But sadly as this blow was felt by the Vigilance Committee, it did not
cause them to relax their efforts in the least. Indeed it only served to
stir them up to renewed diligence and watchfulness, although for a
length of time afterwards the Committee felt disposed, when sending, to
avoid New York as much as possible, and in lieu thereof, to send _viâ_
Elmira, where there was a depot under the agency of John W. Jones. Mr.
Jones was a true and prompt friend of the fugitive, and wide-awake with
regard to Slavery and slave-holders, and slave hunters, for he had known
from sad experience in Virginia every trait of character belonging to
these classes.
In the midst of the Doctor's grief, friends of the slave soon raised
money to purchase his brother, about $1,000; but the unfortunate sons
were doomed to the auction block and the far South, where, the writer
has never exactly learned.
"FLEEING GIRL OF FIFTEEN," IN MALE ATTIRE.
PROFESSORS H. AND T. OFFER THEIR SERVICES--CAPTAINS B. ALSO ARE
ENLISTED--SLAVE-TRADER GRASPING TIGHTLY HIS PREY, BUT SHE IS
RESCUED--LONG CONFLICT, BUT GREAT TRIUMPH--ARRIVAL ON THANKSGIVING DAY,
NOV. 25, 1855. It was the business of the Vigilance Committee, as it was
clearly understood by the friends of the Slave, to assist all needy
fugitives, who might in any way manage to reach Philadelphia, but, for
various reasons, not to send agents South to incite slaves to run away,
or to assist them in so doing. Sometimes, however, this rule could not
altogether be conformed to. Cases, in some instances, would appeal so
loudly and forcibly to humanity, civilization, and Christianity, that it
would really seem as if the very stones would cry out, unless something
was done. As an illustration of this point, the story of the young girl,
which is now to be related, will afford the most striking proof. At the
same time it may be seen how much anxiety, care, hazard, delay and
material aid, were required in order to effect the deliverance of some
who were in close places, and difficult of access. It will be necessary
to present a considerable amount of correspondence in this case, to
bring to light the hidden mysteries of this narrative. The first letter,
in explanation, is the following: