Robert came from Seaford, where he had served under Charles Wright, a
farmer, of considerable means, and the owner of a number of slaves, over
whom he was accustomed to rule with much rigor.
Although Robert's master had a wife and five children, the love which
Robert bore them was too weak to hold him; and well adapted as the
system of Slavery might be to render him happy in the service of young
and old masters, it was insufficient for him. Robert found no rest under
Mr. Wright; no privileges, scantily clad, poor food, and a heavy yoke,
was the policy of this "superior." Robert testified, that for the last
five years, matters had been growing worse and worse; that times had
never been so bad before. Of nights, under the new regime, the slaves
were locked up and not allowed to go anywhere; flogging, selling, etc.,
were of every-day occurrence throughout the neighborhood. Finally,
Robert became sick of such treatment, and he found that the spirit of
Canada and freedom was uppermost in his heart. Slavery grew blacker and
blacker, until he resolved to "pull up stakes" upon a venture. The
motion was right, and succeeded.
Two other passengers were at the station at the same time, but they had
to be forwarded without being otherwise noticed on the book.
* * * * *