The coming of this strange-looking individual caused much surprise,
representing, as he did, if not a full-blooded Irishman, a man of Irish
descent. He was sufficiently fair to pass for white anywhere, with his
hat on--with it off, his hair would have betrayed him; it was light, but
quite woolly. Nor was he likely to be called handsome; he was
interesting, nevertheless. It was evident, that the "white man's party"
had damaged him seriously. He represented that he had been in the bonds
of one James Ford, of Stafford county, Virginia, and that this "Ford was
a right tough old fellow, who owned about two dozen head." "How does he
treat them?" he was asked. "He don't treat them well no way," replied
the passenger. "Why did you leave?" was the next question. "Because of
his fighting, knocking and carrying on so," was the prompt answer. The
Committee fully interviewed him, and perceived that he had really worn
the fetters of Slavery, and that he was justified in breaking his bonds
and fleeing for refuge to Canada, and was entitled to aid and sympathy.
Peter was about twenty-four years of age. He left nine brothers and
sisters in bondage.
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