                    339.
+
+Gibson, Adam,                                                343.
+
+Gorsuch, Edward,                                             350.
+
+Gorham, Henry,                                               379.
+
+Green, Zebulon,                                              383.
+
+Graham, Montgomery,                                          399.
+
+Green, Christopher, and wife Ann Maria, and son Nathan,      409.
+
+Grimes, Harry,                                               422.
+
+Grantham, Nancy,                                             459.
+
+Gardner, Priscilla,                                          472.
+
+Gross, Sam,                                                  474.
+
+Gross, Peter,                                                474.
+
+Gray, John Boize,                                            481.
+
+Gassway, Caroline,                                           491.
+
+Gross, Albert,                                               603.
+
+Grinage*, John,                                              503.
+
+Gross, Chas. Henry,                                          504.
+
+Graff, Evan,                                                 519.
+
+Goines, Luke,                                                520.
+
+Gray, Henry,                                                 559.
+
+Gray, Mary,                                                  559.
+
+Goodwin, Abigail,                                            617-622.
+
+Garrett, Thos.,                                              623-642.
+
+Gibbons, Dan'l,                                              642-648.
+
+Garrison, Wm. Lloyd,                                         665-680.
+
+
+Harris, Wesley, alias Robert Jackson,                        48.
+
+Hall, Romulus,                                               51.
+
+Harris, Abram,                                               51.
+
+Hughes, Daniel,                                              73.
+
+Hill, Jos., and wife Alice, and son Henry,                   99.
+
+
+"Hannah,"                                                    104.
+
+
+Hitchens, C.,                                                105.
+
+Hubert, Alfred,                                              105.
+
+Henry, Thos.,                                                108.
+
+Hollis, Henry Chas.,                                         139.
+
+Hilton, Elijah,                                              161.
+
+Hogg, Wm., alias, John Smith,                                164.
+
+Haines, Francis,                                             168.
+
+Hill, John Henry,                                            189.
+
+Hill, Hezekiah,                                              200.
+
+Hill, Jas.,                                                  202.
+
+Harris, Nathan,                                              206.
+
+Haley, Harriet, alias Ann Richardson,                        223.
+
+Handy, Jas. Edward, alias Dennis Cannon,                     223.
+
+Hall, John, alias John Simpson,                              223.
+
+Hall, John,                                                  250.
+
+Harris, Joseph,                                              260.
+
+Hodges, Henry,                                               260.
+
+Handy, Joshua, alias Hamilton Hamby,                         286.
+
+Hudson, Ephraim, alias John Spry,                            286.
+
+Hilliard, Frances,                                           287.
+
+Harding, Louisa, alias Rebecca Hall,                         287.
+
+Houston, Maria Jane,                                         287.
+
+Hoopes, Miles,                                               288.
+
+Hinson, Jas., alias David Caldwell,                          288.
+
+Hill, Simon,                                                 288.
+
+Holladay, Chas.,                                             288.
+
+Howard, Henry,                                               305.
+
+Hacket, Lloyd, alias Perry Watkins,                          310.
+
+Hall, Jos., Jr.,                                             313.
+
+Heines, Peter,                                               316.
+
+Hooper, Henry,                                               339.
+
+Hall, Jacob, alias Henry Thomas, wife Henrietta,
+and child,                                                   339.
+
+Hamlet, Jas.,                                                343.
+
+Hanaway, Castner,                                            350.
+
+Hilliard, Mrs. Geo. S.,                                      373.
+
+Hill, Jones,                                                 382.
+
+Hall, Charles,                                               383.
+
+Homer, Alfred,                                               388.
+
+Harper, Thos.,                                               410.
+
+Haines, Edward,                                              414.
+
+Haines, Jos.,                                                414.
+
+Harris, Thos.,                                               414.
+
+Hipkins, Wm. Henry,                                          416.
+
+Hill, Geo.,                                                  416.
+
+Hall, Hanson,                                                418.
+
+
+"Hanson,"                                                    419.
+
+
+Hollon, Alfred,                                              427.
+
+Henry, James,                                                429.
+
+Harris, Darius,                                              441.
+
+Henderson, Eliza,                                            459.
+
+Hunt, Orlando J.,                                            461.
+
+Herring, Elias Jack,                                         471.
+
+Harper, Ruth,                                                472.
+
+Hutton, Bill,                                                474.
+
+Holden, Levin,                                               491.
+
+Hopkins, Sidney,                                             493.
+
+Hill, Jos. Henry,                                            493.
+
+Heath, Chas.,                                                499.
+
+Hillis, John,                                                500.
+
+Hall, Edward,                                                502.
+
+Hall, John,                                                  502.
+
+Hall, Chas.,                                                 502.
+
+Harris, James,                                               516.
+
+Hughes, Wm.,                                                 516.
+
+Henson, James,                                               523.
+
+Henry, Joe,                                                  526.
+
+Helpers and Sympathizers at Home and Abroad,                 584.
+
+Hunn, John,                                                  712-719.
+
+Hopper, Isaac T.,                                            740-745.
+
+Harper, Frances Ellen Watkins,                               755-780.
+
+
+"Isabella,"                                                  98.
+
+
+Irwin, Asbury,                                               485.
+
+
+Johnston, Rev. N.R.,                                         31.
+
+Jones, Wm. Box Peel,                                         46.
+
+Johnson, Perry,                                              64.
+
+Johnson, Henry,                                              70.
+
+Johnson, Jane, and her two little boys,                      86.
+
+Jones, Thos., alias Robt. Brown,                             121.
+
+Jordan. Wm., alias Wm. Price,                                129.
+
+Johnson, W. Sam'l,                                           158.
+
+Johnson, Jane Mary, alias Harriet,                           160.
+
+Johnson, Ann Rebecca,                                        160.
+
+Johnson, Wm. H.,                                             160.
+
+Johnson, Eliz.,                                              160.
+
+Johnson, Mary Ellen,                                         160.
+
+Johnson, Ann,                                                164.
+
+Johnson, David,                                              168.
+
+Jones, Alice,                                                168.
+
+Johnson, Wm.,                                                223.
+
+Jasper, Elias,                                               259.
+
+Joiner, Maria,                                               259.
+
+Jones, Arthur,                                               260.
+
+Jones, Robt. and wife Eliza,                                 260.
+
+Jackson, Peter, alias Staunch Tilghman,                      296.
+
+Judah, John,                                                 305.
+
+Jones, Samuel,                                               305.
+
+Jones, Tolbert,                                              305.
+
+Johnson, Wm. Henry, alias John Wesley,                       310.
+
+Johnson, James, alias Wm. Gilbert, and wife Harriet,         319.
+
+Jones, James,                                                325.
+
+Jones, Rebecca,                                              325.
+
+Jones, Sarah Frances,                                        325.
+
+Jones, Mary,                                                 325.
+
+Jones, Rebecca, Jr.,                                         325.
+
+Jones, Fenton,                                               339.
+
+Johnson, Jas.,                                               383.
+
+Jackson, Wm.,                                                396.
+
+Johnson, Geo.,                                               413.
+
+Johnson, Eliza Jane,                                         418.
+
+Johnson, John,                                               430.
