In due time Samuel and his companions reached Philadelphia, where a
cordial welcome awaited them. The confusion and difficulties into which
they had fallen, by having to travel an indirect route, were fully
explained, and to the hearty merriment of the Committee and strangers,
the dilemma of their good Quaker friend Goodwin at Salem was alluded to.
After a sojourn of a day or two in Philadelphia, Samuel and his
companions left for New Bedford. Canada was named to them as the safest
place for all Refugees; but it was in vain to attempt to convince "Sam"
that Canada or any other place on this Continent, was quite equal to New
Bedford. His heart was there, and there he was resolved to go--and there
he did go too, bearing with him his resolute mind, determined, if
possible, to work his way up to an honorable position at his old trade,
Dentistry, and that too for his own benefit.
Aided by the Committee, the journey was made safely to the desired
haven, where many old friends from Norfolk were found. Here our hero was
known by the name of Dr. Thomas Bayne--he was no longer "Sam." In a
short time the Dr. commenced his profession in an humble way, while, at
the same time, he deeply interested himself in his own improvement, as
well as the improvement of others, especially those who had escaped from
Slavery as he himself had. Then, too, as colored men were voters and,
therefore, eligible to office in New Bedford, the Doctor's naturally
ambitious and intelligent, turn of mind led him to take an interest in
politics, and before he was a citizen of New Bedford four years, he was
duly elected a member of the City Council. He was also an outspoken
advocate of the cause of temperance, and was likewise a ready speaker at
Anti-slavery meetings held by his race. Some idea of his abilities, and
the interest he took in the Underground Rail Road, education, etc., may
be gathered from the appended letters:
NEW BEDFORD, June 23d, 1855.
W. Still:--Sir--I write you this to inform you that I has
received my things and that you need not say any thing to Bagnul
about them--I see by the Paper that the under ground Rail Road
is in operation. Since 2 weeks a go when Saless Party was
betrayed by that Capt whom we in mass. are so anxious to Learn
his name--There was others started last Saturday night--They are
all my old friends and we are waiting their arrival, we hope you
will look out for them they may come by way of Salem, N.J. if
they be not overtaken. They are from Norfolk--Times are very
hard in Canada 2 of our old friends has left Canada and come to
Bedford for a living. Every thing are so high and wages so low
They cannot make a living (owing to the War) others are Expected
shortly--let me hear from Sales and his Party. Get the Name of
the Capt. that betrayed him let me know if Mrs. Goodwin of Salem
are at the same place yet--John Austin are with us. C. Lightfoot
is well and remembers you and family. My business increases more
since I has got an office. Send me a Norfolk Paper or any other
to read when convenient.
Let me hear from those People as soon as possible. They consist
of woman and child 2 or 3 men belonging to Marsh Bottimore, L.
Slosser and Herman & Co--and Turner--all of Norfolk, Va.
Truly yours,