Send me word if Mr. Caustle had given Mr. Smith the money that
he promised to give him.
For one who had to steal the art of reading and writing, her letter
bears studying.
Arrival No. 2. Louisa Harding, alias Rebecca Hall. Louisa was a mulatto
girl, seventeen years of age. She reported herself from Baltimore, where
she had been owned by lawyer Magill. It might be said that she also
possessed great personal attractions as an "article" of much value in
the eye of a trader. All the near kin whom she named as having left
behind, consisted of a mother and a brother.
Arrival No. 3. John Mackintosh. John's history is short. He represented
himself as having arrived from Darien, Georgia, where he had seen "hard
times." Age, forty-four. This is all that was recorded of John, except
the expenses met by the Committee.
Arrival No. 4. Maria Jane Houston. The little State of Delaware lost in
the person of Maria, one of her nicest-looking bond-maids. She had just
arrived at the age of twenty-one, and felt that she had already been
sufficiently wronged. She was a tall, dark, young woman, from the
neighborhood of Cantwell's Bridge. Although she had no horrible tales of
suffering to relate, the Committee regarded her as well worthy of aid.
Arrival No. 5. Miles Hooper. This subject came from North Carolina; he
was owned by George Montigue, who lived at Federal Mills, was a decided
opponent to the no-pay system, to flogging, and selling likewise. In
fact nothing that was auxiliary to Slavery was relished by him.
Consequently he concluded to leave the place altogether. At the time
that Miles took this stand he was twenty-three years of age, a
dark-complexioned man, rather under the medium height, physically, but a
full-grown man mentally. "My owner was a hard man," said Miles, in
speaking of his characteristics. His parents, brothers, and sisters were
living, at least he had reason to believe so, although they were widely
scattered.
Arrival No. 6. Samuel Miles, alias Robert King. Samuel was a
representative of Revel's Neck, Somerset Co., Md. His master he regarded
as a "very fractious man, hard to please." The cause of the trouble or
unpleasantness, which resulted in Samuel's Underground adventure, was
traceable to his master's refusal to allow him to visit his wife. Not
only was Samuel denied this privilege, but he was equally denied all
privileges. His master probably thought that Sam had no mind, nor any
need of a wife. Whether this was really so or not, Sam was shrewd enough
to "leave his old master with the bag to hold," which was sensible.
Thirty-one years of Samuel's life were passed in Slavery, ere he
escaped. The remainder of his days he felt bound to have the benefit of
himself. In leaving home he had to part with his wife and one child,
Sarah and little Henry, who were fortunately free.
On arriving in Canada Samuel wrote back for his wife, &c., as follows:
ST. CATHARINES, C.W., Aug. 20th, 1855.
To MR. WM. STILL, DEAR FRIEND:--It gives me pleasure to inform
you that I have had the good fortune to reach this northern
Canaan. I got here yesterday and am in good health and happy in
the enjoyment of Freedom, but am very anxious to have my wife
and child here with me.
I wish you to write to her immediately on receiving this and let
her know where I am you will recollect her name Sarah Miles at
Baltimore on the corner of Hamburg and Eutaw streets. Please
encourage her in making a start and give her the necessary
directions how to come. She will please to make the time as
short as possible in getting through to Canada. Say to my wife
that I wish her to write immediately to the friends that I told
her to address as soon as she hears from me. Inform her that I
now stop in St. Catharines near the Niagara Falls that I am not
yet in business but expect to get into business very soon--That
I am in the enjoyment of good health and hoping that this
communication may find my affectionate wife the same. That I
have been highly favored with friends throughout my journey I
wish my wife to write to me as soon as she can and let me know
how soon I may expect to see her on this side of the Niagara
River. My wife had better call on Dr. Perkins and perhaps he
will let her have the money he had in charge for me but that I
failed of receiving when I left Baltimore. Please direct the
letter for my wife to Mr. George Lister, in Hill street between
Howard and Sharp. My compliments to all enquiring friends.
Very respectfully yours,