This man was arrested as a fugitive, by a Virginia planter, and
imprisoned in Bridewell, where he remained eighteen months. The
inmates of the prison knew him well, and they were always ready to
speak a good word for Downing. After the planter had got his _legal_
right allowed, either because his lawyer’s bill was so heavy, or
because he hoped Downing’s friends would _buy_ him, he neglected to
take him away for three months. By this delay he forfeited his right
to do so, as was decided by Judge Edwards. But Downing’s release was
referred to the Supreme Court, which was to meet in two weeks. To the
disappointment of every body, this was prevented by another
_Judge_,[1] who, contrary to his promise, secretly wrote for, and by a
partial statement, obtained from the Supreme Court, at Albany, an
order for the removal of poor Downing, and, before his friends were
aware of the plot, _he was shipped for Virginia_.
Here we see intrigue and perfidy used with impunity to deprive this
poor man of his liberty, which, had it been used in the case of a dog,
would have consigned its perpetrators to remediless disgrace.――Such is
the strength of _a pro-slavery public_ sentiment!
[1] See Emancipator for November 4, 1834.