+
+Jackson, "General Andrew,"                                   437.
+
+Jones, Catharine, and son Henry,                             440.
+
+Jones, Mary,                                                 463.
+
+Jones, Lew,                                                  465.
+
+Jake, and Mary Ann, his wife,                                465.
+
+Janney, John,                                                474.
+
+Johnson, Talbot,                                             474.
+
+Jackson, Jas. Henry,                                         474.
+
+Jackson, Rebecca, and daughter,                              477.
+
+Johns, Lydia Ann,                                            485.
+
+Johns, Robt., and wife "Sueann,"                             486.
+
+Johnson, Cornelius Henry,                                    493.
+
+Jackson, Robt.,                                              495.
+
+Johnston, Wm.,                                               500.
+
+Jones, Henry,                                                506.
+
+Jackson, Ann Maria,                                          512.
+
+Jackson, Mary Ann,                                           512.
+
+Jackson, Wm. Henry,                                          512.
+
+Jackson, Frances Sabina,                                     512.
+
+Jackson, Wilhelmina,                                         512.
+
+Jackson, John Edwin,                                         512.
+
+Jackson, Ebenezer Thos.,                                     512.
+
+Jackson, Wm. Albert,                                         512.
+
+Jackson, Andrew,                                             516.
+
+Johnson, Rosanna,                                            516.
+
+Johnson, Jos. C.,                                            526.
+
+
+Kneeland, Joseph, (alias Joseph Hulson,)                     68.
+
+Kane, Jane, alias Catharine Kane,                            296.
+
+Kline, Henry H.,                                             350.
+
+Kane, Judge,                                                 358.
+
+Kane, Col. T.L.,                                             366.
+
+Kell, Jim,                                                   499.
+
+Kelly, Henson,                                               520.
+
+Knight, Mary,                                                563.
+
+
+Letters, U.G.R.R.,                                           39-46.
+
+Light, George,                                               99.
+
+Lewis, G.,                                                   111, (letter.)
+
+Lee, Capt.,                                                  111.
+
+Loney, Cordelia,                                             112.
+
+Loney, Anthony, alias Wm. Armstead,                          122.
+
+Lee, Chas., alias Thos. Bushier,                             136.
+
+Logan, W.J., (letter,)                                       158.
+
+Little, Nancy,                                               168.
+
+Lewis, Laura,                                                288.
+
+Laminson, Wm. Henry,                                         334.
+
+Lewis, Eliza,                                                350.
+
+Latham, Major,                                               379.
+
+Lambert, Elizabeth, and three children, Mary,
+Horace, and Wm. Henry,                                       382.
+
+Logan, Geo.,                                                 383.
+
+Logan, John,                                                 383.
+
+Lee, Ordee,                                                  393.
+
+Long, Silas,                                                 394.
+
+Light, Solomon,                                              394.
+
+Lewis, Edward,                                               422.
+
+Lee, Wm.,                                                    434.
+
+Laws, George,                                                470.
+
+Lewis, Geo.,                                                 488.
+
+Lazarus Jas.,                                                491.
+
+Lee, John Edward,                                            500.
+
+Lee, Lewis,                                                  514.
+
+Langhorn, Henry, alias Wm. Scott,                            536.
+
+Lewey, Mrs.,                                                 559.
+
+Lewis, Mariann, Grace Anna, and Elizabeth R.,                748-755.
+
+
+McKiernon, B.,                                               34.
+
+Matterson Bros.,                                             49.
+
+Mansfield, Rev. L.D.                                         54.
+
+Mercer, Jas,                                                 54.
+
+Morgan, Edward,                                              70.
+
+Moore, Henry,                                                97.
+
+Murry, Oracy, alias Sophia Sims,                             136.
+
+Massey, James,                                               143.
+
+Mahoney, Matilda,                                            172.
+
+Morris, John,                                                260.
+
+McCoy, Robt., alias Wm. Donor,                               274.
+
+Mitchell, Cyros, alias John Steel,                           286.
+
+Molock, Francis, alias Thos. Jackson,                        286.
+
+Mclntosh, John,                                              287.
+
+Miles, Sam'l, alias Robert King,                             288.
+
+Madden, Thos.,                                               294.
+
+Matthews, Pete, alias Sam'l Sparrows,                        295.
+
+Mayo, Harriet,                                               305.
+
+Mercer, Verenea,                                             309.
+
+Mead, Zechariah, alias John Williams,                        314.
+
+Morris, James,                                               316.
+
+Matthews, Tom,                                               324.
+
+Munson, Alex.,                                               334.
+
+Maddison, Wylie,                                             379.
+
+Moody, Wm. Henry,                                            388.
+
+Moore, John Henry,                                           416.
+
+Myers, John,                                                 434.
+
+Mason, James,                                                444.
+
+Mitchell, Lemuel,                                            445.
+
+Mitchell, Josiah,                                            445.
+
+Mitchell, John,                                              445.
+
+Mountain, Ann, and child,                                    449.
+
+Melvin, Mary Frances,                                        459.
+
+Mackey, Wm.,                                                 462.
+
+Mills, Sarah Ann,                                            491.
+
+Maxwell, Thos,                                               499.
+
+Murray, Robt.,                                               508.
+
+Mills, Jerry,                                                532.
+
+Mills, Diana,                                                532.
+
+Mills, Cornelius,                                            532.
+
+Mills, Margaret,                                             532.
+
+Mills, Susan,                                                532.
+
+Moore, Aunt Hannah,                                          547.
+
+Miller, Joseph C.,                                           551.
+
+Millburn, Mary, alias Louisa F. Jones,                       558.
+
+Mr. McKim to Geo. Thompson,                                  580.
+
+Moore, Esther,                                               613-616.
+
+Mott, Lucretia,                                              649-654.
+
+McKim, Jas. Miller,                                          654-659.
+
+
+Neall, Daniel,                                               79.
+
+Nixon, Thos.,                                                168.
+
+Nixon, Fred.,                                                168.
+
+Nixon, Sam, alias Dr. Thos. Bayne,                           254.
+
+Nelson, Wm., and wife Susan and son,                         259.
+
+Nixon, Isaiah,                                               260.
+
+Nickless, Kit,                                               284.
+
+Nelson, Peter,                                               463.
+
+Nole, Chas,                                                  487.
+
+Newton, Isaac,                                               509.
+
+Nichols, Randolph,                                           524.
+
+
+Oberne, Henry,                                               105.
+
+Oliver, William,                                             514.
+
+Organization, Vigilance Committee,                           610-612.
+
+
+Predo, Henry,                                                72.
+
+Parker, Levin,                                               97.
+
+Pugh, Anthony,                                               98.
+
+Peters, Hannah,                                              102.
+
+Pipkins, Jefferson, alias David Jones,                       136.
+
+Pipkins, Louisa,                                             136.
+
+Petty, Peter,                                                168.
+
+Pennington, Dr. J.W., brother and two sons,                  172.
+
+
+"Perry,"                                                     208.
+
+
+Peaden, Edward, and wife,                                    223.
+
+Pennington, Peter,                                           272.
+
+Payne, Dan'l,                                                305.
