Thus the doctor continued to labor and improve his mind until the war
removed the hideous institution of Slavery from the nation; but as soon
as the way opened for his return to his old home, New Bedford no longer
had sufficient attractions to retain him. With all her faults he
conceived that "Old Virginia" offered decided inducements for his
return. Accordingly he went directly to Norfolk, whence he escaped. Of
course every thing was in the utmost confusion and disorder when he
returned, save where the military held sway. So as soon as the time drew
near for reorganizing, elections, &c., the doctor was found to be an
aspirant for a seat in Congress, and in "running" for it, was found to
be a very difficult candidate to beat. Indeed in the first reports of
the election his name was amongst the elected; but subsequent counts
proved him to be among the defeated by only a very slight majority.
At the time of the doctor's escape, in 1855, he was thirty-one years of
age, a man of medium size, and about as purely colored, as could readily
be found, with a full share of self-esteem and pluck.
* * * * *