FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL





FUGITIVES of the PEARL
BY
JOHN H^ PaWtER, A.M.
Author of Joining the Navy, or
Abroad with Uncle Sam

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THE ASSOCIATED PUBLISHERS, Inc.
1538 Ninth Stbeet, N. W. Washington, D. C.


Copyright, 1930,
Br John H. Paynter
PUNTED TN THE UNITED STATES OF AKBHCA





FOKEWOED
In this Fugitives of the Pearl, the author
has accomplished much more than an in-
teresting elaboration of an historic episode
that is unique among the many notable ex-
periences which developed during the pe-
riod of American slavery. He has given us
a story of heroic men and women under
grueling conditions, whose adventures are
not alone the pride of any particular race or
^ group and thereby limited in appreciation
i* to those related or concerned, but he shows
^ the priceless value of character in human
cL make-up which brings to fruition the nur-
^ tured ideals of all earnest and courageous
^ souls.
The characters delineated are not unreal
or quixotic. They lived and wrought and
were impatient of the restraints which de-
layed their day of freedom. The author
makes us feel in these pages how great a
thing it is to be a man and how large a boon
it is to all when that manhood is courageous.
The lesson of unfaltering faith, running
vii


FOREWORD
throughout the narrative like an unbroken,
golden thread, makes real and tangible the
abiding comfort and consolation which may-
be enjoyed through spiritual contact with
the lowly Nazarene, "the man of sorrow and
acquainted with grief."
To be sure, all the characters in this nar-
rative are neither admirable nor lovable, for
there is Judson Diggs, the informer; but he
is taken care of, as indeed aroused sympathy
and indignant loyalty sooner or later exacts
its toll of all traitors. It is to be noted that
Captain Drayton, too, is but a type of that
not too frequent lover of human kind, who
restricts not his benefactions within the
bounds of race or creed but is ever ready
with helping hand that the overburdened
weak may enjoy their fair share of civic and
social privilege. In a word, Mr. Paynter has
made herewith a distinctly worthy addition
to the literature of slavery days which
doubtless will be widely and enjoyably read.
E. D. W. Jones.
Seventh Episcopal District
A. M. E. Zion Church.
Washington, D. C.;
December, 1930
viii


CONTENTS
CHAPTER PACE
I. Black and White 1
II. Age Disappointed by Youth ... 8
III. The Black Triumvhiate Listen ,., . 17
IV. Thinking It Over 30
V. The Discussion at the Fireside . . 37
VI. Preparing for the Flight ... 47
VII. Aboard the Vessel ,., 53
VIII. On the Way .., 61
IX. Consternation Behind ..... 66
X. Slow Progress to Free Son. ... 75
XI. The Halt in the Storm .... 83
XII. Hopes Blasted 91
XIII. Grief at Home 99
XIV. The Return to Washington . . . 108
XV. The Treachery Avenged .... 116
XVI. Anti-Slavery Circles Aroused . . 125
XVII. Suffering and Waiting .... 135
XVIII. In the New Orleans Slave Pen . 145
XIX. Joyful Meeting with a Lost Brother 153
XX. The Brotherliness of Hamilton . 162
XXI. The Return Northward .... 176
XXII. Free at Last ,., . 187
XXIII. The Family Reunion ..... 197
ix





ILLUSTRATIONS
FACING PAGE
Mother Edmonson 38
Louisa Edmonson Joy 44
Mary and Emily Edmonson 64
John and Elizabeth Brent 100
Samuel Edmonson, Evelyn Edmonson Ingra-
ham, Delia Edmonson, and Martha Edmon-
son Pennington 164
John S. Brent and Children . ,., ,.. . . 182
zi





FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
CHAPTER I
BLACK AND WHITE
In the years just after the Independence
of the American Colonies the tide of emigra-
tion to our American shores set in strongly.
Persons in every condition of life were eager
to put to a test the assurance of the many
advantages to be gained by a residence in the
new country across the water. A spirit of
adventure animated many who were of
splendid birth and fortune, and among the
latter who made the long voyage were two
brothers, scions of a good old English family
by the name of Brent. They reached this
country about the year 1790. The elder,
Hector, settled in Maryland and in due time
became a factor in the business and political
life of the State. John, the younger, located
in Virginia as a gentleman farmer and
owner of an extensive tract of land not far
from the Washington home at Mount
Vernon, which in due time became famous
1


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
for its able management as well as splendid,
though modest hospitality.
Here it was the house of Brent, or that
part of it which has somewhat to do with the
story in hand, had its origin, for it was on
this estate of the younger brother that Elton
Brent was born, and some years after an-
other boy who, for some reason which is not
entirely apparent, was given the family
name of John. It is fair for us to presume,
however, taking due account of the freedom
of relationship between master and slave in
that period, that the title of these later
Brents of color, to membership in the origi-
nal family of that name, is founded on the
ties which nature herself makes, albeit under
cover of vicious practices, arising from the
relationship of privileged owner and de-
pendent chattel. Indeed the propriety and
accurateness of this statement seems pretty
well established when comparisons of the
lineal features and physical characteristics
on either side are made. In his early man-
hood, the resemblance between John Brent,
slave, and John Brent, owner, is said to have
been subject for general comment. My own
remembrance of the former when he was of
more than middle age, shows him a man of
2


BLACK AND WHITE
large frame and fair of complexion, with
features quite Caucasian and high sloping
forehead. His manner was one of quiet dig-
nity and repose.
From time immemorial the Brents had
aristocratic connections. When John Parke
Custis, the son of Mrs. Martha Washington
by her first husband, served as aide de camp
to General Washington at the siege of York-
town, he had with him as serving man, Elton
Brent, who bore his share of the hardships
and privations of that period and attended
him finally at Eltham, Maryland, where he
died of Camp fever after the surrender of
Cornwallis. Whether or not this special
war service was effected by loan or purchase
between the two families, the records do not
reveal. Most probably it was the former, as
the masters were friends and their proper-
ties contiguous. This view is made more
probable since after the death of the elder
Custis the faithful Elton again takes up his
abode on the Brent estate.
About 1835, John Brent, being a bright,
intelligent lad, was made a "free dealer."
This signified the grant of the right to work
for wages and exercise such freedom of
action in civil affairs as did not conflict with
3


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
municipal laws governing the coming and
going of persons in bondage. Through the
influence of his master he was given employ-
ment as laborer in the War Department,
then located in the Winder Building in
Washington; and, being well trained to
household service, he found remunerative
use for his leisure hours in attendance upon
social functions at the homes of the aris-
tocracy of the capital.
At the age of twenty-five he had saved
sufficient money to obtain his freedom by
paying his master $600. The feeling of
ownership originating in this purchase
seems to have stimulated him to other noble
efforts, for a few years later he had saved
$800 which he straightway devoted to the
purchase of his father, whose age and in-
firmities were now beginning to make them-
selves felt. After the manner of men, about
this time he fell in love, the object of his
admiration being the pretty Elizabeth Ed-
monson. In those days, more so than is now
the case, the course of true love was often
rough and attended with many hardships.
Certainly in this instance, but the lover pos-
sessed the characteristics of a true knight
4


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
not to marry until they were free, for she
would not have them endure a similar sor-
row in becoming mothers of children who
were not their own. The admonition of a
bleeding heart was sacredly heeded, for
when John Brent sought to unite himself in
matrimony with the oldest of the girls he
was told that in the then existing circum-
stances, it could not be. With rare courage
and devotion, he immediately went to work
harder than ever and resolved to reach this
end by imitating the example of the faithful
Jacob of old. To his regular income and
other earnings, he now made substantial
additions by sawing wood at night, so that
at the end of two years he had in hand a
sufficient sum to make his beloved a free
woman and himself a benedict. He pur-
chased for a home the ground at the south-
west corner of Eighteenth and L Streets,
northwest, now owned by his heirs, and still
remembered as the spot where was organized
the John Wesley A. M. E. Zion Church.
The family altar thus set up proved a
source of helpfulness in circumstances of
great trial and unhappiness which later on
were to come to other dear ones. The little
home was first established in two small
6


BLACK AND WHITE
rooms on the site upon which was later built
the commodious frame dwelling, which with
its generous old-fashioned porch was for so
many years a harbor of refuge in which a
word of hope or more substantial help was
never asked in vain.
7


CHAPTER II
AGE DISAPPOINTED BY YOUTH
The gathering around the family board
of John and Elizabeth Brent was not always
a strictly family gathering, for a stranger
had now come into the group in the person
of a rather curious little man by the name
of Judson Diggs. This person was al-
together the most interesting character to be
found among the entire colored population
of the District of Columbia. He was in all
outward forms and observances a devoted
Christian. He was a factotum in general,
representing the business interests of his
people, both slave and free. By reason of
these transactions which covered every va-
riety of dealing from real estate to the pur-
chase of apparel, a considerable profit had
accrued to Judson, which, through personal
privations and careful, not to say miserly,
management, now represented a comfortable
competency.
But Judson was not at all popular not-
8


AGE DISAPPOINTED BY YOUTH
■withstanding such material advantages.
Like Brother Brent, he was also a free-
dealer; but, unlike that worthy and highly
respected man, there were but few among
all who knew Diggs—and every one did
know him—who rallied to him in a friendly
way. It was the general opinion that to be
sought after as much as he was by the white
people, was, to say the least, unnatural; and
the idea was commonly current that the very
best way to put the white folks "next" to
anything you were about to do, was to let
Judson into the secret. The women folks,
while making use of his abilities in little
matters of domestic economy, kept him at
a safe distance, and the men held aloof in
all matters in which there was no other in-
terest than that of a purely social nature.
To give the Devil his due, as the saying goes,
this treatment seemed exactly what the old
fellow most desired, as through this means
the latches of his purse strings were seldom
unloosed in personal obligations of friend-
ship, while the effect was to confirm him in
his policy of close-fisted selfishness.
For some time back Judson had been as-
siduous in cultivating the friendship of the
Brent household. This procedure, which
9


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
was remarked as most unusual, was at first
attributed to a religious impulse and a de-
sire for congenial intercourse along this
line; and although his side of the "inter-
course" was almost wholly that of listener,
it was taken as an evidence of his deep hu-
mility and modest disposition. For with his
genial hospitality and genuine Christian
impulse, Mr. Brent opened wide his doors
and his arms to this recruit to Methodism,
and so much at home did he become that it
soon afforded matter for comment if
Brother Diggs failed to drop in on any
evening and take his "jest er haf er cup, ef
yer plez" before the tea was ended.
Judson had been a childless widower for
a number of years, and it was popularly be-
lieved that no amount of persuasion would
avail to induce him to change his condition.
A short while after these visits began, how-
ever, two strange things were noticed—his
face and hands invariably showed unusual
signs of recent acquaintance with soap and
water, and a little parcel tied up in an old
colored handkerchief always accompanied
him. Ordinarily one might not think there
was any connection between the two, but
there was, and this we shall soon see.
10


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAKL
proaching, and all were bright with antici-
pation of that happy time. As the hour of
ten drew nigh, Brother Diggs became rest-
less as usual, pricking up his little ears at
each footfall on the stairs and glancing
anxiously at the opening door. The boys,
however, did not come; and Brother Brent
asked Brother Diggs: "If it ain't too much
trouble would yer be so kind an' obligin' ez
ter see the gals ter their do', bein' ez yer
gwine summat in dat d'rection any how."
Of course, there was nothing left for
Brother Diggs to do but "fall in line," and
this he proceeded to do with the speech of
his life as he gathered up his hat and said:
"Certiny, Brudder Brent, naw trouble
'tall, naw trouble 'tall."
Mary lived some distance beyond the home
of Emily; so in order that both might have
the benefit of company and that the former
should reach home in safety, Emily sug-
gested that they all go there first. This was
accomplished in due course, Brother Diggs
trotting along by the side of the nimble-
footed girls, but never offering a word ex-
cept in reply to a question to which a direct
answer was unavoidable.
A very few steps had been taken on the
12


AGE DISAPPOINTED BY YOUTH
last part of the journey, alone with Emily,
when the little parcel was unceremoniously
shoved into the latter's hand with the re-
mark:
"Here's dem cakes, Miss Em'ly."
"What cakes?" says she, for her first
thought was that her sister Lizzie had in-
trusted something of the kind to his care
for her.
"Dese cakes here," says Brother Diggs in
a pleading tone of voice, "tek 'em, Miss
Em'ly, do, I ben wantin' ter gib 'em ter yer
dese many nights."
At this juncture Emily remembered that
she had seen a similar parcel on each of the
occasions when they had met at her sister's,
and the idea that these cakes may have been
tied up in this same handkerchief for more
than two months seemed so ridiculous that
she was obliged to stand still and give vent
to merriment which for the life of her she
could not control.
"What's yer laffin' erbout, Miss Em'ly?
Don' yer nebber eat cakes?"
"Yes, I eat cakes, of course I do," said
Emily, endeavoring to check the laughter
which threatened to convulse her again,
"but whoever heard of anybody carrying
13


AGE DISAPPOINTED BY YOUTH
seemed in the somber shadows of the
night to snap and shine with emotion of
which he ordinarily seemed incapable.
"Lor', Miss Em'ly," he gasped, puffing
and blowing furiously. "To' pretty feet
goes faster den er March hare."
"Well, it's getting late," said Emily im-
patiently, and I must get home."
"Dat's ezy nuf," came Judson's reply,
accompanied by a grating sort of laugh deep
down in his throat. "Ter kin git er home
any day yer wants ter," attempting at the
same time to take hold of her hand. '' Dere's
one ready an' waitin' fer yer, an' dere ain'
no mor'gige on it neder."
Emily was now so confused and angry at
the sly way in which the old fellow had
switched her meaning that there was a grave
suspicion of tearful anger in her voice as
she said:
"I didn't mean that, you know I didn't;
and I don't agree with you at all, for if you
are the owner, I think there is a very serious
mortgage on it; and what's more you
needn't go another step with me. You're
a precious old rascal and nothing else."
Before Judson had fully grasped the
meaning of these rapidly uttered words, the
15


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
indignant girl had started off on a brisk run
and was soon far away on the road towards
home. Judson stood stupidly watching the
slim figure until it was lost in the surround-
ing gloom, and then he, too, started slowly
on in the same direction.
16


CHAPTER in
THE BLACK TRITTMVIRATE LISTEN
It was about this time that the news of
the overthrow of despotism in France in
1848 reached this country. A great celebra-
tion was planned to commemorate worthily
this triumph and the onward march of the
principles of freedom and universal liberty.
Such was the spirit which prevailed every-
where, and the thrill of it quickened the pub-
lic pulse and lifted the citizens of the Dis-
trict of Columbia almost to a frenzy of ex-
citement and enthusiasm. The thirteenth
day of April had been set apart for the cele-
bration, and with the dawn were visible
evidences that something of more than ordi-
nary interest was about to happen. Later
on it would seem that the entire population
had poured forth and taken possession of
the parks and the spacious steps of the
public buildings and had distributed them-
selves along the entire length of Pennsyl-
vania Avenue.
17


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
The beautiful emblem of the republic
unfurled its gracious folds at every point
of view. Buildings bore gorgeous decora-
tions, drums beat everywhere, and men
paraded to the tuneful strains of martial
music. The very air was redolent with ora-
tory. The high dignitaries of the land,
senators, representatives and department
officials bore a principal part in voicing the
satisfaction with which the good news of
French liberty had been received from be-
yond the water.
Noble souls! generous men and patriots!
How peculiarly fitting their attitude! In
what a grandly beautiful light do those sen-
timents reveal them! What noble chivalry!
How broad and deep their humanity! So
broad and deep that the horizon of the
benefactions which they are so vigorously
apostrophizing is made to extend only to the
skin that is fair, with no thought of their
Master's image in ebony shivering, strug-
gling and praying in the very shadow which
their inhuman blindness casts. Yet there
they stand or crouch, dodging here and
there on the edge of the crowd, vaguely real-
izing that something has happened—feeling
in an unaccountable manner that the event,
18