+
+Purnell, Chas.,                                              309.
+
+Page, Thos.,                                                 325.
+
+Purnell, Oliver,                                             339.
+
+Parker, Wm.,                                                 350.
+
+Pry, Sauney,                                                 382.
+
+Parker, Thos.,                                               386.
+
+Pattie, Winnie, and her daughter Elizabeth,                  387.
+
+Pennington, Tom,                                             431.
+
+Perry, Anna,                                                 437.
+
+Payne, Oscar,                                                465.
+
+Pinket, John,                                                500.
+
+Piney, Benjamin,                                             516.
+
+Peck, Lewis,                                                 526.
+
+Purnell, John,                                               528.
+
+Pierce, Wm.,                                                 533.
+
+Parker, Rachel, and Elizabeth,                               551.
+
+Pennypacker, Elijah F.,                                      688-690.
+
+Purvis, Robt.,                                               711.
+
+
+Quantence, Pascal,                                           421.
+
+Quinn, Edward,                                               511.
+
+
+Redick, Willis,                                              66.
+
+Robinson, Jos., and Robt.,                                   74.
+
+Ross, Major,                                                 105.
+
+Rhoads, Geo.,                                                143.
+
+Rhoads, Jas.,                                                143.
+
+Rhoads, Eliz. Sarah, and child,                              143.
+
+Ringold, Chas. H.,                                           217.
+
+Richards, John Henry,                                        217.
+
+Robinson, Wm.,                                               223.
+
+Ross, Benj., alias Jas. Stewart,                             296.
+
+Ross, Henry, alias Levin Stewart,                            296.
+
+Ross, Robert,                                                296.
+
+Roberts, Emory, alias Wm. Kemp,                              305.
+
+Reed, Isaac,                                                 319.
+
+Robinson, Isaiah,                                            325.
+
+Robinson, Dan'l,                                             325.
+
+Royan, Wm.,                                                  391.
+
+Ross, Benj., and wife Harriet,                               395.
+
+Rodgers, Geo.,                                               427.
+
+Rodgers, Chas. N.,                                           427.
+
+Rister, Amarian Lucretia,                                    434.
+
+Russell, Geo.,                                               439.
+
+Robinson, Josephine,                                         486.
+
+Ringgold, Chas.,                                             499.
+
+Ross, Chas.,                                                 500.
+
+Ryan, James,                                                 500.
+
+Roach, John, and wife Lamby,                                 504.
+
+Ringgold, Chas,                                              509.
+
+Ringgold, Wm.,                                               509.
+
+Robinson, Miles,                                             539.
+
+Roney, Major Isaac,                                          556.
+
+Richardson, Mrs. Anne H,                                     593,
+                                                 604-605-606-607-608.
+
+Russell, Dr. Bartholomew,                                    695-698.
+
+Rhoades, Sam'l,                                              719-721.
+
+
+Solomon, Geo.,                                               79.
+
+Swan, Stebney,                                               98.
+
+Stinger, John,                                               98.
+
+Stanley, Daniel,                                             102.
+
+Scott, John,                                                 102.
+
+Stanly, Josiah,                                              102.
+
+Stanly, Caroline,                                            102.
+
+Stanly, Dan'l, Jr.,                                          102.
+
+Stanly, John,                                                103.
+
+Stanly, Miller,                                              103.
+
+Scott, Jack.                                                 104.
+
+Scott, Cornelius,                                            122.
+
+Stewart, Robt., alias Gasberry Robinson,                     128.
+
+Smith, Vincent, alias John Jackson,                          128.
+
+Smith, Betsy, alias Fanny Jackson,                           128.
+
+Speaks, John,                                                132.
+
+Salter, Henry Chas.,                                         138.
+
+Smith, W. Jeremiah, and wife Julia,                          141.
+
+Stephenson, Eliz. Mary,                                      143.
+
+Stephens, L.E. (letter,)                                     156.
+
+Scott, Godfrey,                                              168.
+
+Smith, John,                                                 168.
+
+Spencer, John,                                               204.
+
+Spencer, Wm.,                                                204.
+
+Spencer, Jas. Albert,                                        204.
+
+Scott, Hettie, alias Margaret Duncans, and daughter
+Priscilla,                                                   205.
+
+Sims, Samuel,                                                208.
+
+Smith, Robt.,                                                217.
+
+Scott, Jane,                                                 219.
+
+Stater, Sam'l,                                               223.
+
+Stuart, James, alias Wm. Jackson,                            223.
+
+Smith, Sarah, alias Mildreth Page,                           223.
+
+Snowden, Lewis, alias Lewis Williams,                        223.
+
+
+"Salt Water Fugitive,"                                       242.
+
+
+Stewart, Henry,                                              259.
+
+Shepherd, Harriet, with five children, Anna Maria,
+Edwin, Eliz. Jane, Mary Ann and John Henry,                  302.
+
+Somler, Washington, alias James Moore,                       304.
+
+Shephard, Perry,                                             319.
+
+Sperryman, Geo., alias Thos. Johnson,                        319.
+
+Spires, Valentine,                                           319.
+
+Smith, Wm. Israel,                                           319.
+
+Spence, Arthur,                                              325.
+
+Scott, Sam'l,                                                334.
+
+Stout, Isaac, alias Geo. Washington,                         334.
+
+Slave Hunting Tragedy in Lancaster Co., Pa.,                 348.
+
+Shepherd, Andrew,                                            379.
+
+Saunders, Henry,                                             386.
+
+Scott, Wm.,                                                  390.
+
+Smith, Thos.,                                                413.
+
+Smith, Adam,                                                 413.
+
+Sheldon, James,                                              414.
+
+Stewart, Harriet, and daughter Mary Eliza,                   418.
+
+Scott, Jim,                                                  431.
+
+Scott, Sam,                                                  431.
+
+Scott, Bill,                                                 431.
+
+Smith, John,                                                 439.
+
+Smith, Julius,                                               454.
+
+Smith, Mary,                                                 454.
+
+Smith, James,                                                454.
+
+Smith, Henry Edward,                                         454.
+
+Skinner, Thos. Edward,                                       455.
+
+Shaw, Elijah,                                                458.
+
+Smith, Sam,                                                  474.
+
+Shaw, Nace,                                                  480.
+
+Smith, Dan'l McNorton,                                       480.
+
+Smith, Sam'l,                                                499.
+
+Smallwood, Henry,                                            504.
+
+Smith, John Wesley,                                          508.
+
+Stewart, Susan,                                              508.
+
+Smith, Josephine,                                            508.
+
+Smith, John,                                                 516.
+
+Smallwood, John,                                             516.
+
+Smith, Stafford,                                             520.
+
+Stanton, Phillip,                                            524.
+
+Snively, David,                                              526.
+
+Sipple, Thos.,                                               528.
+
+Sipple, Mary Ann,                                            528.
+
+Seymour, Wm.,                                                559.
+
+Saunders, Sarah,                                             559.
+
+Scott, Winfield, and three children,                         559.
+
+Shipley, Thos.,                                              698-710.
+
+
+Thompson, John,                                              105-106.
+
+Turner, Jackson,                                             117.
+
+Turner, Isaac,                                               117.
