WM. STILL, Esq., Phila.
Such devotion to freedom, such untiring labor, such appeals as these
letters contained awakened deep interest in the breasts of Daniel's new
friends, which spoke volumes in favor of the Slave and against
slave-holders. But, alas, nothing could be done to relieve the sorrowing
mind of poor Daniel for the deliverance of his wife in chains. The
Committee sympathized deeply with him, but could do no more. What other
events followed, in Daniel's life as a fugitive, were never made known
to the Committee.
Arthur Spence also deserves a notice. He was from North Carolina, about
twenty-four years of age, and of pleasing appearance, and was heart and
soul in sympathy with the cause of the Underground Rail Road. In North
Carolina he declared that he had been heavily oppressed by being
compelled to pay $175 per annum for his hire. In order to get rid of
this heavy load, by shrewd management he gained access to the
kind-hearted Captain and procured an Underground Rail Road ticket. In
leaving bondage, he was obliged to leave his mother, two brothers and
one sister. He appeared to be composed of just the kind of material for
making a good British subject.
Ben Dickinson. Ben was also a slave in North Carolina--located at
Eatontown, being the property of "Miss Ann Blunt, who was very hard." In
slave property Miss Blunt was interested to the number of about "ninety
head." She was much in the habit of hiring out servants, and in thus
disposing of her slaves Ben thought she was a great deal more concerned
in getting good prices for herself than good places for them. Indeed he
declared that "she did not care how mean the place was, if she could
only get her price." For three years Ben had Canada and the Underground
Rail Road in view, having been "badly treated." At last the long-looked
for time arrived, and he conferred neither with master nor mistress, but
"picked himself up" and "took out." Age twenty-eight, medium size, quite
dark, a good carpenter, and generally intelligent. Left two sisters,
etc.
Of this heroic and promising party we can only mention, in conclusion,
one more passenger, namely:
Tom Page. At the time of his arrival, his name only was enrolled on the
book. Yet he was not a passenger soon to be forgotten--he was but a mere
boy, probably eighteen years of age; but a more apt, ready-witted,
active, intelligent and self-reliant fellow is not often seen.
Judging from his smartness, under slavery, with no chances, it was easy
to imagine how creditably he might with a white boy's chances have
climbed the hill of art and science. Obviously he had intellect enough,
if properly cultivated, to fill any station within the ordinary reach of
intelligent American citizens. He could read and write remarkably well
for a slave, and well did he understand his advantages in this
particular; indeed if slave-holders had only been aware of the growing
tendency of Tom's mind, they would have rejoiced at hearing of his
departure for Canada; he was a most dangerous piece of property to be
growing up amongst slaves.
After leaving the Committee and going North his uncaged mind felt the
need of more education, and at the same time he was eager to make money,
and do something in life. As he had no one to depend on, parents and
relatives being left behind in Norfolk, he felt that he must rely upon
himself, young as he was. He first took up his abode in Boston, or New
Bedford, where most of the party with whom he escaped went, and where he
had an aunt, and perhaps some other distant kin. There he worked and was
a live young man indeed--among the foremost in ideas and notions about
freedom, etc., as many letters from him bore evidence. After spending a
year or more in Massachusetts, he had a desire to see how the fugitives
were doing in Upper and Lower Canada, and if any better chances existed
in these parts for men of his stamp.
Some of his letters, from different places, gave proof of real thought
and close observation, but they were not generally saved, probably were
loaned to be read by friendly eyes. Nevertheless the two subjoined will,
in a measure, suffice to give some idea of his intelligence, etc.
BOSTON, Mass., Feb. 25th, 1857.
WILLIAM STILL, Esq.:--Dear Sir--I have not heard from you for
some time. I take this opportunity of writing you a few lines to
let you and all know that I am well at present and thank God for
it. Dear Sir, I hear that the under ground railroad was in
operation. I am glad to hear that. Give my best respects to your
family and also to Dr. L., Mr. Warrick, Mr. Camp and familys, to
Mr. Fisher, Mr. Taylor to all Friends names too numerous to
mention. Please to let me know when the road arrived with
another cargo. I want to come to see you all before long, if
nothing happens and life lasts. Mrs. Gault requested me to learn
of you if you ask Mr. Bagnal if he will see father and what he
says about the children. Please to answer as soon as possible.
No more at present from a friend,