THE BLACK TRIUMVIRATE LISTEN
this tremendous demonstration touches their
condition in many ways and the more intel-
ligent of them hoping down in their troubled
hearts that the good Lord would in some
way use the occasion to further their de-
liverance. Well might these poor creatures
be bewildered and lost in the maze of such
sophistries. They listened enraptured at
such words as freedom, liberty, humanity;
and in the same moment felt the pain of a
heart which sinks like lead in their bosom,
for they knew that nOne of these Heaven-
born attributes were intended to apply to
them. Can it then be considered wonderful,
I ask, that the gall and wormwood of their
position, the exquisite irony of the case, the
gross injustice of the thing should penetrate
the very fiber of their being and sting them
into positive and determined action?
In the course of his remarks, the eloquent
Senator Foote of Mississippi said, "It is
my conviction that the happy period to be
signalized by the universal emancipation
of man from the fetters of civil oppression
and by the recognition in all countries of the
great principles of popular government,
equality and brotherhood, is at this moment
visibly approaching."
19


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
Among the throngs of people who listened
with grave anxiety to these lofty sentiments,
were Daniel Bell, Paul Jennings, and Sam-
uel Edmonson, three colored men who, in
intelligence and manly character, were
rather above the average Negro of that
period. The first named had purchased his
freedom, while his wife and eight children
were freed by their master on his death bed.
The heirs of the master had endeavored to
break the will by claiming that he was not
of sound and disposing mind at the time it
was made; and so those most affected, fear-
ing the case might go against them, resolved
to secure their freedom through flight.
Hundreds of colored people of all ages
and conditions were scattered about the
park, listening respectfully, indulging in
whispered converse among themselves, to
whom no thought was given beyond that
usually bestowed upon domestic animals,
which, in those days, were accorded without
dispute the entire freedom of the city. Very
different it was in regard to the three
friends to whom allusion has been made.
They were recognized as being representa-
tive of that idea which was most repugnant
to the sentiments and most threatening to
20


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
was a carpenter with a good business and,
being free, hired his time, while Edmonson
was also employed as butler in the home
of one of the old families of the District of
Columbia.
The three friends formed a little group on
the outer rim of the crowd which thronged
Jackson Square on this bright sunny morn-
ing about the middle of April. The White
House, to the south across the Avenue, the
somber-colored buildings of the State, War
and Navy on the right, the Treasury on the
left, with the Episcopal Church of St. John
north of the Square, were the notable fea-
tures of the surrounding landscape. Diffi-
cult indeed it is to imagine a situation more
pregnant with inspiration to high and noble
thoughts. Here truly were the tangible evi-
dences of the solidity and power of temporal
authority in splendid array, and as well the
visible insignia of that Divine Essence whose
perpetual throne is set up in the hearts of
the children of men.
When Senator Foote had concluded his
speech and the throng was giving vent to its
appreciation and voicing its enthusiasm in
shouts and handclappings, Bell suddenly
lost sight of his own position in relation to
22


THE BLACK TRIUMVIRATE LISTEN
the event and cheered as loudly and ap-
plauded as vigorously as any one in the
crowd. The other two, of calmer temper
and given to weigh more closely the merit
and meaning of events, took such a manifes-
tation as highly improper and were visibly
disturbed.
"Why, what are you doing, Daniel?" said
Jennings, pulling him by the coat-sleeve;
"anybody would think you were one of these
white people, the way you are carrying on."
"That's so," said Daniel, quieting down
all in a moment; "the fact is, that man made
me forget my color the way he talked, and if
he didn't mean it for me it sounds good to
me all the same."
"You are right, Daniel, I feel that way,
too," said Edmonson. "It was as much as
I could do to keep from shouting, but it
won't do for us to let the white people know
that we realize the force of what has been
said for they'll say right away "them
'niggers' need watching."
The fact is that Daniel's outburst had al-
ready attracted considerable attention, for
it was a very unusual thing to see a Negro
so far forget his position as to become
demonstrative in the presence of his su-
23


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
periors. Finding that the occurrence was
being commented upon by several groups in
the crowd and wishing to avoid any trouble,
Paul led the way down the street, followed
by threatening glances which boded no good
for them had they remained.
"Look here boys," said he, when they were
safely away; "this celebration of the white
folk has a mighty deep meaning. There's
Senator Foote and all the rest of them re-
joicing that liberty and freedom from op-
pression have come to people thousands of
miles away, while right here under the very
sound of their voices, is a race of people
whom they themselves are holding in the
very worst sort of human slavery. It is true
a few of us enjoy some kind of freedom, but
what about the others? I tell you, it's time
we were thinking about doing something."
"But what can we do?" asked Daniel.
"There's no use trying to fight, for they'd
soon kill every last one of us, and then our
families would only have a much harder
time than they did before."
"Oh, no," said Edmonson; "there's surely
no use fighting. You remember how Turner
tried that down there in Virginia, and a
braver man never lived, but it just proved
24


THE BLACK TRIUMVIRATE LISTEN
that such a course was only a way of throw-
ing away valuable human lives and accom-
plishing nothing."
"Well, since fighting is out of the ques-
tion, what's the matter with running away?"
asked "Pap."
This drastic proposition seemed to strike
the others with such force as to paralyze
them on the spot. They regarded Paul with
a bewildered stare for a few seconds, when
Edmonson, being the first to recover, said:
"That's easy enough to talk about, but I
fail to see how you are going to run off all
these slaves, 'less you give 'em wings and
take 'em thro' the air."
This little sally tickled Daniel immensely,
and the faces of all three which were erst-
while dead serious relaxed in a hearty laugh.
"Well, I'll tell you boys I've got a plan,
and I was just kinder feeling my way you
know (but don't let us stop here, because it
never takes white people long to become sus-
picious). You remember I was over in
Baltimore with the Senator last month, and
at the hotel where we put up, I met the Cap-
tain of a schooner, who seemed to take a
great fancy to me. The night before we
were to come back to Washington he told
25


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
me to come to his room as lie wanted to talE
to me. As luck would have it there was a
big dinner given to the Senator that night,
which left me free to do as I pleased. Ac-
cordingly, I watched my chance and about
nine o'clock, with the coast clear (because
you see I had to be careful, for I didn't
know what was up and the hotel people
might think it strange), I got to his room
without being seen. Boys, as sure as God's
my Judge, when I left that room two hours
later, I was a different man. You've heard
these speakers to-day talk about 'humanity'
and 'freedom' and a whole lot of other
things, but I tell you they don't know the
first meaning of the words. That man
talked to me like a brother and the tears
rolled down my cheeks just as if I had been
a baby. But we can't go into all that now,
if the plan is to be successful we've got a
lot of work to do and only a little time to do
it in."
"What's that, Paul? What do you mean
to say?" Paul's friends were almost out of
their senses with the eagerness of their ex-
pectancy.
"Well, it's just this," Paul replied, tak-
ing a letter from his inner waist-coat pocket.
26


THE BLACK TEIUMVIRATE LISTEN
"I got this in the Senator's mail this morn-
ing, you see it is addressed in his care."
Unfolding the letter with ceremonial care
he read to them in a husky whisper:—
"Dear Brother,
"I will reach Washington with Master on
the evening of the 13th and would like you
to come abroad the Pearl, at the foot of 7th
St., as I have something I would like to send
to mother.
"Frank Jennings."
"What if the Senator," began Edmonson
at the conclusion of the letter.
"What if he had," interrupted Paul, an-
ticipating the end of the question. Nobody
can hinder a fellow from having a brother
and a mother, and it's natural like for a boy
to send a little something to his mother once
in a while; so I don't see as any harm could
be done; but the Senator happens to be away
and that's all the better."
Paul waited for a moment, seemingly ex-
pecting some comment from his hearers, but
they were evidently too much surprised with
the whole affair and as yet could say noth-
ing.
"Now this letter which seems to come
from brother Frank," he continued, "is no
27


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
more nor less than a message from the
schooner captain, and means that he will be
here to-night with his ship and will be ready
to take as many of us away as want to go."
'' Paul! You don't mean it!" said Daniel;
while Edmonson, who was more of a re-
ligious turn of mind, suddenly cast his eyes
upward and gushed out a fervent "Thank
God."
By this time the three friends had crossed
town and come to the corner of Sixth and
D Streets, in front of the old Unitarian
Church, long since converted into a domicile
for the Police Court of the District. Mid-
way the block stood the fairly imposing resi-
dence from whose balconies Daniel Webster
responded to ovations and serenades ten-
dered by admiring fellow citizens. In its
day this was manorial for a city residence;
now progress and development have rele-
gated it to the rank of a fourth-rate office
building tenanted by semi-respectable law-
yers who squeeze their living from the mis-
ery and extremity of the unfortunates who
feed the adjoining courts.
Here Paul consulted a handsome old-
fashioned gold watch attached to his waist-
28


THE BLACK TRIUMVIRATE LISTEN
coat by a leather guard and found it was
somewhat past three o'clock.
"Now fellows," said he, assuming active
command for the first time, "we must get
to work. Every soul must be told and be
aboard the vessel by eleven o'clock to-night.
Be careful whom you trust, for if you should
happen to strike the wrong person the
white people will know everything and
they'll soon have us all gobbled up. Get as
many of our women and girls as you can, but
for God's sake be careful not to tell them
too much."
After a brief talk over the details of meet-
ing, the three set out on their separate ways
to advance the desperate plans upon which
they were so suddenly agreed, each loyal to
the muffled heart-beat of manhood long ob-
scured but now lifting their souls on the
wings of hope to view the rosy dawn of a
bright and happy day.
29


CHAPTEE IV
THINKING IT OVER
Jennings left his two friends and entered
the Webster house, going immediately to his
own little room on the top floor. The fact
that the family were out of town afforded
him relief from his ordinary duties and al-
lowed a freedom of action that would have
been impossible under the usual daily rou-
tine. Having speedily made his personal
arrangements, he descended to the library
and took a seat at the massive walnut desk
upon which so many of the famous speeches
of the master mind of his age had been writ-
ten. The prevailing feature of the room was
that of simple and inexpensive comfort; the
crowded book shelves covered every inch of
wall-space and gave indication of the only
wealth, that of intellect, which the owner
esteemed worthy and important. The heavy
winter hangings were still in place. The
large old-fashioned windows were thrown
open wide, admitting the soft spring air,
30


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
The idea of "such a man as Jennings,"
"running off up North with a lot of slaves"
would be considered preposterous. "Is he
not already free himself?" would be asked;
"then what more can he need?" So it is
ever,—the empty shell, placed together and
made to conform to reality in size and shape,
is offered as a substitute for the coveted
ripened fruit.
All things considered, Jennings was not
long arriving at a conclusion that the course
he was about to take was the just and right-
eous one. He considered that he owed it to
himself to seek a larger field, where what
ability he might possess could be of greater
service in hastening the dawn of freedom,
which he firmly believed must one day break
its mellow radiance even over the shadowed
masses of the American Negroes. Further,
the cause was a noble one; he owed the effort
to his people and rightly felt that it is left
to those placed in exceptional circumstances
to aspire to and attain the highest spheres,
to blaze the way for their less fortunate
brothers. Of the way the step might affect
him personally, he took no thought, for he
was an absolutely fearless sort of man, and
would have willingly bared his breast as a
32


THINKING IT OVER
target to deadly bullets, if so the great work
of deliverance might be accomplished.
One phase of his contemplated action,
however, did cause him some embarrassment
—in what light would his employer regard
his defection and apparent ingratitude? He
well knew that under different circum-
stances he could not desire a more pleasant
relationship. He had served him now more
than a year, and the association had con-
stantly grown more intimate and confi-
dential. Mr. Webster in his big, generous,
open-hearted way had little by little seemed
to lose sight of the existing conditions and
the relation of his servant to him, and in all
ways rather sustained the relation of a
friend and patron to a faithful and intelli-
gent servitor whose misfortune it was to be
of the blood of a despised and outcast race.
To Jennings, the brilliant achievements of
his employer in the realm of statesmanship,
his masterly oratory and great intellect,
were as much a source of pride and pleasure
as if he had been connnected by ties of blood
with the distinguished man. On occasions
when the Senate and assembled throngs sat
charmed and bewildered under his match-
less eloquence, Jennings was one of the few
33


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
of the unfavored race admitted to the gal-
leries, and never failed at the proper time
to offer praise which was fittingly appre-
ciated.
The vibrant tone of the great hall-clock,
tolling the hour of four, however, rounded
up the musings of our friend, who by this
time had reconciled one duty with another
by deciding to leave a note of explanation,
which he slowly accomplished in the follow-
ing terms:
"Honored Friend,
"A deep desire to be of help to my poor
people has determined me to take a decided
step in that direction. My only regret is
that I shall appear ungrateful, in thus leav-
ing with so little ceremony, one who has been
uniformly kind and considerate and has
rendered each moment of service a benefac-
tion as well as pleasure. From the daily
contact with your great personality which it
has been mine to enjoy, has been imbibed a
respect for moral obligations and the claims
of duty. Both of these draw me towards the
path I have chosen.
"Jennings."
Placing the note on the little desk calen-
dar, where it would not be overlooked, he
left the house by way of the kitchen, where
34


THINKING IT OVER
he informed "Aunt Rachel" the cook, that
he would be away for some time and ad-
monished her to look after the house in his
absence.
A number of persons whom he had
thought of in this hour of deliverance lived
in widely separated parts of the city. But
realizing the inexpediency of employing
other means of locomotion than that of his
own two limbs, he immediately struck out
with a stout heart and a sturdy stride to
carry the tidings to as many as he could
reach. Meanwhile the other two friends had
not been idle, and in the same way were ac-
complishing the purpose upon which they
were agreed. Edmonson, who was the
youngest of these "conspirators," lived with
Attorney Bradley in one of the houses with
marble steps directly across from the City
Hall.
When the three separated at the old
church corner, the question uppermost in his
mind, was how to get into the house and out
again in the shortest space of time. He
walked slowly in that direction and thought
hard and fast, but, being strictly honest, and,
besides, a member of the church, he found
it difficult to frame an excuse that would be
35


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
both truthful and plausible. The distance
was short and, realizing that hesitation was
dangerous and might prove fatal to the un-
dertaking, he persuaded himself that the ob-
ject to be attained ought to justify a little
trifling with the truth; so with a firm step
and steady eye he sought the presence of his
mistress. The desired leave was readily
granted on the plea that he had received
word that his mother was sick, and, stop-
ping only long enough to put a few necessary
articles in his pockets, he was soon again in
the street, a trembling messenger of deliver-
ance.
36



"Mother" Edmonson





THE DISCUSSION AT THE FIRESIDE
a pure white muslin scarf which relieved in
some degree the somber effect of her much
brushed Sunday gown.
The husband, Paul, of massive frame and
dark brown complexion was her senior by
several years. His head was smooth and
shiny as a ball of rare old mahogany, except
for a fringe of coarse hair, not quite all
gray, from ear to ear, curling down to the
nape of his neck. The hardships and priva-
tions which had been his portion through
life had left their mark in countless seams
on his face and brow. The once sturdy and
upright form was now just slightly bent, in-
clining itself through force of attraction and
decay towards that bosom which offers a
sure and safe retreat for the bruised and
wearied bodies of the children of men.
However seamed and bent in face and form,
the outline of an indomitable spirit and an
unfaltering courage were to be noticed in the
square cut chin and the clear and steady
gleam of his dark and deep set eyes.
With unbounded interest in the proceed-
ings of the day the chronicle of the celebra-
tion in Washington was being rehearsed for
the benefit of the old folks who had arrived
too late to witness its events. Both were
39


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
deeply affected by the recital, and, though
they could not have told it in so many words
to save their very lives, they were deeply
conscious of an undefined something which
seemed to be closing in upon them like fate
and touching their lives for weal or woe,
they knew not which. These two, husband
and wife, realized in the strength and depth
of their spiritual union a truly exalted ideal.
The union of soul, oneness of thought and
feeling and a common, tender solicitude for
the welfare of their humble hearthstone,
were to them a fund of inexhaustible wealth
which no run of misfortune or adverse cir-
cumstance could wholly bankrupt. A union,
obscure and lowly in outer fact, but sacred
in the strength of that Christian faith and
hope by which the burden of the weak is
lightened and the sorrowing heart is made
to rejoice.
"Mother" Edmonson was talking in a
calm, caressing tone of voice, sitting a little
back from the table, her hands crossed on
her lap and an earnest, thoughtful expres-
sion on her face.
"I tell you what, 'Honey," said she, in-
cluding young and old alike in this general
term of affection, "it 'pears to me that all
40


THE DISCUSSION AT THE FIRESIDE
this noise and flurry of the white folks is
entirely out er tune, f er if they want ter do
something they might set their colored peo-
ple free, and that would be worth while cele-
brating 'bout."
"I guess we'll all wait a long time for that,
mother," said Mr. Brent, "for they don't do
things that way. It's good 'nough for them
to talk 'bout, way over yonder 'cross the
water, but any poor nigger what gets his
freedom 'round Tsout here will either run
for it or he'll know how much he paid for
it."
"You can't make too sure about that, my
boy," said the old gentleman, "for nobody
knows what the good Lord's got in store for
his people. I don't know how it's goin' to
be done," he continued, "but some how'er
nother, every time I get up offer my knees,
I feel more an' more certain the time of our
deliverance is drawin' near."
These words were uttered with solemn im-
pressiveness as he leaned forward with both
hands on his cane. Almost at the same mo-
ment came the sound of rapidly approach-
ing footsteps. It was Samuel.
Something unusual was to be noticed in
the appearance of young Edmonson as he
41


THE DISCUSSION AT THE FIRESIDE
proposed effort had to be rehearsed more
than once in their general stupor of surprise
and anxiety. The older folks were visibly
perturbed, while a feeling of disquiet seized
upon little Katie and Martha Brent and im-
pelled them to nestle close to the side of their
mother.
"My son," said old Mr. Edmonson, break-
ing the silence which followed. "This is a
mighty serious business, an' if de 'range-
ments break down ther's goin' to be er lot er
trouble for everybody."
But the caution of age had little dis-
couraging effect, for young Edmonson's
reply came promptly in a tone of confidence.
"We've got everything fixed all right,
father; so don't you and mother worry.
We'll take good care of Emily and Mary,
and when you hear from us again we hope
to be safe and free in Philadelphia."
"Mother" Edmonson had taken very lit-
tle part in the conversation. She seemed to
be listening and was perhaps praying with
her head inclined forward. Her mother
heart was appraising the risk involved and
the priceless end in view. She had always
believed that God in his wisdom permitted
the enslavement of a portion of His children
43


Louisa Edmonson Joy
The last of the Edmonson children died in 1910.





