This candidate for Canada managed to secure a private berth on the
steamship City of Richmond. He was thus enabled to leave his old
mistress, Mary A. Ely, in Norfolk, the place of her abode, and the field
of his servitude. Solomon was only twenty-two years of age, rather under
the medium size, dark color, and of much natural ability. He viewed
Slavery as a great hardship, and for a length of time had been watching
for an opportunity to free himself. He had been in the habit of hiring
his time of his mistress, for which he paid ten dollars per month. This
amount failed to satisfy the mistress, as she was inclined to sell him
to North Carolina, where Slave stock, at that time, was commanding high
prices. The idea of North Carolina and a new master made Solomon rather
nervous, and he was thereby prompted to escape. On reaching the
Committee he manifested very high appreciation of the attention paid
him, and after duly resting for a day, he was sent on his way rejoicing.
Seven days after leaving Philadelphia, he wrote back from Canada as
follows:
ST. CATHARINES, Feb. 20th, 1854.
MR. STILL--DEAR SIR:--It is with great pleasure that I have to
inform you, that I have arrived safe in a land of freedom.
Thanks to kind friends that helped me here. Thank God that I am
treading on free soil. I expect to go to work to-morrow in a
steam factory.
I would like to have you, if it is not too much trouble, see Mr.
Minhett, the steward on the boat that I came out on, when he
gets to Norfolk, to go to the place where my clothes are, and
bring them to you, and you direct them to the care of Rev. Hiram
Wilson, St. Catharines, Niagara District, Canada West, by
rail-road via Suspension Bridge. You mentioned if I saw Mr.
Foreman. I was to deliver a message--he is not here. I saw two
yesterday in church, from Norfolk, that I had known there. You
will send my name, James Henry, as you knew me by that name;
direct my things to James Henry. My love to your wife and
children.
Yours Respectfully,