There is still need of efficient laborers in the Shenandoah Valley.
According to the testimony of Mr. Dungy, scores of places may still be
found where the children have no school privileges, and where many, both
old and young, have never had the opportunity of entering a
meeting-house or church since the war, as the spirit of the white
Christians in these regions is greatly embittered against the colored
people, owing to the abolition of Slavery; and they do not invite them
to either church or school. Indeed, the churches are closed against
them. At different times, Mr. Dungy has eloquently represented the
condition of the colored churches of the South, in the city of
Philadelphia. As a speaker, Mr. Dungy is able and interesting, of good
address, remarkably graceful in his manners, and possessing much general
information.
The subjoined letters received from him, while a fugitive in Canada, are
characteristic of the man, and will repay a perusal.
BRANTFORD, March 3d, 1860.
MR. WM. STILL, DEAR SIR:--I have seated myself this evening to
write you a few lines to inform you that I have got through my
journey, and landed safely in Brantford, where I found my
friend, Stepney Brown, and we expressed great joy at meeting
each other, and had a great shaking of hands, and have not got
done talking yet of the old times we had in Virginia.
I thank God I am enjoying vigorous health, and hope you all are
well, as it is written in the first Psalm, "Blessed is the man
that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in
the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
I wish you may think of me often and pray for me that I may grow
a man, one of the followers of our meek and lowly Saviour. Give
my love to Mrs. Still, and family, and the Rev. Mr. Gibbs, that
was residing with you when I was there.
I must now inform you a little about Canada, at least as much of
it as I have seen and heard. I arrived in the city of Hamilton,
on the 15th February, 1860, at nine o'clock in the evening, and
the weather was dreary and cold, and the cars laid over there
until ten o'clock next day, and I went up into the city and saw
a portion of it. I then started for Toronto, arrived there same
day at 12 o'clock. There I met friends from Richmond, remained
there several days; during the time we had a very extensive snow
storm, and I took the opportunity of walking around the city
looking at the elephants, and other great sights. I liked it
very much; but upon hearing that my friend and brother Stepney
Brown was in Brantford, I became disatisfied and left for
Brantford on the 21st February, 1860. I have found it a very
pleasant, and have been told it is the prettiest place in
Canada.
It is built upon the Grand River, which is two hundred miles
long, and empties into Lake Erie. It rises to a great height
every spring, and great masses of ice come down, bringing
bridges, saw-logs, trees, and fairly sweeps everything before
it. The people who live upon the flats are in great danger of
being drowned in their houses.
I got a situation immediately at the Kerby House, by the
influence of my friend and brother, Stepney Brown, who I must
say has been very kind to me, as also have the people of
Brantford. The Kerbey House is the largest hotel in the town
about 250 rooms, and a stable at the back, with a gas-house of
its own. No more at present, but remain,
Yours very respectfully,