THE DISCUSSION AT THE FIRESIDE
the more than half hour needed in walking
to the boat, he knew he had very little time
to spare. What should he do? Thinking
seriously, he stood for a while in front of
the house where he had just inquired for
Mary.
"If I wait here," he mused, "they may
come too late; so I guess I'd better go back
up town and try to find them there."
"Bless the women," he exclaimed as he
started off; "they certainly make a lot of
trouble, but I can't go away and leave Emily
and Mary behind, that's sure."
Fate seems strangely perverse at the very
times when matters of most serious import
are involved. As if to set the standard of
her accomplishments at the loftiest possible
notch, she employs methods the results of
which are often so strange as to create per-
fect bewilderment within the circle of their
operation.
In this wise, at least, was Edmonson im-
pressed, for hurrying back to Eighteenth
Street, he found the girls had been to the
homes of both of the other two sisters,
Martha and Eveline, and had gone from
there across to their sister Lizzie's. Arriv-
ing there, he was consoled with the positive
45


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
information that they had gone directly
home, so that he was reasonably certain of
finding them eventually. He tarried here
only sufficiently long to listen to some last
words of counsel as to the care of his sisters,
and followed by the tearful prayers of the
family, he again took up his nerve-racking
quest.
46


CHAPTER VI
PREPARING FOR THE FLIGHT
At the period of which we write, a given
point in the city might be reached in about
half the time it would take to cover a similar
distance in this year of grace 1930. The
now beautiful Washington was then what
might be termed a city of dots and dashes—
the dwellings the occasional dots, here and
there on thoroughfares, but with indiffer-
ently marked and long unbroken dashes of
uneven and irregular ground spaced out be-
tween to offer facilities for pasturage or
play. Where it is now necessary to cover
the distance around a series of blocks to
reach a given point, folks at that time went
directly to their objective. So within a very
few moments after leaving his sister's home
at 18th and L Streets, by striking obliquely
across the fields, Edmonson found himself at
the side door entrance of the residence at
22nd and G, where Emily was employed.
The town clock had just struck ten, and
the large old fashioned dwelling presented
47


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
a darkened appearance with the exception
of the corner room of the second floor where
a bright light shot its rays out into the night
and the little room over the kitchen, through
the half-closed blinds of which there strug-
gled the flickering gleam of a candle. This
was Emily's room, and there her shadow,
moving from place to place, informed him
that she was busy with some kind of prepa-
ration. He called her softly by name several
times, and failing to attract attention,
pitched a small clod in such a way as to allow
it to drop over the top of the window blinds
and strike the window pane. Almost on the
instant the sash was raised and before a
question could be asked, the brother gave a
soft note of warning and then whispered
hurriedly:
"It's brother Sam, come right down, I'm
going to take you somewhere."
Emily had evidently been waiting for the
summons, for almost on the instant the can-
dle was snuffed and in another moment the
latch of the gate was raised and a plump,
girlish figure stepped through to the side
of her brother. Taking her hand, Sam whis-
pered a word of encouragement and then
quietly and rapidly they struck off in the
48


PREPARING FOR THE FLIGHT
direction of the State, War and Navy Build-
ings, the somber outlines of which stood
clearly forth against a back-ground of
frowning eastern sky.
"Oh, Sammy," whispered Emily dinging
closely to his arm, wouldn't it be terrible if
some one should tell on us?"
"Of course it would," came the reply,
"but I don't think any one could be mean
enough for that," said he.
"I hope not," was Emily's answer as she
bravely strove to keep the pace her brother
was making. '' It would be a fearful blow to
mother and father, and you know nothing
could save us from the slave pen and the
southern market then."
"That is true, sister," was the answer,
"but we must have faith and pray to the
Lord, for we are his children; and whatever
comes, let us say as mother has always
taught us, 'Thy will be done.'"
"Oh, yes, Sammy, I'm perfectly willing
and anxious to go, and so is sister Mary.
And it's noble and brave of you to make the
attempt, and I do hope it comes out all
right."
Good sister that she was, she would not
say all that was in her heart, but somehow


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
the feeling dominant within her was one of
uneasiness. However much she wished to be
hopeful and encourage her dear brother by
the exhibition of cheerfulness, her bosom
was heavy with fear and foreboding.
Mary's home was reached in a brief space.
A light shone in her room which they ap-
proached from the rear. At Emily's call
she appeared for an instant at the window,
and then as a precaution against noise, threw
out her shoes and shortly thereafter pre-
sented herself at the gate with a bundle in
her hand.
The trio now started for the ship, making
only one stop at the suggestion of the
brother, at a bake-shop on F Street, where
they purchased five or six dozen buns and
some other eatables as a sort of last emer-
gency fund against possible hardship. Down
through 12th Street they took their way,
then across Pennsylvania Avenue, and out
into the region beyond the old canal, known
as the Island.
A slight rain was now falling, making the
progress of our adventurers a little uncom-
fortable, but which also lessened the chances
of their being detected. The long tramp
over the rough and uneven roadway came to
50


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
More than two years must yet elapse be-
fore the full amount could be worked out,
and Jennings felt that even in the interest
of so important a matter as the freedom and
welfare of his friends, he would not be justi-
fied in thus seeming to take advantage of Mr.
Webster's absence. He waited on the vessel
until the Edmonsons came aboard, and after
explaining the situation, he reluctantly re-
turned ashore.
52


CHAPTER VII
ABOARD THE VESSEL
As they crossed the gang-plank, the Ed-
monsons were closely scrutinized by a man
in a service coat and hat with brass buttons.
He flashed a lantern in their faces to satisfy
himself of their right to passage and bade
them welcome. They were then given in
charge of a deck hand who immediately con-
ducted them below. Most of those who had
been let into the secret were so anxious to
make a dash for freedom under such provi-
dential auspices that they were already
aboard, and our friends now found them-
selves in the midst of these to the number of
seventy-seven.
The other three brothers, Richard, John,
and Ephraim, had been aboard long enough
to become familiar with their surroundings.
They joined their sisters and brother imme-
diately and led the way to a little cleared
space forward, where they had placed two
boxes for use of the girls so that they might
53


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
have a little air from the two small port
holes on either bow. The scene of which they
were now a part was so extraordinary as to
command their deepest interest and atten-
tion. A suppressed buzz of whispered talk
floated through the heavy atmosphere. The
place was lighted by two lanterns which con-
fined their feeble rays within a small radius,
leaving the remoter parts, as well as the mot-
ley throng, in a half light of gloom and
shadows. Old men and young men, old
women and young women, their bosoms the
theater of conflicting emotions that found
expression in restless movements and a
flickering show of hope and fear following
each other in fitful gleams of calm and
cloud on face and feature.
Seated on the boxes, Emily and Mary had
an arm around each other's waist, talking
in tones of quiet earnestness. The brothers
stood about them exchanging views on the
outcome of the venture, seeking to brace the
troubled spirits of the girls with words of
trust and hopefulness. Shortly before mid-
night was heard on deck an unusual stir
which sent a thrill of terror through the anx-
ious minds of those below. The brothers had
gone to another part of the ship to look
54


ABOARD THE VESSEL
after their sleeping quarters; so that de-
prived of this comforting presence, little
Emily and Mary crept even closer to each
other and softly breathed a prayer for fur-
ther strength and protection. It was soon
apparent, however, that nothing more seri-
ous was transpiring than the usual noises
incident to getting "underway," shuffling
feet and the continued sound as of moving
heavy rope, and the clanging ring of ponder-
ous chains.
In the emergency and extreme hazard of
the undertaking, the discomforts of the
situation counted for naught. Although
wearied from excitement and the strain put
upon their energies in making ready for
flight, none as yet had felt inclined to slum-
ber. To this band of human beings denied
the rights of life and happiness their over-
crowded and ill-smelling quarters were but
a necessary evil which must be endured for
a while, for their faith gave promise that
just a little way beyond they should all enjoy
the delights and blessings of freedom. The
good ship, with some straining and creak-
ing, was soon maneuvered from the wharf
into mid-stream, and through a mist, almost
impenetrable, feeling the way with greatest
55


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
care, she was hauling ahead slowly but
surely under the influence of a tiny foresail.
The hatches were now uncovered, permitting
an ingress of fresh air, and with it a greater
liberty of voice and limb. The situation was
now much more tolerable.
In this undertaking, moreover, religion
comes to the rescue. The makeup of the
Negro as a people is strong in the religious
instinct, stronger in that direction perhaps,
than in any other; and in that one particu-
lar, stronger than that developed in any
other race. In seasons of great calamity or
distress, the peoples of the earth, each and
all, have their own particular "Rock" that is
higher than they, to whom they flee precipi-
tately the moment their own small powers
are overreached. This to them is a sort of
court of last resort to be approached with all
the familiar accents of petition and seeming
adoration, when all other sources of relief
have been exhausted. Against the cold, sel-
fish, and utilitarian scheme of Anglo-Saxon
religion, the simple faith and trust of the
poor, despised Negro in the reality, efficacy,
and power of the Redeemer of mankind,
stands unmoved and unchanged. Hardship,
persecution, and suffering seem to have been
56


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
hours of the night they seemed to feel their
spiritual strength renewed and made suffi-
cient for the trials which might still await
them.
At eight o'clock next morning, the Pearl
after creeping along all night, had only
reached a point a little below Alexandria.
When this became known among the fugi-
tives a great alarm was felt, for very right-
fully they considered the distance separating
them from their owners was all too small.
A conference with the officers of the ship
was necessary.
Daniel Drayton, the captain of the vessel,
was a native of New Jersey, who had spent
several years following the water. He had
risen from cook to captain in the wood-
carrying business from the Maurice River
to Philadelphia. Eventually he engaged in
coast traffic from Philadelphia southward.
He seemed to have drifted quite naturally
from strong humane impulses, intensified by
an old-time spiritual conversion, into a set-
tled conviction that the fatherhood of God
and the brotherhood of man was a reality
and that it was his duty to do what he could
to assist those in bondage.
Later his voyages had carried him into
58


ABOAED THE VESSEL
the Chesapeake Bay and thence up the Poto-
mac. His first successful effort to assist the
slaves was made on an earlier trip when he
agreed to take away a woman and five chil-
dren. The husband was already a free man.
The woman, under an agreement with her
master had more than paid for her liberty;
but when she asked for a settlement, he had
only answered by threatening to sell her. The
mother and five children were taken aboard
at night and after ten days were safely de-
livered at Frenchtown, where the husband
awaited them.
Captain Drayton called several of the
more intelligent of the men into his cabin
about this time and talked with them con-
cerning their undertaking and future pros-
pects, should success attend them. He sat
on the edge of his mess table with a foot on
the seat of a chair while the others stood
about in attitudes more or less awkward and
listened attentively to what he should say
to them.
"Friends," he began, "I want to say just
one or two things to you. You see we
haven't made as much progress as I had
hoped for, but even at that it seems to me
we ought to be pretty safe from harm, unless
59


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAKL
something very unusual occurs. Had the
weather been more favorable, we should now
be nearing the open sea instead of being still
here almost under the shadow of the city.
"Now you must have stout hearts and
keep the women folks cheered up; and if
all goes well, Monday night ought to find us
tied up all safe and snug at Arch Street
wharf. There are friends there who are ex-
pecting you and who will see that you are
comfortable until your future has been in
some way provided for."
The speech of the Captain was reported
to the others with many additions, both of
thought and utterance, for the imagination
of his hearers had been given full play so
that what was purported to be the fact would
scarcely have been recognized by the Cap-
tain as his modest little speech. However,
the report was eagerly commented upon
and the encouraging words did much to
strengthen the hopes of this band of sad and
weary fugitives.
60


CHAPTEE VIII
ON THE WAT
A bright morning succeeded the miser-
able and oppressive weather of the night be-
fore, and, in place of fog and damp, sunshine
and warmth prevailed. A good stiff breeze
was also coming out from the northwest,
which was welcomed as a splendid oppor-
tunity for retrieving a part of the time lost
during the recent calm.
Captain Drayton, keenly alive to every
advantage, clapped on all the sail the little
craft would stand. She responded in splen-
did shape, and sped away with a bound and
toss, bearing its cargo of precious, anxious
freight towards the open sea and freedom's
world beyond. The outlook, which now
seemed so full of promise was not without
a perceptible influence on the folks below
deck. They had not the evidence of vision
with which to lift the mercury of their hopes,
but the recognition of changed conditions
was for them a sort of process of absorption,
61


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
as on ship board one unconsciously becomes
a sort of human barometer, reflecting
changes of the elements as well as the prog-
ress and handling of their ship.
Notwithstanding the feeling of buoyancy
which was now evident on every hand, there
was one who could not overcome a fear that
all would not end as they wished. This was
little Emily, who with her sister, was con-
versing quietly and taking no part in the
general rejoicings.
"Sister," she said, "I had another one of
those unaccountable dreams last night; only
it was more real, as much so indeed as are
all these noisy people about us now."
"Oh, tell me dear, was it a good dream
and do you think it means joy or sadness
for us?" asked Mary with eager accent.
"Of course, I cannot tell as to that," was
Emily's response, "but I will tell you what
it was. You may form your own opinion.
"I thought you and I had left home
and with Samuel was wandering about in
search of a place which under the name of
Happy City had been described to him as a
place of constant delight. It seemed to me
we had been journeying for many months
and were foot-sore and weary, when at a dis-
62


ON THE WAY
tance and on a lofty highland there appeared
before us countless beautiful houses, glisten-
ing in white and gold and set in a grove of
magnificent elm trees. Encouraged for the
moment by this attractive vision, we forgot
our stiffened limbs and aching feet and, tak-
ing each the other's hand, we bounded ahead
with happy hearts and laughing voice.
"Coming nearer, we had our ears filled
with the sweetest melodies in which were dis-
tinguished the familiar voices of joyous
childhood and the thrilling quiver and rip-
ple of merry birds vying in tones of the most
exquisite harmony with the mellow sound
of flute and harp. Eagerly we hurried for-
ward, our hearts atune and senses ravished
by this orchestra so strangely composed and
so bewildering in its melodious charm and
sweetness.
"We seemed to have approached within a
few yards of the outer limits of this circle
of enchantment and were preparing to gain
its Edenlike attractions by one bold dash,
when, in an instant, we were amazed and
horrified to find this distracting fantasy, ris-
ing, rising and gradually dissolving in the
gray mists above, while a gulf of riotous fire
and flames, climbing and tumbling, writh-
63