+
+Turner, Edmondson,                                           117.
+
+Taylor, Wm. N.,                                              134.
+
+Taylor, Stephen,                                             139.
+
+Trusty, Henry Perry,                                         143.
+
+Thompson, Chas.,                                             146.
+
+Tatum, Allen,                                                168.
+
+Tonnel, Rosanna, alias Maria Hyde,                           207.
+
+Tubman, Harriet,                                             247.
+
+The Protection of Slave Property in Va.,                     277.
+
+Tubman, Harriet, ("Moses")                                   296.
+
+Thompson, Charles,                                           316.
+
+Thompson, Charity,                                           316.
+
+Taylor, Owen,                                                320.
+
+Taylor, Otho.                                                320.
+
+Taylor, Mary Ann,                                            320.
+
+Taylor, Benj.,                                               320.
+
+Taylor, Edward, with a brother and his wife and two
+children,                                                    320.
+
+Taylor, Caroline,                                            325.
+
+Taylor, Nancy,                                               325.
+
+Taylor, Mary,                                                325.
+
+Tubman, Harriet,                                             383.
+
+Thompson, Wm. Henry,                                         386.
+
+Todd, Israel,                                                392.
+
+Tilison, Abram,                                              410.
+
+Triplet, Wm.,                                                410.
+
+Turner, Samuel,                                              429.
+
+Thornton, Lawrence,                                          430.
+
+Thompson, Jas. Henry,                                        439.
+
+Taylor, Roberta,                                             450.
+
+Thompson, Robert,                                            451.
+
+Thornton, Alfred S.,                                         452.
+
+Taylor, Jacob,                                               455.
+
+Tucker, Henry,                                               462.
+
+Taylor, Benj.,                                               478.
+
+Taylor, James,                                               503.
+
+Townsend, Henry,                                             516.
+
+Tudle, Henry and wife,                                       525.
+
+Thomas, Miss Mary B.                                         583.
+
+Thomas, Joseph,                                              509.
+
+Tubman, Harriet,                                             530.
+
+Taylor, Harriet,                                             559.
+
+Tappan, Lewis,                                               680-688.
+
+
+Upsher, Geo.,                                                422.
+
+
+Viney, Joseph and family,                                    101.
+
+Vaughn, Michael,                                             168.
+
+
+White, Mrs. L.E.,                                            56.
+
+Wilson, Hiram, (Ag't U.G.R.R.,)                              80.
+
+Williamson, Passmore,                                        87.
+
+
+"William,"                                                   104.
+
+
+Whitney, Israel,                                             105.
+
+Williams, Samuel, alias John Williams,                       123.
+
+Wanzer, Frank, alias Robt. Scott,                            124.
+
+Waters, Jacob,                                               135.
+
+Williams, Ed., alias Henry Johnson,                          136.
+
+Washington, Wm. Henry,                                       138.
+
+Washington, Geo.,                                            143.
+
+White, Emanuel T.,                                           154.
+
+Woolfley, Levina,                                            164.
+
+Wilson, Willis,                                              168.
+
+Wilson, Ned,                                                 168.
+
+Wilson, Sarah C.,                                            168.
+
+Weems, Maria, alias Joe Wright,                              185.
+
+Weems, Arrow, (letter,)                                      187.
+
+Waples, Hansel,                                              207.
+
+White, Wm. B.,                                               211.
+
+Wiggins, Dan'l,                                              223.
+
+Wines, Moses,                                                223.
+
+Wooden, Wm., alias Wm. Nelson,                               223.
+
+White, Miles,                                                223.
+
+Weaver, Mary, (Irish Girl's Devotion to Freedom,)            251.
+
+Washington, Henry, alias Anthony Hardy,                      259.
+
+Whiting, Ralph,                                              260.
+
+Williams, Isaac,                                             284.
+
+Williams, Geo.,                                              288.
+
+Walker, Geo., alias Austin Valentine,                        311.
+
+Washington, Henry,                                           334.
+
+Washington, Eliza,                                           334.
+
+Wilson, Wm.,                                                 379.
+
+Watson, Jas. Henry,                                          383.
+
+Williams, Wm., and his wife,                                 383.
+
+Winston, Jos.,                                               389.
+
+Wright, John, and wife Eliz. Ann,                            397.
+
+Wood, John,                                                  401.
+
+Wright, Leeds,                                               410.
+
+Wise, Harry,                                                 411.
+
+Wooders, Abram,                                              412.
+
+Williams, Elizabeth,                                         429.
+
+Wells, Jack,                                                 431.
+
+Washington. Geo. Nelson,                                     440.
+
+Williamson, Wm.,                                             441.
+
+Wilkinson, Horatio,                                          445.
+
+Wood, Mose,                                                  465.
+
+Weems, John,                                                 471.
+
+Williams, Hansom,                                            480.
+
+White, Isaac,                                                481.
+
+Williams, Richard,                                           491.
+
+Wheeler, Henry,                                              491.
+
+Wood, Edward,                                                500.
+
+Wilkins, Jas. Andy, and wife Lucinda, and son Chas.,         504.
+
+Wilson, Lewis,                                               511.
+
+Waters, John,                                                511.
+
+Williams, Wesley,                                            516.
+
+White, Geo.,                                                 526.
+
+White, Albert,                                               526.
+
+White, Tucker,                                               555.
+
+Williams, Henry,                                             559.
+
+Williams, Euphemia,                                          566.
+
+Wright, Wm.,                                                 691-695.
+
+Whipper, Wm.,                                                735-740.
+
+
+Young, Murray,                                               473.
+
+Yonng, Gusta,                                                480.
+
+Young, Anna Elizabeth, (with babe in arms,)                  507.
+
+
+
+
+WHAT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT IT
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+At the closing meeting of the PENNSYLVANIA ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, held in
+Philadelphia, May 5, 1870, the following was unanimously passed:
+
+Whereas, The position of WILLIAM STILL in the Vigilance Committee
+connected with the "UNDERGROUND RAILROAD," as its Corresponding
+Secretary, and Chairman of its Active Sub-Committee, gave him peculiar
+facilities for collecting interesting facts pertaining to this branch of
+the anti-slavery service; therefore,
+
+_Resolved_, That the PENNSYLVANIA ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY requests him to
+compile and publish his personal reminiscences and experiences relating
+to the "UNDERGROUND RAILROAD."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+HON. JOHN W. FORNEY, in a letter to the Washington _Sunday Chronicle_,
+said:
+
+"Slavery and its mysterious inner life has never yet been described.
+When it is, Reality will surpass Fiction. Uncle Tom's Cabin will be
+rebuilt and newly garnitured. A book, detailing the operations of the
+'UNDERGROUND RAILROAD,' is soon to be published in Philadelphia, by WM.
+STILL, Esq., an intelligent colored gentleman, which, composed entirely
+of facts, will supply material for indefinite dramas and romances. It
+will disclose a record of unparalleled courage and suffering for the
+right."  *  *  *  *  *
+
+And again, in a letter to the same paper, Mr. Forney says:
+
+*  *  *  *  "A coincidence even more romantic is soon to be revealed in
+the pages of the _remarkable book_ of Wm. Still, of Philadelphia,
+entitled 'THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD,' referred to in my last. Mr. Still
+kept a careful memorandum of the sufferings and trials of his race
+during the existence of the 'Fugitive Slave Law,' in the belief that
+they would be instructive to his posterity, rather than from any hope of
+the overthrow of the revolting system of human servitude  *  *  *  he
+resolved to spread before the world this _unprecedented_ experience.
+When his book appears, it will accomplish more than one object.
+Interesting to the literary world, it will undoubtedly facilitate the
+reunion of other colored families long divided, long sought for, and
+perhaps to this day strangers to each other.  *  *  *  *  The volume
+containing this and other equally romantic yet truthful stories will
+soon be out, and, _my word for it, no book of the times will be more
+eagerly read or more profitably remembered._"
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+The San Francisco _Elevator_ says:
+
+*  *  *  *  "Mr. Still is one of the pioneers of 'THE UNDERGROUND
+RAILROAD' in Philadelphia, where he still resides. He has aided more
+slaves to escape than any other man, Bishop Lougan, of Syracuse,
+_perhaps_ excepted.  *  *  *  *  We hope his book will have a wide
+circulation, as it will be a valuable addition to the history of the
+anti-slavery struggle _such as no other man can write._"
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Having been, during many years, associated with WILLIAM STILL, in
+laboring for the abolition of American slavery, we heartily bear our
+testimony to his abundant opportunities for acquiring information
+relative to the subject of this book; and to his vigilance and fidelity
+in all the departments of anti-slavery work in which he was engaged, and
+especially in that department usually called "THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD."
+
+We gladly avail ourselves of this opportunity to express our confidence
+in his ability to present to the public an authentic and interesting
+history of this enterprise.
+
+_Prominent Members of the Anti-Slavery Society._
+
+    LUCRETIA MOTT,
+
+    J. MILLER McKIM,
+
+    ROBERT PURVIS,
+
+    MARY GREW,
+
+    E.M. DAVIS,
+
+    SARAH PUGH,
+
+    DILLWYN PARRISH,
+
+    JOSHUA L. HALLOWELL,
+
+    HENRY M. LAING,
+
+    MARGARET J. BURLEIGH,
+
+    EDWARD HOPPER,
+
+    CHARLES WISE,
+
+    JOHN LONGSTRETH,
+
+    J.K. WILDMAN,
+
+    JAMES A. WRIGHT.
+
+
+
+Certainly no volume ever met with higher or more extensive endorsement.
+From the time the author announced his intention to prepare a book from
+his notes and records until it was given to the public, it was the
+subject of favorable comment by leading minds of the country, without
+reference to race. Since its publication it has received the endorsement
+of the Press generally, and of Statesmen, Preachers, Lawyers, Doctors,
+Students, in fact men of all ranks.
+
+
+
+Brief Extracts from Letters to the Author by Prominent Men.
+
+
+_FROM HON. HENRY WILSON, LATE VICE PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES_.
+
+I have glanced over a few pages of your History of the Underground
+Railroad, _and I most earnestly commend it_. You have done a good work.
+This story of the heroic conduct of fugitives from oppression, and of
+the devotion of their friends, will be read with deep interest,
+especially by the old friends of the slave in the stern struggle through
+which we have passed. I hope your labors will be rewarded by a grateful
+public.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM HORACE GREELEY_.
+
+_Dear Sir:_--For most of the years I have lived, the escape of fugitives
+from slavery, and their efforts to baffle the human and other
+bloodhounds who tracked them, formed the romance of American History.
+That romance is now ended, and our grandchildren will hardly believe its
+leading incidents except on _irresistible testimony_. I rejoice that you
+are collecting and presenting _that testimony_, and heartily wish you a
+great success.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM HON. CHARLES SUMMER, LATE U.S. SENATOR FROM MASS._
+
+The Underground Railroad has performed its part, but must always be
+remembered gratefully, as one of the peculiar institutions of our
+country. I cannot think of it without a throbbing heart.
+
+You do well to commemorate those associated with it by service or by
+benefit--the saviors and the saved. The army of the late war has had its
+"Roll of Honor." You will give us two other, rolls, worthy of equal
+honor--the roll of fugitives from slavery, helped on their way to
+freedom, and also the roll of their self-sacrificing benefactors. I
+always hesitated which to honor most, the fugitive slave or the citizen
+who helped him, in defiance of unjust laws. Your book will teach us to
+honor both.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM JOHN G. WHITTIER_.
+
+The story of the escaped fugitives--the perils, the terrors of pursuit
+and re-capture--the shrewdness which baffled the human blood-hounds--the
+untiring zeal and devotion of the friends of the slave in the free
+States, are well described.
+
+_The book is more interesting than any romance_. It will be of permanent
+value to the historian of the country, during the anti-slavery struggle.
+
+_I cheerfully commend it to the public favor_.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM J. WHEATON SMITH, D.D._
+
+I am happy to find that material for this interesting work exists. I had
+feared that much which will be here recorded, would perish with the
+brave and worthy men who were personally interested. These verities of
+history contain the interest of romance, and our children's children
+will read them with wonder and admiration.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM, HON. S.P. CHASE, LATE CHIEF JUSTICE U.S. SUPREME COURT_.
+
+_Your book will certainly be an interesting one. No one probably has had
+equal opportunities with yourself of listening to the narratives of
+fugitive slaves. No one will repeat them more truthfully, and no stories
+can be more fraught with interest than theirs_. Let us rejoice, that, in
+our country, such narratives can never be heard again.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM WM. LLOYD GARRISON_.
+
+I congratulate you that, after much patient research, careful
+preparation, and untiring labor, you have completed your voluminous work
+on "THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD." I am sure your work will be found to be
+_one of absorbing interest, worthy of the widest patronage, and
+historically valuable as pertaining to the tremendous struggle for the
+abolition of chattel slavery in our land. No phase of that struggle was
+so crowded wifh thrilling incidents, heroic adventures, and
+self-sacrificing efforts as the one you have undertaken to portray, and
+with which you were so closely connected, to wit:_ "THE UNDERGROUND
+RAILROAD." While it will be contemplated with shame, sadness, and
+astonishment, by posterity, it will serve vividly to illustrate the
+perils which everywhere confronted the fugitives from the Southern
+"house of bondage," and to which those who dared to give them food and
+shelter were also subjected.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM GEN. O.O. HOWARD_.
+
+You could not prepare a work that would afford more instruction and
+interest to me than a detailed history of the operations of the
+so-called "UNDERGROUND RAILROAD." _I am delighted_ at the casual
+examination I have been permitted to give it. Thousands will rise up to
+call you blessed for your faithful record of our "legalized crime," and
+its graphic terrible consequences set forth by you in _such true
+pictures and plain words_.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_HON. CARL SCHURZ, SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR_.
+
+I have no doubt you can make the narrative a very interesting
+contribution to the history of an important period of our national
+development. It will be calculated to strengthen in the whole American
+people a just sense of the beneficent results of the great social
+revolution we have achieved, and to inspire the people of your own race
+with a high appreciation of the blessings of liberty they now enjoy.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM HON. W.D. KELLEY, CONGRESSMAN FROM PA._
+
+The stories you tell with admirable simplicity and directness of the
+suffering heroically endured by such numbers of poor fugitives, will
+instruct and inspire many who have regarded the American slave as a
+member of an inferior race.
