JAMES MASSEY, PERRY HENRY TRUSTY, GEORGE RHOADS, JAMES RHOADS, GEORGE
WASHINGTON, SARAH ELIZABETH RHOADS AND CHILD, MARY ELIZABETH STEVENSON.
Doubtless there was a sensation in "the camp," when this gang was found
missing.
James was a likely-looking young man of twenty years of age, dark, tall,
and sensible; and worth, if we may judge, about $1,600. He was owned by
a farmer named James Pittman, a "crabid kind of a man," grey-headed,
with a broken leg; drank very hard, at which times he would swear that
he would "sell them all to Georgia;" this threat was always unpleasant
to the ears of James, but it seemed to be a satisfaction to the master.
Fearing that it would be put into execution, James thought he had better
let no time be lost in getting on towards Canada, though he was entitled
to his Freedom at the age of twenty-five. Left his father, four brothers
and two sisters. Also left his wife, to whom he had been married the
previous Christmas.
His master's further stock of slaves consisted of two women, a young man
and a child. The name of his old mistress was Amelia. She was "right
nice," James admitted. One of James' brothers had been sold to Georgia
by Pittman, although he was also entitled to his Freedom at the age of
twenty-five.
His near relatives left in bondage lived near Level Square, Queen Ann's
county, Maryland. His wife's name was Henrietta. "She was free."
Interesting letter from James Massey to his wife. It was forwarded to
the corresponding secretary, to be sent to her, but no opportunity was
afforded so to do, safely.
ST. CATHARINES, C.W., April 24, 1857.
Dear Wife--I take this opertunity to inform you that I have
Arive in St Catharines this Eving. After Jorney of too weeks,
and now find mysilf on free ground and wish that you was here
with me But you are not here, when we parted I did not know that
I should come away so soon as I did. But for that of causin you
pain I left as I did, I hope that you will try to come. But if
you cannot, write to me as soon as you can and tell me all that
you can But don't be Desscuredged I was sory to leave you, and I
could not help it for you know that I promest see you to sister,
But I was persuaded By Another man go part with it grived mutch,
you must not think that I did not care for you. I cannot tell
how I come, for I was some times on the earth and some times
under the earth Do not Bee afraid to come But start and keep
trying, if you are afrid fitch your tow sister with you for
compeny and I will take care of you and treat you like a lady so
long as you live. The talk of cold in this place is all a
humbug, it is wormer here than it was there when I left, your
father and mother has allways treated me like their own child I
have no fault to find in them. I send my Respects to them Both
and I hope that they will remember me in Prayer, if you make a
start come to Philidelpa tell father and mother that I am safe
and hope that they will not morn after me I shall ever Remember
them. No more at present But yours in Body and mind, and if we
no meet on Earth I hope that we shall meet in heven.
Your husbern.
Good night.