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
ing, seething, and hissing with the fury of
demons, yawned hideously on the spot where
it just had been.
"The horror of the situation was in no
sense lessened by seeing across this fiery pit,
looking towards their children with out-
stretched arms and faces showing infinite
misery and compassion, the forms of our
dear mother and father. Crazed with an
anxiety to reach them, we were about to cast
ourselves forward when I was awakened by
a heavy lurch of the ship to find myself sob-
bing and violently trembling."
Mary was deeply impressed by her sister's
vision, which with its thread of pathos and
tragedy binding in fatal folds the lives of
those most dear to them, was told in tones
of scarce suppressed emotion. At the con-
clusion both girls were weeping quietly
while Mary had dropped her head forward
on her sister's shoulder.
"Oh, I hope this does not mean any fur-
ther evil for us," she murmured, lifting her
head; "and perhaps, if dreams go by the
contrary, as some say, it may mean suc-
cess and happiness instead of misery."
"I truly hope so, Mary," was the prompt
reply; "but," said her sister with an audible
64



Maby and Emily Edmonson





ON THE WAY
sigh, "it is always well, to be prepared for
the worst."
"Then you do think this is a bad sign,
do you not, dear sister?" asked Mary
earnestly.
"I am afraid so, dearest, for, aside from
that, ever since brother Samuel came for
us I somehow have not been able to shake
off this feeling of impending danger; but
whatever comes," she added, "we will be
brave, for I know the Lord is with us and
that He will keep us from all harm."
A short religious service for which the
Captain's consent had been asked was now
begun, and the half hour before the mid-day
meal was passed in singing songs of praise
in softened tones and listening to words of
Scripture reading by one or another of the
younger folks of the company. But while
we are with our little band of fugitives we
must not forget the situation from which
they were fleeing or the reactions their sud-
den going left behind.
65


CHAPTER IX
CONSTERNATION BEHIND
Between the gathering of the populace
in the public square and the embarkation
of our band of fugitives an irrevocable step
had been taken. The masters who had been
bereft of their human property were almost
speechless with consternation. Such a thing
had never been heard of since the plucky
effort of Nat Turner and his associates in
Virginia. The dawn of Sunday morning
when it was expected that each household
would witness the return of its absentees,
brought only concern, vexation, disappoint-
ment, and outrage. Messengers were dis-
patched in every direction so that a
knowledge of the general loss was current
in a very little while.
A consultation of leading citizens was
hurriedly held and the adjournment of an
excited session of the outraged citizenry
was signaled by the noisy clamor of church
and fire bells, calling the male populace to
arms and to pursuit. A posse numbering
66


CONSTERNATION BEHIND
not less than a hundred men, some of them
owners, others impelled only through a feel-
ing of sympathy with the master sentiment,
gathered in short order in the vicinity of
the City Hall. The utmost excitement
prevailed, and a number of trained dogs
intermingled their yelping with the stamp-
ing of well-bred horses impatient for the
start.
A man of middle age, of massive frame,
full florid complexion and flowing, iron-
gray beard, seemed to have the general di-
rection of affairs. Upon his order the
party divided itself in four sections, and
upon the further order to move, took as
many different roads leading northward
into the country. The detachment headed
by the gentleman just described, proceeded
directly north through Fifth Street on a
brisk trot and had not yet passed the dwell-
ings farthest removed from the point of
starting, when by the direction of the
leader, the cavalcade was brought to a sud-
den halt. They were then in the vicinity of
what is now known as P Street in a neigh-
borhood where houses were scarce and the
view but infrequently broken by small one-
storied dwellings.
67


CONSTERNATION BEHIND
did, kase dere ain't nobody roun' erbout
here dat kin hoi' er can'le ter yuh when yuhs
on hossbeck."
Cartwright was considerably irritated by
what he considered an unwarranted delay
and paid but little heed to these words of
flattery. Knowing, however, that the man
was intimately associated with some of the
runaways, besides that as drayman for
many families he enjoyed exceptional op-
portunities for learning what was going
on, he had concluded from the first to find
out what Judson knew about the matter in
hand.
"Well, Judson," said he, smiling pleas-
antly, "I suppose you know all about these
fine doings your friends have been up to."
"'Deed, Mr. Cartwright," was the an-
swer, "I don' know nothin' erbout no fine
doings, but I know dis: dem niggers better
had er staid where dey wuz an' got dere
three good meals er day an' no 'sponsi-
bilities."
Cartwright's eyes sparkled and an an-
swering look of intelligence flashed from one
to another of his followers, while Judson,
perceiving the impression he had made,
threw the long, black whip with a stinging
69


CONSTERNATION BEHIND
we are without a clew and will be glad if you
will be good enough to put us on the right
track."
Judson seemed to hesitate and struck sev-
eral attitudes indicative of thoughtfulness.
Finally he pulled himself together and
spoke.
"Well, Boss, I tell yer dis, dere ain't no
use er yer goin' into de country, kase dey
ain't no mo' gone into de country den I is."
Increasing interest in an anticipated dis-
closure of vital importance had so worked
upon Cartwright's followers, that they in-
voluntarily urged their horses closer and
were now formed in a solid ring, with the
two speakers mounted as heretofore for a
centerpiece.
The feeling indeed was so tense that with-
out waiting for their leader's initiative sev-
eral of the horsemen asked in chorus,
"Which way have they gone, then?" while
from others came in threatening tones,
"Make the darky tell." "Let's take him to
the Lock-up." "Yes, don't let him play
with us in this way."
All of this had the desired effect on the
shifty little old fellow in the center of the
group. With a wave of his hand, Cart-
71


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
wright suppressed these outward signs of
impatience among his friends, and then
more harshly than he had spoken before
said to Judson:
"Now, if you've anything more to say on
this matter, say it quick, and be careful that
you tell only the truth, for this affair is a
serious one and somebody's going to suffer
before it's all over."
"'Fore God, Boss," came the instant re-
ply, "I ain't goin' to tell yer no lie, kase I's
mo' anxious den you is ter see 'em ketched.
Now dem harses is all right on lan', but dey
ain't no good on water, an' I specs dem
niggers is a hunnerd miles down de riber
by dis time if dey's ery one."
The evident candor of this statement of
Diggs, with a belief in the sincerity of his
wish that these poor fugitives might be ap-
prehended, though they could scarcely real-
ize such treachery, was apparent to all.
Without further parley, each horseman as
though acting upon an order from the
leader, wheeled about, and the next moment
Cartwright and his followers were speeding
away under whip and spur in the direction
of the river. A person happening in the
vicinity of this recent conclave at the mo-
72


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
p'raps dem boys will wish dey'd paid dat
two bits fur cartin' dere box down ter de
wharf, too. Gee up, mule, gee up! An' I
guess dat will hoi' Miss Emily, too."
Upon making inquiry at the river front
as to the vessels which had left port since
the previous afternoon, the pursuing party
learned that the schooner Pearl had dis-
appeared mysteriously during the night.
An investigation at the office of the shipping
authorities revealed the further fact that
she had not cleared in the regular way and
that she had not been expected to leave for
several days.
A hurried consultation was held and the
conclusion reached that the circumstances
were sufficiently suspicious to justify the
attempt to overtake her. Accordingly, the
first boat at hand was pressed into service
for this duty. The steamboat Salem was
tied up near by with fires banked. The cap-
tain was aboard. What could be more
providential? About two o'clock the party,
with two officers of the City Council,
steamed away down the river, determined to
bring back the fugitives, dead or alive, as
well as those who had aided and abetted
their flight.
74


CHAPTER X
SLOW PROGRESS TO FREE SOIL
The progress of the Pearl and its human
freight, seeking to reach the wide waters of
the open sea, continued steady but slow.
Captain Drayton and his two companions
anxiously watched the fleeting clouds, seek-
ing the first signs of a freshening breeze to
bear them more swiftly beyond the possi-
bility of capture, for well they knew the risk
they had incurred in so rash but noble an
undertaking. The early hours of fog and
chill had merged into an afternoon of sunny
brightness, and at the close of this Sabbath
day a beautiful twilight, which seems so
typical of the peace with which nature de-
lights to clothe herself, descended over river
and shore and the far-reaching hills.
The welcome shadows of night at length
enveloped all and at the earliest moment
advantage was taken of the fact to afford
a breath of air and exercise to the weary
pilgrims who had been strangers to these
75


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
delights for more than twenty hours. The
little group of friends with whom we are
hest acquainted soon made their way on
deck. Most of them had borne the confine-
ment and stifling atmosphere wonderfully
well, but a few of the weaker ones were vis-
ibly affected and two or three were in a
state of almost complete collapse.
Among the latter was Mary Edmonson.
Always delicate of body, with instincts of
mind and heart tender and refined, and un-
accustomed to hardships of any character,
the ordeal of these terrible hours had been
a bit of untold agony, mitigated only by the
watchful, loving care of her sister and
brothers. Samuel it was who took her in
his strong arms and bore her up the hatch-
way and placed her on the coats which the
others had spread for her comfort. She
rested here for a while perfectly, her back
against the foremast, her eyes closed wear-
ily, and head on Emily's breast. A spoon-
ful of brandy from a flask, which had
thoughtfully been included in their little
store of provisions, proved most help-
ful, and after a few moments more of
breathing the pure, fresh air, the poor girl
became more cheerful.
76


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
been whispered with trembling tones into
the uplifted hearts of her little ones, teach-
ing them that no real harm may come to
them so long as they do the will of their
Father in Heaven. Can there be wonder,
then, that the offspring of such stock as
makes up the vast majority of the Negro
Race of America should have raised the
Cross of Christ to the foremost place in the
horizon of their zeal and aspirations? More
than this, is it even probable that all the
processes of oppression conceived or yet to
be conceived in the fertile brain of dominant
humanity, can avail to stay the coming of
their day of freedom and the ultimate glory
of their triumph?
When the two girls had been made com-
fortable, Samuel, leaving Richard to care for
them, slipped away to return with a little
repast of tea, crackers, and potted meats,
which proved a more than ample feast in
their state of mind which took little thought
of food and raiment.
At the conclusion of the frugal meai,
Mary folded her hands in her lap and smil-
ingly said, "I wonder what mother's
thoughts are to-night." To which Richard
78


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
He is forging for the deliverance of His
poor children."
"That's just what I believe," said Samuel
earnestly. "Although we may suffer hard-
ships for a while, it is bound to come out
right in the end."
While this little scene was in progress a
decided change had taken place in the
weather. The little vessel, which had been
sailing along smoothly though slowly, had
now taken on a quite perceptible rise and
fall, the effects of which were easily appar-
ent in the discomfort of a number of the
women-folk and children. The shades of
night had fallen and the heavy darkness
seemed intensified by contrast with the faint
glimmer of the navigator lights, fore and
aft the ship, while over all the stars shone
brightly, and there, stretching far out to
either shore, were whitecapped breakers
chasing each other with a splash and roar.
A strong wind had also come up out of the
northwest, and with sails distended the
little craft responded to its force, and with
a graceful dip to leeward bore swiftly on
towards the open sea.
In a short while the deck was again clear
of all save those belonging to the ship's
80


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
speed possible in their crippled condition the
open sea could only be reached about three
o'clock next morning. Indications were
that outside was raging a violent storm into
which it would be dangerous to venture with
any but the stoutest and most sea-worthy
craft. As much as the Captain disliked the
thought of delay, prudence dictated it as the
only course to pursue; accordingly the little
vessel was "brought to," and a run made
for the harbor, where anchor was dropped
about 10 o'clock.
82


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAED
as swiftly as steam and tide could bring her,
there bore down upon them the pursuing
vessel. Eager eyes with powerful glasses
swept the dark expanse with straining
vision, seeking with a zeal worthy of a
better cause, to claim the honor of first sight
of the fugitive ship. At length the eye of
one keener than all the rest seems to have
reaped the reward of vigilance, for there,
at some distance to the west, standing out
like a thick dark cloud against the gloom of
the neighboring shore, appeared an object
which inspired suspicion and evoked an ex-
pression of feeling that is with difficulty
restrained within the bounds of prudence.
The word is passed from one to another,
and fifty pairs of eyes are now intently peer-
ing towards the one shadow, blacker than all
the rest, standing out distinct, yet inevitably
a part of the surrounding darkness. No tell-
tale lights are visible, no sound of life or
movement bridged the distance, yet none
there were who doubted the identity of that
yet shapeless mass, to which they now drew
nearer, with each engine throb and noisy
roar of passing wave.
Nearer and still nearer she gradually
draws, while, as if to shield more effectually
84


THE HALT IN THE STORM
the approach, the elements seem to lend
their aid in an excess of windy violence; and
now with each revolution the point towards
which their course is making, seems to take
a more definite shape; for, rising and sink-
ing with each wave of the turbulent waters
is seen the grayish painted hull of the Pearl.
A moment more, and two masts are easily
discernible. The discovery of the broken
top-mast immediately follows, and banishes
the last lingering doubt as to the identity of
the vessel.
The run alongside is accomplished with-
out detection and at a given signal, a score
of men clamber over the side. The officers,
Sayres, Drayton and English, confident in
their immunity from pursuit and wearied
from long watching since the preceding
night were slumbering peacefully in the
cabin. All at once a sound which rises far
above the whistle of the wind and surge and
roar of the angry waters, falls upon their
startled ears like some dread knell of doom;
for an instant stops the warm blood in its
course and forces upon their scarce-wakened
consciousness, the fact that all is lost, that
the bitter portion of failure with all its
dreadful penalty must be theirs to the
85


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
dreary end. With ever increasing volume
there are hurled back and forth on the rush-
ing wind, the wild huzzahs as of a hundred
voices.
"We've got 'em! We've got 'em!" rang
throughout the ship from stem to stern, in-
spiring a panic of wildest fear among the
women and children below and filling with
the strange, dull pain of disappointment
even the hearts of the bravest of the men.
A perfect frenzy of hysterical weeping,
praying and fainting among the former fol-
lows, while the men desperate and coura-
geous, ready to fight and die if needs be for
their protection and liberty, realize their
utter impotence, for without arms or means
of defense of any kind, they are indeed at
the mercy of their captors.
Almost simultaneously with their cries of
exultation, squads were formed to cover
every part of the vessel. The cabin and
hatchways were first looked after. The
former, surrounded by a cordon of armed
guards with Cartwright at the door, de-
mands surrender. Meanwhile the hoods of
the hatchways, leading to the fugitives' re-
treat, were drawn over and carefully
secured. A number of the men of the board-
86


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
uel and a few others are of that mind, while
Ephraim, Richard, and John are in opposi-
tion, as might be expected from older and
more experienced heads.
Emily and Mary plead tearfully and
eloquently for prompt and complete sub-
mission, the former clinching her argument
with the assertion that to fight would be
just what their captors desired most, as it
would afford opportunity for all kinds of
cruelty and perhaps murder; besides, she
concluded, with a tone of conviction and
prophecy:
"This is all a part of God's plan for our
deliverance and to take such a course
would look as though we had lost faith
in His promises."
This counsel, given in fervent and im-
pressive tones, won almost every one to a
course of quiet resignation, imparting
some of Emily's own implicit faith to those
less firm and trusting. Richard, the senior
of the captive crowd, led the way on deck,
followed closely by Ephraim, Samuel, and
John in the order named. Just as they
reached the top of the steps, Ephraim
jumped several feet, landing in the midst
of a squad of his captors and shouted at the
88


THE HALT IN THE STORM
top of his voice: "Do yourselves no harm,
we are all here." These words, which were
first uttered by the Apostle Paul to console
and reassure his frightened jailers, had now
a most unlooked for effect.
Ephraim was young, muscular and of
splendid proportions, and seeing him thus
by the poor light of several smoky lanterns,
with flashing eyes and swinging arms, leap-
ing into their midst, followed by others
whose numbers were unknown, some of
Cartwright's men were overcome with a
feeling of terror and dropped their guns and
scurried away to find shelter among the dark
shadows of the ship. By the time the others
reached the deck the shock of Ephraim's
strange appearance had somewhat worn off,
and at the moment they stepped out of the
hatchway, a sharp blow, which but for a sud-
den lurch of the vessel would have laid him
low, took Samuel on the side of the head
and by glancing spent its force against the
back of John.
The three prisoners who were witnesses
of this incident were so horrified to think
that these poor creatures might be brutally
murdered, without having so much as a pen-
knife with which to defend themselves, that
89


