DANIEL WIGGINS, _alias_ DANIEL ROBINSON. Daniel fled from Norfolk, Va.,
where he had been owned by the late Richard Scott. Only a few days
before Daniel escaped, his so-called owner was summoned to his last
account. While ill, just before the close of his career, he often
promised D. his freedom and also promised, if restored, that he would
make amends for the past, by changing his ways of living. His son, who
was very reckless, he would frequently allude to and declared, "that
he," the son, "should not have his 'property.'" These dying sentiments
filled Daniel with great hopes that the day of his enslavement was
nearly at an end. Unfortunately, however, death visited the old master,
ere he had made provision for his slaves. At all events, no will was
found. That he might not fall a prey to the reckless son, he felt, that
he must nerve himself for a desperate struggle to obtain his freedom in
some other way, by traveling on the Underground Rail Road. While he had
always been debarred from book learning, he was, nevertheless, a man of
some intelligence, and by trade was a practical Corker.
He was called upon in this trying hour to leave his wife with three
children, but they were, fortunately, free. Coming to the Committee in
want, they cheerfully aided him, and forwarded him on to Canada. Thence,
immediately on his arrival, he returned the following grateful letter:
NEW BEDFORD, Mass., March 22d, 1854.
DEAR SIR:--I am happy to inform you that I arrived in this place
this morning well and cheerful. I am, sir, to you and others
under more obligations for your kindly protection of me than I
can in any way express at present. May the Lord preserve you
unto eternal life. Remember my respects to Mr. Lundy and family.
Should the boat lay up please let me know.
Yours respectfully,