+
+_Office_ "THE PRESS," _Philadelphia, Pa.__My Dear Sir:_--I have read
+most of the proof sheets of your forthcoming book, entitled "THE
+UNDERGROUND RAILROAD," and have just examined the letter-press
+preparatory to its publication, and the accompanying engravings, and I
+cannot refrain from stating, that I believe it to be a consummate work
+of its kind. Its chief merit, of course, consists in its _extraordinary
+revelations_ of the injustice and cruelty of the dead system of slavery,
+but it is gratifying to notice that it will be printed and sent forth to
+the world in so complete and admirable a style, _I commend it most
+cheerfully as a book that every citizen should have in his library._
+Very truly, yours,
+
+JNO. W. FORNEY.
+
+WM. STILL, Esq.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+I join very cordially in the preceding statement and recommendation.
+
+HON. MORTON McMICHAEL, _Ex-Mayor of Phila., Editor of N.A. & U.S.
+Gazette._
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+I most cordially unite with Col. Forney and other gentlemen in
+recommending to the public Mr. Still's work, entitled "THE UNDERGROUND
+RAILROAD." The thrilling narratives cannot be read, even at this day,
+without exciting the deepest emotion.
+
+GEO. H. STUART.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+I fully and heartily concur in the opinion of Col. Forney respecting Mr.
+Still's work, entitled "THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD."
+
+HON. CHAS. GIBBONS.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Mr. Still's work appears to me to be one of _great interest, and I most
+heartily unite in recommending it to the public attention._
+
+HON. HENRY C. CAREY.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM, J. MILLER MCKIM._
+
+I have read your book with feelings of mingled pleasure and pride;
+pleasure at the valuable contribution which it furnishes to anti-slavery
+history and anti-slavery literature, and pride that you are the author
+of it.
+
+But the chief value of the book will be found in its main narratives,
+which illustrate to the life the character of slavery, the spirit and
+temper of the men engaged for its overthrow, and the difficulties which
+had to be overcome by these men in the accomplishment of their purpose.
+
+A book so unique in kind, so startling in interest, and so trustworthy
+in its statements, cannot fail to command a large reading now, and in
+generations yet to come. That you--my long tried friend and
+associate--are the author of this book, is to me a matter of great pride
+and delight.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM HON. JNO. A. BINGHAM OF OHIO._
+
+You will please accept my thanks for the opportunity given me to examine
+your record of the struggle for freedom by the slave and his friends. It
+will doubtless be a work of great interest to many of our citizens.
+
+_FROM THE NORTH AMERICAN AND  U.S. GAZETTE._
+
+Here is an authority that cannot be questioned, competent and correct by
+many endorsements, that shows without argument, after the true pattern
+of Herodotus and the chroniclers, what slavery in America was in the
+decade immediately preceding its overthrow.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM THE "PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER."_
+
+"Never before has the working of the Underground Railroad been so
+thoroughly explained. Here we have in complete detail the various
+methods adopted for circumventing the enemies of freedom, and told, as
+it is, with great simplicity and natural feeling, the narrative is one
+which cannot but make a deep impression. Thrilling incidents, heroic
+adventures and noble deeds of self-sacrigce light up every page, and
+will enlist the heartiest sympathies of all generous souls. It was
+eminently just that such a record of one of the most remarkable phases
+of the struggle against slavery should be prepared, that the memory of
+the noble originators and supporters of the railroad might be kept
+green, and posterity enabled to form a true conception of the necessity
+that called it into existence, and of the difficulties under which its
+work was performed. The labor of compiling could not have fallen into
+more appropriate or better qualified hands."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM THE "BALTIMORE AMERICAN."_
+
+Mr. Still was one of the most courageous managers on the Underground
+Ralroad, and is therefore well qualified to be its historian. He speaks
+of his own services with modesty, and, in fact, there is no attempt at
+exaggeration in any one of the most wonderful series of narratives which
+he relates. Baltimore was one of the great depots from which the
+trembling fugitives set out on their trip to Canada, and Mr. Still deals
+freely with the names of person, yet living, who, no doubt, would be
+very glad if this most extraordinary book had never been published. It
+was their misfortune to have furnished a number of passengers for the
+"Underground Railroad," and now they cannot escape being named in
+connection with the slaves, who dared, everything for liberty.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO BULLETIN._
+
+We have often longed to know how the drab-coated philanthropists of
+Philadelphia managed to furnish systematic assistance to the slave
+fugitives, and the desire is now gratified. William Still, for many
+years connected with the anti-slavery office in Philadelphia, and the
+chairman of the Acting Vigilance Committee of the Philadelphia Branch of
+the Underground Railroad, has written a ponderous volume, entitled "THE
+UNDERGROUND RALROAD." ... He has performed his work well. The volume
+before us, though containing nearly 800 pages, is not elaborated beyond
+necessity, and fairly teems with interesting sketches.
+
+_FROM BISHOP PAYNE OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA._
+
+My official engagements and private duties have prevented me from
+reading your work on THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, throughout. But such
+portions as I have had time to read, convince me that as a stimulus to
+noble effort it has much value. It is also a grand _monument_ of the
+past struggles of the Angel Spirit of Liberty with the Demon of American
+Slavery. It serves also as a Beacon Light for our future progress in the
+upward movement. It deserves a wide circulation through the Republic.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+"I cheerfully endorse the above."
+
+S.M.D. WARD. (Bishop A.M.E. Church.)
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM LETTER OF HON. EBENEZER D. BASSETT, U.S. MINISTER TO HAITI._
+
+The book must strike everyone who sees it as one of very commendable
+appearance; and to everyone who reads it, it must commend itself as one
+of remarkable interest. It is a work which cannot fail to reflect an
+unusual credit upon the care, industry and sterling ability of its
+author.
+
+All hail to you, my dear fellow, for your success. When nearly four
+years ago you spoke often to me about your project of writing this book,
+I always told you I thought it would prove a success; but I tell you
+now, candidly, that although I never for a moment doubted your peculiar
+fitness to prepare such a work, yet I feared that when you came to see
+the time, industry, care and patience, which it would require aside from
+your pressing everyday business cares and perplexities, you might stop
+at the foot of the mountain and abandon the tedious ascent. But you have
+actually made the ascent and stand now on the top of the mountain.
+Hurrah for my old friend Still! Hurrah! Hurrah!! Hurrah!!!
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM. PROF. W. HOWARD DAY, IN "OUR NATIONAL PROGRESS."_
+
+In his singularly and creditably brief preface, Mr. Still sincerely
+disclaims literary pretension; but creditable as is this to the author,
+we may say that the work is in style excellent reading, and that if it
+were not so, the narratives themselves are so thrilling, possess such a
+heart-reaching interest, that if these were literary crudities, they
+would be entirely placed in the background in the concentrated blaze of
+light which the author pours upon the bloody pathway of these victims of
+injustice, from 1851, when the terrors of the Fugitive Slave Law began,
+to the hour when Slavery and Rebellion were washed out in blood,
+together.