CHAPTER XII
HOPES BLASTED
The most cherished hopes of life are often
blasted, and the stream of progress that has
seemed to bear us onward is checked, turned
backward, violently it may be, by a tidal
wave of cruel and opposing force. Yet, how
else, were it not for these same evidences of
a perverse fate, might mankind hope to rise
to that high plane upon which noble lives
are lived: sorrow, suffering, disappointment
and their kindred ills are rounds in the lad-
der of experience by which we climb with
persistent grip and tireless, steady tread,
and from some bright eminence streams
down a radiant influence to mark the up-
ward way for frail and less determined
brothers.
How near indeed would a blessed Arcadia
be, could we but truthfully say, the great
majority of our human kind are of such
nobility that:
Though fettered by unhappy circumstance,
They stand enthroned on lofty height,
91


HOPES BLASTED
enty souls from whom the hope of freedom
had been so ruthlessly snatched. Among
them now there were but few who were not
completely crushed and broken, their minds
seething torrents in which regret, misery,
and despair made battle for the mastery.
Children, weeping and wailing, clung to
the skirts of their elders, the women with
shrieks, groans, and tearful lamentations de-
plored their sad fate, while the men securely
chained, wrist and wrist together, stood with
heads dropped forward, too dazed and
wretched for aught but to turn their stony
gaze within, upon the wild anguish of their
aching hearts.
Among those least affected, manifesting
little excitement over the strange and sur-
prising turn affairs had taken, was the ever
brave and courageous little Emily. Even
Emily's sturdy spirit and abiding faith were
far from proof against this most serious and
sad reverse; yet withal, the misery, sorrow,
and disappointment of her companions ap-
pealed to her more strongly than the dis-
astrous stroke suffered by her own personal
fortunes and those of her brothers and sis-
ter. She felt that every move in the chang-
ing scenes of their lives was an essential
93


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAKL
part in the plans of the Allwise for their
final deliverance, and with this feeling it
was both easy and natural for her to go
about among her sorrowful companions, en-
deavoring with words of hope and consola-
tion to pluck the thorn from their wounded
spirits and out of the depths of deep despair
lift their drooping hopes once more into the
light.
No one now thought of again seeking that
rest which was so sadly needed and which
had but a little while ago been so rudely dis-
turbed, save the several children whose
tender years made them immune to the sor-
rows which banished sleep from the eyes of
their elders. These slept, indeed, restfully
and peacefully, unmindful of an event so
tragic in its scope and influence, which had
but just gone into history and of which they
were the most innocent part. Thrice blessed
in truth is this golden epoch of life, the lus-
ter of which all the accumulated hosts of
misfortunes and trials are in no way able to
diminish, and which stands out amid the
storms and clouds of after years, like the
glorious flush of a first bright, rosy dawn.
Somewhat removed from the several
groups of slaves who were bewailing their
94


HOPES BLASTED
sad fate, there sat or more accurately,
crouched upon the deck just within the
shadow of the one feeble binnacle lamp
which relieved the darkness of the lower
deck, a poor woman named Eliza Brown.
Aunt Eliza she was called by every one,
white and black alike. The sound of free-
dom's note had also fallen with intoxicating
sweetness on her ears; and in spite of more
than threescore years of hardship, she had
cast in her lot with the younger folks to se-
cure this sovereign balm, to solace what of
life might yet remain to her.
Emily approached Aunt Eliza when the
latter was rocking to and fro, with head bent
to her knees, about which her hands were
clasped, while a continuous and most piteous
moaning sound escaped her lips. Kneeling
by her side, Emily tenderly placed an arm
about her and said with soothing accent,
much as one would employ in speaking to a
little child:
"Don't be so sad, dear Aunt Eliza, a bet-
ter time will come by and by."
The swaying motion of the frail body
ceased for a moment, but without looking
up, for the-old soul had instantly recognized
the voice of her young friend, she said:
95


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAKL
"Yes, by and by, dat's right—de sweet
by and by, an' it's not fur off fur po' Aunt
TLiza, neder."
"Oh, no," continued Emily, "you must
not be so despondent, for you know how long
the children of Israel were trying to get out
of the land of bondage, and the same Lord
who befriended them is leading us, but you
know He must do it His own way, for He
knows best and His way is always the right
way."
"Yes, chile, you's sholy right, but I's
pow'ful dis'pinted all de same, fur it's orful
hard ter be fetched back ter de same ol' life
I's libed fer mo' dan sixty yar, an' jes fer
de low down trick uv some rascal what ain'
got er heart in he body ez big ez er flea."
"Why, how's that, Aunt Eliza? What do
you mean?" inquired Emily.
"What, don't yer know chile, dat dis is de
work uv dat nigger, Jud' Diggs, jes ez sho
ez you's bo'n it is."
Thereupon seeing that her little friend
was not familiar with the circumstance, she
related the cause of Judson's treachery, how
the boys had employed him to take their box
to the wharf and on arriving there them-
selves, found they were without the means
96


HOPES BLASTED
to pay for the hauling. They had, however,
endeavored to soothe his disappointment
and encouraged him to wait until they
should reach Philadelphia, when they had
promised to send him a dollar out of their
first earnings.
"But," said Emily, reluctant to believe
such treachery possible, "I don't think any
one could be so low as that. Doubtless our
misfortunes have come about from a far
different source."
"Well," said the old lady, shaking her
head solemnly, "its mighty good ter think
dat way, an' yer innercen' heart ain' nebber
seed much ob de deceit an' meanness ob de
worl', but it's jes lak ah tell yer; dat ole
Diggs, he tell dem he fix 'em f er dat money,
and he's done gone done it."
Emily was little less than horrified at the
depth of wickedness and criminal mischief
disclosed by the old woman's view of the
matter, and while she was inclined at first to
doubt the existence of such heartless treach-
ery, the serious tone of conviction with
which the event had been described swept
away all unbelief. And although she con-
tinually asked herself, can this be true, there
came no satisfactory answer, and she felt
97


CHAPTER XIII
GRIEF AT HOME
Following the sudden departure of the
Edmonson children on their quest of free-
dom, their parents had remained at the
home of the Brents, knowing full well that
whatever should be the outcome of the ad-
venture, the news would sooner reach them
there. So, for this season of terrible anxiety,
their little home in the country, common-
place and lowly though it was, yet withal,
sacred to them as the altar of their devoted
love and unalloyed affection, was abandoned
in order that they might the sooner learn the
fate of those so dear to them.
The hours immediately following the de-
parture on Saturday night dragged wearily
along. Every moment bore a silent prayer
on its upward way, and each thought was
burdened with the hope that the absent ones
might be kept safe from harm and misfor-
tune. The demonstration of a few days ago
in praise and support of the attitude of a
99


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAKL
friendly foreign country on the subject of
human liberty, was, so far as concerned the
capital of the nation, enveloped entirely in
the shadow of the active interpretation
placed upon it by those seventy and seven
unhappy slaves. The whole community
stood aghast—bewildered: the master class
saw in the movement a formidable entering
wedge, which could not fail to split in twain
the gnarled and unyielding rail of slavery.
The slaves themselves, suspended between
hope and fear for the result of this altogether
stupendous movement, took counsel among
themselves in whispered intercourse, and
tremblingly awaited the issue.
As had been the custom for some time
previously, a number of earnest Christians
assembled at the home of the Brents on the
Sabbath morning, and engaged in reli-
gious services. The little community which
formed the nucleus of membership for a
later organization known as the John Wes-
ley A. M. E. Zion Church, was composed of
the most intelligent colored persons in the
west-end section, both slave and free. The
number of the spiritually inclined was con-
siderably increased at this service, presum-
ably under influence of the very serious and
100



John and Elizabeth Bkent
From a crayon drawing by Frederick D. Freeman, a grandson.





GRIEF AT HOME
unusual affair in which all were most deeply
concerned. The spiritual temper, as shown
in prayer and exhortation, was never more
fervent or animated. The feelings of the
congregation found a more informal outlet,
when at the conclusion of the service the
members lingered about the rooms or on the
outside in earnest conversation.
It was perhaps about one o'clock when
Mr. Brent, who as deacon of the organiza-
tion was standing in his doorway, commend-
ing the last of the departing brethren and
sisters to the merciful care of their Heavenly
Master, that Judson Diggs and Caesar came
in view. Approaching at a brisk trot, he was
speeding by with a scant nod of recognition,
when a loud call from Mr. Brent induced
him, though with evident reluctance, to
bring Cassar to a standstill.
Mr. Brent, with the small remnant of his
flock attending him, walked over to the cart.
The thing uppermost in their minds was to
find out what Judson knew about the one
subject of evershadowing importance. He
on his part was quite aware of this desire
and although the day was as mild and pleas-
ant as a day in early spring should be,
he felt extremely uncomfortable—beads of
101


GRIEF AT HOME
effect, for he glared around fiercely into the
faces of those about him, sat bolt upright on
the seat and said angrily:
"What d'ya s'pose I know erbout de
Pearl? You know she's gone down de rib-
ber same ez I does, an' I reckon dere ain' no
messige come back fum her yit."
"Tut! Tut!" came the soothing reply.
"Don't be angry, brother. Yer know we's
all cullud folks togeder, an' we can't make
much headway 'less we bear one anoder's
burdens."
"Dats all right too, but I's ben barin' oder
peoples burdins tel I's mos' bent double, an'
it's erbout time now I wuz lookin' arter
Judson."
"I never thought you wuz one to slight
yerself overmuch; but, knowin' yer bizness
takes yer in an' out among the 'quality,' we
thought yer might have heered what's on de
carpet about de Pearl."
The old fellow seemed to hesitate for a
moment before replying, and then blurted
out as though it was something he was anx-
ious to get through with.
"Well I knows dis, dey better not lose no
time, fer deys red hot after dem sho's yer
bo'n. Der's Majah Cartwright an' a whole
103


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
lot er men on hoss back has gone tearin'
down to de wharf an' I specs nothin' else
dey'11 take one ob dem steam-boats an' foiler
em ez fas' ez dey can go."
These words fell on the little group with
the force of an exploding shell. No one had
dreamed that the enemy would so soon be-
come acquainted with the means of escape,
yet here, scarcely more than twelve hours
removed, they were said to be in full pursuit.
How did it come about that they had thought
of the river? Was it possible that some one
had betrayed the plot? If so, who could it
have been?
These questions with numerous others not
less pertinent were fired at Brother Diggs
in rapid succession, while several of the
women folks, becoming very much excited
through desperation at their inability to ac-
count for the leakage of news, had the hardi-
hood to insinuate that Diggs was no bet-
ter than he ought to be and that they should
not be at all surprised if it turned out that
he himself had betrayed the plot.
The news of the pursuit when imparted to
the family on the return of Father Brent to
the house precipitated a feeling of impend-
ing disaster, which speedily transformed the
104


GRIEF AT HOME
household, hitherto so hopeful of the out-
come, into one of sadness and mistrust. The
old folks, with that faith which abides with
the true believer through every season of
distress and gloom, took fresh courage, born
of implicit trust in the Divinity which
shapes all ends, and awaited the issue with
that resignation, which more than all else,
so beautifully realizes the highest ideal of a
Christian.
As early as Sunday evening, the city
began to show signs of that dangerously ex-
cited condition which was soon to threaten
the permanent peace and well being of the
community. The runaway slaves were the
topic of conversation in every house and on
every corner of the city. The fact that they
had all been well treated—were slaves in
name only, was widely commented on and
resulted in the generally expressed opinion,
that they must be a bad lot anyway, and if
brought back should be sent to the Southern
slave market and made to realize to the full
the real horrors and worst conditions of
slavery. Already these proud citizens had
ceased to remember the many beautiful and
noble words used but a day or two before in
praise of the instinctive love of Americans
105


GRIEF AT HOME
Repeated demonstrations on the part of
the mob were in evidence, but nothing more
serious than broken window panes resulted,
chiefly perhaps because no intelligent or re-
sponsible head was willing to assume com-
mand and shoulder the possible conse-
quences. The river front, however, was the
focus towards which the common interest
flowed. Whether or not the hated Pearl
with its "renegade crew" and fleeing slaves
would be overhauled was the anxious query
on every lip.
107


CHAPTER XIV
THE RETTJEN TO WASHINGTON
Long before the hour of noon on that
memorable Monday in April it seemed as
though the entire city had taken holiday and
was more wildly excited than when doing
honor, just a few days before, to the sister
Republic of France, over her conver-
sion to the principles of universal free-
dom. "Freedom for France! Slavery for
Free America!" Was this the curious and
contradictory slogan to which they rallied?
But what an outpouring of all classes
there was to witness the misery of those
poor unhappy souls. It seemed as if some
swift winged messenger had carried the tid-
ings, for people from remote country places
were on hand as well as those in easy reach.
The news of the flight had traveled far and
wide, and the curiosity to see the point of
departure, it may be supposed, drew the
masses thither. Once on the ground, curios-
ity kept them chained to the neighborhood,
108


THE RETURN TO WASHINGTON
these disquieting scenes, to allay the tumult
and call man to reason and his better self.
While proceeding thus, an onlooker said
to them:
"Are you not ashamed to run away and
make all this trouble for everybody?"
To this Emily replied, "No, sir, we are
not, and if we had to go through it again,
we'd do the same thing."
Among the silent, though anxious watch-
ers of the progress of events, was Mr. Brent,
but the harrowing scene in which those so
dear to him were ignominiously paraded in
fetters was so terrible to his tender heart
that he fell in a heavy swoon and was carried
home insensible.
After the fugitives had been lodged in
jail the formality of making oath to their
property by the owners was proceeded with
according to the law of the day. As may be
imagined, the Edmonsons had won the es-
teem of all who knew them, so that it is not
surprising that an effort was immediately
put on foot to accomplish their purchase.
To this end a number of persons called at
the jail and were promised by the guardian
of the children that they would be granted
such an opportunity the next morning.
ill


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
Meanwhile the slave-dealers, Bruin and
Hill, owners of the large slave pen at Alex-
andria, were on the ground and, by the offer
of a cash sum of $4,500 for the six children,
completed their irrevocable purchase some
time during the night. When the friends
and relatives appeared according to agree-
ment early the following morning, this sad
fact stared them in the face, and to any and
all terms which they proposed, Bruin re-
mained obdurate. The lady with whom
Mary had lived offered for her $1,000, which
he likewise refused, saying he could get
double that amount in the New Orleans
market.
During the stay of the fugitives in the
prison in Washington considerable hardship
was experienced by the children, especially
the girls, as only the most meager necessities
of life were to be found there. More par-
ticularly was this true at night as the chilli-
ness of the air, together with the fact that
there were no chairs or beds and only one
blanket allowed them, rendered their condi-
tion one of exceeding discomfort. With that
tender solicitude and self-effacement so nat-
ural to womankind in their relation to those
most dear to them, the sisters, learning that

112


THE RETURN TO WASHINGTON
their brothers, confined in the dark, damp
cellars below, were permitted no covering of
any sort, sent their own blankets down to
them.
They remained here until Thursday, and
shortly before midnight of that day the
brothers were handcuffed and with the girls
were taken by their new owner in carriages
and driven to Alexandria. Here it was they
first made the acquaintance of a Georgia
Pen and spent the remaining hours of the
night alone in a large, dark room, totally
devoid of the most ordinary comforts, pray-
ing amid sobs and tears for the daylight
which it seemed to them would never come.
A great consolation, however, was afforded
them, when at length after hours of the most
terrible mental agony and physical suffer-
ing, they were shown to another building
for breakfast and to their intense delight
found their four brothers seated at the table.
Their stay here, Samuel has often said,
was to him, the most miserable of all that
unhappy time. It seemed to him, but for
the habit of prayer, which was a kind of
second nature to all the children, he must
have become crazed, for he taxed himself
with the feeling of personal responsibility
113


