Henry Stewart, who accompanied the above mentioned traveler to Canada,
had fled a short while before from Plymouth, North Carolina. James
Monroe Woodhouse, a farmer, claimed Stewart as his property, and "hired
him out" for $180 per annum. As a master, Woodhouse was considered to be
of the "moderate" type, according to Stewart's judgment. But respecting
money matters (when his slaves wanted a trifle), "he was very hard. He
did not flog, but would not give a slave a cent of money upon any
consideration."
It was by procuring a pass to Norfolk, that Henry managed to escape.
Although a father and a husband, having a wife (Martha) and two children
(Mary Ann and Susan Jane), he felt that his lot as a slave utterly
debarred him from discharging his duty to them; that he could exercise
no rights or privileges whatever, save as he might obtain permission
from his master. In the matter of separation, even although the ties of
husband and wife, parents and children were most closely knit, his
reason dictated that he would be justified in freeing himself if
possible; indeed, he could not endure the pressure of Slavery any
longer. Although only twenty-three years of age, the burdens that he had
been called upon to bear, made his naturally intelligent mind chafe to
an unusual degree, especially when reflecting upon a continued life of
Slavery. When the time decided upon for his flight arrived, he said
nothing to his wife on the subject, but secured his pass and took his
departure for Norfolk. On arriving there, he sought out an Underground
Rail Road captain, and arranged with him to bring him to Philadelphia.
Whether the sorrow-stricken wife ever afterwards heard of her husband,
or the father of his two little children, the writer is unable to say.
It is possible that this narrative may reveal to the mother and her
offspring (if they are still living), the first ray of light concerning
the missing one. Indeed it is not unreasonable to suppose, that
thousands of anxious wives, husbands and children, who have been
scattered in every direction by Slavery, will never be able to learn as
much of their lost ones as is contained in this brief account of Henry
Stewart.
Arrival No. 3, brought William Nelson, his wife, Susan, and son, William
Thomas, together with Louisa Bell, and Elias Jasper. These travelers
availed themselves of the schooner of Captain B. who allowed them to
embark at Norfolk, despite the search laws of Virginia. It hardly need
be said, however, that it was no trifling matter in those days, to evade
the law. Captains and captives, in order to succeed, found that it
required more than ordinary intelligence and courage, shrewdness and
determination, and at the same time, a very ardent appreciation of
liberty, without which, there could be no success. The simple
announcement then, that a party of this number had arrived from Norfolk,
or Richmond, or Petersburg, gave the Committee unusual satisfaction. It
made them quite sure that there was pluck and brain somewhere.
These individuals, in a particularly marked degree, possessed the
qualities that greatly encouraged the efforts of the Committee. William
Nelson, was a man of a dark chestnut color, medium size, with more than
an ordinary degree of what might be termed "mother wit." Apparently,
William possessed well settled convictions, touching the questions of
morals and religion, despite the overflowing tide of corruption and
spurious religious teachings consequent on the existing pro-slavery
usages all around him. He was a member of the Methodist Church, under
the charge of the Rev. Mr. Jones. For twenty years, William had served
in the capacity of a "packer" under Messrs. Turner and White, who held a
deed for William as their legal property. While he declared that he had
been very "tightly worked" he nevertheless admitted that he had been
dealt with in a mild manner in some respects.
For his board and clothing, William had been allowed $1.50 per week.
Truly a small sum for a hard-working man with a family--yet this was far
more than many slaves received from their masters. In view of receiving
this small pittance, he had toiled hard--doing over-work in order to
make "buckle and strap meet." Once he had been sold on the
auction-block. A sister of his had also shared the same fate. While
seriously contemplating his life as a slave, he was soon led to the
conclusion that it was his duty to bend his entire energies towards
freeing himself and his family if possible. The idea of not being able
to properly provide for his family rendered him quite unhappy; he
therefore resolved to seek a passage North, via the Underground Rail
Road. To any captain who would aid him in the matter, he resolved to
offer a large reward, and determined that the amount should only be
limited by his inability to increase it. Finally, after much anxious
preparation, agreement was entered into with Captain B., on behalf of
himself, wife, child, and Louisa Bell, which was mutually satisfactory
to all concerned, and afforded great hope to William. In due time the
agreement was carried into effect, and all arrived safely and were
delivered into the hands of the Committee in Philadelphia. The fare of
the four cost $240, and William was only too grateful to think, that a
Captain could be found who would risk his own liberty in thus aiding a
slave to freedom.
The Committee gladly gave them aid and succor, and agreed with William
that the Captain deserved all that he received for their deliverance.
The arrival of William, wife, and child in Canada was duly announced by
the agent at St. Catharines, Rev. H. Wilson, as follows:
ST. CATHARINES, C.W., June 28th, 1855.
MR. WM. STILL:--_My Dear Friend_:--I am happy to announce the
safe arrival of Thomas Russell with his wife and child. They
have just arrived. I am much pleased with their appearance. I
shall do what I can for their comfort and encouragement. They
stopt at Elmira from Monday night till this morning, hoping that
Lucy Bell would come up and join them at that place. They are
very anxious to hear from her, as they have failed of meeting
with her on the way or finding her here in advance of them. They
wish to hear from you as soon as you can write, and would like
to know if you have forwarded Lucy on, and if so, what route you
sent her. They send their kind respects to you and your family
and many thanks for your kindness to them.
They wish you to inquire after Lucy if any harm has befallen her
after her leaving Philadelphia. Please write promptly in my
care.
Yours truly in the love of freedom,