+
+We have not space for a reprint of one of these interesting histories,
+but we are personally acquainted with the "facts" as related by Mr.
+Still, and the persons involved, and can attest the truth of the
+statements made. Some of these parties we have met in their flight,
+others in their temporary sojourn in the then so-called Free States;
+others we knew (Harriet Tubman and Moses among them) in their latest and
+safest refuge, (Canada,) under the protection of the Cross of St. George
+and St. Andrew. It was due to such that this book should be written.
+Their heroic deeds, in behalf of personal liberty of themselves and
+others, deserve commemorating. Their deeds of daring, winning victory at
+last, in the face of wily and unscrupulous men devoted to their capture,
+and sustained by the voice, the law and the cannon of the Government,
+ought to be written in unfading letters across the history of a people
+struggling upward to enfranchisement. It will teach the coming
+generations who were our fathers and our mothers; who there were in
+these years of agony who braved death to secure liberty and who upheld
+the noble banner of a dying race until their efforts, by God's blessing,
+made the race rise and live. All thanks to Mr. Still for thus placing
+this noble record of the free, and those struggling to be free, before
+the world.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM, THE BOSTON JOURNAL, BOSTON, MASS._
+
+The present volume is a narrative, or rather a collection of narratives,
+of the adventures of slaves on their way to freedom. The style is
+perfectly simple and unaffected, and it is well that it is so. The facts
+and incidents related are themselves so full of interest and dramatic
+intenseness as to need no coloring. The narratives throughout have the
+mark of truth upon them, and are based on authentic records. American
+history would not be complete without some such book as this, written by
+one within the circle of those devoted philanthropists who were so
+fearless and unremitting in their efforts for human freedom.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM THE PROVIDENCE PRESS, PROVIDENCE, R.I._
+
+This large volume is full of facts. To read its pages is to bring the
+past up with vividness. Many of those who fought with the worse than
+Ephesus' beasts encountered by Paul, to wit, the man-hunters of the
+South, we knew personally, and their narratives as given in this volume
+we can vouch for, having received their accounts at the time, from their
+own lips. Historically the book is valuable, because it is fact and not
+fiction, although fifty years from to-day it will read like fiction to
+the then living.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM THE NEWBURYPORT HERALD, MASS._
+
+It is not a romance, but it is a storehouse of materials which will
+hereafter be used in literature, and be studied, not only by historians,
+dramatists and novelists, but also by those who will seek to comprehend
+and realize the fact, that there has been, in this country, a condition
+of society and law which made the Underground railroad possible.
+
+
+
+THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD,
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+BY WILLIAM STILL.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+AN AUTHENTIC RECORD OF THE WONDERFUL HARDSHIPS, HAIRBREADTH ESCAPES, AND
+DEATH STRUGGLES WHICH MARK THE TRACK FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM IN THE
+UNITED STATES.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+This is one of the most remarkable volumes of the century. Its
+publication has only been made possible by a combination of
+circumstances which seldom attend the birth of a book. Before
+emancipation, and while the bane of slavery was on the country, the
+thrilling facts of this volume could not have been made public. Peace
+and the blessing of freedom permit their publication, free circulation
+and unmolested reading.
+
+Of all the thousands who favored freedom for the slaves, who gloried in
+the odium attached to anti-slaveryism, who witnessed the frequent
+efforts of the bondsmen to escape, who aided them in their quest for
+liberty, few dared to take notes of what they witnessed, and fewer still
+dared to preserve them, lest they should be turned into witnesses
+against them.
+
+But one man, and that the author of this book, is known to have
+succeeded in preserving anything like a full account of the workings of
+the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, as it was called before emancipation. These
+records grew on his hands during the years he acted as Chairman of the
+Philadelphia Branch of that celebrated corporation, until they reached
+the extent of the present volume. They are made up of letters received,
+of interviews held, of narratives taken down at the time, of real
+reminiscence and authentic biography. Nothing imaginative enters into
+the composition of the volume. It is simply succinct history, always
+startling, sometimes bloody. The annals of no time since the Inquisition
+are so full of daring ventures for life and liberty or heroic endurance
+under most trying circumstances.
+
+As a history of the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, the work is most curious and
+valuable. It tells of an ingenuity and faithfulness on the part of the
+officials of the road which seems well-nigh marvellous. As its pages
+reveal the methods by which aid was given to the escaping slave, one is
+compelled to wonder almost as if he were facing a revelation. The
+secrets of Masonry are not more mysterious than were the ways of these
+officials who clothed, fed and comforted the fugitive, while they
+apparently never knew his name or whereabouts. Even those who never
+believed in the existence of an UNDERGROUND RAILWAY, or who, believing,
+cursed its existence, will read its history, at this time, with the
+relish of astonishment and the zest of discoverers.
+
+But the book has a higher meaning and use. It is curious and hitherto
+unprinted history to the white race. To the black race, and especially
+that part of it once slave, it is more than a history of a time of
+peril. It is for them what Exodus was to the fugitives from Egypt, a
+history and an inspiration as well. They may learn from it of their
+heroes and how deeply the love of liberty was implanted in their bosoms.
+The Swiss never tire of the story of their Tell, nor the Welsh of that
+of their Glendower. Every nation has its exemplar, whose bravery and
+virtues are a perpetual lesson and source of admiration. The colored
+race may now read of its real heroes, its Joshuas, Spartacuses, Tells
+and Glendowers, among the list of those who silently broke their chains
+and dared everything in order to breathe the sweet air of liberty. They
+are not blazoned heroes, full of loud deeds and great names, but quiet
+examples of what fortitude can achieve where freedom is the goal.
+
+It is time now that the colored race should know something of the steps
+which led from Egypt to Canaan, something of their own contributions to
+the grand march of the tribes across and beyond the Red Sea. There are
+no slaves beneath the starry flag. All may read who will, and what they
+will. For the colored man no history can be more instructive and
+inspiring than this, of his own making, and written by one of his own
+race. The generations are growing in light. Not to know of those who
+were stronger than shackles, who were pioneers in the grand advance
+toward freedom; not to know of what characters the race could produce
+when straightened by circumstances, nor of those small beginnings which
+ended in triumphant emancipation, will, in a short time, be a reproach.
+
+This History of the hardships and struggles of those of their own race
+is more for them than for mankind at large. It furnishes the world proof
+that, though slaves, they were nevertheless men. It furnishes them proof
+that the heroic abounds in their race as in others, and that achievement
+follows persistent effort, as well with them as with others. The volume
+will be not only their admiration but constant encouragement. In its
+pages one is not invited to hard, dry reading. It is narrative in style,
+simple in language, and possesses the thrill and pathos of a novel. In
+all its parts it is an evidence of the saying that "Truth is stranger
+than fiction."
+
+The author scarcely needs an introduction to the public. He is a
+scholarly, successful business man of Philadelphia, who has long been
+identified with churches, charities and every project for ameliorating
+the condition of his race. His word in all things is as good as his
+bond. An ardent member of the Anti-Slavery Society, and an active
+officer of the Underground Railroad Company, he made his book as a
+business man makes his ledger, viz.: by noting daily the transactions of
+the day. How he preserved them does not matter much now, but if a
+certain loft in the chapel of an old cemetery could speak, it might a
+tale unfold.