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAKL
for all their ills. He was thus forced to see
his sisters day after day for more than a
month performing unaccustomed tasks and
in some instances those of a most revolting
nature. The washing for more than a dozen
men fell to their lot, but in this, as in all
other requirements, their brothers took upon
themselves as large a share of the labor as
was possible and would have performed the
whole, had such a thing been permitted.
Samuel would often give way to the most
bitter grief, saying he would gladly die for
them, if by so doing he might save them
from the horrible fate which awaited them.
But the tide of events was moving along
with mysterious and resistless force towards
an ocean of possibilities which no human
mind could fathom. None indeed save the
Great Master Pilot, Who knows each sand-
bar and dangerous rock in the sea of human
life—Who never slumbers or sleeps, but
with a firm hand on the wheel, sends the
ship off or brings her up to her true course,
could foresee the character of the voyage
upon which these poor children had em-
barked, nor indeed the harbor of ultimate
peace and honorable content just a little fur-
ther along.
114


THE RETURN TO WASHINGTON
In the meantime the officers in charge of
the ship were imprisoned. The case against
Drayton and Sayres was prosecuted by
Philip Barton Key, the District Attorney,
before Judge Crawford, and on appeal the
prisoners were sentenced to pay a fine of
$10,000 and to remain in jail until the same
should be paid. English was absolved from
all criminal responsibility and given his
liberty. After an imprisonment of more
than four years they were pardoned by
President Fillmore, to whom such applica-
tion had been presented by Charles Sumner.
The fare at the jail was insufficient and of
poor quality, and a more wholesome and
generous diet was frequently surreptitiously
furnished them by Susannah Ford, a colored
woman, who sold lunches in the lobby of the
Court House.
115


CHAPTER XV
THE TREACHERY AVENGED
The return of the fugitive slaves was not
without its effect in another direction.
Whereas the popular demonstration seemed
entirely in support of the owner class, there
was underlying all a substratum of senti-
ment, which though quiet and carefully
guarded, was none the less strong in favor
of the poor slaves. As might be expected a
considerable feeling of resentment was en-
tertained by the whole Negro population
against the one who was primarily respon-
sible for the capture. It was commonly un-
derstood and believed, that, but for Judson
Diggs, all of these fugitives would have
made good their escape, and instead of being
now prisoners as well as slaves, they would
have in due time been permitted to breathe
the air of a free land.
Now, all was changed. There had de-
scended upon them the horrible blackness
of despair, and there loomed on the horizon
116


THE TREACHERY AVENGED
of their expectations, only the unutterable
miseries of the slave pen and auction block.
!As for the wretch who had wrought all this
mischief, who had taken upon himself to
consign these men, women and children to*
so fearful and heartless a doom, what indeed
must have been his state of mind? By what
means did he satisfy his outraged con-
science? By what sophistries of reason did
he convince his inmost being of the rectitude
of so unnatural a deed and justify so devil-
ish a piece of treachery?
The poor, pitiful little mite of twenty-five
cents or the indignant repudiation by a good
and beautiful young girl scarcely more than
a child, of attentions on his part, which
could but be both ridiculous and repulsive,
were each or both doubtless the incentive,
but that is only a more pitiable reality to
indicate the degradation to which mankind
may descend. The right to life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness of these seventy-
seven souls, was thus actually bartered for a
piece of silver, and irrevocably lost in re-
taliation for the righteous denial of an un-
holy and unnatural wish. Probably some
idea of the enormity of his transgression
may have come home to Diggs when he saw
117


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
those miserable and unhappy people hurried
away in chains to prison. He had been seen
on the wharf by a number of persons, but
when the reaction of sentiment turned to
demand the punishment of him who had
performed the deed of treachery, he could
nowhere be found. In all charity, may we
not take this as some evidence of a possible
sense of shame and regret on his part 1
The feeling against Diggs, however, was
soon intense and threats of vengeance were
to be heard on every hand. The old folk
without directly encouraging the movement
were loud in their denunciation, and their
words were easily construed as sympathy
for whatever form of punishment might be
suggested. The younger element, among
whom were many of the relatives of the cap-
tives, were strong in their purpose of re-
venge and needed no encouragement to visit
upon the head of the culprit the just wrath
of the outraged colored population.
Diggs had long since ceased to mingle in
friendly intercourse with his old associates
and had abandoned altogether the various
religious meetings held at Brother Brent's
home. Some said his money was turning his
head, others that he was afraid of missing
118


THE TREACHERY AVENGED
an opportunity to make a dime, while there
were still others who thought the old fellow
was losing his mind. Whether or not these
various opinions reached Diggs is not in
evidence, but certain it is they influenced
him neither one way nor another, for he and
Cassar kept right on in the even tenor of
their busy lives and to all outward seeming
cared not the value of a fig what folks
thought of them.
It was on a Saturday evening following
the "Return" and the subsequent deporta-
tion of the Edmonsons to the slave pen at
Alexandria, that a party of youngsters,
numbering a dozen or more, and of an age
between fourteen and twenty, had managed
to get together for a brief season of sport.
The place was on the bank of a small stream,
at a point midway the square bounded by
L and M Streets, Connecticut Avenue and
Eighteenth, which in those days was a tribu-
tary of old Rock Creek and flowed eastward
through the city. A brother of the boys for
whom Diggs had hauled the box to the wharf
was in the party. They had been playing
at leap-frog and other games popular in that
day, and had about concluded in time to re-
turn to their duties, when they spied the
119


THE TREACHERY AVENGED
Diggs was beside himself with anger. He
pranced about in the cart, shook his fists at
the boys and sputtered and stammered in-
coherently.
"Come on now and get out, you old tale-
teller; we're going to give you something
else to take to the white folks," said the old-
est boy in the party.
Diggs declined the invitation and yelled at
the top of his voice:
"You gib me dem reins dis minit, how
dare youse stop me in my lawful business,
I'll repote ebery moder's son ob yer ter de
Majah, an' he'll fix yer, yer young var-
munts."
"Dats er nuf outer de ole rascal, le's pull
him out an' be done widit," said another one
of the crowd.
This was easier said than done for when
they essayed to climb into the cart he kicked
right and left so viciously as to hold them at
bay for several minutes. At length one ag-
gressive youngster grabbed him by the foot,
and in a little while he was struggling
against his fate, securely held to the floor of
the cart. He was then lifted out fighting
desperately, but was soon quiet through
121


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
sheer exhaustion, showing his deep distress
and rage, however, by continued foaming
at the mouth and excessive hard breathing.
They were now only a few yards distant
from the bank of the stream, the victim car-
ried along by four of the boys while the
others clamored around, probing him with
sticks, derisively hooting and jeering. Diggs
now seemed to realize that he was powerless
in their hands and true to his principles of
action made a complete change of front.
From abuse and defiance, he essayed to ef-
fect his deliverance by cajolery and flattery.
"Now boys, let de ole man go, I knows yer
jes playin', anr it's all in fun. Ha! Ha!
Ha!" he laughed. "Let me go now, dats
good boys. I knows boys will be boys."
"Yes, we'll let you go," came the reply
in tones of irony, "right into the branch
too, at that. Come on boys, let's finish him
up."
With this they approached within a few
feet of the bank. Seeing that his last effort
would not save him, the poor wretch began
to whine and beseech them not to throw him
into the cold water.
"I knows it'll be de def o' me, kase I aint
122


THE TREACHERY AVENGED
use ter sich doin's, an' I knows yer don'
wan' ter kill er po' ole man like me."
The fellow who had him by the shoulders
then yelled in his ear: "What did you do
to them people on de Pearl? You didn't
have no pity on them, did you? Come on,
boys, here he goes," he concluded, as they
rushed towards the edge of the bank.
"Oh, Lor'! Oh, Lor'! hoi' on boys, I'll
gib yer er hunnerd dollars ef yer lemme go."
For answer, as if by prearrangement, two
lines were formed down the side of the bank,
a few feet apart and reaching to the edge
of the stream. All at once without further
warning, he was rolled over and down the
line to the last two, who gave him the final
push, which landed him splashing in the
water. The deepest part was less than four
feet but his immersion was as effectual as if
it had been twenty. Regaining almost im-
mediately his hands and feet he spluttered
and snorted about in the water with as much
fuss as a shaggy dog emerging from a river
plunge. But he was then pelted with dirt
and stones, until, by a happy thought he took
himself out of range, to the shelter of the
little bridge hard by. Under cover of dark-
ness the poor creature, chilled, miserable
123


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
and bruised, lay down in his frail, old cart
and relied on the instinct of the stubborn,
though faithful Cassar, the only thing in the
city he might call his friend, to find the way
homeward.
124


CHAPTER XVI
ANTI-SLAVERY CIRCLES AROUSED
The years preceding the close of the first
half of the Nineteenth Century, being the
period in which the clash of contending
opinions was most violent, is perhaps the
most interesting as well as the most turbu-
lent of any from the time of the foundation
of the Republic to the dissolution of the
Union. Perhaps, too, no other event lent
its influence in such great measure to
strengthen and solidify the forces for aboli-
tion as the attempted escape and subsequent
capture of the fugitives of the Pearl.
At a meeting of the American Anti-
Slavery Society held about this time, Wil-
liam Lloyd Garrison said, among other per-
tinent things, that the recent capture of
seventy-seven slaves in the District of Colum-
bia and their noble-hearted friends would
bring up the question whether slavery ex-
isted in that territory. He rejoiced that they
had made the attempt, and though he was
-
125


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
not unmindful of the increased suffering to
which many of them would be subjected, he
also rejoiced that they were retaken, and
that the Chaplain of the Senate and a rep-
resentative of the Church went into the cars
as they were about to take their last fare-
well of their homes for the South and
fraternized with the slave-buyers. "It was
frank and honest and was an exhibition of
the state of the times in which we live. These
slaves would draw the attention and sym-
pathy of the nation after them in their
lonely pilgrimage to the South. He was
glad that one of these slaves belonged to
the President, for we had thus the represen-
tative of the nation as well as the Church
pledged to slavery."
At this meeting, spoke Frederick Doug-
lass, who had already attracted the attention
of the civilized world to his remarkable
career, and also Lucretia Mott; both re-
ceived great applause. So it happens, that
about the cause of freedom for the slave,
within the shadow of which all else was
hopelessly obscured, there was gathered the
best material of the age—the flower of the
highest chivalry and culture in the land.
Garrison, Phillips, Love joy, Tappan and
126


ANTI-SLAVERY CIRCLES AROUSED
such persons of lofty ideals battled against
wrong and injustice, lending every fiber of
their strength to the overthrow of the sys-
tem whose influence was equally baneful to
humanity and a united country. Aiding
with pen and voice was the small body of
brave and intelligent colored men such
as Purvis, Ward, Pennington, Garnet, and
Still, who labored vigorously and unceas-
ingly throughout the long twilight which
preceded the dawn of freedom.
These were, indeed, men fashioned in
heroic mold, men whose noble championing
of the most oppressed of mankind has given
to history the brightest of its many golden
pages and enriched with their illustrious
names the emblazoned scroll of the world's
immortals. The procession of events in
this the greatest question ever before the
American people was now leading gradually
to the point whence the outlook was indeed
gloomy for the well-being of the nation—
when the earnest thought of the most bril-
liant minds of the country was given to the
question involved in the extension or aboli-
tion of slavery.
The United States Congress, embracing
representatives from all sections of the coun-
127


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
try, was the central battle ground. The
struggle was intensely bitter and often
tragic. The clash of opinions reechoed
throughout the national domain, and the
governments of Europe, from the lofty
height of imperial power and privilege,
viewed with increasing interest the desper-
ate malady which might precede the death
agony of the Republic. The first number of
Mr. Garrison's paper the Liberator, issued
in Boston on January 1, 1831, heralded its
purposes in this motto: "My country is the
World,—My Countrymen are All Man-
kind. '' A most fitting message of hope, bear-
ing comfort and cheer to the lowly and op-
pressed of every race, wherever found. In
its declaration of principles, its fearless and
aggressive owner boldly announced, in the
face of what was then almost universal
apathy on the subject of slavery, this senti-
ment, "I am in earnest. I will not equivo-
cate, I will not excuse, I will not retreat a
single inch and I will be heard."
That he was in earnest, that he did not
equivocate, did not excuse and that he was
heard, is as evident to-day as that the coun-
try itself exists. It is much to the credit of
the Negro as a race, that the first substantial
128


ANTI-SLAVEEY CIRCLES AROUSED
support received by Mr. Garrison in the
publication of the Liberator, came from
James Forten, a wealthy colored man of
Philadelphia. Mr. Forten sent $50 with the
names of twenty-five subscribers; and with
this incentive, the journal entered on its un-
exampled career of usefulness. From the
first number in January, 1831, it was issued
without interruption, until December, 1865,
when after thirty-five years of conflict with
the slave power, it recorded a ratification of
an amendment to the Constitution of the
United States, forever prohibiting the ex-
istence of slavery.
The sorrow and hardship of the position
in which the Edmonsons were now placed
was no doubt felt most keenly by their dear
old parents, Paul and Amelia. As has been
already related, a brother-in-law of the
children, overcome by his feelings at the
sight of his relatives being borne away to
prison in chains, was carried home in a dead
faint. When later on he was able to relate it,
the poor parents listened to the sad story,
amid tears and lamentations. The mother
became a veritable Rachel weeping for her
children, and would not be comforted be-
cause they were not. The terrible conviction
129


ANTI-SLAVERY CIRCLES AROUSED
and in all circumstances they were most kind
and attentive, and would tenderly carry her
out on deck whenever the heat in their close
quarters became too oppressive, and buy
whatever little comforts were in their reach
to minister in all possible ways to the sister's
relief. Apart from the circumstances of re-
straint imposed by their numbers and lack
of adequate accommodations, the voyage as
far as the Carolinas was pleasant enough
from a purely physical standpoint. Those
of them who were able to control the mu-
tinous symptoms of their internal organism
as to be able to partake of food, were plenti-
fully, though coarsely, provided for.
But at this point in their progress, ad-
verse winds, blowing with increasing vio-
lence, drove them far out of their course, so
that their arrival in the vicinity of Key
West was very much delayed. Meetings for
prayer were nightly held in which the bur-
den of their petition was that the winds,
which seemed in league with their better
fortunes, might shape the course to New
York instead of New Orleans. Their condi-
tion had aroused much sympathy among the
sailors, who as a class are ever broadminded
and liberal, and much given to take the part
133


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
of the under dog in any kind of fight. One
of them promised Samuel, that if they were
blown within a hundred miles of the former
port and the slaves would back him up, he
would put the Captain out of the way and
pilot them in himself. The serious wish to
befriend and an impulse evincing so gen-
erously the tender side of our human nature
was not without a consoling influence, and
doubtless aided materially in a revival of
faith and hopefulness. A translation of this
wish into action was not permitted, for in
due time, after repeated signaling for a'
pilot to guide them safely past the dangers
of the Keys, a boat of the class desired was
seen approaching, and its master with the
captain of the brig were soon parleying as
to terms.
134


CHAPTER XVII
SUFFERING AND WAITING
During the controversy which followed
between the Captain of the Pearl and the
pilot over the price of the latter's services,
much discomfort and actual suffering was
endured by the slaves, who as a matter of
precaution against possible evidence of slave
traffic, had been hurriedly stowed below
deck. A heavy canvas hood was then
thrown over the closely grated hatchway,
precluding all possible circulation of air.
Imprisoned in the narrow confines of this
miserable hole, with every vestige of light
and air excluded, their situation was pain-
ful. The intense natural heat of the day,
a necessary adjunct of the latitude through
which they were now sailing, reenforced by
the stifling between-deck atmosphere of an
old hulk, with its accumulated odors of con-
centrated filth emanating from each un-
caulked seam and gaping crevice, produced
an atmosphere of suffocation and utter help-
lessness.
135


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAKL
To relieve the situation in some degree,
the men punched holes in the canvas and
struggled with each other for a position near
the opening. The women shouted or fainted
according as their strength waxed or waned,
and in all respects a pandemonium of hys-
terics, suffering and excitement reigned
throughout the pilot's interview, which
seemed so much prolonged. When it was at
length concluded by the pilot's refusal of
assistance and final departure, the hatchway
was uncovered and the poor unfortunates,
as each one gathered strength, crawled back
to the light and air of the upper deck.
Mary and Emily were acute sufferers dur-
ing this interval, while the boys with all
their hardihood showed by haggard looks
and feeble movements the effects of the ter-
rible half hour all had endured. As soon as
the latter were able, the sisters were carried
on deck and in due course the tide of life
and health resumed its normal flow. The
inability to agree as to terms of pilotage
forced the Captain to abandon the direct
route which the ship was now holding and
bring her up on another course, in which the
dangerous Keys need not be reckoned with.
This action prolonged the passage several
136


