STILL'S
UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD RECORDS,
REVISED EDITION.
(Previously Published in 1879 with title: The Underground Railroad)
WITH A LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.
NARRATING
THE HARDSHIPS, HAIRBREADTH ESCAPES AND DEATH STRUGGLES
OF THE
SLAVES
IN THEIR EFFORTS FOR FREEDOM.
TOGETHER WITH
SKETCHES OF SOME OF THE EMINENT FRIENDS OF FREEDOM, 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.

Illustrated with 70 Fine Engravings by Bensell, Schell and Others,
and Portraits from Photographs from Life.

Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant that has escaped from his master unto thee. - Deut. xxiii 16.

SOLD ONLY BY SUBSCRIPTION.

PHILADELPHIA:
WILLIAM STILL, PUBLISHER
244 SOUTH TWELFTH STREET.
1886

pp. 172 - 200

[Pg. 172 - Continued - ]

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 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 yeas 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

[Pg. 173]
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.

     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.

     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

[Pg. 174]
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 and 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:

[Pg. 175]

THREE FUGITIVE SLAVES ARRESTED IN NEW YORK, AND GIVEN UP TO THEIR OWNERS

     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 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. commissioner considering

     Last evening the church at the corner of Prince and Marian 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. Pen-

[Pg. 176]
nington, 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 Penningstons), the owners accompany them.  The officers will return to New York, this evening. - N. Y. Express, 27th.

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-drives."  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 form his subjoined letter:

     DEAR LUKE:  I arrived home safe with my precious charge, and found all well.  I have just learned, that the Peningtons 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.

     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.

[Pg. 177]

"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 Slaves, to assist all needy fugitives, who might in any 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 safely.
     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 to 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 misunderstood 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

[Pg. 178]
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.  y 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.

    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."*  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.

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 more 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 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 form two gentlemen, masters of vessels, and

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     * 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."

[Pg. 179]
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,* as your time proposed was out two or three days ago.
     I hope it the whole particulars of Jane Johnson's case † are printed, you will send me the copy as proposed.
     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.]

     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

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     * Mr. Bigelow's correspondent had been on a visit to the fugitives to Canada.
     † Jane Johnson of the Passmore Williamson Slave Case.

[Pg. 180]
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:

    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 an doffer 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 on conflict or suspicion.  [Be sure that the manumission is full and legal.]  And as I am powerless with out 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.]

     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.

     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 to 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.

[Pg. 181]
     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 through 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.  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 day 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 Vigilence Committee, whom I may address concerning other and further operations?  

     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 of 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.

[Pg. 182]

    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!  ON 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?*  OR HIDES SHE IN SOME COLD CAVE, TO REST AND STARVE?  "$500 REWARD."  YOURS, FOR THE WEAK AND THE POOR.
PERISH THE REWARD.                                     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., † 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:
 

WASHINGTON, D. C., November 26, 1855.

     MY DEAR SIR: - A recent letter from my friend, probably has led you to expect this 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 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, $0 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 fro which a pittance could be spared to held these poor creatures?  I don't doubt but that they would honestly repay

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     * At the time this letter was written, she was then under Mr. B.'s protection in Washington, said 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 purchance investigate the matter.
     † Dr. T. was one of the professional gentlemen alluded to above, who had expressed a willingness to set as an agent tin the matter.

MARIA WEEMS ESCAPING IN MALE ATTIRE
 

[Pg. 183]
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 yeas, 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.
     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 whould try to help him sell.

     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 abiding adieu.  The 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 familyd (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

[Pg. 184]
them to think that he had grown older and wiser than when they knew him in hi s 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

[Pg. 185]
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:

     Arrived, Ann Maria Weems, alias 'Joe Wright,' alias 'Ellen Capron,' 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

[Pg. 186]

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 maser 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 form 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 Augusutus, 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 e as far as possible.  Tell Mr. Douglass to remember me, and if he can, to interest his friend for me.

[Pg. 187]

     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.

     P. S. Direct your letter to E. L. Stevens, in Duff Green's Row, Capitol Hill, Washington, D. C.

    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, proposed 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 walkout 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 to say, two, three, five or so, who will pay him at least $5 each, for the privileges 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 ring 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?

     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

[Pg. 188]

JOHN HENRY HILL

[Pg. 189]

     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.

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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 MOTHS.  HEZEKIAH ESCAPED FRO (A TRADER AND WAS SECRETED 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

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     * The children might be left behind.

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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 beasts 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 oppresed, 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

[Pg. 191]
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, and 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 among John had fully settled up the last day of hte 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 Henrys 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 fired, 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 it

[Pg. 192]
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.

     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.

THE 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 Thuday afternoon, but too late for the boat in 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 handsom 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 thsi 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 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 ha gotten my wife's letters, that is if he 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 for-

[Pg. 193]
gotten 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.

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 hear and to all the friend.  Mr. Still, I am under ten thousand obligation to you for your kindness when shall I ever repay?  S. speak 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 my 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. 

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 in 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 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

[Pg. 194]
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 of 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 our selves.  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 hur at night.  I Remain your friend in the cause of Liberty and humanity,

     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.

     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 sattisfied.  My friend I am a free man and feeles alright about that matter.  I am doing tolrable well in my line.

[Pg. 195]
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 bondsman can be free.  Come one come all come to this place, and  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 my 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.

     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 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.

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

[Pg. 196]
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 $24¼.  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 through not as deep here as it is in Boston.  The people haves their own Amousements, the weather as it is now, they do'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.
 

TORONTO, 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 up 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--d this man's name is Esue Foster, 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.

    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 I read it; that was you praying to me to

[Pg. 197]
be cautious how I write down South.  Be so kind as to tell me in your 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. Freeman 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 for one.

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 Recd your letter of the 20th July.  there have been sickness and Death in my family since your letter was Recd.  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 just 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 th see Mr. Brown and ask him to write to me, and if he have heard from Petersburg Va.  Yours truely

[Pg. 198]

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 perceive 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 yeterday which letter I forgot to date.  my friend I wants to hear from virginia the worst of all things.  you know that we expect 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 get his wife away from Slavery.
     Our best respects to your wie.  You promisted me that you would write something 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 r. 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 slaveholders 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.  

TENTH LETTER.

Great joy over an arrival - Twelve months praying for the deliverance of an Uncle groaning in a hidign-place, while the Slave-hunters are duly 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.

[Pg. 199]
     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 monghs, 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 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.

    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.

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."

     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 Mryland.  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.

     P. S. - Please forward the enclosed to Mr. McCray.

[Pg. 200]

TWELFTH LETTER.
[EXTRACT.]

Sad tidings from Richmond - Of the arrest of a Captain with Slaves on board as Underground Rail Road

HAMILTON, June 5th, 1858

     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 effect 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.

     P. S.  - I have not received the Anti-Slavery Standard for several weeks.  Please forward any news relative to the Capt.

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.

    P. S. - I have not received the Anti-Slavery Standard for several weeks.  Please forward any news relative to the Capt.

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