+
+The volume is quite large and commanding in appearance. It consists of
+about 800 pages, clearly printed on beautiful white paper, making the
+largest book ever written by a colored person in this country.
+
+An attractive feature of the book, one which has added largely to its
+cost, and one which greatly enhances its value to the reader, is its
+illustrations. These are over seventy in number, and they are made to
+illustrate the most striking portions of the work. They represent night
+escapes and day encounters, on land and river, receptions on the soil of
+freedom, characters of note among the fugitives, and many of those among
+the anti-slavery people whose names have become historic. It is seldom a
+volume is seen which so abounds in apt and striking illustration.
+
+The field for the sale of this volume is immense. It will prove
+desirable as a curious contribution to the literature of the times, and
+will be bought in every home North and South, East and West, where
+reading is cherished. It is pre-eminently the book for the colored race.
+There is not a colored man or woman in the whole land who will not want
+to possess it. Even if he cannot read, he will want it for his children.
+It will be their history and their story for generations.
+
+We have fixed the price at a very low figure, so as to completely answer
+all pleas of poverty or hard times.
+
+The whole book of _800 SUPER-ROYAL OCTAVO PAGES_ is filled with the
+thrilling History of the Secret work of the U.G.R.R., giving an
+authentic account of the wonderful Escapes and Daring Deeds, the
+Endurance and Sacrifice of men and women in their efforts for freedom.
+It is BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED and substantially bound, and furnished at
+the following _VERY LOW PRICES:_
+
+IN FINE ENGLISH CLOTH, PANNELLED,............... $3.00 IN BEAUTIFUL
+EMBOSSED MOROCCO, GILT CENTRE, ...   4.00
+
+Every book corresponds with above description or the subscriber is not
+bound to take it.
+
+
+
+
+
+PEOPLE'S PUBLISHING CO.,
+
+
+26 SO. 7TH ST., PHILADELPHIA, PA., CINCINNATI, O.,
+
+CHICAGO, ILL., OR, ST. LOUIS, MO.
+
+
+
+_FROM THE "NATION," N.Y._
+
+It is, nevertheless, a chapter in our history which connot be skipped or
+obliterated, inasmuch as it marks one stage of the disease of which the
+crisis was passed at Gettysburg. It is one, too, for which we ought not
+to be dependent on tradition; and, all things considered, no one was so
+well qualified as Mr. Still to reproduce that phase of it with which he
+was so intimately concerned, as chairman of the Acting Committee of the
+Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia.
+
+Of all the Border States, Pennsylvania was the most accessible to
+fugitives from slavery; and as the organization just named was probably
+the most perfect and efficient of its kind, and served as a distributor
+to the branches in other States, its record doubtless covers the larger
+part of the field of operations of the Underground Railroad; or, in
+other words, of the systematic but secret efforts to promote the escape
+of slaves.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM THE CHRISTIAN UNION, N.Y._
+
+"The narratives themselves, told with the simplicity and directness of
+obvious truth, are full of terror, of pathos, the shame of human
+baseness and the glory of human virtue; and though the time is not yet
+sufficiently distant from the date of their occurrence to give to this
+record the universal acceptance it deserves, there are few, we think,
+even now, who can read it without amazement that such things could be in
+our very day, and be regarded with such general apathy. When the
+question, still so momentous and exciting, of the relations of the two
+races in this country, shall have passed from the vortex of political
+strife and social prejudice, and taken its place among the ethical
+axioms of a Christian civilization, then this faithful account of some
+of the darkest and some of the brightest incidents in our history--this
+cyclopaedia of all the virtues and all the vices of humanity--will be
+accepted as a most valuable contribution to the annals of one of the
+important eras of the world."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM THE "LUTHERAN OBSERVER," PHILADELPHIA._
+
+"It is a remarkable book in many respects. Like the 'Key to Uncle Tom's
+Cabin,' by Mrs. Stowe, it reveals many of the most thrilling personal
+dramas and tragedies in the entire history of slavery. That 'truth is
+stranger than fiction' has hundreds of striking illustrations in this
+volume, which is a narrative of facts, the records of which were kept by
+Mr. Still, and are the only records in existence of the famous
+organization known as the Underground Railroad. It was established for
+the purpose of aiding slaves to escape from their masters in the South,
+but its operations were so mysterious and secret that, although
+everybody knew and spoke vaguely of its existence during the time of
+slavery, yet none but the initiated knew the secrets of its management
+and operations. These are now revealed for the first time in this work,
+and are as strange and wonderful as the most absorbing pictures of
+romance."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM, THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER, PHILA._
+
+There has been no such work produced by any colored man in the country.
+"My Bondage and my Freedom," by Douglass, was a remarkable book, and was
+justly appreciated by the liberty-loving people of the North and of
+England, but it was the story of a single hero. Comparatively, the same
+may be said of the lives of Jermain Logan and others. But all these were
+but the exploits of individuals. The work of Mr. Still, however, takes a
+broader scope. It is the story of scores of heroes--heroes that equalled
+Douglass in nerve, and Logan in tact, and excelled either in thrilling
+adventure.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM "ZION'S HERALD," BOSTON._
+
+"It is a big book in manner, matter, and spirit; the biggest book
+America has yet written. It is our 'Book of Martyrs,' and William Still
+is our Fox the Chronicler. It is the 'thousand witnesses' of Theodore
+Weld, enlarged and intensified. It is more than Uncle Tom, Wilson's
+'History of the Anti-slavery War,' or the hundred histories of the war
+itself....
+
+"The book is well illustrated with portraits of the railroad managers,
+and with scenes taken from life, and is far the most entertaining and
+instructive story ever issued from the American press. Everybody should
+buy, read, and transmit to his children these annals of our heroic age."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM THE "MORNING STAR," DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE._
+
+"The work is intensely interesting. Many of the narratives thrill the
+reader through and through. Some of them awaken an indignation, a
+horror, or a sense of humiliation and shame that makes the blood curdle
+or the cheek flush, or the breathing difficult. The best and the worst
+sides of human nature are successfully exhibited. Here heroism and
+patience stand out transfigured; there selfishness and brutality hold
+carnival till it seems as though justice had been exiled and God had
+forgotten his own. The number of cases reported is very large, and the
+method in which the author has done his work is commendable. There is no
+rhetorical ambition. The narratives are embodied in plain language. The
+facts are left to make their own impression, without an attempt to
+embellish them by the aid of imagination. And the work is timely."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_FROM THE "FRIENDS' REVIEW," PHILADELPHIA._
+
+"We are glad to see this book. We anticipate for it a large circulation,
+and a permanent rank in a peculiar and painful department of history.
+The writer is one among very many who are entitled to the hearty support
+of philanthropists for their services rendered, often at considerable
+sacrifices and imminent peril, for the rescue and aid of those who were
+wickedly held in bondage.... The _Underground Railroad_ should have a
+place in every comprehensive library, private or public.
+
+
+
+