SUFFERING AND WAITING
days, and before the destined port was
reached, the scarcity of food had brought
starvation within the range of gruesome pos-
sibility. The imminent failure of the water
supply made necessary the restriction of the
slaves' allowance to a gill a day. The sailors
were each allowed a quart and true to their
generous impulses a pint of this was donated
each day to the Edmonson boys for the com-
fort of their sisters.
Finally in addition to the miseries already
detailed, was added the horror of a violent
storm, which they ran into early on the
morning of their arrival at the mouth of the
Mississippi. The voyage from the start had
been over smooth seas with only that long
and rippleless swell which, while a serious
and effectual promoter of seasickness, in-
fused in some degree a reasonable sense of
security in these unhappy voyagers of the
sea. The boundless water with its dazzling
daylight sheen and nightly phosphor glow,
stretching out to meet the bending starlit
sky, impressed these untutored souls as a
mighty Apocalypse, unfolding to their un-
tried vision the glory and beauty of Creation
as well as the marvelous power of the
Creator.
137


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
The violence of the storm in which they
found themselves, produced something far
more intense and weighty than a sense of
mere physical fear; the feeling that, not only
were they themselves, unqualifiedly depend-
ent upon the Great Ruler of the Universe,
but that their masters, the powerful and in-
disputable arbiters of their physical being,
were no less so. This impressed them pro-
foundly. They saw these, their boastful
owners, with strained and eager eyes, and
blanched and frightened visage, powerless,
even as they, before this startling manifesta-
tion of Omnipotence, as from out the black,
low-hanging clouds, came the frightful thun-
der of the tempest, with mountains of water
threatening to engulf—the creak and groan
of straining timbers. But to them through
it all there seemed to come a still, small voice
of love and compassion, threatening a con-
suming wrath to their oppressors, and for
themselves a promise of the unspeakable
joys of a new and changed existence.
During the first days of the voyage the
ship had bowled along with sails all set and
filled with a breeze more than moderately
stiff. With no employment other than such
as was necessary for their personal comfort
138


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
"Sammy, do you see this great water that
is all around us now?"
"Of course I see it, sister," came the
reply, "but come, tell us what you are think-
ing about."
"Well," she answered, "I have been
thinking of the wonderful power of the
Good Lord, Who controls each and every
drop that goes to make up its vast body.
He could in the flash of an eye whip its
placid surface into the rage and fury of a
tempest, and yet how blind men are, who
will risk not only life but their very souls
in such traffic as that which so terribly per-
secutes us."
"Yes, child," replied he, "but you must
know that men will stop at nothing if money
is to be gained, and nowadays there's more
money in selling folks like us than in any-
thing else. Most of them that do it call
themselves Christians, and make believe
they think it's right. Why, I heard old
Bruin say one Sunday, when a brother
trader had brought him what he called a
'likely darky woman,' 'You'll have to see
me to-morrow, 'cause I took communion this
mornin', an' I never talk business after com-
munion.'"
140


SUFFERING AND WAITING
"Don't you think some of them are honest
when they profess to believe they have a
right to do as they do?" asked Mary.
"No, I don't, for there's some strange
thing in the eye of man that you don't find
in that of any other created thing. I don't
know what to call it or how to describe it,
but it's just as though the Almighty had
made the eye His earthly agent to connect
His Divinity with the souls of men."
"Why is it then," asked Mary, "that so
many disregard this very thing which as
you say, all men must recognize?"
"Well men are strongheaded, and they
don't do right because they believe it is to
their interest to do the other thing, but just
as sure as we live, sister, the people who are
making trade of broken hearts and human
sorrows will reap the whirlwind one of these
days, and nobody knows how soon it will
be."
"My heart tells me you are right, Sammy,
for what a comforting thought it is to feel
that we may leave it all in His hands, know-
ing full well that whatever comes, the Savior
will give us strength to bear it."
Emily had been listening intently to the
earnest words of her brother and sister, with
141


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
a far away look in her large brown eyes, and
as the latter concluded, she clasped her
hands over her bosom and said with impres-
sive accent:
"Oh, children, I see mother now; she
is on her knees praying for us. Yes, dear
mother," she continued, as though the one
addressed was with them in the flesh, "we
will all kneel and pray with you."
And amid sobs and tears which burst forth
uncontrolled from every eye, each one knelt
under the open sky amid that dreary waste
of water, and lifted up their hearts with the
mother spirit in fervent, silent prayer.
After a few moments, while they were still
kneeling, Emily began singing in soft sweet
tones, and one by one the others joined until
losing sight of their surroundings, a full,
grand chorus of pathetic harmonies, tuned
to the sad, sweet song of the captive Jews
by the waters of Babylon, floated upward
and away, a melodious expression of con-
stancy and Christian resignation:
"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat
down,
Yea, we wept, when we remembered
Zion.
142


SUFFERING AND WAITING
We hanged our harps upon the willow
in the midst thereof.
For they that carried us away captive
required of us a song and they that
wasted us required of us mirth, saying,
Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How
shall we sing the Lord's song in a
strange land % If I forget thee, 0 Jeru-
salem, let my right hand forget her cun-
ning. If I do not remember thee, let my
tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth:
if I prefer not Jerusalem above my
chief joy."
The sounds of this strange, sweet melody,
which to those below seemed to come from
the air or the sea, they knew not where,
brought every man on deck and when the
song was ended, the entire ship's company,
cap in hand was gathered about the kneeling
group. They, pouring forth this plaintive
wail from hearts overcharged with the
burden of their misfortunes, were wholly
oblivious to all things else. The traders
commanded them to continue, but the ter-
rible shadow of their fate had again fallen
upon them and the song had died in the
143


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
heart. They could sing no more. The spell
was broken.
The storm, into which the ship had finally
come was safely outridden, and they were in
due time towed up the river, and being per-
mitted to remain on deck, beheld for the first
time great plantations of cotton, reaching
away to inland with their untold myriads of
snowy blooms, and there fell upon their
sympathetic ears the plaintive songs of the
slave gangs as with nimble fingers they
plucked from nature's outstretched palm
her lavish stores of wealth.
144


CHAPTER XVIII
IN THE NEW ORLEANS SLAVE PEN
The landing of the slaves was not effected
until ten o'clock next morning when they
were marched through the city to the show
rooms and to the inhumanities of a Georgia
Pen. Walking out into the yard of the
place, Emily was horrified to find herself
face to face with men and women of all ages
and stages of physical development and
every degree of wretchedness. Some were
standing, others lying or sitting around,
singly and in groups, while on each face was
depicted that which told of bitter heartaches
or bespoke a grief firm-seated, over which
the terrible cast of utter despair had spread
and settled.
The poor girl, in her brief experience of
the sorrows of slave life, had considered that
she had fathomed the depths of all that
could produce a shiver of horror or wave of
sympathy in keen and sensitive natures.
The sight before her was a few steps ahead
145


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAKL
fairly agleam with showy jewels. He was
seeking, he said, a young person of cheerful
disposition, whom he desired to install as his
housekeeper. The trader had decided that
Emily would just fill the hill, hut the moment
she was brought forward with signs of re-
cent grief so apparent in her face and man-
ner, the customer decided that she would not
do, saying that "he had no room for the
sniffles in his house" and so the negotiation
ended.
The trader was so incensed at losing what
he termed a rare bargain (the customer hav-
ing offered $1,500 for a girl who would suit)
that he slapped Emily on the face and
threatened to send her to the Calaboose to
be whipped, should she be caught crying
again. Shortly after this occurrence an
elderly slave woman talked in a kindly way
with Emily, advising her to appear as cheer-
ful as possible when the overseers were
around, as otherwise she would be subjected
to the severest tasks and made the object of
much harsh treatment and abuse. The
brothers, always watchful of everything in
which the girls were concerned, were anx-
ious to know what had been said to her and
when told, agreed that they would all fare
148


IN THE NEW ORLEANS SLAVE PEN
better if their conduct were shaped in ac-
cordance with the suggestion which the kind
heart of the woman had advanced for their
benefit.
However much the poor girl's feelings
were bruised through the incident just re-
lated, there may never be reason to doubt
that her noble heart swelled with pious
thankfulness for the God-given inspiration
of pity, which had led to the subjection of
her personal misfortunes and permitted a
compassionate regard of the miseries of
others. As for those tears, thrice over
blessed, may they not be looked upon as the
preserver of the purity and integrity of a
priceless jewel, whose luster should other-
wise have been forever dimmed by the dark-
some shadows of bespoilment?
The trials and indignities of the new life
into which the Edmonsons had now been
ushered, were not suffered alone by the
girls, for the very night of their arrival at
New Orleans, the boys had their hair
closely cropped, their faces shaved and their
clothing, which, as to cut and texture, was
of a higher grade than the average dress of
the slave, exchanged for suits of coarse blue
jean, which so altered their appearance that
149


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
their sisters scarcely knew them. They
were compelled daily to stand in an open
porch facing the street to attract the notice
of passers-by and when either of them was
so fortunate as to attract the attention of
a possible purchaser, he or she was taken
into the showroom and subjected to an ex-
amination in much the same way as if they
were a horse or cow.
These ordeals were naturally felt more
keenly by the girls, for at such times their
persons were handled rudely to the accom-
paniment of indecent or vulgar jests. At
such times, Emily and Mary found it im-
possible to restrain their tears and finally
complained to their brothers and prevailed
upon them to intercede with Wilson, the
partner of Bruin and Hill, who had them
in charge. To the credit of Wilson it may
be said, that after this, the treatment of the
girls was more considerate.
Experience seems to sustain the thought
that there is no cloud, however black and
forbidding its perspective, but somewhere
has its silver lining, and so it seemed just
here with the Edmonson children; a thou-
sand miles from the place of their birth and
placed in circumstances the most unfortu-
150


IN THE NEW ORLEANS SLAVE PEN
nate and unhappy, they were not entirely de-
void of all elements of consolation, for some-
where in the great bustling, busy city of New
Orleans, resided their eldest brother. The
girls only knew of him, as it were, by tradi-
tion and casual reference to him in the con-
versation of the family, but the thoughts of
all were now quite naturally turned in his
direction and the situation thoroughly can-
vassed as to the means of reaching him.
Hamilton Edmonson had been sold in the
New Orleans slave market about the year
1840 when he took the name of his pur-
chaser, and was thereafter known as Hamil-
ton Taylor. He learned the trade of cooper
and was allowed a percentage of his earn-
ings, but was unfortunate in having his first
savings stolen. He eventually acquired his
freedom through a payment of $1,000. He
continued in the cooperage business, was
highly respected and became comparatively
wealthy, having a place of business on
Girard near Camp Street.
The Divinity, which had so far shaped
their course, had also provided the means
for the realization of their desire, for Rich-
ard being in reality free, although held
arbitrarily (the money being on deposit in
151


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
which he felt some day would illuminate the
altar of his soul, took lasting hold on their
memories.
His final break for liberty, conceived by
himself and executed with a man named
Briscoe, had made him their hero loved and
revered always, with whom the knights of
fable and storied legend might never com-
pare. The fact that the effort was a failure
and that he was brought back from Balti-
more in chains and then sold away to the
South, only served to increase his fame. It
seemed now too good to be true, that this
great strong fellow, with an arm around
each and pressing them to him so eagerly,
is he, who in fancy only they knew so well.
Yet so it is, and they nearly faint with joy
at the thought that they are held in his arms
and have felt the rapid heart beat of their
very own dear brother, who is entirely and
completely free. The moments pass all too
rapidly and the brief half hour which is per-
mitted them in which to whisper of their
varied experiences seems scarcely more than
an instant of time.
When the first flush of excited pleasure
had passed, Hamilton looking upon them
fondly, said:
154


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
with a world of feeling in the tone, "fer I
had sev'al letters wrote 'fore I bought mer-
self but I s'pose dey nebber lef' de planta-
tion, an' den aft I'd saved up de fus thous'n
ter buy mersef an' had it stole fum me, I
got so much down in de heart dat I didn'
seem ter keer for nothin', but I kep* on
wukkin', an' by an' by I gits anoder thous'n
togeder, an' den I buys mersef sure nuf, an'
den I thinks ter mersef, I'll sabe mer money
an' one ob dese days I'll git on de kyars an'
gib moder an' all de res' ob yer a good
s'prise, but here you'b come an' tunned de
tables, but I'm pow'ful glad ter see yer, all
de same, doa I can' hep wishin' de sitooation
ha' been very diffunt."
"Yes, it is very hard, brother," said
Emily, "but we must not despair, for the
good Lord, Who has given us this happi-
ness has our destiny in His hands, and in His
own time will make all things right."
"Yer mighty right 'bout dat chillun, an'
it makes me feel good to know dat yer hab
dat same kin' er faith dat is de strong hope
ob ow fader an' moder. Jes' hab a stout
heart an' keep on prayin' an' tek things ez
ezy ez yer kin an' yer ol' brudder is goin'
ter see ef he can' do suppin' ter mak yer mo'
156


JOYFUL MEETING WITH A LOST BROTHER
comfo-ble eny way, 'cause dis place ain'
fittin' fer er dog much less dem dats bin
useter er nice, decen' home."
Before Hamilton left the pen he talked
with the trader and by assuming responsi-
bility for the safety of the girls secured his
assent to their spending the nights at his
home. By this arrangement they were per-
mitted the comfort of clean beds with the
addition of wholesome meals morning and
evening. This was especially welcome to the
girls, as the lodging room for the women,
in which there were no beds, was much over-
crowded, and they were forced to sleep on
the bare floor, with only a dirty blanket for
covering.
The arrangement through which the
nights of the two sisters were passed in com-
fort and under the protection of their
brother Hamilton, while alleviating in great
degree the disagreeable character of their
surroundings, could not in any manner save
them from the revolting cruelties which
were daily inflicted upon their companions
in misery. During this time several persons
were whipped to death for various infrac-
tions of discipline, while if any one of the
slaves offended by going to sleep in the day
157


CHAPTER XX
THE BROTHERLINESS OF HAMILTON
Near the St. Louis Hotel, New Orleans,
on the busy thoroughfare of that name,
there stood at this time a massive residence
of stone and stucco having ample grounds,
made beautiful by trees and flowers, stretch-
ing out from the sides and rear. The mas-
sive iron gates on the left admitted to the
porte-cochere, over a driveway leading to a
circle of smooth cropped lawn, just in front
of the extensive stables of the establishment.
Everything about the place denoted a lofty
tone and there might be seen within, as well
as without, all that luxury of appointment
which envelopes folks for whom circum-
stances or their own personal thrift have
eliminated all anxiety as to their future wel-
fare in material ways.
The owner and proprietor of this princely
home was Horace Cammack, an Englishman
by birth, but long a resident of the Crescent
City. As a prosperous cotton merchant,
162


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
stored less than five hundred cases of rare
vintage.
During the whole of his service of nearly
three years with this family, while recogniz-
ing the fact that few slaves were so happily
placed as he, the major thought and ambi-
tion of his life was never lost to view. He
was fully determined as ever, that the world
should one day know and respect him as a
free man, and he patiently waited and
watched for the opportunity to accomplish
his purpose. Meanwhile another element
had thrust itself into the equation and must
be reckoned with in the solution of the prob-
lem of his after life. It happened that Mrs.
Cammack, a lady of much beauty and re-
finement, had in her employ as maid, a
young girl of not more than eighteen years,
named Delia Taylor. She was tall, grace-
ful and winsome, of the clear mulatto type,
and through long service near the person of
her mistress, had absorbed those delicate
graces of deportment and expression, which
are the admiration and delight of those in
like station and inspire a feeling much akin
to reverence in those more lowly placed.
Samuel had been but a little while within the
circuit of so much attractiveness, when he
164


