The subject of this sketch was one of two hundred slaves, owned by
Bolling Ellis, who possessed large plantations at Cabin Point, Surrey
Co., Va. Joe pictured his master, overseers, and general treatment of
slaves in no favorable light.
The practice of punishing slaves by putting them in the stocks and by
flogging, was dwelt upon in a manner that left no room to doubt but that
Joe had been a very great sufferer under his master's iron rule. As he
described the brutal conduct of overseers in resorting to their habitual
modes of torturing men, women, and children, it was too painful to
listen to with composure, much more to write down.
Joe was about twenty-three years of age, full black, slender, and of
average intellect, considering the class which he represented. On four
occasions previous to the final one he had made fruitless efforts to
escape from his tormentors in consequence of brutal treatment. Although
he at last succeeded, the severe trials through which he had to pass in
escaping, came very near costing him his life. The effects he will
always feel; prostration and sickness had already taken hold upon him in
a serious degree.
During Joe's sojourn under the care of the Committee, time would not
admit of the writing out of further details concerning him.
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