Perry was about thirty-one years of age, round-made, of dark complexion,
and looked quite gratified with his expedition, and the prospect of
becoming a British subject instead of a Maryland slave. He was not free,
however, from the sad thought of having left his wife and three children
in the "_prison house_," nor of the fact that his own dear mother was
brutally stabbed to the heart with a butcher knife by her young master,
while he (Perry) was a babe; nor of a more recent tragedy by which a
fellow-servant, only a short while before he fled, was also murdered by
a stab in the groin from another young master. "Powerful bad" treatment,
and "no pay," was the only reward poor Perry had ever received for his
life services. Perry could only remember his having received from his
master, in all, eleven cents. Left a brother and sister in Slavery.
Perry was worth $1200 perhaps.
Perry was compelled to leave his wife and three children--namely, Hannah
(wife), Perry Henry, William Thomas and Alexander, who were owned by
John McGuire, of Caroline county, Maryland. Perry was a fellow-servant
of James Massey, and was held by the same owner who held James. It is
but just, to say, that it was not in the Pittman family that his mother
and his fellow-servant had been so barbarously murdered. These
occurrences took place before they came into the hands of Pittman.
The provocation for which his fellow-servant was killed, was said to be
very trifling. In a moment of rage, his young master, John Piper,
plunged the blade of a small knife into Perry's groin, which resulted in
his death twenty-six hours afterwards. For one day only the young master
kept himself concealed, then he came forward and said he "did it in
self-defense," and there the matter ended. The half will never be told
of the barbarism of Slavery.
Perry's letter subjoined, explains where he went, and how his mind was
occupied with thoughts of his wife, children and friends.
ST. CATHARINES, C.W. June 21, 1857.
DEAR SIR.--I take this opportunity to inform you that I am well
at present, and hope that these few lines may find you injoying
the same Blessing, I have Been for some time now, But have not
written to you Before, But you must Excuse me. I want you to
give my Respects to all my inquiring friends and to my wife, I
should have let you know But I was afraid and all three of my
little children too, P.H. Trusty if he was mine Wm. T. Trusty
and to Alexander I have been A man agge But was assurd nuthin,
H. Trusty, a hard grand citt. I should lie know how times is,
Henry Turner if you get this keep it and read it to yourself and
not let any one else But yourself, tell ann Henry, Samuel Henry,
Jacob Bryant, Wm Claton, Mr James at Almira Receved at Mr Jones
house the Best I could I have Been healthy since I arrived here.
My Best Respect to all and my thanks for past favours. No more
at present But Remain youre obedented Servent &c.