Samuel Edmonson Delia Edmonson
Evelyn Edmonson Ingraham Martha E. Pennington





THE BROTHEELINESS OF HAMILTON
was forced to acknowledge himself com-
pletely and willingly the devoted slave of
pretty Delia, who, so far as he was able to
judge, never so much as honored him with
a glance from her coal black eyes. During
this interval of doubt and perplexity, the
question of escape and freedom and such
kindred matters, were rarely considered.
His position being that of an esteemed and
valued servant, with none of the difficulties
which adhere to the average slave, it is per-
haps not strange that he should subordinate
his future to an agony so absorbing as this
passion for the pretty Delia.
The suspense of Samuel was not relieved
until near the end of his second summer of
service. The family had been spending the
heated months at Biloxi and along towards
the end of their stay, the fatal question was
propounded the second time. A moonlight
night, the dreamy calm of the romantic
tropic clime and the end of an old log, are
the elements which make up the situation,
and seated here with the soothing cadences
of old ocean sounding harmoniously in their
ears, the spiritual union of two devoted
souls is consummated.
The master and mistress were well
165


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
pleased, when in due course they were ap-
prised of the affair and made smooth the
way for the fulfillment of the desire of their
servants. Matters now moved along on
pleasant lines for Samuel and Delia during
several months; hut with the advent of
Master Tom, the son of the house who had
been away to college, was encountered an
element of discord which was for a while to
disrupt their happiness.
This young gentleman took a violent dis-
like to Samuel from the very first meal the
latter served him. Whether or not he was
sufficiently servile in the presence of so
much "superiority" or that he was really
lacking in the proper deference to his young
master, does not appear, but the fact re-
mains that this antipathy was signally mani-
fest at their first meeting and grew apace
as their acquaintance ripened. The crisis
was reached on an evening when the young
man was dining alone. Samuel had served
the soup, which Master Tom touched with
his thumb, and pushing it in disgust from
him, said:
"This soup is cold, you lazy nigger, how
dare you serve me in this way?"
"Nothing of the kind, can't you see for
166


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
On the third day he sent a letter to the
office, apprising his master of what had
occurred and stating that he would present
himself in person the next morning. This
he did and was permitted to give his version
of the trouble. Cammack listened patiently
throughout and at the conclusion of the
story sent for an officer whom he told to keep
Samuel at the station until he called for him.
At the close of business on the same day the
master drove to the station, gave orders for
the release of Samuel, whom he told to go
directly home and have dinner for four
gentlemen served at eight o'clock.
The host with his guests arrived a few
minutes before the hour and found every-
thing complete for their comfort and enter-
tainment. Before the dinner was served he
took occasion to tell Samuel that his young
master had joined the rest of the family out
of town and that he wished him to conduct
himself as though nothing had happened, as
he desired the affair to be forgotten by all
concerned.
The year following, Cammack went to
Europe on cotton business and just before
sailing for home was killed in a violent storm
while yachting with friends off the coast of
168


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
ment of his freedom. However, he pro-
ceeded on his errand and to the kindly in-
quiry of his prospective mistress as to how
he would like to live with her he gave it as
his opinion that he should like such an ar-
rangement very much.
He was determined now more than ever
that his next owner should be himself, and
after a brief visit at the home of his brother,
during which he gathered fresh courage and
inspiration from the fond love and depend-
ence of his wife and little one, he proceeded
directly to a friend from whom he purchased
a set of free passes, which had been made out
and sold him by a white man. These re-
quired that he should start immediately up
the river, but upon a full consideration of
the matter, he decided that the risks were
too great in that direction and the chances
greatly against his attaining his desires by
this route. The problem was a serious one.
An error of judgment, a step in the wrong
direction, would not only be a serious, if not
fatal blow to his hopes, but might lead to
untold hardships to others most dear to him.
Somewhat irresolutely he turned his steps
towards the river front, gazing with longing
eyes at the stretch of water, the many ships
170


THE BROTHERLINESS OF HAMILTON
table opposite the officer and spread the
papers before him.
"Heigho, I see you have a passenger this
trip," was his remark and then reading
from the sheet, "Samuel Edmonson, Ja-
maica, W. I. Thirty years old. Married.
General Merchant."
"Yes," said the Captain as he concluded,
"Mr. Edmonson asked for passage at the
last moment, and as he was alone and there
was a bunk not in service, I thought I'd take
him along. He has a valuable bale of goods
astray, probably at Jamaica and is anxious
to return and look it up."
"Well, I hope he may find it. Where is
he? Let's have a look at him."
"Mr. Edmonson, will you come this way
a moment?" called the Captain.
As may be imagined the subject of this
conversation had been listening intently, and
now when it was demanded that he present
himself, he murmured a fervent, "God help
me," and jumped nimbly to the deck.
"This is my passenger," said the Captain,
and to the former:
"The officer from the Custom House sim-
ply wished to see you, Mr. Edmonson."
Samuel bowed and stood at ease, resting
173


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
one hand upon the table and bore the search-
ing look of the officer, which rested first
upon his face and then descended to his
hand, without the quiver of an eyelid or the
flinching of a muscle. The flush of excite-
ment, still mounting his cheek and brow,
gave a bronzed swarthiness and decidedly
un-American cast to his rich brown color,
while his features, clean-cut and but slightly
of the Negro type, with hand well shaped
and nails quite clean, were a combination of
conditions rarely met in the average slave.
The first glance of suspicion was almost
immediately lost to view in the smile of
friendly greeting with which the officer's
hand was extended.
"I hope you may recover your goods,"
were the words he said, and rising added, "I
must be off."
The Captain had meanwhile placed his
liquor chest on the table and in a glass of
good old Jamaica rum, a hearty "Bon-Voy-
age" and responsive "Good-wishes" were
exchanged.
The subsequent story of Samuel, interest-
ing and adventurous though it may be,
scarcely comes within the scope of this story,
so we hasten to follow after our other
174


THE BROTHERLINESS OF HAMILTON
friends who are returning northward. We
may pause, however, to add for the satis-
faction of our readers, that after a brief
stay at Jamaica, Samuel sailed before the
mast on an English schooner carrying a
cargo of dye-wood to Liverpool. Two years
were passed there in the service of a wealthy
merchant whom he had served while a guest
of his former master in New Orleans. Dur-
ing the third year he was joined by his wife
and boy and subsequently the family took
passage for Australia under the protection
of a relative of his Liverpool employer, who
was returning to extensive mining and
sheep-raising interests, near the rapidly
growing city of Melbourne.
175


CHAPTER XXI
THE RETURN NORTHWARD
After a voyage of more than two weeks,
the brig Union, upon which the Edmonsons
with a number of other slaves were re-
embarked from New Orleans, arrived at
Baltimore. The trip was anything but a
pleasant one, for the living quarters of the
slaves were exceedingly cramped, owing to
the encroachments of an unusually large
cargo of cotton and other stuffs. The care
of the girls which had now devolved entirely
upon Richard was faithfully looked after;
he prepared their meals himself and zeal-
ously watched over them in storm and sun-
shine until the weary distance had been com-
pleted.
Richard was called for on the afternoon
of their arrival at Baltimore by one Bige-
low of Washington, who was to take him
directly to his wife and children. This
seemed a most cruel blow to the girls, for
they had supposed they would all return to
176


THE RETURN NORTHWARD
quarters, they again resumed the toil and
discomforts of their former life at this place.
More than three months had now passed
since the beginning of their itinerary of
sorrow which had its inception on the Sat-
urday night the Pearl made its ill-fated
flight, an interval, short as time goes, but
with its burden of heartache and agony of
spirit it seemed to these poor children more
than a cycle of years in which their spirit
had been bound remorselessly and steeped in
the lowest depths of woe and misery.
Through it all, however, and despite the de-
pression and bitter repinings engendered by
such serious conditions, the simple faith of
their childhood never wavered, and because
of it over and beyond their present distress
there brightly shone a ray of hope to
strengthen their steps and brighten their
darkened way.
In the old way and under the same aus-
pices they took up the dreary round of un-
congenial tasks by day; and by night,
divided in affectionate confidences, with in-
tervals of unrefreshing slumber, the heavy
burden of their disconsolate hearts. Early
in September, their father, urged ever on-
ward to renewed efforts for their deliver-
179


THE RBTURN NORTHWARD
raise money to pay for them; and intends to
appeal to the liberality of the humane and
the good to aid him, and has requested us to
state in writing the conditions upon which
we will sell his daughters.
We expect to start our servants to the
South in a few days; if the sum of twelve
hundred ($1200) dollars be raised and paid
us in fifteen days, or we be assured of that
sum, then we will retain them for twenty-
five days more, to give an opportunity for
the raising of the other thousand and fifty
($1050) dollars; otherwise we shall be com-
pelled to send them along with our other
servants.
"Bruin & Hill"
The days and weeks which followed were
filled with suspense and disappointment, for
the traders were again growing restless and
already arrangements were going forward
to send a gang of slaves to the southern mar-
ket—this time to South Carolina. No word
of encouragement had come to the girls from
any source, so that now, indeed, were they
very near the still, dark waters of despond-
ency, for they realized, if they started again
on that dreadful mission, there could be no
possible escape.
The traders were now impatient and fully
181


John S. Brent and His Children
Corporal in a Mass. regiment during the Civil War, he visited
Hamilton Edmonson (Taylor) at New Orleans when mustered out
in 1865. He was the first colored man appointed to the fire
department of the District of Columbia.





THE EETUEN NORTHWARD
dark-skinned unfortunates, on whom the
baneful shadow of caste and the curse of
slavery bore so heavily.
Emily sat with the little girl upon her lap,
while Mary kneeled by their side, and held
one little white and delicate hand in both
of hers. She begged them not to go away as
she would be so lonely without them and
urged if they loved her, they would not be
so cruel.
"It is not we, who wish to go," said Emily
in a voice nearly stifled with emotion. "It
is our dearest wish to remain where we may
be near our friends, for if we are sent away
this time, we are lost and God alone knows
what may become of us. Tour father can
keep us here if he will, but I am afraid he is
determined to send us to the South."
The little one jumped from her perch on
the elder girl's lap and passionately ex-
claimed in a voice almost hysterical:
"Yousha'n'tgo! Yousha'n't go! I'll see
Papa! He's cruel! He's cruel!'' with which
she rushed from the room.
After this exciting interview with their
little friend, Mary broke down completely
and abandoned herself to the most passion-
ate wailing. Emily subdued her own
183


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
while the words of her sister, "Thank the
good Lord, Mary, we are saved" fall faintly
but soothingly upon her ear as she lapses
into unconsciousness.
186


CHAPTER XXII
FREE AT LAST
Paul Edmonson took the papers given
him by Bruin, and a few days after boarded
the train for New York. The fact that he
had never been there, knew nobody in all
that large city, together with his own ig-
norance of letters, as well as pronounced
physical infirmities, were neither or all suf-
ficient to deter him from his purpose. Alone
and worst of all, bearing in face and feature
the imprint of a despised and outcast race,
he only realized the fearful task he had set
himself to do, when early in the afternoon
of September 12 he was assisted from the
cars by some white gentlemen who had in-
terested themselves in him on the train, and
he found himself in that modern whirlpool
of noisy, busy life.
Through the kindness of these gentlemen
he was directed to the offices of the Anti-
Slavery Society, where he was warmly wel-
comed, permitted to state his case, and was
187


FREE AT LAST
istered unto his wants, lie and all his house-
hold.
A public meeting was to be held at the
"Tabernacle" that evening, and while it was
in progress, the father, with the burden of
his children's salvation lying so heavily upon
his heart was presented to the audience. The
story of the journey of the girls to the South,
their unexpected—nay, Providential return
and present position of jeopardy, were all
eloquently detailed by Mr. Beecher. It was
but a little while before a responsive enthu-
siasm was developed and there, on the pulpit
of that notable place of worship, he set up
an imaginary auction for the purchase of
the freedom of these two Christian slave
girls.
In writing of this altogether unique event,
an eyewitness says: "I think that of all the
meetings I have attended in my life I never
saw one that surpassed that." More than
$2,200 was subscribed in less than half an
hour.
Here indeed was Christian zeal, fearless
and unequivocal, and with many other acts
of similar character will ever shine resplend-
ent of the glory and honor of the Savior
of mankind. How pitiable by contrast, how
189


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
unworthy of the name of "follower of the
meek and lowly Nazarene" must ever appear
that body of men who about this time were
gathered together under the style of the
Georgia Annual Conference, to voice this re-
markable makeshift and apology in a resolu-
tion:11 That slavery as it exists in the United
States, is not a moral evil." All honor to
Henry Ward Beecher and those other con-
scientious ministers of Christ, who in that
dire conflict, invited the odium of small and
prejudiced souls by insisting that individ-
ual, corporeal sovereignty, complete and ab-
solute, should go hand in hand with that
higher, spiritual freedom, wherewith the
gracious King of all the Earth hath clothed
each of the children of men.
Paul Edmonson returned the next day to
Washington accompanied by a gentleman
designated at the meeting to look after the
payment of the money and to see that the
Edmonsons were fairly treated in the trans-
action. They proceeded directly to Alex-
andria and were hastening towards Bruin's
place, when Emily and Mary, looking from
the window of the room in which they were
at work, recognized their father and rushed
wildly into the street.
190


FREE AT LAST
manly principle and integrity. He was,
however, only human like the rest; and al-
though there was within him that irre-
pressible monitor, an enlightened Christian
conscience (for he claimed kinship with the
Prince of Peace) he felt it to be more sensi-
ble and seemingly more profitable to ride
easily along with the current than to risk
destruction by attempting to arrest its flow.
It is easily credible, therefore, that the
man was genuinely glad to be happily rid
of such troublesome slaves as the Edmonson
girls, while it is equally certain that he lost
but little time in seeking an investment of
like character for the placing of the fund
derived from their sale. The highest au-
thorities on Christian ethics in the land had
justified the slave traffic, and not only so,
but were in many instances its direct bene-
ficiaries and the recipient of its profits; how
is it possible, then, that those lesser lights of
the faith should be expected to occupy
higher ground and develop sentiments more
in accord with the life and teachings of their
Divine Preceptor?
The ways and means of adjustment of this
the greatest question ever before the Ameri-
can people were now already in process of
193


THE FAMILY KEUNION
is had after the homely, though infallible
formula of good old Mother Nature—
Embraces, kisses and tears, the three
should be
Mixed in equal parts without formality.
The dear mother, with an arm around each
of her new-found children, returns with
them into the house, giving utterance to
words of praise and thankfulness at each
step of the way.
The little home of the Brents, simply and
inexpensively furnished, yet lacking nothing
of that atmosphere of comfort and hospital-
ity that should hover about a happy fireside,
was fully taxed until long past midnight,
through the coming of friends who wished
to rejoice with the household over their good
fortune and happiness. Light refreshments
were hastily provided, for as "Father"
Brent said to his good wife when the matter
was suggested, " 'twont 'pear like nothin'
ef we don' gib 'em er swaller an' er bite uv
suppin."
At length the last, lingering friends have
departed, leaving the family alone to rejoice
over the return of its dear ones; they gather
—mother, father, sisters and brothers about
199


FUGITIVES OF THE PEARL
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204


FUGITIVES OF THE PEAEL
1 Gwendolyn Barrett
8 Governor Barrett
1 Clyde Young Jack-
2 Francis Jackson
1 Sylvia Young
4 Edward Young
2 Alice Barrett
son
2 Gene Young
3 Elsie Young
Young m. Gover-
nor 0. Barrett
2 Alex. Helene Young
8 Elizabeth M. Young
m. Balph Jack-
son
Young m. Ethel
Davis
3 Wm. Jas. Johnson
1 Dorothy Harwell
4 Edward Owen
1 Carl Seward
1 Geraldine Marie
2 Elaine Johnson
Chas. E. Thomas
7 Eva Coxton m. Aaron
Johnson
1 Walter Young m.
Belle Stevens
2 Mollie Young m.
3 Mason Coxton
4 Joseph Coxton
1 Marie Johnson m.
John H. Mosely
lWm. Coxton
2 Fred Coxton
5 Mary Coxton
6 Julia Coxton
Seward
1 Edward Young m.
Josephine Johnson
1 Julia Ingram m.
2 Martha Ingram m.
Mason Coxton
3 Eveline Ingram m.
Wm. H. Johnson
4 Wm. Ingram m.
1 David Edmonson
2 Amelia Edmonson
5 Joseph Ingram
6 Martha Edmonson
m. 1 Ed. Young;
1 J
7 Sam'l Edmonson m.
Delia Taylor
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2 J"
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