Chapter XI: Part 11

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.

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.

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.